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

Chicago Home & Garden Magazine

Radford was here . . .

CLICK   HERE

Kitchen Love

A little Kitchen Inspiration on a rainy Wednesday afternoon . . .

xx
Nic

Dinner Party Love

I love a dinner party.  Sharing my home & table with friends and family is always something I look forward to. Styling your table need not be expensive nor maddening. Stay away from batty "themes" & keep it real with items you already own. Here's how. . .

You know I'm going to say it . . .

Hit up those Flea Markets. Here you will find plates, glassware, silver serving pieces & flatware.  Don't be afraid of a little tarnish. Tarn-X is your best friend and besides- it adds a little character!

These trays were $7 each

Less than a minute later these loves have a new life

Doilies from the Dollar Store
Fear Not. It's a dollar

Milk Glass vases are easy to find in second hand stores & markets. I just adore the crisp white against fresh flowers. You can also readily find various glass containers for candles or flowers.

I found this vase for $3

Milk Glass & Vintage Bottles
Charming

just add votives

Do yourself a favor and grab a bunch of Mint Julep cups. You will find yourself using them for everything.  I even store makeup brushes in one. Pencils in another. Sometimes chopsticks. Occasionally cigars. These little fellas are your entertaining & decor staple. 

any flower, grass, leaf or herb will do

Empty wine bottles & simple glass containers are a Stress Free & budget friendly alternative to expensive floral arrangements. The key is to keep your flowers monochromatic and add tons of candlelight.

This table was put together in under 5 minutes

Simple is better. Consider glassware as vases.
You already own plenty.

The total cost of these flowers? $12
varying height & containers stretch your flower dollar

Burlap. The cheapest & chicest of all fabrics

From a previous party
vase = free

Candlelight is a must. I always like to use black candles as they are unexpected, edgier, and add a touch of glamour. The best way to ensure the glow is to incorporate at least one votive per guest.

Black tapers offset the sweetness

3 votives. 3 guests

Stock up. 5 for $10. IKEA

Table linens are a great way to either mellow out the scene or amp it up. High impact. Low cost.

Graphic Love. $20 for set of 4

Kavita Napkins Set of 4 $12

Jonathan Adler Talitha table runner $34

Prakesh tablecloth $18

$40 Union Jack tapestry
Makes for one fabulous tablecloth

Adore. Set of 4 for $28

Inject texture & pattern with plates & accessories. If you keep with a standard white setting and mix in pieces you will save on both time & cash. Layer in the unexpected for a custom, not cookie cutter, effect. It's ok if you can't find a complete set. Mingling different patterns with simple white dinnerware is charming & smart.

IKEA 365 series. The prefect canvas. $4

A fabulous base. NeoBaroque Dinnerware $24-32

Not the same.
This is a Good Thing.

Chevron adds a punch

Gold rimmed glasses I found at Market
$6 for set of 6

A Shot of Color $12-16

Touch of Glam Set of 4 for $24

HomeGoods has the best selection of
 White Dinnerware on the cheap
This love was $3

Modern. Classic. Acrylic. Set of 4 for $16

Watercolor Petals $14-24

Above all, Relax & Enjoy yourself & company. Dinner parties are for getting together. Not stressing. If all else fails- Keep it unpretentious. And remember, simplicity leads to elegance.

leave the fuss behind. Have a glass of wine & enjoy!

Cheers!

xx

Nic

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