before & after :: coconut terrace kitchen

Recently we wrapped up a really fun renovation on the water. Not only was it a blast to get to work with a long time family friend, but their transformation ended up being amazing! 

We had heard all about the move and house and were so excited to see where our client had settled down. They purchased an old Florida ranch right on the end of a cul-de-sac with an open water view that completely takes your breath away. We were smitten with the property from the beginning! Growing up in Florida, we can appreciate the original terrazzo floors and the understated casual Florida style. And that's exactly what this home embodies. 

But, like all good transformations, there were some pieces of the interior that needed updating!

The kitchen had been updated, but in a really impractical way. It was expansive and huge, but the center island was a movable piece that was too small for the space. Our guess was that the previous owner didn't want to patch the terrazzo. But not only that, the range and refrigerator were located in funny spots and the guts of the cabinets were not deep enough (crazy, I know!).

So you guessed it.. we tore it out!

We relocated the refrigerator and range to ground the far wall, beefed up the island to be proportional to the rest of the space, and added in a butler's pantry off of the dining room. Since our client was happy with the original footprint and the amount of storage it would provide, we worked within those boundaries to create an updated space that still has an 'Old Florida' feel. We love how all of the different finishes warm up the kitchen while keeping it nice and bright! 

On the opposite side of the coffee bar, we added in a banquette for the family to sit and enjoy the view (because really that is the focal point!). Our client entertains grandchildren frequently so it was an easy and comfortable way to pack some tiny bodies in for mealtime!

We have to say that at the end of the day the original terrazzo shines as the star to us. It reminds us of Florida sand and is so cool on your feet in the heat. We are really happy that our client decided to keep it and clean & polish it to showcase it's true beauty!

Stay tuned for more from Coconut Terrace!

**photos by Bosimages

:: before & after :: kitchen reno

Long time no see blog world! It has been ages since I posted (insert horrified face)... for those of you who aren't aware, I had an amazingly beautiful boy 13 months ago. His name is Lee and he is high energy, curious, and already head strong! My pregnancy was packed full of work (think chicken with head cut-off) and this past year spent getting to know our little man. Needless to say, I haven't disappeared or gone underground I am just learning how to navigate work, life, home, and a now rapidly growing toddler (when did he grow up??).

Anyways, one project that I have finally circled back and photographed was an incredible kitchen transformation for the sweetest family ever! I did the drawings and selections back in winter of 2016 and they kicked off construction right around when I delivered Lee. Every time I look back at the before photos my jaw hits the floor -

This kitchen had never been touched. There was original vinyl flooring, original cabinetry, plumbing, electrical... you name it. It was tough to get pictures because it was tight with a powder bathroom and linen closet smack in the middle of the space. The lack of natural light, low ceilings, and fluorescent fixtures all added to the dungeon-like atmosphere. 

So we decided to give this baby a face lift and boy was it a good one...

I mean hello kitchen!! First thing to go was the bathroom and closet that totally limited the space. A new powder bathroom was put in on the other side of the house and we opened this sucker up! Now it is bright, airy, cozy, and functional.

Since the ceilings are 8' we wanted to create some height. We put in a tray ceiling with wood paneling to warm up the kitchen. The windows were also reconfigured to maximize the natural light.

Lastly, it was important to provide a desk space for my client so that she had a place to keep herself organize. It is night and day from what she used to have and she is loving every minute she spends in her new, fabulous kitchen.

A big thanks to our clients for being open minded, decisive, and fun! Our super star contractor Tim McKeehan was extremely knowledgeable, talented, and reliable! And thanks to Bosimages for capturing the beauty of the space!

So that's a wrap on another before & after :)!!

Photos by Bosimages

:: Get the Look! Call Lauren @ 404.989.2386::

:: before & after :: cheval guest bathroom 1

And we are back with the first guest bathroom at our Cheval Place project! This space serves as our client's daughter's bathroom when she is in town, as well as the main guest bath. At our initial consultation, our client explained that they would like each space to have it's own personality, with this one standing out as the "showcase" bathroom.

When you walked into the original bathroom, there was a soffit that followed the footprint of the vanity, which unfortunately made the ceilings feel lower than they actually are (they are a generous 10'!). Again, in this space there were dated finishes and details that needed a swift face lift.

BEFORE .....

AFTER .....

Yep, we are all still picking our jaws off of the floor, too! First order of business was to remove the soffit over the vanity to create height. This space was a complete pull and replace down to the flooring. The porcelain tile that runs throughout the house was swapped out with a wood look plank tile. The grass cloth wallpaper also amps up the sophistication. We brought the drama in here by combining dark woods, shiny polished nickel plumbing, and champagne accents.

The existing cast iron tub was removed and replaced with a new acrylic one by Duravit. We love this tub because of the depth and clean-ability. The marble subway tile complements the color scheme perfectly and brightens up the shower niche. Lastly, we added in a new, beautiful crown moulding for the wallpaper to die into.

We think we hit the nail on the head with our client's vintage-inspired aesthetic and can't get enough of this gorgeous bathroom!

Photos by Jenna Tarapani

:: Get the look! Call Lauren @ 404.989.2386 ::

atlanta market

This past weekend I flew up to Atlanta for the International Home & Gift Market. It is always a blast to stop into the showrooms to see the new product, not to mention an excuse to visit my old stomping grounds. I get to gather inspiration, new product lines, and sit in/try pieces I have been stalking on vendor websites.

A few of my go-to lines are Four Hands, Zentique, Arteriors, and Gabby Home. I love feeling and touching the quality of these manufacturers so that I can relay to my clients exactly what to expect. Their price points are great with impeccable quality. I gravitate towards these lines because they have a little bit of everything - mid-century modern, old world, transitional, modern. They cover the bases and are all so easy to work with.

As a designer, it is like Christmas to walk through market!

Of course it ain't a trip to Atlanta without some foodie stops with old friends! It ended up being an extra special visit with a number of my Auburn Interior Design fellow graduates (War Eagle!) being in town! I am constantly inspired by these ladies and so glad we were able to catch up! And who doesn't love a meal at JCT Kitchen?!

'Til next time Atlanta!

:: before & after :: cheval laundry makeover

We just wrapped on another amazing project in Lakewood Ranch (yes, we travel!) and have some before & afters that will knock your socks off ....

Our client hired us to bring 3 of their spaces up to date, including the laundry room and two guest bathrooms. Each room had decent bones, it was just evident that they were still stuck in the 90s. The laundry, in particular, felt dark and cramped, lacking personality with the original laminate cabinets. Overall, the space had enough storage and served it's purpose as is, but did not fit our client's personality.

BEFORE .....

AFTER .....

In order to open up this tight space, we kept it bright and airy with warm whites and soft blue accents. We extended the upper cabinets to the existing soffit, which creates height and gives the cabinets a custom look. Details in the subway tile and decorative accent at the hanging rod infused the space with character. Since this is a room that houses dogs and bleach, we selected a quartz counter because of it's durability.

A few small, but effective changes in this laundry room made a dramatic difference and brought this room into 2016!

Ain't a shabby place to fold some laundry..... ;)

Photos by Jenna Tarapani

:: Get the look! Call Lauren @ 404.989.2386 ::