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

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: 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...

Unique remodel that served all it's masters....

Well I hate to be a broken record but seriously I have the most wonderful clients. Just now finishing up a project in Maryland that was not only challenging but just plain fun.  A beautiful setting, clients that insisted on out of the box design and execution, and a great team to build the project itself made this remodel one of my all time favorites.  

I love dogs. And I love people that love dogs. Part of this kitchen do-over included a self filling water trough installed above a granite topped base that housed the dog bowls. Creating a full pantry out of a former laundry room gave us the plumbing hookup necessary for the trough. While this space was a cerebral shift to design and build - an outcome occurred that had tails wagging all around.

Working with a cabinet maker made this project just a joy to design and install. With meetings at his facility we fine tuned every aspect of the cabinet building on the front end - tweaking dimensions so all the drawers lined up, recalculating reveals so that the appliances became seamlessly integrated.  All the specialty nuances - hidden cubbies, a paper towel dispenser built into a drawer, storage needs and wish list fulfillment's - kept both of us on our toes to produce a living space that our clients had dreamed about for over 20 years. 

I've heard that good things come to those who wait. This project was one of them. And you'll have to wait for the rest of the photos as this project completey wraps up.

And it'll be worth the wait. I guarantee.

patcfield@gmail.com
http://www.greenleafbaltimore.com/contact.html