Volume 28: September
Last week we were fortunate to have fantastic designer events in Seattle. First up was a "Tilepalooza" at a local showroom, United Tile. The next was a day of learning about what's new for home appliances at Albert Lee Appliance. Both of these showrooms represent lines manufactured all over the world and they were able to bring in the best from their manufacturers. We got the freshest information from the people in the know.
Fresh for Fall
What we saw last week
Last week we were fortunate to have fantastic designer events in Seattle. First up was a "Tilepalooza" at a local showroom, United Tile. The next was a day of learning about what's new for home appliances at Albert Lee Appliance. Both of these showrooms represent lines manufactured all over the world and they were able to bring in the best from their manufacturers. We got the freshest information from the people in the know.
One of my favorites was speaking with one of the owners of Sonoma Tile, a woman-owned business. They manufacture a lot of their product line in the United States, mostly in California. I especially love their tiles that feature recycled material! Sustainability and eco-awareness are not just buzzwords in the home improvement market. Big companies are spending big dollars to improve their packaging, distribution, and products to minimize their impact on local environments.
Inax is another line that we've used for their gorgeous Japanese glazes. Interesting colors and shapes combined for a truly interesting tile that you just want to reach out and touch. Here we used an inax tile on the kitchen backsplash in a recent remodel.
Appliance manufacturers continue to add customizations, allowing us to create personalized appliances. What does that mean? You want a brass-paneled refrigerator? Okay! Oversized luxurious yet completely durable leather handles? Check! Washing machines with not only a smaller footprint in your home but also environmentally friendly? Done!
What's the word on the street for your cooking range? Induction. Our clients have been selecting induction for years, as they combine fantastic ease of use with numerous safety features. Be prepared to continue to see more of this in the market.
Several prototypes were featured, but sorry, we signed an NDA. Even more new products and cutting-edge ideas will be showcased in February at KBIS in Las Vegas. Be sure to follow along on Instagram as you never know what I'll be sharing. I'm thrilled to live in a vibrant city, fortunate to have such gracious clients, and grateful to work with a team of vendors and tradespeople. We work together to make all of our crazy design ideas come to life! As always, if you're not sure how to start your next design project or maybe you do and you're ready to go, give me a call or send me an email.
Happy fall y'all!
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.