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Design Critique: House Beautiful's Kitchen of the Year 2010

Aug 19, 2010

Every year House Beautiful magazine teams with a big-name designer to showcase their Kitchen of the Year in Rockefeller Center. It's a way to showcase current design trends and new innovations in kitchen appliances, fixtures, materials, and finishes. Here's a look at the 2010 House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year, designed by Jeff Lewis, house-flipper extraordinaire from the show Flipping Out on Bravo. His taste tends to be clean and masculine, and this kitchen is no surprise in that regard. He calls it "California Modern." It's quite different from past Kitchens of the Year with its solidly modern look.

Modern, for sure. Clean lines, crisp corners, contrasty palette. It's a little difficult to judge this the same way you'd size up a kitchen in a real house. It's a theoretical space designed for lots of foot traffic. A real kitchen wouldn't have such wide-open spaces. The space between work zones, in particular, looks too wide. I think the floor (by Mohawk) helps warm up the space, but overall it looks a little cold. Current trends on display here: large islands, open shelving, metal backsplashes, thick countertops.

The dark, simple cabinets are KraftMaid. Plumbing is Kohler; the unusual faucet is their new Karbon articulating model that pretty much eliminates the need for a separate spray nozzle. The wall mount keeps the counter nice and clean-looking. But I like a view while doing dishes!

There seems to be an awful lot of bar seating in this kitchen, and none of it looks that inviting. I much prefer a standard-height table in a dining space. Perching on a sleek stool seems to hint at fast eating for convenience's sake rather than a comfortable, drawn-out meal. The chandelier, the Dione model by Licht im Raum, is very cool. See below for The Look for Less… similar chandeliers at a regular-people price.

It does give off a nice glow on the salvaged wood table. Idea to steal: use runners across the table as double placemats!

At the other end is a seating area divided by a shelving unit set on the diagonal, designed to hold bottles. This, I do not like. At all. I get that it's kind of like a huge wine rack, but It reminds me of that cheap trellis material people slap under their porches. Plus, the function is very limited by the aesthetics—never good. I would have chosen a simple grid of shelving or a sleek reeded-glass divider. Better yet? An actual wall that can hold art and bring some color into the space.

See more photos and get more sources at House Beautiful's website.

The Look for Less: licht im raum dione chandelier

Try as I might, I could not find a price for the Licht im Raum Dione chandelier. Suffice it to say that it's "price on request," which translates to: very expensive. Here are a few ways to get the look for less! Click through to buy.

Sputnik Chandelier from Shades of Light, $350

Very similar vibe, complete with "dipped" bulbs.

Lite Source Marble Collection Modern Chandelier, $393

I can see a pair of these working nicely for a long dining table. Use it as a focal point in a modern entry way, or a shocking contrast in a very traditional space.

Axis Chandelier from Z Gallerie, $429

This is my favorite. I like the nod to tradition with the candle bulbs, but the rest is all modern. Exposed rivets add a touch of industrial flair.

Are you dreaming of a new kitchen? If your funds are limited or if you just need to refresh your current cabinetry, fixtures, and finishes, I can give you a creative plan that reflects your style. And then you can get the work done as time and money allow. My Spiff It Up eDecor Plan for kitchens and baths is a comprehensive cosmetic redesign plan for kitchens or baths. My do-able ideas can give your space just the lift it needs without gutting and replacing everything. Through August 31, get $50 off the Spiff It Up eDecor Plan or any other plan $250 and over. Questions? Just email me! —Diane

TAGS: house beautiful kitchen of the year 2010 jeff lewis fliipping out bravo modern monochromatic black white kitchen design trends what's new design critique analysis licht imraum dione chandelier light look for less discount sale price

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How much is too much for an outdoor room?

Aug 16, 2010

This morning is cool, sunny, and breezy in Northern Michigan— perfect weather for doing just about everything on the porch. But seriously. This?

PHOTO: Lisa Romerein for Coastal Living.

I'm all about blurring the indoors and out for three seasons a year, but part of the charm of a porch is that it's a mini-getaway from the day-to-day stuff. Like kitchens and TVs. Not to mention fancy-schmancy stuff that needs to be fluffed and vacuumed and dusted. This is merely a room without a ceiling. I don't know how they deal with rain— Coastal Living didn't address that in the caption. But don't you wonder? Upholstered seating, wood floors, framed photos… none of this belongs outside.

And there are more …

PHOTO: Emily Minton Redfield for Southern Accents.

PHOTO: Lisa Romerein for Coastal Living.

The more stuff we seem to require to relax and be entertained, the further we drift from making the simple connections to the outdoors that refresh our spirits. Enjoy your outdoor space on this beautiful day, and keep it simple. —Diane

Have you seen my new eDecor Plans for Exteriors? Just last week I unveiled the first one, completed for clients in Houston, Texas. I gave Angela and Dan lots of ideas for sprucing up their aging bungalow. Read all about it and download the eDecor Plan here. How can I help you? Just email me. There's never an obligation.

Angela and Dan's Inspiration Board from their eDecor Plan for Exteriors

TAGS: outdoor rooms spaces decorating design patio porch keep it simple edecorating e-decorating for exteriors house home plans design architectural color advice consultation

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Celebrating Dwelement's First Year

Aug 13, 2010

{Short & Sweet Friday}

It's already been a year since I started this interior design / edecorating / blogging / budget decor website! One year ago, the business was called Inspired Room Design, I had about 12 Facebook fans, and I was bursting with ideas. Since many of you have discovered the site since that time, I thought it would be fun to run links to some of the best posts from my first month in business, August 2009. Some of this stuff is too good to bury in the archives.

Have a happy weekend, and start it off with some inspiring ideas:

IDEA: Buy vintage home decor.

An interview with the owner of Etsy's The Best Things, and my vintage-loving friend, Kelly Nogoski.

IDEA: Paint your cabinets.

See how Theresa transformed her dated cabinets with a two-tone finish.

IDEA: Let me help you transform your room without buying a thing.

See how Ellen and I worked together in Traverse City to bring her fireplace out of hiding.

IDEA: Decorate with your garden.

A beautiful and long-lasting combination from the shady side of the house.

IDEA: Learn how to mix vintage and modern furniture.

See how I did it in my guestroom.

IDEA: Reduce chemical usage in your home.

These two inexpensive ingredients will replace multiple commercial cleaners.

IDEA: Discover my favorite resource for home decor fabrics at huge discounts.

You'll want to reupholster everything!

IDEA: Make a clever Mondrian-inspired message board.

And add some artful color to your room.

IDEA: Have fun with a trend. But don't spend much on it!

Equestrian is still in… in fact, it's even more in than it was last year. And I still love my Look-for-Less equine accessory.

Thanks for following me during this first year of business. The biggest compliment you can give me is to refer me to a friend or share my blog or Facebook page. Stay tuned for many more ideas! —Diane

TAGS: edecor edecorating e-decorating dwelement home design diane kolak interior design traverse city northern michigan home design blog budget decorating

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Inspired Solution: The Skirted Console Table

Aug 12, 2010

Short on space and storage? Here's a quick and easy idea for turning a table into concealed storage space. Or just let it dress up your room with a little color and texture.

Skirt a console table. It can be fancy or ultra-simple, as you can see in these examples. You don't even need a real table, for that matter. A couple of boards placed on top of cement blocks, crates, or whatever you have around the house will create the structure. It's all going to be covered up, anyway.

This "table" covered in a bold ikat fabric is actually an old bookshelf. Look around your house for a piece that doesn't get used because it's just, well, ugly. This is the perfect solution. Read more about this project at The Little Green Notebook.

This skirt is a bit more refined, edged with wide grosgrain ribbon. It's a nice way to add major color impact to an entryway without a big commitment. Photo: Domino Magazine.

This shot shows that even though the idea of a skirted table sounds fancy, the look can still be simple and a bit rustic. This design by Phoebe Howard plays up texture in a neutral color scheme and adds life to a long, blank wall with a symmetrical frame arrangement.

Here's the easiest way to do it, if your table is worth of showing off. Add tension cafe rods to the front and sides of the table. Hem the edges of your fabric and sew a rod pocket at the top for accessible but concealed storage. Photo: DIY Magazine.

Have you created a clever storage solution on a budget? Did you DIY your way to a designer look in your own home? Tell me about it and I may feature it here on Room for Inspiration. Just email me. —Diane

TAGS: skirted console table diy do it yourself how to make ideas extra storage space concealed small space solutions room design on a dime

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Announcing Dwelement's New Curb Appeal Design Service!

Aug 11, 2010

I'd been thinking for a while about putting a twist on my eDecor Plans and offering a service for home exteriors. And then the incentive I needed came along in the form of an email from Angela in Houston, Texas. She stumbled upon my site and wondered if I'd be willing to work some design magic on her corner-lot bungalow. She sent a photo with this first email, and I thought to myself, "How hard could this be?" The place already had a lot of built-in charm and the benefit of a beautiful lot. So I said yes.

The process went quite the same as it would for an interior room: Angela and Dan took my design questionnaire, sent photos of the house and neighborhood, and sent some photos of houses she admired both in her neighborhood and from online sources. Then my work began.

I decided that a hand-drawn sketch of each street side of the house was the best way to approach this project. After drawing the suggested architectural changes, I applied three different color schemes to the drawings. I also designed a loose landscape plan and made some suggestions for trees, shrubs, and flowers native to Texas. (Native gardening has been a passion of mine for 10 years now.) Then I put together an Inspiration Board just like I do for rooms, but this one included suggestions for materials, hardware, outdoor furniture and accessories. The eDecor Plan, as always, included a To=Do List to help Angela and Dan accomplish all of the projects as their schedule allowed. For their convenience, I also included some local sources where they could get quotes for some of the jobs that would require professional help, like stamped concrete.

Here are a few visual highlights of the first Dwelement eDecor Plan for Exteriors. Click to enlarge these photos, or to get the full-screen effect and play with all the live shopping links, download the complete plan.

The graphic above shows three spreads from the eDecor Plan. I did a hand drawing to illustrate the architectural changes, then colorized it three different ways to give Angela and Dan options. Then I mailed them 8-by-11-inch samples of all the paints so they could see them for real (not distorted by a computer screen).

This is the landscaping plan. While it's not as detailed as what you might get from a landscape designer, it shows the basics of placement, proportion, and color. I included several suggestions for plants native to their area, links to two local nurseries that specialize in native Texas plants, and some inspiration images of landscaping styles they can imitate.

And here's the Inspiration Board that shows the materials, hardware, and small touches that will make the house look beautiful. I included a few splurges (like the mailbox) but also gave tips on how to make $3 flower planters look custom.

Dan and Angela were really happy with the results. She says: "We are beyond-thrilled! We love it. I love the way you showcased the front entrance with the different siding and color. And your idea to camouflage that weird roofline on the side of the house with the standing seam metal is just brilliant! The fence layout with the additional walkway is exactly what I wanted but just didn't know how to say it or plan it. And on top of it all everything seems so accessible and easy to implement. The to-do list is very helpful and gives us just the direction we need. We are very happy!"

I'd love to make you happy, too. Indoors or out, how can I help? —Diane

Download Dwelement's first eDecor Plan for Exteriors.

Want to improve the curb appeal of your own home? I can give you do-able ideas that maximize the impact on a minimal budget. Plans are $250 for as many as two sides of your home. Find more information or order here. Or just email me.

TAGS: curb appeal makeover house home exterior color consultation design plan edecorating e-decorating architectural advice landscaping plans online virtual renovation improve curb appeal

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