I am working with a client who had a list of things that she wanted to ‘tweak’ in her kitchen…storage in her small kitchen was the main problem…at the top of the list…where to put that darn garbage-can that is always in the way!

We started with a stack of drawers

With a few carpentry skills and an insert from Rev-A-Shelf the stack of drawers is transformed…

Bonus: This size of pull-out holds garbage + recycling…AND…the pull-out is located right where she does prep-work in the kitchen.

It’s the small things that make the difference.  Let me know what you’ve done to solve your kitchen storage issues.

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Here’s to creating splendid spaces – Cheers!

Another early morning (just me, my coffee + english muffin)…but that’s OK…I am tickled pink to finally share this kitchen remodel project!  It’s been a true joy in every way…from the initial design meetings to the final photo shoot. For me this kitchen remodel has all the elements required to label it as ‘the perfect project’…a wonderful client who is always eager to explore new ideas, a remodeling company (Harmon Builders http://harmonbuilders.com/) who treated all aspects of this project with extreme detail and care, and a design that not only looks beautiful but also transformed this 12′x12′ kitchen space into a functional-working kitchen.

I am certain the reason this project was such a joy was due to the creative team (client + interior designer + remodeling/custom cabinet company) that collaborated from the initial design phase through the construction phase.

As you browse through the photos take note of the following details:

• An overall layout (keeping the foot-print of the space) for the 12′ x 12′ kitchen space included: consolidating work areas by using a range/oven + microwave above, designing storage for specific needs (pantry, corner lazy susan cabinets, appliance garage, pull-out broom storage, wine rack, cookbook shelf),  and keeping plenty of open counter top space.
• The custom inset cabinetry in a shaker style crafted by Harmon Builders
• The decision to use a gray-green cabinet color sets the color palette for the space
• The client’s request to use eco-friendly products such as the Paperstone counter top…adds a wonderful warm texture. http://paperstoneproducts.com/
• A new garden window opens up the view and brings in much needed light!
• Construction details such as the new back door and door hardware
• Pops of color added to the space such as the decorative light fixture above the sink, a rug runner, and bench pillows.

The Over-all Space

The Details

New garden window

Colorful Glass Pendant

Pattern of Inset Cabinet Drawers

 Travertine subway size tiles + accent glass tiles

 The client’s family chairs paired with a bistro table

Last but not least…we all need this…tucked away broom storage (thanks Paul H. for adding that storage detail!)

A Coupe of Before Pics … to really appreciate the transformation!

Here’s a link for this client’s ‘Great Room’ that I designed a few years ago….’great-room’ in concept…but really a ‘small space’.

http://tuscanbluedesign.com/gallery_music.php#

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Here’s to creating splendid spaces – Cheers!

This conversation started with, “we want to keep the existing dark green floor tile”…

Yes, you are right, my first thought was to strongly recommend replacing the floor tile…which also meant replacing all the shower tile…quite an extensive renovation that my recently-retired clients were not interested in undertaking (plus I have to admit the tile was in good condition so in their minds…why replace?).  At this point in the conversation I knew it was important to listen, discuss the design, and the renovation process in more detail.

In the world of interior design renovation-remodeling it is about striking a balance…finding the best design solution for the client (and the designer).

So the existing green floor tile stayed…a design compromise.

This is where I began

This is what I focused on…

1. Add architectural details: new architectural details help to draw your eye away from the floor…details such as crown moulding, wall panels, and wall sconces.

2. Define a Focal Point: Design a great looking + functional vanity (actually a pair of flanking vanities) that becomes the focal point in the space.

 The vanity after: over-glazed maple cabinetry with rope detailing. Custom details such as the corner mirror medicine cabinets and a bump-out center cabinet. A Curvy-light fixture and vintage-style cabinet hardware soften the angled vanity design.

 A hexagon shaped sink and solid surface counter top.

3. Keep the color palette simple! As you can see in the above photos, I used a softer gray-green paint color for the walls, a soft white for the trim + warm maple cabinetry…all are neutral colors in the space and balance the green floor.

4. Add Pattern (be smart in the selection): For the window treatment above the tub I used a fabric that was in keeping with the simple color palette.

In the end this was a successful project…and with every client I am always learning…this time I was reminded about the importance of being a good listener!

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Here’s to creating splendid spaces – Cheers!

Time to share some snapshots….he definitely understands the term ‘Be Brave not Beige’!

The Dining Room as art studio…I love seeing his paintings stored under a side table…

This painting makes me think of being a kid in a candy shop…so many choices!

Inspiration gathered while teaching in Abu Dhabi…

Diversity!

One of my favorites…my sister reading in a coffee shop…

The sweetest cat ever!

So many images to cherish…thanks Dad…

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Here’s to creating splendid spaces – Cheers!

If you’d like to discuss the design process for an upcoming project, contact me about our design services. meredith@tuscanbluedesign.com

The past few weeks I’ve been drawn to images of trolleys (aka carts) that are floating around idea-boards on Pinterest…a bit of the ever popular industrial vintage vibe.  I like the basic idea of a trolley — add wheels to a table/cabinet and it is transformed — functionally and visually.  Here are a few of the photos that sparked my interest. {Photos are via Pinterest.com}

Trolley as side table:

I am always on the look-out for interesting side tables. This trolley is the perfect shape paired with a higher arm sofa.

Art Trolley:

A unique find such as a vintage dentist’s trolley (who knew?!) transformed into art supply storage…goes with you from room to room.

Library Trolley:

A small scale library cart…perfect in the playroom for kids’ books…or in the kitchen for cookbooks. You could look for an older wooden version at local thrift stores.

A Garden on Wheels:

Stainless Steel Trolley placed in a sunny spot.

Looking for Extra Storage in the bathroom OR the kitchen? I could use one of these!

An Office Cart:

Easy access to supplies tucked away in the closet .

I found a trolley…for my kitchen…

Last weekend I was browsing through antique shops in downtown Frederick and I found this trolley….and 2 others just like it…they were all sold! I must not be the only one with trolleys on the mind.

Last but not least:

A Victorian Style Drinks Trolley…this would be fun to have on a porch or sunroom.

Let me know if you’ve found a new use for a trolley…share photos too! 

Please continue to share Design Sense and Sensibility with others.

Here’s to creating splendid spaces – Cheers!

If you’d like to discuss the design process for an upcoming project, contact me about our design services. meredith@tuscanbluedesign.com

Words, words, mere words.  When writing about design I often use basic design terminology such as shape, form, order, and character. To me these terms are the building blocks of a space and make perfect sense … to others the terms might seem a bit vague when it actually comes to implementing their design for a space.

Here’s a ‘quick study’ using common design vocabulary to explain how this family room was created. 

1. FORM (to place in order): In this project the client was tired of the divided space between the kitchen and family room. Solution, remove the wall and create an open floor plan. Once the wall comes  down, the strategy is how to use new architectural elements (needed for structural support) to form the space.

 2. ORGANIZE (to arrange methodically): Using the new architectural elements, I organized the room with  furniture, lighting, and storage…the furniture layout follows the form of the space. 

3. CHARACTER (emphasizing distinctive traits) : Link the elements in your space and build character by adding visual details with columns, moldings, beams, accent lighting, and colors.

Here are a few BEFORE photos to show how the design evolved.

.

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Here’s to creating splendid spaces – Cheers!

If you’d like to discuss the design process for an upcoming project, contact me about our design services. meredith@tuscanbluedesign.com

The Courtyard (www.gardnermuseum.org)

For me, the joy of the Gardner Museum is the immediate intimacy you feel as you walk through the front door  – this is a home designed to be a museum, literally  built with collected treasures.  I like to think of it as an artist’s studio on a grand scale. In the Fall I heard that a new Wing for the museum would open this Winter. The thought of any changes to this gem of a museum caused me to question how this new space would visually and physically link to the existing spaces.  Even more important, will I still feel that personal connection to the collection?  A weekend trip to see my daughter in Boston was the perfect opportunity for a visit. So on a blustery Saturday afternoon Betsy and I set out to explore.

New Entrance

Contrast of the old and the new buildings

(Image: http://www.styleofdesign.com )

The exterior view of the new Wing, with its’ expanse of glass and muted green metal planes, stands in direct contrast to the early 20^th century gray-brick house. The expansion  houses the every-day functions for  visitors and staff — a new entrance,  a shop,  a cafe, offices, and additional public spaces. As Betsy and I  went about exploring, we realized how nice it was to have the new functional spaces  separate from the existing home and collection.  We specifically enjoyed the ‘living room’ with shelves full of books to read, colorful kilim carpets on the floor,  and comfy places to sit —  a space designed to rest and reflect (while we were there reading, two young girls had a delightful conversation about the museum with one of the staff members… great to see them comfortable and happy in a museum space!).

The Living Room

Betsy and I  had a wonderful afternoon meandering through three floors of rooms and corridors … and are still in awe at the diversity of Isabella’s collections. We have mixed feelings about the new Wing,…we both agree that the overall experience felt a bit more like ‘going to a museum’ rather than being invited to someone’s home to view their treasures…as it had in the past. But we enjoyed, and happily used, the new public spaces. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is definitely still on our list of favorite museums…if you get the chance for a visit you won’t be disappointed!

Thank you Isabella!

(Isabella Gardner by John Singer Sargent. http://www.wikipedia.org/)

 No photography allowed..so this is my little collection from the day…

 Tips for your visit to the Museum:

1. Don’t be afraid to bring along the kiddos…it looked like they had a fantastic hands-on program for children that included sketching, etc.

2. They had various tours and talks about the house and specific pieces in the collection.

3. Three floors to explore and each room is floor to ceiling full of art, furniture, and architectural pieces…be sure to take advantage of the laminated cards in each room that explain all the items you are looking at.

4. Military gets in free with a current ID. College students receive a nice discount with a current ID.

5. Best to arrive earlier in the day as it has become a popular destination…we saw a line out the door later in the afternoon.

6. Cafe G has a very tasty lunch (http://www.gardnermuseum.org/visit/cafe ) and although we didn’t have reservations we did get immediate seating  at the ‘communal table’…which is a large table that seats 8-10. Lovely plants/flowers divide the spaces along the table so you do have a bit of privacy. The warm cinnamon donuts with champagne glaze were heavenly!

7. No photography is allowed in the actual museum, but you can take a notebook + pencil (not pen!) to document your visit by sketching or writing.

8. The website for the museum: http://www.gardnermuseum.org/

9. Last but not least…if your name is Isabella you always get in free!

]]> http://www.tuscanbluedesign.com/content/2012/an-afternoon-at-isabellas-house/feed/ 4 http://www.tuscanbluedesign.com/content/2012/the-artful-chair/ http://www.tuscanbluedesign.com/content/2012/the-artful-chair/#comments Sun, 19 Feb 2012 12:52:46 +0000 Meredith http://www.tuscanbluedesign.com/content/?p=590 Continue reading →]]> On a bookshelf in my office sits a box-set of note cards entitled The Artful Chair, illustrating the delightful designs of Charles Renee Mackintosh chairs (you might remember him from an earlier post of mine, Hill House Inspires).  I pass by this box on a daily basis…but today the title caught my attention.  I’ve always been one to opt for sitting in a chair instead of on a sofa…not sure why?  Maybe it is because I like to sit-up a bit rather than being swallowed by cushions…probably it’s because I like to have a seat all to myself….my own space.

The humble chair is often overlooked as folks plan to fill their spaces with larger ‘investment’ pieces such as sofas, tv consoles, storage units, and so forth,.  Don’t forget about the power of a chair…a pair of chairs, an accent chair, a desk chair, a kitchen chair, a rocking chair, etc.

Let me expand with visuals…they serve as a little nudge to remind you of the possibilities.

1. A pair of chairs invites conversation…in this photo the conversation grouping is pulled to the center of the room, away from the walls. On another note…think about the backs of your chairs…they can add detail and pattern like these chairs with the X – pattern back.

 (Photo from Tuscan Blue Design)

2. Select classic shaped chairs…they are great investment pieces that can be easily moved throughout the house…a formal living room chair might serve as a desk chair in the family room, or eventually a reading chair in the bedroom…

Upholstered chairs are budget friendly as they can easily be recovered  when you want to re-fresh your space…instead of buying new. Plus it is fun to see the transformation!

( http://www.bellemaison23.com)

3. Create a Cozy Place: Who can resist a comfy chair when you want to relax…this chair has upgraded down-blend cushions. (On a budget? Upgrading chair cushions for a custom look makes sense over larger pieces such as a sofa.)  This is the best place to sit by the fireplace…even better when paired with an ottoman!

4. Break the Neutral habit! Chairs are perfect place to dabble in color and pattern.

 (Photo from Tuscan Blue Design)

5. Mix and Match: A ‘pair of chairs’ doesn’t have to match…think about function. In this design the client requested a comfy chair for reading. A smaller chair for extra seating is ‘paired’ with the reading chair…no need to for two large chairs in this small living room.

 (Photo from Tuscan Blue Design)

6. HAVE FUN!  An accent chair can add that touch of whimsy you are looking for…

(Note: this photo is from a new project…the room still needs to be finished…painted, etc,. But wanted to share my favorite chair in the space as it is the perfect whimsy chair…more to come when the room is complete.)

Please continue to share Design Sense and Sensibility with others.

Here’s to creating splendid spaces – Cheers!

If you’d like to discuss the design process for an upcoming project, contact me about our design services. meredith@tuscanbluedesign.com

A warm welcome to Heather O’Connell, the new junior designer (I should say FIRST junior designer) at Tuscan Blue Design. Heather arrived on my door step just in time to rescue me from the craziness called my office! Looking forward to seeing her grow as a young designer.

A hello from Heather …

Hey y’all, my name is Heather O’Connell and I am the new Junior Designer at Tuscan Blue Design.  I graduated from High Point University with an Interior Design degree.  Those were probably the 4 most difficult and busiest years of my life, also giving me gray hairs way too young.  I’ve had a passion for design since early high school and continue to love learning more about this industry.  In my spare time, when I am not being a complete design nerd, I love to spend time with my family, friends, and of course my puppy Lola.  Also, I am a big sports fan, especially football — go 49ers!  I  recently moved to downtown Frederick…my apartment is located just down the street from Tuscan Blue Design’s studio (how convenient!).  I am loving the urban chic life and excited to start working with Meredith on the next chapter of my career!

Please continue to share Design Sense and Sensibility with others.

Here’s to creating splendid spaces – Cheers!

If you’d like to discuss the design process for an upcoming project, contact me about our design services. meredith@tuscanbluedesign.com

I woke up early today…decided to take this quiet time to thumb through various design blogs. I came across this post from Little Black Door…a ‘how to’ for creating a gallery wall…see link below.

http://thelittleblackdoor.blogspot.com/2012/02/step-into-my-gallery.html

In the post she discusses finding inspiration from  images on Pinterest…and then creating a collage-look with different styles of frames and types of images.  But the most valuable bit of information in the post is that she described and photographed the process for the placement/hanging of the frames. First, making paper templates of each frame to use when deciding on  wall placement for the frames…and then the next step, MARKING the paper template where the hook is located so you will know where to put your nail.  Ah-ha, no more walls full of nail holes!

Gallery walls are a wonderful way to create a sense of place in an area of your home that is often over-looked…hallways, corners, entrances, bathrooms, etc. Plus if you have a collection…show it off. Hope this info. will make the process feel a bit less daunting.

A collaged wall in my family room…a collection of European cathedral images and such

 Please continue to share Design Sense and Sensibility with others.

Here’s to creating splendid spaces – Cheers!

If you’d like to discuss the design process for an upcoming project, contact me about our design services. meredith@tuscanbluedesign.com