Interiors by Francesca - Blog

A quick update to a drab kitchen on a budget

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 06:01:59 -0800

My client recently contacted me wanting to update her drab kitchen an a budget.
The previous owners of this home installed new cabinets and granite floors, but the mint green formica counter top and floral motif backsplash didn't exactly appeal to the new homeowner, nor did it complement the emerald green granite floors.

To our advantage, the kitchen already had a god foundation, well made cabinets, upgraded appliances, and an attractive floor. It just needed a little tweaking to make the color palette more cohesive and sophisticated. We started by selecting a contemporary porcelain backsplash that coordinates with the green granite floor and chose a creme quartz counter that blends with the pine cabinets keeping the kitchen feeling light and airy. We added a stainless steel undermount sink that makes cleaning the counter top a cinch and avoids bacteria build up like the previous above the counter sink. A new goose neck, pull out spray faucet with soap dispenser is another wonderful feature we incorporated, making a chore slightly more enjoyable, and adds a sophisticated touch. Lastly, the wall color is a lovely light muted green, Benjamin Moore November Rain, that marries the tones of the greens together and gives an inviting feel.

This kitchen update was completed in one week and totaled $5,000 in materials and labor. Our client loves her new kitchen and we too are thrilled with the transformation.

If you have a decorating dilemma or are in need of a quick makeover, contact us!

Before

After

Aidan's not so kiddy, lounge pad

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 06:11:18 -0800

The challenge in this room was it's size (9x12') and the need for loads of toy storage for a playful yet sophisticated 7 year old boy.

We started with a mature gray (Whitestone 2134-60) for the walls and Hale Navy (HC-154) for the accent wall then layered bold fun accessories to keep it youthful and energetic. By incorporating a window bench with drawer storage we maximized the space and created a wonderful nook for reading or just hanging. The twin loft bed from Stanley's Young America collection allows a desk and dresser underneath and keeps the room uncluttered, polished and functional. We used replaceable Flor carpet tiles as the rug and indoor/outdoor water resistant fabric on the bench so if an accidental chocolate milk spills it's no biggie. Style Tiles from PB Teen keeps Aidan organized with play date schedules, birthday invitations and cool pics of his buddies.

Design Plan

Before

After

Gramercy Park Studio Bathroom Transformation

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:21:06 -0800

And the gramercy park studio transformation continues with the tiny bathroom.
As you see, also dated, dark and plain ol' eeek....

Bathroom Before

Design Plan & Inspiration

Material Selection

The goal of this bathroom transformation is to create a classic, timeless, gender neutral design with modern details and complete functionality. Since the bathroom is tiny, I have chosen crystal white marble subway tiles for the walls and a porcelain floor time that resembles carrera marble for it's durability and easy maintenance. Chrome accents on the medicine cabinet, wall scone, faucet and accessories will add brightness and sparkle to the small bath.

A rich java vanity will offer lots of storage. Because it looks like a gorgeous piece of furniture rather than an ordinary sink base the tiny bath will be a sophisticated space rather than a ho hum generic bathroom. The use of glass shelving above the toilet will add visual interest and extra storage for pretty toiletries and candles for those relaxing bubble baths.

Remodel in Progress

Current Transformation: Gramercy Park Studio Kitchen Remodel

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:13:25 -0800

My current project is a studio remodel in Gramercy, New York City. My client lives in a fabulous luxury building, but her studio is less than fabulous.....And that's where I come in. I took this dated kitchen from uninspiring to superb. Scroll below for the pictoral footage of the transformation and the unveiling of this jewel of a kitchen.

Dated kitchen in dire need of a makeover.....

Currently the kitchen is small, dark, dated, awkward and lacks function/storage, it's pretty much a laundry list of problems...No fret, here's my vision-

Design Plan + Inspiration

Material Selection

While we can't expand the kitchen, by simply making the doorway wider the kitchen will feel larger and brighter. Incorporating simple, shaker style white cabinets with glass doors, adding interior lighting, and stainless steel appliances the kitchen takes on a classic, timeless and modern look. I have selected low maintenance and durable materials like the porcelain floor tile, ceramic subway tile for the backsplash and white ceasar stone for the countertops which will make this kitchen practical and easy to clean and maintain.

Transformation in Progress

Transformation complete, and a beauty she is!

DIY Living Room Design

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 08:20:41 -0800

I recently completed this DIY living room design for a young lovely couple, here's their letter-

Dear Francesca,

I just saw your kitchen remodel on apartment therapy and think it looks great. My husband and I just purchased our first apartment and we have a number of items that need to be changed. I think it would be a great idea to start working with a designer now so there is a cohesive look when everything is done.
We look forward to working with you on helping us design our new home.

Sincerely,
New Homeowners

Floor Plan

The goal of the room was to maintain the open "lofty" feeling and to create a space versatile and comfortable for entertaining their large family and friends.

The New Homeowners wanted a contemporary feel, mixed with mid-century pieces along with modern/eclectic accents.

Here is my design plan:

I started with selecting a classic style contemporary sofa. Its clean lines will allow me to introduce accents with interesting shapes to make the space eclectic and energetic. A jute bucle area rug offers a natural organic touch while keeping the room feeling casual and approachable. Slipper chairs with mid century lines keep the space feeling airy with it's long slender legs. They are also light weight and can be moved to have intimate conversations.

Floor to ceiling drapery elongates the height of the ceilings making the space feel grand. Keeping all the upholstery pieces in neutral tones, sets the stage for vibrant, bold accessories in tones of lime green and peacock blue that add an unexpected touch which makes this room unique and a cheerful space to hang out.

I will post the photos once the room is complete....Stay tuned-

Furniture Plan

The teeny tiny bath remodel - How to make a space feel larger

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:26:30 -0800

You can make your bath seem bigger without knocking out walls or adding on to your house. Take a look at this recent remodeling project I completed for inspiration.

Before Renovation

Remodel in Progress

Design tips to make the most of a small bathroom

Pearly Whites
Deep-hued sinks, toilets, and tubs can look dramatic in a large bath, but induce claustrophobia in a small one. Go with classic white and express your sense of style with the design of the fixtures.

Scale Down Fixtures
Replace space-stealing fixtures with smaller versions, like these scaled-down wall-mounted sinks. You'll also find small basins or slim-and-trim pedestal sinks designed especially for small baths. The downside to a pedestal sink is that it doesn't allow for much storage. However, adding a small ledge above the sink, like the glass ledge here, creates room to store bathroom essentials.

If you can handle a major remodeling, consider replacing a typical tub with a soaking tub like this one -- it's deeper but smaller in circumference. And if you rarely use your tub and want to gain space, you may want to replace it with a sleek shower stall.

Take a Neutral Stance
Because pale and cool colors reflect light, soft whites, pastels, and neutrals can make a bath feel bigger. Woodwork, trim, and doors will "disappear" if they are painted the same hue as the walls. The effect is enhanced if cabinets and counters are the same color as the walls. For variety, use a light color of paint for the walls and a lighter tint for the ceiling. This combination will make surfaces recede from view and make the room seem larger. To keep a neutral scheme from appearing bland, introduce bolder colors through accessories, linens, and artwork.

Treat Windows Simply
No matter what their size or style, windows help enlarge the feel of a room if they're allowed to transmit light. If possible, leave windows unadorned with clear or frosted glass. Mini-blinds, matchstick blinds, or shades that can be drawn to the top of the window are other sleek solutions. Or cover the lower half of the glass with sheer fabric held in place with tension rods or shutters that will readily admit light but still maintain privacy.

Transformation Complete

How to make the most of your small space

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:19:29 -0800

Space Savers: Use armless or slender-armed sofas.

Living rooms are called on to do a lot of entertaining, but finding spots for guests to sit isn't always easy. Despite its limited size, this one makes space for multiple seating options without sacrificing comfort, thanks to two plush but armless chairs, an armless love seat, and a slender-armed sofa.

Space Saver: Choose clear furniture and accessories that don't visually take up space.

For a family in need of a spot for casual TV dinners, drawing sessions, and game time, an acrylic coffee table provides a stylish and almost invisible solution in this tiny living room. Adding minimal visual weight, the table is sturdy yet lightweight, and it doesn't bite back if you bump into it.

Space Saver: Nesting Tables

Nesting tables are perfect for squeezing a lot of storage out of minimum space. Pull out the lower table when you need an extra surface for holding drinks or reading material, then tuck it away when you're done. Here, a stylish fabric-covered bin keeps DVDs accessible but contained.

Space Saver: Use large mirrors on one wall to make a space feel more open.

Sometimes even small rooms suffer from too-tall ceilings that leave the space feeling cold. To visually lower the lofty ceiling, an extra tier of molding was added. You could achieve a similar effect at less expense with paint. On the back wall, mirrors pull off their expanding act by reflecting other parts of a room as well as bouncing light all around. Grouped together, the three tall mirrors make a striking focal point while stretching the dimensions of this one-room loft.

Space Saver: Choose lower furniture that will complement the size of the room.

The success of many small living rooms relies on smart furnishings. A pair of low chairs allows an uninterrupted view through this apartment while providing a chat-friendly seating arrangement.

Space Saver: The placement of your furniture is key to maximizing your space.

An unbroken sweep of wood flooring is tops for making a room look larger. Arranging the sofa and chairs on an angle instead of lining them up against walls also kept this room from feeling boxy. Now it's all the more interesting.

Space Saver: Take advantage of your crown molding to make a room look taller.

Lofty ceilings make even tiny rooms feel less claustrophobic. But if your ceilings aren't much higher than 8 feet, try to trick the eye into believing they are. The top of a tall and slender armoire sits just under the crown molding in this living room. Its height seems to lift the ceiling, an illusion that's enhanced by the unit's slender width.

Space Saver: Stick with the same colors.

Subtle tone-on-tone patterns add interest to the draperies, area rug, and sofa upholstery in this living room without making the space feel busy. "See-through" legs on the sofa, side tables, and coffee table also help keep the room's feel open and airy.

Space Saver: Use artwork to add big style to a small room.

Give artwork extra sizzle against light-reflecting white walls by layering it on top of an inexpensive painted artist's canvas.

Space Saver: Choose furniture that can do double duty like this ottoman.

Two trays quickly take an oversize ottoman from a casual put-your-feet-up piece to one fit for formal entertaining. In this tight living room, the soft corners also ease the pain of inevitable knee bumps.

Space Saver: Hide your clutter in undercover storage units.

For an inexpensive take on a coffee table that's flexible to move and packs hidden storage, try a pair of cubes. Children's toys can be stashed inside these wicker models for easy access and they look great in almost any room.

Small kitchen design with high style and function

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:14:10 -0800

Before Renovation

Remodel in Progress

Transformation Complete

- The removal of the wall allowed us to introduce a peninsula which has access from both sides. The side facing into the room has drawers offering storage from either side of the room. Having multiple access points allows the peninsula to serve double duty as preparation surface as well as a serving area when entertaining.

- Even the smallest details have a big impact in tight spaces the slender stainless-steel pulls accentuate the clean-lined cabinetry. The light color of the granite countertops brightens the room without seeming cool or sterile. Granite countertops are a popular choice for homeowners who like to cook. Natural stone is durable, water-resistant and scorch-proof.

- A two-tier under counter lazy susan uses formerly wasted corner space for storage. The cabinet houses food processors and coffee carafes that might have been banished to the pantry. The pullout gives these items a designated space and helps cooks know exactly where to find what they're looking for.

The end result is an updated modern kitchen with superior functionality and absolute WOW factor.

Make yourself happy with COLOR

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:26:34 -0800

If you've been stuck in a rut lately, here are some easy color tips to turn your apartment walls into the ultimate pick me up-

If you survived layoffs but now you're overworked, underpaid and need a place to retreat to use a serene sea foam green that will conjure up beautiful, rip-roaring expanse of ocean in your sub-conscious.

You want to start dating but aren't feeling so fab, try a fleshy pinky beige so you feel good going out and look good when you are home.

All those recession-proof pizzas took their toll on your beach body and you need to get back in shape? Blur the line between indoors and out with a granny smith apple green that will do to your eye what the apple does to your palate- and make you run a marathon.

Your boyfriend is out of town on business for a few weeks and you miss him? Make his favorite color blue a little girlier like periwinkle which is very calming, cool and soothing. When you wake up alone it will be as if he's hugging you.

Visually increase your square footage with these simple tips

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:24:09 -0800

- A small room is going to feel even smaller if you have a lot of clutter. Keep knick-knacks to a minimum and go for a very spartan decorating approach.

- Remove all furniture that is not essential. This will depend largely on the type of room that you are dealing with. For example, a bedroom really only needs a bed and a nightstand. Your dresser can be placed in the closet if necessary, and big nightstands can be replaced with smaller versions. You can also purchase a bed frame with drawers. You will still have enough room for your clothes, but it won't take up any extra space.

- Paint the walls a light, neutral color. Avoid dark colors when you are painting a small room. White, cream or a light tan will make the room seem lighter and bigger.

- Replace any dark upholstery or bedspreads. Once again, dark colors make the room feel smaller. Replace any dark bedspreads with lighter colors. You can change the color of dark sofas, couches and chairs with slipcovers.

- Add mirrors. If you want to make a small room feel bigger, try adding mirrors to one wall. That will give the illusion of having more space.

- Consider changing the flooring. A carpeted room can feel smaller than it actually is. Replace it with wood floors and add a small throw rug in the center. This will increase the amount of visual space in the room and it will feel bigger.