Kitchen Case Study: Old Florida, New Vision

One hundred years ago Addison Mizner brought Spanish style to Florida.  Incidentally, the state's written history begins with the arrival of Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon in 1513. Functionally, the tall open arches, windows and loggias typical to that architecture invite sea breezes within and were the perfect antidote to our hot steamy summers prior to air conditioning.

The range hood picks up rich wood tones of the new floor. Counter tops are quartz by Silestone. Photo by Shanna Morgaine

The range hood picks up rich wood tones of the new floor. Counter tops are quartz by Silestone. Photo by Shanna Morgaine

Mizner subtly adapted his designs to suit Florida and its warm climate. Although inspired by the art of Spain and Italy, his structures bear his own stamp and are a defining feature of what we think of today as Palm Beach style.

cloisteratbocaratonfacade1_BW.jpg

Addison Mizner’s design for the Cloister Inn, now the Boca Raton Resort & Club, relied on his signature Mediterranean Revival style.

Photo courtesy of the Boca Raton Historical Society

Source

Mediterranean Revival style lives on reminding us of Mizner and his contribution to the Palm Beach landscape.

Mizner-friends_v1_current-700x1024.png

Addison Mizner with his pet monkey, Johnnie Brown 

Courtesy of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County

Source

I was recently delighted to be a part of a kitchen remodel in one such home located in Boca Raton.  The homeowners were looking for an updated and functional kitchen for their family.  At the same time, they treasure and acknowledge the history of their hundred-year-old home.

Setting the Scene

See a new kitchen I designed in a hundred-year-old Addison Mizner home in Boca Raton. It's a bit of Florida history + updated style! For more about this interesting project visit my blog at ArtfulKitchens.net I would love to help you with your project too!

Design wise I saw my biggest challenge as taking the existing kitchen space plus a butler’s pantry area and making them into one decent sized unified kitchen full of function. At the same time, it had to feel fresh yet look like it belonged in the house.

Challenges of an Older Home

The previous main sink location before we combined the two rooms

The previous main sink location before we combined the two rooms

Denali Construction Corp, with architect Adriana Finnvold, expertly addressed issues with the foundation which were discovered during demo.  They also were able to remove the wall separating the existing kitchen and butler’s pantry. Since we were removing a hallmark arch we added one on the entry to the dining room as well as one in the hallway.

Design Thoughts

The existing wood floor was in poor shape so it was replaced with a similar but darker wood with slightly wider, more updated planks. We picked up the rich finish with a matching range hood hood, traditional but clean lined.  Floating shelves in the same wood material tied it all together and added a modern touch.

Floating shelves add a touch of modern. Photo by Shanna Morgaine

Floating shelves add a touch of modern. Photo by Shanna Morgaine

Function & Flow

In order to really integrate the old butler’s pantry, I decided to locate the main sink and clean up work area there below an existing window looking out on a courtyard garden.

New main sink and clean-up work zone in former butler’s pantry area

New main sink and clean-up work zone in former butler’s pantry area

The relocated main sink and clean-up zone with a new arch to the dining room. The apron style sink is the iconic IKON Silgranit sink by Blanco. Photo by Shanna Morgaine.

The old kitchen sink became a prep sink, closer to the refrigerator allowing the two separate functions of food prep and clean up to happen simultaneously.  Voilá we now had a two cook kitchen.

We also added some glass doors and took the cabinets up to the ceiling for maximum storage. A peninsula provides additional seating for the breakfast area. Bernier Cabinetry by Devine Design Kitchens & More brought this design to life with their careful planning and expert installation. I always say the best projects are great collaborations.

Some Final Words from a Happy Client

My client dishes on exactly what she loves about her new kitchen! Gloria@artfulkitchens.net 561-254-7736

See more photos of this kitchen here in my portfolio.

How to Start Planning a New Kitchen 101

If your new kitchen is going to be an expression of who you are and how you live it’s helpful to have a little inspiration. One of the things I frequently mention is the benefit of something I call “kitchen scrapbooking”.

Read more

Kitchen Design Case Study: Awkward Angles

Every time I think I've seen it all  I'm challenged to create a kitchen design that seems impossible! Such is the case with this recent project.  This home is located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and features not only a stunning view but also the strangest shaped kitchen! Sometimes I wonder what architects are thinking.  

coastal kitchen watercolor render blue island chief architect kitchen design

coastal kitchen watercolor render blue island chief architect kitchen design

Step 1- Let there be walls

(to scale and correctly angled)

I can't even begin to design until I can get the walls drawn to scale.  I had a physical blueprint which (after some quick research) I was able to trace over in my design program (Chief Architect).  Once I did this I discovered those angles are 30 and 60 degrees, not the typical 45!  There was no possibility of changing the shape of this kitchen.

blue print kitchen with angles

blue print kitchen with angles

Step 2- Embrace the Space

One thing I have learned is that you will never win by trying to fight the space you're designing.  Honor it, whatever it is, if you can't change it. That is the only way to end up with a design that is timeless and looks like it has always "lived" in the space. In this case, that means embracing the angled main wall while allowing ample and efficient flow.

Step 2- How to make it better

Once I had the walls accurately represented I evaluated the current layout keeping my client in mind.  He loves to cook and he and his girlfriend love to entertain.  Here are my observations:

-Cabinets are too low, not taking advantage of the high ceiling and limiting storage

-The big POINT on the island has to go! That just jumped right out at me and called for correction

-We are in need of an update and new appliances that are up to the task of my client's cooking endeavors

-The shape of the island does allow for lots of storage but also lots of walking.  The sink is pretty far from the main wall.

-With the boat docked outside and observing everything else about the home I knew my clients' style is casual, Florida-Coastal and they are much more "comfortable" than contemporary.

a boat in the back with pool and canal palm beach gardens

a boat in the back with pool and canal palm beach gardens

Step 3- The Solution

The first thing I did was the back wall.  I knew it had to accommodate the refrigerator and the new wall oven my client selected.  The fridge and stove were already there so no need to reinvent the wheel.  Remember it saves money when you can keep your major appliances in the same, or close to the same location.  In the new design cabinets are now eight and a half feet high plus crown molding.  The upper, hard to access area, features glass doors to add a bit of style and aesthetic appeal which incidentally the homeowner mentioned he wanted.  This is the perfect spot for showcasing a collection and you can change the flavor by changing the contents when the spirit moves you.  Versatility is always an important aspect of my designs.  We've also got generous counter space next to the fridge, on each side of the stove and next to the ovens, a must!  That was the easy part.

white kitchen Palm Beach Gardens coastal style white cabinets blue accent kitchen design

white kitchen Palm Beach Gardens coastal style white cabinets blue accent kitchen design

Now for that island.  Hmmm.  Since I'm updating that means I'm simplifying.  I'll honor that angle but I think simplicity will calm the "angle noise".  It's a popular trend these days to keep an island all at one height but I didn't think it was the right solution for this project.  It turns out I was right and my client was so relieved!  This island is really a serious cleanup and prep space and with such an open space a little buffer was needed.  The raised bar also makes me think of the captain behind the wheel, it's sort of boat-like. Pulling the island closer to the main wall (still allowing 48") not only reduces the chef's steps but discourages unwanted traffic from congregating behind the island and getting underfoot. Now our island contains all the essentials but, not gonna lie, we've lost a little storage.  To compensate I added a section of full height cabinets to balance out the kitchen. Glass panes at top reference those on the main wall.  We're keeping these at 15" deep to keep the space open.  Another benefit of shallow tall cabinets is that you will do just fine with adjustable shelves whereas, in a deeper, 24"cabinet, you'll probably need roll outs or stuff gets lost and is hard to access in the back.  Roll outs really add to the price of your cabinets too. 

Step 4- More About Those Aesthetics

Now that the layout is solved I think, what can I do to make this kitchen design stand out and fit my client's personality? A deep nautical blue island and coordinating hood of course!  I also loved the idea of creating a spot for an ocean scene front and center on the hood itself.  This is a great place to add a painting you love and, again, you can change it up! Voila

awkward angle kitchen floor plan view kitchen design

awkward angle kitchen floor plan view kitchen design

What do you think of this kitchen design? Are there any elements here you can apply to your own situation? This project is now underway and I look forward to sharing the outcome!

Show Stopping Dining Tables: Vintage to Modern

Naturally, I focus a lot on the kitchen including cabinetry and all the other components but one way to really personalize your heart of the home and give it a fresh look is with your dining table.   More and more we are seeing open kitchens that incorporate dining rooms. If you are on a budget and are opting for stock cabinets which can be rather limited in materials and design the perfect dining table choice could be your answer.  Even if your styling is more contemporary a lovely vintage dining table can make for a unique focal point.Dining tables can and, in my opinion, should lend contrast to your kitchen in some way especially if you have an open floor plan. Let me share with you a few tips on how to select the right size, shape and style for your dining table or breakfast table.

dining table for ten modern natural wood table mid century modern dining chairs with upholstery in blue white wainscot panels on wall light gray faux finishes

dining table for ten modern natural wood table mid century modern dining chairs with upholstery in blue white wainscot panels on wall light gray faux finishes

Size Matters

First things first, it has to fit and you'll need enough space to move around your dining table with ease.  This means that if there is a wall behind a chair you'll need a minimum of  36" to move in and out comfortably.  42" clear on all sides is preferable. One seat requires about 24" in width so that will determine how many chairs you can fit.  How wide the chair itself also makes a difference and, of course, armless is best if you're looking to maximize seating.  Tight quarters nearly always work best with round tables and if you have a bar I suggest stools with an adjustable height option so they can double as extra dining table chairs if necessary.

round glass top dining table with natural wood base and woven rattan dining chairs natural wood console mid century modern style

round glass top dining table with natural wood base and woven rattan dining chairs natural wood console mid century modern style

The Look & Feel

Once you have the size just right you'll want to select a style that will take it from table to show stopper.  The trick is in contrast.  Dining tables should stand out from the surroundings but it's also lovely if there is at least one element that ties it to the room.  For example, in the photo above, the table base is a different color stain and the chairs are entirely different but its the beautiful wood grain that makes it work.  This room is all about the organic color palette, natural materials, and clean modern lines. All together this ensemble says Mid Century magic!

Farmhouse Charm

This modern farmhouse look is huge at the moment. Below the deep rich finish of the top contrasts and stands out but look how perfectly it works in the room. Note also how the beautiful glass globes on the light fixtures repeat the shape of the turned legs on the table and bench.  The bench look goes right along with the farmhouse style and is great for maximizing seating.

Baluster turned leg dining table by James + James white legs with dark wood top matching bench seat and dining chairs white shiplap on wall glass globe pendant lights

Baluster turned leg dining table by James + James white legs with dark wood top matching bench seat and dining chairs white shiplap on wall glass globe pendant lights

Elegant Coastal

This elegant coastal design by Amy Tyndale features a wood stained dining table. The contrasting white chairs tie the dining area to the kitchen and trim molding.  Also check out the repeating curvy X motif in the chairs, light fixtures and candle holders on the table.  It's the details that come together to create one amazing design statement.

amy tyndale design coastal dining room with natural wood dining table, white dining chairs, traditional cabinets with glass doors wine coolers built-in coffee maker large white pendant lights with chrome accents wood floor

amy tyndale design coastal dining room with natural wood dining table, white dining chairs, traditional cabinets with glass doors wine coolers built-in coffee maker large white pendant lights with chrome accents wood floor

Do you have a dining table dilemma? Please do share!! Email me at Gloria@ArtfulKitchens.net and I just might feature your question and share my ideas for you right here at Artful Kitchens.  Cheers!

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When Nakturnal offered to sponsor me to dish on dining rooms it was a natural fit! I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. All content and images reflect my own personal viewpoint.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

Do you get frustrated looking at all the beautiful images on Houzz and Pinterest? If only, right?  The good news is you don't always have to shoot the budget to have a kitchen that is your own unique design statement.  This means you're going to have to forgo the temptation to slavishly emulate the trend of the moment in exchange for investing in a look that is authentically your own.  Yes! Inject your own personality, make it versatile to allow for your moods and you will have something timeless that will always give you joy. Read on and I'll show you how.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

Own Your Color

A favorite color is one way to create a personal statement in your kitchen.  Perhaps you embrace all color bright an bold.  If this is your cup of tea allow yourself open space and glass front cabinets to show your true color in all its glory.  I recommend keeping the fixed elements such as flooring and countertops neutral so you can play more with color in ways that are versatile. This would include paint, dishes, artwork and decorative items.   A nice crisp white is always a great backdrop to vibrant hues. If you are an adventurous soul because that's your personality, create a focal point like this beautiful back splash using your favorite color.  Just keep it over one area such as the stove.  Less is more and you don't want to dilute the power of the statement, right?

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

"Artful detail can literally be art such as paintings and sculpture but it can also be beautiful hand made utilitarian items, family treasures or books."

Embrace Your Architecture

Believe me, I have tried to "correct".  Sometimes you can but often it just doesn't work. I have had much better results when I embrace the fixed conditions I am faced with when creating a new design.  These issues can include angles, bump outs, ceiling height differences and last but not least the age and era in which a home was built.  Your space should look like it belongs.  This happens when you match the style of your design to your home.  In fact, I always try to look for clues such as arches and fixed architectural elements that I will repeat in the design. If your kitchen "goes with" your home it will always be right.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

In this kitchen which you can read more about here, we were stuck with some of the angles (yes there were more) as they are exterior walls. What we did do was move the refrigerator. It used to be where the hood is. It opens up space and gives us a focal point. We also eliminated angles on both the island and the peninsula. Now my client has a kitchen that makes sense and functions perfectly for her lifestyle.

Go Within

The way you customize your cabinet interiors is always based on the way you live.  Think about it.  Is there one particular item that just doesn't have a home with enough space in your kitchen? It could be food storage containers, pots or even trash!  It's different for everybody. Even if you have a small kitchen you can maximize function.  There are solutions.

Dish drawer, dish pegs, black plates, drawer cabinet

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

If you're short (like me;-) or you're just short on upper cabinets, this drawer insert featuring dish pegs can be used to customize your dish storage. Food storage containers are so necessary but can be a PIA, if you know what I mean. You may even be able to retrofit one of your cabinets with one of these handy pull out organization systems by Revashelf.  These are just two examples but there are so many options.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

Customize Work Centers

Every kitchen has a work center for food prep, clean up and cooking. Sometimes in small kitchens, they overlap but those are the basics.  Add your own as needed to customize your kitchen.  Think media center or beverage center to house your coffee or tea stash and accoutrements. Those are two popular ones that come to mind.  How about a pet center? It could be as easy as designating a certain space or cabinet and tricking out the inside. It can be planned in a new kitchen or created in your existing space.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

A media center in a drawer! Measure your devices and make sure you have enough USB outlets and  you're good to go.  Sometimes it's nice to put the phone away.  Who knows what could happen ;)

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

This is WoodMode's version of a pet center.  They call it a Pet Parlor and you can create this with most cabinetry

Artful Detail 

Artful detail can literally be art such as paintings and sculpture but it can also be beautiful hand made utilitarian items, family treasures or books.  If you have the room I encourage you to try and leave some open space to display such items and change them out as the mood strikes you.  This is perhaps the easiest way to make a neutral space very personal and joyful to be in.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

Many kitchens have a wall on at least one end which is a perfect place for a small gallery of paintings, floating shelves or one big piece of art.

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

These hand-carved spoons could be considered "working sculpture" in my book.  Speaking of books, I think they enhance every space.  I love my well-worn cookbooks that probably contain bits of all the meals cooked from them!

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

5 Ways to Make Any Kitchen Your Own Stylish Sanctuary

This is a home run for me books + art!!  I love it and if you do too we'd probably get along :) 

COMING SOON!

My quarterly newsletter is coming soon.  See what I've been up to in my real life Palm Beach County projects along with new products and where you can shop locally for the best selections and value. Subscribe below so I can keep you in the loop! xoxo

Stars of KBIS 2018- Six New Trends for Your Kitchen & Bath

I always love to attend the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) each year.  It's so much fun to spot the patterns and trends that are always evident.  Somethings have an extremely long shelf life such as white cabinets and stainless steel appliances. I continue to see those items but then there are some new things that just blew me away! This year's show was held in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the International Builders' Show (IBS) January 9-11.  I was not only on the spot but I have been spot on in my recent observations and blog posts. Read on to see what I found!

KBIS2018

KBIS2018

                                                                     Photo by Sabrina Brunk

Our first stop on day one was the Champagne and Cupcakes event hosted by Modenus and sponsored by LG Home Appliances and Signature Kitchens. This unofficial kickoff event of KBIS has become an annual institution for social media influencers, designers and media to celebrate the beginning of KBIS with champagne, cupcakes and buzz! We were honored to be included in this invitation-only event.

Back to Black

I called it! Remember this post? It was all about black, the new neutral and go-to for everything including countertops, appliances and plumbing fixtures. Matte finishes, in particular, are hot. It's definitely the new neutral.  What about grey?  Don't panic, grey is still strong but it's morphing into a warmer version, closer to taupe.

The Galley, black faucet

The Galley, black faucet

Natural Wood

Those taupier greys are a beautiful complement to all the natural stained wood which, I think is a  reaction to so many years of white and dark espresso finishes.  The hot stain colors are browner and less red.  Think walnut as opposed to cherry.  The finishes are light to medium allowing you to appreciate the beautiful movement and visual texture of the wood grains. The only exception to this was seen at mid-ranged Wellborn Cabinets.  They state that 70% of their business is still in painted finishes, but not just white.  With their Be Inspired option, you can go crazy with color and create a very personalized space. The example below was designed by Joanna Gaines.

natural wood, kitchen, black accents

natural wood, kitchen, black accents

Are You Feeling Blue?

Speaking of color, if you're feeling blue you're on trend.  If there's an accent color I noticed in the kitchen it's a deep rich blue.  A blue island can be the perfect accent but don't do it unless you love the color and it blends seamlessly with your space.  That way it'll be timeless and not just a passing fancy.

Mixed Metals

Never have I seen so many metal finish choices for plumbing fixtures and hardware.  The bronzes and brushed brasses that came out last year are stronger than ever.  The best thing is you can mix more than one metal in your kitchen and bath, just make sure you tie it into another element in the room.  For example, you could have stainless steel appliances but a brushed brass faucet and matching brass cabinet hardware.  Kohler definitely took this trend to the next level with their Vibrant Ombré faucets!

KBIS2018ArtfulKitchens

KBIS2018ArtfulKitchens

  Photo by Sabrina Brunk

The New Traditional

Even though I wrote about this a year ago, right here, I was amazed at how many displays I saw that were definitely leaning towards traditional.  Today's traditional is fresh and updated but still classical. In addition to this sort of "new farmhouse" example below, I saw detailed door styles with moldings and raised panels. I was surprised to see that!

KBIS2018ArtfulKitchens

KBIS2018ArtfulKitchens

Not Your Grandma's Formica

Formica's new surfaces feature the most updated technologies in laminate materials.  At the show, they were touting writable surfaces and new patterns to rival the beauty of marble.  Maybe this material, which has always had a big following in Europe, is worth another look.  It's being used on vertical surfaces too, not just countertops.  They also showed a shower in all Formica, not sure I'm into that though.

Formica looks like marble

Formica looks like marble

In addition to these big stars of the show, I saw so many great accessories and organizational inserts for your kitchen and bath, sleek and sculptural freestanding tubs and did I mention black? 

freestanding bath tub, matte black

freestanding bath tub, matte black

There's no way I can leave you without sharing one of the most memorable moments of that show for me.  It was attending Modenus' Design Milk Talk on Business Marketing featuring (left to right) Claire Jefferd, Maria Killam, Laurel Bern and Leslie Carothers superstars in our industry. Following last summer's series The Big Move, I was the winner of Claire Jefferd's video training course.  Now I'll really know what I'm doing in the next video venture! ;)

KBIS2018ArtfulKitchens

KBIS2018ArtfulKitchens

If you haven't done so already, follow my Facebook page where I am posting my finds every day.  I'm on Instagram too!  If you're in the beginning stages of planning a new kitchen this is a good way to start the process. I am enthusiastically available for in-home consultations in South Florida from Boca Raton to Jupiter if you're ready to take that next step.  A big THANK YOU to my beautiful daughter Sabrina Brunk for assisting me on this trip and helping me spot the trends at  KBIS 2018 and sharing her photographs. Cheers!!