In this recent kitchen remodel, we were intimately involved in all aspects of the design, including the architecture, new layout, cabinetry, and materials selection. These clients had hired me to assist with interior architectural design and furnishings, when they decided to build years ago. They returned 25 years later for help with this major kitchen remodel. Before, the kitchen had been all white, understated and a bit stark.. This time, they wanted both spectacular looks and increased space and function. They requested an opening to the family room, a large island, and an updated, dramatic appeal. In response to their requests, we created an extraordinarily spacious island (whose unusual shape can best be appreciated in subsequent photos), some unique display shelving and a more functional layout; all within the context of a striking and warm combination of black granite, medium stained wood, and creme marble floors..
This view of the Westlake North Ranch kitchen we recently installed, lets you see the wall behind the island, where the cooktop is located. We chose tiny mosaic glass tiles from Oceanside, purposely irregular in celebration of their hand made quality, for the backsplash. Under cabinet lighting effectively illuminates both the tile and the surfaces beneath. We also built in a spot for the television that is convenient for viewing in both the breakfast nook and the dish-washing area.
This photo of the kitchen highlights how we gave this kitchen a special twist through the repeated use of one specific curve. When we opened the kitchen to the family room we did so with a trio of gently curved stairs. Then I used the same curve on the island, and echoed it again in the soffit. So when viewed from the family room, this repeated series of curves becomes a graceful theme that unifies both spaces and becomes the architectural focus of the kitchen. The curved island also makes a cozy locale for people to perch on the barstools and visit with the cook!!
Our last view of this Westlake kitchen remodel, focuses on the airy breakfast room. Surrounded by a wonderful garden, and lit by our abundant California sunshine, this is a charming spot to enjoy a meal. When selecting furnishings, I stayed within the neutral palette, but went into deeper coppery tones found in the backsplash tiles.. Our custom table base is made of steel, etched to a beautiful patina and topped with a 3/4 piece of glass. The chairs are designed to offer many hours of seating comfort and to complement the table. A perfect place for our clients to enjoy their lovely garden and their fabulous new kitchen!
A few added details I thought you might enjoy are shown here. Our savvy cabinet maker made sure to include such goodies as pull out shelves for lower dish storage (note the plate holders to keep plates from slipping), hidden coffee service area, and an integrated wine cellar. Such extras offer added delight for the homeowner, often at a cost that is less than comparable cabinets from modular kitchen providers.
This Westlake client wanted her Master Bath re-do to give her the luxury spa tub she'd always dreamed of, as well as a substantially enlarged shower. With no additional space available, we were challenged to find a way to make this happen. The "light-bulb moment" came when we realized we could reposition the tub, borrow a little space from the extremely deep step, and voila--it could all fit! (See drawings below.) Of course we also gave her a brown marble tub surround and countertop, non-slip tumbled light marble on steps and shower floor, and lots of other goodies to make her feel pampered!
This complete remodel includes unique custom cabinets, and all new surface materials. Cream to brown marbles in slab, tiles, and tumbled mosaics, blend with pewter mirrors and hardware for a timeless expression of functional elegance.
This kitchen got a complete remodel, with new maple cabinets, granite counters and new stone floors. All are accented with stainless steel appliances and sinks. Decorative ceramic pieces and colorful drapery complete the look in this tasty kitchen makeover.
This wine area serves as a divider between the kitchen and dining room, serving both spaces. The glass cabinet stores more stemware in addition to the glasses on display.
Our client wanted to transform her formal French powder bath into a serene Zen inspired spot. The look she sought was unobtrusive, simple and elegant. We chose a hand made textured wall covering, and sheer linen drapery as backgrounds. Making them blend seamlessly with one another makes the walls recede so that the dramatic cabinet, mirror, and lighting can speak. We designed the cabinet to be a piece of heirloom quality, fashioned in natural walnut inset with walnut burl panels. Thick absolute black granite counters are echoed in the black granite square panels inlaid into the center of the cabinet. Perfect simplicity done with the highest quality materials, gave her a most stunning effect!
One of the most effective yet least expensive tools in the decorator's arsenal is vivid color. We chose a pretty green accent we'd used in the adjacent family room to play a starring role in kitchen. We painted walls and ceiling in a light version of this color, and used a deep tone for the re-upholstered chairs. Then full length drape panels in a subtle green and blue stripe dress the windows, and provide a soft graceful backdrop. These changes enable us to take this Calabasas kitchen, stuck in the 1990's, to a proud 2010 look!
Even a very small kitchen can become an elegant space that's fun to cook in. This kitchen was remodeled with just that goal in mind. Richly stained cabinets are topped with angled wood cornices, while countertops and backsplashes are done in beautiful warm granite. Note that we did not use a contrast material on backsplashes, preferring fewer materials in this compact space. We then specified stainless appliances, and accented the cabinetry with unusual custom knobs.
This kitchen eating area is part of an open style great room in Redondo Beach. In keeping with the home's clean, modern styling, we selected a classic Parson's style table, made in amber toned steel and glass. The complementing chairs show the soft side of modern, with their well padded, curved shape. All materials are kid proof, with washable glass, and leather upholstery, so the active family could fully enjoy their sun filled breakfast room.
A curved glass block wall shapes this master bath, made even more dramatic by the black floor and custom black bench.
Here you see a commercial bathroom we did recently. Pictured is the women's executive bath, which we designed to be corporate yet luxurious. These lucky ladies get a sleek design, a large painting, a generous dressing mirror, and a special make-up area completed with leather seat which you can glimpse in the mirror. The multiple mirrors are one of the highlights of this bathroom, designed so each person has her own. Black tumbled stone and stainless steel tiles make the mosaic framework for each mirror. Our great contractor, Tim Patterson, did an outstanding job of putting these together, and this enabled us to do mirrors of various sizes in the men's and women's baths.
This detail shows a remodel project we did in a small Thousand Oaks powder bath. Our client wanted to give an Italian ambience to this formerly plain white space. To keep it looking as spacious as possible, we kept all the backgrounds neutral. Texture and color shading varied from creamy beige to rich ambers and golds. A subtle damask wallcovering, used on walls and ceiling, adds yet another dimension to the tone-on-tone palette. Design standouts are the custom sconce and old world mirror, both in tones of gold and bronze.
