Artful Kitchen

Seeley Master Bathroom

Jean — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 19:24:31 +0000

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French Patisserie

Jean — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:25:13 +0000

Sometimes the most simple rooms are the most inspiring. This Chicago kitchen is understated in its elegance and dreamy in its ambience. Simple, honest materials of white ceramic tile, white painted maple cabinetry, Calcutta marble countertops and a white fireclay sink are perfect when grounded by a white oak floor and punctuated by bright brass. Upper cabinets are eschewed when there are windows allowing a sun-drenched space and doors leading out to a raised dining terrace. Plenty of storage below meets all the family’s needs. When a soft breeze comes through the curtains flutter and the room sings.

Kitchen Walk 2012

Jean — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:10:20 +0000

April 28, 2012
10am – 4pm
$40 in advance, $45 day of Walk
Purchase tickets HERE.
A self-guided tour of 10 remarkable kitchens in Oak Park & River Forest
See the latest in kitchen design and innovation.

Emily’s Bathroom

Jean — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:18:33 +0000

This bright and crisp bathroom is simply elegant.

Classic Elegance

Jean — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:04:37 +0000

Sunlight is the most requested design element for kitchens today. Our bodies need it and our souls crave it. When I design a kitchen I think first of how to capture natural light, and then I think of how to maximize its impact. In the case of this classically elegant space I filled the southern exposure with windows, and then reflected the natural light using antique mirror panels in the ebony dish dresser and a polished Calcutta marble island countertop surface.

A successful kitchen design cannot only depend on light and beauty; it must dynamically function for everyday life. This bright, sparkling space has it all, and does it all.

All images © John Stoffer of Stoffer Photography

Lakeview Luster

Jean — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:04:40 +0000

I loved designing this kitchen! The homeowner, Crissy Hughes is a terrific interior designer, and added so much to the project. Mangan Builders Inc, (sought-after builders in the Lakeview area, and for good reason) were the driving force behind this project and its success. I love the contrast in cabinetry of the high gloss white and the low luster white oak with a gray wash. I also love the symmetry of the space. The kitchen feels so fresh and has a shimmer to it that delights. It doesn’t matter if its rainy or bright sunshine; the space just glows.

All images © John Stoffer of Stoffer Photography

Light-soaked Bath

Jean — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:04:25 +0000

The stately Tudor home had a fantastic set of art glass windows in the second story centered above the front door. But three of the windows were in one room, and one was in a closet. That never looked right from the outside. We reconfigured the space so that all four windows would be in the master bathroom, and positioned this amazing tub right in front of them. Who wouldn’t want to soak in this tub? Who wouldn’t want to be washed with sunlight while doing so? I love the mix of crisp white Calcutta stone with handsome, warm walnut cabinetry. Spend time looking through these images; there are so many luscious details in this light soaked bathroom/wardrobe room. Enjoy!

All images © John Stoffer of Stoffer Photography

Classic Confidence

Jean — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:46:54 +0000

The house is a classic Tudor with understated interior details. The kitchen was a narrow, secluded and fairly cramped room, relegated to the corner of the house. Its size was not in proportion to the generous scale of the other rooms in the home. The family of 6 was stepping over each other, crowding around a table shoved into a corner. Something had to give.

A growing number of adventurous homeowners are willing to do the previously unthinkable: remove the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room. For some people this is just too much tampering with tradition; for others it is a ticket to an open, inviting kitchen within the exiting footprint of the home. Charlie and Mary Rose were on board with this idea from the outset.

I was able to re-imagine the space entirely. I designed a walk-in pantry for uber storage. Then I combined classic cabinetry finishes of painted white (always “in”) a historic green for the island and a rich stained walnut. We used 3 different countertop materials in 3 different thicknesses. Several different types of hardware, a collection of irresistible light fixtures.

When I think about what I like best about this space, there are a few little things in particular, but I just love the way it feels. There is light streaming in from every angle – it bounces off the countertops flanking the range because the window sills are one with the countertops. It floods in the east facing french doors in the morning, and brightens the room in the afternoon through the west facing windows. I like it because its crisp, clean, but has a certain elegant heft to it that makes a woman feel pretty and a guy feel strong.

Detail

Jean — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:21:54 +0000

You are right. Details matter. Maybe its not something you pick up when you first enter a room, but as you are there, as you experience the space, you start gathering them in. They add layers of understanding. They matter.

Details fall into two categories: function and aethestics. Sometimes the line between them is blurry. Like the well-placed, perfectly proportioned, aethetically pleasing wall sconce. Is it a functional detail? Well sure, we need strategically positioned light sources. Is it an esthetic detail? Definitely. It matters what it looks like.

Let’s talk details.

Lamps are for more than Light

Jean — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:21:47 +0000

Yes, lamps are important for light. But they serve a great role in the design of a room too. Go ahead, put one on your kitchen counter – it will instantly warm the place up.

(Left) This little lamp was probably made out of an old figurine. I found it at a garage sale and fell in love with it immediately. (Right) I have a set of two of these – the birds face each other. They are precious to me because they belonged to my Grandmother. She was a very stylish lady.

(Left) I really loved this base, which I found at a resale shop in Lakeview. It reminds me of toile. I got the shade at Pottery Barn, it’s big enough to handle the lamp with style. (Right) I bought a set of these at my neighbor’s garage sale. They were her aunt’s and I think there was some exotic story that goes with them that I have to ask Gina to tell me again. They look great with these shades from Marshalls.