Kitchen remodel in progress

I have been working on a kitchen redesign for the past several weeks.  The kitchen is spacious and has a good functional layout.  Since the cabinetry is also in good shape, we decided to add new architectural details and then paint the cabinets instead of replacing them.  Included are some pictures of the kitchen prior to starting the remodel and some of what it looks like currently in mid project. 

Dated oak cabinetry with limited architectural details

Space around refrigerator doesn't look custom designed

Gray tile floors are cold and dark feeling

White tiled counter top is bland and dated

This project is not yet completed, but I wanted to show you the changes that have already taken place to this redesigned kitchen.  Architectural molding has been added to the upper and lower cabinets, then painted and glazed, new granite counter tops were installed and hardwood flooring replaces the gray tile.

Crown molding added to the top cabinets and molding is added to the island and end of upper and lower cabinetry

 

Molding added to the sides of the upper and lower cabinets, then painted white and finished with a taupe colored glaze.  The glaze settles into the molding details allowing them to stand out.

Another angle to see the moldings added to sides, tops and bottoms of cabinetry

The black pearl granite adds a striking contrast to the white glazed cabinetry

An overall view of the crown molding built up on upper cabinets for a dramatic affect

The floors are now warm and inviting

The next steps for the cabinets are to finish glazing the cabinet boxes, hang the newly painted and glazed doors, add feet to the bottom cabinets and some additional base molding.  A decorative marble tile back splash will be added and the walls painted.  Please check back for updates to this design project.

Dotty Wyman is the principal designer at www.dottywymandesigns.com.

Interior Designer is also your project manager

I wanted to provide some specific information about what types of services an interior designer can provide to you.  Most people hire an interior designer with the understanding that the designer is able to design an interior space.  They will select the fabrics, furniture, design the layout, paint colors etc...  This is all true, but we also offer the important service of project management for creating your new room.  This is an essential part of designing and executing any interior design plan.

The project management aspect of designing a room starts right at the beginning of the project.  The designer has resources available to identify trades people who do excellent work, are reliable and are conscientious.  In many cases the interior designer has worked with them or has a strong recommendation from a colleague.  These resources are extremely valuable to the success of your design project.  Once a project is underway, the designer will coordinate the trades people through each phase of the project.  This includes scheduling, follow up calls and review of the work being done.  These responsibilities are critical to having a successful design.  A client who does not have much time to spend researching trades people will rely heavily on the designer for their project management skills.

Currently, I am working with a client remodeling her kitchen.  Both she and her husband work and are not able to spend much time getting into all the details of the project.  They are relying on me to coordinate with the granite fabricator, tile showroom and tile installer to get all the work completed in their new kitchen.  This particular client had already lined up the hardwood floor construction, so it is my responsibility to coordinate the tile and granite installation with the floor installation.  The designer can also work with trades people a client may have worked with in the past.

Using a designer does not necessarily increase the cost of creating a custom designed interior space.  A designer's expertise can put our clients in contact with the right trades people, select a design that is functional and well thought out and keep a project on track.  Saving the client from selection mistakes, timing delays and providing product information.  A job well done by a designer includes the desired interior space, which is completed on budget and timely.

Dotty Wyman is the principal designer at www.dottywymandesigns.com.

Shopping at the Ikea Marketplace

If you need a few things to add some excitement to a tired looking room, try Ikea in Stoughton.  I was looking for some large candle pillers for two outdoor lanterns and I found them at the Ikea Marketplace and a lot more.  The white candle pillars ranged in height from 4" to approx. 18" with a 4" diameter.  A cluster of  these large candles could make a great center piece for a coffee table or for the holidays on the dining room table.  The price point was great too.  The 9" candle was only $10 compared to $20 at Target (granted theirs is scented). 

The other things I saw while I was there were some great healthy looking house plants.  Replacing a sad looking indoor plant with a new one always makes a room look fresher.  The large floor plants were $18 to $25.  If you are not into keeping plants alive there are some great bundles of twigs and silk flowers.  Not a huge selection, but the prices were very reasonable.  Which is important since it usually takes a lot to fill a large floor vase.  I think I will be going back for a bundle of the 6' twigs for $14.99.

Another thing I like about Ikea is their price on accessories.  You can buy multiples and not break the bank.  Multiple vases for a table scape, multiple frames for the walls and fun glassware for a party.  I realize Ikea is very contemporary, but many of the accessories are neutral and can be mixed with your current room style.  Most of the examples of this are what I have mentioned such as the botanicals, candles and glassware.

Ikea is a great option if you want to experiment with a look or if it is just temporary, for instance the holidays.  This store makes it easier to be creative, since you know it won't be outside your budget.  Check out Ikea if you have a chance.

Dotty Wyman is the principal designer at www.dottywymandesigns.com.

Where to buy lamps right now...

Is it challenging for you to find beautiful lamps to decorate your rooms?  I know it is for me.  I have been shopping for a client recently and one local store had lamps I really thought worked well in their home.  I thought I would share what I learned.

Crate & Barrel Furniture currently has a great selection of stylish lamps.  I like that there is such a variety in the materials from which the lamps are made. They include ceramic, glass, stone, hammered metal, nickel and even natural elements such as wood.  These lamps have matching shades that are good quality and no plastic risers just below the lamp halo.  The pricing of the lamps is between $100 to $250.  The styles are traditional to contemporary and there is a large varied selection.

If you are searching for lamps for a newly designed room or you just want to add new lighting to shake things up, I think you will find some good options at Crate & Barrel.














Dotty Wyman is the principal designer at www.dottywymandesigns.com.