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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 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: 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...

Crouching Cabinets Hidden Budget

What happens when you start to work on a kitchen remodel?  What is the first thing discussed in the grand scheme of design? Appliances. Then counter tops. Then maybe cabinets....

If you work out or exercise you understand the concept of "working the core." The core supports the rest of the body, keeps the backbone strong, keeps everything fluid and functioning well. Let's call the cabinets the core. How long do you expect to keep your appliances?   10 - 15 years?  How about that pretty granite counter top?  You won't want to replace that....

So why is the cabinet budget crouching under the weight of the appliances and counter top? Aren't the cabinets the core that supports the appliances and counter top?

The core drives the function, drives the shape, drives the design. Pretty doesn't always cut it. Pretty fades. When beginning to remodel your kitchen consider that the crouching cabinet will be expected to outlast and out perform those appliances. Shift your thinking when it comes down to what will last.

You know that answer, you know you do.

Look at the best cabinets that you can afford to purchase and balance that purchase with all the other parts and pieces you are adding to the body of work. Balance accomplishes the best outcome. Balance all part of that remodel and work with trusted advisers. As with a personal trainer - a design professional is someone that can navigate the construction jungle and pull you through to a fitter, more balanced, aligned space. 

The grunting and sore muscles flexed on the front end will deliver a solid outcome. Anything worth investing in requires commitment on all parts so the end result has you in total balance. In total balance with your budget, your core, your complete results.

patcfield@gmail.com
Patricia L. Caulfield, LLC
AKBD, CAPS

The Mark of a Good Designer

In my past life I worked with a group of designers that I considered to be the best in the business. And still do. Part of my job was to step in when something wasn't working and assist to resolve that "something" in the best interest of the client, the company and the designer. My own work was part of that mix. The mark of a quality company is how they handle the things gone south, not how they accept the accolades and rewards. The mark of a good designer is acknowledging that things need to be adjusted and asking for advice from an industry expert - be that expert a treasured lead installer, an electrician or plumber, or the cabinet manufacturer themselves. 

There is no wrong when it is worked out to become a right. Sometimes in construction and design the actual site is not what it was on paper. Plumbing and electric are always a challenge, and walls are seldom truly plumb. A good designer listens to the input of others. Hears what is said and works to the best of their capabilities. A good designer may look like they have all the answers - but a great designer listens to the advice of those trusted advisers and gives credit where it is due. 

Boy did I learn alot from mistakes. Mistakes shape us, mistakes show us a better way. And when you learn a better way you learn how to be a better designer. It does, after all, take a team to build a project. The tighter the team, the better the outcome.