Posts Tagged ‘interior design’

Celebrating 30 Years of Kirkendall Design

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Julia flips through interior design samples; reflects back on 30th anniversary of Kirkendall Design

We are excited and humbled to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Kirkendall Design!  

A recent interview with Julia captured some of the highlights over the years.

What does the 30th anniversary of K|D mean to you?
When I think about 30 years I feel like I’m in complete denial that it has been that long!

What initially sparked your interest in interior design?
Realizing that others could not visualize a space the way that I could, I wanted to help people make their house a home! I took for granted that they could see what was not before their eyes.

What inspired you to start Kirkendall Design?
The desire to create a beautiful space for my clients to come home to and gather with friends and family. 

What do you remember about your first year in business?
I remember the amount of details that I needed to communicate to my clients without overwhelming them!

Tell us about one of your favorite “firsts” at KD?
My first, really large design project was for a client I have done many design projects with.  She believed in me and understood my vision of creating a design that was all about their family and who they were, not who I was in my own style. That was amazing!

Did you always think you would run your own business?
I have always had an entrepreneurial mindset and spirit, so I’m not surprised to own my business. 

As you reflect on the team you’ve had over the past 30 years, what comes to mind?
Wow, well I think of how many high school and college students that have worked for me over the years and where they are today.  But most of all the loyalty and dedication I have had from my staff, that is what has made K|D a team!

What are some significant challenges you have faced and overcame?
The creation of HGTV and the magic that happens in the 30 minute show has been a huge learning curve for my clients. Don’t we all want our project to be done in 30 minutes and on budget! 

What have been the highlights over the last 30 years?
Going to the different markets throughout the country and meeting some of the most amazing people. 

What are your fondest memories?
All the Christmas decorating we did as a team.  Surprisingly, it was also one of the most difficult things we did.

What has driven K|D’s success?
I believe it’s the support of the team, and the culture we have together. It helps to make us strong and pushes each other to a higher standard.

What’s been most surprising about the journey so far?
I still love what I do and I am excited to have new ways to grow K|D through The Studio at K|D. We are adding to the experience with so many new ways to serve and inspire our clients, it’s an exciting time.  

What is one piece of advice you would give yourself 30 years ago?
Pace yourself… this is going to be a long run!   

What do you see for the future of K|D?
I see an opportunity for us to create engaging experiences through K|D and The Studio at K|D!

How does it feel to be launching a new business while celebrating the 30th anniversary of K|D?
It feels like the perfect time to start something new and fresh that will serve and inspire our clients and the community. All while K|D continues to grow and thrive as a business.

Living room design by Kirkendall Design, interior design firm in Tulsa, OK

Comments from the K|D Team

the kirkendall design team

“When I started, my desk was in Julia’s home office. It was so exciting to move to our first warehouse and really exciting to move to the new location at The Studio at K|D. It is amazing to watch Julia’s visions turn into a reality.  With that being said, I do have to reign her in every so often. But, I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it all!”
– Lora, Business Manager

“Much of who I am today is directly related to growing up in an environment, like K|D, that gave positive feedback and encouragement to strive to become a leader and a better person. I am honored to be lucky enough to call K|D my family.”
– Max, Construction Supervisor

“Julia has a knack for creating meaningful experiences, not only for her clients but also for her employees. Over the years, she put together numerous celebrations, including birthdays, weddings, the arrival of little ones, holidays and countless other milestones. Always so much fun!”
– Heather, Former Marketing Director

The true magic of our business lies within our amazing team. Over the years, the K|D team has been the driving force behind our success. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, it’s not only about the work; family comes first and our team has become like family.

Exterior Stone Refresh Q & A

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Exterior stone refresh using limewash, by Kirkendall Design

When considering a new home or updating the exterior of your home, many clients are not happy with and struggle with the color of their stone. We recently shared how we helped our client in Tulsa improve their home’s curb appeal with an exterior stone limewash treatment. If you missed it, be sure to check it out here.

We partnered with Beeler Painting – a local and trusted Tulsa company to execute the limewash. To gain a painter’s perspective on this exterior stone refresh, we consulted Austin Beeler from Beeler Painting.

Exterior Stone Refresh Q & A With Beeler Painting

before and after of dramatic exterior stone refresh using limewash

KD: Any home project can seem daunting when doing it alone. Even with the assistance of contractors, homeowners can feel overwhelmed by the countless design and color selections. From a painter’s perspective, why is it important to work with an interior designer when choosing to change your exterior brick or stone?

Beeler Painting: A professional, experienced interior designer can navigate the challenge of selecting the correct color and technique. They are also helpful in working as a partner to help instill additional trust in the customer as we go through the process.

KD: Over time, due to sun and rain exposure, exterior stone can take on unflattering color palettes. Similar to how we all age and change (no matter how much we fight it!), exterior stone will change colors. Is this a challenge that your company has seen a lot of homeowners in the Tulsa area facing?

Beeler Painting: Due to most of Tulsa’s Stonework being Sand Stone and Fieldstone, I believe many homes could be transformed from limewash, it can drastically change the overall appearance of their home.

KD: Many homeowners may choose to pursue costly plans to replace their stone or repaint the entire exterior. How does this particular paint/limewash process address exterior discoloration?

Beeler Painting: Limewash offers a relatively low cost solution to alter the color of stone, while maintaining a natural stone look. Paint is another option but many people prefer the look of natural stone.

Watch the Exterior Stone Refresh Reel on our Instagram!


We take immense pride in the opportunity to solve problems like these and love to partner with local and skilled subcontractors, like Beeler Painting. If you’re facing a similar issue with your exterior stone, or need help with improving your home’s curb appeal – don’t hesitate to reach out.

Submit a design request, and let us take the guesswork out of your curb appeal project.

Exterior Stone Refresh

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Beautiful stone exterior after limewash treatment by Kirkendall Design.

Many homeowners choose natural stone as a way to add timeless beauty, durability, and character to their home’s exterior. However, as the stone changes over time it can become an unappealing color and detract from your home’s curb appeal.

Due to most of Tulsa’s stonework being Sand Stone and Fieldstone, many homeowners struggle with stone they are not happy with. We recently had the opportunity to help a client in Tulsa improve their home’s curb appeal and overcome this issue with an exterior stone limewash refresh!

The Problem – Why Exterior Stone Changes

Similar to how we all age and change (no matter how much we fight it!), exterior stone also changes colors and loses its charm. Over time, as mineral deposits work their way to the surface due to sun and rain exposure, rocks can take on unflattering color palettes.

Our client’s exterior was the perfect example of a weathered and discolored stone that needed to be refreshed. Initially, our client had intended to pursue a costly plan to replace their stone and repaint the entire exterior.

However during the initial consult, we discovered a limewash treatment would be a more cost-effective plan for addressing the issue and improving our client’s curb appeal.

Exterior Before –

Exterior of a beautiful home before limewash treatment. By Kirkendall Design.

Exterior of a beautiful home before limewash treatment. By Kirkendall Design.

Exterior of a beautiful home before limewash treatment. By Kirkendall Design.

The Solution – How To Refresh Your Exterior Stone

We wanted to see the natural variations of color in the stone, this is why we chose a limewash treatment. Limewash, when paired with the proper application technique, can completely transform the appearance of the stone at a fraction of the cost and still maintain the natural beauty.

We partnered with Beeler Painting – a local and trusted Tulsa company to execute the limewash. After several swatches and meticulous color mixing, we were able to find the perfect shade and develop a process to replicate on our client’s entire exterior. Our client not only loved the end result, but it saved them money and time!

before and after of dramatic exterior stone refresh using limewash

Exterior After –

exterior stone refreshed with limewash treatment

exterior stone refresh, limewash by Kirkendall Design

 

When limewash is not the best solution, paint is often a great option to refresh your home’s exterior. One of our favorite curb appeal projects was a remarkable transformation where we redesigned the exterior architecture and painted the brick on our client’s home. Such a simple, yet striking upgrade!

We take immense pride in the opportunity to solve problems like these and help clients tackle big home projects! If you’re facing a similar issue with your exterior stone, or need help with improving your home’s curb appeal – don’t hesitate to reach out.

Submit a design request, and let us take the guesswork out of your curb appeal project.

Read Pt. 2 of this Exterior Stone Refresh project here.

Introducing The Studio at K|D!

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Cultivate a fuller, more beautiful life at The Studio at K|D. Opening August 2023!

Having issues viewing the video? Click here to watch on YouTube.

THE ‘WHY’ BEHIND THE STUDIO AT K|D

We have had the privilege to work in some of the most amazing homes over the last three decades. We have fostered deep connections with numerous families and individuals, embarking on a shared journey to empower people with the art of embracing their homes to the fullest. This is why we decided to start The Studio at K|D!

The Studio at K|D is a testament to Julia’s unwavering passion for innovation and her steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of both loyal clients and the vibrant Tulsa community.

This new venture – sitting on five acres and conveniently located in greater Tulsa – gives us the opportunity to share with others the Kirkendall Design experience. The Studio at K|D will offer a broad range of interactive workshops and nature-inspired experiences, while also imparting invaluable knowledge on living life to its utmost potential.

THE STUDIO AT K|D OFFERINGS

Lifestyle Workshops
Develop new skills, cultivate relationships and learn to live more beautifully.

Signature Events
Host meaningful celebrations and signature events at our unique, intimate venue.

Photographer Memberships
Receive exclusive access to The Studio, offered to a limited group of photographers.

Flower Farm
Visit and shop our boutique, garden-inspired grounds in the heart of the city.

Artisan Gallery
Experience curated artisan installations from local artists on a rotating basis.

The Studio represents the culmination of our journey, as we bring our expertise full circle. We are on a mission to inspire and empower others to cultivate fuller, more beautiful lives. We cannot wait to host all of you here soon!

The Studio at K|D officially opens August 2023. Be the first to hear about the grand opening and other upcoming events by subscribing to our newsletter below!

SUBSCRIBE TO THE STUDIO AT K|D NEWSLETTER

We’d love to hear from you! Send questions and inquiries to hello@thestudioatkd.com.

10 Timeless Accessories You Should Add To Your Home

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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.
This vintage horse head lighter and antique ashtray are great conversational pieces.
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.
Large wooden bowl with fresh flowers adds a decorative touch to this cream colored kitchen with green granite countertops
White vase with gold stand filled with fresh flowers sits on a mid century modern console
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.
 

Floating gold shelves and gold-framed art displayed above a black and gray bar station

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.
Table top pieces like cutting board and fruit platter are displayed in large white kitchens with tall cabinets
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.
Pretty books and decorate box sit on top of a gold rimmed glass coffee table
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?
Cream colored blanket is draped on the arm of a leather chair in sitting room with fireplace
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.

Great Expectations

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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

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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

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home improvement renovation project interior design by Kirkendall Design


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

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Room For Improvement: The Most Impactful Home Improvement

 

kitchen renovation in tulsa, oklahoma by Kirkendall Design

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!).

Modern Ranch Reveal

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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!