It may be small, but it won’t be boring
Right now I’m working on a kitchen redesign for a couple in Ontario. They recently sold an acreage with a large split level to move to a bungalow in town. This home had almost everything they were looking for, as well as a large yard, which sold him immediately. She’s an amazing cook and for her, the tiny kitchen was a let down.
A complete gut of the bungalow was not an option, so we’re moving forward working with what’s there. My theory that any space can be functional and beautiful has become our mantra.
move in day
The space is small, so we’re going with white cabinets, stainless appliances (including a wall oven) and a cambria countertop in Torquay, which is a carrera marble look. The space has been reconfigured to function better and move the stove away from the door. To keep the look clean and simple, the backsplash will be a white subway tile.
Bamco Kitchens
Next is the flooring. Since there are beautiful hardwood floors throughout, we won’t try to match, rather we’ll pick something that co-ordinates. Maybe something with a little punch. When doing a small space, it’s important that the surfaces add colour and texture. Because there’s no island and very little counter space, there won’t be any place to add accessories or textiles. We’ll choose a fantastic floor, bold paint and great light fixtures. The choice of faucet takes on more importance as it’s one of few chances to create a look.
Construction is scheduled to begin first week of March. Will post the before and afters.
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.
Karen Fron Interior Design is a Calgary based design firm. We believe that a well functioning and beautiful home makes life better. It’s not about how much you have, it’s about using what you have to create beauty.
Saying goodbye to summer
Happy September Everyone! There’s no use crying over the end of summer…well maybe just one little tear.
via pottery barn
Embrace the change of seasons and enjoy the colours, textures and patterns of Autumn.
via pottery barn
As you start to move back indoors, resolve to make your home a cozy place that everyone wants to hang in – and maybe drink some wine in!
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.
Don’t paint…that’s good wood
Usually it’s the men. They’re appalled that someone would want to paint over ‘good wood’. Maybe it’s the budget, or maybe some people just can handle a little reno but it’s out of the comfort zone to jump in all the way. Whatever the case, I have a lot of clients with oak cabinets wanting to update their kitchens without ripping out the existing cabinetry.
Be careful when picking a counter top. Granites are lovely and have great resale value, but beware. They need to be the star. Be sure to go to the granite place and look at the whole slab. What looks nice as a 2×2 inch square, can be overwhelming in counter size. Granite craves the limelight, so pick a back splash tile that’s quiet and calm. My favourite is the classic subway tile.
kolbconstruction.com
In this kitchen the wood cabinets are the star. The dark granite looks calm and luxurious and it all works together.
Here’s a kitchen with a newly installed granite counter top. Instead of downplaying the yellow of the cabinets, the choice of counter plays up the yellow. The red wall is awful and relates to nothing, nor does it pick up any undertone colours. But not to worry, there’s an after. The cabinets have been refinished which is always an option.
Yikes! The after is worse than the before. This kitchen reno doesn’t work. The granite is yellow, the wall is red and the formerly oak cabinets are white. Uggghhh…if eating in this kitchen it would be hard to keep food down.
If you are going to keep your oak cabinets, you have to combat the yellow or orange undertones with a strong wall colour and keep the counter, back splash and flooring all working together. Greys work best, and greys with a green undertone will quiet the orange in the cabinets.
If a kitchen renovation is in your future, it’s worth the money to call in a designer to help with these details. Everyone deserves a space that makes them feel calm, happy and at home.
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.
Black and white looks so good
Black and white have always been the epitome of style and class, and at times, hotness. When a colour combination can look this good, it’s no wonder we choose to wear it and decorate with it.
via elle decor
Black and white is striking and bold. It can have hard edges, yet be warm and liveable.
decorpad.com
The trick is to add a few softening elements. A burst of colour sets off the sharpness of the contrast.
william waldron designs
The formalness of this room gets a playful punch from the zebra bench.
darryl carter designs
Black and white rooms can sometimes project an image of aloofness and a look…don’t touch attitude. Darryl Carter added rough wooden accents to his design, and suddenly there’s a vulnerability present. A room of contrasts…sleek, yet touchable.
via homesandgardens
When doing black and white, balance is so very important. One colour must be the dominate, with just enough accents of the other.
via elle decor
The throw at the end of the bed provides so much pattern and colour, it’s hardly recognizable that there’s very little other black in this room. The yellow flowers give it a nice boost too.
via elle decor
Black walls are another way to bring big style to spaces that would otherwise be boring and utilitarian.
Never underestimate the power of black and white. It’s brought more than one woman to her knees.
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me
That little bit of wow
Often what takes a room from nice to spectacular is the little bit of unexpected wow. Sometimes you have to break a design rule to get this wow going. Look at these red lamp shades – awesome and completely wow wow wow. Yet, there is no other red in the room. I guess the ‘repeat a colour three times’ rule just got stomped on and thrown under the carpet.
via elle decor
Love this room, yet it wouldn’t be everyones first idea to paint two chairs a bright glossy yellow. Somehow it all works and the chairs give the room the kick it needs. Imagine a recliner in place of the chairs…suddenly the room looks old, boring and dated.
tobi fairly designs
The fun arrived in this room with the installation of the turquoise chandelier. The best thing about Tobi’s design is that the room looks full and interesting but doesn’t have any extra ‘stuff’ going on. This is a room made for good conversation.
via house and home
The tall windows framed with draperies are very formal, but the zebra cushions and log table provide some fun. This is such a great room because it shows that the homeowners have a sense of lightness about them.
Now take a look around your home…have you got the wow going?
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.
The word is neutral…not boring
So many people think they have to keep their home neutral because one day they might sell. Unfortunately, neutral usually means plain or boring or butt ugly. There’s nothing wrong with neutral colours, and honestly, I’m a big fan of purchasing larger more expensive pieces of furniture in neutral colours. Just don’t confuse neutral with dead.
elle decor
Using neutrals can be as tricky as using colour and pattern. Neutrals require some spice.
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Texture becomes very important ,as does using different finishes and materials.
via decorpad.com
All rooms need something interesting and maybe a little quirky.
Deborah Needleman designs
If it’s neutrals you’re drawn to, then do your entire house in them. Don’t forget to add the spice though. If you’re doing your rooms neutral just to be safe, then that’s just sad. Sure, one day you may sell, but in the meantime you’re not really living in your own home.
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.
Watercolour inspiration
When my kids play the best colour/worst colour game with me, I always say blue is my ugliest colour. Yet time after time I am attracted to blue. Love the blue prairie skies and the ever changing blue of Lake Superior.
turquoise tulips and bliss
So I have come to realize that it’s not the colour blue that’s the problem. It’s what blue is combined with.
katy elliott
via decorpad.com
When combined with fresh greens and muted yellows, blue can be simply gorgeous.
via decorpad.com
Turquoise, a combination of blue and green, is simply calming.
elle decor
Art is a good place to explore colour combinations. As you walk through an exhibit, or look at the old masters, see what colour combinations you are drawn to…it’s the adult version of the game best colour/worst colour.
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.
Branching out
I’m letting my secret out… tree branches. It’s one of my favourite accessories to decorate with. Branches are easy to use, readily available and inexpensive.
Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle
They go with any decor, and no matter how busy or simple a room is, they bring an organic flavour. Birch leaves happen to be one of my favourite because I love the fresh green of the leaves.
Elizabeth Hanne Designs
It’s also nice to use seasonal branches. Forsythia in the early spring, red maples and mountain ash in the Autumn. Usually I keep a bunch on my kitchen island. Although we have a small yard, we have lots of trees and gardens so there’s always an abundant supply.
Jessica Helgerson designs
If you feel that you have a room that ‘s just lacking something, throw in some branches. Fill a corner with a large vase and let nature do the work.
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.
A garden of pink
Took the littlest with me on a nature walk yesterday and saw the most beautiful garden. Roses and peonies made it a sea of pink. There were some purples and blues, but pink was definitely the star colour.
via elle decor
It reminded me of just how much I like pink. Maybe it’s because as a little girl I longed for a pink bedroom. But it was the early 70′s and my room was done in a garish combination of red, brown and orange. It’s no wonder that the calm gentle colour of pink holds a special place in my heart.
via housebeautiful.com
Pink can be sophisticated and glamorous. With the recent wave of guys donning pink shirts, it can be masculine as well!
via house to home
via elle decor
Kitchens are also wearing pink these days. From country to mod, pink adapts.
via country living
via living etc
Perhaps I still hold scars from my 70′s bedroom, because to me, pink will always be the best colour for a bedroom.
via house beautiful
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.
Dress it up
All women know that you can wear the same pants over and over, as long as the top is different. It pays to invest in a great pair of jeans or trousers and have fun with the shirts and sweaters. Stretches out the wardrobe. The frugalista in me loves this concept, both for fashion and for home decor.
Thomas Paul Lamps
Trending hot right now in home design are colourful lamps. They’re fun, funky and bring some life to a room.
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Not to worry though it you’ve got a home full of beautiful lamps but they all have subdued white shades. Think of a lamp and shade as separates. Change the top and it’s a whole new look.
via getthelighting.com
Patterned shades add a strong look to a room and could be just the thing to dress up a tired bedroom or living room.
via HGTV
Just don’t throw out those white shades yet. Colour and pattern cheer us up for a while, but it’s nice to go back to a classic. Like the iconic black trouser and white blouse, a plain shade and a good base are never out of step.
If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.