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URBAN
LEGENDS
vibe check
Usually when designing a kitchen clients will describe their needs rather prosaically.
"I need more counterspace"
"We'd like a bigger fridge"
"Can we get more cupboards on this wall?"
This client was different - she spoke mainly about her desired vibe. She wanted a kitchen with colour. She asked for a space that feel calm, cheerful and colourful. She wanted a space that wowed but was also homey.
When the design brief is that wide the only way forward is to look for inspiration
the inspo
Good interior design is a lot like good customer service - the key is observation and anticipation.
In this case it started with the client's home and personality. What are the touch points that would mean comfort and calm to her?
One of the for items of inspiration was as close as Becky's left foot. It was was the adorable and impossibly soft pair of husky dogs that ruled the house.
When you sink your hands into their fur you can't help but absorb a feeling gentle warmth. That feeling is what we set out to recreate, albeit in kitchen form!
Then there was the client herself - she's playful, impressive, friendly and thoughtful. So how does that translate into elements of a room?
the notes
For this project we set out to marry glam notes with comfort points in a way we thought the client would appreciate.
For example - the kitchen island stools are upholstered in warm soft linen. While your backside is enjoying that comfort your eyes are taking in the subtle gold striping in the backsplash tile. You're feeling at once both content and stylish.
Another key method to achieving a vibe is careful colour choice. The client spoke a lot about how important colour was to her mood and wellness.
By marrying an understated blue with warm wood tones we aimed to provide a peaceful palette for the space. The gentle hues also create a mellow counterpoint to the sheen of brass and the strong shine of stainless steel.
details
With every project we do we take pride in the details. For this project the client had issues around mobility and we suggested a novel approach to the dishwasher.
Rather than installing the dishwasher in it's standard location below the counter we recommending lifting it off the floor to allow for easier access.
To provide for the additional weight we added reinforcment to the Ikea cabinets; further proving our point about how a skilled installer makes all the difference in making Ikea cabinets look custom!
collabs
Speaking of custom we were delighted to collaborate with AllStyle on this kitchen.
We knew we wanted a special look for the kitchen island and pantry cabinets and we found just what we needed with AllStyle. They are a company that creates custom door profiles that will fit Ikea cabinets.
All along the way they were helpful and detail-oriented - just the qualities you want in a kitchen design project!
By using a combination of the custom doors and stock Ikea products the result is a stunning mix of textures, colours and touchpoints.
Hide away
Who doesn't dream of being able to hide away the everyday mess of a kitchen? This client was particularly keen to have a space to toss the giant bags of dog food her healthy huskies require!
With careful measurements and precise intallation we managed to create a small pantry behind what looks like a cabinet door.
This pantry might be small but she is mighty. We designed a space with both open and closed storage to provide plenty of options. We also left the area below the counter deliberately empty for large pantry items (see above dog food note!)
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