Fireplace Unit Remodel

This Fireplace unit was done in our custom cabinetry, to match the existing kitchen cabinets and update their living room, while giving a better function to the space overall.

Don't be leery of mixing contemporary elements, such as these vertical lifts, in any design.  They create great storage and provide a beautiful visual impact.  The frosted glass chosen allows for a 'lighter' look in the design, while still being able to mask the items stored in the cabinetry.

Love vertical lifts!

The thick custom mantle and shelves create an elongated look, adding balance to the room

The warm tone of this Maple wood works so well with the beautiful mix of colors within the brick

When choosing hardware, don't forget about using unique materials.  We did a combination of frosted glass with satin nickel to tie in the frosted glass of the vertical lift cabinets.   Just beautiful!

So, here is the "BEFORE" 

The wall unit was done in a glossy laminate that had tones of pinks, beige but that wasn't the only issue. The main issue was the homeowners wanted to not only update their design, but update their TV and other equipment.  This whole design has a bit of a "LOW" feel.

And now the "AFTER" which allowed the beautiful flat screen TV to enter the design.

The other components (DVR, DVD, etc) are hidden behind the doors in the lower section of the bookcase

The warm tones of the cabinetry, not only match their existing kitchen seen from this living room, but warms the space with wood elegance.

Adding the tall bookcase also lifts the whole room visually making it appear larger

"Before" this R2D2 hovering unit with the outdated bulky TV...

Is replaced with an elegant bookcase showcasing artwork, family photos and houses their equipment below.

The drawer is a great addition for extra remote controls, TV guides/manuals, etc.

Putting cabinetry in different parts of your home allows for great storage, beauty and better function!

Apple iPod touch 32 GB (3rd Generation) NEWEST MODEL

KBIS 2010

Oh Chicago- to me, is the best city to grow up in.

I love going back home and especially when I can attend the amazing KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) located in the heart of Chi-town, that took place last weekend.

So many great design products- so I'm going to share a few with you

Located in the Masco cabinetry booth (which by the way, is one of my lines that I design with-Quality Cabinets) was Australian Chef Curtis Stone who was doing a shrimp scampi cooking demo.

  He had quite the crowd around him and lots of smiling ladies.  Curtis has such a charming personality and his recipes are darn delicious too!  He is a big fan of using food as nature intended and cooking healthy

Go Curtis Go!

I thought the chalkboard was a charming idea and added child like warmth to a seriously stainless steel area

I was totally smitten for this Fisher & Paykel cooktop shown above and below.

 At first glance it appears to be an electric cooking surface which generally doesn't grab my attention. HOWEVER, upon further investigation, the GAS cooking element pops up when the button is activated! 

For clean freaks, this is your cooktop!  For small spaces, this doubles as extra flat countertop, and for Mom/Dads this is one of the most child safe tops I've seen with locks so they can't enable the Gas burners.

Love it and it comes in many great sizes, perfect for smaller spaces or to add as a second cooking zone for serious cooks

So new, it's not even on their website yet, sigh.

Undercounter 36" wide oven by Fisher & Paykel, sleek and perfect for a second oven

Fisher & Paykel's new Dishwasher drawer in a 36" wide size.  Gorgeous!

 To me, this below, was my "MUST HAVE" of the show.

Fisher & Paykel's Cool Drawer was exactly that...so cool! It is a 3ft refrigerator drawer that can be multi functional-from refrigerator to crisper, to freezer function if you so choose, to a wine cooler.  To give up 3ft of cabinetry storage, to me, the appliance must be a work horse, and this truly is.  I am in LOVE!

Jenn-Air has really made a strong comeback with their appliance design, in my opinion. This fully integrated refrigerator is shown in their "Floating Glass Black" and is quite striking.  You can reach inside, grab a quick snack and swipe on some lipgloss before heading out the door, with this mirror finish

Then I wandered into one of my always favorite sections of the show, KOHLER

They had an executive chef working in one of their multi tasking sinks that had a cutting board cut perfectly to fit for chopping or even gaining extra countertop space

Yes people, the old brass is coming back in the form of a new gold and in this case, shown in the Matte finish

The Karbon faucet for the bath

A lovely Kohler entertainment sink.  The matching cutting board acts as extra countertop space for when prepping or how lovely would a fruit and cheese tray look on that as a casual setting while the family gathers around?

Here is their Karbon faucet for the kitchen, shown in their new brushed and polished gold finish that I'm loving!  The Karbon is so fun to shape in different artistic positions-it's a great architectural piece.

Amazing shower doors by Fleurco that slide, so chic

An artistic vent hood in a mod lit glass and bronze finish

Walking by this island caught my attention and no, it wasn't because I had tired feet.  I thought it was a small lovely island that would so well for many families.  I loved the idea of sitting casually around the sink/island and how it was integrated with the cabinetry.  I would not recommend white cushions however! ;)

I wanted to show this double oven design idea for those that are used to seeing a tower cabinet that has the ovens one over each other.  This is a nice alternative and allows for a more unique use of space

I loved how this design used a shallow 6" cabinet for broom storage.  What a great idea for the side of a large pantry!

Boos butcher blocks shown in the many wonderful finishes they offer and wood species.  We offer any of these tops that make for beautiful and inviting countertops that dual function for those that seriously cook

KBIS 2010 was an incredible show and Chicago didn't disappoint with fantastic spring weather.

The new trends that are coming out this year are sure to impress...this was truly just a sneak peek!

Remodeling for an ADA design

Sometimes simplicity can mean great design and great design should always mean great function.

Take this simple shaker style cherry kitchen below.

Clean square lines, calming colors and seemingly modest.

However, once you settle in and take notice you may find that this kitchen is ADA compliant, meaning it allows usable space within the kitchen for wheelchair access and encourages participation.

For example, below the cooktop; the cabinet doors open up and pocket back within the space to allow for chair space

Shown again here at the sink area, the doors will pocket back within the cabinet.

Notice how the backs of the cabinetry also protect the client's legs from any heat sources

Island prepping

At first glance you may think, "oh what a nice, simple kitchen" but sometimes the most modest kitchens can perform the best

Major kudos to the builder Johnson Building Company who made the "BEFORE" below, turn into a better functioning kitchen for a well deserved client.

If you are looking to change your space to welcome a family member who may be living in a wheelchair, or simply 'aging in place', contact the specialists like Johnson Building Company, who know how to help.

A Clawson remodel steps out of the 70's with style

• Designing a remodel may be one of my favorites!

• In the past few years, there has been little new construction happening in Metro Detroit. Remodeling has been full effect and I'm so happy to be a strong part of it. There is something so great about taking a perfectly good older home, and giving it a present of a 'design-lift' if you will. Well deserved for people that are choosing to stay in their homes and enjoy the time within it.

• This Clawson remodel was done for personal friends of mine.

• We used "Quality Cabinets" to stay within their budget and design wants.

This cabinet that rests on their countertop serves as a storage work horse. Deep enough for small appliances or for food storage.

By keeping cabinetry symetrical in their design, balances out the micro hood

Many of my clients have corner sink cabinets. This particular design works well when you have to windows (like below) butting into each other in the corner. By using a single bowl, deeper sink you won't feel comprised on size.

In staying with the discussion of corner sinks. It is SO important, no critical, to have the Dishwasher then backed off from the corner sink cabinet enough to allow for the Dishwasher to be opened without trapping the person in the corner. For all those 'DIY'ers' it always pays to consult with a designer BEFORE starting your project.

In many Metro Detroit homes, you may see this, off the kitchen, pantry area. We took off the original doors and replaced it with matching cabinetry doors for a finished look.

For small spaces, even 6" in width can prove to be a storage solution. These apothecary drawers could also be removed completely for if the home owners chose to store wine. You can mix and match that look by keeping some drawers in and some out for a couple bottles of wine or even olive oils. For now, they function as small drawers perfect for tiny items.

Deeper storage like below, provides for additional food/product storage and can create a more 'built-in' look for above the Ref area. Rollouts in a deep pantry (like below) provide an easy solution for staying organized.

Nothing beats full extension dovetail drawer construction like below

Rollouts provide storage solutions- say "NO more!" to having to dig out what it is your cabinetry

Now for some up close details-The chosen granite below was Millenium Cream and look at the beautiful amounts of natural quartz in their stone.

I love the monochromatic tones of white/greys in this Sussex White door style with the granite and grey slate flooring

White ceramic subway tile in a glossy finish

Up close of their hardware selection

And below is the "After" shot

vs the "BEFORE"...buh bye!