DESIGN CHAT:: CLASSIC CUSTOM KITCHEN

DESIGNING THE KITCHEN OF YOUR DREAMS…

Monochromatic spaces never cease to make my little designer heart skip a beat. Now don’t get me wrong, I am a lover of color and pattern mixing, but there is something about a crisp white space that carries a calming feeling along with it! With layered elements of texture, metal mixing , and varied tones within pattern and finishes- a monochromatic space will forever stand the test of time with your ever evolving life!

We are excited to share a new custom kitchen we have in the design works for one of our new client’s future home. The lighting tells a beautiful story from the pendants layered over the icy gray quartz island, to the brass and crystal chandelier hoisted above the families dining table. These elements paired with the striking hand painted terracotta backsplash bringing pattern and play into an already gorgeous space. Anchoring all this beauty with soft white toned perimeter cabinetry and a gray washed island. The parquet flooring is the icing on the cake. Worried about being too trendy….. Fear not, this classic pattern will never go out of style!

Lisa Gilmore Design - Monochromatic Classic Kitchen

Till next time!

DESIGN CHAT:: COUNTERTOP CONFESSIONS

To all the renovators , the cooks, the wine drinkers, the families with little humans ...this one's for you....

It's me, Nicole! Here to help with some countertop pros and cons of all these beautiful materials mother nature provides us, and some amazing engineered ones which have many people turning their heads in disbelief!

With busy lives and being constantly on the go, everyone is looking for those two special words... MAINTENANCE FREE.  So by popular demand I give you .....

Quartz

Design via Joanna Gaines: https://magnolia.com/our-show/episode-01-lunar-lander/

Pro Tip: Want the look of marble without the maintenance?? Look no further!

Design via Studio McGee: https://www.studio-mcgee.com/studioblog/2017/2/27/emerson

Pro Tip: resistant to scratches, stains, and can withstand heat

Design via Jaclyn Peters Design: http://jaclynpetersdesign.com/#/highway-206/

Pro Tip: What you see is what you get! No unexpected variations in color or movement

Con: ummmm.... still searching for one! Check back with me when you find someone who doesn't like an indestructible and impervious product :)

Next up is our old friend....

Granite

Granite comes from the process of crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. In short your countertop was flowing molten lava at some point! This helps to explain the density of the product and  why there are so many variations of movement and color within granite to pick from!

Design via Akin Design Studio: http://www.akindesignstudio.com/the-rad-reno/aihi5pryzo7awahg2mk0ta6tielvvt

Pro Tip: sealing is recommended to aid in the resistance against etching, dirt and spills

Design via Britt Lakin Photography: www.brittlakinphotography.com

Pro Tip: Most cost effective option when considering a natural stone. Normally the more clean looking the higher the price will be.

Con: Can tend to lean a bit busy, therefore consider picking a more subtle backsplash tile when working with a granite.

Wood

The beauty and warmth  this natural element provides is a favorite of mine.  Wood is sure to compliment any solid surface paired with it. With its rich hues and ability to manipulate the intensity of the finish, this application is an art piece all on its own!

Design via designer and stylist Liz Kamarul personal home: https://www.instagram.com/p/BjuVQEaH9sY/?taken-by=liz_kamarul

Pro Tip: Excellent work space for the chef in you! Wood is very forgiving on cutlery, but dents and scratches can occur in the wood during constant use. I personally love the character and story it creates.

Design via Amie Corley Interiors: https://www.instagram.com/amiecorleyinteriors/

Con: Refinishing of the wood will need to take place, but is dependent on how often it is used. Typically time span is 10-15 years

... and of course, saving the best for last

MARBLE

...I'll just be over here swooning all day, everyday over this beautiful stone. The movement, and colors the earth produces will never cease to amaze me. For centuries some of the most beautiful sculptures and structures have been made with marble. Indoor, Outdoor, on floors, ceilings, and walls! So when people ask "can I use this on my counter?" My answer always is ,"of course you can!!!" I know what you're thinking- "yeah, but i will also become a slave to it," and my answer  is of course you will haha! BUT, here are some tips to help you along the way!

Design via deVOL Kitchens: https://www.devolkitchens.co.uk/kitchens/classic-bespoke/brochure

Pro Tip: Sealing is your best friend .... for life!

Pro Tip: Do not let anything acidic sit on the countertop- lemons, vinegar, tomato sauce will etch the stone

Design via Dreamy Whites Blog personal home: http://dreamywhites.blogspot.com/2016/04/french-inspired-kitchen-makeover-french.html

Pro Tip: To help remove stubborn stains use a poultice paste, and thank me later!

I hope after reading this you are a bit more confident the next time you are out selecting countertops! I'm sure I'll hop back on here soon and we can talk about some materials which are not as commonly used!

Until Next Time!