A Journey Of Friendship and Renovation: Kitchen Epiphany.

Part Four

Ten months after meeting my new neighbors, I felt as thought I'd known them forever. We shared many great times together which consisted of, late night conversations, gardening projects, wintry Sunday dinners (always with a roaring fire) to late summer lunches on the patio with music filled air as we sipped on great wines. There was always an impromptu visitor or two or three, turning an ordinary day into an unpredictable evening.

The rear of the house and once open porch.

During this time, there were many conversations about rescuing their home from the existing 1970's look-a-like kitchen that was installed in 2002! On their own, they had already begun this project prior to our introduction. They had a basic kitchen plan from a big box retailer and had taped out an Island plan on their kitchen floor. Initially I kept my thoughts and ideas to myself, respecting their direction. They both had a sense of style all their own, I didn't want to impose, but this was a challenging project and eventually they asked me to chime in. I tried not to dominate the discussions with my ideas.  These were my friends first, not my clients. However, I did the best I could in trying to help them find their way...my thoughts were restless.

 Shawmut, "the perfect dog," stands on the imaginary island in the old kitchen.

After a long day in August 2013, I put my head on my pillow but could not fall asleep. I was reviewing a few meetings we had with a contractor friend of mine who I suggested help us with the project. He had some great ideas for the current kitchen space but something still was not sitting right with me. This was a beautiful big house with a small kitchen that fell short of facilitating all of their needs...then suddenly it hit me! The current kitchen space just wasn't big enough! We were in the wrong room! It would never suit all of their needs and didn't rise up to how they lived. There was a family room that was not being used to its full capacity, it would soon become the focus for me.

Originally the family room, which is located in the rear of the house, was an open porch with supporting columns that was eventually enclosed. It showcased a bead board semi-barreled ceiling that framed a grand palladium window. There was not need for another moment of indecision! YES! This is our new kitchen!

That night with some hesitation, I sent a late night text. Although I felt this was the best way to go, I always expect a mixed bag of emotions from a homeowner when broaching on a new direction. The text started with, "What do you think about relocating the kitchen to the family room?" Well, all I can say is, the excitement on the other end kept me up all night! I could not imagine the kitchen being any where else. Time to scrape all previous plans and get to work!

 Once the open porch, now enclosed family room...soon to be the new kitchen.

Barrel ceiling, palladium window and columns reveal the rooms history.

Shawmut oversees our landscaping project in the spring of 2012. More to come...  -Michelle

A Journey Of Friendship and Renovation:The Flask!

Part Three

Early to rise as I was running errands on a Saturday morning in the summer of 1998, a yard sale would distract me from my mundane chores. I stopped to parooze hoping to find something out of the ordinary. There were some interesting pieces, one of which was an old Flask. I wasn't in the market for a flask, nor did I need one for any particular reason. However, there was something special about this old beverage container. It sported a silver cap and was wrapped in well worn leather that bared the La Crosse marking on its underside. I don't know why I felt so inclined, but I purchased it and I held onto it for 16 years, until one day in 2013.

La Crosse Draper flask

While visiting neighbors at an open house, a discussion about my friends home was holding my interest. Apparently, the family who original built my friends home were, John Draper and his wife back in 1902. In fact, many of the neighboring homes belong to various members of the Draper family. All beautiful, some stately, would give one the impression that the Drapers lived very well. To this day the Drapers run and operate The Draper Knitting Co., which produces a wide variety of textile based products.

As I listened intently, a thought came to mind...

The next day, I opened the red Chinese sideboard where I kept little treasures that I rotate for display and found the flask. Although it was old and worn, I knew that if I gifted it to my friend JD and AD, they would see the beauty in it and appreciate it. You see, the day I bought that flask, I bought it from a yard sale that was held on their front yard. The women who sold it to me had mentioned that the flask once belonged to the Drapers. It seemed to me that it was only right to take it home.  

Today, I can tell you it is appreciated and even gets used on occasion. For some odd reason, this makes me very happy!

More to come.... -Michelle

*Referring to our home owners as JD and AD to respect their privacy.

Brizo/Bon Appetit Video:Jamie Bissonnette and Seth Fritz

DESIGN NEWS EXCLUSIVE! Brizo once again is paving the way by teaming up with Bon Appetit! Have a look at this special release video: Featuring Brizo's Lead Designer Seth Fritz with "Chopped" winner and Boston Chef/Restaurateur, Jamie Bissonnette of the famed Toro and Coppa. Together they exchange their creative process and share how critical decisions lead to excellence in each of their fields.

 

Passport To Design Blog Tour

Just imagine having a passport with an itinerary of five style packed destinations without ever having to wait in line at the airport or suffer the consequences of jet lag!

 

Thanks to Boston Magazine,Yvonne Blacker of Designer Bath and participating showroom's, our lovely group of bloggers shared an inspiring adventure at some of North Shores finest showrooms.

 

Between the month's of October 2012 and March 2013, you too can get your tour on the road! Just register for a Passport and get it stamped at each of the participating showrooms for inspiration and have the home of your dreams! Click here...

 

 PASSPORT TO DESIGN SHOWROOM BLOG TOUR

 

Our day began at 10AM in Danvers, Ma. at Circle Furniture!

 

 1st. CIRCLE FURNITURE

 

This bench caught my eye in these deep beachy tones. Terrific seating at the table or anywhere else. Tufted details and welting with two great pillows for visual interest and added comfort.

 Love these ottomans in pink and gray fabric!!

This was one of my favorite finds of the day. Can you believe this is a recliner!!

Best recliner I have ever seen and comfortable as well. This actually made me excited about sourcing a recliner. Trust me, that's a first! P.S. Our co-host Sean William @BostonMo was fab!

 

 

 2nd. DESIGNER BATH

 

So many faucets to choose from...so little time. Many brands and varieties but this is just one of my favorites by BRIZO. The Vuelo is like a piece of sculpture!

 Doesn't this sink give you the urge to garden? Love it!

Black matte super sexy soaker by Zuchetti!

 

 

 

 3rd. TILE BY DESIGN

 

Iridescent glass = undulating beauty.

 Teak tile!! Yes, wood tile that can go anyway with the exception of a back splash or shower interior. It resist moisture and can take a beating. I loved this tile, it is really beautiful in person. There was a wide selection of wood tiles in a variety of finishes. Another favorite was the herringbone wood tile that came in a weathered grey option. Stunning!

 

 

 

 4th. LANDRY AND ARCARI
 

 Silk rugs that look like paintings line the walls and floors of Landry and Arcari. You could spend an entire day marveling at their delicious textiles. Consummate professionals are there to educate and advise you. Our group was highly impressed with the knowledge that was so generously shared on the artistry that goes into crafting a fine carpet.

I couldn't get enough but they certainly had enough!

 Loved this little spot of Suzani and Ikat textiles!

 Woven beauty!

 

5th. LUCIA LIGHTING

 

Last, but certainly not least, the final stop of our tour is Lucia Lighting. Lucia has an abundance of traditional to contemporary lighting products. Two stories of illumination with a vast variety to choose from. When you go, say hello to Lucy! I'm convinced she is the source of all the energy at Lucia!! Lucy and her staff were very accommodating and provide custom services to meet every need. I look forward to visiting again!

Thank you to Yvonne Blacker and all of the participating showrooms for their time and service.
It was especially nice to see familiar and as well as new faces. Waving hello to:
Kristina Crestin, Erin Greene, Katherine Hawkins, Danika Herrick, Linda Holt, John Kelsey, Megan Meyers, Linda Merrill.

Cheers! To a day of inspiration and great company!

Boston #InStyleTour A Great Success!

What a night! Excellence in the world of art and design come together to ignite a evening of great conversation and ideas. We started our evening by indulging in a wonderful meal in Boston's, North End at Villa Francesca. Italian epicurean delights filled the room as we engaged with our fellow Designer/Bloggers, sponsors Blanco America and Giovanni Decunto.  In addition, we were introduced to more of what we love about Blanco America by the lovely Christy Emens.

Boston's North End is filled with the finest dining around!

 Let the party begin!


Host Andie Day (L-R)), Christy Emens from Blanco America and Co-host Todd Vendituoli.

 

Having fun with Elizabeth Benedict (B-L) and Andie Day (Top).
 

 The talented Mally Skok (L) and Elizabeth Benedict always put a smile on my face. They inspire me and continuously raise the spirit of any gathering...great ladies!
 

Much laughter and sharing with (L-R) Linda Merrill, Laurie Gorelick, Barbara Elza Hirsch!

NEXT!

 

 

Tupac Shakur

(artist Giovanni Decunto)



Giovanni hosts a fabulous party at his North End gallery!
 

NO WAY!!! I won a Culina Faucet from Blanco America! FANTASTICAMENTE!!
 

Laurie Gorlick dances with Giovanni after winning one of his original works!!! Now that's a reason to dance!

 

Laurie Gorelick, Rebecca Reynolds, Leanne Wood Newman...Love them!!

 
 A night to remember!!


Photos by Sidney Vendituoli

PRESS RELEASE: FIRST #INSTYLETOUR OCTOBER 2, 2012

First #INSTYLETOUR Celebrates Sinks, Art and Tweeps 

 

Twitter-inspired social media gathering attracts national sponsorship, interior design bloggers and original artwork

 

Boston, MA:  What began as a desire to bring regional design bloggers together in real life has morphed into a celebration of inspiration and excellence in art and design for over twenty-five interior designers from the Boston area and beyond.  The two-part event on Tuesday, October 2^nd, sponsored by Blanco America and internationally-acclaimed artist Giovanni DeCunto, is being held at north-end restaurant Villa Franceso then moving to DeCunto’s studio for a special viewing. Highlights of the event will be an interactive presentation from Blanco representatives and a draw for an original piece of Giovanni DeCunto’s art.

 

The idea for this event, labeled with hashtag #instyletour on twitter, was born at a July 2012 tweetup hosted by local interior designer Andie Day and Vermont-based builder- turned-social-media-specialist Todd Vendituoli. “Art, interior design and fashion continue to overlap as today’s technology-infused lifestyle evolves,” explains, Andie Day. “We know that bloggers play an important role in communicating trends to consumers. We wanted to continue to push that envelope by exposing designers to manufacturers with beautiful, functional pieces for the home and unique styles of fine art. We’re excited about our first #instyletour evening.”

 

“Blanco America embraced the concept right away,” adds Vendituoli.  “They see the value in harnessing the power of design blogs and talking about their beautifully-crafted sinks and faucets to such a targeted audience. Exposing their product to an audience so heavily immersed in communicating good design is invaluable.”

 

Day and Vendituoli hope to roll out the #instyletour concept to other design-centric markets such as Miami and San Francisco.  The goal is to provide venues for those who have met via twitter to meet face to face and interact with brands that provide products to the design industry. “Face to face connections are still incredibly important,” says Vendituoil. “We all ‘talk’ virtually all the time, but now we’ll be in the same location learning more about design and art, and making our connections even stronger.”

 

The dinner and Blanco presentation at Villa Francesco, 150 Richmond Street, North Boston is from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Immediately following, guests will move to Giovanni DeCunto’s gallery at 15 Lewis Street, North Boston for the viewing and raffle.

 

Members of the media who wish to attend the first #instyletour night, contact organizer Andie Day at 978-500-8172 or aday@andieday.com. 

 

To obtain Blanco high-resolution product images, contact: Lori Dolnick

ldolnick@frankadvertisingus.com.

 

To obtain high-resolution images of Giovanni DeCunto's artwork and/or bio information, contact Suzanne King at @sk_giovannid@yahoo.com.

 

 

Zen Master Bathroom

It all starts with a simple design.

Clean lines are desired for this calm environment. Sausalito recessed door and panel, with concealed hinges and square legs give this vanity the look of fine furniture.

Bamboo impression porcelain tiles lead you into a river stone shower surrounded by large glass watery tiles. The lighting fixture dangles glass strips that resemble the rain.

Results!

 

Siderna by Brizo faucets are the jewels!

Setting the stage a high backspash keeps the look clean avoiding visual breaks.

 

 

Metal, stone and glass merge.

 

 

 

 

Simplicity.

 

 Custom doors and mirrors make for a unique environment.

Design by: Cortizo Interiors and installation by Considine Builders.
If you use images please credit the design.

Bath inspirations

My current master bathroom project is inspired by the outdoors. The dark Nero bamboo impression on the porcelain floor grounds the space. The glazed maple vanity has depth and stature. It is topped with  mottled Quartz...like white sand. Beautiful and translucent, the glass creates a watery spa environment. Required, an element of sparkle, achieved with metal and stone accent tiles &

Brizo Siderna bath fixtures...the rooms jewels!!

More to come.......