House Envy: Lakeside Bungalow

This stunning lake side home in Toronto was featured in House & Home magazine this month and really captured my attention! Home owner and realtor Emily Norris maximized the views and cut costs while remodeling this bungalow for herself and three young children, but didn't sacrifice on style. The result is a cheerful and bright beachy home with touches of luxury and sophistication. The house was designed to take advantage of the gorgeous lake views and to bring elements of the outdoors in. I am literally obsessed with this kitchen (especially that gorgeous island!) and the folding doors that open up to the outside patio. This is a home I can totally see myself living in!

If you would like to get a better feel for how the house is laid out, or to hear all about the details that went into the design process, you can view a video tour here!

Cafe Curtains

I'm working on a bathroom remodel right now and we are discussing window treatment options. The bathroom is very large and has a huge window, approximately 6' wide. Privacy is an issue since the bathroom is adjacent to the back door entrance to the home and the toilet sits right next to the window. Instead of doing traditional blinds in the bathroom (which would probably stay closed 99% of the time) I came up with the idea to do a stationary cafe style curtain. This would allow privacy as well as enable a ton of natural light to stream in through the upper portion of the window. Cafe curtains are usually found in kitchens or dining nooks, but you really can use them in any room of the house. Here's a couple of examples of this window treatment done in stylish applications;

via Houzz

 

via Calico Curtains

via Little Green Notebook

via Ladies Home Journal

via unknown

via House to Home

via Apartment Therapy

via Houzz

I think this type of window treatment will be perfect in the bathroom that I am designing. Currently the space is a demolition zone. . . Here's an Instagram picture I took yesterday of the countertop that has been removed from the vanity;

As you can see we have a ways to go before it looks like a pretty, put together bathroom! I can't wait to get further along in the remodel process and share more with you!

Project Sneak Peak

Good morning and happy Monday to everyone! I'm back again to share the details of a project I'm currently working on. . .

Floor Plan:

Design Board:

We're using creamy white shaker cabinets with a gorgeous quarts countertop and timeless subway tile backsplash. The floors will be a dark rustic hardwood which will go throughout the house. I selected a farmhouse sink and opted to do open shelving to the right and left of the window above the sink. The other wall has enclosed cabinets for concealed storage. The new appliances will all be stainless steel. The light fixtures above the bar area are chrome and have sort of a rustic country feel, but with a modern twist! The window above the sink will have bamboo blinds with a cornice made out of suzani inspired fabric. I selected Bortoia chrome stools for the bar area and the long, opposing wall will have a collection of framed botanical prints.

So what do you think of this kitchen remodel design?! I'm really excited about this project and am loving the way it's taking shape.

Whether you are interested in remodeling or just doing a little bit of redecorating, contact me for rates and services! JPM Design's goal is to provide clients with affordable, stylish design solutions. I offer extremely low rates and will help you create the home of your dreams, no matter what size your budget is.

Don't live in California? No problem. I offer online design services worldwide! Go here for more information.

Ikea Cabinets

There is no denying the fact that I LOVE Ikea. I've perused the kitchen cabinet section of Ikea a million times and admired their variety of styles and easy-on-the-wallet prices. I've also read excellent things about the durability of their cabinets (and 25 year warranty!) and I would totally use them in my own home or in a clients home if the budget was really tight. Take a look at these super-stylish kitchens. Can you believe they are Ikea?!

 via House & Home

 via Carol Creed

via Sunset

via Sarah Richardson

via Decorpad

via Samantha Pynn

With the right flooring, countertops, backsplash and fixtures selections, Ikea kitchen cabinets can look like a million bucks! So what do you think. . . have you ever installed Ikea cabinets? Would you?

Countertop Surfaces

As we all know, granite has been the go-to selection for countertops for the past several years. The natural beauty of granite and it's unrivaled durability is what has made it such a popular choice for new home builders and remodelers alike. But like all things, trends change and in my opinion granite is already on it's way out the door. Here's several alternatives to granite countertops that I think you will be seeing more and more of in this decade;

Carrera Marble - This is a no brainier, carrera marble countertops are what's hot hot hot right now! Although it's not as durable as the trusty granite (it's more likely to scratch or stain) it's gorgeous look and feel is enough to win over home owners.Carrera marble will slightly age over time and with maintenance and proper care will still look great after several years.

via Decorpad

Wood Countertops - Also know as 'butcher block counters', this eco-friendly choice is gaining in popularity.
Wood counters require periodic oiling to prevent them from drying out but they add a warmth that no other material can.

 via Country Living

Quartz Composites - This is a new and growing trend that is gaining in popularity due to it's quality, richness and overall look. Natural quartz is the fourth hardest material available in nature, but quarts surfacing that is used in these countertops is manufactured by combining about 93% quartz crystals with resin binding and color pigments under high pressure. Quartz composite countertops are also referred to as 'engineered stone'. Like granite, they resist heat, scratching and stains. Unlike granite, they do not require sealing, as they are not 100% natural.

via engineeredstone.com

Concrete Contertops - Although very labor intensive, the end result looks spectacular! Concrete countertops are very sleek and modern looking and definately withstand the test of time.

 via Decorpad

Concrete with Glass Aggregate - This is one of my favorite countertop selections! The possibilities are endless when it comes to combining these two materials. 

 via theinteriorrevolution.com

Stainless Steel - Very industrial and chic, stainless steel was once only used in commercial kitchens. Fast forward to present day and you are seeing these installed in homes.

via Decorpad

Of course these are just a few of the many options available on the market today. What is your favorite countertop surface? 

Kitchen Makeover

Made By Girl is hands down one of my favorite blogs to read. Jen Ramos is not only a talented artist (check out her Etsy shop here) but also has an eye for interiors, great style and impeccable taste. She is constantly providing me (and all her other 50 bazillion readers) inspiration on a daily basis (Have I ever mentioned that I spend WAY too much time reading design blogs?!) Anyway. . .

Jen moved a few months back and has been sharing all of her remodeling and decorating projects on her blog. My favorite room in her house to date is definitely her kitchen. She took her boring, builder basic space and turned it into something so fantastic I am squealing with delight!

This kitchen served as her inspiration: 

via Style At Home

Here is what her kitchen looked like before (she had the light fixtures installed just prior to moving in): 

Hold onto your socks . . . And here is what the kitchen currently looks like:

Jen hired a contractor to paint the cabinets white and install a backsplash. Here's a close up of the honed 3x6 Carrara Marble tiles purchased from Home Depot: 

And the polished chrome drawer pulls and knobs, also from Home Depot:

I love the fact that she was brave enough to mix finishes and combined the brass and navy Hicks Pendants from Circa Lighting with all the polished chrome in the space. It's so very modern and chic. I think the finished space looks amazing, I wish I could move right in! And I can't forget to mention those acrylic barstools, love love love!

all images via Jen of Made by Girl

What does your dream kitchen look like? 

Contact me if you would like assistance turning your boring, builder-basic kitchen into something spectacular! Whether your kitchen needs a total overhaul or just a fresh coat of paint, I can help. Hiring a designer can help you save time and money!

Home Renovation: The Bagster

More and more people these days are taking on what previously would have been a job for professionals, and turning them into do-it-yourself projects. Home renovating can be a stressful but rewarding task. Let me tell you, there is nothing quite as invigorating as holding a 16 lb. sledge hammer in your hands and swinging away at drywall or tile! While the demolition process is super fun (in my opinion, at least!) cleaning up the mess isn't!

Retailers these days are making it easier and easier for the average joe to tackle home renovation projects on their own. You might have seen the TV commercials recently for the 'Bagster', which is a three cubic yard bag that you purchase from any home center (such as Lowes or Home Depot.) You take the expandable bag home, fill it with all of your home remodeling debris, and then schedule to have it picked up by Waste Management. The bags initially cost approximately $30 and holds up to 3,300 lbs of waste.

There are several pro's for purchasing the Bagster for small DIY projects at home. It eliminates the need to rent a dumpster or haul off your own waste. You are free to place the bag anywhere on your property, as long as it's within 16 feet of your driveway. Also, it's a flexible solution because the bag is yours to use, whenever you need, so you can take as long as want to fill it. Once you're ready for the bag to be hauled off, you just go online or call to schedule a picked up. The cost for pickup ranges depending on your area (My zip code costs $99 for pickup, for example.) I haven't personally used this product, but from the reviews I have read, most people are pretty satisfied with them! 

Although products like The Bagster can make things a little easier, not everyone has the time and energy to do-it-yourself when it comes to a home renovation project. If you are interesting in remodeling and would like to hire a designer, let me know! I am available for projects in the Northern and Central California areas. I will work with you to come up with a design, draw plans, assist with getting the necessary permits, finding a contractor and getting started! Contact me for more information.