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The client's intent was to open the space and provide flow; the older home was beautiful (circa 1984) but there were a series of small rooms that did not allow for gathering. This was a two-story complete renovation.
KITCHEN
There were old appliances and makeshift personal touches from a previous owner - the client wanted to make the kitchen larger and remove all the dark wood. The client opted for larger windows, practical purposes and removing all of the old, dated appliances.
The client first came to Susan with a folder - a wish list - with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. The client likes molding, ornate fabrics and beading - and is "big on color" - as she says, "I embrace color". The designer appreciated that the client had bold instincts and was not scared of mixing and matching colors. The designer worked with the client on using existing art and pulling colors from that art to use in the room. A collaboration with an Andersen kitchen fabricator led to the design a one-of-a-kind finish with special moldings and appliqués.
The designer provided daily updates on the renovation and the client felt that she was a part of the designer's office - they worked together strongly and the client describes Susan as, "wonderful and responsive - always there - even now when the job is completed." The client's husband shared, "Getting to know Susan for the past months, her personality and talent, have been a wonderful aspect to the project."
FROM THE CLIENTS VIEWPOINT...
The client shared, "Susan opened up any door for me - she brought me right to whatever I needed. Susan was the best decision that we made - she removed any strain form the transition. All of the vendors she recommended were wonderful - she brought me to a factory for the staircase and special doors and just knew the right person for the job.
She has gone way beyond - she has a key to our home - she was the best part of the whole project and I feel that I've made a wonderful friend in Susan."
The client appreciated the variety that Susan presented - and the product samples (provided either directly to the client or through a client visit to the showroom.) The client felt that this was a learning experience in that she worked in tandem with the designer.
The client's husband said that Susan kept everything on task and true to the timeline and therefore there was a "beautiful segue and it didn't feel like we were moving into a new house but into our home"
The client feels that the quality of time and breadth of choices were the best part of working with Susan. The client especially values the fact that Susan and her team would rework their existing items and that they were able to make use of a lot of their loved furniture, art and sculptures. Every shelf, painting, frame, porcelain figures, and other personal items were reintroduced into the setting as per the client's wishes. The client was able to keep an oval stained glass window and incorporate it into the kitchen coffee bar. The only wall that remained was a mural in the wine/family room. The design team cleaned it and framed it.
Susan would tell share price points and was very responsive to the client's budget - she would give options which left the client open to choose.
The Wolf ovens are a favorite of the client- she loves that she can cook cream puffs and asparagus at the same time with no carry over aroma due to the venting system.
The client is enjoying the Sub-Zero refrigerator for both its size and capacity - and loves the beverage drawer and the produce drawer. The client's children can reach into the beverage drawer and help themselves and the produce drawer expands options for healthy eating.
The warming drawer is a winner for a doctor with a busy schedule - when the client's husband arrives home late, his food is warm, fresh and waiting.
The client loves the range with the pot filler and utilizes it often - and the pre-cook pasta station is great for pasta or steamed vegetables. The kitchen is more usable now and tailored to the food that the client prepares.
The storage is now centralized along a pantry wall and instead of running to the garage where the storage had previously been, the client can cook and stay in her beloved kitchen.
The kitchen table and bench is a magnificent Harden.
The silhouette blinds are Hunter Douglas and feature the top down, bottom up feature. They provide privacy while still letting in a soft light.
The granite kitchen island is grand gathering place. The island is a perfect platform to present a food display or to grab a bite. The shape was set to allow gathering at the end of the island.
The chandeliers over the island give it sparkle and the radiant floor makes a huge difference in terms of the warmth of the space - even though there are many smooth surfaces, everyone who visits the client say it is "warm and breathtaking".
The Tuscan Room also has a sub-zero wine unit for storage for this larger family.
The client feels that the contractor was blessed to have the design firm because Susan prepared a list with size and dimensions and it made it easier for him to proceed.
Susan told the client's husband, "Your wife saved you so much money because she incorporated so much of what you had". The client agrees, but notes that, "We never could have done this without Susan."
The client feels that the design firm did everything they said and answered every question.
Finally, the client was thrilled to utilize the existing conservatory.
PRODUCTS
Sub zero refrigerators.
Sub zero under counter beverage draw.
Sub zero wine display in the wine room
Hunter Douglas
Alustra silhouette top down bottom up in the kitchen with matching low profile shades on the doors allowing for flexibility of light control.
Dining room and living room Alustra silhouette 3 inch soft and elegant.
Conservatory Alustra duets pleated shades. Energy efficient and lightweight.
Wine room Alustra duo light shade to control light on the TV prevents glare.
Wolf range, warming draws, microwave and double oven I have the model number in my office all finishes are stainless steal. I have the drawing and the elevation required.
THE TUSCAN ROOM
The whole essence of the room is Tuscan - it is a room for wine, relaxation friends and family - the designer's approach was to do it all with built in furniture in light colors to open up the space.
To soften the angular nature of the room, Susan introduced arches - "we arched the window, the wine display, recesses were arched - that accomplished two things - it softens the room and added dimension."
This was a complete renovation so all of the lighting was reworked and incorporated into the built-in units. Copper fittings were introduced so the piece would illuminate with a warm glow.
The walls and ceilings are in a pale green - the sofa kept with the wine hues, which were a good lifestyle choice in that, the client has children. The client wanted a traditional accent pattern on the bar stools and the pillows - the designer recommended the granite slab as a table for function.
All existing accessories from the homeowner's extensive collection were utilized. To create continuity from one room to another, the designer chose the simulated floor wood tile.
The window treatments are simple, beaded upholstered cornices. To control the light when they are watching TV, they used a Duo light from Hunter Douglas
In the entrance to the Tuscan Room, the wrought iron doors give you the feel that you are entering a wine cellar.
The designer recessed a wine display for the homeowner's prized collection and worked into an existing wall by removing a closet.
The Tuscan Room was originally designed for the client's husband as a peaceful and quiet retreat (to enjoy his room) but it soon became a media/family/entertaining room - it was intended as a room to relax and 'get away' but the family soon found that it became the focal point of the house. The comfortable couch is a favorite of the children and quality family time often bubbles in this warm room.
The top tier sound system sets a nice tone - just outside of the busy area they can listen to peaceful music.
The client's eldest child finds family time in the Tuscan Room. "We watch TV all the time with the family in that comfortable room - and we don't have to use coasters on the table. I can relax with my Dad," shares the teenager.
STAIRCASE
The design firm had to create a staircase to a second floor in a small area - it was a renovation and the designer chose to angle it in the entry. The angle accomplished two things - it made a larger opening into the dining room and it created a beautiful profile from the entrance. In the dining room, the angled design enabled Susan to make a larger step at the base of the stairs.
The challenge was to make the railing unique so the designer based it on an oval shaped medallion and Susan had the fabricator create something special and prepare detailed drawings for the customers' review. Then the designer selected a rubbed bronze patina finish with gold accents.
The selection of mahogany wood rail and stairs - enhanced with a wool traditional medallion design carpet runner - is repeated in gates leading to the Tuscan Room.
The staircase makes a beautiful statement in the entrance that is both grand and warm.
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