11/28/12

Transformation

 Transformation 

A chance to share a project -   One of my favorites -- architectual renovations like these are the best.  Good to Great .  In this project my clients loves homes -- their stories- their character - their function.  A place for everything and everything in its place where smaller partitioned rooms for every family purpose was the motto. 

 However after living in her new home space for a few years........................

The challenge -- 
The need to integrate gathering spaces around the kitchen which would allow for better flow and natural light.   

We had to achieve this goal by integrating old and new spaces seamlessly.  Our goal , no one could tell we were there.  So unlike a traditional reno, where you tear out and start from scratch, we had to engineer new structural and mechanical solutions that tied in.  The finishes had to have a reclaimed and re-purposed approach -- as all the existing finishes were fantastic, style appropriate and virtually new.  Matching and tying all together was the biggest design challenge.     

Our new spaces were recently photoged by Brian McGuckin - of Brian McGuckin photography -- he's fab to work with !

Spaces Before 




Spaces Now 







      


  






New Project

Kitchen Reno 

New project underway -- its going to be amazing.  My clients are soon to be a family of 7 !! Yes, baby #5 arrives in mid December.  So we'll be working fast and furious to get done in the next few weeks.   We are delighted to be working with this family again - we finished the basement a few years ago and are back to tackle the main floor living -- centering around the kitchen .  I 'll be working to re- engineered the spaces to maximize function and trade out the the current builder grade finishes for beautiful classic showcase amentities.  

The challenge -- to work withing the envelope--with a wish list to create a open floor plan- including a chefs kitchen, storage galore, casual family dining, and family room.  We'll be addressing the current kitchens limitations.   The obvious........14 sq ft of counter top- less than my Swiss Studio apartment , an awkward 13" deep pantry closet in the middle of the room -- a raised bar at the sink- blocks flow to the family room and is too shallow for bar stools- all must GO!  

As an exciting  focus-- we'll be incorporating green building practices -- as my client is passionate about using sustainable environmentally sound American made products.  I'll share more of her research for formaldehyde free cabinets , low VOC paint , sustainable hardwood flooring as we progress.  We'll be designing to her taste for the classic cottage - shabby chic vibe -- summoning New England  - with beautiful mill work, painted cabinetry, and wide planked natural maple Carlisle flooring.   

Check back soon