Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas

"Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts. No matter how we may dread the rush, the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given-when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes."
-- Joan Winmill Brown

Hurrying through the days before Christmas I can't help but feel like they are slipping through
my fingers  I had good intentions of wrapping up all my work by early December. I imagined
myself moving through the days leading up to Christmas enjoying each little moment.  Sadly
it is now December 17th and I am still working on design projects, trying to squeeze in some
decorating or baking in the odd hour here and there.  I have not gotten to my wrapping, nor
have I sat around in my pj's watching Hallmark Christmas movies all day.  Time is passing me
by and I realize it is time find more joy in this season.

Then I have to ask myself the question "How do I find any joy for this season within
this hectic life I lead?" After giving this some thought I realized I need to keep my focus
on the importance of giving rather than receiving. I have always been a big believer in the
idea that the more you give, the more you get back.  As a Christian the act of giving is one
of the main foundations of our faith. It's so easy to loose track of what is going on around
us. Coming to the end of another hectic day I suddenly realize I haven't made time for

 those I love the most, much less time for others outside of my little circle.

 My goal is to take the remaining days of this holiday season to be inclusive and generous
with others.  It has been a year of blessing and now is a wonderful time to give back.

I want to encourage you to find those sweet moments to love other people,
to give anonymously, to make the places around you a little brighter, try a new
a recipe or craft.  Celebrate your traditions and try not to let the weight of the
burdens you carry keep you from seeing the joy in this season.

I have a sign in my office that says " life does not have to be perfect to be 

wonderful."   I bought it to remind myself to enjoy the beauty around me,

to not get caught up trying to make everything a Pinterest moment. 

I hope you will find joy in the little things in 2015.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

The "Old" West becomes New!

Enter my clients.

They have a house they love, in a location that is wonderful with
just a few drawbacks.  They would like another guest bathroom
with out having to give up any square footage or add on to the house.
They would also like to move the powder bathroom out of an existing
bedroom and give the existing bedroom a full bath.
Sounds like it is time to do the floor plan shuffle,
And that is exactly what we did!

The original powder bathroom located in one of the bedrooms

Hallway before, we removed the paper on the
wall and brightened up the space

The updated hallway has recessed lighting and bright walls
it feels much more current.

The powder room now opens off the hallway and is convenient for all guests.

The New Bathroom- Part 2

The challenge was to find some existing square footage to add another
on suite bathroom.  We opted to take 2 closets that were
back to back in the rear two rooms.  By opening up this
space between the two bedrooms we were able to
create a darling bathroom in a narrow footprint.

I love the custom finish on this vanity.  It looks like it has been
around for years.

Measuring just 4' x 11' you have everything a guest could
need.  A spacious shower, a darling rustic vanity and
reclaimed wood open shelving with custom made brackets.

By adding a wall mounted sliding door it kept the space as
accessible as possible.

Finally, Bathroom 3- Part 3

Here is a picture of the bathroom before

This bathroom too has a rustic feel that is in keeping with the
charm of this home.  This one has a bit of a contemporary spin
that keeps it current. 

I love this vanity, it was made completely from reclaimed wood.




A matching small cabinet that can hold the little extras needed in a bathroom.
My clients are ready to start entertaining!

Kitchens Just Want To Be Fun!

Occasionally a client comes along who not only wants to have a functional layout in their new kitchen but they also want to add
that touch of fun and whimsey that sets their
kitchen apart. Enter my client. She loves color and probably
would be most happy living among the exotic
hues of the Caribbean, if the truth be told!

Fun, Cool and Colorful!

Here is the kitchen before, ready for a makeover

Our goal was to create an updated space that allowed for seating at the island as well as a functioning kitchen for 2 cooks. 
She also wanted a desk area that would not
become a dumping ground for her family.  We completed the
design with a display cabinet for collectables and cookbooks. 

The reclaimed wood shelves add eclectic storage space for
dishes and display pieces alike.  

The perimeter countertops are concrete.  It is paired with a quartz countertop on the island that features a wood cutting board inserted for prep space.

The photo below shows the original rendering presented to the client prior to the project beginning.  It turned out so close to the actual project.  I remember her telling me how excited she was to see this rendering and how the design
had captured her hopes and ideas for this space.

Her family loves this space and how it has changed the entire home. There is often a jigsaw puzzle on the round area of the island
inviting guests and family to sit and visit.
 
The separate desk area under the windows provides a wonderful  spot to take care of tasks and yet keeps it out of the kitchen clutter route. 

What I love about this kitchen is taking a neutral palette and classic cabinet door style. Pairing it with rustic elements like the
reclaimed wood shelves and the concrete countertops. Adding a touch of the unexpected with the eggplant color on the island. 
All together it is a kitchen that is fun to look at,
fun to be in and yet will stylishly endure with time.
  The best part is it perfectly suits my client. 

Lots of Updates on the Web Site

The photo above is a sneak peek of a bathroom I have just finished.  It is so luxurious, I am sure you will all want to move
in with these clients after you see the photos!

  

If you have a moment take a look at the Board by Board web site.
I just added 3 new projects to our
remodeling page with lots of photos.
    Board by Board remodels

As for this photo you can see more of this wonderful
kitchen on the web site.  Board by Board Kitchen Remodel

Next post I promise to share with you some of the
creative and beautiful things Robert has been
doing in the great outdoors. I better figure out how
to clone myself!  Back soon.

Life is busy

I am just posting a quick update.

The design world is busy and our days are hectic.

However lots of exciting things are happening
including a cover and interview in the April 2014
issue of Prescott Woman.

You can check out the article online at 

Prescott Woman Magazine April 2014 

We are on the last stages of some very
nice projects and I promise to have photos
of these in the near future.  We have
also completed some amazing outdoor

spaces at our personal residence that I am
anxious to share. Robert has really
raised the bar this time!

 

Laundry Room Heaven!

Occasionally you find someone who thinks doing
laundry is fun but for the most part we are typically
in and out of the laundry room as quickly as
possible.  However, I hope you will agree
with me that this laundry room may be so
inspiring that you will not only want to do
laundry but you may actually want to hang
out in there just for the sheer joy
of being in this darling room! 

My client is considering
having a laundry room party!

 This is the BEFORE,
your typical laundry room.

Before

AFTER!!!!!!

The laundry room features a fireclay farm style sink and soapstone counter tops.
The cabinets are painted, distressed and glazed.  The uppers have antique glass.
In the top drawer to the right of the sink is a pull out ironing board.
Hidden, yet so easily accessible. I am in love with the birdcage chandelier!

The opposite wall features tall storage for brooms, etc.
There is a pull out trash can, hanging rod for clothes,
and cubbies for cute basket storage. 

The base cabinets at this end were made for additional
large storage, with roll outs in the base cabinets and
a spot for the puppies to head out their own doggy door!

A close up view of the marble basket weave tile.
Used as a wainscoting that reaches about 60" high.

My client and I put a tremendous amount of
thought into the design of this laundry room.
The goal was optimize the storage, make it pretty,
different, timeless, and functional.

I think we succeeded!