Transcending Transitional

Choices, Choices...

In a world that moves so quickly, design trends can be hard to nail down. Making decisions on a kitchen remodel that you want to last more than the next strong wind of change isn't easy.

There's Traditional, Contemporary, Budget, Custom and everything in between.

Showcasing a recent remodel in Columbia MD, this lovely space feels like a breath of fresh air. Clean lines, Shaker style doors in a natural maple, appliances that are stylish and functional and while keeping everything up off the countertops are a few notes that give the space an updated appeal.


When staying with the existing appliances it can be a challenge to reinvent a space. In this project,  we worked from it's original footprint which helped to reduce the overall investment for the client. Smart choices such as adding an ample single bowl stainless sink, coordinated pulls on all doors and drawers and a place to prep and interact invigorated the design and gave the room a facThe island was now designated storage space for small appliances, utensils and linens. Counters topped with engineered stone - a quartz composite product that is non porous - keeps clean up to a minimum.

 Drawers were used throughout the kitchen for easy reach and to maximize functionality. Pots and pans are stored near the stove, a hidden recycle and waste can keep it organized and a base corner Lazy Susan lets canned goods be in easy reach. No more crawling into that cabinet with a flash light...a quick spin is all it takes to find that magic ingredient for the next great meal.

High variation of color in a porcelain slate-look tile opens up the room. The tile is a large format, the feel is very natural. Without the clefting on the tile that a natural slate would carry -  and not very friendly to bare feet - the smooth porcelain allows for an easy care, pop of color warms the room. A biscuit color subway tile backsplash adds it's quiet presence in a soft tone that won't go out of style.

 Recessed lights, pendants and coordinated light for the dining area pull the rooms together. Seating for six is now possible, the lines of communication become part of the flow.

Design isn't all about making a pretty space. It should touch all the senses and invite one to stay. To linger. To slow down and invest in the moments that matter most.

In a world where we speak in 140 characters and our photos disappear in :30, isn't it nice to transcend time and make it hold still for just a little while?

Patricia L. Caulfield, LLC
patcfield@gmail.com

http://www.greenleafbaltimore.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hunt-Valley-Tile-Stone/143491975696702
Alan Gilbert Photography

The City of Light

New Orleans is a lot of things to a lot of people. I think it's safe to say it has quickly become one of my favorite places to just be. Real, raw jazz, cuisine beyond compare, raucous Bourbon St in the French Quarter, antiques, art, architecture and trolley cars.

But the perception of New Orleans doesn't prepare you for the light. It seems to be the city of chandeliers.

They're everywhere. 

 

Much like the city itself these treasures show themselves in unexpected locales. And they are stunning in the variety of shape, size and sparkle - in hotels, bars and restaurants, on Royal St. and in obscure little alley cafes. 

The light of the city is not relegated to the

electrical fixtures - it radiates from the smallest of spaces.

It radiates in the glow that falls onto the sidewalk in the form of a trumpet note that is held onto forever. It's the feel of the city that sinks into your soul.

It's in the sheer talent at Maison on Frenchmen St in the form of the young firm dancers that move together as if choreographed into a harmonious explosion of life.They celebrate the art of the dance with exuberance and evident joy. Changing partners with  frenzied footwork - slowing down to feel the beat - the stylized rhythm of their moves comes from the life blood of the streets themselves.

 

 But the true heart, the true center of New Orleans comes from the inhabitants that stood by her in oil spills, hurricanes and seemingly insurmountable loss. The buildings show their scars in all their beauty - proudly and in defiance of what the world has cast upon them.

 

Showing their light from within that they are alive, living, breathing in every moment, celebrating life with it's good, bad and all that's in between.

 

The true heart lies in the people of New Orleans. In their resilience, fortitude and grace. There is a silent understanding of loss in the fervent desire to come back. Back to the beauty that is New Orleans. I learned a lot in my brief visit to the city. I witnessed a light that came from many sources to create a visual sound. The sound of color, the feel of music, the warm air that envelopes your skin and fills your pores with the simple joy of taking in each breath.

 Now that is living truly. And truly living each day.

Observations Part Two

Part Two...here we go...

6.  Solid surfaces are THE surface. At the start of solid surface trend on countertops in the home, acrylics were all the rage. As this material began to take hold some inherent qualities began to show - such as resting a hot pot on the surface would damage it, and overall maintenance on this surface was time consuming. This material still has its place in the home - it can be used a seamless shower wall, as a countertop it can be underlit to cast a glow in a room, it can be cut to any shape, layered, embedded and color matched as well. It's a dream for commercial projects and is widely used in the healthcare, education and hospitality arenas. But know what it can and can't do - like any surface you choose before you make that commitment.

This thing called granite  began nipping at its heels, and engineered stone began nipping at granite. Then along came marble after thousands of years of use in statuary and building design - it's still the "to die for" surface - but is not without it's own inherent properties. It's porous, can stain and requires care.  Do your homework, choose what works for your lifestyle. Just know the choices are endless in color, pattern and material. 

7. Color and pattern work together in design. Patterns are mixed, fabrics go bold or subtle. Stripes still rule and paint can be subtle or scream. Use your palette wisely, but let it reflect your personality. Our homes should be ours - our refuge, our safe haven. Memories are made in many a kitchen, make sure the space says its truly yours.

8.  Pendants are giving way to single lamps. Yes. They still have a place in design and can be used in a number of innovative ways. Group them, stagger them, line them up -allow them to show their stuff. Light fixtures with shades, fabric or glass are sneaking up on the pendants. Why? As the kitchen moves into the living room, so does the look of the kitchen. Shades soften the appearance of the kitchen and allow it to play dress up - your kitchen island becomes your dining destination.


9. Tile wonderful tile. I love it. Love the hardwood looks, love the full height glass on the backsplash. Love the metals - keep an eye on gunmetal - you saw it adorn the women of the red carpet on Oscars night, I predict this color will show up in home design pretty soon.





10. Don that apron. Often when the economy takes a turn south restaurant traffic slows up. While the economy is on an upward trend (oh thank heavens) we learned along the way that cooking at home is not only economical - it's fun! Prep areas, cutting boards, knife storage and pots and pans all need a place to go. Whether you're involved in a full out remodel or retrofit -
everything should have a place. If you cook in your kitchen like I do, spatulas, sauce or sautee pans need to be where you need them when you need them. 

Storage solutions are endless, but require thought on the front end of how you use your space. Make "ease of use" your motto - I know it's mine - give  it some thought and get cooking! 

The Core of the Kitchen: ObservationsPart IAs I work with clients I tend...

The Core of the Kitchen: Observations
Part I

As I work with clients I tend...: Observations Part I As I work with clients I tend to notice similarities within projects. Below is Part I of my Top Ten that keep poppin...

Observations
Part I

As I work with clients I tend to notice similarities within projects. Below is Part I of my Top Ten that keep popping up in the remodeling and design world.  I am sure that in my market we'll continue to see these trends.

Top Ten Local trends:

1. The space stays the same. No add-ons in square footage, but the existing space must be reorganized to maximize the storage, the function and how the homeowners use that space for multiple purposes. 

2. Transitional appeal. The mood is one of a contemporary and yet traditional fusion, especially in the kitchen. Clean lines, Shaker style doors, stained wood or white paint - are paired with contemporary light fixtures or a punch of bright wall color. The result is clean, fresh and modern.

3.  The Gathering Room - the kitchen, family room and dining room are becoming one space.  The walls are coming down, the flow from one space to the next intersects.  Interactions are instant, "real time" has become tangible in the home environment.  With families on the go, checking in with each other becomes easier without the walls.

4.  The Old Standby gets a facelift.  Whirlpool is upping its' game by introducing sleek appliances in an "Ice" finish. Matt black or a soft white finish with stainless handles give the work horse of the industry a designer appeal. The all stainless line also boasts counter depth refrigerators, induction cooktops, contemporary styled hoods and wall ovens.  Even the old faithfuls have now entered into the  design arena.  If you want to stay in the game you need to stay ahead of the game.

5.  It's all about the design.  HOUZZ, Pintrest, Dwell, HGTV and special interest publications have all piqued the interest of homeowners - men and women alike.  Whether you're a DIYer or hire a designer chances are you have formed opinions based on web searches and have gained some product knowledge. Just a reminder, if you've never done a remodel and you're not sporting those battle scars from things gone awry, it may be best to bring in a professional.  Before you begin, collect photos to determine the look you want. Chances are they will all be similar. Start with function. Anybody can make a space pretty, but if it doesn't suit your storage needs or adds ease of use to a space, what's the point? Design is an investment in time, knowledge and hard work. Sweat equity is one aspect that gets over looked as the project begins ...but pays off in dividends when it's all said and done.

Stay tuned for Part II. 

The Core of the Kitchen: The Final Frontier

The Core of the Kitchen: The Final Frontier: Space. How to get it, how to use it. Storage solutions seem to be everywhere. Tubs and containers, stackable and retractable. But where and...

The Final Frontier

Space. How to get it, how to use it. Storage solutions seem to be everywhere. Tubs and containers, stackable and retractable. But where and how do you even begin?


1. Start with the clothes. If it doesn't fit, pitch it. Styles change, hips change and the cut of clothing changes. That pretty sequined dress you wore on New Years Eve in 1999 is as dated as the song. Party over on those clothes that are just place holders in your closet and your mind.

2. If you've stored it in a box at the bottom of the closet, chances are you don't know what's in that box. Let it go, move on, move it out.

3. The Linen Closet should hold linens. Ones that you actually use. Not the ones you plan on using as drop cloths and then remember them after you finished painting the room.

4. The Junk Drawer. Yes, that's all it is. Sort it, save what you really need ( maybe the thread and needles with the REALLY BIG EYE). Goodbye to everything else. Yes, it really is junk.

5. Pots & Pans that you never use in the back of that blind corner cabinet need to be given away. I am sure they're still good. Give them to someone that can really use them.

6. The Home Office....that's where my concentration is now. I have only one word. Purge. Purge. Purge some more. No one really wants to be buried in paper.

7. Remember this phrase at all times "Have nothing in your home that you do not consider to be useful or beautiful". William Morris. My favorite design words to incorporate into daily living.

Now if only getting rid of those extra holiday pounds could be this easy.

Resist the urge to fill up those empty spaces. Enjoy the room. Allow yourself to breath. Then get back up and get started purging some more. Not only will your living space be more organized, imagine all that baggage that just left your life. You should feel ten pounds lighter already.

Musings of the Moment

A funny thing happened today, an odd little occurrence that I am sure no one noticed.  After running some errands before settling in to wait for the ball to drop at midnight, I carried this thought with me for most of the afternoon until now, when I decided to sit down to share it.

Picking up the essentials at the pet store - dry, canned and a batch of Busy Bones, I watched as an employee went about the task of cleaning the glass on the parakeet compartment. What an odd thing to see. I stood back and watched so he wouldn't see me, aviary voyeurism at it's best. I wondered what he thought as he swiped at the glass. Did he enjoy being in the space with the feathered friends of so many colors flapping about - or was he trying to keep out of the crap that I am sure was flying as well. 

An interesting euphemism on the final day of a very long year. This past year I've had some life events occur that have changed me forever. Some relationships were let go, some new ones were embraced. Opportunities opened up that I hadn't ever considered and long open doors closed firmly with a dull, heavy thud.  




But I wonder, if looking at each segment of life as it happens - could each situation be viewed as a feathered friend or as a mess that has to be cleaned up? Which point of view will create an experience in which to build on? If you are cleaning up the mess, perhaps thinking about how the mess got there in the first place is the real place to start.

Still mulling the event over as I left the pet store and headed home, I sat at the green light as a funeral procession went past. Yet another solemn reminder of how precious each day is. And time grows short, just like the days of winter ahead.

And so as this year closes, I wish you the best of the new year to come. Count your blessings - one and all. Make friends with those little birds that land on your shoulder. One day they may teach you how to grow wings and fly.

Next time I'll be back to the business of design and trends. But all of these observations of color, of movement, of moments are, in truth, whats fuels the creative process.

And so this is Christmas...

Another year almost over.  A trip for the all important tree selection, then to bring in the boxes of decorations.  Each ornament tells a story, some from family Christmases past - a very few still survive.  One, a hand painted rose on a tear drop globe was a favorite of my Fathers' and is over 50 years old.  Two Snoopy ornaments from 1960 that got lost over the years but found their way back to me. Seahorses, red headed mermaids and butterflies, all glass, from a trip to Cape May NJ.  The itemization goes on. A yellow duckie in a Santa hat to signify the birth of my grandson. The Radko Radio City Rockette kicks in a memory of that same Christmas Show with my Mother.  The fabulous lunch at the now defunct Rainbow Room with it's glorious skyline view.

And the many many Dalmatians that litter the tree, in a not so small nod to all ten that have pranced through my life.

These are not merely decorations.  They tell the story of the years past.  Of people that have come and gone, some of their own will, some not. These ornaments are the glass blown quilt of my life.  As I lift each one up I hold dear the memory of the moment, the loved one or event duly noted.  Like the hand made red glass ball decorated and selected just for me weeks before the pancreatic cancer took her life. "Which one do you want?" she said. "Pick the one you want me to have" I replied.

Just like these ornaments, I am grateful to have these interactions, these relationships that I can call to mind and reflect as I give them each their own place of honor on my tree.  A singular, solemn act that gives me pause and presence at the same time.  One day these will all belong to my son and his son.  My wish for them both is that they have found a true and unfaltering love, a life rich with happiness and that they cherish each ornament as I did, for they mark the passage of our time together.

This year, this time, hold your loved ones tight.  Hold them in your heart.  Hold them in a place of honor, and never never let go.

Merry Christmas to all.  As fleeting a season as it is.  Hold your loved ones dear.  For that time with them goes by in the blink an eye.  In the very heart beat that holds us all together.

The elusive four door refrigerator....

No, he is not supposed to get his own ice cubes.

It all goes back to ergonomics with me. Well, ergonomics and education. My refrigerator of 15 years is close to gasping it's last breath. Kamikaze shopping on a Saturday is not my favorite way to spend the day but a few free hours allowed the hunt to begin.

First came the education part. The research, the recon, looking for the elusive four door counter depth 69-1/2" high, 36"wide, water and ice inside the door stainless steel refrigerator. Easy peesey right? Three stops later I'm breaking out the duct tape to hold my sad old fridge together.

Four Door

 The ergonomic end of this is that I like the French Door Fridge, but I think that the bottom drawer is heavy and the black hole of frozen foods. Since I try to buy fresh all the time, I don't need a large freezer. A two drawer freezer fits the bill. The top one is easy open to hold that Ben & Jerry's. Bottom one for things you will eventually throw out.

So let's talk. I went to one big box appliance/electronics store, one old faithful everything store at the mall and one locally owned. Let's begin with the big box. After being stalked through the aisles of ice boxes, the boy in the red shirt finally approached. "What can I do for you? Oh we don't have that here". And off he scurried. No commission for him today. Mouth still open to speak, I turned on my heel and went on my way.

Ice and water inside. Clean look
and someone that is spotted
can't help himself.

Now the MALL. I hate malls. I call them "mauls". The old faithful department store wasn't bad. Not bad at all. Decent selection and the salesman left me alone. He did online searches and showed me the features and benefits of various floor models. Prices were comparable to the first store. When I slipped and told him what I did for a living, he started asking me questions about the market and trends. At least he was interested in what he was selling. He then apologized to my husband for "picking his daughters' brain". Ha. I'm sure that's the first time he used that line. All in all, a pleasant experience.

The locally owned. After an hour of price comparison, features and benefits, floor demonstrations, checking on availability, coffee, water or soda, list of items reviewed with pricing and a list of competitors that carry brands they don't.....is there any choice here? The Macy's and Gimbles tactic at it's best! Overwhelming knowledge of what was on the floor, what was coming out in the spring, what is selling, new trends, input on use....the staff in these stores REALLY do this for a living. Not only that, they have their own in house installation staff. What? Full service in a bare bones price gouging cut throat down & dirty industry?
This locally owned store came out on top and squeaky clean.

I'll go back to that locally owned store. These are people who know their product, view their job as a profession, and educate themselves on how these appliances are used in the home. Ergonomics AND education. When you are investing in an appliance that will last you 10 or more years, who would you trust? A neighbor, trusted advisor, informed and on trend professional, or someone else?  Shop small, stay local. Stay community strong. It is where you live isn't it?

The Core of the Kitchen: Just a small town...

The Core of the Kitchen: Just a small town...: Driving home one afternoon in early December just about the time the sun turns magenta and starts to set, I was privileged to come across a ...

The "Core" of the Kitchen: Let it Roll

The "Core" of the Kitchen: Let it Roll: As a designer I just think that I should know my way around a kitchen before I make recommendations to a client that they will have to liv...

Let it Roll

As a designer I just think that I should know my way around a kitchen before I make recommendations to a client that they will have to live with. I love to cook. I love to prep. I love to invent. And I know how to move and utilize the space I'm in.

So I decided to challenge myself. I enrolled in a cooking course on making pasta, ravioli, sauce and  gnocchi at the Rev. Oreste Pandola Learning Center in St. Leo's Parish in Little Italy, Baltimore. I wasn't just in for a treat - I was in for a treasure. In the basement kitchen of the learning center, my instructors - Joe Platerote, his mother Josephine and Terry Giogilli demonstrated the art of  hand made dough and how to create an Alfredo sauce. And they made it look so easy. My turn. My egg yolks escaped from the flour mound, my fingers clumped with flour as I chased them across the stainless steel prep center.

And I thought I knew how to cook.

"Your dough has to be as smooth as a baby's behind" was Joe's definitive instruction. And with a little muscle and watching the technique Terry deftly demonstrated, I got it down. Jospehine nodded her approval. We then rolled out our dough and made our very first fettuccine. As the Alfredo sauce came out hot and loaded with enough butter and cheese to clog an artery, we heaped it all on a plate. We enjoyed not only the lunch, but the camaraderie of the group effort while putting it all together.

All this for a modest fee. I questioned the cost and the answer I got was that they do it for the love of cooking, the tradition of sharing recipes and techniques handed down from generation to generation. That simple joy brought about by a sharing of knowledge to others with a passion for embracing a simple meal.


"This is how my grandmother made it"...I heard expressed more than once.

With Thanksgiving on the horizon I have to give pause to reflect on the reason I love to cook and design the space where the act of cooking becomes an art. There's a little more to it, I realized, when I sat down to reflect.

It's about serving love on a plate. It's an offering of "I made this just for you." It's a gift from the heart. A gift that those lovely instructors from Little Italy gave an awareness to - by sharing their love of their traditions with me. And the best way for me to celebrate that tradition is to continue to pass it on. 

And so enjoy, mange, eat, share and share some more. Share the memories, the traditions and the moments that make us all just a little richer. That pinch of salt, that crack of the egg cannot be measured by an instrument alone. Just as those fleeting moments become memories passed down from generation to generation can only be measured in time.


 

The "Core" of the Kitchen: New friends - Phoenix Dog Assistance Program

The "Core" of the Kitchen: New friends - Phoenix Dog Assistance Program: At a recent NKBA meeting held at Ai, The Art Institute of York PA, the kick off of the liaison with Phoenix Assistance Dogs was announce...

The "Core" of the Kitchen: New friends - Phoenix Dog Assistance Program

The "Core" of the Kitchen: New friends - Phoenix Dog Assistance Program: At a recent NKBA meeting held at Ai, The Art Institute of York PA, the kick off of the liaison with Phoenix Assistance Dogs was announce...

The "Core" of the Kitchen: The "Core" of the Kitchen: New friends - Phoenix ...

The "Core" of the Kitchen: The "Core" of the Kitchen: New friends - Phoenix ...: The "Core" of the Kitchen: New friends - Phoenix Dog Assistance Program : At a recent NKBA meeting held at Ai, The Art Institute of York PA...

The "Core" of the Kitchen: New friends - Phoenix Dog Assistance Program

The "Core" of the Kitchen: New friends - Phoenix Dog Assistance Program: At a recent NKBA meeting held at Ai, The Art Institute of York PA, the kick off of the liaison with Phoenix Assistance Dogs was announce...

New friends - Phoenix Dog Assistance Program

At a recent NKBA meeting held at Ai, The Art Institute of York PA, the kick off of the liaison with Phoenix Assistance Dogs was announced to the 60+ members and guests in attendance.

Linzey Zoccola, founder of PAD is one of the most driven, focused and inspiring individuals I have ever met. Her personality is infectious, her mission true. 

Linzey's work with dogs and recipients has changed lives.  By rescuing and training dogs for service to aid people with disabilities, Linzey has not only helped the person in need of the dog, but rescued numerous dogs along the way. Countless hours of training, pairing the dog with their new owner, socializing the dog, raising funds - the tireless energy Linzey exudes for her foundation is amazing. 

What, you ask, can kitchen and bath designers and product suppliers do to assist service dogs and their owners? 

We are proposing to update a space within a home for it to become accessible for a recipient as selected by the Phoenix Assistance Dogs program in Lancaster PA. This update will accommodate the special needs of the recipient and promote ease of use in daily activities. Since this recipient will also have a service dog, the space will house a storage area for the needs of the dog. The intent of this space redesign is to allow both the recipient and service dog the ability to thrive and bond in the environment so that they will become a successful team outside of it. 

Participants from the local chapter and volunteers will pitch in both products and time to recreate a designated space agreed upon by the volunteer Design Team and staff of Phoenix Assistance Dog.

The combined experience of design and remodeling experience by members of the local chapter is quite impressive. Many members own their own remodeling companies; some are cabinet distributors, some manufacture cabinets and counter tops, while others specialize in remodeling for ADA compliance. With these skills and materials, a person with special needs could benefit everyday by the involvement of this organization to remodel a designated space in able to assist the inhabitant and their service dog.   

 

A lofty goal, I know.  The next few months will be dedicated to planning, asking for donations of products, services or time.  The scope of the project will be determined by the response received by those donating and those involved in the project itself.  By this time next year, I hope to have our first space renewal under our belt.

 

If you want to get involved in a worthwhile and rewarding project, please contact me directly.  Let's build this. I love good design. But good design with a purpose, design to enhance the live of the person utilizing the space is a goal I have adopted in every design I do. And isn't that what is should be all about?

 

 

http://padcentral.org/about/

patcfield@gmail.com

 

The "Core" of the Kitchen: Ah Ha...

The "Core" of the Kitchen: Ah Ha...: And so this morning I think to myself, "This client, job, circumstance, is really being difficult."  And then I realized that is my percept...

Ah Ha...

And so this morning I think to myself, "This client, job, circumstance, is really being difficult."  And then I realized that is my perception of the task at hand.  This client.  Job.  Or circumstance doesn't think they are being difficult.

And so, if I change my perception to feel that there is nothing that I can't work through - this client, this job, this circumstance, this perception becomes a much smaller hurdle.  This little hurdle I can handle.  It just prepares me for the next one.  And I can handle that one too.
Ah Ha moment.  Here we are...