Sunshine, Travels, and a Stunning 1886 Kitchen Renovation!

It’s Spring, no wait Summer…no wait, yes, Spring again…ok, but now Summer is here for good, right? Minnesota weather eh? It keeps us on our toes.

I love Summer! I thrive in the warmth and the sun, so as far as I’m concerned…bring it on! ☀️

We’re busy finishing up two large projects with a few smaller ones drizzled in. We had such a hectic Fall and Winter that we’ll be taking it a bit easier over the summer. Letting our brains and creativity cells regenerate is a much needed requirement from time to time!

Read on to hear about my travels (always the best thing for design inspiration!) as well as an 1886 home where we helped with a kitchen remodel. It turned out so fabulous, and is absolutely gorgeous!

 

NEW PROJECT REVEAL (PICTURED ABOVE)

Design Decoded: Sixth Street East

The kitchen in this 1886 home needed a lot of love. It had one existing wall of original cabinets, two different ceiling heights (8’ and 7’) as well as a sloped down floor leading to a room that presumably at one point was added on. The small mud room opened up right into the work space of the kitchen creating an obstacle.

But what designer doesn’t like a challenge, huh?!

Fortunately, the homeowner had been collecting ideas and dreaming about this kitchen for quite some time, so we had a wonderful aesthetic foundation to work from. She also loved new ideas and thinking outside the box, so all in all, it couldn’t have been more of a dream project.

The biggest challenge was where to put the stunning French stove that was to be the focal point of the space. I would have loved to have it in the 8’ ceiling area but truly there wasn’t room unless we moved the sink, but who doesn’t want their sink under a window…it was too perfect to keep it there. In the end we put it in the 7’ high area, and it worked beautifully.

Now the homeowner has a small island behind and lots of countertop space and storage in that area to work. The mud room now is sans door, and has became part of the kitchen as a whole instead of a separate room. Read on and enjoy the photos!

Click here to see more of this project!

Photographer: Drew Gray Photography (visit website)
Builder: Metamorphosis (visit website)
Cabinetry: Hamlin Fine Furniture (visit website)

TRAVEL ADVENTURES

LA Getaway: Canals, Creativity, & Cool Doors!

Being near the great expanses of the beaches and the sun in LA is always fun. Exploring the area with a good girlfriend makes it even more special.

My favorite area we visited was Venice Beach. I loved wandering along the canal! The artificial canal area was built in 1905 and is inspired by Italian canals with sidewalks & bridges for pedestrians.

The homes are so unique, inspiring, and chock-full of artisan touches!

I loved how the entry doors off of the canal were so creative and truly spoke to each home’s personality…definitely something I’m always aiming for in my projects.

Enjoy your summer! Until next time!!