Volume 24: May
Inspirational finds near and far
Occasionally, the opportunity to travel for both work and pleasure will arise. Such was the case for me recently when I traveled to Milan with a fellow designer. Our only expectation was to take in as much inspiration as possible (spoiler alert: this was definitely accomplished!).
One of the most impressive sites was the Duomo di Milano at night, pictured above. It's mind boggling to think that this structure, as massive as it is, is only the 15th largest in the world.
Classics since the 14th Century
Marble, a truly timeless material, seen in the facade of the Duomo di Milano. Gray, always in style, don't believe everything the blogs tell you. Arches, an interesting detail we often see in the vintage homes we remodel.
Natural is always in
Curvilinear lines paired with natural stone bring both elegance and comfort.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Ever wonder how we get from inspiration to the finished project? After our initial meeting we follow up with a proposed floor plan. Once that is approved, we create a rendering showing you a colored realistic drawing of what your finished project could look like.
These renderings and floor plans are shared with your contractor who then uses them to create your beautiful, updated space.
We would love to help you achieve your vision with your next project. Please reach out to us here 👇🏻!
Volume 18: September
Happy September!
Here we are on this first day of the month but summer is not over yet!
We want to share with you a new beginning for one of our clients.
This 1920s cottage was in need of a refresh and updated kitchen floor plan after multiple remodels through the years. We set out to meet the needs of our clients by giving them more color, light, and function to accommodate their love of entertaining and fur babies.
In the kitchen, we updated the layout for better flow, installed these shaker teal cabinets, and added a touch of gold with the unique light fixture over the sink.
This Dutch door gives a more accessible and charming point of entry to and from the deck for the clients’ two dogs.
A simple paint treatment adds interest in the dining room, with forest green anchoring the space.
We created a functional focal point in the dining room by taking advantage of this existing alcove. The space was opened up and we added lighting. A built in buffet creates the perfect stop for a party spread.
At the fireplace wall in the living room, we added two windows to bring in more light. This added balance to the already vaulted ceiling. We took advantage of this height and raised the fireplace all the way. Shades of green (a favorite of the client) tile and a reclaimed wood mantle finish off the fireplace with layers of color and texture.
Our clients are so happy with the warm and welcoming vibe that this remodel has given them.
We were honored to submit this kitchen for consideration in the NKBA Puget Sound Chapter Design Awards this year and we won 2nd Place for Small | Medium Kitchen - woohoo!
We're currently scheduling for 2023 and would love to discuss your upcoming projects. Contact us to schedule yours.
Volume 9: September
August brought us our first in-person event since life changed many months ago. We attended the NKBA Design Awards Gala where we were honored with a couple of awards of our own.
We’re all winners
We won! We won!
August brought us our first in-person event since life changed many months ago. We attended the NKBA Design Awards Gala where we were honored with a couple of awards of our own.
We’re especially proud of our 2nd place award for our Large Kitchen project as this category is very competitive. The projects this year were truly top-notch and on the cutting edge of kitchen design.
Madison in the Park is full of luxurious marble on the counters and backsplash with a tailored tile inset above the cooktop. State of the art appliances make meal prep and entertaining easier with a built-in refrigerator, double wall ovens, and a warming drawer. While the coffee bar with a prep sink, microwave, and second dishwasher bring ease to cleanup and morning routines.
The Small | Medium Kitchen category was also quite competitive, but we were proud to walk away with a 3rd place award for Cottage with a Tudor Accent. One of our goals was to add continuity in this vintage home by creating an arch opening between the kitchen and dining room that matched the existing arch at the dining room entrance. The contractor was also able to save the coved ceilings in the dining room. A custom wood hood and open shelving were brought in to add warmth and texture.
We are grateful for all our clients and winning awards is just a fun bonus. The trust our clients place in us and the hardworking contractors and vendors we work with make this all possible. Kirk Riley Design is definitely a team effort.
Thanks for being along for the ride!
Happy Fall Y'all!
Volume 5: May
When we are designing a kitchen remodel project with our clients, we often mention that there is going to be a lot less of something in the new space. It could be fewer windows, less floor space, heck, even less cabinetry which sounds a little crazy. This new void allows space for a whole bunch of new wonderful. This kitchen remodeling project was no different.
We love a good before and after
No More Little Drawers
When we are designing a kitchen remodel project with our clients, we often mention that there is going to be a lot less of something in the new space. It could be fewer windows, less floor space, heck, even less cabinetry which sounds a little crazy. This new void allows space for a whole bunch of new wonderful. This kitchen remodeling project was no different.
Working with previous clients is always a fantastic bonus. These clients were no exception, especially since the wife knew exactly what she wanted. I don’t mean the exact hardware or range, but she knew exactly how she wanted it to look and feel. That was ideal as they were open to design solutions but were quick to stay on track and focused.
Here’s what we focused on:
Gray color palette with natural wood for warmth.
An island with seating and a nice big sink with an Insta-hot faucet.
Open shelving for style and display for family keepsakes.
Traditional style cabinetry with custom features.
Black as an accent in hardware and lighting.
All new stainless appliances.
Removing the soffit above the cabinets to add a feeling of spaciousness.
Closing the window without a view while keeping the abundance of natural light in the home.
Is there anything I would change? Nothing. I’m never a fan of an icemaker in the refrigerator door, but you try arguing with native Midwesterners about their ice.