Accenting the ceiling with unique materials: Part 2

Let's peek into the kitchen of our luxury Chicago bachelor pad. And like last time, we're focusing on the ceiling. (Clearly, we love ceilings around here!)

We chose to replace the hood with an updraft (which can do the job just as well and, in this home of a bachelor with little interest in cooking, the 'gourmet kitchen' didn't fit with his lifestyle) surrounded by a soffit and inset lighting that shows off this beautiful antique carved panel.

Just like a chandelier over a dining table, this panel grounds the space...plus the slight drop of the soffit and the warm detail of the panel creates a more intimate feeling space, a special nook rather than just kitchen overflow.

 It's architectural detail, visual art and functionality all in one! Ceilings can be wonderful things!

Metal kitchen countertops, a great granite alternative

While most designers would agree that you can never go wrong with a gorgeous granite countertop, it is always refreshing to see unique alternatives for counters and tabletops. I recently came across a great resource for zinc and copper countertops, which aside from looking cool, offer some great properties like a natural anti-microbial property which makes them easy to keep sanitary.  The suggested cleaning method for these counters is just a simple soap and water wash.  This malleable metal also can be done with extremely unique and special edge details, different from their stone counterparts.  This adds another level of customization and another cool textural element to a space.

These countertops will not perform like a granite or other hard stone.  They are metal and are therefore reactive to everything from air, water, lemon juice, cleaning agents and wine, but that is part of the appeal!  The beautiful patina they create brings in a very special old world charm- perfect for the Tuscan inspired kitchen.  Other great applications would be in a bar area of the home, or even in a library for a desk top.

Check out some gorgeous applications for this cool product.

Whirlpool Brings New Life to A Historic Building

In a time when many old buildings are being torn down to make room for newer, modern buildings, it is always great to see a historic space repurposed to give new life to an old space. Whirlpool's new space in the historic Reid Murdoch Center, is a beautiful example of this adaptive reuse, giving the penthouse of the Murdoch Center a gorgeous new identity.

The designers from Valerio Dewalt Train Associates chose to integrate the brands of Whirlpool, Jenn-Air, Maytag and KitchenAid by creating a series of vignettes connected by a white plaster cove that spans the entire width of the building.

The designers of this space did a beautiful job of merging the old, beautiful space with new, modern designs.  Check out some great shots of the space!

 

Spring Into a Bright New Look

As the weather in Chicago turns from gray skies to bright, vibrant colors, we can take inspiration from the cues of nature to add some joyful color to our own homes.  Depending on your level of commitment to adding color to your home, there are several ways to do this. The first way is to add colorful accents like pillows, floral arrangements and bold, colorful art.  Many people believe that once you have completed a room that it should never be changed, but art and accessories can rotate seasonally to reflect the weather, similar to how holiday decorations add a festive feeling.  Check out our One room, two seasons page to see how Deb transformed a room for different seasons.

One great place to add some bold pops of color and pattern is in a powder room.  We love bold powder rooms- they are the perfect canvas for interesting textures and cool wall treatments.  Even a home that is all neutral can add some colorful sophistication in this small room.

If you are looking to add some permanent color to your home, a great way to do so is with your kitchen backsplash.  With so many gorgeous colorful mosaics on the market- why not try one?  Our high rise city beach house project is one great example.  We used a gorgeous mosaic from Ann Sacks which incorporates several interesting stones for a subtle drama and infusion of gorgeous color.

Here are some others we love!

Wishing you a colorful spring!

Simple Kitchen Design Updates

Are you looking for some simple changes that will help update your kitchen without doing a entire rehab?  Here are 4 tips from  House Beautiful that will improve your kitchen for your use as well as improve with resale value.  

Tip # 1:  Add or Replace a Back splash

A simple back splash update can bring energy, color & a more modern feel to a kitchen without requiring a huge budget.  Back splash tile could either be a simple subway tile or a detailed mosaic.  House Beautiful even suggests you could simply add decals to your existing tile.

In this House Beautiful image, decals where applied to the existing back splash.

Tip # 2: Update Lighting

Updating lighting in a kitchen can make a enormous difference in design and function. Here are some suggestions for simple kitchen lighting updates:

• Pendant lighting to a bar or island
• Under cabinet lighting
• Extra recessed or spot lighting

Tip 3:  Replace Hardware

Replacing cabinet hardware can really help update your kitchen as well as tie together a theme.   Here are some tips to choosing the right hardware.

• Do you prefer a pull or a handle?
• Think about proportion based on your cabinet size
• Match finishes to existing finishes in your kitchen (fixtures & lighting)

Tip 4:  Reface Your Cabinets

Instead of replacing your cabinets you could replace the fronts completely or reface them (by repainting or restraining).