Working designer tells all!
Is Quartz the new Granite?
Mar 9th
Kitchen Countertop - Baja 3200 Interior Makeovers Inc., Santa Monica, CA
In a word: Yes.
I make no secret that I love quartz products.I would guess quartz and/or countertops other than granite constitutes almost 75% of our specifications now.
Am I over granite? If it fits the project, then great but I simply like quartz better. It is scratch,stain and crack resistant. It is not porous and is low maintenance. Only 3 other natural minerals are harder than quartz: Diamonds, Sapphire, and Topaz. What is not to like?
I also find the consistency of color allows me much more freedom when designing walls of tile or stone and backsplashes in kitchens. I do not always prefer the quartz products that try and mimic granite but rather, the ones that claim a personality all on their own.
Just a few of my favorite colors: Hanstone: Tiffany Gray, Silestone: Alpina white ( which I admit has more movement like granite but I love the taupe colorway!) All the Silestone Eco line, Caesarstone: Blue Lagos and Organic White. I really like Vetrastone and Vetrazzo also which are recycled glass. I will profile these products as well. Let me know your thoughts!
Part 1 of a 3 part series.Here are two of the most prolific manufacturers:
Caesarstone
**40 Colors with 6 being recycled ( quartz reflection is awesome and contains up to 35% post consumer recycled glass!)
**5 colors can be honed and one is textured ( warning: honed and textured is more maintenance!)
**93% crushed quartz
**Comes in slab sizes of 120″x 56.5″ and in 2cm and 3cm thicknessess
**Cleaning: Soap and water. Once in a while can use Method Daily Polish Spray or Metho Daily Stone Surface Wipes
**Lifetime residential warrantee/10 yr commercial
Honed, Motivo and textured surfaces require more maintenance. Low level VOC output.
LEED Platinum Home, project7ten "Apple Martini"
Quartz reflections. Designed by In Detail
Silestone
**Over 65 colors and 26 offered in the leather collection which is a more honed look
**Slab size 63″ x 128″ long ( some exceptions)
**Limted 15 year warrantee
**Care: 409 Fantastik, Lysol, or Windex. The leathers take more care. Silestone recommends using “Countertop Magic” cleaner.
**Contains Microban, an anti-microbial product
** Four times the flexural strength of granite, making it less susceptible to chipping and cracking during transportation and installation.
Silestone "Capri Limestone"
Silestone "Grey Expo"
Silestone Blanco Stellar Snow. Designed by In Detail
Follow Up: Consumers: Know what you are getting into!
Mar 9th
Today’s post illicited some strong opinions and also “been there done that” stories. I commented as well, but then thought, hey why not do a follow up post with some of the things I tell my clients every day. Since I am gearing many of my blog posts to really broadcast ” a day in the life” of a working mom, designer and small business owner, it makes sense to follow up with some of the thoughts I had when reading comments. I think consumers can be more “mindful” and make good decisions but this can also be helpful “ammo”, er, I meant “info” for any of you business owners or managers out there who run any type of business.Please join in the discussion and comment!
Consider this:
**News flash: we are still in a tight economic market.
Think carefully Mr or Mrs Consumer about buying items with pieces or parts that require specifications or large ticket items on the internet. Are you aware that 97% of online businesses fail? Where are they going to be when you need service, help finding a replacement part or just an answer to a question about your purchase? I have been in business in my community for 11 years and am busier than ever. What does that say? And, my business is well capitalized. No joke, I tell my clients this. I work this into conversations with potential leads also. They NEED to know I am in this business for the long haul and will be there for them if something goes awry. Now, more than ever, if you are a consumer, you should ask these questions. And, if you are a vendor/designer and have longevity, make this a key selling point. Because it is.
**Whether you like it or not, there is no free ride.
If you purchase online, you are required by law in most states to pay sales tax. It is grossly unfair that many retail online giants are CHEATING your state and county of taxes owed. Sorry but this is the truth. If you are a vendor or designer, you should point this out, Gently. Look here for some info and here. Many states are trying to rectify this immense problem with varying results.
**Along these same lines for bigger ticket items:
When purchasing a new kitchen design/cabinetry/appliances etc or same for bath or rest of your home, KNOW WHO YOU ARE GETTING INTO BED WITH FOLKS! This is so important and it simply flabbergasts me to see how little consumers know about the people they engage to remodel or build their home or supply items for it. Make sure they are going to be in business after they take your money. Even good and decent business owners are facing inordinately tough times and their business can fail. You may feel bad for them but if you have given them money and you do not have the product, you are going to feel bad for YOU. Research the people you are working with…it is EASY to do. And Vendors/Designers; does not hurt to do a bit of research on your customers either.
**If you have or need a builder, make sure he or she is licensed
What you say? Surely if he says he is a contractor ( or sub contractor who is required to be licensed) he is as he says? Nope. Around these parts, you can advertise yourself as a “contractor” or “builder” and have someone not even in our area carry the actual license. I will guess it is same in some other areas as well. To me, this is just plain wrong. And, I know people in our community who have no idea that their builder did not carry his/her own license or even more scary, did not check to make sure the contractor had workers comp insurance and liability insurance. Living in hurricane hell, I witnessed first hand how many people got screwed by dishonest people taking advantage of a nightmare. Especially hard hit were the elderly. That is bad jou jou in my book.
**Know the contractor lien laws in your county.
For consumers and for vendors. If you are a consumer and you are working with a contractor, ask him to get lien releases from the subs doing work. We rarely get asked this of our builders. The only reason I have ever heard given is ” well, we just trust folks around here”. Bah. I am trusting too but I am a two income family and my livelihood is predicated on solid business sense. If you are a vendor or designer, know the lien requirements. Know if you are “in privity” with a client. And, do not HESITATE to file a lien if you are owed money legitimately.
I have done it 3 times in 11 years. One client sarcastically said to me, “Well, I guess we will know not to mess with Cheryl” Yes that’s right and good. Point made. Losing 25k could wipe out a small business like mine. I have not worked this hard to lose. Your dang tootin I will file a lien if I am not paid.
**Remember when remodeling a home, building new, doing interior design work,purchasing items for the home that require installation or a professional, you are entering into a relationship.
How can you have a relationship with an internet seller that will stand the test of time? You are generally talking about a nominal price difference to get a real, live. local person with expertise to help you. And, consider it a benefit that probably she or he may know your neighbor, kids go to same school, your mom sits on the same board, and so on. Same with Interior work. Let your designer purchase. Do not beat them about the head and shoulders over an item you “think” you can get less on “F bay”, “Over it.com”, or “Weselleveryitemintheworld-zon.com”.
**TALK to your friends, neighbors, coworkers. Ask them for referrals of good businesses.
And, if you are a vendor or designer, make SURE you are working this angle also. YOUR BEST CLIENTS COME FROM YOUR REFERRALS. This can be client or from subs. I am sure I do not have to tell anyone that..but be honest, when is the last time you sent a note to a former client? For a birthday, a special occasion, a news worth clipping from the paper, a blog post via email??? We routinely send out thank yous each Friday to anyone I have not met personally that comes into our shop and buys anything. Even simply one knob. I enclose my business card, a 3/50 flyer and write a note on memorable note cards. I THANK THESE PEOPLE FOR COMING IN AND BUYING LOCALLY. So, it is not enough as a vendor or designer to yak about buying local, you need to do your part to encourage the behavior by rewarding those who do, even with a simple “thank you”. It is the cheapest but best advertisting of your business you will ever do. And, pay it forward please. If you get a good referral, go out of your way to follow suit. It is the karma of construction.
Weigh in. What is your opinion? Do you have other helpful information along these lines?
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”
~~~Henry Ford
For those people who shop bricks and mortar stores… then buy off the internet
Mar 8th
I hope every person reading this will make a comment and weigh in. Whether you are a business owner, employee or just a consumer, I want to hear your thoughts.
Here is my truth: I welcome the potential customers who come into my small, locally owned independent showroom to kick some tires, ask questions about how we do business, get a feel for our products or just wander around.
I do, however, have an issue with those people (yes, lady in the hummer I am talking to you) who come to our showroom with the express purpose of looking at our (expensive) displays, asking questions of my (knowledgable) staff, and requesting (detailed) specs, product numbers and (color) copies of the products they are interested in….only to then go and buy off the internet. Do you think I am running a not-for-profit gig here lady???
I know this post may really tick off some people but this is the beauty of authoring your own blog. I can be controversial and Gawd knows I love controversy! Let’s face it. We all shop on the internet. I do as well.
But, I do NOT shop on the internet for what I can find locally. If the price is markedly different, meaning so much so that it precludes my purchase, I discuss this disparity with the owner. Usually this is not the case and it is a small difference in price. Often, people will reference the “no sales tax” as being the clincher for buying online. News flash: You are required by law to pay sales tax, called a “use” tax if the seller online does not collect it. If you want to cheat the government, that is not my business. However, it amazes me how many people do not realize the law requires you to pay it.The government is remiss in not fixing this problem. Simplifying the issue: it’s understandably tough for online vendors to figure out which tax applys where since many cities and counties not to mention states have varying tax rates.
Why not have a flat tax and then disperse the amount collected from that state to the state in question? Hell, we certainly waste enough tax money doing other silly government endeavours…why not this? I know my state, Florida could use the money and sure Arnie in California would agree he could use the money also!
It also amazes me and really perplexes me, why people do not realize how they impact small businesses in their community when they divert their dollars to the internet. Hello??? I am said small business:
**I employ 6 people. Most in their 20’s. I train them and give them business savvy they never get in 4 yrs of college. This is the absolute truth.
**I pay local taxes, intangible taxes, licensure taxes and property taxes. This helps pay for city and county services. Without which, you may not be able to fully enjoy your city. Think about it!
** I support varying community and charitable organizations with my time ( which there is precious little of as any business owner knows),my money and donations. Every church, school and police organization comes to us for donations. They are not soliciting internet sites who work out of their basement somewhere in America or overseas. This is your kids and grandkids who benefit from this!!
** I have given of my time generously, to sit on various boards in our community supporting children’s needs. I encourage my employees to do the same with time off to attend meetings and paying for their dues in local organizations.
There is a wonderful grass roots organization called the 3/50 project. They ask that each individual spend 50.00 of their budget each month in 3 different local businesses. That is 50.00 total. Not to tough for most people. If you are a small independent business, go to their website and register. You can download a flyer explaining the program and then give one to each person who walks into your business. I have done this with amazing results! It makes the lady in the hummer ( I mean really, do people not know how ridiculous they appear to others driving these contraptions?????) not as much of a threat to us.
Many times, people just do not know realize how much of an impact they can make if they are MINDFUL of their purchases. I find my customers and clients are so very, very open to listening to my “spiel” and are appreciative of the effort.I am not suggesting that no one buy off the internet. I am suggesting people support local businesses…and if they do not warrant your support, let the owner know and why. I would welcome this feedback myself even if I did not want to hear it. And, try “catching a business being good” like you would with your child. Let them know if you had great service or enjoyed their product. This goes a long way to being a good person as well making a hard working business owner proud to be in business.
Please do not misunderstand my beef. I love the internet. I love the news and the speed of which I can get it…although I still support my local newspaper and weekly. I love the people I have met via blogging. I consider the internet one of the most important changes in our culture in the last century. I do not love the uneven”playing field” in relation to sales tax levied on local business owners and not internet companies. It is an unfair advantage and is helping destroy communities. And, If you are someone who likes to buy only on the internet and you go into a local business and “shop” their displays or their knowledge:
SHAME ON YOU.
I welcome all comments as long as they are in good taste. Agree with me or disagree. It is what I do LOVE about the internet. The open exchange of ideas. Please comment. ~~Cheryl
From Time Magazine Excerpt: “Buy Local”—you see the decal in the store window, the sign at the farmer’s market, the bright, cheerful logos for Local First Arizona, Think Boise First, Our Milwaukee, and homegrown versions across the states. The apparent message is “let’s-support-local-business”, a kind of community boosterism. But buying close to home may be more than a feel-good, it’s-worth-paying-more-for-local matter. A number of researchers and organizations are taking a closer look at how money flows, and what they’re finding shows the profound economic impact of keeping money in town—and how the fate of many communities around the nation and the world increasingly depend on it.
Read entire article from Time Magazine
5 Star Fridays; Blogging the Best in Design
Mar 5th
“You’re never too old to become younger” ~~~Mae West
Our 5 star Friday favorites this week is being done by my new assistant, Emily! I was a bit anxious to see what the 20 something generation might think is cool but she did a great job! Please make her day and comment!
Since I’m getting ready to move into my own place, I decided to write about a few things that I would LOVE to have!! Other than the things I’ve been collecting from garage sales – which is my new favorite hobby, here are a few things I have seen around the shop that I cannot wait to get!
Faucets
Some things I can afford now, other things I may have save and splurge on…but one thing I absolutely LOVE and have been recommending to every person I know is this new Brizo Venuto touchless faucet!
Brizo "Venuto" Faucet
The majority of my friends are in the same boat as me- buying & decorating their first homes- and I am constantly bringing up this faucet! It is so cool! You just touch it to turn it on & off…I was that kid who was always pushing buttons, so this faucet is like a dream come true. I imagine spending hours turning it on & off and pretending like I’m a surgeon getting ready for surgery- a la Grey’s Anatomy, minus all the drama.
Storage Ideas
Another thing I’m so excited about are ORGANIZED DRAWERS!! Having custom cabinetry with organized drawers would make me the happiest person. I love anything that helps me stay clean & organized. Whether it’s for spices, silverware, plates, garbage, food…etc., you can never go wrong with them!!
Ok, this has nothing to do with organizing silverware but what the heck, cool pix from the The Clutter Control Freak Blog!
Ok, this has nothing to do with organizing silverware but what the heck, cool pix from the The Clutter Control Freak Blog!
Check out The clutter control freak blog
for more great organizing tips!
Tile Ideas
Also, I can’t wait for tile!! Big tile for the walls with a great mosaic backsplash and I will be so happy- throw in the touch faucet and I will never leave the kitchen!! The backsplash is a must- I love them and they really don’t get enough credit. They add so much to a kitchen without taking anything away from the overall room. Check out this great blog for beautiful work! Sarah Baldwin Design Blog
Beautiful! Sarah Baldwin is the designer of New Ravenna mosaics. Please take a look!
Light Fixtures
Another thing I love are light fixtures…bad ones can ruin a kitchen, and there are some bad ones. Lights are like a wedding dress, keep searching until you find the right one and grab it!
This is a cool blog to check out: ChicTip.com
This is Artemide's Tolomeo Fixture
Barstools
Last, but not least- one of my favorite things, that I cannot wait to get are barstools- I’m so excited to pick out fun bar stools!!
I could not find any blogs devoted soley to bar stools but there are some great design blogs on the left side column in our blogroll. Check them out and tell them I sent you!
Finding the Perfect tub…and other fun ways I spend my time
Mar 4th
Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath, and a glass of wine. ~~St. Thomas Aquinas
I have been on the hunt for a great tub for a client. The “perfect” tub. The one that will define a master bath as a sanctuary from all the world’s pain or, at least, as a great place for a good soak.
I want to be this woman! Castello Baths
I want to be this woman! Castello Baths
It seems lately, I am constantly on the search for tubs. Small baths, large baths, luxury baths, budget baths….does not seem to matter, always searching. I think this probably is because I know the importance of choosing the proper tub for the space we are designing.
Often, it seems people choose tubs as an afterthought. Not me. I think the tub, if we are having a tub at all, is a critical design element and the layout and space planning must be coordinated with the tub selection.
For one of my current projects, I am looking for an affordable free standing tub for a remodel where the builder or designer did not think it was important to center the tub on the window.
In this bath, I want to fix the visual problem with the window being off center. Don’t you love the 2×2 sickly looking pink tile? Just imagine, it is in the shower all over the walls also! This bath is a tough one. Probably one of the best “worst” bathroom I have seen in a while.
I am searching for “the” tub to actually put in front of the shower longways and thus will be centered perpendicular to the window. I think will work but the search for the right “affordable” options has been tough. I have enlisted the aid of some of my design buddies and this is what I got.
My buddy Paul. You are a barrel of laughs Paul! Kitchen and Residential Design
My buddy Paul. You are a barrel of laughs Paul! Kitchen and Residential Design
The tub I am currently thinking will work best is the “Essential” from Oceania. But, the price may blow the deal. I hope not. Do you have a favorite freestanding tub? Give me some info in the comments! I would love to hear about your favorite tub of any sort!
The "Essential" from Oceania Baths
In other cost savings measures, this little bath for a teenager had a darling little tub measuring 36×36. Only bad thing is the color: avocado green.
Avocado green petite tub
I advised against getting rid of it because the teen sometimes likes to sit and does not want to get her hair wet. And besides, it is just kinda cute! But lot’s cuter in white! So remember with a cast iron tub, reglazing can be a viable option.
The avocado ripens into bright white!
The avocado ripens into bright white!
Another current project for a master bath is going to be home to this fabulous bath from Victoria and Albert and is named the “Ravello.”. It is made from English cast: a one piece casting of volcanic limestone and resin. It is harder and more durable than acrylic so say the manufacturers. All I know is that it is a stunning bath tub
The Ravello bath from Victoria and Albert. I would consider bulldozing my beach house for this bathtub!
and is going to be a show stopper in this modern classic bath. For those of you who stop by regularly, this is the project that I was on the fence about a few weeks ago. Now that we are rearranging the master layout ( thank you awesome gem of a contractor who bought into the re-design ) I am very excited about the direction of this bath!
And to wrap up tubs for the evening , I leave you with one of my favorite tubs: The Wind tub from Neptune . I have used this tub several times and in each project, it reads differently in the design. What do you think? We LOVE comments!~~~Cheryl
Designed by In Detail for a modern bath.
The Wind tub in a more traditional setting. Designed by In Detail
A condo bath with 7ft ceilings! Designed by In Detail
The lowly laundry gets some respect!
Feb 28th
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Sunny yellow laundry room with ample storage and space designed by In Detail
Sunny yellow laundry room with ample storage and space designed by In Detail
Let’s think about this. How much time does the average person spend in the laundry room?
Unless you are Ivana Trump or Bill Gates, probably a fair amount of time whether you want to or not. But consistently I find plans come across my desk for 5000 square foot homes, or larger, with laundry rooms that are sized way to small. One of my first goals when reviewing plans is to see where I can enlarge this much used space. I like to refer to a laundry room really as a “utility room” like many people do in other regions and the term seemed to be more common a few years ago.
After all, a well designed laundry room can be used as a multipurpose area for doing things other than cleaning clothes. At the very least, this area should have enough room for folding clothes and storing bulky items for cleaning.
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This little laundry boasts dirty clothes bins tucked neatly away as well as ample folding space and storage for all pet supplys. Designed by In Detail
This little laundry boasts dirty clothes bins tucked neatly away as well as ample folding space and storage for all pet supplys. Designed by In Detail
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A sink for cleaning, hanging space, and a lowered work space all make this laundry functional even thought not large. Designed by In Detail
A sink for cleaning, hanging space, and a lowered work space all make this laundry functional even thought not large. Designed by In Detail
Perhaps the vacuum, brooms and mops as well. What about recycling areas if there is no room in the kitchen. There is a plethora of devices or gizmos you can use to help create storage solutions.
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Wow. What I would not give for this much space….
Wow. What I would not give for this much space….
My thinking is the laundry area really should be thought of as a place for all the odds and ends of family life that need to be organized in one area. Supplys, cleaning items, kids school items that are used for projects and all the assorted and sundry tools for the household. Anything that would not go in the garage. Of course to do this, the laundry or “utility” area must be fairly large…or at least well appointed.
One of the gizmos that a client of mine really loves is the Leifheit fold out drying rack. This retracts when not in use so really takes up very little space.
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Leifheit retractable clothes line
Leifheit retractable clothes line
There are literally hundreds of ways to organize your laundry area. If you have a favorite or a favorite picture, please share with me in comments section as I plan to do a follow up post later with more design details for the modern laundry space!
One of the fun aspects of laundry room design is doing something a bit different from the rest of the house. No need to be sterile in the laundry.
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Often I recommend my clients use a full size stackable washer and dryer because this can allow for more space for storage or folding. Pix from Exterior Interior Design
Often I recommend my clients use a full size stackable washer and dryer because this can allow for more space for storage or folding. Pix from Exterior Interior Design
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What a great color and check out the desk in here. FAR better idea than placing in the kitchen. As long as you have enough space. Pix from Exterior Interior Design
What a great color and check out the desk in here. FAR better idea than placing in the kitchen. As long as you have enough space. Pix from Exterior Interior Design
Make it a happy place to be with bold colors and fun fabrics. I love some of the following laundry rooms! Makes me want to run down a wash a load of clothes!
What is your favorite gizmo or organizational tool or idea for the laundry/utility space? Please Share!!
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This is my favorite I think! Pix from exterior-interiordesign
This is my favorite I think! Pix from exterior-interiordesign
Five Star Fridays: Blogging the best of the week in design
Feb 26th
Another week is coming to an end and I have to say I have spun my wheels for most of it. I have tons to do and a new building to worry about i.e. electrical layouts, space planning, computer hubs, etc..not to mention designing the bathroom which is just killing me because have too many ideas to figure out just one.
So, I am going to wrap up tomorrow by simply trying to get organized. Ha. It will be a great achievement since my briefcase is stuffed so full, I totter on my heels walking down my stone steps with it slung, and half sliding, down my shoulder. Each day I wonder if today is the day I will tumble down and be able to say, “Help, I have fallen and can’t get up”.
I will feel better once I have gotten my briefcase and my mind sorted out and be able to focus more clearly on several of the fantastic projects that await the creativity of my clear brain. And to end my day, I will have the honor of taking my 15 yr old baby girl to get her learner’s permit. Oh lord. I just got over the first one getting her permit then license. Could I not stave it off for another year? This is my baby after all!
Layla Grace Marsh
In light of the fact that I am so very, very lucky and blessed to have two happy and healthy girls, albeit teenagers, I want to show my gratitude with the first 5 Star Friday blog of the week being dedicated to a baby girl named Layla Grace Marsh. 
This sweet cheeked little sprite of a thing is not expected to reach her 3rd birthday let alone her 15th. She was diagonsed ten months ago with a stage 4 neuroblastoma tumor. My heart aches for the family of this little girl and they need help. You can read more about this family and baby Layla here at Layla’s blog.
I learned of this sad situation from one of my new blogging friends, Carmen from The Decorating Diva. There are many people in the blogosphere trying to help baby Layla and her family. Read more about how you can help by clicking here. You can also follow on twitter @payitFOURward and use hashtag #laylagrace.
Stop the busyness of life for just one moment and hug your babies and your teenagers and think of the Marsh family and baby Layla Grace. I know I will.
Toffee + Cream
On Tuesday, I ran across a blog called Escapade:A Life More Fabulous. Not sure how I found it but happy I did as that particular day I was looking for some inspiration
Anywhere I could find it. We are in the process of designing much of our furnishings that will be showcased in our new design studio and were in a rut on colorways. This post on toffee and cream is simple. No flashy pix and no flashy design. Humble pix illustrating these two under utilized neutral shades.
(Photo courtesy of Decor Pad.)
So, yes, sometimes in the zeal to find the next “best” color combo, sometimes the simplicity of even the doggie in the window can be your inspiration. It was mine. Javier, I love your mug and may have to name a chair after you. As long as you do not sit in it.
Javier. Inspiration sitting at your feet.
Javier. Inspiration sitting at your feet.
Bright Colors in a Montauk Beach House!
Love the turquoise. Color of the year for 2010!
This blog is great all the time. Cococozy is not a professional designer but you would not know it by her blog posts. I love this blog and loved seeing all these fabulous pictures.
Since I live on the beach, I love reading about other beach houses! This one is great..except for the bath with the one legged pedestal and exposed yuccky pipes! I don’t get it when the rest of the home is so well done. Am I missing something? I do love the walls!
House of Turquoise
This blog is all about turquoise.I hope I did not ruin the suprise! I guess I am now being influenced by my summer obsessed husband because I am drawn to all these happy and bright homes. Makes me want to redo….something. These pix are from designer Molly Frey and are exquisite.Are you ready for spring? What colors do you think we will see this spring?
Absolutely Beautiful Things
I just had to put this in this week because I am in this pink mode. Even though the designers who work for me will say I am in a gray/white/red mode, I really have this thing for pink.
One of my favorite pinks right now is a Duralee Fabric that is a itsy bit expensive but I am in love with it. We are not doing it on a chair but are going to use it on a little round ottoman. It will add a perfect does of pinkly attitude to a wide wale corduroy chaise. In the meantime, I am enjoying this sofa on my inspiration wall! The rug is from Matthew Williamson and I think it works so well with the hot pink and the white washed floors. What do you think about hot pink on a sofa? Can it work?
Pffft..Sad day:The non winning entry into SZ/Wolf Competition
Feb 24th
Ok, I am working on a great and detailed blog post for tomorrow that I hope will be beneficial info for many readers….designers as well as consumers….but in the meantime, while working on that post,diligently, sweating, worrying about all the details…I received an email from Subzero/Wolf telling me “sorry charlie, no winner this year” 
or something like that..actually was quite nice and all that blah blah but essence of email:my favorite kitchen of all time won nada in the contest.
Bah.
Sorry to Stacy also, (my co designer and all around besty assistant ever). Several times throughout the design process and installation, Stacy, my client and myself commented….”Hey, is this not the most awesome kitchen EVER?? OR, will we be the only three people in America who love it??”My entire staff worked very hard on the project. ( BRAVO STAFF!) We executed all details as well as design.
So, since one of the perks of having your own blog is, well having your own blog….and being able to post whatcha feel like posting..on any given day….heh heh heh…I am going to post my NON WINNER here! Please feel free to comment.In fact, I am throwing myself at you to comment. Good or Bad.
Don’t worry, my feelings are already really hurt by SZ and Wolf so I can take it. I think.
Truthfully, it is definitely a custom designed space for a custom home for a truly one of a kind client. Whom I adore. It was not an easy design as the open floor plan and towering 14 ft ceilings needed some heft to balance well. We even coined a new word in her honor working on this job: “pegaliscious”. This might explain some of our design details! I really did think it had a chance even though I will be first to admit that the SZ/Wolf contest is usually some of the finest work around. I don’t know about this year as I have not brought myself to check it yet…but you can HERE.
And I promise to have a heck of a post by the end of the week. Just humor me here with my momentary sadness at being a NON WINNER but a big CONGRATS to all the winners. I know that when I can bring myself to look, it will be great projects.
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Overview towards the dining area
Overview towards the dining area
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platter rack on end and BB top on “little island”
platter rack on end and BB top on “little island”
Love the calcutta and mirrored niche
lots of dark and light contrasts with color zing
Burled walnut panels on refrigerator
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Awesome Pottery Barn Table
- Another overview, back of island is an ash veneer…looks same but up closer is not
Awesome Pottery Barn Table
- Triple ring iron inserts with antique mirror behind it
- Iron base “table” for little island
Floating Glass Shelves
Incredible James Moder lights over island
When do you walk away?
Feb 21st
If you think it is expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.
(said so well by one of my tweeps on twitter)
This sums it up well, don’t you think? Last week I got a call from a potential client who was referred to me by a tradesman. I sit up and take notice on all referrals.
This particular client wanted to have some “wow” bathrooms and needed some help in his kitchen. I said, “ok, you have come to the right place!”. He then proceeded to tell me, by the way, the cabinetry is all built, the fixtures bought and the contractor needs information right away on lighting placement, electrical in the kitchen and what to do for countertops. I marvelled at the idea that the cabinetry was built when none of the rough in was completed. What the heck? Who would build cabinets with no field measurements or rough in? I ask, is it me?? 
I asked him very politely if he really needed my help because it sounded like he had a lot of design decisions made and purchased. No, he says, I need help making it all work together. At this point, I felt confident I could be walking into a potential problem situation. But, I am a sucker for someone who says, ” I need your help”. So that is how I found myself going over the next day to see this house being remodeled. 
The client is very nice and desires a wonderfully designed home. But, can I do this after so many decisions have been made, the slab torn up to locate plumbing, cabinetry sitting at the house, floors and carpet decided upon?And obviously time is of the essence. Is it feasible to even try? I don’t know the answer but I am giving it a shot because the guy really needs help.
What triggered the decision to look for design help now? Is it possible that people do eventually realize a year ( yes, a year!) into the design process that they have no cohesive interior plans?
This client had an architect draw “plans” but there is no interior materials or details. No “landscape” as one of my clients terms it. And how should a designer respond to this? I tried to explain to the contractor, who also is very nice and agreeable, how important it was for me to understand what had been already selected ( and paid for), the types of materials and such and what was “negotiable” and what was not….before I said a word about anything.
But as industry professionals, I ask you, how do we get the message across to potential clients before they spend a boat load of money on fixtures, flooring, cabinetry that may not be right for the look they ultimately desire? And, when do you cut bait and run?
I can’t do it myself. Not when someone is pleasant and genuine and I see for myself all the issues that must be addressed. That need to help someone, albeit getting paid to do so, is what keeps me going truthfully. Maybe even contributes to my insanity sometimes. ( do ya think??)
I will keep you posted. It is a challenge for certain but I think I am up to the task and that the client is open minded to changing where needed to affect the look he desires. I am never one to molly coddle my clients. But in this situation it is vital to both the client’s ultimate satisfaction as well as to my reputation to be direct and truthful and lay out the limitations or possible limitations in achieving the ultimate design goals.
Speak to me
about how you would handle as a professional or your thoughts if you are a client!~~Cheryl
“If It Doesn’t Fit, It’s Perfect”
Feb 21st
My new friend and fellow blogger, Joseph from the great design blog CFT411 has been kind enough to allow me to use his excellent post on one of my design heros, Johnny Grey.
I just spent some time getting to know Johnny in NY along with the rest of the awesome #blogger 19 group that Brizo hosted last week. I cannot lie. It was a thrill to meet Johnny and one his colleagues, Chuck Wheelock. I have owned Johnny’s first book ”The Art of Kitchen Design” since 1999 when I started my business and it sits proudly on my bookcase along with his latest book “Kitchen Culture” ( If you do not own his last book, rush out and get it. I think the first might be out of print.)
Please take a peek at Joseph’s great blog. He is an incredible writer with excellent posts that cover a wide range of subjects on design!
“If it doesn’t fit, It’s Perfect”
