Contemporary Style Entertainment Center

All designs start with an idea and once you start drawing it out, the vision can become the reality.

I wanted to build a Contemporary Style Entertainment Center.  I knew one side of the unit would have a chair; therefore, the shape would be "C" shape.  To add interest, the space with the mounted TV has random sizes of cedar (left over from other projects).  When we stained this part, it came out darker that originally envisioned, but this was a "Happy Accident".  I think the darker color camouflages the TV when it is off and contrasts well with the cherry stained wood of the unit.

Thanks to advanced technology and flat screen TVs the depth of the entire unit is about 14" - No more monster cabinets to fit the BIG TVs.  We added drawers on the bottom and mid-century style legs.  For stability, we secured the entire unit to the wall.

I love this look and the style and function will last for years to come.
 

Mud room in your home

Having a mud room in your home may not be the first item on your long list of "Wants" but it is very convenient.

We have all seen the pictures of a separate room with enough space for coats, muddy boots and/or shoes, kids backpacks and a washer and dryer.  All tucked away and organized from the rest of the house.

Well, most homes may not have the luxury of a separate room that could be the "Mud Room", but with some creativity, there is no excuse that the family's coats, shoes, backpacks and all other items can not be organized and still blend well with your home.

Here is a great idea of how to organize coats, shoes with very little space.

When you have limited space, you will have to plan to have access to seasonal clothing. Off season clothing can be stored in plastic bins.  

In this picture the upper cabinet is a basic kitchen cabinet, the shoe holder can be easily made and the bottom cabinet is a kitchen drawer.  Add the coat hooks, paint or stain to your decor and you can have storage for the whole family.

If you have some carpentry skills, this is a good weekend project or find a reputable contractor to build this for you.

Look around your home and find that little nook that can be converted in to your own "Mud Room" and maybe (just maybe) you may get your kids to hang up their coats.

Black and White Bathroom

Black and white bathrooms are timeless.  This color palette is so versatile and coordinates with any color.  Black and white tiles can be a permanent fixture in your bathroom, but when you feel like a change, you can repaint your space and add different color towels and accessories.  This is a very good option for those who like the "Change It Up" every now and then, but does not have the time or resources for a major construction project. 

Black and white bathrooms look Really good in small spaces.  

There are situations that you can not enlarge a space.  You have to work with what you have.  We had a client with this scenario.  Our client that wanted to redo their attic bathroom in their 1930's bungalow.  This space is very small, but with some help, it now has some character.

To help them save money, their current vanity was in good shape, but the wood tone did not go well with the new color scheme.  Our client painted the vanity, mirror frame and light fixture with a black gloss paint.


We added the black and white tile on the floor, upgraded their bathtub fixtures, and installed wainscoting on their walls.

 Hand held shower in tub is an absolute must.

 

 Re-purposed vanity.  Repainted in a black gloss paint.

 Mirror frame and light fixture - repurposed and repainted in black gloss.

Green Decor

Let's celebrate "The Luck of the Irish" with Green Decor. Welcome the month of March by refreshing your home with green.

Green can be intimidating, but with so many shades it is a beautiful color and very easy to coordinate with your current decor.  Whether you go Bold and really embrace the green or choose a more subtle route and add a few touches here and there - the splash of green will help liven up your space.

Here are some ideas I have found that let you experiment with the Color Green.

ADD A GREEN PLANT TO A NEUTRAL DECOR.                                                                             

ADD A FEW DECORATIVE VASES TO YOUR BOOKSHELVES- EASY TO CHANGE OUT WHEN YOU ARE DONE WITH THE COLOR GREEN

PILLOWS IN DIFFERENT SHADES TO ADD A PUNCH OF COLOR

















ONE PICTURE AND ONE PILLOW.  GREAT FOR THE PERSON WHO DOES NOT REALLY WANT TO COMMIT.

EMBRACE GREEN AND PAINT AN ACCENT WALL - ADD GREEN ACCESSORIES

WHAT DOES THE COLOR GREEN MEAN..........................

Symbolism Green stands for balance, nature, spring, and rebirth. It’s the symbol of prosperity, freshness, and progress


Positive Associations We associate green with vitality, fresh growth, and wealth.   We generally think of it as a balanced, healthy, and youthful. We use green in design for spaces intended to foster creativity and productivity, and we associate green with progress – think about giving a project the “green light.”

HAPPY MARCH

ZODIAQ QUARTZ SURFACES

Zodiaq has a new collection - Natura Collection
 http://www.ovsco.com/2015_Zodiaq_Color_Launch_Sell_Sheet.pdf

Their six new colors have an "Old World" feel, yet will complement today's modern home.  Deciding on a counter top is a commitment.  With this collection, you can choose what you like today and be confident that it will stand the test of time.  

Quartz is a great material for your kitchen, bathroom, or on a custom piece of furniture and these colors will help you achieve your vision.

2016 Kitchen Trends

Here are the 2016 Kitchen Trends from Houzz.  

Kitchen Confidential: 9 Trends to Watch for in 2016

BATHROOM REMODEL IDEAS

In my house growing up, we had a half bathroom. My mother would change the decor every 5 years or so.  I remember one time it had wall paper that looked like a forest and another time she painted the walls deep red and used black towels and rugs for accent.

Looking back, I believe that this bathroom was her creative outlet that she could redecorate at minimal cost and without my dad's input.

Today, I love putting bold prints or colors in small spaces - "Thanks Mom".  Here are some ideas I found for a half bath ideas.

Wainscoting does not have to be white.  Love the grey and bold wallpaper.

  This wall paper seems to shimmer - bold but calming

                        Hot pink and black - Why Not

                  Here is a more masculine style bath

  I think of a cottage with this green inspired bathroom. 
                          Love the detail on the mirror  

 You can put a bathroom anywhere as long as you have
   a water hook-up.  Great black and white design with
                                  warm wood floor.

Small spaces give you a chance to experiment with color and pattern without a huge commitment (because they are small).  Look at your home and see where you can redesign a space and get out of your comfort zone.