Hi.  Just wanted to check in and share what we’ve been up to.

We are nearing the completion of the renovation of the home below (’70s ranch in the Atlanta suburbs).  And while the family is darling and have been such a joy to work for, this kitchen was a tad needy.

It needed much attention and demanded all of our brain-power and creativity.  It wanted Anisa to sketch her not once, not twice, but about twelve times.  It is the oddest and longest kitchen we’ve encountered, but we think we’ve set her straight.

We made her taller and painted her green.  She’ll be wearing a little brass, too, when we are all done.

We didn’t think anyone needed a kitchen quite so elongated, so we planned for a banquette near the back where all the windows are.  We are quite taken with this banquette (and the pink–our client loves pink & color of any sort, really)

We try to salvage what we can in any kitchen (or room, really), but she required a total extreme makeover.  All appliances and wonky cabinetry had to be sacrificed.

The new kitchen will boast this Craigslist find:

And they saved enough on the fridge that they could swing for the white Viking range (with the white knobs!)The color of the cabinets is tea light by Benjamin Moore

Their four (and growing…) children will loving this long great room, just like Anisa’s little one, Ava

Most of the progress pics we send back and forth have a kid or two in them

Here is my Wyatt modeling their new master bathroom:

This room was the former owner’s master bedroom:

The former formal living room is now their new bedroom (who receives houseguests in a formal living room anymore?  anyone?), and now this bedroom will have two walk-in closets, a freestanding tub, two custom vanities and a separate shower.

The tub will go in between the vanities, and, yes, we will have blinds on the windows (our contractors…again….think we are crazy).

We wouldn’t recommend hardwoods in a kids’ bath, but we think they are great for the parents’ bathroom.

We chose BM Galveston Gray for the paint above the 1″ x 8″ boards.  It is such a rich & warm gray. 

I’ve gotta share my favorite gray of all time, I think.  Anisa introduced me to it–BM Sparrow.

All of the interior doors are now this color (and will be in our new home, too!)

Most of the ceilings are blue, too (why not?  So much better that boring flat ceiling paint.)

Sorry this post is so long…..but want to share some other “during” photos of our other client who already had a beautiful home before we showed up.

Her sun-filled dining room is coming together….

As well as her playroom/ keeping room…

I remember reading in House Beautiful that Roland Alonso of Commune Design in LA said that hot pink is a neutral (or rather that he learned that from Issac Mizrahi).  I love that and think I agree.

I think mostly that clients hire us to ask permission.  ”You sure a mint green kitchen isn’t too crazy?”   No!!!   “You sure you can mix navy and hot pink and teal?”   Yes!!!   It is like trying on an outfit before a date and asking your girlfriend, “Do I look cute?”  Don’t we all want to ask someone?

Thanks for listening to my design ramblings on this rainy summer Sunday….Our power went out when I was writing this post.  I love when that happens….especially on a Sunday.

xo,

Julie