One Room Challenge Fall 2016 ~ Week 6: REVEAL!
Welcome to Week 6 of One Room Challenge Fall 2016 and it is time for the Final Reveal! It has been such an epic journey (with its fair share of panic attacks and ecstatic moments) to turn this ugly duckling from builder basic to an inviting, sophisticated, and curated space as the heart of this home. I couldn't be happier with what we have accomplished in 42 days and the transformation is beyond my expectation!
Clearly I couldn't hold back anymore and here is my chef-envy gourmet kitchen at Week 6 of #ORC!
The new addition is a custom piece (I will share my fun journey on that next week). Inspired by the amazing built-ins by Nam and Stacey, I have designed mine with a streamline profile and to keep it looking sharp, I have also opted to go "hardware-less".
One feature I am super proud of is how we house the microwave. Microwave tends to sit on the counter, double duty as the vent, or is highlighted as built-in. The bottom line is: you will still see the microwave. I am a total microwave (and toaster oven) person but I don't want to see it all the time and I most definitely want my valuable counter space. With the ingenious pop open + slide in door solution, we have achieved the best of both worlds!
And may I just say how much I adore the Big Pear print by Alanna Cavanagh? Anyone looking for a joyful pop of color and lighthearted whimsy in their homes, pick up yours before this edition of 25 is sold out!
I wanted the breakfast nook to be cozy and inviting: the spot you want to be to kick start the day, and we have done just that! True to my signature design style, I have kept the key pieces (cord chairs, marble table, and lantern pendant) with classic silhouettes and neutrals in palette while mixing in patterns and fun through fabrics and artwork.
Clearly I couldn't hold back anymore and here is my chef-envy gourmet kitchen at Week 6 of #ORC!
Perhaps I need to show you the BEFORE so you could really feel my excitement as I see the kitchen today.
Aside from the dark espresso cabinets that did nothing to complement the beige granite countertop and travertine-inspired floor tiles, I was also surprised to see an empty wall next to the stove. As you can see, that didn't stop me from dreaming big and this is one incredible feature wall packed with smart storage and style.
The new addition is a custom piece (I will share my fun journey on that next week). Inspired by the amazing built-ins by Nam and Stacey, I have designed mine with a streamline profile and to keep it looking sharp, I have also opted to go "hardware-less".
One feature I am super proud of is how we house the microwave. Microwave tends to sit on the counter, double duty as the vent, or is highlighted as built-in. The bottom line is: you will still see the microwave. I am a total microwave (and toaster oven) person but I don't want to see it all the time and I most definitely want my valuable counter space. With the ingenious pop open + slide in door solution, we have achieved the best of both worlds!
And may I just say how much I adore the Big Pear print by Alanna Cavanagh? Anyone looking for a joyful pop of color and lighthearted whimsy in their homes, pick up yours before this edition of 25 is sold out!
Now let's talk about this feature wall and where do I begin? From subway tiles with a handcrafted aesthetic, polished nickel wall sconces, to the floating shelves in natural oak, and sleek + modern artisan creations via accessories and artwork, I absolutely want it all in my own home!
A big Thank You to the talented Stephani for capturing these breathtaking photos. As for art, accessories, and fresh blooms, you have got to check out Art Interiors, Mjolk in the Junction, and Pistil Flowers! I couldn't have done this without their help!
Here are some of my favorites from the feature wall:
It's time to check out the cooking central ... this is a kitchen after all. Here is a remind of its humble beginning:
And this is our re-imagined kitchen today:
I really can't stress enough the power of paint! If you are thinking about spending thousands to get new cabinets just because you don't like the colors, consider getting them sprayed the color of your dreams and if you are in Toronto, check out Tim of Beresford Inc. The color we picked for our cabinets is Sophistication from Para Paints.
The trio of Palmerston stools by Coolican & Company are spectacular. The warm white oil finish complements the creamy white cabinets and the beige granite counter / floor tiles beautifully and echos the other wood accents in the kitchen. Thanks Peter for these standout handcrafted masterpieces!
Another fantasy came true is this strikingly beautiful and graphic runner by Paul Smith for The Rug Company available at Avenue Road. Can we just take a moment to celebrate the colors, energy, and life this rug has brought in the kitchen? Stunning ... absolutely stunning!
Now that we have prioritized our attention to unchain the microwave from the counter, we have an ideal nook for a little tea ceremony or a nutcracker moment now that Christmas is just around the corner.
Another shoutout to my delights in the sumptuous kitchen:
- sophisticated and top quality hardware by Lew's hardware available at Upper Canada Specialty Hardware
- Sucabaruca wooden tray with four adorable feet from Mjolk
As if the creation of a feature wall and a complete facelift of cooking central weren't enough to tackle in 6 weeks, I have also decided to pop in a breakfast nook at this corner.
And before I show you the breakfast nook, check out this elegant sightline thanks to the Solna faucet from Brizo. What a timeless beauty!
The Zimba in Chartreuse from Schumacher was actually the jumping off point for the entire palette in the kitchen. I was totally drawn to the creamy white + avocado green in the fabric and decided to pair that with delicate blush and a touch of ocean blue for a winner color combination. The roman blind is to die for and the owl print from The Animal Print Shop just put a smile on my face. For an extra softness on feet, I LOVE this chic reindeer rug from Style Garage!
A few beauty shots and of course the last minute DIY art I tackled thanks to Para Paints!
And that's a wrap! Thanks so much for everyone to follow along on this 6-week journey and more importantly, Linda of Calling It Home to host such inspiring and supportive makeover event encouraging hundreds of designers / decorators to take on the challenge to re-imagine one room (some even two) at a time. I surely need some rest after this but my client is already asking what's next ... guess that's a good sign for the Spring 2017 challenge!
all photos: Stephanie Buchman