elume distinctive lighting showroom

I recently had the chance to design the wet bar for the glamorous new elume distinctive lighting showroom in Park City.  I love the mix of stark white with the natural grain of walnut, and was thrilled to be given free range to use these materials here.

I basically had these limitations:

1.  It had to fit in this space:

(This is the measure I did using the Measures app on my ipad.  Highly recommended app!)

2.  It had to accommodate the existing Sub-Zero, plus a new wine cooler, sink, and dishwasher drawer.

3.  It had to look good.

A few more photos of the results:

The "ladies of elume" have great tastes, and it was fun working with them on this project!

Specifications:
Cabinetry:  Horizontal grain walnut, by Riverwoods Mill.
Countertop:  Nanoglass, by J2 Design
Tile:  Modwalls Viridian Ocean

Modern Benches

 Metro bench by Avi Meir using reclaimed lumber

I've been searching for modern benches for a client's entryway, and I love what's out there right now!  And thanks to etsy, a lot of it is handmade and unique.   And many pieces represent a story, about a craftsman or an artist or a small business, or maybe even a bit of history.  Essentially, these are all functional pieces of art, not just furniture.  I thought I might share some of my favorites here.

The Evolution Benches by Blue Boat Home Design.  I love them even more because I met the artist, Joe Norman, in the middle of nowhere, while biking the White Rim last summer in Canyonlands, UT.  The wood is refurbished from old shipping pallets, and the ends are actual decommissioned aluminum bomb fins.  The images cut into each end are "symbols that resonated with a way people could interact with each other that would be more productive than the current status quo of political, religious, class, gender, and economic division and antagonism."

The Botanist series benches by Orange22 are made from recycled aluminum and are available in several sizes and colors, with different cut-out options.

This Botanist Minimal bench is also by Dario Antonioni of Orange22.  These benches are constructed from sustainably harvested poplar with engineered veneers (walnut or rift oak).  I love the slim lines, but I also love how this product came about.  Inspired by the above botanist bench, this wood version was proposed on kickstarter.com and received funding for production from people in the kickstarter community. What a fascinating site!  Check it out here.

And this bench is made from cardboard!  AND it's a DIY project on Instructables!  Find out how to make your own here. 

The Slip Square bench, found on etsy.com, is by David Hentzel of Special Project Division in Seattle

This Folded Plane bench is by the same artist.  I love the custom aluminum Kerf plates at the corners.

Simply Italian has reinterpreted the classic George Nelson platform bench, and it's beautiful.

Scrapile is the brainchild of 2 artists in New York.  They use woodworking scraps to create these incredible benches and tables.

This simple bench from Mash Studios is constructed of English Walnut

This bench is by Adam Hogsett of Richmond, VA.  The wood is reclaimed railroad ties from the Richmond area.

Another etsy bench, by Elpis and Wood, using reclaimed pine.  I love these pieces that mix rustic / reclaimed with modern / industrial.   

K+BB Design Awards

K+BB (Kitchen + Bath Business) has some very interesting winners for their 2011 design contest.  I thought I might post about the winners and honorable mentions here, for various reasons.  Some of these kitchens are amazing in the sense that I WANT TO LIVE IN THEM RIGHT NOW!   Others are so out there and so bold that I can't imagine anyone ever wanting to live with one, but that's why I love them!

So, without further adieu....

K+BB 2011 Kitchen of the Year:

Designed by James E. Howard, CKD, CBD of Glen Alspaugh Kitchens & Baths

Merit Award:

Take a close look at the backsplash with sliding door storage and integral lighting.

Designed by Kristen Totah, ASID, Studio K Kitchens and Design

Merit Award:

Designed by Lisa Wilson-Wirth, CKD, Wilson-Wirth Design

 Honorable Mention:

Designed by Marisa Solomon, Reed Architectural Group, Inc.

Honorable Mention:

I love the green ceiling!

Designed by Beverly Binns, Binns Kitchen + Bath Design

Honorable Mention:

Designed by Elina Katsioula-Beall, CKD, DeWitt Designer Kitchens

 Read more about each entry here.

Current Basement Master Suite Project Mood Board

I've been lucky enough to be involved in a great remodeling project that involves reconfiguring an oddly finished basement into a workable Master Suite.  I love my clients, and I am so excited to be able to share the final project once it's complete.  In the meantime, I MUST share some of the finish & materials selections, and I think you'll understand why I'm excited for this project to be completed.

 Flooring:

Armstrong Century Farm, Hickory, Smoke

Main Wall Paint:

Benjamin Moore Smoke Embers AC-28

Bedroom Paint:

Benjamin Moore Templeton Gray HC-161

 Trim Paint:

Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain 2134-30

Door Hardware:

Emtek Geneva Door Hardware

 Bathroom Finishes & Hardware:

Arizona Tile

"White" Pebbles

DalTile Urban Putty Field Tile

Santec Bravo Faucets (with Hansgrohe shower)

George Kovacs vanity sconces

 Now can you see why I'm so excited?!?!