Kitchen Island vs. Peninsula

Apr

Just Ask — by Cathy Wolfram

I love answering design questions from readers especially questions about kitchen design. If you don’t already know we have an exciting category on the blog called Just Ask where you can send in your design dilemmas for professional advice. Let’s talk kitchens!

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Q. My kitchen in NYC is small and long, the contractor said I could fit an island but I was thinking a peninsula, what do you recommend? Jenna

A. Island vs. peninsula, this is always a popular topic. The first thing to consider is how much space you have; begin by laying out the perimeter of your kitchen, for tips on designing your dream kitchen click here. Next, evaluate the space left in the center of the kitchen and with painters blue tape create the shape of the island or peninsula on the floor by taping it out. This way you have the opportunity to walk around it and better envision the actual scale. The pros to the island are accessibility, the natural flow around it and general appeal.

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I have to honest, it a long narrow space I would recommend the peninsula because I feel like the island wastes valuable space even though I visually like it. By attaching to the wall and creating a peninsula I really like how the space is defined. You can also switch up your flooring when using a peninsula in case you are a tile lover. I prefer to keep the flooring consistent but a natural slate is a favorite of mine. The final idea to consider is how you use your space. Do you love to entertain and need the flow around the island or do you want to cook for guests but keep them out of your space, its your kitchen which means its your call.

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Designing Your Outdoor Oasis

Apr

Exterior, Projects — by Cathy Wolfram

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The great outdoors, this is the perfect time of year to spruce up or create a setting that you can enjoy throughout the year. When creating an outdoor oasis here are a few steps to consider that may help drive your design decisions.

aout8 Plan: Layout the space; designating areas such as patio, gardens, paths, cooking, dining, sitting, covered, recreation and decorative. Above , multiple levels are a natural looking way to distinguish the different functions while a fabulous built-in fire-pit can be used throughout the year.

Lighting: Landscape lighting is an outdoor oasis must, even if the budget only allows for torches and candles now, you can always add more in the future. Left, stringing garden lights in between posts gives a festive feel. I recommend a combination of task and decorative lighting, similar to designing interior lighting.

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Water features: if you are designing a pool, Jacuzzi or fountain start there; then consider not only the actual water feature but the gathering areas around it. Planning for a pool is quite a task, read about my pool adventure here.

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Built-ins: decide what structures will be built-in or freestanding. Consider stone walls, fireplace, fire-pit, grill station, outdoor kitchen, bar and banquettes. I love the lattice and arbor design detail above, it seamlessly finishes the look of the stone built-ins. Below, the curve of the stone wall adds character and interest defining the garden area while a built-in fireplace is the focal point of the patio area.

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Arbors and covered porches: There are two ways to approach this; create a master plan laying out all of the areas and deciding where you will need shade or decide where the covered patio or arbor will be and build the design from there. Once these areas are decided create a floor plan for the furniture and consider electrical needs.

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Furniture: I saved my favorite for last, once all of the areas are decided begin to layout furniture pieces that suite your needs. Readers often ask where I like to purchase outdoor furniture and it really depends on your budget and location. Pottery Barn and The Backyard Store have some options when budget is not a concern. In the UK, I recommend The Garden Furniture Centre Ltd. The mistake often made is we forgo comfort not wanting to deal with cushion management. A simple solution is to build a storage box or purchase one to house the cushions. A place for everything, and everything in its place!

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Mediterranean Marvel

Apr

House Tour — by Cathy Wolfram

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As Summer approaches I am working on several outdoor patio projects for clients, one specifically is looking to create a Mediterranean Oasis. In searching for inspiration I came across this home in coastal California designed by Chris Barrett Design, her philosophy in design is to use the brilliant light and clean sensibility of the California landscape.

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The interior draws from the Mediterranean incorporating rich wood finishes, sleek stone, concrete and earth-tones. Natural iron lighting, reclaimed lumber beams and a dark wood finish on the trim are in perfect balance with the light wall color.

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What a fabulous view to wake up to each morning. The bedroom boasts a spectacular ocean view and opens to the patio which was the original image that inspired me. I hope you have enjoyed our House Tour today, be sure to visit the many homes that we tour each week.

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Images via

Window Seats: How & Where

Apr

Interior, Projects — by Cathy Wolfram

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I am a huge fan of window seats and have designed dozens of them for my clients. The two questions that my clients often ask are; how will it be designed and where will it go? The basic design of any window seat looks similar to this one pictured above. The simplest, most cost effective way is to construct a box, add a door and hinges to the top, add panels to the front, trim and base molding. Design details to address (1) The face; recessed or raised panels, bead board, open shelves, doors or drawers? (2) How will you access the storage inside; a door on top of the seat or from the front which we just touched on. (3) The base; to the floor or a toe kick (open space)? (4) The top; will it have a cushion, a decorative slab of wood on top and will it need to open?

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There are the logical places to add window seats such as nooks, dormer windows and entryways but I also have clients that have me create areas that window seats can go. You would be surprised how a random corner can become the perfect place for an L-shape window seat or how dead space in a hallway like below can become a cozy place to read. I just love window seats in kitchens; they can be created by running the cabinets up to each side of the window and then placing the window seat in between the cabinets or placed in a natural bump out like the above kitchen.

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Entryways and mud-rooms are aesthetic as well as functional places for window seats. If the budget allows I prefer accessing storage from the front; if shoes, toys or taller items are being stored I suggest doors. Drawers work well for clothing, file cabinets and toys. Open shelves are nice for books, baskets and shoes if you don’t mind seeing them.

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A corner can be a lovely place for a window seat. The question that often arises is; what about that vent I am covering? Above is a solution, run the vent under the seat and design it into the base. Below, bedrooms are a fabulous places to add a window seat, providing a place to sit as well as an inviting design element. I hope you have enjoyed this glimpse into the world of window seats and remember you can always email me questions about them in Just Ask.

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