We've been whisking through the new year here and really, not been taking on any new projects.
We're still working through completion on some of last year's jobs, getting details finalized and monitoring progress on several in the build-out phase.
We are a two-person firm now, myself and my right hand person :-), and we can only take on so much at once.
I've also had lots of online consultations this past month, since I had taken a break on those during the holidays and on into January.
I'm excited that they are up and rolling again though, because I love seeing all the different projects out there that homeowners are considering. I'm happy to extend some thoughts and recommendations for those homeowners to act on them on their own.
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Here are a few of the Designed in a Click consultation sketches that were on my boards last month.
Designed in a Click kitchen Consultation
This homeowner wanted to update their kitchen prior to moving into their home, with paint and adding cabinets on top of the existing to go to the ceiling.
There was also a question about a possible island and what to do with the space over the cooktop that had a downdraft, therefore, no need for a hood.
BEFORE - The homeowner wanted to update this kitchen before move-in
I did a quick overlay sketch to show some possibilities with the range area and island and noted these items.
Cooktop Area - I recommended removing that upper cabinet at the cooktop to make for a real focal point in this somewhat lackluster space. Tile or even book-matched stone or porcelain slabs would be an impressive feature. She also needed some light there and a cool wall sconce would be useful and draw your eye to this feature wall.
Kitchen Island - I loved the idea of adding an open kitchen island that would serve to add some detail and not make the space feel so empty. Additional central lighting over the island also helps draw attention to that space.
Painting cabinets - Painting the cabinets white, her suggestion, would be a good idea here since there is just too much wood going on and the cabinets are just slightly off in tone from the floor.
Adding cabinetry above - Love how adding cabinets to the ceiling with these other elements makes for a grander, more notable space.
KITCHEN DESIGN SKETCH - I did a quick overlay sketch to show her some possibilities with the range area and island. #kitchenideas #kitchenisland
sketches for a living room design consultation
Here's a living room that had a problem with the tv wall. It looked big and blank and the homeowner wanted some suggestions.
BEFORE - What to do with this tv wall? #tvwall #tvplacement #livingroomideas
I didn't recommend a collage of wall art or photos here. That just always ends up looking a bit contrived and cluttered, IMO.
Besides, I'm kind of a fan of having a dark backdrop for a tv. It has less contrast and therefore doesn't stand out as much in the room.
I did recommend some kind of wood paneling that would be a good backdrop. This framed-in effect, provides a place to transition the finishes and can be positioned to miss outlets and other items for an simpler installation.
Design Sketch - Framed paneling would help minimize the tv and give the wall some intentional design. #tvplacement #livingroomideas
It's sort of like what I did in the project featured in this post, where we used mouldings to create boxes on the stairway wall and then applied wallcovering to dress up those blank walls.
Another wall sketch
Here was another wall in that home where I thought some furnishings that were a little lighter overall might work well.
BEFORE - Decor and furnishings in question - What to put on this wall? #livingroomideas
I sketched out a parson's style console with two stool ottomans, some lamps and a quad of artwork above to fill out the wall nicely. One of the chairs could be brought in, to the corner of tv wall.
Design Sketch - New console, stools, lamps and art would fill out this wall nicely and appear lighter and more balanced. #console #livingroomideas
I'm linking to a few items here below, that I would recommend in these two projects.
If you're needing a little one on one attention for your project, maybe just a second pair of eyes, you can find out more about this email service by linking right here.
Be sure to check out my new Wall Decorating Guide that covers tons of ideas for addressing your blank walls, including those around a flat screen wall mounted tv! I have lots of real life case studies within these pages and you won’t ever have a problem decorating your blank walls again!