marieclairepierre's ideas
An abundance of creamy white paint sets the breezy tone in the kitchen. The Shaker-style, full-overlay custom cabinets, drawers and island base, along with the walls, ceiling and trim, were all painted Marshmallow by Sherwin-Williams. “It’s a color I use a lot,” Bleich says. “Here we used it in a semigloss finish for the cabinets, ceiling and trim and in a flat finish for the walls and base of the island.” The kitchen floor is 7-inch-wide white oak planks with a wire-brushed matte finish and ash stain that provide warm contrast to the lighter cabinets and walls. Reclaimed ceiling beams from a lumber mill that salvages old wood from barns and buildings give the space additional warmth and texture. “The beams are my favorite,” Jami says. “I really wanted rustic-looking beams that were truly used at one point in time. The tough part was getting enough of them that were long enough and had the right texture, color and look. Clint went all over and found some in Fort Worth.” Bleich came up with a timeless design that includes creamy white Shaker-style cabinets and touches of rustic wood. A few moody blue-green cabinets add a pop of color, while a spacious island, cozy breakfast nook a...
Alliums. Most alliums are treated as perennials, as they have a good chance of repeat-blooming in most climates. Bloom size can decrease in a few years, however. Skip deadheading with alliums and allow the flowers to dry on the stalk and the seeds to mature. “Leave alliums be until the globe flower dries and the stem has pushed all energy back into the bulbs for next year,” Hoxie says. Note: Alliums’ large leaves can be difficult to hide as they start to yellow. This can be a reason for planting alliums among shrubs like roses or hydrangea or taller mixed perennial borders with foliage that can conceal the fading allium.
Curbless shower. Some wet rooms have a curbless shower area, with or without a typically frameless glass pane to separate it from the rest of the space. Having the shower area on the same level as the rest of the bathroom creates a seamless look and is practical for anyone who’s mobility-impaired. There must be a slope in the floor to keep water from pooling outside the shower area. This wet room in Mukilteo, Washington, is a remodel designed by Kristine Tyler of Tree Frog Design. “They hired me and said, ‘Our bath is dated. We want a walk-in shower and we want a soaking tub, so design away,’ ” she says. The result is a striking open space with large-format tile, Hansgrohe fixtures, a dramatic light fixture, a towel warmer and even a television, plus a view of Puget Sound.
Wet rooms have either a curbless or low-curb walk-in shower that may be partially or fully glass-enclosed or have a pony wall to provide some separation and contain splashes, with flooring that has a slight gradient so water flows to the drain and not the rest of the space. This curbless shower in Seattle, designed by Very Red Design, has floor tile that extends into the rest of the bathroom for a consistent, streamlined look. A pony wall provides some separation and privacy and the shower glass slides open.
The roof would have to extend to the very edge. The deck seen here features composite boards in both a silvery gray and a driftwood-inspired gray for a stylish solution. Designed to look like tropical hardwood, the planks are capped through the groove to provide extra protection against wear and tear.
Shades of charcoal and gray. While Houzz research shows that white remains the most popular color for kitchen countertops, many manufacturers are betting on interest in darker colors. In October, Silestone by Cosentino launched its Loft series, which features shades of charcoal and grays, as in the Corktown style shown here.
Zellige tile. Every now and then a simple material seems to come out of nowhere and begin showing up almost everywhere. That’s the case for handmade square tiles in a glossy finish, known as zellige tile, like those seen in this New York kitchen by Arielle Mizrahi Design. The square tile is enough of a departure from the popular 3-by-6-inch subway tile to feel different, yet it’s similar enough to not come off as too jarring. The glossy finish and handmade look offer color variations, shimmer and subtle imperfections that give the simple shape tons of character.
Great exterior paint colors. To create a warmer and more rustic vibe, Barber and his team covered the exterior in brown shingles and used slate gray for the trim and burnt orange for the windows and front door. The portico was updated to include a porthole window near the eave, new square pillars and local fieldstone at the base.
Belgard Outdoor Products. Everything flows together in this crisp-edged style. Start with large openings that connect indoors and out, then add surfaces that slide between both. Raboine especially likes very-large-format porcelain pavers for these spaces, starting at 2-foot squares and getting bigger from there. “These pavers are only ¾-inch thick, so they’re very light and can be used as overlays on existing concrete porches, patios, decks and rooftops,” he says. Scratch- and stain-resistant, the durable material keeps its clean, streamlined look for the long term. Pair them with simple furnishings and water features for extra depth. More: To learn about the Belgard outdoor products pictured in this story, visit the company’s Houzz profile. Visit the Belgard Design Studio to explore online design services.
n one corner of the living room, Curtis added some wood pieces to a portion of the wall to highlight an angled ceiling. She then painted the surfaces a deep, dark blue to create dimension. Curtis says the layers in her home give her the best of both — or several — worlds. “I get my bright white walls, I get my pops of color, I get texture, I get organic modern,” she says.
The black beam on the island adds an industrial element and is a structural feature. It had to be added when a wall that supported the roof was removed. “That’s kind of what drove the shape of the island. There’s storage that faces the pantry, which is convenient and creates a walkway to the dining and living space.” The sliding barn-style doors were custom manufactured with frosted glass and black-steel framing that mimics the island’s black-steel beam. Behind the door, there’s a 27-inch-deep pantry on the right side and a separate closet with a hanging rod, cubbies above, and a bench to sit on with space for shoes underneath.
“With the kitchen, they specifically wanted gloss acrylic, and they were specific about cabinet finishes,” Van Sluyter says. “They were receptive to my flooring suggestions, tile, countertops and the wood we wrapped the beams in.” In the photo above, the tall cabinet on the left is a refrigerator with a shiny front panel that integrates into the adjacent cabinetry. The matte finish of the walnut floors plays off the glossy acrylic cabinets to add visual interest. For the kitchen counters, Van Sluyter chose an engineered ultra compact slab surface similar to quartz and porcelain and is considered very durable. “I love that it’s a manmade material, so it doesn’t have the upkeep of marble or granite. It has beautiful natural veining and comes in a matte finish instead of gloss. So with all the light coming in, it doesn’t have the glare,” she says.
Reclaimed barn wood ceiling beams. The fireplace features an 18th-century surround from France. Two 19th-century French blue doors flank the fireplace. A 16th-century Swedish daybed sits in front of the fireplace. Two 18th-century crystal chandeliers from France hang above the sitting area. “They give the room a timelessness and breathtaking ambiance,” designer Kristal Jackson says.
A pair of custom-made channel-back velvet sofas facing each other creates a stylish symmetry in this Beverly Hills, California, living room designed by Mariana Cronenbold of Meridith Baer Home. “It opens the space and invites people to look at each other and engage,” the designer says.
To achieve “a casually elegant look that was also practical,” designer JC Riccoboni of Ricco Style Interior Design started with a light blue woven wallpaper with a natural linear texture and layered in a beachy console table. “I love adding a bench under entry console tables for folks to sit and take their shoes off,” Riccoboni says. “It’s much more comfortable and also acts as a visual cue to guests so the homeowners don’t have to ask.” More refined elements like an alabaster table lamp, a simple brass mirror, some decorative books and a huge jug of leafy branches infuse the space with life and movement.
an apron-front sink, glossy gray backsplash tile and a small breakfast bar. The flooring is vinyl planks that look like wood.
slipcovers
nice kitchen
Furniture pieces tend toward comfort and relaxation — think of lounge-like chaises, sectional sofas and hanging chairs. Slipcovers are a practical choice that also telegraphs an easygoing spirit. Wood furniture isn’t highly glossy — weathered driftwood, blond maple, ash and whitewashed finishes are favored instead.
The new mahogany cabinets came pre-finished in a custom green stain mixed with a brown glaze, adding color to the space without overwhelming it. The backsplash is covered in light blue glass subway tiles that provide a nice blend of classic and contemporary style. Winn used marble-look quartz for the countertops.
Maintaining the spirit of the home’s original architecture in the new addition was a top priority for Winn and his team. The window trim, wall molding and flooring in the new kitchen are made of white oak in a medium-tone brown stain to match the original white oak used throughout the rest of the house. “It was important to the homeowners that the new addition blended with the rest of the house,” Winn says.
The kitchen came equipped with new appliances, white laminate cabinets and white quartz countertops. The designer selected the trio of pendant lights above the island. “The pendant lights blend into the kitchen, but if you look closely they have these little bows that add a touch of femininity to the space,” Schmidt says. Meanwhile, the trio of distressed brown leather counter stools add a smidgen of ruggedness.
Cozy, casual, with slipcovers. Light gray shiplap walls (Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore) create a soothing backdrop, with a glass-tile fireplace surround, original artwork, light blue paint on the back of the built-in bookcase (Adrift by Sherwin-Williams) and dark gray interior doors (Raccoon Fur by Benjamin Moore) adding depth without overwhelming the room. “We utilized materials that had a sprinkling of color versus solids,” Kessler says.
The structured, tailored sofas form a stylish conversation corner but still feature soft, comfy cushions for kicking back and watching TV. Leather armchairs offer more seating options. The understated area rug, ring chandelier and throw pillows elevate the design without compromising comfort.
The designer looked to the home’s surroundings to inspire the room’s finishes, pulling in ocean-colored fabrics and tiles and staining the oak floors to match the color of the sand. Rope art above the fireplace and whitewashed plywood walls reinforce the casual, beachy style.
curry and grayblue colors, leather sofas
The fixtures stayed in the same place, so the plumbing didn’t need to be altered. Cement tiles, a new vanity and a blue ceiling give the space character. The toilet pipes must be just behind the toilet (and not IN the wall.
1. Weathered Surfaces Many exhibits featured tiles that combined contemporary designs with distressed, weathered finishes, a look that has been gaining in popularity. The design seen here, from Emser Tile’s Rhapsody collection, has the worn finish and modern floral and diagonal patterns that exemplify the trend. “Rustic modern tends to be a huge trend,” says Crista Tekstra, senior brand manager at Emser. “We continue to see modern but distressed looks and patterns.
After Scott bought, in Kristin’s words, “the biggest TV he could find,” she repainted the wall a charcoal color to make it blend in. “The TV looked enormous before and now it’s kind of camouflaged,” she says. Sconces provide backlighting when the family watches TV.
three circles on wall, including mirror. circles are holding plants.
accent wall matches front door
white sink with no seams
japanese gate would have to be made to order
white garden gate by milieu landscaping
roofed bamboo fence panels held b a wood frame
Morgan four-light foyer pendant in polished nickel: Capital Lighting Fixture Co.; Chantilly Lace cabinet paint and Graytint wall paint: Benjamin Moore; builder: Davanti Homes; project photographer: Jonathan Calvert
The Cersaie exhibition showed that in wall and floor finishes, too, we’ve come back to the classic small rectangle tile in a stacked vertical layout.
black floor lamps
modern farmhouse look.
windows and shutters= super idea
Size: 324-square-foot (31-square-meter) patio in a 750-square-foot (70-square-meter) backyard Materials: Poured-in-place concrete slab inset with river pebbles Designer Chris Corbett created a new outdoor space for the owner of this home in Northern California, replacing a dilapidated deck and tearing out a thirsty lawn. The redesign drastically reduces maintenance and water use and sets up an existing mature cherry tree to thrive. The main patio area is a poured concrete slab with quarter-inch joints (the thinner lines you can see on the surface of most of the concrete). The surface has a lightly washed sand finish (lightly washed and swept with a broom to expose the sand). The day after the concrete patio was poured, Corbett used a handheld grinder and a diamond blade to create the design you see in the foreground. He cut along surface joints, then removed the top 3 inches of concrete along those cuts, leaving the bottom 3 inches intact. The concrete is still one solid slab, with the pebbles covering where the concrete connects. The concrete looks like separate tiles, but it will never shift.
cabinets: Encore frameless with Tahoe door style in designer white, Crystal Cabinetry; hardware: Bergen knob and Dakota bin pull in antique pewter, Top Knobs; countertops and range backsplash: Eternal collection in Calacatta Gold, Silestone; faucet: Align, Moen; sink: Vault in 18-gauge stainless steel, Kohler; lights: Hudson Valley; wall paint: Stonington Gray, Benjamin Moorecabinets: Encore frameless with Tahoe door style in designer white, Crystal Cabinetry; hardware: Bergen knob and Dakota bin pull in antique pewter, Top Knobs; countertops and range backsplash: Eternal collection in Calacatta Gold, Silestone; faucet: Align, Moen; sink: Vault in 18-gauge stainless steel, Kohler; lights: Hudson Valley; wall paint: Stonington Gray, Benjamin Moore
nice
armhouse details. Shiplap walls. Stainless steel farmhouse sink. Modified Shaker-style cabinet doors. Hickory wood hood and custom island with sun-washed gray stain. Boston library lights in oil-rubbed bronze flanking the sink window. Other special features. Wall of windows that extends to the countertop for bird-watching. Custom-stained barn door leading to a family room.
ther special features. White cabinetry (painted in Creamy by Sherwin-Williams). Large windows. Designer secret. “Using texture, such as the wood details, the stone perimeter tops and the glossy brick backsplash, is a great opportunity to add charm and interest,” Scott says. “These subtle — not loud or ornate — details offer simplicity to the space. The kitchen is warm and timeless, adapting to changing styles and trends. These elements also add a calmness.”
Farmhouse details. Timber framing. Reclaimed-pine flooring and island top. Wood ceiling. Natural stone countertops. Apron-front sink. “Also, there are few upper cabinets, adding to that airy farmhouse kitchen feel,” Scott says.
TV could possible be extended out and turned slightly so it can be seen from sink?
Note that pushing a TV into the back of a deep bookshelf will similarly minimize it from many angles, making this technique doubly effective.
Positioning the TV asymmetrically within a media wall helps de-emphasize it further, making the wall feel like a composition that includes various items (s
Televisions are decor black holes: When off, the large black surfaces suck up light and draw way too much attention to such an undecorative piece. One of the simplest ways to hide them is to fight fire with fire. Place a TV in front of (or even set into) a very dark wall. This will literally camouflage your screen to the point where you barely notice it at all.
Modern media centers, rather than full-height cabinets to enclose the TV, often simply surround the TV with a wall of floating shelves to help visually distract from the screen while adding useful storage (which often would be filled with DVDs in the past, but are more often just decorative in the age of streaming).
Effect of colors; happy combination of furniture styles.
We’ve discussed the merits of gray as a barely there accent in an informal white scheme, and this putty pink, while a little more prominent, is just as gentle. Notice how those tiles are a different shade from the walls and how the ceiling is different again. As before, sample paint pots will be your friend for getting the pairings just right.
Go with two-tone steps. We already noted that mixing bare wood with white is a good way to relax an all-white scheme. And a staircase can be a good place to put the idea into practice, as the steps are likely already to be wood and you can then simply paint the risers. (You may need to sand and treat the treads —ensure that you make them slip- and splinter-free but not too pristine-looking if relaxed is your aesthetic aim.)
felt lampshade
Use railroad ties vertically. For something more sculptural, try a creative edging idea like this. Oak railroad ties inserted upright into the ground form a jagged line separating the flower bed from the lawn.
The young woman wanted the upper kitchen cabinets to transition smoothly to the living room. Melin suggested using the Ikea cabinets for a TV stand and storage space. The neat finishes are made of birch plywood. The new lighting is particularly noticeable in the living room. “Lighting always has a great impact on the atmosphere and general comfort, and I like to pay particular attention to it,” Melin says. “As we had soundproofed the ceiling, I didn’t want to make new holes for spotlights. We placed a single pendant light above the bar and instead installed wall lights and LED strips.”
pathway
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