jlm design: blog

Creative Solutions

I live in a a town that has a very strong arts community. It's one of the things that draws many from their beloved NYC neighborhoods to this one. This family is comprised of four amazingly creative, intelligent, and kind people. I'm lucky enough to also call them my neighbors and friends. They're the kind of neighbors I never knew to wish for until we moved to this block and realized what a world of difference good neighbors make.  So when they asked me to help with their kitchen renovation, I was flattered, honored, and delighted. 

As the creative people who had been in their house for a few years, they had ideas about ways to improve the adjacencies of the rooms and had set project goals. The kitchen was oddly shaped to include an enclosed porch. The powder room housed the laundry with a door that opened onto the main space of the kitchen. The connection from the kitchen to the dining room was circuitous and left no opportunity for interaction. The challenge was to think outside the box but stay within the existing "box". With no added square footage, we collaboratively reorganized the rooms to increase the kitchen and maximize counter space. 

 

One of the homeowners is an avid baker and cook, so she needed a large work area and lots of storage. We organized the cabinets to accommodate easy access to all the kitchen essentials. The island serves as the center of family meals, coffee chats, and sweet baked treats.

Of course, the details are the signature of the artist. The couple found an economical porcelain floor tile and decided to use both colors in a herringbone pattern. The tomato red accents are found in the furnishings, kitchen tools, and also in the cord of the Barnlight pendant fixture. The bulletin board and push pin boards all accent the kitchen and exemplify the importance of this multifunctional hub.  

A new framed opening was created to directly connect the kitchen and dining room. The old opening was closed to create a highly efficient (and separate) laundry room. 

 

The powder room has a fun accent wallpaper that references their Brooklyn "roots". 

Every design project is a bit of a puzzle. The challenge of finding creative solutions within the existing area is something I love. Couple that with the privilege of working with friends, and the outcome is that much more rewarding. 

 

The Great Switch

The previous owners of this charming home had an addition constructed that, on paper, was an improvement to the function. There was a new rear entry, powder room, laundry/mud room, family room and full height basement added. But what it really did was create a strange condition with the existing kitchen, which was undersized and oddly organized.

 

 

    

The kitchen was cramped for the multiple cooks and isolated from the main rooms of the house. As the central gathering space and a place for family time, the kitchen needed to be given greater importance. With the client's bold idea to flip the family room and kitchen, the design direction was set! 

 

The newly renovated kitchen is spacious and airy. The new windows symmetically flank and emphasize the grand stove. The work triangle is efficient and separated from the main circulation by the generous island, keeping the kids away from hot stoves & pots. The cabinets along the perimeter are a crisp white and the island is accentuated by grey cabinets and bright red stools. 

 

 

 

The kitchen - family room switch was not the only bold move. The mud room and laundry shared a space, which was constantly awkward and cramped. The stair to the unfinished basement was also tucked into the same 20 sf! In an effort to alleviate the bottleneck and create a more graceful connection to the basement, a new stair was constructed and the mud room was redesigned.

 

  

The family room is still open to the kitchen but is now also connected to the front entry hall and dining room, creating an easy flow from room to room. The media cabinet was made to match the kitchen island to provide visual continuity of the spaces. 

 

In addition to creating order at the rear entry and kitchen, we wanted to organize rooms to create order in function. For instance, I truly believe there should be rooms in the house that are kid-friendly and other rooms that are adult-oriented. Keeping a space in the house free to toys is something I personally enjoy - to read or entertain without distraction. With that, the full basement rec room was transformed into a cozy space for play and tv viewing. The living room is no longer a multi-funtion room but simply a "quite" space for conversation. 

 

 Basement rec room

 

The dining room also got an uplift. When the connection to the kitchen was moved to accommodate a desk, we designed bar cabinets into the extra floor area. The glass upper cabinets store stemware and glasses while the base cabinets store liquor and bar tools. The new counter and glass backsplash adds sparkle and interest.  

  

This young family took a leap of faith in a grand plan to reorganize their home. Now every room has maximum function and flows seamlessly.  

Charming Addition

There were so many charming homes built in the 1920's but nearly 100 years later even the ones that received updates are in need of renewal. This lovely home is no exception. It has original woodwork and character, but the existing kitchen was not in keeping with the 1920's style or today's advanced charm. 

Existing Entry Hall:

Kitchen (Before):

 

Deck (Before):

The home's original dining room was re-purposed as a family room, so the kitchen and addition were designed to function as an open space for cooking and eating. 

Kitchen & Dining (After):

 A small desk was incorporated for work-at-home convenience.  The existing powder room was renovated and a deep storage closet was included in the addition.  

Because of the slope of the property, we wanted to transition from the existing house to the yard to be as graceful as possible.  The transition from the existing house to the new dining area was achieved with a step down. This created a separation of spaces and also allowed for a dramatic ceiling height in the addition.

The beautiful bead-board ceiling and beams provide visual interest and instant character. The double hung windows and transoms provide dramatic daylight and connection to the outdoors. 

The new deck houses a small seating area and cedar hot tub, then leads down to the secluded gardens and yard. 

 

The kitchen and addition have a wonderful visual connection to the yard with added charm and character. 

Making an Entrance

With school backpacks, sports gear, and all that comes with year-round activity, whether it be snow suits & boots or sunblock and towels, there seems to never be enough space for all the stuff. As with many households, the back door from the driveway is the primary entrance for this family of four. The existing back door from the rear porch led right into the kitchen and family room, and with no closets or wind barrier the high traffic area left much to be desired.

Back Door & Porch (Before):

The relatively small, unused existing rear porch was transformed as a mudroom. But this is not your typical mud room.  

At approximately 80 square feet, this entry hall is designed for maximum efficiency. There are two entry doors to the left and right of the cabinets; one leading to the driveway and the other leading to the yard. Each family member has a cabinet and bin for all their storage needs, plus there is a convenient boot bench with additional storage. 

On the other side, there is seasonal storage and room for the "last check" mirror. 

Now, the connection to the kitchen and family room is unencumbered and inviting. 

It certainly helps when the homeowner has an incredible design talent and eye for style. The millwork and finishing touches, such as the light fixtures, tiles, cabinet knobs, and colors were all beautifully appointed by the homeowner. This new entry is organized, inviting, and stylish. 

 

Maximum Impact

The owners of this beautifully set, split-level home love to cook and entertain but the existing kitchen made it extremely challenging with the limited work area.  The plan was to enclosed the existing seldomly used screened porch and capture the floor area for the kitchen and dining room expansion.  The owners also wanted an open plan for large family gatherings.  We explored several schemes, but during the design process the homeowners decided to invest in an expanded plan. We forged ahead with a small addition, which made a huge impact.

Rear Facade (Before):

 

Addition with landscaping (After):

The fiber cement board exterior finish is beautiful, low maintenance, and has great insulation value.  

 

Kitchen  (Before):

     

Porch (Before):

The addition allowed for plenty of counter area and a generous island. The stunning soap stone slab counter is a bold contrast to the soft white cabinets. With plenty of work surface and area for seating, the dramatic island is both a functional and welcoming centerpiece. 

 

The cabinets were thoughtfully designed to store all the culinary tools and pantry items.  This kitchen is also equipped with smart appliances, such as a conduction cooktop, LED lighting, and "touch" faucets. The high-tech features save prep/cooking time and are great modern amenities for the 21st century kitchen. 

The beverage center / coffee station is another great feature.  It is centrally located for convenience and it's better than waiting in line at a coffee shop! 

 

The new dining room features an art wall and new windows for ample light. The fresh water aquarium with tropical fish and anemone is located between the kitchen and living room so it can be enjoyed from all the adjoining spaces.  

 

 

The new kitchen and dining room are open, modern and welcoming. 

Modern Elegance

When I meet potential clients for the first time, I am not only grateful for the opportunity to work with them on their home but I am honored to be invited to understand their personal routines, their styles and aesthetics.

Even though I am an architect and designer with my own strong personal style preferences, I fully respect the style and choices of others because beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder and one cannot truly appreciate art and craft without an appreciation of all styles and methods.

With that said, this couple's modern, sophisticated elegance spoke to my personal design aesthetic and we hit it off fabulously!  There was no mistaking that their newly purchased home's dated kitchen clashed dramatically and painfully with their polished and modern living room furniture and handsome lighting fixtures.  Yes, the goal was crystal clear.

Before:

 

 

This couple also likes to entertain guests for dinners and outdoor porch parties, and this kitchen was isolated from all the conversation and action.  The back door was crammed in a tight back hall (near the fire extinguisher), which made access to the yard and porch difficult to manuever.  This kitchen needed to be rethought and replanned. 

We kept the existing windows with a view to the tree-lined yard but brightened the room with reflective and light finishes. The clients chose a beautiful and high functioning BlueStar range in a stunning accent color.  The blue adds the perfect focal point that balances the room. The sleek oversized glass tiles are stacked in a modern pattern and thoughtfully aligned in the room with the sink and stove.  The gorgeous and timeless Louis Poulsen pendants flank the deep sink.  The most beautiful lights are both unobtrusive and interesting.

The kitchen and dining room are connected by a small butler's pantry, which was converted to a bar. The wine refrigerator, sink, and counter provide just enough work area to mix a mean drink. 


Before the renovation, the front entry hall looked into these sad closet doors.  

After: 

 

Okay, this is an accidental pic of my photographer contorting to get the amazing shots you see above.  Thought it was funny! Despite my lack of photography skills, the new window and the new glass door are great visual connections to the yard and porch. 

 

In addition to the kitchen, the hall bathroom was tight and the existing low shower head did not work for my 6' + tall client.  As the only bathroom for the second floor, it needed to act like a hall bath but feel like a master bath.  

We borrowed a few feet from an adjacent bedroom in order to accommodate a double vanity. 

Modern touches such as the clean wall sconces, Duravit faucets, and towel warmers accent the floating vanity. 

The marble mosaic flooring with frosted glass inserts are perfectly matched with the sandblasted shower enclosure. The oversized stacked handmade tiles run horizontally in the room but were intentionally turned vertically in the shower to provide  subtle change and interest. 

 

The veritically stacked tile on the walls were resolved on the ceiling with careful planning and on-site coordination with the contractor.  An expert tile installer can make or break the project, and this was the job by a master tile setter.

 

This renovation project was all about the details. With planning and careful thought, these two rooms now align with the clients' (and my) aesthetics and style.  It was a pleasure for me to collaborate with my clients and help to make the improvements to their home. 

For Cool Kids Only

Here in the northeast, the changing seasons can be beautiful or brutal.  If you have kids , indoor activity space is gold.  This family had untapped space in the basement and wanted to better utilize the area for storage, mechanical systems, and play.

The existing concrete slab was in good condition, and with no other preferable materials able to withstand potential water penetration (from an existing walk down Bilko door) they chose to seal the existing concrete slab and move toward a raw look for the basement.  Although tile flooring was an option, a) it adds material cost, and b) it raises the finished floor closer to the ceiling height. These were the considerations that solidified the decision for a stained, sealed concrete floor. 

The results are absolutely stunning. 

  

The super fun wallpaper was  an element that the family chose together, and it brings immense brightness to the room.  I firmly agree that children should be included in the finish design process for the rooms they will use. It gives them a sense of ownership, pride, and accomplishment when they are included in decisions, however small.  Should they have carte blanche? That depends. But being included in the discussion whenever possible makes a big difference.

Another feature was the metal "baseboards". We took a GWB reveal product and ran it along the concrete to maintain a separation between the wall board and floor.  It is not only functional, it  echos the exposed metal ducts and compliments the "industrial" look of the concrete. 

The less attractive, yet very important systems panels (sprinkler, data/phone, etc.) are neatly hidden behind the access panels behind the sofa.  There is a separate storage room for home goods and pantry items as well as a workshop area for tools. All these spaces are closed (locked) off from the kid zone.  

This is a great year-round area to be in regardless of the weather outside.

Deluxe Accommodations

When this couple decided to renovate their bathroom and powder room, they went to town!  The pink bathroom (circa 1930) had served them well but was ready for an exit.  Knowing that their budget would rather be placed on finishes rather than construction costs, they kept all the fixtures in the original locations. This is where the fun begins...

At the Design By Tile showroom in Morristown, there were plenty of beautiful materials to choose from.  They immediately gravitated toward the grey Parisian cafe style tiles.  This particular stone tile has a beautiful antique finish, which highlights its unique natural traits.  The beautiful matte flooring in oversized pieces was layed in a staggered pattern.  The smaller wall tile was complemented by moulded base and cap tiles.  This project was all about the details.

For an unexpected change, we found this mosaic tile for the shower floor. With a mix of blues, greens, and white, this flooring is absolutely stunning.  

 

In addition to the playful mosaic, the wash basin with nickel stand, the Restoration Hardware recessed mirrors, and stately light sconces all add sparkle and shine to this deluxe renovation.

 

 

The powder room, however cozy, was also given great care and consideration for its renovation.  The white marble floor tile in a herringbone pattern from Short Hills Marble & Tile was a perfect choice to add subtle interest.  The petite English lavatory with the pedestal stand is the perfect fit for this room.  No square inch of this floor could be spared for a bulky vanity!  The fully recessed medicine cabinet and vintage English wall scone help to create a luxurious feel within an economized space.

Warm Welcome

Sometimes these older homes beg the question how the families of generations past functioned with limited storage space and counter area.  This lovely family's West Orange home was a perfect example and was in need of a 21st century makeover.  They needed a kitchen that embraced the idea that food prep is no longer a solo endeaver but instead a family affair.  But, how do you get more workable space within the same footprint?  That is the challenge!

Before:

 

In addition to the necessary added space for storage and cooking, this is a Kosher kitchen and needed to accommodate two sets of plates, pots, etc.  No problem!

First, we started with the work triangle. The relationships and locations of the refrigerator, sink, and stove  are paramount to a successful kitchen plan.  The sequence of cooking (from refrigerator to sink to stove) is how I start the design process within the parameters of the room.  In this kitchen, the refrigerator and pantry are close to the kitchen entry - keeping all the high cabinets toward the center of the house.  For economical reasons and function, the sink was kept in its original location.  The placement of the stove between the existing windows gives it a well deserved focus.  With plenty of counter space to the left and right of the stove, food prep (and separation) is easily maintained. 

Plan:

 

After:

The accent backsplash at the stove, aligned with the exhaust hood, emphasizes the focal point of the room. Large pot drawers and corner cabinets on each side of the stove house all the cookware.  An accent pendant demarcates the breakfast counter.

 

The large stainless steel sink basin is not only sleek, but very functional for large and/or deep pots.

 

I have the great fortune of working with some of the most wonderful people.  With their warm, deep character there was no doubt that their choices for cabinets and finishes would reflect their personal nature and style.  The warm wood flooring and base cabinets were complemented by the soft buttery yellow upper cabinets.  The white counter and backsplash provides a stark contrast to the other finishes, but reflects the warm lights in the room.  The owners' personal styles shine through and the new kitchen transitions seemlessly from the aesthetics of the adjacent rooms.  

This renovation took full advantage of every available square foot and was able to fulfill the storage needs of this family.   Now, everyone can take part in the family meals.

 

In construction: Modern bath & kitchen

How cool is this rectangular stacked tile?

Love this stone mosaic with glass inserts:

How about these oversized floor tiles?