Professional Remodeler Magazine: 40 Under 40

Professional Remodeler Magazine: 40 Under 40

Life has been pretty busy for me lately, but I have some super exciting news that I wanted to share with y'all! You may already know that earlier this year I was chosen by the National Kitchen and Bath Association to participate in their "30 Under 30" program, but a couple months ago, I found out that I had been selected to receive ANOTHER honor..... :) 

As if being part of the NKBA "30 Under 30" wasn't enough, I recently found out that I was chosen by Professional Remodeler magazine as one of THEIR top 40 design professionals under the age of 40 for 2014! Check out the link below... You can find me on page 34!

Professional Remodeler: Forty Under 40

Photo Courtesy of: Professional Remodeler Magazine

I am so pumped to have been recognized and beyond grateful to be in the company of so many talented people... a few of whom I can honestly call friends!

So far this year has been a career whirlwind for me... awards, magazine features, radio shows... and we're only six months in to the year. What's next?? HGTV? My own TV show?! Who knows... but I can't wait to find out. Watch out "50 Under 50".......... I'm coming for you!

No Ceiling Left Behind!

No Ceiling Left Behind!

One design trend that I'm really excited about has to do with a very overlooked part of a room in my opinion... the ceiling. In a lot of instances, we simply paint the ceiling white and call it a day. Nobody puts 'Baby' in a corner, and hopefully after this post, nobody will ignore their ceilings either. They have potential too, ya know?!

In most cases in design, you want to continue to draw the eye 'up' in the room. Generally your eye stops at the crown molding, or perhaps a nice piece of art work on the wall. Not anymore, my friends! Here are a few of my favorite ways to highlight your ceilings!

Painted Ceilings

Sometimes it's nice to switch things up and let the ceiling do the talking while leaving the walls less defined. In this case, the crown molding is installed about 18" lower than the actual ceiling height which, to me, makes the ceiling look even taller then it already is. I love a good 'trompe l'oeil' (or trick of the eye)!

Changing the sheen of the paint on your ceiling to high gloss can also give additional visual interest. The glossy finish reflects the light giving the room a really bright and airy feel. Generally when you think "high gloss" you envision a contemporary loft in Manhattan, but this otherwise traditional space pulls it off quite nicely!

Here's your standard white ceiling. The incorporation of the high gloss panels really changes things and  dresses it up a bit. 

Interesting Trim Details

I don't know about you, but when I look at this picture, my eyes start at about the middle. Then, because of this ceiling trim, I continue to move my eyes up the image. While this ceiling trim is beautiful and interesting, the furnishings are still the main focal point in the room. The ceiling in the picture below on the other hand certainly captures your attention before anything else...

There's a balance to everything and I think this space stays true to that idea. The ceiling detail is extremely intricate (and absolutely gorgeous). Because of that, the furnishings are more minimalistic. You want to be sure you aren't creating too many focal points within the same space. In this case, the ceiling is the 'leading lady' and everything else is her supporting cast.

Suspended Ceilings

One of the keys to suspended ceilings is to have higher ceilings to begin with. If you have an 8ft ceiling, then choosing to highlight it with one of the other options in this post might be more beneficial. In the photo above though, the ceiling height was there and the addition of the suspended wood is flawless. You'll notice in the middle, the designer added 'up lighting' to give even more attention to this architectural detail.

Wish you had a tray ceiling in your kitchen? Then you shall have one. This is a 'reverse tray' and it gives the illusion that the ceiling in the center is actually higher, when in reality, it's at the same height at the rest of the ceiling in the kitchen. In this traditional space, the bead board adds some extra charm. If this were a contemporary space, I could see a high gloss paint in the center to reflect the lighting from the pendants. 

Add Texture

This kitchen is one of my favorites. I think the designer did an amazing job incorporating texture in to this space. The brick on the ceiling, while cool in tone, brings an unmatched warmth to the room. 

I'm always a big fan of mixing styles. There is no rule book in design and this room proves that you can mix high-gloss floors with reclaimed wood planks on the ceiling. Throw in a contemporary light fixture and you'll have your guests in awe of your space in no time!

There are so many fun design options at your disposal. Again, I think it's important to determine what part of your room you really want to stand out, and then make it happen! 

Hope everyone has a safe and sun-filled Memorial Day weekend, and many thanks to the men and women who have served and continue to serve in our Armed Forces. 

Until next time... 

Turn Up The Radio... I'm ON AIR: Part 2!!!

Turn Up The Radio... I'm ON AIR: Part 2!!!

A few months ago, I told y'all how excited I was to be invited to be a guest on Paisley McDonald's "At Home with Paisley" radio show! We were originally scheduled to record in February, but as Mother Nature would have it... Atlanta was overcome by a Snowpocalypse (as the locals... and Al Roker... were calling it).

Exhibit A:  Snowpocalypse (aka... Snowmageddon, Snowjam, etc)

Because of this crazy weather, Paisley and I had to reschedule. We recorded the show a few weeks ago and it finally aired in Atlanta last week! 

It was a blast to sit down with Paisley... who, it just so happens, went to my rival high school around the same time I did. She has grown up around the design industry and is extremely talented. Her attention to detail when decorating a space is amazing. You can check out some of her work here.

Below is a link to my segment on her show, "At Home with Paisley". It's about an hour long and while you may want to hear me blab for the entire time, I'll give you a quick break down on how it plays out in case you want to skip ahead. (Mom... ignore the last sentence... I'm your daughter and you have to listen to the whole thing) ;)

Check out my interview with Paisley McDonald HERE!

First Segment: 

Intro to Kitchen & Bath Design and Renewal Design-Build

Second Segment (starts at 15:22): 

Renewal's Design Process, The Guaranteed Renovation, Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), NKBA "30 Under 30", New Products Seen at KBIS

Third Segment (starts at 29:43):

Intro to a CLeaR design, Countertop Trends, Design Trends, My Holistic Approach to Design, How I Ended up in Design

Fourth Segment (starts at 44:54):

How Good Design Can Impact Your Lifestyle, My Favorite Project, Additional Design Trends from KBIS (mixed metals, farmhouse flair, ceiling treatments)

Like I said earlier, I had such a great time recording this show... maybe there will be another in my future! Hope you enjoyed it too! As always, if there are any questions that I didn't answer, feel free to let me know!! 

Look for my next post in the coming days.... I have another super exciting announcement :)

Project Reveal: Ansley Park Kitchen Renovation

Project Reveal: Ansley Park Kitchen Renovation

Let me tell you... Working as a designer is a day-to-day struggle. You are surrounded by all of these beautiful things and 9 times out of 10, you can't afford to put them in your own home. The silver lining is when a client comes along that essentially builds your dream kitchen, therefore allowing you to live vicariously through them! 

This project did just that. 

Their beautiful home, located in the picturesque Ansley Park neighborhood in Atlanta, was practically perfect... with the exception of an outdated kitchen.

You'll notice in the picture above a couple of columns with beams going across them. These are actually a structural component of the house. The area where the table sits was not original to the home, therefore those beams are carrying the load of the former back of the house. What did that mean for me? That they had to be incorporated in to the design of the new space!

Because of the size of this kitchen, the clients use this OFTEN for entertaining purposes. Above, you'll notice a couple of doors in the distance. The one on the right was an extremely long and narrow broom closet that wasn't all that functional for this family. Keep reading to see if the broom closet will stay or go ;)

The time came to break ground. Construction began only a couple months after this couple's first child was born (talk about some serious troopers... kitchen reno with a newborn - mad props to them)!

One interesting construction note before we get into the 'after' photos. Renewal Design-Build (the remodeling firm that I work for), prides ourselves in being extraordinarily thorough upfront so that very few surprises happen during construction. One thing we noticed in our research is that the ceiling was four different heights. Each "quadrant" was different. That led to us determining (again... all prior to construction) that the sub-floor wasn't level. 

As a matter of fact... the sub-floor ended up being up to FIVE INCHES out of level in some areas!! Because of our due diligence up front, the client knew that this would be something to address during the construction phase. 

Alright, on to the really fun stuff! Drum roll please.... my dream kitchen... that I don't get to live in, but I can look at these pictures as often as I want!

....... And sigh. 

The layout of the space changed slightly, but the finishes are really where this one stands out. One of my favorite components of the whole room is the lighting. I had a blast researching these lights and discovering something that had a little of that industrial vibe.

There's never a good way to store your pots and pans... until now! This custom drawer unit is the prime location for these items. From the front, it looks like two separate drawers, but it functions as one large drawer with a rollout shelf at the top for pot storage! Efficiency is key when planning your kitchen renovation!

Remember the broom closet?! Poof.... be gone! This cabinetry serves dual-functionality. The glass cabinets on each side provide a great space for decorative items while the center houses a TV... perfect for watching a game on a gorgeous fall day!

Can we just talk about the cranes for a minute. How amazing are those?! I can't take credit for them, but I caaaaaan love them... and I do!

At the top of this image you'll see the custom coffered ceiling. This detail disguises those structural beams that I pointed out earlier on. Pretty nice disguise if you ask me! PS... those awesome lights are from Circa Lighting. They are such an amazing focal point in this room!

In this 500+ square foot kitchen.... this was probably my favorite piece! The rustic charm of the brick and wood countertop in this Butler's Pantry are to die for. This vestibule leads from the Kitchen to the main Dining Room. The lights are also bad to the bone (if I do say so myself)!

When you're designing for a single room, it's important not to lose sight of the architectural details of the house. In this case, you'll notice the transom window above the french doors on the left side of the photo. When designing the Butler's Pantry, I wanted to be sure to incorporate a transom of the same style. It's both architecturally fitting for the home, and it gives a great visual of that brick-work you saw above!

Again... being a designer is hard. Very hard. 

I live with all these ideas in my head, and different products filed away in my mental database just waiting for the right client to come along. A big thanks to these wonderful clients for allowing me the opportunity to bring some of these ideas to a reality. 

Don't worry, I have plenty more just waiting for your Kitchen ;)

Until next time!

All photos courtesy of Renewal Design-Build

Forest-Free Hardwood Floors!

Forest-Free Hardwood Floors!

I think we can all agree that there's a huge sense of accomplishment when you go outside your comfort zone and tackle a new challenge. One of my current projects at Renewal is making me do just that. The clients on this particular project are very focused on using environmentally responsible products in their home, and it's definitely opened my eyes to a whole new world of products (as I typed that I totally sang "a whole new world" Aladdin style in my head). 

In researching different pieces for their home, I was introduced to one company from Atlanta that I'm officially obsessed with now.

Eutree is flipping fantastic. So, here's what makes them so special.

It's no surprise that trees are removed for many different reasons... maybe there was a storm and a tree fell. Maybe a tree is considered a "problem tree" and is recommended to be cut down by an arborist. Eutree collects these trees that are removed for reasons other than lumber production. They then re-purpose the trees and mill them into many things, but specifically, forest-free hardwood floors!

Photo Courtesy of Eutree

There are many sustainable forests out there that are a huge step in the right direction for lumber production, but what Eutree does is special. Just think... you could potentially coordinate tree removal in your yard (should there be 'problem trees' in your yard) and then turn around and have those trees milled in to new floors for your home. How cool would that be? Talk about a fun story to tell when you have guests over!

Because Eutree is local to the Atlanta area, many of the trees that they obtain are fully mature White Oak trees. That leads to some absolutely gorgeous quarter-sawn and rift-sawn floors. Take a look below at what they have the potential to look like!

Photo Courtesy of Salisbury Wood Working

Photo Courtesy of Authentic Pine Floors

Photo Courtesy of Flooring.org

It's great to have a company like this located here in Atlanta, but to all of you that live elsewhere... don't worry, they ship all across the US! That's my fun find for the week... hope you think it's as cool as I do :) 

There are so many resources available in the design world that can contribute to an absolutely stunning space while also being environmentally friendly... just gotta be willing to take on the challenge to find them! 

Trends with Benefits!

Trends with Benefits!

Who doesn't want the latest and greatest? One of the things I love about the kitchen and bath industry is that the manufacturers are always looking for ways to be innovative and make their products efficient for the homeowner. I've learned a lot over the years about trendy products that are also incredibly beneficial to you, your family, and the environment.

Universal Design is becoming a standard in my day-to-day design life. There are simple solutions that make it so much easier for a family to grow and age in their home. I had the opportunity to learn a ton about this during my trip to Las Vegas as part of the NKBA's '30 Under 30'. Blum is a company that has taken the idea of Universal Design to the max. They've done countless studies about how people function in their kitchens and how that space could be more user friendly for everyone in the family.

Exhibit A: The Blum Age Explorer Suit

Photo is my own.

This is a picture of me and some friends at KBIS 2014 in Las Vegas. The astronaut-looking suit belongs to Blum. It simulates the effects that aging can have on the body (muscle weakness, loss of eyesight, arthritic hands, etc). Kristin, our lovely suit model, demonstrated just how valuable certain design elements can be in your home. Drawers are becoming an extremely popular trend in kitchen design. Ergonomically and aesthetically, they are a great choice. It is far easier to lift plates or heavy objects out of a drawer than to pull them down from a wall cabinet. 

Photo Credit: The Sky is the Limit Design

With all kinds of cabinet inserts available, drawers can be an extremely functional storage solution for plates, bowls, cups, pots, pans, etc. Check out some of these accessories... available through one of my favorite cabinet manufacturers, Dura Supreme!

The kitchen isn't the only area where accessibility can be a struggle. As the Baby Boomer generation is starting to near or reach retirement, many are realizing that they want to remain in their current homes for years to come. There are tons of sleek, attractive options available to have a safe and stylish bathroom!

Photo Credit: Invisia 

Both the soap holder and the piece around the shower valve function as grab bars. The decorative shelf in the corner does too! These safety features are far more aesthetically pleasing than the institutional grab bars we've seen in the past. 

Zero-entry (or curbless) showers are also a huge trend. The are extremely beneficial to the homeowner... especially as they age. The less to step over, the better. Quartz by Aco has a beautiful approach to these showers with their drain systems. 

Photo Credit: Quartz by Aco

These linear drains are awesome... a little pricey... but still awesome! There are different designs for the grates and it's offered in stainless steel and oil rubbed bronze. If you're feeling real fancy, you can also get LED lights incorporated in to the drain!! 

Another part of the renovation puzzle that can be a huge 'wow factor' in your kitchen or bathroom are the countertops. If you're from the south like me, then you have probably seen many spaces with white cabinets and white marble countertops. There is no question... white marble is absolutely stunning, but there is maintenance involved with any natural stone product. It's susceptible to staining, etching, and requires resealing every so often by the homeowner. I would never tell someone not to get marble, but it's important to be educated about the products you put in your home. This brings me to a viable substitute: 

QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

Above is the Musica Collection from LG Viatera. All of the samples shown above are quartz countertops (even though some look so much like real marble/granite). There are plenty of quartz companies that provide a similar look to these, but the cool thing about LG Viatera is that it's manufactured here in my home state of Georgia!! That means, it's not being shipped from across the world which is in no way beneficial to the environment. Another plus to quartz countertops... hardly any maintenance required. You'll never have to seal it!!

It would definitely put my mind at ease if I had little ones running around to have worry-free products in my home. I'm sure for most Mom's out there, the cooktop has always been a source of concern. Children are curious little people and when that curiousity sneaks into the kitchen, that can lead to some burnt fingers. 

Induction Cooking

Photo Credit: Unknown

Induction cooking is a wonderful choice. Not only does the surface remain cool while cooking, it heats water incredibly fast. For example, studies have shown that induction cooktops can bring 1.5 gallons of water to a boil in about 8.5 minutes (compared to 13.5 minutes for gas cooktops). The one downside to induction is that is does require a specific type of cookware. If you want to see if yours will work, hold a magnet up to the bottom of the pan.... if it sticks, you're good to go!

While you may have been familiar with some of the items above, hopefully your eyes are more open to just how much of a difference these trends can make in your home! Come back soon... I'll have a couple project reveals for you in the next few weeks!!

It's SPRING... Finally!

It's SPRING... Finally! 

I love this season for so many reasons. My birthday, longer daylight hours, and especially the gorgeous colors that come along with all of the flowers in bloom. There's no reason that Mother Nature should be the only one enjoying those vibrant colors... here are a few tips to bring spring inside your home!

I've mentioned before how much I love to incorporate pops of color using the 'soft goods' and accessory items. I have a tendency to 'shop' in different rooms of my house borrowing pillows from my Guest Room and putting them in my Living Room and so on. It can liven up a space with very little effort -- or expense.

Photo Credit: Society6 (left) and Fine Luxury Linens (right)

Here are a couple springtime-inspired pillows that I love. The soft pattern in the mint green pillow is right up my alley. I love the brightness and vibrancy, and am sure it would warm up a space right away. The pink pillow on the other hand is more of a departure from my everyday style, but for a couple months of the year, I think it's great! Looking at the whimsical print makes me want to go find a meadow  (or maybe Piedmont Park) and frolic about. 

I LOVE the Dining Room in the image below... just think how great the host & hostess chairs would look if there was a decorative pillow with some bright colors sitting in each of them. As a bit of a side note totally unrelated to spring, but absolutely related to interesting design... note all of the different styles of chairs surrounding this table. I love the diversity among the styles, materials, and textures shown in this space! 

Photo Credit: Historical Concepts

Next up... Bookcase Makeover 101. We all have had that bookcase that just feels a little drab no matter how many great accessories you may have on it. This springspiration is a little more of a commitment, but it can have a lasting impression. 

Photo Credit: Unknown 

Run over to your local paint supplier... find a color that you love (again - it's spring, so go for something with a little life)... and then paint the back of the bookcase this color. You can even do an ombre application and go a shade darker every shelf that you go down. Note the navy and brass in the photo above... remind you of anything??

Another awesome part about this time of year (well, until you're an adult and work alllllll the time) is spring break! I remember all those trips to the beach in high school and college... full of memories that I won't discuss here ;) There are a lot of aspects of beach life that are making their way in to homes far from the shoreline.

Photo Credit: Terrat Elms

Driftwood. We've all seen it while perusing the beach on vacation. Next time you pass by a piece, think about how much you'd pay for the exact same thing in a store. Then snap back to reality, pick it up, bring it home, and put it on display. Looking at it will evoke fond memories of your trip, and you'll have some extra moolah to spend on something else (errr... a fancy bottle of wine for girls night, or maybe some new shoes??) 

The word 'pastels' can take you straight to Baby-Town USA, but don't let it (unless you're expecting, then proceed at full steam ahead)! I'm the first to admit that I have a more neutral color palette in my house. But there's one thing I love coming home to and that's a beautiful floral arrangement.

Photo Credit: Ariston Flowers NYC

The photo above shows a very neutral room with pastel pink (and green) flowers. It's just enough. It's soft, yet lively. Subtle, yet interesting. Incorporating live plants and flowers helps to bring this gorgeous time of year from the outside in -- minus all the pollen!

Photo Credit: Unknown

Rustic chair. Vibrant flowers. I rest my case. 

Spring is here and I am officially obsessed! It's a gorgeous night here in Atlanta, so I'm gonna go enjoy it! 

Have a great evening, y'all!! 

From The Oscars to The Home

From The Oscars to The Home

If you're anything like me, you probably spent the majority of last night watching The Oscars! I always love to tune in and see who won what everyone wore. The Oscars are when you break out the big guns. It is the quintessential night in Hollywood to look your best... and for some... make a statement. 

Interior design is an interesting field to be in. There are so many moving pieces that influence the trends that go into a home, and fashion is definitely one of them. Typically, fashion tries out a trend, and, after some time and success in the fashion world, that trend is incorporated into interior design. It's far less expensive to purchase a shirt and decide that you don't like it as opposed to an entire room of cabinetry. 

In honor of all of the Oscars hoopla that's gone on in the last 24 hours (by the way, I love Ellen-she rocks), let's take a look at some of the hottest red carpet trends and see how they translate into the world of residential design.

Metallics
Little Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) is all grown up and commands attention everywhere she goes. She's classic, yet edgy, and her dress last night fit that description perfectly. The top half of her dress has a metallic sheen that adds some fun and excitement to the timeless black skirt on the bottom. This trend lends itself well to interior design. Metallics are kicking open the front door of your home and inviting themselves in... and you should welcome them with open arms. An entire room full of metallics might be overload, but balancing 'edginess' with 'class' is a trend that I am in full support of!

Photo Credit: E! Online and Ann Sacks

The Ann Sacks Lucian Metallics Collection is a favorite of mine and has been for some time. I have a Master Bath project that uses this tile and it's amazing (the unveiling of that room will be coming soon)! In the photo above, there is a very traditional pedestal sink, mirror, and sconce lights. A standard painted wall would have been fine, but the addition of the metallic tiles really gives this space that extra 'something' that we all want!

Prints
I'll be the first to admit that some floral prints can be down-right offensive. But others, like the one shown in Chrissy Teigan's 'Monique Lhuillier' gown below is almost whimsical. Looking at it just makes me happy and reminds me that my wardrobe (as well as my home) doesn't have to be full of solid colors.

Photo Credit: E! Online and Porcelanosa

Porcelanosa is a tile company that I love for two reasons. Reason #1... it's really affordable. Reason #2... they are so innovative with their tile patterns and designs. The photos shown above are from their collection, and I find it interesting that these fairly traditional floral designs are being used in such modern spaces. Again, it's a play on the softness of the floral pattern paired with the crisp, straight lines of the vanities, other tiles, etc. It just works. 

Navy Blue

Here is something that I'm LOVING. Blue... navy blue! Sandra Bullock and Amy Adams are pretty darn close to perfection on a normal day, and then they put these dresses on and remind us all that they're in a league all their own. 

Photo Credit: E! Online

I am absolutely obsessed with navy blue cabinets right now... especially when paired with brass accents. There is a touch of sophistication with this color and yet it's still such a neutral. The photo below on the left is a very traditional space with a grayish-blue cabinet. It's a fresh spin on all of the solid gray that we're seeing right now. Tying it together with a white marble is stunning and timeless. 

Photo Credit: Left- Unknown    Right- Marcus Design

The navy blue in the photo above on the right is a little more pronounced. It's daring and vivacious. This example also has the matte brass faucet and hardware that just sets it apart. Oh... and if you just read through the section above (prints/patterns)... check out that wall covering!!!

Statement Pieces
In this day and age, who doesn't want to make a statement? It seems like everyone has something to say, and well, we live in the free world... so go on and express yourself (hey, hey, hey, heyyyyy)! Naomi Watts... simple dress. Simple hair. STATEMENT necklace. Look at that thing... it's gorgeous! In the home, statements can be made in a lot of different ways. Below you'll see a bathroom designed by Renewal Design-Build (the phenomenal company I work for). The bathtub is remarkable. It has great lines, soft edges, and is FAR from your average bathtub.

Photo Credit: E! Online, Renewal Design-Build, Restoration Hardware

Restoration Hardware is another company that is always looking to push the limits and create works of art for interiors. Their Victorian Hotel Pendant literally looks like you could have found it at an old boutique hotel. This piece captures your attention and captivates you as you walk into a room.

Whether it's fashion or interior design, all of these beautiful items are created as a way to express yourself. I'm a firm believer in leaving a wall blank until you find the perfect piece to fill it up. Antique markets, estate sales... looking outside the norm is where you can find some amazing treasures! Thanks to Hollywood's Finest for allowing me to live vicariously through you for a night. I always end the Oscars feeling inspired and ready to tackle my next project... with a CLeaR design!

See you soon!!