Renovating a Family Space

This is the 3rd and last post in the Design Dilemma series, I hope you have enjoyed the first two posts, TO SEE PART 1 CLICK HERE and TO SEE PART 2 CLICK HERE . Answering these questions takes time and care, just the same as preparing for a design project installation.
I must say I've had a lot of fun! So thank you for your questions. For those who did not make it on the blog, I will continue to answer via email.

Jamie's kitchen, breakfast room and family room is my final Design Dilemma, here is her dilemma.


Design inspiration: we have a rectangular space that our Kitchen and Family room occupy. Between these spaces is a large island which contains our fireplace. I am looking for inspiration for an updated kitchen dinette area (cabinets are cherry and table is currently a matchy-matchy cherry) to integrate into (also) a refreshed FR area. I wanted to freshen up the space for my young family of 4: darker/lighter table, fun chairs (maybe a couple upholstered?) So lost and would love your thoughts!

What a gorgeous home!
The first thing I see is the fab ceiling and classic architectural details, the room has great bones, it seems weird to me that with all the windows, high ceilings and open concept that the room looks so dark and dull. This is not a reflection of your young family!

As in most projects lets begin with 'demo'. The TV cabinet, both rugs and the dining set need to go.... Budget permitting, we can look at new sofas.

First off the walls are too dark, the grey is just bringing in a rainy day. We need to choose a light and bright  wall color, lets bring in a clear blue sky...carry the paint through into the kitchen and include the island.

Willard White by Benjamin Moore

I adore Willard White, it is a soft neutral with a hint of sky! You may choose to dd a little more color...

Grantham Blue by Benjamin Moore

I would also paint the ceiling in the same color as the wall and leave the coffers white, here is an example on how to emphasize the great architectural details you already have!

I was discussing this post on Twitter with @ShelleyHolmes Follow Shelley HERE and @FifthWallDesign Follow Diana HERE . Diana who is an Interior Designer based in Virginia mentioned linking the dividing wall to the ceiling, after a few back & forth this is the very sketchy sketch of the result, I think it grounds the wall, which otherwise looks detached, do you agree?

Replacing the wood media unit in the family room with a built in arrangement similar to the image below will totally transform the area and create good storage, with plenty of charm.

Via DecorPad

Back to the kitchen area where the breakfast area is somewhat tight. Chairs actually take up a lot of space, so my idea for seating would be to design a bench which will back to the dividing wall! The tiles would be covered with a paneled back and adding cushions will make a comfy place to hang out. There is no doubt that kids love banquettes (and so do I! Check out over 70 different Banquettes here: http://pinterest.com/dionnetrifiro/kitchen-banquettes-benches/ ;)

Here is a freestanding bench idea: Love the rattan chair too!

http://pinterest.com/pin/234750199296739491/

Or a fitted bench.

http://pinterest.com/pin/234750199297007806/

It would be lovely if the table was a washed out pine farmhouse style or a simple white one which would carry the white through the space.

http://pinterest.com/pin/234750199296908478/

I think this table would look great and I love the 2 upholstered chairs and the white lantern.

http://pinterest.com/pin/220746819205576773/

The living room needs a new rug, and a hard wearing one in order to keep up with a busy family of 5! A wool mix sisal will be a great option, the great thing about it is that it can be bought off a roll and cut to any size. I recently saw these at Worldwide Flooring. I would go for a light color to brighten the space and also to contrast with your existing sofas.

Worldwide Wholesale Floor Coverings

Last but not least, lets introduce some fabrics in the form of curtains, the bench seat cushion and upholstered chairs will be chosen in tandem with the curtains.

I saw a fantastic curtain today which inspired me to choose these fabrics. The family room really needs softening and whereas we do not want to have the curtains close off the light, some panels in between each window will make a huge difference!

All fabrics available at Calico Corners

Jamie, hopefully I have inspired you and my readers today to make something beautiful!

~D~

For info on any of the above products contact me on dionnetrifirodesignllc@gmail.com

Dream Closets ~ Hello Blahnik, I promise to take care of your Manolo's

After my main love ~ kitchens ~ a dressing room comes in close second to a bathroom...Clive Christian's  Fitted Dressing Rooms are certainly dreamy!

The 'Harrods' Island with gold leaf & marquetry inlay is most certainly at the forefront in design and elegance.
I love this well lit design with open wardrobes and beveled glass-fronted drawers, which lets you choose your outfits with ease.
The fluted pilasters and acanthus frieze throw it slightly over the top, isn't that to be expected ;),  the Clive Christian chandelier adds sparkle. 

If you do not have space for a separate dressing room, or you have a small closet I would advise you to open up the space and use free standing wardrobes.
Clive Christian's Architectural master bedroom shows a great example of free standing wardrobes. In the image below you can see hand painted furniture in ivory and antique grey glaze, and a Mayfair four-poster bed in contrasting black walnut (which has a concealed remote controlled TV the foot panel). The contrast of dark and light tones creates a feeling of  luxury, and the wardrobe is large enough to accommodate a substantial amount of clothing.

I love designing dressing rooms, it is so personal! I have dealt with some fun requests in the past years including a refrigerated glass fronted closet for vintage mink coats.
My favorite project was on Central Park West, which turned out to be a dream retreat, a place where you kick off your Manolo's, sink your toes into the plush cream carpet and relax whilst choosing an outfit for your night out on the town. We had big dreams and a wish list as long as her Valentino evening gowns!

We used shining European oak wall paneling and custom designed all the furniture, including an island with a beautiful Onyx top and a bench seat. Felt lined drawers with different compartments to hold costume jewelry, belts and scarves.  I made space for a mountain of shoes including 20 pairs of Manolos stored in solid oak shoe trays and designed glass fronted drawers for her Janet Reger lingerie.

A list stars have many things I would love to have .... a David Beckham look-a-like driver in a Maserati would do! ;) Well, their closet would do...

What do you think of Mariah,s dressing room?

Or Eva's??

Or Elton Johns???

Via Architectural Digest

As I type, I am expecting some blue prints for a Clive Christian dressing room, I cannot wait to unleash my own dreams on the next unsuspecting client :)
~D~

Maltese Architecture ~ Details

Mix and Match of old doors, windows and balconies

Typical Street View ~ Valletta

Limestone House with double balcony and single windows with shutters in bright blue

Corner enclosed balcony on a Palazzo in Valletta, with ornate limestone corbels.

Triple balcony with columns, carved Maltese Cross details on the lower panels. Internal hessian blinds a typical window treatment.

The main door is usually left open and the glass 'anti-porta' is left unlocked, as you opened the glass door, a bell would chime to alert homeowners that a visitor had arrived. A lace curtain is common to keep out flies and let in the breeze. My childhood home had a similar arrangement.

Overly ornate hand carved limestone. Detailing armor wear from the Knights, a central urn and fruit. The marble steps make for a very formal entryway.

Maltese limestone facade with high contrast red painted windows and a row of 'pregnant' wrought iron windows.

Waterfront development project; restored facade of an entire street of old buildings. This is where the cruise liners dock for the day.

This very old entryway in Mdina has intricate wrought iron work. It is painted a crisp white which provides great contrast to the Mediterranean Blue paint chosen for the door. I love the bright brass fish knockers, hardware and letterbox.

Century old red door opening onto a courtyard. Maltese Cross on lower panels, black wrought iron work above, and even more detailed iron work on the arch above.

Regal entry to a Palazzo in the Old City of Mdina, flanked by over sized limestone columns. (All limestone is quarried on the Island) Glazed arch above provide natural light into the foyer. Brass knockers are hand forged and have acquired a great patina.

Old farmhouse door.

House front in Mdina, bouganvilla creeps over a new door, made in keeping with the age of the building probably over a 100 years old. The limestone facade has been cleaned up.

This is a small insight into my heritage, with her brave history, welcoming and smart people and rich architecture Malta should be on everyone's destination wish list!

Here is another post on a historical building Casa Rocca Piccola which is full of gorgeous interiors and architecture.

HERE!

Bringing you all some mid week inspiration!

~D~

Japanese values translate directly to interiors.

SIMPLICITY  FUNCTION  FLEXIBILITY  FORM  MODESTY & RESPECT


Understanding some key principles of Japanese lifestyle will result in a better overall design. Notably their simplistic approach to function and form and their use of  Eco friendly and sustainable materials. Their reverence to nature is humbling and the result is peaceful and harmonious.

Image via AquaCreations

Simplicity in design; natural, earth friendly materials, Eco friendly bamboo Tatamy (mats) line floors, its texture creating pattern and depth. Shoji ~ Simple white paper screens within bamboo frames. Neutral calming colors in the paper 'panes' allow for a play of light and shadow, creating diffused soft lighting that follows the principle of the moonlight.

Origami Light by Llan Garibi  for AquaCreations

Flexibility of furniture seen in the Shoji screens, the ability to join spaces together or separate them by sliding the screens aside. To be able to open the screens and let the outside in whilst picture framing the ever changing landscape.

Function Change a sleeping area into a recreational area by simply rolling the futons away. Only the kitchen, bathroon & toilet are defined areas, all other areas are multi functional. Efficient use of resource and space is a fundamental part of Japanese culture.

Modesty & Respect Found in most homes a Genkad (entryway) is the place to leave your shoes  upon entering a Japanese abode and show respect for your hosts. Modest use of natures gifts and respect for the environment is clearly a part of their heritage.

Here are some modern day interiors with strong Japanese influence.

Japanese influence is very obvious in this dining room. The water feature creates a magnificent focal point, a clever twist on a Tokonoma (Japanese alcove where artistic items are displayed). The neutral rug imitates Tatamy, and hessian or bamboo panels line the rafters. Shoji screens divide the room in true Japanese style and paper globes chandeliers give off a diffused light.

A teak Japanese bath by William Garvey

 ARTechnic build a unique holiday villa which is in sync with, and not giving in to natures forms.

Photograph by Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Photographs by Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Looking at Japanese interiors always invokes a sense of peace in my mind. I don't like clutter. I am not a fan of over designing a space, and often choose to let individual pieces of furniture or art work stand out in their own right. In my kitchen designs, I allow for breathing space, even when storage is at a premium I believe that form and function should work together and I do not let one overpower the other.

Implementing any of the principles above  is possible in any style of interior design, showing empathy for materials and keeping simplicity in the forefront when designing can help create a pleasing and balanced room

Keep it simple & stylish!

Wishing you a great week ahead
~D~

Questions? Contact me at dionnetrifirodesignllc@gmail.com 

The 16th Century 'Summer Dining Room', Maltese Architecture & Design

On the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea, Casa Rocca Piccola was built in the late 
16th Century for 
Don Pietro La Rocca, a Knight of Malta and an Admiral. On his death it was left to the Italian Langue of The Knights to house some of the more important Italian Knights of Malta. However for the last 200 years some of Malta's more famous and illustrious families have occupied Casa Rocca Piccola.


Apart from its illustrious past, its architectural beauty and historical importance, the elegant interiors are breathtaking, The following images courtesy of casaroccapiccola.com will guide you through the many stately rooms. Of which the above 'Summer Dining Room' is my favorite.

~ Images and some exerts via casaroccapiccola.com ~