Saturday an episode aired of HGTV Showhouse Showdown that featured...guest who...me!
Here is more of a inside scoop on my design!
The kitchen is a hard working space that needs to look great –it's forefront in this design- so I splurged on a beautiful leather finished granite- that really stole the show- I used the same finishes and details that I use in $1,000,000,000 +++ homes in this space. That includes upgraded cabinetry, an island that appears to expand the space, fauxed walls with an underwash of the predominate color palate of turquoises, low profile counter stools, and a glass back splash. I hid the electrical outlets under the upper cabinets and added LED tape lighting under the cabs and to the upper cabs. None of this is out of the price range of most-you just have to plan for it- and that’s what I most want viewers to see- a lot of awesome features are available – if you just have the right professional to help make that happen for you. Good design is mostly about knowledge.
The wine room was my make it or break it space since I took the dining room and used it differently. My basic premise is that you need to live in your entire home. This space was relatively small and mostly formal dining rooms are used 2-3 times per year, which is way too extravagant in this footprint. So I thought up a lounge and linger space- Purposefully beyond ear shot of the TV- I wanted to create a space where people could sit and ACTUALLY talk- without interferences of extra stuff (i.e. – TV) which I personally despise.
What was fun for my team and I was each evening we’d hang in this space under the ‘upside down chandelier, wood beamed ceiling, Venetian plaster walls and custom made furnishings! It was a chill spot and I knew it would speak volumes to guests because I liked it. We would hang out there and it was comforting. The colors soothing, the space conversational, the Art calming, and of course the wine- really- what more might you want?? Ok, for me- I need to live in my home- all of it- and I’d love a room like this!
The biggest challenge of this project was the design aesthetic. I am so happy to connect with my client and their desires- its usually a breeze to create for them. But wait, this was my design- I was the client and that proved to be a real challenge. So I had this mantra of subtle sophistication- whatever the Hell that is…haha- no I think I got it- a livable, well appointed degree of luxury that’s not off-putting, but welcoming and generous. It’s easy to care for and open and that was the goal. But, you be the judge…
To see more pictures visit my portfolio page!
Posted on
Wed, May 2, 2012
by Cindy Aplanlanp
filed under