Thursday, October 22, 2015

The 2015 Prism Award for Reuse and Conversion goes to ...


Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would have the honor of receiving a Prism Award! Thanks so much to the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston for this beautiful award for reuse and conversion. It was a beautiful event and I will always think of it as a highlight of my career. I am forever grateful!
Of course no project is ever done by one person, it takes a qualified and talented team.This winning space and award I share with John Atwater, lighting designer and homeowner.The construction was executed by Patrick Considine and cabinets were from Metropolitan Cabinets & Countertops.Thank you all for your expertise and inspiration. 
Reclaimed gate post that were repurposed for island legs.
Photography above by Emily O'Brien.
Congrats to all the winners of the Prism Awards for achievement in building & design.

Friday, July 10, 2015

STONE TRENDS: ANTOLINI LUIGI - PRECIOUSTONE


Antolini is known as a curator of exclusive natural stone, like marble and quartzite a provider of the rarest varieties for the true connoisseurs of luxury. But the brand offers a more prestigious line of natural stone that stands out among the stone industry’s most stunning offerings: Precioustone.
RED JASPER
Precioustone is a piece of our planet's story, evidence of the Earth's power to design unlike any designer who has ever walked upon it. Antolini uses real gems formed by the Earth's natural processes over millions and billions of years. Once the gems are harvested from all over the World, Antolini forms the slabs in its private studio, and sells them internationally to the public through exclusive distributors.
ANGLE JASPER
Amazing! Wouldn't you agree?

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Old Plymouth Cottage - Grand New Start!


Many years have passed since 1978 when the Botte Family first bought their summer cottage in Plymouth, Ma. Built in 1952 on the crest of a charming pond, the cozy red cottage provided tranquil views while it served as a respite for their new family. Currently the children are all grown up and the addition of grandchildren has increased their need for a greater gathering space. 

I am honored to have been selected to help them navigate through what can sometimes be an overwhelming journey. Our hope is to break ground this fall and start construction toward a sealed up structure for the winter. 
Prior to construction we have been busy working on the kitchen design. I collaborated with Room Scapes on my vision of a navy and white kitchen with maximized views of the water. 

Mrs. Botte is a consummate cook and baker. It was important to give her a kitchen that fulfilled her every need. Multilevel surfaces for baking, double ovens, steam cooking, induction heat cook-top and additional refrigeration to name a few. I will share more of what we are planning along the way.

Completing the kitchen plan in advance not only allows us to have a set plan before construction, but also serves as a great starting point to think beyond the heart of the home (the kitchen) and branch out into the open floor plan that includes the dining and living spaces. 

"Timeless and classic with all of the modern day amenities," is what the Botte family requested. Of course I will deliver but that does not mean boring! I see some very exciting things in our future for this home. Casual but chic with lots of pattern for visual interest and a few unexpected pops of color. A mix of high and low with a few handcrafted custom pieces from Vermont. It will be hard to resist sharing this journey as we embark on this new three story home with views of the water...till next time! 

Monday, February 23, 2015

HIGHLIGHTS AT #KBIS2015 AND #BLOGTOURVEGAS

Why not start this post with the common theme that seems to link all the #KBIS2015 events together! CHAMPAGNE!

Traveling in class has new meaning with these lovely ladies at my side. All beautiful inside and out. I could not have had a better group to begin our journey from Boston to Las Vegas! Laurie Gorelick, Linda Holt and Pamela Copeman are extraordinary women each in their own way! 
How could I forget Mitzi Beach of Mitzi Beach Interiors and Boomer Smarts and her effervescent personality. Mitzi is a gem of a person filled with insight and real perspective. I look forward to our future conversations and learning from her shared experiences.
Veronika Miller CEO of Modenus and fearless leader of #BlogTourVegas sets the stage for open  discussion on "The Power of Design" and its impact on how we live and work. 
A few "Modenus Talks" attendees, Pamela Copeman (L-R), Pamela Copeman Designs,  Holly Hollingsworth  of the English Room and Joann Kandrac and Kole Interiors raise their glasses to having more champagne...Please! 
Randy Fiser the CEO of the ASID, delivered a presentation rich with industry knowledge focusing on: Job growth, geographic distribution, the percentage of working designers in specific areas and the economic effects they have on healthcare in this country.  Mr. Fiser also touched on Smart Building, resiliency, design for special needs, higher standards for sustainable building and how Biophila and designing with nature in mind makes good financial sense.  The bottom line is healthier building equals a healthier world and the ASID has made it their mission to be a driving force toward that change.
 The Editor At Large Kelly Edwards, interviews Veronika Miller and asks her opinion on why the Kitchen and Bath areas are so important in the home. 
More Champagne??!! No problem, there was a "Cup Cake and Champagne" event to recharge us for the rest of the day!
Au Chocolat!
Oh yeah! Did I mention Mitzi Beach?! 
Veronika Miller of Modenus, Kerrie Kelly of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, Julia Buckingham of Buckingham Designs.  Well we know how fabulous Veronika is and how she changing the world of Social Media and it's link to design. In addition Kerrie who I met a while back at Fashion Week and a fellow Brizo Alum had her own surface design debut at KBIS (the backdrop of this photo) as did my sweet friend Julia, with her earthy stone design.  All these ladies so talented and inspiring.
Private performance by Cirque Du Soleil at the Poggenpohl and Blanco event at the Mandarin Hotel.
Hungry again?
The dapper Jeffrey Johnson and the lovely Alison of Alison Habermehl Design Group enjoying the party!
It all ended with a spa day courtesy of MR.STEAM!

THANKS AGAIN TO BLOGTOURVEGAS AND ALL THE SPONSORS! 
IT WAS  A GREAT TIME!

Thursday, February 12, 2015

THERE ARE NO DETAILS IN DESIGN

PART I
One of the most effective ways to make cabinetry or furnishings come alive is to add hardware! As a project approaches its final stages, it is easy to skimp on cost and not place the same attention on the smaller scale elements. However, these are more than mere details and should not be done without any thought. I try to inform clients and help them understand that what can be considered a small detail can make a huge difference in a space. There are no details in good design, it is all important to convey a complete story and get the most for the initial cost invested. Can you imagine getting dressed to go to a formal affair and wearing sneakers? When it's time to select your hardware, make sure it rises up to the furnishings you have invested in.  Reap the largest return for a fraction of your initial investment.     

Speaking of rising to the top! Top Knobs was founded in 1994 in the USA and is the nations #1 leader of decorative hardware to the professional market. Only available in design showrooms, Top Knobs has the most extensive line available in kitchen and bath showrooms across the country.  They are a design company in the business of making beautifully crafted hardware.  
Photo Decortizo
Recently at KBIS2015 Warren Ramsland, President of Top Knobs introduced a beautiful new collection to #BlogTourVegas by Modenus.  It was evident why the brand is continually the #1 trendsetter in decorative hardware.

 The Passport Collection
Globally inspired variety!



I'm guilty! 
I used Top Knobs for a bathroom suite on the South Shore of Massachusetts. The above hardware - Tower Bridge Pulls from Top Knobs Passport Collection. I really appreciate hardware that wows form every angle! REAL cabinet jewelry for him and her! 
Thank you Top Knob for a great tour at KBIS




PART II
ARGYLE - STERLING ROW COLLECTION PORCELAIN
Is this what you think of when you think tile???
If not...you should! Walker Zanger a family owned business has over 60 years of experience and artistry in the world of luxury tiles. Quarried from throughout the world Walker Zanger is a main source of inspiration for the design trade and is revered by many architects and interior designers of the trade.
Tile and fabric are a great source of inspiration for me. They are a great starting point to create and design spaces.  Walker Zanger tile is pure ART! The possibilities for heightening the level of design as it relates to a space are amazing. Think beyond floors and back splashes. Take your thoughts to entire walls, ceilings, bookshelf backing or even a laundry room! 
FATIMA - DUQUESA COLLECTION CERAMIC AND TERRACOTTA
Beauty in blue and white.
Pattern speaks volumes.
Geometry for those who are more contemporary.
Are you little more black and white?  

DECO D'ANTAN porcelain inspired by the art deco period.

Photo via Walker Zanger
Photo  Via Walker Zanger
Men's suiting is so prevalent in the Sterling Row Collection, which is why I love it so much. I could design an entire room filled with masculine patterns and saturated depth for color. This collection is handsome and sophisticated. It can be used in the most classic or contemporary installations, from urban to suburban environments. Beauty had no boundaries.  

Thank all for a great time and a chance to gain more inspiration from your beautiful artistry.

Wood-Mode: New Concepts in Cabinetry, Spaces & Charity.

South Hampton Kitchen
Wood-Mode, Inc., founded in 1942, is the nation’s largest manufacturer of custom cabinetry for kitchens, baths and other rooms throughout the home. The company is proud to note that its 70+ years in business have all been family owned and operated and Made in America. 
Embassy Row Kitchen

Ocean Side Kitchen
Detailed craftsmanship, purposeful storage solutions and a contemporary design aesthetic combine to create the perfect waterside getaway. OceansideWood-Mode’s latest lifestyle concept, combines linear design with hidden functionality. 

A NEW CONCEPT
Hideaway Dog Dish Draw and Food Bin.
 Household pets are playing an increasingly larger role in home design, and Wood-Mode’s Embassy Row Pet Parlor concept space highlights the brand’s commitment to accommodating the needs and desires of these valuable family members. Born from the Embassy Row lifestyle theme, the Pet Parlor blends unique features with human and pet-friendly accessibility. The concept doubles as a laundry room, which gives many of the design details a dual purpose. The result is a beautiful and thoughtfully designed space that ads both value and convenience.
Integrated Appliances, Extra Large Sink for Bathing and Grooming. Built-in Pet fountain with Faucet For Ease and Convenience.
Island with Integrated Doors and Cabinets for Storage Solutions for Bones, Toys and Biscuits.  Life is good being a dog and living with Wood-Mode!


FUNDRAISING GETS A PAW UP AT KBIS
Image Chasen West Photography
BlogTourVegas presented by Modenus visited Wood-Mode's booth at KBIS2015 in Las Vegas. Wood-Mode hosted four Susquehanna service dogs (SSD) and their handlers to raise awareness for children and adults with disabilities. Attendees who participated in the social media program simply had to post a selfie with a dog using #KBISselfie and @woodmode and Wood-Mode would make a $5.00 donation to the organization. See selfie's here! 

Wood-Mode first partnered with Susquehanna Service Dogs in production of a concept video casting SSD Midge, a three-year-old yellow Labrador, to demonstrate the features of the Pet Parlor.
Image Chasen West Photography
“Casting a service dog was a great experience. She was highly trained which made production much easier and we were glad to bring awareness to this very worthy program,” said Jeff Wolfe, Director of Marketing at Wood-Mode.

Thank you Wood-Mode for an informative and thoughtful event! 

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

WILSONART Brightens up the floor at KBIS2015

 KBIS2015 delivered eye catching color for me on January 20th! As I traveled from booth to booth with BlogTourVegas. I suddenly noticed a bright spot!  Wilsonarts booth was vibrant, colorful and filled with visual texture! I couldn't wait to get closer to see what they had to offer. They delivered a world of new options that were affordable and on trend for my clients. Options without sacrificing style. Consumers have various reasons for wanting choices outside of granite. Natural stone is not for everyone and some consumers are looking for exciting alternatives. Wilsonart nailed it! 

Photo Decortizo 
Here are a few reasons why:
Affordability
Affordable to repair 
Color range
Easy to clean 
Pattern choices
Resist stains
Resist bacteria 
Water tolerant
Non porous 
Laminate choices are not what they use to be!
They are much more!

Need more pop! 
If this is a better choice for your needs, Wilsonart has added 
150 New Designs to their library and the patterns are endless!

Using pattern where it is unexpected adds visual interest!

Maybe you need versatile surfaces?
Use it on the wall like a chalk board! 


If that wasn't enough! 

This is my personal favorite MEHNDI
A semi-translucent counter top rich and earthy in tone.
Love it!

Thank you Wilsonart for all the fun and exciting new products!