Archive for the ‘General’ Category

10 Timeless Accessories You Should Add To Your Home

The holidays are over and the decorations are all put away (or will be soon!) and your house feels a little blah, right? Understandable. January is always a month we want to give our interiors a little refresh. So, let’s talk about my favorite way to do this with accessories. I’m willing to bet you already have quite a few of these.

1) Conversational Pieces

The best accessories are the ones that define your own personal style and tell the story of you and your family. Using decorative pieces that have been passed down through a family for generations can add a unique and personal touch to a space. These items often have a rich history and sentimental value, which can make them great conversation starters when people see them displayed in a home.

Pro tip: Don’t worry if you don’t have any family heirlooms. Explore estate sales and flea markets for unique conversational pieces that have interesting histories or uses. As a rule of thumb, if you come across an item that you are drawn to, consider it a keeper.

2) Vase or Bowl

Vases can be filled with fresh flowers to add a pop of color and bring life to a space, or they can be left empty as a statement piece. Bowls can be used to hold fruit, serve as a catchall for keys and other small items, or simply be displayed as a decorative element. Mix and match different sizes, shapes, and materials for a cohesive yet eclectic look. Grouping vases and bowls together can also make for a visually interesting display. When decorating with vases and bowls, consider the style of the room and choose pieces that complement the overall aesthetic.

3) Small Art

Perhaps you have an artist in your family (lucky you!) but if not a great place to find art and make it memorable is to pick up pieces along your travels. It doesn’t even have to be a large piece. Get in the habit of picking up little 8x10s when you travel. They can be unframed prints or canvases and they make great little pieces to prop up in bookshelves to add texture and color.

4) Table Top Pieces

Every family has that one dish that is always used when a certain recipe is served. Maybe it’s the family turkey platter. Why not make it a display piece? Sometimes that platter can sit up in your kitchen and become an accessory rather than be stored in a cabinet only to be used once a year. Rethinking these pieces as accessories gives them a whole new purpose.

5) Cookie Jar

Special treats are naturally going to elicit special memories. My aunt has a large commercial sized mayonnaise jar that she always stores her homemade cookies and treats in. It’s nothing special, yet it’s still proudly displayed in her beautiful kitchen. These are things that are more sentimental. You can buy accessories anywhere, but using things that mean something to you makes your house a home.

6) Books

With more and more people switching to Kindles and reading on their iPads, book purchases have been on the decline. As a result, we’ve been seeing fewer books in people’s homes. But I’ve noticed a trend of people starting to buy books again, and I’m really happy about it. I think having actual books, even cookbooks, can add such a personal touch to a home. We often put a couple of really pretty cookbooks on the kitchen shelf when we’re styling a space. It fills it up nicely, adds some color, and gives a sense of the homeowners’ interests or travels.

7) Handmade Items

Handmade items often have a special meaning or story behind them and make a meaningful addition to your home. I have many beloved items in my home – one of them being a pig-shaped cutting board that my husband made as Christmas gifts for us and our siblings when we were newly married. Most of our siblings still display them in their kitchens. Recently, I visited a client’s home and saw that she had a similar pig-shaped cutting board. She told me that it was her most treasured item in her kitchen because it was so unique and well-loved. By seeking out local artisans, you can find one-of-a-kind pieces and support the local community. There are many ways to find great handmade home accessories. By seeking out local artisans, you can find one-of-a-kind pieces and support the local community. Local markets and art crawls are a great place to start, as you can often meet the makers in person and learn about their process and techniques. Online marketplaces and social media platforms, like Etsy and Instagram, are also excellent sources for finding handmade items.

8) Picture Frames

Picture frames are a great and personal accessory! I don’t know about you but I sometimes get tired of seeing the same frame and image sitting there. So, I have a box filled with framed pictures and I rotate them with each season or sometimes each holiday. It’s fun because my family enjoys them more that way, too. Even my two-year old granddaughter recognized her uncle from his senior picture–how fun is that? Printing pictures anymore is a novelty, so don’t forget to print your pictures and display those memories.

9) Blanket/Throw

A few months ago we were styling a client’s whiskey room and it was just missing something. Everything was dark, with clean, modern lines and so we added a soft throw over a leather chair and that was it! The texture and softness was exactly what the room needed to pop. We all use blankets so why not make them part of your decor?

10) Family Clock

This may be showing the old-fashioned Julia, but for years (during our grandparents’ generation) clocks were frequently given as gifts–perhaps for a wedding, anniversary or retirement. Sometimes they were mantle clocks or brass clocks under a glass cachet or even pocket watches. When I can find a clock in a client’s home I always use it. It’s just a great reminder of how precious time truly is.

Double Duty: Reimagining the Home Office

Being an interior designer means you have to have excellent detective skills. Why? As designers, our job is to understand human behavior and figure out how people want to live; Then we create designs for that lifestyle. And, let me tell you, previous living patterns are constantly being rerouted to center around new environments within the home. Case in point: the home office.

For a long time, the communications center was the big trend. You walk in the door, drop your things down, and there’s a built-in desk with the computer and family calendar right in the kitchen. We aren’t seeing that as much now. People want a dedicated office space where you can actually WORK–imagine that! So, let’s take a look at what this space needs to function at its best…

A Multi-Purpose Space

The past decade or more has been defined by open concept living. But, now people are finding they need little spaces within the home to…well, get away from everyone! Whether it’s a place to pay bills, take a phone call, or work on homework, people need quiet workspaces. Sorry, Dad, the home office is now the family office. People simply don’t want to give up that much square footage in their house for a separate room for each of these tasks so you really need a space where all of these activities can happen. Essentially, a landing spot for working. One of my favorite ways to offer the most flexibility within the room is to opt for a table as a workstation rather than a traditional desk. Even better if you can either float the table in the room or have it coming out from one wall so you can get chairs on more than one side. This opens up multiple workstations so, for example, you can be working on your laptop while your child is doing homework across from you. This typically allows for a larger work surface–perfect for school crafts or assembling holiday cards!

Well Equipped

In order for a home office to function well in today’s day and age you need to make sure you have the right equipment. At the top of that equipment list is…you guessed it, the Internet! Connectivity is key. If your router isn’t located in this room and you are not able to get a strong signal, then you simply add a booster. I love Google Boosters and am often surprised how many people don’t know about them–you don’t need an AV guy, just add a booster and you’re set! When the weather is nice the last thing I want to do is be stuck inside my home office. I’ll often take my laptop to the patio, so I added a booster out there–and voila! Working from home is almost like being on vacation….well, almost.
Another must-have item is the wireless printer. If you don’t have one of these already, the next printer you buy should be wireless. It can be easily hidden away in a cabinet or closet and accessed only when you need it. This saves you from unsightly cords and yet another thing on your desk to dust and keep clean.

Work, But Make It Pretty

Office spaces tend to be smaller spaces so, like a powder room, we see it as a chance to do something a little bit more impactful and daring. Perhaps you want to use a color in this room or wallpaper. You don’t have to commit to painting or wallpapering the entire room, believe it or not accent walls are making a comeback—hello, ‘90s!

If you are painting woodwork, be careful to select a color you are NOT using in the kitchen otherwise you will feel like you’re still in the kitchen! Either paint cabinetry and trim the wall color or a new accent color to give this room its own signature.

Mix It Up

It’s perfectly OK to wear a shirt from Target and carry a Gucci bag. We are all about that at Kirkendall Design! So, why not do the same in your home? Mixing and matching styles and eras helps create fresh interiors that celebrate the past, present and future of design. Maybe you love your grandmother’s vintage dining table–use that as your desk! Top it with a lamp from Target and spend money on your rug and fabric to upholster a pair of chairs for either side of the work table. Try to reimagine spaces so they can incorporate things that have meaning to you and that will make the space uniquely yours.

Always look for unexpected material combinations that are intentionally collected. In other words, don’t just go buy the office suite of furniture from Mathis Brothers! When we design for longevity and create spaces that are ambiguous in era they stand the test of time so they may be passed down for generations to come.

Find Your Inspiration

People are pushing back against hustle culture, and rightfully so. As a result, rest and wellness is at the center of each design decision I make. Creating common spaces and peaceful vignettes within the home of our clients helps us tell the story of where people have been and where they are going.

All this gives us a sense of purpose and serves as a huge source of encouragement–especially important in a room where we may be doing something rather uninspiring to begin with (ahem, paying bills). I always try to incorporate a reminder of the past, present and future–this could be an object, a photograph, or even a piece of furniture. It causes us to remember where we are from and who got us here, not to mention who you are working for and where you are going. What could be more motivating than that?

Kitchen Confidential: What Your Kitchen Says About You

I want to talk about kitchens this month, but rather than reiterate the trends I know we’ve already covered, I thought we’d have a little fun with the topic. While this is meant in jest, there actually is a method to my madness!

When designing a kitchen we always ask our clients how they plan to use their kitchen…what stage of life are you in and how do you want this room to function? If you’re not going to be cooking then maybe you don’t need to allow room in your budget for the big Wolf range. All this information helps us identify what that room truly requires to function at its best–after all, whether you cook or not, this will be the most used room in your house!

I also can’t help but remind you that the holidays are quickly approaching. So, as my present to you, I’ve included some gift ideas that may just help you check a few people off your list. I’m certain as you are reading this you will not only recognize yourself, but also think of some friends or family that fit these characterizations!

Without further ado, let’s see what your kitchen says about you!

Gourmet Kitchen

If your prep kitchen has a prep kitchen, I’m talking to you. You are a true foodie. Your favorite show is America’s Test Kitchen and you are always trying a new recipe. You need top of the line appliances (because, let’s face it, you actually know how to use them) and plenty of storage for all the latest kitchen gadgets and service pieces.

Get them: A gift card for a home organization service. The gourmand already has all the latest kitchen gadgets, but all those kitchen gadgets need a home! We recommend Stay Golden Organizing and The Hull Space to help get any kitchen in tip-top shape.

DoorDash Kitchen

Whether it’s a life full of travel, work or play, you live life on the go. Obviously, you need to order food on the go. Your kitchen doesn’t need all the bells and whistles. But you do need easy access to utensils, plates, and your favorite condiments. And, the only stocked fridge in your house is your beverage fridge.

Get them: Isn’t it obvious? A meal delivery gift card. Kidding (sort of) … leftovers are likely the only food in this kitchen, so give them something nice to put it in. We love this matching glass set.

Bougie Kitchen

You are very particular about your beverages. There is definitely a Vitamix lurking in this kitchen. If you don’t have a wine cellar in your house, then your kitchen has multiple wine refrigerators. You drink protein shakes during the day and graze on charcuterie boards for dinner. You love to entertain, but rarely set a table, and while you have a built-in coffee maker, you still love to go to Starbucks.

Get them: Buy them a beautiful cheese board (we love this one and this one) and have Charcuteray top it with a bougie spread for the holidays.

Meal Prep Kitchens

You cook, but only one day a week. You have a Costco or Sam’s Club membership to buy all those recipe staples in bulk. You need a workhorse of a kitchen with a full size refrigerator and freezer. While you love the efficiency of your meal prep recipes, you secretly live for eating out on the weekends.

Get them: When you spend that much time cooking, you don’t have much energy left for doing the dishes. Good thing the GreenPan skillet cleans up in a breeze and is totally non-toxic. I use mine every single day.

Family Kitchen

Your kitchen has zones. And it’s a good thing because you are not the only cook in the kitchen. Mealtime is your time to make memories and your kitchen has a place for everyone to be part of the action. Your double islands are always lined with helping hands and hungry mouths.

Get them: Everyone loves “make-your-own pizza night.” This pizza oven churns out one delicious pie after another. Talk about making meals memories!

Outdoor Kitchen

You know your way around a grill or live with someone who does. And you know that if the mess is created outside, it stays outside. Smart! You are always up for a party, preferably poolside. Your main dish is meat and the sides are simple.

Get them: These melamine plates look like the real deal, but they are completely shatter resistant. If you’re going to cook outside, you may as well eat there, too!

Assembly Kitchen

You cook, but only if the recipe requires five ingredients or less. You have kids, and probably more than two. At times you feel like a short order cook, but everyone in your house is fed and happy in between their 2,395 activities. You need an induction cooktop to boil water for dinner in minutes and a crock pot for days when you aren’t even home until dinner time.

Get them: A massage. No seriously, they probably need one. We love Yume Spa on Cherry Street and Ihloff Salon and Spa.

Grandkid Kitchen

At one time you were in the bougie kitchen. But now your pantry is full of goldfish, pretzels and fruit gummies. You have a bottom drawer dedicated to measuring spoons and tupperware that your grandchildren can play with and not get hurt. You still cook, but more often than not it’s cookies with your grandkids. And flour is everywhere.

Get them: Let’s face it, kids spill and go through a million cups a day. Grandparents need dish towels, and lots of them. We love these Geometry dish towels–they work well and come in a zillion cute designs.

5 Incredible Women Designers You Need to Know

In honor of American Business Women’s Day this month, I thought it would be fun to highlight a few of the incredible women I have had the pleasure of meeting through the interior design industry. Of course there are many talented women in design, but these five women have served as an inspiration to me and I am grateful to have them in my life. Please take a minute to check them out on Instagram and consider following them if you feel inclined.

Traci Connell

Traci is one of the most talented and respected designers in the industry. She is known for her luxurious and elegant designs, as well as her philanthropic work within the Dallas design community. Our team took a trip to Dallas last year, where they got to meet Traci and see her work firsthand at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House.

Instagram: @traciconnellinteriors

Bria Hammel

Bria is someone I’ve known for almost seven years and I am continually in awe of her creativity and bravery. She has an ambitious vision and is also very down-to-earth and easy to be around. She has been featured in Traditional Home, HGTV Magazine, Forbes, Oprah Daily, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living…just to name a few! Additionally she owns a delightful store, Brooke & Lou, which you can explore online here.

Instagram: @briahammelinteriors

Christi Spangle

Christi is a force to be reckoned with. She and I share the same enneagram type– We’re both eights! She has more tenacity than anybody I know and I truly admire her for that. Additionally, she doesn’t take herself too seriously and will play with her food at fancy restaurants! Everyone needs that friend who provides much needed comic relief at times!

Instagram: @barbourspangle

Staci Steidley

Staci is an immensely gifted interior designer who has also proven to be a masterful business owner. It is interesting to note that she never initially thought she would enjoy the business side of things, but she now leads a team of designers much greater than she ever dreamed possible. In addition, she has won multiple design awards. For all of my Oklahoma friends who bleed orange, Staci got her interior design degree from Oklahoma State University.

Instagram: @studiosteidley

Ginger Curtis

Last but certainly not least, Ginger is a remarkable friend who knows no bounds when it comes to love and kindness. This talented lady purchased an old firehouse, which she renovated into a design/event center now known as the Urban Firehouse. As you can imagine, she’s an incredible visionary, blazing (pun intended!) a path for interior design.

Instagram: @urbanologydesigns

Great Expectations

How to Make Your Great Room Even Greater

We use the term “great room” pretty loosely these days. To put it simply, it is the room that encompasses the biggest living space in the house. It’s also often connected to another room, such as a kitchen or eating area, making it even larger.

The funny thing is–I think the term “great” has less to do with its actual size and more to do with the fact that this room is so greatly used and greatly needed for all your family’s functions. Whether or not your room is large in size, the need for this room in the house is always great.

My first rule when it comes to great rooms is that it must function for everyone that will be using the space and it must do so ninety percent of the time. Whether you want a space to read, watch movies, play games or simply converse, that room should be able to function for all those needs and then some.

We often ask, “who lives in this house?” because the room has to function for everyone in the home–even the four legged inhabitants! Are they allowed on the furniture? If not, is there a space dedicated to them within the room? Conversely, if they are allowed on the furniture, will it withstand the wear and tear our little furry friends inevitably will create?

Are there sports lovers in your home? Believe it or not, what you’re watching helps dictate how your room should function, too. Football season in my home means the lights are on, windows are open, we are in-and-out grilling–there is more action, more eating, more pacing–it’s usually a very lively moment in our house! Allowing for this traffic flow when placing furniture in the room is a key factor to making it great.

On the flip side, movie watching calls for darker, cozier spaces. If you don’t have a separate more intimate room for TV watching in your home, then you need to find a way to create that ambiance whether it’s with drapery, dimmable lighting or simply cozy furniture selection and placement.

We recently had to move where our TV was because we couldn’t get enough viewing areas. A general rule is that the TV should be placed in the largest viewable area in your room. Frequently this is above the fireplace, because rooms often are already centered around this focal point. But, if this is not the case in your home or you don’t have a fireplace in the room, you may have to place it on a side wall so you can accommodate enough seating around it.

The list of possible needs in a great room goes on and on. From toy storage needs, both for new parents and grandparents alike, to a space to study or work puzzles, the key to making this room truly great is identifying the needs for the space and planning solutions into your design.

Now that you’ve identified the needs of the room, you can start planning the layout of the room. Think about the room’s flow and (no surprise here!) how the room needs to function.

Start with seating selection and placement to ensure there is not only enough seating but also the right kind of seating. Think about the needs of those using the room and the room’s walkways or traffic patterns when determining where the seating should go within the room.

Perhaps you have family members who struggle to get out of deep seats or those with a medical need to keep their feet up. One of my favorite items of furniture to include in a great room is an ottoman. It serves so many purposes from a foot stool to extra, easily moveable seating–it’s the greatest seat in the great room!

Next, think about tables in your room and their purpose–from coffee tables to game tables to end tables–where will these pieces be most useful to those in the room? Consider where people will want a place to set a drink down, or play a game or simply have a space to set their phone down.

Finally it’s time to ground the room with a rug and address lighting. Look at the four corners of the room and make sure the light is distributed evenly in both daytime and evening. Maybe you need to add a table lamp or reading lamp depending on how you desire to use the various spaces within the room.

Last but not least, I always try to think about the five senses when I am designing a room:

SIGHT: Is the furniture placed well? Is the room too cluttered? Is there enough visual interest?

SMELL: Bring in some natural oils or a candle or something that can give a fresh smell to the room so it doesn’t get stale.

HEARING: Make sure you have a good sound system for those game days and movie nights.

TOUCH: Layer various textures in your room and add an element of coziness by incorporating pillows and throws–perfect for snuggling up to a good book or show.

TASTE: If this is a room for gathering, chances are you will be eating in here too. Don’t forget about performance fabrics to guard against inevitable spills, whether it be the cheese from the game day nachos or red wine from the holidays.

When you have all those boxes checked, rest assured the room is going to be pulled together. But remember, the fact that you’ve thought about every possible need for every person (and pet!) that will use the room–that is what will truly make the room a great room.

Old Furniture, New House: How to Make it Work

I can’t tell you how many of my clients have moved in the last year—I’ve lost count! And with a new house, of course they want and often need new furniture.

Sadly, with all the shipping and supplier issues we are seeing, wait times are now up to six months or more! Additionally, manufacturers have whittled their lines down to fewer options in order to meet production demand. The right furniture for your space may not be in that limited line.

To put it simply, “new” is just not as reliable as it once was. When people are moving or looking for a change, they need to be able to refresh their old furniture to make it look new again. And I’m going to show you how…

Rework, reupholster and reuse

When it comes to upholstered goods, I always say, ‘a frame is a frame is a frame.’ If you have a sturdy, hardwood frame sofa, it can be rebuilt to look like any sofa. Sure, it’s going to be that size, but it can have rolled arms or straight, a tufted back or cushions, modern lines or curves–you name it!

We used to say it was more economical to buy new. Anymore, you’re probably going to spend the same amount either way, but when you rework and reupholster you don’t have to wait nine months.

While I admit this trend in my business was born out of necessity and demand, there are some benefits I absolutely love. First, we are able to use our talented artisans for this work and keep those dollars local.

Second, it’s nice to be a little more sustainable in this field. In the past it was always, “out with the old and in with the new,” whether it was driven by trends or something like a move. Now, we are using more of what we have and repurposing those items, instead of just adding to a landfill.

Case in point

Casegoods are no exception to this trend. Our design team is always looking at how we can take something old and make it fresh and new again. We may consider changing a finish, updating hardware or taking out glass in doors and adding mesh panels. Just updating the look of a piece and using it in a new way is something we are doing now more than ever with our clientele.

If you don’t already have that perfectly well made piece–it does not mean you can’t have it. If something has good bones you can usually find it in a resale shop or somewhere online like Facebook Marketplace.

We recently moved a client into a new home and barely purchased anything. This particular couple, now in their 70s, remembered some swivel barrel chairs that they had when they were newlyweds. Of course it’s a style that is now popular again and we all love, but they really liked that particular chair. So, she got online and found someone who had two, shipped them here and we reupholstered the pair. They’re exactly like what she had years ago, but in a new fabric that she loves–talk about coming full circle!

But, can it perform?

While we are on the topic of reupholstering, I want to mention performance fabrics. As designers, we have been inundated with information about these fabrics for years, so I’m always surprised when clients don’t know about these options. I had a client in absolute shock that she could spill red wine on her sofa and not stain it!

Most important to note is how far performance fabrics have come in the last five to seven years. They don’t feel like steel wool anymore–they’re actually comfortable! They also have more patterns, more color selections, and even more available types of fabrics–virtually anything from leather to velvet.

Whether it’s protection from spills, crayons, sun or weather, there is a fabric that is able to withstand that threat. So, when you’re considering repurposing and reupholstering that old sofa or chair, don’t forget to look at performance fabrics.

Tell your story

We are always nudging clients to recognize that every home has its story. It should say something about you, what stage of life you’re in, where you came from. We gather all this information when we first meet with clients so we understand who they are, what their story is and how we can make their interiors reflect that.

Adding a piece of furniture that has history in your family, whether it’s your history or even beyond you, brings a certain solace to a room…it speaks more about who you are. Think of it as something that grounds the room and gives it some meaning.

If you love your old dining set, but think it looks too formal or dated, consider using a more modern chair with the old table. There are plenty of easy additions such as art, lighting or even a new rug that can seamlessly blend old pieces with new yet still hang on to those items that tell your story.

We think each design should be as personal as your own signature. Incorporating old pieces in new designs is such an easy way to bring character to your home. So, don’t be afraid to hang on to pieces that mean something to you! After all, it’s part of your story.

Room For Improvement: Our Favorite Home Improvement

We often overlook a crucial aspect that deserves more attention: Curb Appeal. Your home’s exterior is its first impression, and it’s easy to underestimate its impact. When considering exterior changes, a new roof presents an opportune moment. As a leading interior design firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we understand the importance of harmonizing the exterior with your overall aesthetic vision.

We like to take a picture of your exterior and do some renderings to show you different options; Light fixtures, different colors, trim changes and perhaps even architectural changes all can make a dramatic improvement.

We recently had a client buy a home because it checked all the boxes—except for the outside. For this particular project we took out two porthole windows on the front of the home. We had plenty of windows for light and the design was distracting to the rest of the home, so out they went. Removing those prompted the painting of the brick because we had to patch those in (and the brick color was less than desirable) which totally changed the look of the home.

We also took off the rounded copper front porch because it didn’t shelter anything. We built a new porch that came out and gave shelter, and changed the front doors. Removing mullions and reworking a window also modernized the home.

These were big changes—huge, in fact! If you have the money to spend, architectural changes such as these can make a meaningful change to not only your home’s curb appeal but also its value.

Save

Start with your front porch and work your way out. First, clean it. There’s nothing worse than walking up to a home with a dirty front porch. Sweep it off, clean your windows and put out a welcome mat and some planters with flowers. Maybe consider updating your address numbers. These are all simple changes that can have a big result.

In one of our projects the owner didn’t want to replace the concrete on the front porch, so we added a four-foot by six-foot outdoor area rug and layered a welcome mat on top of that. It gave a fresh, inviting look and you can’t even see the damaged concrete now.

Landscaping is another relatively simple change. One thing I run into with people who have lived in a house a long time (myself included) is that things you may have planted 20 years ago may not look the best now. I can barely trim my boxwoods they are so overgrown they hardly have any green on them.

If it’s so large it’s hiding or damaging your home—it’s time to go. Pull out the old and put in something fresh and simple. Landscaping provides the biggest bang for your buck.

That’s a wrap on our July home improvement series! If you happened to miss any, you can catch up on the other two posts here:

Our Most Requested Home Improvement
Our Most Impactful Home Improvement

And if you are motivated to start giving your own home some attention, let’s have a conversation. You can trust Kirkendall Design in Tulsa, Oklahoma to reimagine your home’s curb appeal and create a lasting impact for your home.

Submit a design request HERE or call the office at (918) 250-1650.

Room For Improvement: The Most Impactful Home Improvement

In the previous blog, we covered our most requested home improvement and interior design service among homeowners in Tulsa. Today, we’re going to focus on what home home improvement project will have the largest impact and return on investment (ROI). It’s a question we get a lot, and while the answer can vary depending on the specific house, we believe there is one clear winner.

Most Impactful Home Improvement

Once gain, it’s the kitchen. The reason is simple: everyone is impacted by the kitchen.

The primary bathroom is another popular area to improve for a return on investment, but really only two people benefit from that space. The kitchen is where all the action happens.

Whether it’s to improve the quality of food or the quality of entertainment, money spent in the kitchen is money well spent.

Splurge

How you cook depends on what area you’ll want to spend the most money on in your kitchen, however, it’s always a good idea to spend money on your countertops. They will last a lifetime and make a big impact.

If you’re an avid home chef, you will want to upgrade your appliances. Lucky for us, the way they are producing appliances now is really impressive! We were genuinely excited about how this kitchen renovation turned out, especially when it came to the refrigerator. Our interior design team nailed it with the sleek black interior and cool illuminated display. It not only made the space more functional but also added a touch of class and modern vibes. Our dedication to infusing practicality with style is what sets our kitchen interior design projects apart.

If you like a well-stocked and organized refrigerator, then you likely will want to invest in high-end refrigeration. Fridge and freezer drawers are a great option for extra storage, too, and they can be fully customized to suit your needs. Entertain a lot? Consider adding a second dishwasher. Love to bake? Then you may want to invest in a Wolf range.

A myth to bust is that all appliances have to come from the same manufacturer. No! Choose what meets your needs. Most have their niche anyway, so choose to spend your money where you want the most performance.

Of course I can’t write this blog without mentioning that most of these appliances are six to nine months out, so keep that in mind. The time to start planning (and ordering!) is now.

Save

On the flip side, if you need to save on appliances, I would look at a package. Sometimes a manufacturer will offer you a rebate or free appliance if you buy a whole suite from their brand.

People also don’t realize how much of an impact changing your backsplash can make. Maybe you can’t afford to replace the countertops, but often times a simple change of the backsplash can give your room an entirely different design.

While painting cabinets is not easy, nor is it cheap, it is definitely less expensive than replacing cabinetry. You can also consider keeping the cabinetry frames and replacing the style of door and drawer fronts to give your room a new look. And, of course, painting the walls can dramatically change any room.

The kitchen is a room where order and organization are key – both for visual appeal and functionality. A quick order from The Container Store can help bring your kitchen up to par in both respects. With so many cool bins and tools available, you’re sure to find what you need to get your space in tip-top shape.

Make sure you don’t miss the third and final installment of this series where I’ll be sharing my favorite home improvement project (spoiler alert: it’s not the kitchen!).

Room for Improvement: Our Most Requested Home Improvement

From the most requested to the most impactful—and where to splurge versus save—we are giving you the inside scoop this month on all things home improvement. This will be a three-part series starting with our most requested home improvement.

If our workload over the past two years is any indication (hint: it is!), then it’s clear people are spending more time and money on their homes than ever before. This is driven by the fact that people are spending more time at home, and understandably they want that space to be an oasis—a vacation every day, if you will! We always strive to make your home your sanctuary, so I thought it would be fun to take look at the topic from our perspective—hopefully it will spark some ideas to improve your home!

Most Requested Home Improvement: Kitchen Remodel

No surprise here: the kitchen is always our most requested room when it comes to home improvement. More specifically, people want a kitchen with an island. The kitchen is the heart of the home and people naturally want to make it function better. It’s the room where people congregate so clients always ask me to include an island in the design. The reason is quite simple: they want a boundary. The work zone is a traditional triangle, but with so many people gathering in the room, you need to have a place outside your zone for people to eat, socialize or simply spectate. You can cook, and people can come up and talk to you without getting in your way—win, win! If I can’t work an island into the design due to space constraints, then I try to squeeze in a peninsula. An island is ideal, but both options give you that separation from your work space that immensely improves the room’s function.

Splurge

A large island means more cabinetry, more countertop and…you guessed it, more expense. Even so, I typically like most islands to be at least eight feet long. That gives you the balance of a nice size sink, dishwasher, trash on one side and maybe another stack for dishtowels and such. And, ideally, a depth of four feet allows plenty of space for you to wash dishes or cook without getting your guests wet or in harm’s way. It also means you can have a 12-inch countertop overhang for seating and still squeeze in a 12-inch deep cabinet on the back to house dishes or items you may not use on a daily basis. After all, kitchen cabinetry is prime real estate—you don’t want to waste it on Christmas dishes you may use once a year!

Of course there are plenty of ways to up the ante when it comes to kitchen islands. In one of our favorite projects, the kitchen was visible from the living space, so we gathered all the barstools on one end facing each other to create a conversation and gathering space. We were then able to front the island with an inset shelf that we lit, creating an architectural point of interest so people in the living room weren’t just staring at the back of barstools. A waterfall edge is another popular, albeit pricey, way to make a dramatic statement with your island. This is a great option for kitchens that open to more formal living spaces.

Save

Using a different material on your kitchen island countertop is one way to save some money. You might consider putting a more expensive material on your island and using something more cost-effective on the perimeter counters, which typically have more square-footage.

Changing the lighting above an island, or painting the cabinetry of the island are also great, inexpensive ways to give your island a face-lift. These can really give your kitchen an entirely new look for not much money. If you don’t have an island and are looking to add one, consider using a piece of furniture to save money. I’ve found that consoles make great islands, especially if you don’t have a lot of room and need something narrow. It will give you that work zone boundary, and some extra counter space—you’ll be shocked at the difference it will make!

A kitchen update is a great investment for your home. By consulting with a professional, you can be sure that the work will be done correctly and add value to your home. Design consultations are a great way to get started on your next home improvement project. To get started, fill out a design request form HERE.

Make sure to stay tuned for the next part of this series where we will discuss the most impactful home improvement projects.

Modern Ranch Reveal

We’ve been teasing photos of this home for more than a year and now it’s finally time to share this project in its entirety! It’s always fun to reveal a whole house because you get to see the end result as it’s always been imagined and intended by our team.

This particular project originated when our longtime clients came to us with the idea to build a weekend home. Already owners of vacation homes in Florida and Wyoming, they purchased approximately 90 acres just north of downtown with the intent to build a ranch home to entertain family closer to their primary Tulsa residence.

After a couple of months weekending at the new house, they love it so much they have decided to make it their permanent Tulsa residence and sell their home in the city. As a designer I don’t know if there is any greater compliment. Let’s take a look!

Main Living

How a client will use a space dictates our design of it. The number one purpose of this home: hosting family. So, we designed it to do just that! From the fireplace to the kitchen, we designed the home with gathering in mind.

The house is about 4,000 square-feet and every room is large, so the furniture needed to match that scale. It also needed to accommodate plenty of people, which is why you will find so many seating opportunities throughout the open-concept kitchen, living and dining areas.

Our client is a “black-and-white” girl, but in this home she wanted to bring in color to evoke happiness and create a cheerful environment. We found a one-of-a-kind rug at market, which set our design in motion. From there, we chose the sofas and introduced subtle colors and patterns throughout the home that would play off each other. Of course, we kept the background neutral to keep that familiar black-and-white element and to let the colors shine.

The living room’s soaring ceiling features reclaimed wood beams from Timber and Beam, and is adorned with a massive 66-inch-wide Ralph Lauren chandelier. We flanked the black granite slab fireplace with two large sofas and club chairs. You’ll have to look closely to find the TV in this room– we specifically chose the black granite as a way to disguise it above the fireplace.

Coffee Bar

A coffee bar between the living area and kitchen offers an intimate space to gather with four swivel chairs that allow views into both rooms as well as the outdoors. This home may be for large groups of people, but we wanted to create intimate moments too. Any time you can gather chairs together into two to four directly across from each other you tend to have more direct conversation. It’s a great little spot to have a cup of coffee and read the paper or your iPad while enjoying the amazing scenery outside.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, she wanted views out of both sides of the home. The kitchen sink faces the front of the property while the dining area overlooks the back of the home and the pond. The large dining table offers seating for the entire family with a built-in bench seat for grandkids on one side and chairs for adults on the other.

To break up the large space, we chose San Benedicto leathered granite for the perimeter countertops and a durable Bianco Statuario Quartz for the island, which features even more seating opportunities. As the workhorse of the kitchen, and the home, the island is lit with Hudson Valley pendants and painted Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black. The rest of the cabinetry is painted Simply White while a barn door painted Benjamin Moore’s Courtland Blue hides the generous pantry.

The homeowner had beautiful heirloom dishes, so we lit the cabinet shelves and carefully lined up the collection so that each piece would be visible between the cabinetry mullions. We never want our clients to walk into a home that feels like it’s out of a magazine. We always want them to walk into a home that feels like it’s their personal signature. Creating moments like this is what our design is all about.

Choosing high-performing yet attractive materials was imperative. The light wood flooring is actually engineered wood, which makes it really durable for all the in-and-out traffic as well as the family’s large dogs. The dining bench seat is a “pleather” so it’s easy to wipe up spills.

Primary Suite

As with all my designs, the primary suite is meant to be a restful retreat for the homeowners. The oversized room features a stunning four-poster bed at one end, while the opposite end offers a seating area where the couple can relax and watch TV away from the main living area.

The home may be in the country, but we had to include all the modern amenities for comfort such as the remote controlled shades and black out curtains. Imagine waking up, pressing a button and seeing llamas and horses outside—such a dream!

The owners’ bath is spa-like with a large soaking tub, walk in shower and double vanities. We kept the colors muted in here and let the tile design take center stage.

The floor is the star of the show with a stone hexagon pattern and Carrara subway border. A linen closet with antique mirrored fronts adds a touch of glamour and hides necessities.

Guest Suites

The owners have three granddaughters and one grandson, so we planned the guest rooms accordingly. The larger bedroom became the girls’ “bunk room” and the smaller was dedicated to the boy.

We had so much fun designing the girls’ quarters. Four custom made beds line the walls between individual window seats at each dormer window. It’s a precious room that reminds me of the story Madeline where they’re all lined up in their beds.

We chose a rosy pink as the predominant color. From the Pinecone Hill bedding to the custom pink sconce shades, everything is soft and subtle, but still very colorful and cheery like the client wanted. The carpet is neutral with a window pane pattern that really helps it stand out. The patterns all play so well off each other.

A barn door painted in Benjamin Moore’s Eraser Pink opens to reveal a secret hideout with a sectional and TV. For now, the girls use it to play and watch movies, but it is large enough to accommodate air mattresses for even more guests.

In the girls’ bathroom, we did the opposite of the primary bath. While the floor is black and white, we added color all over the walls with Caitlin Wilson’s ultra-cheerful Penelope wallpaper.

The same soft pink of the bedroom is repeated in the tile for the “princess bath” shower/tub combo. Instead of one glass partition we used two shower doors atop the tub so you can open both when bathing and not feel totally enclosed.

The grandson’s bedroom has a distinctly masculine tone. It’s arguably the most neutral room in the house with black, white, grey and taupe comprising the color palette. A wooden chandelier hints at a rustic element, while the oval metal nightstands add an industrial feel. The showstopper of the room, however, is the bed, which features fabric stretched over a wood and pipe frame.

The en suite bath echoes the neutral theme with grey being the predominant color. While it may be monochromatic, we still managed to add visual interest with a mosaic penny tile on the shower floor as well as a vertical accent stripe on the shower wall.

Outdoor Living

Cedar posts, pine ceilings, batten board siding, black frame windows and metal roofing give the exterior of the home a farmhouse feel, but with a level of classic sophistication.

The wrap-around porch is meant for about five different opportunities for outdoor gathering. There’s a fire pit seating area overlooking the pond, a cozy daybed swing for afternoon naps, a huge outdoor fireplace for chilly nights under the stars, a dining and grilling area, and the lounge area just off the primary suite. We even hung some swings from the cedar beams on the porch for the grandkids.

One detail I love is the brickwork on the porch floor, which is laid in a herringbone pattern. We paid close attention to details and worked with the brick layers to make sure that whatever direction you’re walking is the direction the herringbone pattern is laid. Many people don’t know that is the way you’re supposed to install it—almost like a little road map.

This is one home and property that will be explored and loved for many years to come. We are so grateful we were able to help bring it to life—and share it with you!