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Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Oak cabinetry revival

For a Thanksgiving treat, I thought I would showcase this kitchen from "Medallion Cabinetry" due to it's lovely warm hues..and surprising wood use of Oak.

It's not your Mother's old Oak anymore, it's updated by combining two cabinetry styles:
First seen is the "Bella" slab with the grain running vertically in the soft 'Wheat' stain.
The furniture-like upper cabinetry is in the "Gable" door style in a Quartersawn Oak, in delicious dark 'Walnut.'
This kitchen embraces how today's modern kitchen isn't just cold contemporary and definitely not the overly busy patterned Oak wood of yesterday.

As I hope you enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday with your family, ask yourself...'are you thankful for your kitchen design?'
You can be...

Monday, November 17, 2008

Bath re-design on a dime


When re designing a space, you don't always have to start from zero.
In this master bath, I designed a spa-like space by keeping the walls, the tiles, the plumbing and electrical all in the exact same space. The only differences are; new cabinetry and layout of cabinetry, granite counter top with under mount sink, new faucet and new mirrors. Voila..this dollars stretches well beyond the cost, into a beautiful zen-like space.

Above, is the "BEFORE" with a short 30" height vanity, two storage drawers, laminate top with an outdated sink, and a small mirror. Blech..






Below is my simple but beautiful "AFTER" design...ahhhh...much better!


By using new cherry cabinetry from our "Medallion" line, the dark Espresso stain creates a modern look. Installing mirrors along the "L" shape wall instantly brought in more light as well as making the space seem larger, not to mention..functions much better.












Increasing the drawer space from the original design, from 2 drawers..to NINE. Who doesn't need more drawer space in their bath?
Mixing a contemporary waterfall polished chrome faucet with a more traditional door, creates a transitional look. Don't be afraid to get creative with accent elements. I carried the polished chrome throughout by matching it to the cabinetry knobs, and shower head.

Placing a lighter granite on top with chocolate flecks brings in the white tile that surrounds the walls and floors, along with the new espresso cabinetry. Shocking enough, this granite piece was also a remnant piece, which means it was on SALE! Don't forget about the remnant pile, you can often get a stone slab for a fraction of the cost, and usually get more exotic patterns that aren't often as readily available.


By lifting the vanity height from 30" high, to a 36" height (kitchen height) often creates a much more comfortable height to wash your face, brush your teeth, etc., as shown in the new design.

The pillowed raised panel door design is a bit different than a traditional square raised panel. I love how soft it looks, almost as if carved from blocks of chocolate. In a bathroom and small room designs..have fun with it, get brave and creative with your choices.
All these changes were made by not TOUCHING the original tiles, walls or plumbing and yet..it looks brand new and totally updated, don't you think?

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

What a brand new kitchen looks like on a budget...

Election day folks!
A new president..a new and better (hopefully) economy!
Today I would like to share some 'before' and 'after' pictures of an Oak Park kitchen, done on a budget.

Yes, a brand new..kitchen..on a budget!

What you are about to see was done entirely new, from ceramic floors and back splash, new cabinetry and appliances, with granite counter tops, all installed...for $8,300.00

So..here are the two before shots:....yikes!





And now, thanks to my client, Lyle Schaefer of Century 21-Today Inc., we redesigned the space, it now looks like this.....ahhhhhhh, welcome home:






If you are looking for a new home, have Lyle's trained eye expertise on your side:
Lyle G. Schaefer,
GRI,CRS,ABRAssociate Broker
Century-21 Today Inc.
6755 Telegraph Rd. # 200
Bloomfield Hills, Mi. 48301
Direct line 248-283-2246
Fax # 248-647-7727