Art Inspired Design


Playful, powerful, delightful, colourful
energy, strength, whimsy, joy


However you define this painting - it's impactful
and I have to design a space around it!

Midnight Moon Promenade by  Helene Caron from Beauchamp Gallerie

My new client has a passion for original art.    

Her tastes are quite varied, including several pieces that are East Coast inspired, 
echoing back to her Nova Scotian roots.
There is also a huge black & white painting of Marilyn Monroe's face 
with blood-red lipstick and diamond earrings!

arts quotes | http://noblequotes.com/

I'm going to definitely let the art be the COLOUR in the space and cover the large upholstered pieces in neutral shades of gray: stone, oyster, mushroom and cream with hits of turquoise (my client's favourite colour) and some silver metallics to add dimension. 

I always tell clients to work around the main feature or focal point in a room, like a fireplace for example, or if there isn't a focal point, large scale art can certainly fill the role.

With a large statement piece like the one above, it's important to consider balance and proportion in the room.  If this piece is hanging over a tiny sofa, it will feel off-balance.   In fact, this particular work is 60"Hx40"W so it would actually come down behind the sofa because we have eight foot ceilings to work with.  So, I'm suggesting it gets placed on the largest wall in the room between the living and dining room spaces.  That way it can hang at the appropriate height for optimal viewing and be enjoyed from both spaces. 

Art #quote  http://paperproject.it/


Given my client's collection, I'll be grouping some of the work to create a gallery wall in her living room and in other parts of the home.   I love the idea of filling an entire wall with various images you love - they really tell a story about the homeowner.

eclectic gallery wall.


Clearly, in this image below, the modern art is the star of the show in this very neutral, otherwise traditional space. However, note all the luxurious textures on the upholstery and rug that hold their weight against the art.  I love the idea of mixing a bold, contemporary art piece in a room with classic furnishing.

grey with a blast of fuschia - so good!


Sometimes, a piece of art informs the entire colour scheme of a room - as shown below.  
In this room, the feeling is very subdued and relaxing because the muted shades of forest green, silver and cream are all working together to create a serene atmosphere. 

Beautiful colour palette & art & windows


The hallway is a fantastic place to showcase art and special treasures 
because there is often little architectural interest in these spaces and it can make such an impact.  
Like this piece - just striking, against all white furnishings.

entryway, foyer, hallway


The pink walls in this space really let the black and white over-sized sketch stand out 
despite not being framed or mounted.  I love the casual effect of the art being Pinned to the wall.  
Feels like someone just finished working on it and hung it up (a little crooked).

Mid-Century Pink


This next room below is just ALL OUT GLAM!!
Everything is equally stunning and the intensity of colours works together because they are all very rich.  
As is the brass and glass lighting.

lovely colors and textures


Well, I could certainly spend a few more hours looking at gorgeous rooms inspired by art.

art


Next step is to work on the floor plan so that the art is placed to enjoy, 
while the furniture is placed to accommodate the client's love of entertaining.

This is going to be a very creatively inspiring project.

All images on my Pinterest boards Art & Interiors



Kitchen Makeover - Family Edition


They often say that working for family is not a good idea when you're a Designer because your personal attachment to people means that you may not be as receptive to their ideas and feel like you know best.

However, when it came to doing my Mom & Step-Dad's kitchen, albeit stressful - I actually enjoyed it.

My mother has never had a really nice kitchen, and when they moved into their current home a few years ago, it was only 10 years old and was well maintained by the previous homeowners.  But, the boring white cabinets, white floors and counter tops were not only lackluster, but the layout and hard to reach lower cabinets were taking the enjoyment out of cooking that my mom normally loved.

While perusing a decor magazine one day, mom saw an Italian sleek red kitchen that sent her into action.  
She set off to Home Depot the next day and came home with some paint and brushes, 
and sent step-dad to Bingo for a few hours while she got busy. 

Red kitchen
Nice variety of red kitchens here


This is what happens when someone takes out their white kitchen frustration with paint:

"Hmmm??  This colour looked great in the paint can!" said Mom.
My step-dad said "if it makes her happy, it's fine with me"  
but it was certainly a "statement" of the wrong kind.  Sorry Mom, but nice try!

With small upper cabinets under an empty bulkhead, white laminate counters, poor lighting, limited counter space, over sized fridge, awful flooring in a ridiculous pattern open to the family room, 
unused space in the eating area, dated white appliances, 
and now, it was also the colour of my favourite toenail polish!  

She really needed me!

After a couple of months of living with the Berry-Blast my mother finally convinced my step-dad that  a paint-job alone was not cutting it, and it was time to rip out the old kitchen and bring in something functional. 

They had a tight budget as retired seniors, but they had 2 important things most people don't have: 

a Designer for a Daughter
a General Contractor for a Son

I interviewed them (aka my mom) as I would any other client and reviewed their needs, the issues that needed to be addressed, the wish list and booked a slot in the Contractor's schedule (aka my step-brother). 
  
I pulled the design plan together and reviewed it with the Client.  They approved with "minor" tweaks.


This is one of the inspiration photos she really liked - back to the white kitchen, but with dark counter tops, stone back-splash, and light wood floors to match the adjacent family room.


She really wanted a large island with counter space to prep and eat with up to 4 chairs, a pantry, glass doors on some cabinets to showcase her collections, and lots of drawers for easy access to the back of cabinets.


We headed out to Ikea to see if she liked the options available and then input the design plan into the Ikea kitchen planner.  They selected the Akurum cabinets with Lidingo doors.
If you want a kitchen in a hurry, here's where you can get one in a couple of days!

Within a couple of weeks the demo started and then plumbing, electrical, flooring and painting were done.  The kitchen cabinetry was put together and installed a couple of days later, followed by granite counters, marble mosaic back splash and under cabinet LED strip lights.  Drapery and pendants in the final stretch.

And Voila!!



Drapery custom made with fabric from Tonic Living


They are very happy with the results and my mom has been entertaining a lot more and baking up a storm!

Final Before & After 

At some point, I would like to add some trim to the island to dress it up and get new bar stools, 
but for now - my mom has the kitchen she's always wanted and that makes me happy too!











Magazine Feature - Our Homes


I love what I do mostly because I love to transform people's homes into beautiful and more functional spaces.  There's nothing better than having a client shed a tear of joy or squeal with delight at the final product, and being told "I couldn't have done anything like this without you".

But the absolute cherry on top for any Designer is to be recognized by being published.  

Today I have accomplished a goal I set out to achieve when I started my business,

Our Homes Magazine, Hamilton & Area 
This is my client's backyard on the cover.
Although I can't take credit for this gorgeous stone fireplace, I take full credit for the s'mores tray!








You can enjoy the entire Fall issue of the magazine here, for free.  

There are many editions from all around Ontario that feature local businesses, services and artisans - 
what a great way to support your community!

Thank you to Laurie, Melissa, Kelly and Lisa for making this a great experience.




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