Many seats for a small space

These days we tend to have informal gatherings of friends and family hanging out in the family room. Many times they are standing or sitting on the floor, because there isn't enough seating.  It is so nice to create places to sit in the family room to accommodate as many people as possible.  Even if it is just for friends to come over and watch television.  This family room is beautiful with it's beachy white walls, sofa and rug, but it also has seating for 8 people.  Everyone will be engaged in this close conversation area.  The smaller scaled chairs and ottomans allow for a lot of seating without crowding this small area.  Function and beauty will keep friends and family coming back to hang out in this home.

Dotty Wyman is the principal designer at www.dottywymandesigns.com. Also, like www.facebook.com/dottywymandesigns.

Contemporary Farmhouse Style Kitchen

This is a kitchen remodel I worked on last spring with a client.  She had lots of exciting ideas and was willing to expand the existing footprint of the kitchen.  The most challenging part of this project was fitting together cohesively all of the elements she wanted to include.  We successfully collaborated to create a new welcoming, more efficient kitchen the whole family likes to use.

The group of before pictures, shows a kitchen footprint that a family of four used every morning and evening together.  The table in the center was added for additional counter space, but took up valuable square footage and created a narrow passage through the kitchen in front of the refrigerator.

The client wanted a new larger kitchen with a contemporary farm house style.  First, the kitchen was bumped out 6 feet and a large new window was added over the sink.  The desired design was achieved by adding painted cabinetry, exposed beams, a large rustic black hammered metal hood and soapstone counter tops.  The cabinetry has inset doors which is a classic style for older built-in cabinets.  The rustic hood is the center of attention and is enhanced by the tiled wall behind it.  The open shelving on either side keeps your focus on the beautiful hood.  We opted to use recessed lighting, so the look of the beams would not be interrupted.  Finally, a long center table was added for more work space.  The base is made of reclaimed wood and the top is covered in stainless steel.  This kitchen now has the style the client envisioned and it is functional for her family.

Dotty Wyman is the principal designer at www.dottywymandesigns.com.    Also, like www.facebook.com/dottywymandesigns.