Switching the Norm

Why not think outside the box?  Before plunging forward on the "norm" of placement, consider the opposite effect.  Maybe it won't work functionally, but maybe it will surprise you by offering up a whole new perspective!  Check out this photo where the mirror has been placed over the bed and the art over the dresser.  Definitely opposite the norm!  You never know...it might work in other areas of your life as well!

Have a fabulous weekend!  ~ Susan ~

Thoughts in Red

Bright primary red...not a color I often use.  Maybe its because it is sooo primary, and I'd rather be a little off center (ok some would say I'm always a little off), but I tend to go towards the printer primaries (cyan, yellow, magenta) vs. the painter primaries (red, yellow, blue).  With that said, because as we all know, nothing is for sure, and exceptions are everywhere...I really like the primary RED, yes I said RED in these pics below.  May they warm your thoughts as the air gets cooler!

 Hotel Thoumieux in Paris, France -- if I were a little Eloise, I'd be living my life here instead of the The Plaza in New York.  This has my style written all over it!!

 Hotel Thoumieux in Paris, France

Michael Taylor -- heavenly drapery!

 

Carrier and Company, photo by Ben Hoffman

My son, Max A. Brown's, fabulous photography!  Copyright by Max A. Brown

Scrumptious dessert shared with my mother, brother, and friend Barbara at The Atrium Restaurant in International Market Square Design Center.  What a delightful presentation!  We gawked for a few mere seconds, and then gobbled it up!

Cheerio!!!  Susan

Mendota Heights Project Progress

Hi all!  It seems like sooo very long since I've written a blog post, which it has been about a week and a half I guess.  Thinking about Steve Jobs today, and all of the many quotes and images of him everywhere.  My son Max sent me this website, www.appleofwisdom.com yesterday with oodles of Steve Jobs quotes.  He was a very realistic visionary.  I have fallen in love with this statement of his, as it rings true to my heart.

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs

I am constantly telling this to my clients -- it doesn't matter how fabulous it looks, if it doesn't work for your needs, whatever they may be, it is not a successful design.

OK, on to the project at hand.  I have new updated photos of the progress in the kitchen and mud/living/dining/family rooms.  I can't do this project by my lonesome, so let me remind you, I have been working with Dean Sorem of Dean Sorem Tile, Scott Santanni of Santanni Custom Homes, and Steve Draeger of Imperial Custom Woodworking, and it has been rolling along smoothly!  Enjoy the new additions!

 New maple cabinetry with mosaic tile backsplash made up of stone and polished & honed glass with the new Black Storm granite countertops.  LOVE the granite and backsplash together!

 Peninsula, or buffet (its been given many names within this project!) with new granite and newly painted Sherwin Williams wall color Truly Taupe.

 Peninsula again, with floor opening for Milo's food dishes (family dog) and cabinet above for storage of and easy access of dog food.

Adorable Milo!

 Larger view of kitchen showing maple cabinetry, new tile mosaic backsplash being installed, blue/charcoal glazed island with new sleek cooktop hood.

 Another angle of the kitchen showing the pantry in the far back left corner and the oven (eventually) wall.

 Close up of the gorgeous granite called Black Storm.

 Fireplace tile front being installed.  The hearth on the fireplace sticks out some and curves in front.  We used the same granite as in the kitchen but with a honed finish for a softer, more inviting appearance.

 Fireplace wall showing new bookcase/shelves flanking it on either side.

 Family room window seat wall showing more of Sherwin Williams Truly Taupe.

 Showing the oven wall again.  The doors at the top will have "wave" glass installed, and the long horizontal cubby will have 3 or 4 baskets to hold whatever life throws at you!

 Can't wait to pull away all of that tan paper and reveal ALL of the granite with the backsplash!  Like unwrapping a present!

What do you think?  Any comments?  Does anyone read this?  Hello, hello, hello (echo, echo, echo...)

Toodles!  Susan