Kitchen design and photography by Jennifer Hayes with Castle Kitchens and Interiors
Example of a small transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen design in Denver with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Our approach to the dining room wall was a key decision for the entire project. The wall was load bearing and the homeowners considered only removing half of it. In the end, keeping the overall open concept design was important to the homeowners, therefore we installed a load bearing beam in the ceiling. The beam was finished with drywall to be cohesive so it looked like it was a part of the original design. Now that the kitchen and dining room were open, paint colors were used to designate the spaces and create visual boundaries. This made each area feel like it’s its own space without using any structures. The original L-shaped kitchen was cut short because of bay windows that overlooked the backyard patio. These windows were lost in the space and not functional; they were replaced with double French doors leading onto the patio. A brick layer was brought in to patch up the window swap and now it looks like the French doors always existed. New crown molding was installed throughout and painted to match the kitchen cabinets. This window/door replacement allowed for a large pantry cabinet to be installed next to the refrigerator which was not in the old cabinet configuration. The replaced perimeter cabinets host custom storage solutions, like a mixer stand, spice organization, recycling center and functional corner cabinet with pull out shelving. The perimeter kitchen cabinets are painted with a glaze and the island is a cherry stain with glaze to amplify the raised panel door style. We tripled the size of the kitchen island to expand countertop space. It seats five people and hosts charging stations for the family’s busy lifestyle. It was important that the cooktop in the island had a built in downdraft system because the homeowners did not want a ventilation hood in the center of the kitchen because it would obscure the open concept design. The countertops are quartz and feature an under mount granite composite kitchen sink with a low divide center. The kitchen faucet, which features hands free and touch technology, and an instant hot water dispenser were added for convenience because of the homeowners’ busy lifestyle. The backsplash is a favorite, with a teal and red glass mosaic basket weave design. It stands out and holds its own among the expansive kitchen cabinets. All recessed, under cabinet and decorative lights were installed on dimmer switches to allow the homeowners to adjust the lighting in each space of the project. All exterior and interior door hardware, hinges and knobs were replaced in oil rubbed bronze to match the dark stain throughout the space. The entire first floor remodel project uses 12x24 ceramic tile laid in a herringbone pattern. Since tile is typically cold, the flooring was also heated from below. This will also help with the homeowners’ original heating issues. When accessorizing the kitchen, we used functional, everyday items the homeowners use like cutting boards, canisters for dry goods and place settings on the island. Ultimately, this project transformed their small, outdated kitchen into an expansive and functional workspace.

This kitchen transformation allowed for more storage space and opened up the kitchen work areas. We removed the kitchen table and incorporated a round peninsula eating area. Doing this allowed for additional storage on the back wall. We removed fireplace and inserted a double oven and built in refrigerator on the back wall opposite the sink. We added panel details on the side walls to match the existing paneling throughout the home. We updated the kitchen by changing the tile flooring to hardwood to match the adjoining rooms. The new bay window allows for cozy window seating. We opened up the front entryway to open up the sight-line through the kitchen and into the back yard. The seldom used front entry closet was changed into a “hidden bar” with backlit honey onyx countertop when doors are opened. The antiqued mirrored glass is reflected from the back of the bar and is also in the paneled doors. Builder Credit: Plekkenpol Builders Photo Credit: Mark Ehlen of Ehlen Creative Communications, LLC

One of our Louisville clients showed her sister what we had done for her Great Room with our Personal Shopper Service, and her sister said, “Do they travel?” The answer is “Absolutely!” When we arrived in the Windy City, we were absolutely blown away by the view and were excited to put the finishing touches on this High Rise condo. We worked with the homeowner’s existing furniture pieces (sofa, club chairs, and media console with towers) and added personality with accent furniture, accessories, lighting, and artwork. We opened up the seating area and made their beautiful rug more visible by selecting a sleek glass-topped coffee table. Accessories in a range of metal tones complement the existing furniture and rug. Oil canisters in pewter tones look fantastic on the coffee table. We added this concrete base lamp with square shade in between the club chairs. The white marble-topped two-tiered side table breaks up the dark leather of the club chairs. The countertops in the small galley kitchen are a grey blue, so we pulled that color into living space by selecting these great nesting tables with a blue soapstone top. We topped it with a metal lamp and organic white vases to soften the edges. The hallway prints and this beautiful blue watercolor pull the colors from the living space into the Entry. The homeowner was not fond of the existing media cabinet, but not anymore! We accessorized with varying metal tones and lots of texture that bring interest to an otherwise generic furniture piece.  With limited space, we made the most of views by placing our favorite marble writing desk in the bay window. We plan to add upholstered arm chairs on either end that can serve as dining chairs or extra seating for the living area. The important thing is to keep that view as open as possible. A big thanks to our Chicago client for having us up there to make her condo more of a home. Maybe we should change our motto to “Have paint deck & measuring tape, Will Travel!” Enjoy!

Aptos Addition and Major Remodel. Our goal on this project was to provide the owners with the larger kitchen and additional bedrooms they needed for their growing family of five. The existing house was small, but they had a good sized lot in the Cliff Drive neighborhood along the ocean bluffs in Rio Del Mar which we were able to utilize.. Our team designed an extension of the existing house into the rear yard area, allowing for a new master suite and creating separate bedrooms for the children. The old kitchen was expanded and reconceived to create an inviting and open family room area with commercial appliances to support the client’s passion for great Italian cooking. Her decorating concept combining Modern Farmhouse themes with contemporary fixtures and finishes resulted in the beautiful, light, and comfortable home you see in these photographs.

Go earth-friendly by ditching your existing wood-burning fireplace and using this EB1212 Ethanol Fireplace Burner Insert instead. Just stick this insert into your existing fireplace and start burning eco-friendly ethanol instead of wood. Help the planet breathe easier while also eliminating the mess, soot, and fuss of using a wood-burning unit. This sleek-looking insert holds up to 5 liters of fuel and it burns around 8 hours between fills, so it will keep you toasty warm and comfy all day long. This double-layered unit has an approximate output of 11,500 BTUs, so it can sufficiently heat an average-sized space, and it comes with a bonus damper tool. Dimensions: 12" x 12" x 4 1/2". FEATURES: Ventless - no chimney, no gas or electric lines required Easy or no maintenance required Capacity: 5 Liters Approximate burn time - 8 - 16 hours per refill Approximate BTU output: ~ 11500 Double Layer Dimensions: 12" x 12" x 4 1/2" Product Weight: 14.5 Pounds 3-year manufacturer's warranty DOWNLOADS: RECOMMENDED FUEL: Ethanol fuel burns cleanly and does not produce the soot, smoke, or mess that is normally associated with a wood-burning fireplace. This ethanol fireplace fuel is made from 100% alcohol without the use of any oil at all. Ethanol is produced from renewable agriculture products, like barley, grains, sunflowers, corn, wheat, and potatoes, and manufactured in an earth-friendly process that does not harm the environment. Ignis Ethanol Fuel - 3, 6, 12, or 24 Pack

The homeowners wanted to remove a large bathtub and install a large 2 person shower in its place. The large window already existed so they wanted to take advantage of the lovely and private view. The shower was over 68" long and 42" wide. We chose to mix metal finishes on the fixtures and the glass hardware to mesh the vanity fixtures with the new shower fixtures. A tile drain was also used to hide the drain from view and provide a smoother surface to walk on while showering. Silestone Daria was used for the bench seat in the shower to tie in the new vanity countertop that was installed on existing cabintery. Tile from DalTile called Ayers rock was used on the floors and Florida Tile Soul Spirit Pearl was used for the walls with Glazzio Glass and Slate mosaic for the liner band. We installed 2 showerheads in this expansive shower. One a fixed showerhead and the other a hand shower with it's own controls at the bench area. We additionally updated the vanity faucets and toilet. Lastly, we installed a new small vanity where the shower had been located and installed a small window in the shower to allow some natural light to enter the small vanity space. Now the homeowners can take relaxing showers while enjoying the view from this beautiful shower. This project was designed for and built by Corvallis Custom Kitchens and Baths.

This 1927 home in historic Dilworth underwent extensive renovations after our client closed on the house in early 2016. For an almost 100 year old house, it has an excellent flow. It boasts a rare open floor plan with connected kitchen, dining room and den without sacrificing an ounce of charm but the wall colors and finishes were a disaster when we took possession. Fresh paint and a brand new kitchen created the perfect backdrop for blending her existing furniture with infusions of newness. The entire den seating area was brand new. Furniture from Charles Stewart Company and media console by Lorts. A neat feature of this home is that it showcases the work of 3 local artists: Marcy Gregg: Original oil featured above master fireplace Karen O'Leary, Studio KMO: Set of 3 custom cut local neighborhood maps in hall Lindsey Lindquist: Large commissioned piece in family room, pair stairwell paintings Jim Schmid Photography

This gorgeous home renovation was a fun project to work on. The goal for the whole-house remodel was to infuse the home with a fresh new perspective while hinting at the traditional Mediterranean flare. We also wanted to balance the new and the old and help feature the customer’s existing character pieces. Let's begin with the custom front door, which is made with heavy distressing and a custom stain, along with glass and wrought iron hardware. The exterior sconces, dark light compliant, are rubbed bronze Hinkley with clear seedy glass and etched opal interior. Moving on to the dining room, porcelain tile made to look like wood was installed throughout the main level. The dining room floor features a herringbone pattern inlay to define the space and add a custom touch. A reclaimed wood beam with a custom stain and oil-rubbed bronze chandelier creates a cozy and warm atmosphere. In the kitchen, a hammered copper hood and matching undermount sink are the stars of the show. The tile backsplash is hand-painted and customized with a rustic texture, adding to the charm and character of this beautiful kitchen. The powder room features a copper and steel vanity and a matching hammered copper framed mirror. A porcelain tile backsplash adds texture and uniqueness. Lastly, a brick-backed hanging gas fireplace with a custom reclaimed wood mantle is the perfect finishing touch to this spectacular whole house remodel. It is a stunning transformation that truly showcases the artistry of our design and construction teams.

My clients desired a bedroom that was simple, stylish, and restful. A neutral palette of soothing colors was chosen, and a soft upholstered headboard was created to frame the sleeping area of this large bedroom. Careful consideration was taken for the existing wiring and the individual panels were designed (and fitted) around the light switches. A lovely, dove grey fabric with a texture like silk was chosen, however it is extremely resistant to dirt and stains. The two matching nightstands in a walnut finish feature soft close drawers and metallic details on the handles and feet. The circular motif is echoed in the Lucite lamps, tailored bedding, and handmade pillows. Three small accent pillows in fresh green add a pop of color to the space.

This gorgeous home renovation was a fun project to work on. The goal for the whole-house remodel was to infuse the home with a fresh new perspective while hinting at the traditional Mediterranean flare. We also wanted to balance the new and the old and help feature the customer’s existing character pieces. Let's begin with the custom front door, which is made with heavy distressing and a custom stain, along with glass and wrought iron hardware. The exterior sconces, dark light compliant, are rubbed bronze Hinkley with clear seedy glass and etched opal interior. Moving on to the dining room, porcelain tile made to look like wood was installed throughout the main level. The dining room floor features a herringbone pattern inlay to define the space and add a custom touch. A reclaimed wood beam with a custom stain and oil-rubbed bronze chandelier creates a cozy and warm atmosphere. In the kitchen, a hammered copper hood and matching undermount sink are the stars of the show. The tile backsplash is hand-painted and customized with a rustic texture, adding to the charm and character of this beautiful kitchen. The powder room features a copper and steel vanity and a matching hammered copper framed mirror. A porcelain tile backsplash adds texture and uniqueness. Lastly, a brick-backed hanging gas fireplace with a custom reclaimed wood mantle is the perfect finishing touch to this spectacular whole house remodel. It is a stunning transformation that truly showcases the artistry of our design and construction teams.

Complete Gut renovation that included removal and relocating of laundry room to basement. The existing kitchen layout and size was not adequate for this home. We opened up the space removed closets, walls and added windows. we gave this kitchen the ultimate appliance package two Bosch dishwashers, Fisher & Paykel Single Drawer Multi-Temperature Refrigerator/Freezer , 36" Thermador Range top, Sharpe Built In microwave. The plumbing Finish was done in Polished Nickel to match the hardware and light fixtures. The floor was done with European Oak with All Natural Hard-Wax Oil. This beautiful wood texture is coarse and characterized by open pores. The Counter tops from Caesarstone and to bring out the color in the wood floor we used a 4" X 12 " Marble Subway tile from Walker Zanger.

Belmont Classic home and design uses Brookhaven II Insert cabinetry with a cross over to Wood-Mode 84 Insert cabinetry to achieve a beautiful vision. Door style is Madison Recessed, Nordic White. The top of the Island in the kitchen is a honed Carrera marble with the perimeter countertops is soapstone, oiled and waxed. Faucets are a decorative polished nickel from The Brass Decorative Grille Co. Ltd. Cutlery board is Boos butcher block. Appliances: dishwasher is Miele with an integrated panel and a Fisher Pykel dishwasher with an integrated panel. Rohl farm sink and prep sink, Thermador oven, range, refrigerator all with integrated panels. Back splash tile Sonoma Tile with Hardwood floor.

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

Farrow and Ball Hague Blue walls, trim, and ceiling. Versace Home bird wallpaper complements Farrow and Ball Hague blue accents and pink and red furniture. Grand wood beaded chandelier plays on traditional baroque design in a modern way. Old painted windows match the trim, wainscoting and walls. Existing round dining table surrounded by spray painted Carnival red dining room chairs which match the custom curtain rods in living room. Plastered ram sculpture as playful object on floor balances scale and interesting interactive piece for the child of the house.

Complete Gut renovation that included removal and relocating of laundry room to basement. The existing kitchen layout and size was not adequate for this home. We opened up the space removed closets, walls and added windows. we gave this kitchen the ultimate appliance package two Bosch dishwashers, Fisher & Paykel Single Drawer Multi-Temperature Refrigerator/Freezer , 36" Thermador Range top, Sharpe Built In microwave. The plumbing Finish was done in Polished Nickel to match the hardware and light fixtures. The floor was done with European Oak with All Natural Hard-Wax Oil. This beautiful wood texture is coarse and characterized by open pores. The Counter tops from Caesarstone and to bring out the color in the wood floor we used a 4" X 12 " Marble Subway tile from Walker Zanger.

In Merion Station, PA, we completed a comprehensive bathroom renovation project. The renovation involved demolishing the existing bathroom, including the removal of fixtures and finishes. We then installed new plumbing and electrical systems to meet modern standards. Next, we installed new fixtures, including a vanity, toilet, bathtub or shower, and faucets, chosen to match the client's preferences. The renovation also included installing new flooring, tiles for the walls and shower area, and lighting fixtures for improved ambiance. Finally, we painted the walls and ceiling to give the bathroom a fresh and updated look, completing the transformation.

Complete Gut renovation that included removal and relocating of laundry room to basement. The existing kitchen layout and size was not adequate for this home. We opened up the space removed closets, walls and added windows. we gave this kitchen the ultimate appliance package two Bosch dishwashers, Fisher & Paykel Single Drawer Multi-Temperature Refrigerator/Freezer , 36" Thermador Range top, Sharpe Built In microwave. The plumbing Finish was done in Polished Nickel to match the hardware and light fixtures. The floor was done with European Oak with All Natural Hard-Wax Oil. This beautiful wood texture is coarse and characterized by open pores. The Counter tops from Caesarstone and to bring out the color in the wood floor we used a 4" X 12 " Marble Subway tile from Walker Zanger.

One of our Louisville clients showed her sister what we had done for her Great Room with our Personal Shopper Service, and her sister said, “Do they travel?” The answer is “Absolutely!” When we arrived in the Windy City, we were absolutely blown away by the view and were excited to put the finishing touches on this High Rise condo. We worked with the homeowner’s existing furniture pieces (sofa, club chairs, and media console with towers) and added personality with accent furniture, accessories, lighting, and artwork. We opened up the seating area and made their beautiful rug more visible by selecting a sleek glass-topped coffee table. Accessories in a range of metal tones complement the existing furniture and rug. Oil canisters in pewter tones look fantastic on the coffee table. We added this concrete base lamp with square shade in between the club chairs. The white marble-topped two-tiered side table breaks up the dark leather of the club chairs. The countertops in the small galley kitchen are a grey blue, so we pulled that color into living space by selecting these great nesting tables with a blue soapstone top. We topped it with a metal lamp and organic white vases to soften the edges. The hallway prints and this beautiful blue watercolor pull the colors from the living space into the Entry. The homeowner was not fond of the existing media cabinet, but not anymore! We accessorized with varying metal tones and lots of texture that bring interest to an otherwise generic furniture piece.  With limited space, we made the most of views by placing our favorite marble writing desk in the bay window. We plan to add upholstered arm chairs on either end that can serve as dining chairs or extra seating for the living area. The important thing is to keep that view as open as possible. A big thanks to our Chicago client for having us up there to make her condo more of a home. Maybe we should change our motto to “Have paint deck & measuring tape, Will Travel!” Enjoy!