vdewin's Profile

Name: Desire to Inspire
URL: http://www.desiretoinspire.net/

Since you are moving in the near future, I would be thinking of something a bit more classic, something you could use almost anywhere..

I don't know what your overall design scheme might be, but this is what first came to my mind:

I'd paint the lamp base black or dark brown (semi-gloss) and transform the shade with capiz shells (or something that would give the same effect)
http://www.craftynest.com/2009/02/faux-capiz-shell-lampshade/

As for the chair, I'd paint it the same black or dark brown, and upholster it using material that resembles old linen, something with typography or a huge black/brown image printed on it.
http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/decor/article/756528--vintage-grain-sacks-are-hot-decor-item
You could likely create your own images and transfer them to unbleached linen or cotton.

Enjoy refreshing your new finds!

Hi Kristen!
I'm assuming your cupboards are in good condition and worth a redo. If you keep what you have and move it around:

Take down the cupboards on either side of your window above the sink. If you are able to remove them without damaging the units, re-purpose them to create a shallow pantry on the wall where you now have the open shelving.

Install open shelving on either side of the window, which still allows for handy storage space, but will help to brighten up that entire wall.

Remove the cupboard unit hanging above the vacuum.

I'm assuming you plan on installing the fridge on the same wall as where you currently have your stove. Place an open shelving unit (complete with countertop) in between the two appliances, allowing for pot and pan storage. Ikea sells them in varying widths. How about the UTBY kitchen island in stainless steel?

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S79843465

Hang a nice piece of artwork (or something you consider artistic) above this unit to help fill in the upper empty wall space between the hood and fridge. I wouldn't put up more shelving here, as it will make the room feel narrower.

Since you are keeping your wood floors, it might help to lighten up things a bit by painting out your cupboards. (something that will work with the wood tones of your re-finished floors and the stainless steel elements you will be introducing)

The cupboard doors appear to be flat design - it's hard to see in the pictures. You can update them quite easily with new hardware that resembles stainless steel, something that will tie in with your new range hood.

Check out magazines or online photo galleries - get a feel for the kind of kitchen you would like before you tackle this job and draw up a rough floor plan. Knowing what you want is half the battle.

I commend all of the designers. There is so much work that goes into an event like this one and they are putting themselves on the line, opening up their work to the criticism and opinions of the public. Be gracious in your praise. Mention the features you like. Interior design, like so many other artistic ventures, is purely subjective, so how can you say one person's vision is 'better' than another?

When it comes down to strictly personal taste, I am especially drawn to "The Writer's Romantic Supper." Maxwell, you just earned my vote.

Thank you to all involved in this event.

If you really like bold colour, you could consider something like Benjamin Moore's Soft Pumpkin (2166-40) The orange shade would show off the blue tones in the backsplash and countertops and harmonize well with the floor. If you use this shade on the walls in your kitchen and dining space, make sure you introduce it elsewhere in the spaces nearby, especially if the walls are neutral. Add some "orange" throughout the other areas of your home by way of cushions, flowers, glassware, artwork etc.

...or you could go with something "cooler", such as Benjamin Moore's Gossamer Blue (2123-40) on the walls, and introduce the orange accessories in the kitchen and dining area to warm things up. An oversized piece of artwork on the wall that faces towards the kitchen, that has shades of orange within the design, would work well in your dining room against the pale blue walls.

In either case, since it doesn't look like you have a chandelier or a rough-in for one, add some sparkle with an oversized mirror, reflecting the light from your outside windows.

Either way, you have a wonderful space to work with!

There are a few options available at Ikea:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/dining/10724?pageNumber=0

I all depends on whether you want to go with black, white, wood tones or something totally different. Upholstered seating might take up too much 'visible' space.

Bernhard - black and steel for $119, modern
Hallsta - not sure if it's wicker or banana leaves $99.99
Gilbert - wood tones for the seat, metal frame below, modern looking, $49.99 - likely available in different finishes, or you could paint to match any colour
Tobias - $99.99, clear acrylic seat, metal frame on the bottom

If you want your artwork and furnishings to stand out, I'd go for painting out the brickwork first, but not in gray. Something off-white, as some of the others have mentioned. I'd also wrap that paint up around onto the wood panelling around the one window that's visible, up the slats that create the room divider and up and around the wood where it meets the ceiling and wraps around the corner. That way the entrance will brighten up the whole area and the lighter color will accentuate the architectural features.

If you like a 'classic' style with witty dialogue, how about:
"The Philadelphia Story"
"To Catch a Thief"

Both star Cary Grant