Before and After Kitchen – French Country Romance by Linda Merrill in Boston

  This month we’re all about romance and we love the romance Linda Merrill, captured in this tiny space. Confronted with a kitchen from the early 80′s with knotty pine cabinets, out of date appliances and too many disconnected elements, Linda set to work.

We want to note that no cabinet was harmed in the making of this remodel, and salute Linda for avoiding the temptation of choosing light colors to make the space appear bigger. On the contrary, Linda refinished, painted and distressed the cabinets – herself – in two shades of blue which contrasts beautifully with the copper accents on the pot rack and roman shade. New, stainless appliance offer a bit more reflective surface and updated appeal and we’ve spotted the addition of much needed recessed lights. We also love the accent of white bead-board that covers the walls in what is now a classically romantic french provincial style gem of a kitchen. New countertops and plumbing fixtures complete the design and a skirted sideboard hides kitchen gadgets with charm and style. Continue Reading…

Before and After – Meilin Bristiel’s French Farmhouse Renovation

 
This really is very beautiful. The year long refurbishment of a farmhouse in Vaison-la-Romaine by the talented Meilin Bristiel has created a building that is  distinctly French, and of its time, yet also modern, comfortable and fully functioning. It may be easier to talk about what she left alone.  And, in case you are wondering, that would be the peripheral walls except for the window and door openings. Just about everything else is new.

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Before and after – Linda Merrill and a 19th Century Boston townhouse

Our thanks to Linda Merrill for sending us details of her work on this lovely 19th Century Boston townhouse formal living room.  That beautiful walnut parquet flooring you can see on the right is also there on the left, it is just hidden under several layers of stain and varnishes. All credit to Linda for conserving this beautiful material rather than replacing it.  The red walls and stark white blinds did nothing to enhance the existing space so Linda replaced both with warm neutrals and soft but classic draperies, making the room stylish and welcoming.

The furnishings are formal but comfortable with highly durable fabrics, ideal for the delighted clients, a busy professional couple with a toddler.  There is a pair of sideboards flanking the fireplace by Theodore Alexander, Mitchell Gold arm chairs with toddler friendly washable velvet by Robert Allen; the sofa is  Baker “Dapha” with Stroheim & Roman chenille, the small round table by Milling Road for Baker and those beautiful tufted back arm chairs, just perfect for the room, are “Martine” chairs by Restoration Hardware. The rug is by Landry & Arcari and Linda made all the accent pillows herself. The only things which are not new are the chandelier and the sconce which is late 19 Century French gilded bronze with crystals.

And we think that’s a bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin on the sideboard so we hope you’ll excuse Modenus Tim if he raises a glass of his favourite tipple in loyal salute to the British monarch and in thanks to Linda Merrill for sending these pictures and her excellent notes to beforeandafter@modenus.com. You, of course, are welcome to do the same.

Darren Morgan on kitchen design: The Wow Maker

Upon entering the kitchen with your guests you hold your breath, a technique you have learned over the last number of weeks which enables you to detect subtle, barely audible gasps of delight.  You know that this human response was top of your list when you briefed your kitchen designer and you are now beginning to acknowledge that the visual stimulators being given off by your kitchen are powerfully achieving the desired “Wow Effect”!

The “Wow Effect” is something kitchen designers get asked for a lot, but when it comes to kitchen design what makes a “Wow”?  Everyone’s “Wow” is different and can be determined by the level of stimulation achieved through the five senses; the resulting physical reaction will most likely depend upon the physiological make up of the individual and their social profile.  It is the job of the kitchen designer to read the situation, the client and their demographical situation to deliver on the required “Wow Effect”!

The social profiling of each individual is relative to achieving their subjective “Wow” threshold, as the level of “Wow” can be directly linked to an individual’s social and financial circumstance.  If an individual is wealthy it may take a lot more stimulation to create the desired effect due to their social conditioning and unconscious belief that they should be surrounded by beautiful things!

But “Wow” is not just about how much a kitchen cost, it can be about breaking the rules, redefining design trends and being bold and brave enough to do something different.  A “Design Appreciation Wow” is a little more difficult to achieve as the designer needs a client who is prepared to walk the fine line between “Wow” and criticism.  The connection between the client and designer must also be fluid with ideas being able to flow easily and without any raised eyebrows.

Staggering the effect also helps amplify the overall impact with good designers achieving the “Wow Ripple Effect” by layering their designs.  Stage one is the initial visual impact whereby the viewer gets their first glimpse of the new kitchen.  In order to achieve the secondary level “Wow” the kitchen must have a visual hook, a feature that draws the viewer in and appeals to their inquisitive nature, third and forth level “Wows” can be more technical allowing the client to explain the features of the kitchen to their guests, classic examples of this are shape shifting elements like a downdraft extraction system, pocket door systems or controllable mood lighting!

 A “Coffee Morning Wow” can be achieved without even seeing or experiencing the kitchen.  This is a social phenomenon whereby the client is able to obtain social approval from their peers by citing their design choices, the company who installed the kitchen or the designer who penned the creation.  This is not bragging or boasting it is simply the legacy of our childhood whereby we sought the approval of our parents; this natural human trait means that we will all seek the approving glances of those we like and respect!

The final “Delayed Wow Effect” is achieved long after the visual stimulation of having a new kitchen has faded.  This “Wow Effect” is introverted and is defined by the functional capacities of the kitchen.  It is only by using and experiencing the kitchen over a period of time that the client will understand its complexity and will then fully appreciate the knowledge and professionalism bestowed upon them by their kitchen designer – The Wow Maker!

By: Darren Morgan

Before and after- from dull and dark to modern minimalism by ReDesign of London, Ontario

ReDesign of London, Ontario, are fast becoming one of our favourite design firms. They do great work, they are environmentally aware and conscientious in their use of existing materials, they send us wonderful ‘before and afters’ and they always buy a round of beers. OK, I don’t know that last bit for sure but I wouldn’t put it past them.

This beauty was, sad to say, a fairly typical London, Ontario suburban house. Similar to all the other houses in the street it was dark, full of little boxes masquerading as rooms and, let’s be honest, dull. But that was before ReDesign set about it. Walls were knocked down, trim purged and the white paint tin fully deployed. The resulting home is something of a modern minimalist masterpiece, and all on a budget which struck a balance between achieving and spending. The black floor in the family room to your left is recycled leather tile by Torlys.  The coffee table is Siren in Stainless Steel by Nuevo. You can just see a glimpse of a kitchen area to the left of the ‘after’ picture. We promise you a bigger picture and some details a little later.

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Before and after- wave goodbye to the 80s with ReDesign of London, Ontario

ReDesign of London, Ontario say that when they first set foot in the Markland House they half expected a machine gun wielding Tony Montana of Scarface fame to appear, yelling, “Say hello to my little friend!” And yes, there is more than a touch of 1980′s Miami to the before shots in this feature. No offense intended to Miami, of course, but we suspect you know what we mean.

We have featured ReDesign before and hope to feature them again before long. There are many very good things about this design group, not least their valiant crusade against waste. If something can be reused or re-purposed then that is what they do. The kitchen above is transformed despite keeping the existing cabinetry, installed five years ago, but adding new work surfaces, furniture, lighting, faucets.

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Before and after- shag pile nightmare to sleek haven by ReDesign of London, Ontario

This transformation, of the orange nightmare that called itself The Beechwood house, is by London, Ontario, based ReDesign and we shall be forever in their debt for sharing it with us. All credit to them for spotting the well hidden mid century features and, indeed, charm beyond the wood paneling and general gloom that pervaded every corner of this 1000 foot dwelling. The crisp living space has been achieved on a minimal budget with imaginative use of inexpensive materials and reusing whatever could be re-purposed. But not, apparently, the shag pile. Go on, click ‘more’ to see the shag pile. Continue Reading…

California Faucets – luxury shower systems that won’t break the bank

Featured editorial sponsored by California Faucets

The alternate title for this post could have also been “Why should Europeans have all the fun?” It’s no secret that European design can quite often run miles ahead of the US, particularly when it comes to appliances and plumbing fixtures, but, we’re happy to point you into the general direction of California Faucets who has invested time, money, energy and their business smarts to change the way the game is played by creating an innovative product that will add some oomph to your next bathroom project without breaking the bank.

We’re talking about StyleTherm®, a thermostatic shower system much like those you see in the majority of baths in Europe and less frequently in North America because of the cost associated with them. Until now, that is, because California Faucets has developed their own technology  which allows them to sell thermostatic shower systems at roughly the cost of an old-fashioned pressure balanced system.

StyleTherm® boasts a lengthy list of features that are absent from pressure balance systems and at the comparable price point make the decision to use StyleTherm® a no-brainer:

• Ability to dial in and save the desired temperature
• No diverter valves mean each shower application has it’s own volume control for maximum flexibility
• Anti-scald temperature protection, especially important for use with children or the elderly
• Higher water flow rate satisfies the most challenging design requirements as it incorporates rain shower heads, body sprays, handheld showers and more
• Complete design flexibility matches Style Therm to all California Faucet styles with numerous handle options and finishes

For more information about California Faucets and StyleTherm® please visit their website or find them on Modenus.

Before and after – Bathroom, bedroom and everything else by Valerie Pugliese Designs of Beverly Hills

Valerie Pugliese Designs of Beverly Hills submitted these great before and afters of the living room, bathroom and bedroom for their Los Angeles based clients. The home owners had a clear idea about what they wanted but just did not know how to go about making it happen.

Valerie is a designer who focuses on her clients wishes, giving them what they want rather than imposing her own sense of what is and isn’t right. So it was the perfect client / designer relationship. Valerie, however, insists on also giving credit to her Contractor, Ted Hill from Aim Higher Construction, praise for whom is echoed by the client. Continue Reading…

Before and after – Vancouver based Paradigm Kitchen Design

This kitchen before and after is courtesy of Arne Salvesen at Paradigm Kitchen Design The original kitchen in this 1940′s Vancouver home featured a corner sink and a microwave-hood above a pro-style gas range.  The cabinetry was dated, the flooring was a patchwork of different materials and the fridge, protruding as it did so beautifully into the hallway, an eyesore. The solutions offered by Arne created a clean, modern design with more counter space, more storage and a wonderful way of adding more square footage to the kitchen without structural changes.  Continue Reading…