Before and After, Its all about the vision

If you love to peruse  the design and shelter magazines like I do, you have probably noticed that they very rarely show you the before photos. I believe that showcasing the before and after project photos really shows the design team’s talents better than anything else.  Its all about the vision…

These 2 before photos show the original 1960′s kitchen and kitchen nook, which had not been remodeled since the home was built. We removed walls, raised the ceiling and created a cook’s dream kitchen for the new homeowners.

We were able to accomplish this without changing the footprint of the house!  The previously “closed” kitchen, compartmentalized by walls, narrow doorways and overhead cabinetry is now open to the dining room on one end and the adjacent family room on the other.  While preparing family meals, the homeowner can now stand at the kitchen island and be part of all the family festivities, while enjoying sweeping views of the backyard pool as well.

In the family room, we opened up the dividing wall with a sweeping arch, and relocated the fireplace to change the orientation of the seating and TV viewing in the room.

http://www.pbid-interiordesign.com

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Sustainable Kitchens Part 3, Function

Designing an efficient kitchen that is not only beautiful but also eco-friendly and functional, is a designer’s challenge and this designer’s dream project. All of these things must go together and be given equal weight while in the midst  of  the planning process.  The desired result:  a kitchen that functions well  and meets the needs of the family.

In part 3 of Sustainable Kitchens, I’m going to break down the functionality priorities as best I can. (Please be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of Sustainable  Kitchens series at pbid.wordpress.com, for additional info.)

First of all, it’s important that the client and designer establish the client’s needs.

• Who does most of the cooking? One cook, or multiple cooks?
• What are the priorities? For example convenience, storage, professional quality appliances, open shelving, task lighting, overhead lighting, multiple work stations, area for recycling and compost waste, and the list goes on and on.
• How important is incorporating sustainability into the overall plan?
• What’s the budget?
• What can be reused?
• How can the space best incorporate a multi-use plan?  How important is multi-use for this kitchen plan? Where does the family eat?  Do the kids do homework there? Do you need to include an area for computer? Wine storage? Hobby space? Collection?
• How can we scale down? In other words, fit all of these needs into the existing space?
• Ease of maintenance

Then, take a look at the client’s wish list.

• Pantry space
• pot racks
• spice racks
• drawers, cabinets, open shelving
• surfaces
• Energy Star appliances
• recycled glass tiles and sustainable counter top
• island workspace with room for counter stools
• Vision / Style

Once these things are determined through consultations and a survey of the space, the designer goes to work to develop the plan and fine tune the client’s goals into a functional kitchen, while being mindful of sustainability and educating the client with each recommendation.

A sustainable kitchen’s priority is function first, as that will sustain its useful life for many years.

Photos used were sourced from Pinterest or manufacturer’s websites, and this designer’s drafting table.

http://www.pbid-interiordesign  

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Sustainable Kitchens Part 2, Surfaces

Selecting the surfaces, finishes and “visuals” for the kitchen are definitely the most fun part of a kitchen remodel.  Keeping them within an eco-friendly framework is not a difficult task at all, especially if you have a clear vision of what you want or if you are working with an interior designer or kitchen designer.

In part 2 of my sustainable kitchen series, I have compiled some guidelines to help you achieve your sustainable design goals for your kitchen remodel with regard to surface selections. The choices keep increasing, as manufacturers become more aware of this niche in the marketplace and continue to improve their triple bottom line (people, planet, profit).

• Flooring:   Reclaimed wood, natural cork, bamboo, FSC certified wood, brick, concrete, salvaging existing floor
• Counters:
  Concrete, Ice stone (as shown in photo), Vetrazzo (recycled glass counter tops), FSC certified butcher block, salvaged metals such as stainless steel, engineered stone (stone / resin composite)
• Backsplash:
  Glass and recycled glass tiles,
• Cabinetry:
  FSC certified woods, MDF, and reclaimed /re-purposed cabinetry and shelving
• Metals:
  Stainless steel, copper, zinc, salvaged metals and metals made of recycled content
• Recycled Materials:  reclaimed wood beams,
  (in addition to other recycled items previously mentioned).
• Repurposed furnishings:
  Unique antique pieces used for center islands and pot racks.
• Lighting:
  Repurposed fixtures, recycled glass fixtures, LED fixtures and flourescent bulbs in can lighting
• Paint:  Zero VOC      Wallcoverings: Wallpapers made of recycled content

Shown: Bamboo flooring, reclaimed wood flooring, and open kitchen;  photo sourced from Pinterest to show the beauty of reclaimed beams and antique stools.

http://www.pbid-interiordesign.com

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Sustainable Kitchens Part 1, The Mechanics

This is the first in a 3 part series on how to design a kitchen that incorporates green principles in terms of the mechanics, surfaces, design aesthetic and function. 

I am a strong proponent of REGREEN, which is a certificate design program sponsored by ASID and the USGBC.  Through the REGREEN guidelines, all of the major elements of sustainable residential renovations are addressed and total design integration is the cornerstone. This three part blog is intended to give helpful information to anyone who is considering a kitchen remodel and is focused on incorporating sustainable decisions.  As an interior designer, I admit that great remodeling design is my passion!

Things to consider when redesigning a kitchen while being mindful of precious resources:

• Lighting:
• Maximize natural light with large windows (use climate appropriate high-performance windows)
• Be mindful of strategically placed florescent lighting and LED lighting
• Consider using fixtures made of recycled glass or vintage / re-purposed and refurbished fixtures
• Provide adaptable lighting for multiuse spaces
• Provide appropriate indoor lighting controls
• Water Efficiency:
• Install low-water-use kitchen faucet
• Install on-demand hot water recirculation system as well as high efficiency water heater
• Footprint:
• Stay within existing footprint but consider re-configuring adjoining spaces to increase kitchen size and function without increasing the total footprint of the house.
• Right-size for your family’s needs.
• Plumbing:
• Install undersink water filtration system
• Consider solar water heating
• Insulate all accessible hot-water pipes
• Consider Gray-water system ( but first, check legality of this in your area)
• HVAC:
• Install high-efficiency HVAC equipment
• Appliances:
• Use all Energy-Star appliances
• Plan for Convenient Recycling and Composting

This photo taken from Pinterest and has been selected for the natural lighting that floods the room.  Top photo is one from a current work-in-progress kitchen remodel by PBID.

Part 2 in this series will feature surfaces and materials.

Part 3 in this series will address function. 

http://www.pbid-interiordesign.com

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Non-Traditional Interior Design Service

I met a “Fashion Stylist” the other evening who charges a fee to help her clients with establishing their fashion sense and personal design style in clothing.  At the first appointment she establishes a color palette for them after assessing their current wardrobe, body type, clothing / style goals and what they currently own. Then she takes them shopping to help in their decision making.

This is not unlike the design service offered through my new website http://www.pbid-interiordesign.com, where we set up a design plan based on the client’s input and goals for their home. It’s really an easy process to become comfortable with, and one that lets you work from a plan that is specifically tailored to meet your needs. The bonus is that it is a relatively low-cost way for the homeowner to receive guidance and then do it themselves to save money along the way! In this way, we make the shopping easy for you by giving you a thorough plan to follow.

Visit our website.  Once you have selected a package that suits your needs and you have answered our questionnaire which helps us to asses your desires for your interior environment,  the design professionals at PBID will  guide you through your  project with a full explanation of recommendations for your home or office. We listen to you and offer one design revision to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your plan.

With our services you will receive:

• a custom design plan
•  suggestions for furniture style, size, and placement in the room
•  your own personal designer who will be assigned to your project throughout the entire process
•  all of the suggested finishing touches for the room including eco-friendly choices for a healthy interior environment.
• If you select one of our remodeling plans, you will receive all of that and more!
• Please visit our design packages and contact us with any questions you may have.
•  www.pbid-interiordesign.com

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