Monday, December 15, 2014

A Dream Master Bath That Becomes A Spa

Our clients wanted to update their master bath.  They wanted to remove their tub and use that space to create a large walkin shower. They liked the position of their existing vanities which were directly across from each other, but they wanted a new updated, more sleek look with an in-home spa feeling.

An existing window over the tub was a bit of a challenge. We removed the window from the bottom of the upper arch, created a faux stucco shutter on the front of the house to fill in the bottom pane hole, and kept the upper arch to allow natural light in the shower. 

There were multiple ceiling heights in the bathroom. We framed the ceiling so it was one height throughout, making the space appear and feel larger.  The old shower became the entrance into the new expanded walk-in shower. A floor to ceiling wall with recess niches was created to form the shower.  The wall was covered on the outside with split travertine 1x2 tiles. Porcelian tile was used on the interior of the shower. 

A linear drain was used in the shower to allow a barrier free floor space (no step down, all level with main floor).  Multiple shower heads and body sprays provide a true spa effect.

The recessed niches in the exterior shower wall hold candles that are hotwired low voltage, so with a flick of a switch the candles are lit.  Smooth walnut slab doors were used for the cabinetry.  Mirrors were framed with the split travertine.

The new bath gives the client a lovely retreat that is both soothing and beautiful, and functions just as they had dreamed it would.


Monday, December 8, 2014

Transforming An Outdated Space to a Family Friendly Space!

Our clients wanted to update their 25 year old kitchen. They felt their existing kitchen was too chopped up - there were openings  above the cabinets into the living and dining room they never liked, there was a small center island with a prep sink that was never used, and the space had a large peninsula island with a sink and dishwasher allowed access only from the family room, which made the kitchen feel very confined. 

The client thought their space had great potential that wasn't be utilized.  They wanted a more open concept so the family could cook and hang out together. It was also important that we create a cook center that would have easy access to pots and pans, cutlery, and spices. They wanted good storage for dinnerware, canned goods and paper products.

Our challenge was to create a kitchen that functions well, and also be an open and friendly space.  The transformation was dramatic! We knew immediately that the small center island and the peninsula island had to go.  Once those were removed we reconfigured the island, making it one unit instead of two, and all one height. 

The island anchors the social area for for the family's informal meals, snacks, cooking and homework projects. The refrigerator was located out of the cook center area for easy access so the children could get a snack or drink without being in the main cooking area. One entire wall was designed to hold extra dishes, silverware baking dishes, large bowls. 

The base cabinets have double pull outs. The cook center has tumbled classico stone and tile on the backsplash and columns to the ceiling. The exhaust hood is cleverly hidden behind cabinetry. The island and cook center cabinets are light cream with a mocha glaze. The perimeter cabinets have a chocolate stain and glaze on maple wood.

Giving an outdated space new life not only increases the value of your home, but can transform main living areas into family friendly areas!  Call us today and see how we can help you accomplish your design dreams.

Monday, December 1, 2014

A Downsizing Dream Home

Our clients downsized from a large home to a 1600 sq ft villa.  The clients like to entertain, but the newly purchased villa felt closed in and very outdated. They wanted to open up the main living area so eight people could be comfortably accommodated. (click any image for larger version)

Our challenge was traffic flow; everything was bottle necked. The great room was laid out for TV viewing that created a very small space.  We decided to create a narrow built-in to hold TV components and mounted the TV on that wall.  Normally this space was used only as a walk thru to the master bedroom. 

We were able to create seating for eight using two leather sofas, and recliners directly opposite the TV.  A large area rug grounded the room.  A custom designed travertine cocktail table designed by Southern Showcase provides added space to set drinks, etc.  The clients' original art that hangs over the buffet was complimented with light tangerine and seafoam in the  area rug and on the throw pillows. Dark ebony colored wood flooring was used throughout the main area.

We were able to create seating for eight using two leather sofas, and recliners directly opposite the TV.  A large area rug grounded the room.  A custom designed travertine cocktail table designed by Southern Showcase provides added space to set drinks, etc.  The clients' original art that hangs over the buffet was complimented with light tangerine and seafoam in the  area rug and on the throw pillows.

All the walls between kitchen, great room and dining room were removed.  The kitchen island was redesign to act as a divider between kitchen and dining, keeping everything open and bright. Soffits were removed  along with drywall pantry.  Custom cabinets bright white with a pewter glaze. By removing the soffits, we were able to increase the upper cabinets to 42" allowing for extra storage.  The drywall pantry was replaced with a cabinet pantry. 

Counter tops are Brazilian exotic black. Counter overhangs allow for 3 bar stools.  Tubular pulls, of various heights, from Top Knobs and Mosaic stainless steel backsplash tile from Ann Sacks become the kitchens jewelry.  The stainless steel mosaic was also used at the top of the cabinets between the top and the crown molding. A double oven range was important to the client.

Downsizing doesn't have to mean giving up the design and living elements that are important to you. Call us today and see how we can help you accomplish your design dreams.