Design Me's Profile

So disappointed after being teased by the house call.

I agree with putting a wall mounted cabinet with doors over the toilet. Open shelving over the toilet is just gross to me.

Additional storage could be LACK shelves from IKEA mounted rather high on the wall above the towel rack. I can see fresh towels and pretty storage boxes with scrubs and bath salts inside. Also, atop the shelves I can see a couple of clear canisters with soaps, cotton balls or loofahs...you get my drift. Use the amazing height of those ceiling. NOTHING ON THE FLOOR if you can help it.

As far as the dirty clothes, nix the basket all together and get a laundry bag and throw the bag in the back of your closet (wash often :)). Hampers are such a waste in small spaces.

Good Luck!

really? a space doesn't have to be minimal in order to be uncluttered. i felt very uncomfortable viewing this house tour...almost like i had stopped by uninvited.

jlhawkns,

I think slowdown made some great suggestions; hardwood floors (even reclaimed boards!), less generic window treatments, re-tiling and painting where needed would help any standard or "new construction" home. I would also add investing in molding, looking into adding or refacing a fireplace and changing out the builder's light fixtures and hardware.

And while I'm aware all of this requires resources, I would rather invest in the structural elements before I put a great deal of money or energy in decor.

With the added character, the space will lend itself to design elements you are happy and proud of.

Good luck in however you choose to proceed. I'm excited for you! Congratulations on the new house!

I like it. It breaks up the visual plain. It isn't any different to me than having a TV or stereo surrounded by books.

Having said that....I wouldn't choose to put art in front of books or other items I access often but rather in front of nicely stacked media boxes or otherwise uninteresting "must store" things.

In terms of access, a small nail to hang a lightweight canvas or framed piece is the only thing needed and I wouldn't define that as being that as being a hassle.

A deeper counter to create a breakfast bar is a great idea! I wish he would knock out the wall all together so you could accomodate a mobile island/dining table (stainless steel restaurant table on casters). Anyway....

Painting both rooms is a must. Two shades of the same color would tie the rooms together. The goldenrod is further dating the kitchen imo. I happen to like the darker cabinets and would opt for painting the walls a lighter color to complement the dark finish. A cool blue, grey or green would be nice and suprisingly cheery.

I agree that open shelving would have been a better choice than the cabinets he installed. They obstruct yet another doorway...

Open shelving over the stove....

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S69851470

Also a cover for the stovetop to not only hide the unsightly burners but offer an additional work surface is key...

http://www.stovetopper.com/product.html

I would take off a couple if not all the upper cabinet doors (put the hardware in ziploc bags taped to the fronts and store under the bed or closet for when you move) and invest in simple white dishes, bowls and serving platters (IKEA 365 works). They will provide contrast, lessen the intensity of the dark cabinets in the space and give the appearance of an extremely tidy kitchen (even when its not).

You can wallpaper (or use vinyl contact paper) on the back panel of the cabinet and shelves to add interest and color. Target has a great selection.

Another thing about white dishes...you only need one set. White dishes work for elegant as well as casual occasions. When space is limited, store your grandmother's china or the wedding set away and rock your white dishes.

For a back splash, Home Depot sells a great product that resembles tin and stainless steel in various textures and finishes, is peel-n-stick and durable.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100521697

If you must cover the door and window, I would choose blinds or roman shades. I feel like curtains in such a small area would be too much. The light coming into your kitchen is really great!

And if you want to tackle the floors, Home Depot also sells a resilient flooring product by Allure Traffic Master that floats over the existing floor and realistically resembles planks and tile. Its extremely easy to put down and rather affordable.

I hope all our ideas are helpful. I'm excited to see what you guys decide to do. Please submit the "after" photos.

Good Luck!

I live in NY and share a car with my brother who lives in DC. It's nice to have for trips out of town or for hauling my many finds back home. I wouldn't have a car full time in the city. I tried many years ago and it was more trouble than it was worth.