Often, when a home is purchased, we are faced with a pure white canvas.  The goal of the seller had been to keep it neutral.  The challenge for the new homeowner is how to create a home that reflects their personal style.  In this case, the desire was to transform this space to compliment their French Provencial furnishings.  Now, upon entering the room, you are swept back to a bygone era of quiet beauty and graceful living reminiscent of the countryside of France.

A traditional color palate of warm muted tones was inspired from the largest pattern in the room, the area rug.  The mantel is the smallest feature on this wall.  Yet, our intent was to make it the primary focal point.  To achieve this, the bookcases were painted in a solid tone slightly deeper than the new wall color and softened with a minimal edging detail.  The previous “faux marbling” on the ledges was too harsh and emphasized an uneven horizontal line across the wall.  The contrast and finish on the bookcases is now very subtle.  This provides the accessories an opportunity to be the main attraction on the shelves.

The Design Process:

The mantel was an odd shape.  Notice the firebox, the bookcases, the windows and the mirror. . . they are all square or rectangular.  Two small pieces of trim mold were added to each side before painting and treated as part of the structure.  This gives the illusion that the mantel is geometrically consistent and balanced with the other elements in the room.  Multiple intricate aging and distressing techniques were blended into this faux finish.  It reflects a sense of authenticity that only happens over time.  The unexpected use of subtle green undertones works to draw your eye to the center of this wall.  Strategically placed red highlights add interest and feature the simple architectural details.  The mantel now carries enough “visual weight” to support the placement of a tall elegant mirror above.  There is no mistaking that it is the most important design feature of this grand space . . . vive la diffe’rence!

Be sure to visit my website at www.kasswilson.com to view more amazing transformations.  For a full screen close-up of this project, click on the right side of the slideshow icon.

Multiiple “design tricks” were incorporated to transform this master bath into a place of elegance and intrigue.  The harsh contrast of the black chest next to white cabinetry had not been resolved by simple glazing.

Many times when we look at cabinetry, there is a tendency to apply a finish as if it is one single architectural detail.  In reality, it is a combination of many different surfaces and features.  Each of these is an opportunity to incorporate design elements that will make the craftsmanship stand out.  In this case, we identified the insets of specific doors and the front of the drawers as separate entities.

The Design Process:

Your first impression is that there is a strong line of cabinetry.  The black chest in the middle seems out of place.  Individual door fronts were strategically selected to be painted black.  This helps to unify and “make sense” of the chest of drawers while softening the long horizontal line.  It is much easier for the eye to follow.

The new palate was selected from the tones of the granite countertops.  An embellished design was placed directly below each sink.  This was inspired by the designs in the rug and new window treatments.  It directs you to focus on the center of each side and enhances the symetry of the space.  Notice in the photos how your eye now gently “floats” across the room to take in the visual depth and interest.

The elegance of this master bath was a result of innovative and “strategic planning” with JoAnn and Kelly, the designers at Kandrac-Kole Interiors (www.kandrac-kole.com).

To view more innovative cabinetry projects visit my website at www.kasswilson.com.