Classic with a Twist: June 2016

Kitchen Appliance Blooper: Location Makes all the Difference

We recently walked into an architectural review of one of our high rise projects and our eyes were met with this drawing ....

Can you spy the strange design flaw??

You got it?? The microwave!

You'd have to be 10' tall to be able to use that microwave functionally.

We quickly realized how many people (even professionals) forget how important location and function are .... and how they go hand in hand.

As we researched into microwave placements more and more, we found several interesting ways to functionally use a microwave uniquely.

1. Under Counter.

Depending on how high you counters are, a simple built-in under counter microwave

can do the trick

2. Built - In Cabinet :

Building in a microwave at arm height in a bank of cabinets can provide storage below and above a useful appliance

Another great example:

3. Above Counter:

Quite different than the TALL placement we were stunned with in our architectural review, this microwave is shoulder height and ready to use.

Where do you prefer your microwave?!

Thursday, June 30, 2016 Comments: 0

A Statement Backsplash takes the Cake: Our latest find!

Backsplashes in a kitchen OR bathroom can really make the world of difference ...

and they don't have to boring!

This is a current kitchen remodel we are working on featuring a backsplash that speaks volumes!

The Ann Sacks diamond shaped pattern is impeccable and ready to be

installed in this gorgeous home.

How can you select the most stunning backsplash? Here are 3 tips!

1. Mix of Materials: Mixing marble and other natural stone in a beautiful pattern is a wonderful way to create an effect.

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2. Metallics: A little shimmer and shine makes everyone happy!

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3. Dimension: Many new tiles today come in a dimensional pattern and we love the
look of these!

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If you're ready to take the plunge into a backsplash, give us a call today!

Wednesday, June 29, 2016 Comments: 0

Dare to be Dark

We're all about the LIGHT and BRIGHT kitchens, but every once in a while it might be good to switch it up and step out of your comfort zone!

How do you even start to do that? WELL, we are here to tell you how.

1. Go black on the cabinets and white on the walls. This provides enough contrast to bring light into the space and not close in the room. Also, by adding skylights to your renovation you can greatly increase your amount of natural light.

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2. Too afraid of changing the cabinet finish? Leave that light and paint one or two walls dark instead and offset it by adding a piece of dark furniture (aka the bar stools) to bounce the dark color around the room.

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3. Try the same tactic as #2 but instead just paint one wall of cabinets and offset it with a piece of dark furniture on the opposite side of the room.

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4. Don't be afraid of going dark in a galley kitchen. By creating natural light through a window wall or skylights and painting the walls white you can lighten the space in new and different ways.

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5. Is all that too scary? Try just painting the island dark and use a color. Such as this dark blue paint featured on Houzz as Hague Blue by Farrow and Ball.

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Light or Dark? What's your kitchen preference?!

Thursday, June 23, 2016 Comments: 0

Vines and Sweet Summertime

Happy first REAL week of summer!

In honor of summer, what are some ways to use natural foliage to create

an atmosphere of sweet summertime.

Do you want to spend your summer evenings in a beautiful place? Try adding vines to your porch or pergola to change it up a bit for the season.

Houzz recently featured a few of their favorite ways to use vines and these are TCI's favorite from the list!

1. Pergola Cover

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2. Wall Patterns

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And our most favorite:

3. Curtain of Leaves

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How dreamy is this?!

Tuesday, June 21, 2016 Comments: 0

Client Project: How we are Incorporating Geometrics in a New Build

Back to the basics here at TCI --

GEOMETRY.

Remember when you were sitting in geometry class in high school? Remember the shapes and patterns you learned?

Well we are pulling out all the GEOMETRICS in our current design,

in a modern house build.

How can you incorporate geometrics in a new construction?

1. Trimwork:

Check out these rectangular patterned trim work pieces on this wall. By adding just a simple pattern in a large scale can make a huge impact!

2. Staircase:

Out with the curvy balusters and in with the geometric shapes.

3. Tilework:

No need for boring, bland tile .... pop up the color and pattern with tile that looks similar to this! We are using this modern tile in a new TCI build!

A large scale subway tile laid on a straight lay with a stunning accent tile vertically through the pattern brings many different geometric ideas to the table.

One of our favorite tile designs we are currently using:

SO , are you ready to go back to GEOMETRY class for DESIGN?

Wednesday, June 15, 2016 Comments: 0

Pinterest WIN - DIY Clothesline ABC's Hanger

We recently completed this incredible playroom for a couple of brothers that wasn't QUITE complete without the "hideaway" closet nearby.

We all see those adorable projects on Pinterest and think... how hard can that be? Tune in to find if we have a Pinterest WIN or a Pinterest FAIL!

DIY: Clothesline ABC Card Hangers

Watch as we convert this small Audio/Visual Closet to a playroom hideout for two young boys!

Some very detailed, picture only, instructions!

All we need are a few supplies!

And some Tylenol maybe?!

After measuring, drilling and crawling around in a hot little closet we go from boring storage to a great space for imagination to run wild! Now to add paint and entry curtains!

We have to make this small space just as fabulous as the adjacent Playroom!

Would you say it was a Pinterest WIN?

Thursday, June 9, 2016 Comments: 0

Unique Functions for the "Sore Thumbs" of Design

Columns ....

Columns, Columns, Columns!

Many times in design, there are the necessary items that we may not think are the "key" to design.

But when things such as columns come into play, we like to think of ways to turn these "sore thumbs" into "WOW" factors.

What can you do about columns?!

SHAPE: Create a new and different shape with the column

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MATERIALS: Use a unique material in a new and different way

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FUNCTIONAL: Turn a column into a functional piece of furniture

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STORAGE: Enlarge the column and use it for unique storage

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Think outside the box!!

Tuesday, June 7, 2016 Comments: 0

June Checklist - Our Tips to Get it Checked OFF!

Summer is HERE! And June has arrived, are you ready to make this a great summer?

Here are a few tips to get started on the right foot!

Reorganize the Kitchen: Move seasonal appliances like ice cream makers or smoothie blenders to the front and create a "snack bar" for the kids home from school.

TCI Project

Make Space for Summer Crafts: If you provide a dedicated area for the kids to work you'll have a better chance that they won't sit in front of the TV all day.
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