The Little Kitchen That Could

I fell in love with this project from the start. I was called into the project at the last minute with only weeks to complete it. We had a limited budget and did I mention major time restrictions? I was determined to give this client her "dream" country kitchen- she had suddenly lost her mother and the majority of her fond memories with her mom took place in the kitchen. So with a little creativity and a lot of love we turned out a kitchen with a true country charm.

The kitchen was dark, tight & dated...

before

before

First we closed off the awkward second doorway to make room for a stove & refrigerator. This really opened up the space and created an overall better flow. Next we ripped out the flooring and replaced it with hardwood to match the existing finish throughout the house. Lighting was next and we went with can lights and a replica lantern pendant. Crisp white cabinets and carrara marble countertops brightened the space and added a modern vibe to the rustic details. I added a white distressed edge subway tile as backsplash- the edge kept the tile from looking too modern or sterile. Perhaps the biggest challenge was the client's desire for a non traditional stove vent. She really wanted an old stovepipe. Under timing & budget pressure we opted to make a custom vent.  I had the electrician cut the shade from a factory pendant to create the vintage look. We added a fan and attached to exhaust. We then sprayed it out matte black and voila- stovepipe.

pendant used for vent base

fan added to exhaust/pendant base

final product

after

after

after

I simply adored working on this project and love the after product...

xx

Nic

Brass!

Brass is popping up everywhere and I couldn't be more thrilled. Brass adds a warmth, sophistication, and interest to your space- any space.  Check out my latest obsession. ..

Lamp: Arteriors "Walker". Tray: Arteriors "Charles". Chandelier: Ro Sham Beaux "Gigi".  

Bar Cart: Crate&Barrel "Libations"

Crib: Nurseryworks "Uptown".
Side Table: Oly Studio "George"

Chicago Home & Garden Magazine

Radford was here . . .

CLICK   HERE

Recent Install

Check out some photos of a recent master bedroom install in Clarendon Hills! I simply adore this couple and their two insanely adorable children!

xx

Nic

Friday Bedroom Love!

A little bedroom inspiration for a gorgeous Friday afternoon!

xx

Nic

A Little Bird Told Me...

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R a d f o r d   T w e e t s

Simple High Impact

Updating your space need not induce a trip to your therapist's office.  In fact, simple fixes on the cheap may just be all that you really need for a gloomy weather Pick-Me-Up. Here are my Top 5 picks for High Impact updates.

No. 1 - Install Dimmers.
For around $10 a pop and 10 minutes of your time- viola! Atmosphere! See how easy it is here 

No. 2  - Refinish Your Floors.
Updating your floors with a new finish is approximately 1/8 the cost of new flooring. This is definitely one to leave to the pros- however the cost is minimal at around $1.50-$2.50 per square foot.

No. 3 - Swap out Old Hardware for New. 

Transform your kitchen or update the architectural details of your home in an afternoon.  New doorknobs can do wonders to a tired interior. Ikea has a great selection of smart modern hardware & Anthropologie always has charming options.

No. 4 - Paint! 

Walls are the largest surface area of your home. Make the most of the opportunity to inject some personality or welcome a cool calm. For about $100 per room for paint & supplies you can afford to take a risk....just keep the rest of the room neutral if you go with an overachiever (I'm currently adoring Peacock Blue) If painting isn't your thing, I recommend Thompson Holiday for all of my professional paint jobs- small or large.

No. 5 - Dress your Windows.
Clean lines will give your space a sophisticated & timeless update. The trick is to keep your hardware classic and aim to hang curtain panels about 3-4" from the ceiling to maximize your ceiling height.

Enjoy these updates. And remember. . .  Baby steps. Baby steps
xx,
Nic

Why Hire a Designer?

Four good reasons 

& 

then some . . . 

#1. Five common problems found in today’s interiors:

• Awkward floor/furniture plan
• Out of date kitchen and/or bathroom

• 
Lack of space or storage
• 
Low light and/or poor light

• Lack of or poor architectural details

#2. What Radford brings to the project :

• Radford helps you resolve design problems & lower cost while rendering a polished result. Our solutions are designed to feel inherent to the space. This is the secret.
• We provide you with a professional assessment of your situation.
• We work with you to develop a solid plan of action.
• Radford will transform your living space. 

#3. Radford offers the following which has no price tag, such as:

• Endless practical suggestions
• 
Years of knowledge leading to informed insightful observations

• The ability to see and envision what you may not
• 
The expertise of knowing where to find the perfect item, accessory, or service
• 
Necessary guidance
• A trained eye that knows when something is not right
• 
A discreet listening ear for you to wish list your desired lifestyle
• If planning on selling or renting your property, we help you create a space that appeals to a potential buyer & add value to your home

#4.  Radford can & will save you money

• This includes the time, aggravation, and worry associated with furniture, art, and accessory purchases. It is hard to put a price tag on not having stress
• Radford will provide you with discounts typically only available to the trade; anywhere between 10% and 40%.
• 
You make sound informed decisions with Radford at the helm. This is diamonds in the long run.

Don't just live in your space- Love Your Space
xx,
Nic
www.radforddesigninc.com

Polished Boudoir for Baby

Few things in life are as special & exciting as a new baby! I adore nothing more than working with expecting parents on their new love's room. Designing for baby can still be chic. Here's the deal with nurseries...

There is NO rule that says that "Adult" elements are forbidden. In fact, what really makes a nursery polished is to forgo the undeniable saccharine "baby" furniture all together. Sophisticated elements can be playful & precious. The key is to keep color palettes lighthearted & incorporate furniture that is both practical and fresh. Lighting, area rugs, window treatments & accessories are all great opportunities to mingle "Grown Up" with Baby.

Congratulations on your New Love!
xx
Nic

A great Area Rug makes a Big & FUN statement

A fresh Wall Stencil creates modern Whimsy 

Precious Touches flawlessly mix with
Grown Up drapery & lighting

Wallpapering an accent wall adds color & character 

Flea Market finds are Fabulous for Baby! 

PAINT ='s  Cost Effective & High Impact

Lit Under $100

Let's chat a Minute about the outdated Light Fixtures . Yes- look up . You are not Confined to the lighting that was Bestowed upon you by the Previous owner or your Landlord . You wouldn't wear Snow Boots to the Pool, right? I believe that Inappropriate Lighting is the Exact same thing. (I also just Like to say "inappropriate") . It's Awkward, Distracting & Ineffective . If You swap out the Clichéd Lighting with these Fresh picks- There will be way More love .  I promise . Tons. 


These are All UNDER $100- . Go be happy.

xx 

Nic

Mesh Sculpture $99

The M26 Mini Pendant. Truly Pedestrian Chic. Try Alone or a series. Available in Florescent & Incandescent. Chrome or Patina Bronze.  $45

This is just Sexy. Period. Ambiance Pendant $58

Just a Drop of Glam $79

This is PERFECT for a Baby Girl's room $100

Palermo Tessellation Lantern $42

I Adore this Little Guy .  $66

Globe Pendant $99

This Traditional Number is $74 and is Begging you
 to Spray it Poppy Orange

Adore . Hand Painted Wood. So chic. $60

Crystal & Chrome . $76

Warmth & Texture . $99

Minimal Elegance . $81

Playful Statement for your
Entry or Powder Room . $87

Updated Industrial $95

Oh the Glow! Put this in The Bedroom Immediately . $99

Bare Bulb Jewelry $45