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interior design

Useless Spaces? What to do With Those Wasted Spaces

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There are several ways you can revamp empty and otherwise useless spaces to make your home more functional and fun.

There are a lot of areas around the home that can be considered useless spaces. Partial dividing walls, areas below (or even above) a staircase, or little nooks or alcoves that were created by the house’s unique design are all common examples. You might not think much about these areas. However, if you consider them for a moment, you might see how they could be serious missed opportunities. Combine with a little bit of creativity, and you can change all of that for the better.

That blank wall around a doorway doesn’t have to stay empty. The space under the stairs isn’t just for boy wizards anymore. There are a number of ways that you can revamp these empty and otherwise useless spaces. You just might make your home more functional and fun in the process. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.

Surfaces and Seating

Look around your home at the various nooks and crannies that seem to just be empty spaces. With a little bit of work, it’s easy to add seating, tables, desks, and more to these areas and make them much more functional. Once you start thinking creatively, a whole wealth of options opens up.

Some of the open space in your foyer could have benches added for you and your family to sit and get your shoes on in the morning. You can add bins that slide under the benches to keep those shoes in when they’re not being worn. A little alcove could be a great place to install a small desk or computer workstation for homework, bill paying, creative writing, or even grabbing a quick bite to eat. You could even stick a chaise lounge or part of a sectional couch in a largely unused corner; giving people a private place to wind down or relax. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Storage and Organization

Some of these seemingly useless places are great areas to add storage solutions to your home. Shelves and cabinets can instantly transform empty walls, as a result, giving you additional storage even in the small spaces around doorways or in closets. Drawers are also great additions. As are sliding cabinet racks that pull out and then slide fully back into the wall. There are even more options available if you really want to get creative.

If your kitchen has a small dividing wall separating it from other rooms, consider adding a built-in wine rack within it to hold a few of your favorite bottles. A pull-out vertical cabinet next to the sink or stove can also be a great area to add a spice rack or store cutting boards. Bookcases are relatively easy to install, and if you have a large unused area, it might even be an ideal place to add a built-in pantry. Not only do details like these really liven up your home, but they can also help reduce clutter in other areas and make everything a bit more organized as a result.

A Use for all Those Useless Spaces

You might be surprised at just how much space there is in your home for these types of projects. The options can increase even more if you start looking at the outside of your home or in the garage, too. While some projects might require a bit of work, others are simple modifications. Many of which can really go a long way toward improving both the look and functionality of your home.

If you aren’t sure where to start, consider bringing in an interior designer or general contractor to discuss what you want and see what your options are.

Sliding Barn Doors for Beginners

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The cottage look has become a huge trend for homeowners, especially those with older homes that have lost a lot of their original charm to generic remodels over generations. One of the big elements of this wave in interior design is sliding barn doors; a simple slab door mounted on a track that slides to cover a doorway. It’s not a fancy invention, nor is it a new one, so why has it gotten so much attention?

The Sliding Barn Door Aesthetic

Image: This Old House

Sliding barn doors add a ton of cottage chic to a home, especially one that’s already boasting pre-modern features like custom hand-built kitchen cabinetry, built-in storage, and unusual spaces. The sliding barn door is a simple but elegant touch. It’s literally just a door built from wooden slats, just like you’d see on an old-fashioned barn on a farm. That rugged, simple look complements a lot of different styles, especially considering the many different kinds of materials that can be used to achieve the final result.

Considerations Before Installing Sliding Barn Doors

Image: HGTV

There are many things to consider before you choose sliding barn doors for your home. The first, and most important, is whether or not a barn door actually makes sense with the rest of your design. If you’re literally choosing a barn door because they’re trending right now, that’s about the worst possible reason to make the call. Instead, ask yourself if you really like the cottage chic look, and if you do, if it makes sense with the other design choices you’ve made or are planning to make in your home. Although some purists may argue that there’s absolutely no place for a cottage look in a modern home, most designers would agree that the most important thing is consistency. After all, a lot of homes built in the last 40 or so years don’t really have a strong aesthetic of their own, which leaves a lot of room for creative minds to wander.

Image: 11 Magnolia Lane

If you do decide you want to go with a barn door, and it’s consistent with the styling of your home, keep these additional things in mind while choosing the door and where it will be installed:

Image: Pinterest
  • Barn doors don’t insulate well. Because barn doors hang on a sliding track, rather than sealing shut, there’s more air, light, and sound infiltration around them. This is fine for a lot of uses but may make them a poor choice for spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms where you’d like more privacy. For safety’s sake, if you have pets, choose a door and hardware that are heavy enough to keep the bottom of the door from being shoved forward to allow a smart dog or cat to open these doors from the bottom.
  • They do save a ton of space. Even though they’re not the greatest doors for insulation, barn doors can save a ton of space that a regular door will require to swing. Instead of losing a whole wall to opening a door, you can instead move the furniture a few inches off the wall to allow the barn door to slide behind. Unlike pocket doors, you don’t need to tear out a wall to install a barn door; you simply run along the outer wall. This can also help minimize the impact of doors that cover water closets and pantries.
  • Planning is important. Before you decide that you absolutely must have a barn door, look very carefully at the space where you think it should go. Remember, the door will need room to move along a track, so there must be room on both sides of the door opening (at least enough to allow for the hardware), and no elements that stick out of the wall. If you’ve got a flat light switch or outlet that will end up under the door, consider how that will affect your ability to use the electricity in the room.

Ready for That New Barn Door?

Image: Decoist

Whether you’ve decided that a barn door is absolutely a necessity in your home, or you simply want a second opinion before you dive in, your LuxePros community has the experts to help steer you right. Whether you need an interior designer or a general contractor, we can help you find the barn door experts you need.

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Photo by Donald Giannatti on Unsplash

Cleaning it up with the ASID Interior Designer for Hire Program

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Updating and redesigning your home can mean incredible results for your lifestyle. But getting to the end of the project can be challenging.

Working with a professional interior designer can help solve design dilemmas and ease the process. Each year the Arizona North Chapter of ASID gives homeowners the opportunity to consult with a professional interior designer, at a reduced rate,  Professional interior designers volunteer their time, and the fees collected are used for student scholarships and educational programs.

Interior Designer for Hire runs from February 1 through April 30, 2019. This popular program matches homeowners with local ASID designers for a one-hour consultation at $99 or a two-hour consultation at $175. Offered only once a year it is a great opportunity to work with an interior designer, seek their advice, and clean up your Spring! 

LuxePros staff, Susan Solliday, Allied ASID, and Jennifer Biffer, ASID, had the privilege of supporting the program by heading off to Channel 15 to promote the program on a televised segment. 

If you are a designer or furnishings showroom or manufacturer and would like to learn more about ASID, click on over to the website at azn.asid.org or email info@azn.asid.org. 

WARNING: Codes Gone Wrong

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Each month the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Arizona North Chapter holds a networking and educational meeting for its membership at wonderful locations throughout the Valley. This month’s co-host was Design Within Reach (DWR) located at The Scottsdale Quarter. DWR’s mission is to make authentic modern design accessible and they certainly did by opening their new flagship store in North Scottsdale to well attended ASID event.

The Valley’s top interior designers, showrooms, and manufacturers, serving both the residential and commercial design markets, not only enjoyed the hospitality of DWR but appreciated the opportunity to network as well as receive educational enlightenment. Architectural pros led us through a very informative as well as entertaining evening as we reviewed “Codes Gone Wrong.”

In a combined effort to protect the public from faulty construction projects, local building codes, city codes, and local ordinances are drafted and implemented according to the local laws of the country, state, or city as well as those associated with the type of project. With all these regulatory hoops, we assume things will run smoothly.

But some of the times, they just don’t.

Codes don’t always make sense.

igloo
house1

A hotel made entirely of ice is required and forced to install fire alarms. The owner complied because “there are things that can actually catch fire, like pillows, sleeping bags, or reindeer skins. To us the most important concern is the safety of our clients, so we will comply.”

Because of frequent and severe earthquakes in Japan, local building codes require that Japanese houses be rebuilt rather than be renovated. There are “four times as many architects in Japan as in the U.S. and more than twice as many construction workers, ” according to Greg Rosalsky, the Freakonomics author. This disposable “housing boom” of tearing down and rebuilding results in some very creative and temporary architecture. You might think this is good for the design-build community, and it is, with one of the highest new home builds. However, it is not favorable to the homeowner looking to gain a little equity in their investment.

amish

They are also insensitive to cultural differences. An Amish family was evicted from their home and fined $42,000 for not installing a smoke alarm. Smoke alarms are no longer simply battery operated but require electricity in order to be hard-wired into homes.

Codes conflict with common sense.

residential_efficiency.jpg

California is a leader in Green Building Codes and the use of alternative energy. As it turns out the money saved by homeowners from the reduction in the cost of energy encourages California residents to consume more energy because it is so much less expensive.

Whose responsibility is it-sense.

paper

As much as codes are meant to protect the public, they cannot protect you from human error. Different trades come in at different times to do their work. Understandably conflicts can arise. But this is a prime example of why on-site management is a must. I don’t know, call me crazy, but after you put the first door up didn’t something seem odd? On the right, let’s just say … be prepared.

shower

Clearly, a GFI switch won’t be enough in this installation. Now I know what you are thinking. How could anyone be so clueless as to do this? As the saying goes, time is money. I am sure in the instance on the left, neither the electrician nor the plumber wanted to take the responsibility to correct what was a glaring issue since there typically isn’t a “fix the designer’s mistake” clause in the contract that allows them to charge for additional time spent. There are some basic design issues with the image on the right but I’m not quite sure where to begin to lay the blame, somewhere between the blueprints and the plumber would be a good guess.

carpet

One of the critical factors for project success is having a well-developed project plan that includes solid architectural drawings before anyone picks up a hammer. And that plan includes material selections that are not only befitting the space but that take appropriateness and safety to mind. These images are a fine example of why. I can kind of see the steps on the left, but the tread lines are so disguised on the right, it looks like a sled run.

ADA

Ingress and egress is specially important when it comes to ADA requirements. I know, these images are really hard to look at. At least they put a potted plant at the end of the run on the right to slow down speed before hitting what appears to be a very solid wall.

stairs

Mind boggling..

Thanks for this humorous (or maybe not so humorous) stroll down an interesting selection of Codes Gone Wrong. To view our photo gallery from the event, click here to head over to our Facebook page!

Have you experienced unexpected conflicts with codes or confusing workmanship on your design project? Share your experiences with us in the comments.

SOURCES: 
http://slides.com/rachelsimmons/deck-110?token=V1WH-waQ#/1
https://psmag.com/inside-japan-s-disposable-housing-market-4bd5a92188e0#.tu7s7c7g9

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Trending Tile Patterns From Top Tastemakers

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There are many modern, stylish tile patterns to choose from. But the biggest trend — tile itself.

As 2016 wound down, designers ramped up the style that will define tile in 2017. Here’s a jump start of what’s in our future from the tile designers and tastemakers leading the pack in trending tile patterns.

Patterned Tiles

Trending Tile Patterns

Tiles that have dimensional patterns and look hand painted are trending in both bathrooms and kitchens. These spaces are full of hard, straight lines and surfaces. Patterned tile brings in a little softness with curvilinear patterns and break up the still dominant gray and white color palettes as well as instill a little personality into the space.

Vintage Reborn
Trending Tile Patterns

The lines between contemporary and vintage have blurred with modern bathrooms and kitchens featuring subway tiles due to the versatility in the look and timeless appeal.

Creative Layouts

Trending Tile Patterns
Trending Tile Patterns


Standard rectangular patterns have increased in length. Arranging these rectangular metro tiles vertically instead of horizontally in straight lines has gained popularity due to the cleaner and more contemporary look in minimalist spaces.
The typical rectangle is also becoming slimmer and being arranged in “finger” or “kit-kat” layouts. These long and thin tiles look great laid in vertical or horizontal rows as well as in herringbone patterns.

Geometric Styles and Shaped Tiles

Trending Tile Patterns

We will continue to see an increase in the use of shaped tiles, such as hexagons and triangles on both floors and walls.

The hexagonal shape is a long-lasting trending tile pattern and a very popular design combination with multiple variations that can go into multiple interpretations. Such as 3D depths. The popularity of this classic shape is in its easy application and fitting of the geometrical pieces into endless array of combinations only limited by the imagination of the creator.

Realistic Porcelain Tile

Trending Tile Patterns

Technology has been having a positive effect on porcelain tile. Today’s trending tile patterns are so realistic that it’s hard to tell from wood, marble, and other patterns. Due to its easy maintenance and realistic appearance, porcelain tiles will continue to gain in popularity throughout 2017.

Trending Tile Patterns

Fabric textures such as tweed and denim will remain extremely popular bringing softness to hard surfaced spaces.

Large Format

Trending Tile Patterns

Large format tiles are here to stay. Homeowners love the clean look, low maintenance, and limited grout lines. Tiles are being used on floors and walls, taking on an urban feel, and bringing texture to the smooth white and gray surfaces.

Earth Tones

Trending Tile Patterns

White and grays will still rule in 2017 but a new dimension of soft earth tones will be added. Terracotta will begin to make a comeback in homes as part of the growing design trend. This trending tile pattern is all about the quality of handmade items and raw materials but in a clean simpler way. Unlike the rustic tile of the 80s, terracotta tiles will have a natural matte finish and be used as feature walls in bathrooms or for cladding fireplaces.

Pantone colors

Trending Tile Patterns

Tiles that match Pantone colors

Modern Marble

Trending Tile Patterms

Marble will continue to retain its popularity with its white and gray tonal properties. However, stone trending tile patterns will show modern influences with clean lines, creative edging, and geometric cuts as well as color or metallic additions.

Antique Mirror Tiles

Trending Tile Patterns

Metallic will also play heavily 2017 with the resurgence of mirrored tiles in gold and silver in trending tile patterns.

Sources: Images from Facings of America and Anne Sachs

Modern Bathroom Design Trends 2017 – Materials (Part 1)

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Simple, easy to maintain surfaces that are dynamic and playful.

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in any home. And, although the basic functions of the bathroom continue to be the same each year, this space is evolving and changing to adapt to our ever-changing lifestyle needs.

What can we expect in 2017 in modern bathroom design? The year is to be marked by a return to the natural as we search for new looks and functional spaces. Many time-honored features will only grow in popularity, while others will be new to the U.S. market. If you are planning to build or renovate your bathroom space in the next 12 months; pay attention. Here are some directions that may give you not only a more enjoyable bathing experience but also adding value to your home.

Modern bathroom design 2017

Modern Bathroom Design
Source: Interiorzine

When thinking about 2017 trends in modern bathroom design, colors, and materials, think understated luxury — fashionable, stylish, and easy to maintain.

Modern Bathroom Design

The year recommends making choices in favor of minimalism and simplicity. Brevity of form is why high-tech style is one of the favorites in modern bathroom design.

Source: House Interior

Lighting is also changing and instead of one main light source, multiple lighting devices highlighting separate areas will dominate.

Top decorative materials and tile in modern bathroom design

Modern Bathroom Design
Source: Kohler

New ideas are outlined in the use of the to be expected decorative materials such as ceramics, glass, and natural stone in modern bathroom design and remain at the peak of the popularity.

Modern Bathroom Design
Source: House Interior

In 2017 nature is reintroduced into our homes through wood, supplementing this range of hard surface materials. Wood or its qualitative imitation is used as a material for wall panels, decorative elements, as well as furniture, visually softening spaces, and bringing in more organic influences.

Modern Bathroom Design Source: House Interior

Continuity will be a huge trend for 2017. Think simplicity with easy to maintain materials that are dynamic and playful. The ever so stylish and classic look of straight lines and masonry installations using the same material for wall and floor surfaces combined with organic materials.

Modern Bathroom Design
Source: Cambria

Stone such as marble and granite remains highly popular. However, manufacturers such as Cambria have perfected a wide range of artificial equivalents that are virtually indistinguishable from the original. Stone, or its look-alike, is used to cover walls, floors, and countertops.

Stone is also being reworked with metals, glazes, and cut in geometric shapes crossing the line between organic and constructed. Advances in waterjet technology have given tile manufacturers new ways to express themselves and the results are incredible. Whether in natural marble and stone or in a porcelain composition, these fantastic tiles bring drama and style into the bath.

Modern Bathroom Design Source: Interiorzine

The hexagonal-shaped tiles are rising in popularity most likely due to its classic shape and easy application. The possibility of combinations is endless, limited only to the imagination of the designer.

Source: House Interior

In addition to decorative stone and tile, we are seeing brickwork as accent walls in bathroom renovations. Along with pebble-covered floors such to imitate a rocky beach.

Modern Bathroom Design
Source: Interiorzine

Much like wallpaper and fabrics add pattern and visual interest to a room, dimensional surfaces in bathrooms transform the space from ordinary to extraordinary.

For further discussion on fixtures, furniture, and technology anticipated in this coming year’s hottest designs see Modern Bathroom Design Trends 2017 – Fixtures, Furniture + Technology (Part 2).

If you are thinking about remodeling your bath, LuxePros Find Luxury Pros can help you find a highly-regarded bathroom designer, residential architects, and custom home builders.
Do you like this post? Be sure to share it in any of the social media channels or leave your comments below. Your feedback helps us bring you the best of what you want to see!

Top Kitchen Trends for a Style Setting 2017

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These trending upgrades for a kitchen will make your space functional, enjoyable, and a style-setter for years to come.

Expensive and permanent spaces such as kitchens are not typically the area to follow fleeting trends. However, kitchens are undeniably the heart of the home so you want to have a fresh and up-to-date look incorporating the latest features and styles that will keep your kitchen looking stylish for many years to come.

Kitchen Trends for 2017Source: Zillow

Wondering what color to paint your cabinets? Whether traditional or contemporary in style, white dominates with gray hot on its heels in kitchen trends for 2017.

Kitchen Trends for 2017Source: Houzz

Combining cabinet colors is also a trendy look that’s holding strong. We see richly stained woods with charcoal, soft grays, and neutral pastels like pale green-gray and pale blue beginning to show themselves as must-have kitchen cabinet color counterpoints. We believe shades of blue will remain strong throughout 2017 and continue to grow in popularity.

Kitchen Trends 2017Source: Cambria

Along with natural stone, quartz countertops are kitchen favorites for ease of maintenance, warmth, and durability. With over 100 designs, Cambria quartz countertops are nonporous, resistant to heat, and a smart choice for busy kitchens.

Besides these solid trends there are some features I believe will become even more important in 2017. Add a few of these upgrades for a kitchen that will make your space functional, enjoyable, and a style-setter for years to come.

Cabinet Extras

Source: Pine Kitchen

Kitchen designers know that a beautiful kitchen is also a well-organized kitchen. Cabinetry manufacturers now offer many interiors options to keep kitchen essentials at hand and fully powered with smart storage options such as built-in USB and electrical connections. Not to mention quartz countertops that wirelessly charge your devices simply by setting them on the surface.

Graphic Tile

Kitchen Trends 2017Source: Haskell Interiors

Although basic subway or Carrera marble can be simply stunning, tile today is so much more. Today’s tile manufacturers are utilizing modern technology to create wonderful floors and walls in porcelain with graphic patterns that work well in both traditional or contemporary settings. Reminiscent of old European hand-painted tiles, patterns can add a wow factor to an otherwise basic kitchen, when used as a rug design or as a backsplash.

Pops of Color

Kitchen Trends 2017Source: French Range

Kitchen pizzazz isn’t limited to cabinets and tile, appliances are trending away from basic white or stainless steel.

Kitchen Trends 2017Source: La CormueUSA

From eye-catching orange to eggplant and sage, a colorful range is a great way to pop in a small amount of color in a neutral kitchen or make it more of a focal point by using the same hue in the backsplash.

Hidden Appliances

Kitchen Trends 2017Source: Yale Appliance

Stainless steel appliances are still big sellers in today’s kitchens. Equally popular are overlaid cabinetry to hide appliances allowing them to seamlessly meld into the design scheme. We are also seeing some manufacturers move to black stainless in appliances and matte blacks in plumbing fixtures.

Beverage Centers

Kitchen Trends 2017Source: Dacor

The kitchen remains one of the top entertainment hot spots for most homes. Whether an entire wall or just a niche, the beverage center has become one of the hottest trends. Besides wine coolers, ice machines, and built-in coffee machines, appliance manufacturers are offering wine dispensers.

Mixed Metals

Kitchen Trends 2017Source: Decorpad

Homeowners are choosing appliances and accessories with various finishes, such as gold, pewter, or pops of color. Resulting in one-of-a-kind, eclectic spaces dominating in kitchen trends for 2017.

Bold Fixtures

Kitchen Trends 2017Source: Decoist

Color isn’t the only way to go bold in kitchen trends for 2017. Oversized light fixtures give a great sense of depth perception and create drama in a room.

Pet Spaces

Kitchen Trends 2017Source: Houzz

Pet spaces have been taking over in laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchen spaces. A recent survey by members of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) found that more than 35% of designers were incorporating pet areas into their client’s kitchens. Whether a simple feature such as a drawer for leashes and food, or a more built-in solution as a feeding center with raised bowls or water and food bowls integrated into toe kicks this is one trend that will become a kitchen staple.

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen, LuxePros Find Luxury Pros can help you find a highly-regarded kitchen designer, residential architect, and custom home builder.

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DESIGNER DIALOGUE: The Secrets to a Dinner Party-Ready House

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Warm hospitality is a point of pride in the Southwest, a region of the U.S. with a strong tradition of relaxed—and often spirited—entertaining. Good parties are certainly top of mind with socially active homeowners looking to entertain friends and family in free-flowing plans to sprawling ramblers.

We’ve asked two designers to share what they believe are the fundamentals of a convivial home.

Mary Meinz, ASID, NCIDQ

Mary Meinz Design
Master of the Southwest

The southwest is known for very diverse floor plans, how do the layouts affect your decorating decisions, especially for the kitchen and pantries.

The answer is likely different every single time due once the individual homeowner profile is established. If we have a cook or two in the residence, we work very hard to keep the kitchen and kitchen storage close by for easy access. I have been known to add a handsome furniture piece in or very near the kitchen for added storage. This allows the cook to have necessary items at their fingertips. When remodeling we will oftentimes snitch space from an adjacent room in the remodel process to allow for better work triangles, good pantry space, and ample seating and conversation. We all know the kitchen is “the heart of the home.” The open concept kitchen is the most acceptable and seems to be most desired in Arizona. So here again we strive for the wide-open approach allowing entertaining and family gatherings to be of the utmost convenience and comfort for everyone.

Tell me about the fabrics and furnishings you select for your clients when emphasizing and complementing indoor – outdoor entertaining

Fabrics that are durable, with a wonderful hand, and that are timeless in texture and color are my top picks. I like fabrics that blend with the other exposed areas of the rooms within the dwelling so there is a natural flow between spaces. Typically, these fabrics (which have made great strides in the past few years) will be 100% solution dyed acrylic because of their durability, sunfast-ness, and clean ability. Today’s Sunbrella fabrics are so beautiful they are selected for interiors with high traffic or the need for easy cleaning.

Whether the inside or out I strive for style, comfort, and quality in furniture. Today’s patios are an extension of our homes with many outdoor rooms used to double our living spaces with the flick of a remote that opens telescoping doors. When such multi-purpose spaces are brought into indoor living spaces, they must meet the same standards of our interiors. With our Arizona climate being what it is, we can help our clients be very comfortable under misters or in front of their outdoor fireplaces nearly year-round. Patio furniture differs from interior furnishings in its ability to handle the intense elements but it should always be of the utmost in comfort. Our outdoor manufacturer’s offer a plethora of wonderful products making patios and outdoor living spaces among my favorite areas to design.

When designing a space that is to function as an effective entertaining space, it’s all about the specialty features. What do you recommend for frequent hosting?

A well-equipped kitchen will always include appliances such as a steam oven and convection/convention double ovens, 6-burner stove top, duel refrigeration and dishwashers, and built-in espresso maker and ice maker. True working kitchens require an ample pantry and durable countertops, plus ample seating with sufficient and roomy areas for guests to be comfortable.

Here are some of my personal “must haves” for the ultimate gourmet/entertaining kitchen:

  • Butler’s Pantry
  • Caterer’s Kitchen
  • Multi-level lighting which includes task lighting, ambient lighting, and lighting for general entertaining ambience.
  • Stereo, piped-in music in all entertaining areas.
  • Extendable dining tables with multiple chairs that match.
  • Flexible seating arrangements to accommodate 4, 6, 8, 10 or more depending on the event.
  • Think “out of the box” for stand up cocktail parties utilizing areas of the home both indoors and out depending on the size of the event.

Gretchen L. Palmer, Allied ASID

PHG Development

The Southwest is known for very diverse floor plans, how do the layouts affect your decorating decisions, especially for the kitchen and pantries?

It may be cliché, but kitchens are truly the heart of the home. No matter how large or small your kitchen is, it will inevitably be the favored spot to gather. One of the primary keys to successful entertaining in any kitchen layout is to have multiple places where people can stand, sit, and interact. Finding that magic balance between having adequate space to not feel crowded, but also intimate enough to make everyone feel a part of something special, is key.

As for the pantry, I prefer one that is conveniently located, yet slightly removed from the main kitchen area, especially when entertaining. Being able to grab that extra supply of treats is much easier when you don’t have to move your guests out of the way to open a door or cabinet.

Tell me about the fabrics and furnishings you select for your clients when emphasizing and complementing indoor – outdoor entertaining.

Let it flow! Select furniture and fabrics for both the interior and exterior that complement each other, keeping the overall style and look balanced. If your style is more traditional, stay with those same lines when selecting outdoor furnishings, likewise if you prefer a clean, contemporary look, opt for similar exterior furnishings. At the same time, shake it up…don’t be afraid to add a few pieces that are unique and unexpected, make your guests want to explore. As for fabrics, remember that sun can fade the color on intense fabrics. I typically recommend a neutral background fabrics punctuated with colored accents. If you want to make the indoor/outdoor area appear seamless, add vibrant landscape plants and flowers and bring those colors inside in your pillows and accessories.

When designing a space that is to function as an effective entertaining space, it’s all about the specialty features. What do you recommend for frequent hosting?

A built-in or movable bar is great. Not only is it a place to congregate, it can be easily themed for any party or event. If there is room, include a kitchen island, and better yet, a fireplace. A TV can serve as a backdrop for a sporting event, or a movie night. But one of the most important features is lighting. It doesn’t have to be fancy, often just adding dimmers to overhead fixtures and putting a small table lamp on a counter, and it can make your space feel inviting, adding festivity and life!

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