Yearly Archives: 2015

My adventure into my own remodel has begun I had this master bathroom with a tiny shower that would never look clean due to the fact that whoever installed the grout got dirt in it, two tiny closets that just were not very successful at holding my stuff, and a vanity that just didn’t scream master bathroom. Now I know these are all complaints that are my own doing and the bathroom was functional, but not for me. So after a free day, it was ripped out.

Now here is where I caution you all. PLAN PLAN PLAN. Sure its fun to smash the things that bug you to bits, but where do we go from there? Always have a final destination in mind. When you go at it all willy nilly, the process will be frustrating. Be patient, ask questions, don’t be afraid to try and learn things throughout the process. You may find you can get something thats more functional or what you didn’t think was possible. Then you will be ready to start.

It is a really dirty, dusty, awful process tearing into your home. Make sure you get the final result YOU want. Be resourceful, do your research, don’t be afraid to ask, and have fun. I know I am.

-Kristina

I always say go with what you like, eventually what you have done will be on trend. I know a few of these I presented to clients in the past few years and they looked at me like I was a little crazy. Its ok sometimes I feel like I am too. Here 10 things that are trending this year!

– Kristina

I swear I am the worst at remembering to write these things. Of course not being the most eloquent writer or one who can sit down and focus enough to write a full sentence doesn’t seem to help.

So to bring everything up to speed. I bought my first house. I can’t get over the feeling that I can do anything I want to it. Lime green countertops are a possibility (not that I would ever do that to myself.) So this brings up a really tough point. Remodeling. As I walk around there is always a list of I wannas. I stare at gorgeous pictures of perfectly staged homes all day, get to shop for beautiful materials and brainstorm about everything a client might want to change in their home. Then I get to go home and do the same thing.

I realized that perhaps this can be the worst thing for a home owner. I have to remind myself this is a starter home not a mega mansion and I’m not a millionaire. That floor tile isn’t so bad, not something I would pick but its there and its all done without going to the dust and cleaning and the yucky stages. All I can say is if you are having this same issue as I am, relax. Embrace those imperfections. The the wabi-wabi style that you have going on because it is yours and you can eventually change it if you like, but a huge multi-slider to the backyard may not be right for you. Or that big island you always wanted may not fit in the space. Embrace your space and make the changes that are right for you and your wallet.

– Kristina

I am the worst about consistently writing, with everything going on I just put it off until I can sit down and think. With several projects in their final phases, this has been hard to do. So here I am finally in the office catching up and I wanted to bring a few ideas to you guys on how to make that windowless bathroom not feel like a cave. I know many homes have at least one bathroom without a window, and it starts to get a little small with everything that has to fit in the space. So here are a few things that will make it stylish and make it feel bright and open.

-Kristina

I have been asked about patterns to do with tiles. Not pattern tile mind you, that is a whole other subject. So subway tile is extremely popular, its simple, relatively inexpensive (unless you go to some custom made tiles then you’re in another bracket) and have been around a long time.  So I have been looking around to find some unique ways to lay this tile and have some really fun ideas that even makes me want to put subway tile in my own home. I have always been somewhat against it for my personal residence for some reason but these patterns give me some major inspiration. These give it an almost fresh look over the traditional way it is installed.

For the past few years designers have been mixing it up a bit with materials and color choices in kitchens. As I sit here trying to incorporate a bar area into a kitchen with already black cabinets, I find myself doing the same thing. Why not designate areas with cabinet choices even when they are right next to one another? Is all white cabinets too… white? Here are some examples of what I think are wonderful ways of incorporating different tones in kitchens without compromising the timeless elegance.  Perhaps its just me falling in love with the warm woods with the stark whites, but all of these kitchens have a common theme.

– Kristina

Its a new year again, and of course its a time where everyone starts to put the design trends out there. I have noticed a few that I would like to write about, and probably have gone over in previous writings, but we are seeing some trends from last year stay strong. As well as some that are really fading out. Like vessel bowl sinks.

Last year I found a few obsessions on my own that seem to really be getting big this year, and some of these things are what I am hoping we see more of. Design is all about you though, whatever you like in your home is what is on trend. Though I would recommend staying away from avocado green on cabinets or something.  These trends I am presenting are the ones that I would love to incorporate into my home, when I find one.