c2Design

Monday, February 1, 2016

Tudor Style Home Gets a Make-Over!

Kitchen remodels can be a huge undertaking. What about a kitchen, bar and laundry room remodel?! Well that’s exactly the journey we embarked on with a Colorado family at the end of 2015. The final touches were completed this past week and we couldn't be happier! Here is how it all came to be.

This family of 4 decided it was time to make their beautiful Tudor style home represent their modern lifestyle today. A poor kitchen layout destroyed the natural flow of their living space. Not only did the kitchen physically have tight spaces, with dropped ceilings and a closed off bar area, but visually gave off a less then desirable impression. It is amazing what bad lighting, short cabinets, and out of date finishes can do to a home! Oh, and did we mention there was a huge copper hood in the middle of the ceiling?! Yes, there was a lot going on and not much of it was good.

Our clients wanted to create a space that allowed easy movement from the kitchen, to the bar, to the family room. A love of entertaining inspired the family to rethink the central hang-out spots. Traditionally, Tudor style homes were designed to host guests in other living areas; a more modern approach to entertaining today is in and around the kitchen.

That is exactly what they decided to do; make the kitchen the heart of the home. It was important to modernize the features while keeping true to the characteristics of the homes style. Not only did they hope to gain more storage throughout, but wanted to utilize the laundry room as a drop off point for storage overflow and everyday items.

First order of business; open up the entry to the kitchen! We did this by extending the opening into the kitchen from the foyer to a large 5 feet. This was a challenge. The original paneling, molding and trim had to be replaced to make it appear as if it had never been touched. Fortunately, the experts at Jaguar Construction undertook this challenge along with the whole remodel from start to finish.

The construction phase of the remodel generally takes up half the time of the total process. In this case, a full wall, upholstered walls and saloon doors that once closed off the bar area, needed to be removed. A new header beam was installed between the kitchen and living room to lend support to the new open area. Once these structural items were taken care of, wide 4” oak floors were laid in the whole space. Working from the studs does come with many advantages. We were able to re-work plumbing and electrical without walls interfering. Our client was able to get all new lighting to brighten every spot of their kitchen and new plumbing to work in their favor.

Now onto the second phase of the process (a.k.a. the fun part!) We created a modern space by using 2 color tones for the cabinets. A lighter color was chosen for the uppers and a contrasting dark tone for the base. To incorporate the two colors into the overall space, we choose the lighter putty color for the hutch and the darker color for the bar area. Travertine, beveled subway tile was laid in a herringbone basket weave. This layout was designed to emulate the pattern in the existing brick fireplace located in the living room.

The homeowners chose top of the line stainless steel appliances to compliment the design details. A single steel granite sink was selected in a cappuccino color. It blends beautifully with the countertops. We added more depth and interest to the bar by selecting a stacked stone for the front sides of the counter. This visually connects the kitchen's backsplash to the bar area allowing continuous flow throughout the space.

Bar Area Before:

We couldn’t discuss the bar and kitchen without mentioning our clients fabulous laundry room! Just like the other space, we redesigned the layout be more functional. The laundry room door was moved to the hallway by the bar in order to open up space for their new hutch (located on opposite side of wall). Modern 12” x 24” tile was laid on the floor, while granite countertops and a stainless steel sink now grace the new cabinets. A mud bench with hooks (not pictured) finished off the newly designed laundry room.

The time we spent with both our client and Jaguar Construction was such a pleasurable experience. Thank you for allowing us to take on such a huge remodel! We couldn't start off 2016 any better!

For pictures of the whole finished project, visit our HOUZZ page:
http://www.houzz.com/projects/1542516/tutor-home-kitchen-bar-and-laundry

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Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Transformed Walk out Basement

In Colorado, we are fortunate to expand our living space into the basement. This particular basement that Corinne Ekle, along with architect, Craig Cahen with Cahen Architectural Group, transformed into a custom hang out retreat. From updating an existing kitchen to adding a temperature controlled wine cellar, the results are a beautiful addition to their Greenwood Village home.

The homeowners wanted to personalize their already finished basement. Architect, Craig Cahen, was called in to design a wine cellar using the unfinished space behind the second kitchen. Beautiful custom glass double doors with vine detailed ironwork opens into a temperature controlled wine cellar. Stacked stone with custom-built wine storage racks line the walls. The main focal point of the wine cellar is the polished granite rested upon a wine barrel to create a seating area for two. Above the seating area is a hand painted mural of vineyards that make you feel that you are amongst the vineyards somewhere in Tuscany. It’s the perfect place to not only store wine, but to linger awhile and enjoy the ambiance.

Working our way out of the wine cellar into the kitchen, three glass pendants shine down on polished granite with a raw cut edge. The bar top was extended and rounded out to accommodate a larger crowd. Cabinets were refinished to create an ‘aged’ look to match the aesthetics of the wine cellar. Engineered, hand scraped, hickory floors were installed in the kitchen up to the living room. To mimic the arch in curves in the stairwell, a slight curve transitions from the hardwood into the carpeted living room.

In the living room, it was important to create a focal point. on Either side of the fireplace, built in bookcases were refinished in the same finish as the kitchen. Above the fireplace, a custom rustic mantel with gorgeous corbels make for a great place to highlight some accessories.

To enjoy all the entertainment, a leather sectional wraps around the living room. Two spindle chairs with a fresh gray and white pattern anchor the third side. An oversized wood coffee table makes this the perfect hang out room. Above the whole living area, Corinne contrasted the blue/ gray walls in a high gloss paint for the ceiling. This reflects light and brings more dimensions into the room.

This walk out basement is now better to be described as the ultimate hang out place. A place to enjoy a glass of wine, be transported to wine country, and catch a football game… all without leaving the house. Thank you to the family that allowed us to be a part of this transformation!

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Saturday, September 12, 2015

Kitchen Remodel in Denver Complete!

You don’t truly understand the phrase, 'kitchen remodel’ until you have actually gone through your own kitchen remodel. A full kitchen remodel is far more complicated then pulling down the old cabinets and putting in new ones. It is a process that requires patience, flexibility, and many team members to pull off such a beautiful finished product! Our clients the Grossman's willingness to go on the kitchen remodel ride gave them a kitchen to be proud of!

When we first met with the Grossmans, they expressed their dislike for the function of their kitchen. Lack of cabinet space and lack of a easy traffic flow caused them a headache every time they entertained or cooked. Then and there it was decided that something needed to change.

No prep space next to the stove, low overhead cabinets, and a large intrusive peninsula

HUGE commercial fridge next to the oven which made it very hard to navigate the kitchen

Bar the extended between the kitchen and the living room. You had to go all the way around to navigate both spaces...this needed to change for traffic flow!

Down to the wall studs it was!

Opening between the two rooms where the bar once was

Gutted Kitchen and higher ceiling height

The Grossmans kitchen involved some structural adjustments such as removing the ceiling soffit to add ceiling height. Plumbing and electrical had to be relocated but it was worth it to accommodate the new new tall 42" upper cabinets.

All of the time using a makeshift kitchen and the headache of living with construction dust paid off because now they get to enjoy this gorgeous space!

Re-working the overall traffic flow of the kitchen relied heavily on changing the layout. What was once a peninsula countertop is now an open pathway with a skinny island in the center of the space. Now company and kids can gather around the whole area instead of one side and be in the way of the action. The largest change that has transformed the area is the removal of a wet bar the stood between the living room and the kitchen. It just created an awkward area that was more wasted space. We completely demoed the wet bar as well as the hallway closet behind in the hallway. It was important to have a bar in some capacity, but one that was conveniently tucked away. We ended up placing a mini bar that the space the hallway closet once occupied. It is the perfect space for storing bar accessories and have a second sink in the area.

Now that the layout was greatly improved, it was time to see that whole kitchen come together through the selected finishes and appliances!

The gorgeous light cherry Fina cabinets purchased through "Kitchens At TheDenver" compliment the organic swirls of beiges, purples, and gold sparkles Cambria quartz countertop beautifully. The a light beige mosaic travertine backsplash was added to give depth and brighten up the whole space. New refrigerator was moved over from its original location to make it more accessible. They traded in their gas stovetop and hood for an induction cook top with a new stainless steel microwave above to maximize space win their kitchen and allow for more cabinet and counter top space.

Some of the added features that brought the kitchen from standard to customized were the soft close doors on the kitchen cabinets, Kohler faucets, under cabinet lighting, can lighting as well as CAI pendantlighting in an oil bronzed finish. A new Blanco steel granite composite sink was placed in the same location.

The Grossmans can now proudly say that they have survived a full kitchen remodel. It was a pleasure working with such a wonderful family. We are so excited to hear how their first party goes!

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Wednesday, August 26, 2015

New Pergola on Cherry Street

Summer may be slowing down, but that doesn’t mean that your patio will be seeing any less of you. We recently did a complete remodel on a backyard patio that will now be seeing some good company for many years to come!

We first worked with the homeowner when we re-did their basement bathroom. Once that was completed, they were ready to start a new project. They had recently moved into their home and discovered that the back pergola was a weekend project probably done by the previous owners. Though it looked okay, there were many structural problems. It was best to scrape the whole back yard patio and pergola, and start from the beginning!

During the Demo

We designed the pergola to work with the house. It was important to concentrate the structure just over the back yard patio because before it ran to the garage. This allows the space to look and feel more open.

Since the new pergola was looking so good, we thought it would be worthwhile to re-concrete the whole drive way as well as well as the walkways. To give the main patio and walkways a special look, we used Custom Stone Resurfacing, a type of epoxy stone.

We are so happy this beautiful couple can now enjoy their new patio for the rest of the season! And in the process, we learned they are expecting their first baby! Congratulations! We are so exited for you and your growing family!

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Friday, July 31, 2015

Accent Walls: How To

Have you ever decorated a room in your home and felt something was missing? Pictures are hung, your throw pillows are matching splendidly and your rug and couch are perfect together… but still something is missing. May I suggest an accent wall? I know what you're thinking, ‘accent walls were so last year’. But that’s not true! Accent walls are still alive and making stunning appearances in rooms around the US. Here are some bulleted guidelines on how to choose a color and where to place it.

Pick a wall that your eye automatically gravitates towards. When you walk into the room absent minded, where is the first wall you eye goes towards? That’s your focal point.
OR… pick a wall that needs a little TLC. Do you have a side mini area that feels neglected? Choose a bright version of your accent color and paint it only on that wall. Add a ultra modern picture gallery and now the neglected wall shines like all the others.
Why not the ceiling be your accent wall? Dark colors make the room feel cozy and more intimate. Great for tall ceilings or a dining room.
Color choices? The general rule is to go two shades darker then your overall color. Look at the color strip with you overall color and go up two shades.
OR… Choose a super fun contrast color that will bring out your accents in the room!

Here are some of our projects where we have incorporated accents walls.

Need more inspiration? Just type in accent wall in your search engine and it will give you countless ideas!

Have a great time painting your walls! Send us pictures of your accent wall and be featured in our next article! Or, if you are in need of our services, we would LOVE to come see your home!

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