Category Archives: Kitchen and Bath Design

A Second Look at 2012

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It’s almost 2013…the days passed by quickly this year as we stretched our wings and settled into our studio-office in downtown historic Frederick, MD. We’ve enjoyed all that downtown has to offer from getting to know the merchants to enjoying lunch-out at many yummy restaurants! It is a welcoming place as we continue to build business and client relationships…we love visitors, so please stop by and say hi.

 

Our studio space…this was taken when we first moved in…seems very tidy!

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What Kept Us Busy - Kitchens!

This was our year for kitchen renovations…a tremendous design and learning experience. We teamed with an amazing Builder, Harmon Builders, on 3 kitchen successful projects…perfecting the Client-Interior Designer-Builder relationship.

Polishing a Gem in Garrett Park, MD

The client’s love of warm colors + arts-crafts details generated the kitchen design

Crafting a breakfast nook + storage along one wall

Expanding the View With a Garden Window

A Retro Kitchen in Frederick, MD

Creating a functional floor plan and focal point with the Big Chill range-hood generated this kitchen design.

Orange is our accent color

With the new floor plan we were able to add much needed storage with a new kitchen hutch

A Kitchen that Cooks in Kensington, MD

A narrow-long kitchen space…the client asked for ample prep space, a functional work triangle, and more natural light. Their style leaned towards clean-contemporary with craftsman-style details.

Larger windows, a continuous counter top, and base cabinets filled with deep storage drawers.

Under counter microwave and specific storage for a toaster oven and cookbooks

Vintage ribbed glass pendants

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Expanding our Design Process - A Diverse Approach to Collaborating with Clients

Another design avenue we offered clients this year was to collaborate with them and their Builder…providing design, detail drawings, and consulting through the design-build process. This project has not been ‘photographed’ yet, but I wanted to share the drawings to show how we work through each space to provide detailed design and selections for a large design-build project.

Project #1 Scope: Two-Story Addition to include a Family Room, Master Bedroom/Bathroom and Kitchen Renovation

Concept Sketch for the Kitchen Design

Final Kitchen-Breakfast Room Design

Cabinetry Details

Kitchen ‘in construction’

Family Room-Keeping Room Layout

Master Bathroom Tile Design-Layout

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Design-Decorating Projects

Below is a sampling of images from smaller projects where we focused on layout, scale, color, fabrics, furniture, and finishes-textures…even a few exterior paint consultations.

Pops of Blue

Creating detail with mouldings

A Foyer

Mixing in a client’s antique chairs

Built-in…finding a place for much needed storage

Breakfast Space

Upholstery Details

Window Treatment Details

Exterior Paint Color Consultation

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Giving Back - Working with the Frederick Community

Habitat for Humanity ReStore: We continued to collaborate with Habitat for Humanity ReStore of Frederick Cty…working with their marketing director on projects to boost awareness about ReStore in Frederick Cty. Over the summer we designed a porch using materials and products from ReStore…reimagine and reuse were our concept words. Beyond the great pieces we always find there, we love that all of the money spent at ReStore goes back into the Frederick community to help fund Habitat for Humanity building projects. The project was highlighted in the June issue of Frederick Magazine, https://tuscanbluedesign.com/documents/FredMagJune2012.pdf

Celebrate Frederick: In December we were part of Celebrate Frederick’s Candlelight House Tour…an annual fundraising event. Tuscan Blue Design and Salvaged (a downtown Frederick merchant) adorned the grande foyer of the historic Tyler Spite House that was transformed into a designer holiday show-house.

Cream, Green, and Purple Color Palette

A Simple Combination: Fresh greens and Craft Paper

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We Even Dabbled in Event Planning…

We teamed with Amy Benton of Want2Grow Marketing on the design-decor for an outside wedding reception in the spirited theme of a Vintage Kansas City BBQ. Quite fun for all!

Entrance to the Reception…a place to leave the bride & Groom a little note…

Muslin. Calico. Sunflowers.Hay Bales

 

One last thought…a big thank you for reading and sharing Design Sense and Sensibility this year.

Here’s to Creating Splendid Spaces in 2013

For an expanded portfolio of the projects discussed above (and more!) visit our website

Please continue to share Design Sense and Sensibility with others.

Play with the Basic Building Blocks of Cabinetry

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It’s as simple as this…cabinets come in basic sizes and dimensions…take these basic building blocks, mix-n-match, and create custom-look accent pieces for your space.

The Basic Building Blocks

Read on for examples!

Idea 1: Basic Building Blocks for a Furniture Style Hutch

3 base cabinets + 3 wall cabinets + an arched decorative valance + base board.

(https://tuscanbluedesign.com/gallery_collaboration.php)

DESIGN TIP: Think symmetry and in blocks of three. Pull out the center base cabinet a few inches from the wall to give added dimension. Add decorative moulding on the exposed end panels for a ‘finished look’. For additional detail use textured glass in upper cabinet doors.Top it off with crown moulding.

Idea 2: Furniture Style Hutch…same idea…just a different configuration

The Basics: 2 base cabinets w/ drawers + 2 wall cabinets + decorative valance + baseboard

(https://tuscanbluedesign.com/gallery_english.php)

DESIGN DETAILS: open shelving, bead board, crown moulding and arched doors

Idea 3: Simple Construction Detail Creates a Hutch-Look

The Basics: A standard run of cabinetry: 3 base cabinets + 3 upper cabinets

(https://tuscanbluedesign.com/gallery_freshkitchen.php)

DESIGN TIP: A simple construction detail..we pulled out the center base cabinet and center wall cabinet a couple of inches…to create dimension. The deep crown moulding follows the line of the center cabinets. Adding the decorative valance to the base cabinet and glass doors to the wall cabinet completes the final details.

Idea 4: Linen Cabinet-Storage ‘Armoire’ for the Bathroom

The Basics: 1 double door base cabinet w/drawers + 1 double door wall cabinet + 2 drawers + decorative valance

(https://tuscanbluedesign.com/gallery_bathroomoasis.php)

DESIGN DETAIL: Here we used a piece granite (that matches the vanity) as the ‘counter top’ and placed the wall cabinets on top of the counter to give it more of an armoire-style look.

Have you created an accent piece using standard cabinetry? Share your ideas.

Please continue to share Design Sense and Sensibility with others.

Here’s to creating splendid spaces – Cheers!

 

 

A Kitchen Storage Quandary

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Re-purpose a stack of drawers to hold a pull-out garbage can…

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.

Please continue to share Design Sense and Sensibility with others.

Here’s to creating splendid spaces – Cheers!

Saturday Morning Share…a kitchen renovation that makes me smile…

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It takes a Team (the client + interior designer + remodeling/custom cabinet company)

 

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’.

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

 

Please continue to share Design Sense and Sensibility with others.

Here’s to creating splendid spaces – Cheers!


Striking a Balance :: A Master Bathroom Remodel

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All projects begin with a conversation.

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!

Please continue to share Design Sense and Sensibility with others.

Here’s to creating splendid spaces – Cheers!

Envision Your Design Style: The Wonderful World of Virtual Idea-Boards…Pinterest, Houzz, Cultivate, etc.

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Designer - Client Collaboration

I recently found a valuable design tool for my projects - a new way to collaborate with my clients - the world of virtual idea-boards via websites such as pinterest.com, houzz.com, and cultivate.com. I begin every project by giving clients ‘homework’ - asking them to find images in magazines, catalogs, books, etc. that represent things/places/rooms/homes they love. This is an important first step in the design process….to be sure that I create a distinct space for them…with specific design guidance from me. Some clients have been collecting ‘style-images’ for years and are ready for show and tell, while other clients need a little additional inspiration. So this past month I asked clients to start idea-boards (aka inspiration-boards) on various websites … mainly Houzz and Pinterest. What fun! It has been a win-win situation. I know clients have enjoyed browsing through the websites ‘pinning’ and collecting images that portray their interests…maybe even finding common threads in their idea-boards to help them discover their style. On the other side (the designer side), I was pleasantly surprised to find that client idea-boards are a useful design tool…such a wealth of visual information. The designer-client collaboration begins - we both can add images to idea-boards for inspiration, discuss style using the images, and create a space together.

Now I am giving you a bit of home work. Cultivate your design style - go forth and create your own virtual idea-boards. ’Pin’ ideas on pinterest.com, explore thousands of rooms on houzz.com, and find inspiration on cultivate.com .

Enjoy! I hope you will share your thoughts on creating Virtual Inspiration-Boards. (If you need an invitation for Pinterest let me know.)

Image from http://www.houseofturquoise.com/

An Image from my Pinterest Board - ‘Architecture Inspires’

My Pinterest Idea Boards: http://pinterest.com/tuscanbluedes/

My Houzz Portfolio: http://www.houzz.com/pro/tuscanbluedesign/meredith-ericksen

My Kitchen Portfolio: http://www.cultivate.com/user/profile/tuscan-blue-design

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. [email protected]

 

 

The Three S’s – Where to Spend, Save, and Splurge…

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As I sat down to write Post #2, I thought about what I call the Three S’s of a design renovation…where to spend, where to save, where to splurge. So I am just going to jump right into talking about a master bathroom renovation that I completed a few months ago…how Smart Design + Smart Choices guided the design process and the final selections.

Creating a successful design for this small space (with great potential!) was all about working with a Smart Floor Plan. The client was frustrated with the amount of un-functional space in the existing bathroom layout. After listing the client’s needs and wants in a new bathroom space, I took the footprint of the bathroom (removing existing walls and fixtures) and presented multiple ‘possible layouts’ for the client to sort through and think about. The final layout fit her needs functionally; creating a larger shower + vanity space + adding much needed storage with a new cabinet style armoire + built-in linen closet.

Before: the wall between the two rooms was removed to make one open space

New Floor Plan

The client’s request for a ‘spa-look on a budget’ guided the finish selections…thus paying close attention to the three S’s…where to ‘spend, save, and splurge.’

SPEND

Cabinetry and plumbing fixtures are ‘the bones’ of a bathroom space…go ahead and budget for well-made items such as semi-custom cabinetry and upgraded plumbing fixtures. During the design process think about ‘good investments’ for the space such as a frameless shower and recessed lighting.

The vanity becomes the focal point with the combination of a light granite counter top + simple white cabinetry

Add details with the sink and faucet selection

SAVE

The biggest expense in a bathroom renovation can be the tile…especially if you use a natural stone….so I chose budget friendly porcelain tile for the shower walls and bathroom floor. To create a custom look with the porcelain tile, I used two different tiles…a blue-gray for the main floor/shower floor and a more mottled-neutral tile for the shower walls.

The client wanted a light-feeling bathroom but with warmth and texture (not a white bathroom)…the porcelain wall tiles combine grays and warm neutrals.

The combination of fixed and moveable shower heads add function to the shower space…keeping cleaning in mind!

SPLURGE

Splurge in the details or ‘the bling’ for the space. In this renovation we chose to splurge on mosaic accent tiles in the shower, a large-decorative vanity mirror (you might spend a little more finding one that is just the right size/shape/finish…but it is worth it!), and chrome cabinet hardware. Also, I think the addition of the armoire storage cabinet can be considered a splurge, but is probably an ‘investment’ as it adds much needed storage.

Another note about layout…the different sized windows on the outside wall were once in two separate rooms…a wall divided the spaces. The armoire cabinet was created for storage but also helps balance the window wall.

Photography: Mary Kate McKenna http://mkmckenna.com/

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. [email protected]