How exciting!  An investment was made to upgrade kitchen cabinets from white to wood.  But one piece of the puzzle was missing.  The doors to the pantry and  entry to the garage remained white.  This abruptly interrupted the visual flow of the richness of the new wood cabinetry.  A  gap of white remained as a daunting reminder of the past.

The Design Process:

When remodeling a kitchen it is important to recognize that doors are visually a part of the cabinetry.  One obvious solution is to have them painted to appear as if they are a part of the new wood in the space.  This can be tricky.  They are usually right next to the other cabinets.  It requires a perfect match of both color as well as the grain.  Even if actual wood doors are purchased, it may be a different wood species.  The grain will be different and may not accept the stain the same as the cabinets. An additional challenge is that one of these doors is a simulated wood texture and the other is metal.  Unless it is done well, the end result will be a “near miss”.

A faux finish of  precise graining on doors is an added detail that completes the beautiful and seamless line of exquisite wood cabinetry.  Guests walk right by these doors never noticing that they are a painted finish rather than real wood!  This is yet another example of attending to ALL of the details when upgrading or remodeling.   Do you have plain white doors in your kitchen?   Filling in the blanks is essential to an end result that adds value to your home.

Special thanks to designer, Michelle Nettles , 770 356 5814,  www.mjninteriors.com

For more ideas on how to enhance your home, be sure to visit www.kasswilson.com.

Call me for help with your next project:  770 777 7020

Beginning with a blank canvas can be extremely challenging.  Where do you start?  What is your inspiration?  In a kitchen, it begins with defining FUNCTION.  Once the layout is determined, we  move forward with how it will look from every vantage point.

Start by selecting the items that have the most limited options for color, size and/or price.  This is often the main focal point or “grounding” element of a space.  In a large room, it can be an area rug or piece of art.  But, in a kitchen it is usually the granite.  This is your initial inspiration that will drive all decisions about colors, style and where you want your attention to travel.   Next is the tile back splash and the cabinetry.  They will follow  as a backdrop that surrounds these important features.  But, don’t stop there . . .  now comes the challenge!   The basic selections can be wonderful and “go together”.   But it is the added attention to details that will give you an opportunity to enhance all of the beautiful features within a space for a “WOW”.  This is where you can “go the extra mile”.

Faux finishing offers infinite technique and color solutions that will work to unify all of the  elements within a space.  Ideally, this is explored early in the design process.  Teaming up with a talented designer is a great way to create and utilize innovative ideas that you may have never thought about.  Together, we work to identify unique ways to make all of these features come to life.  Developing a complete plan from the beginning allows the freedom to incorporate many great ideas BEFORE construction starts.  Trying to add them later can be very costly, time consuming or even impossible.

The Design Process:

In this scenario, we focused our attention upward.  Imagine how this kitchen would appear if the large ceiling was allowed to remain flat.   Since it is not very high, there is a tendency to believe that leaving it a light color will make it appear taller.  Instead, notice how the addition of  bold trim in the center works to define the space.  It adds balance and interest, draws your eye upward and eliminates the appearance of vast emptiness.  The frame was painted with a faux wood grain technique that matches the cabinets to perfection.   The inset is a softened metallic finish that compliments both the custom tile on the back splash and the light fixtures.

In large kitchens, even the beauty of wood can become overly repetitious.  Adding distressed black on select door fronts and the back of the display cabinets offers an unpredictable but subtle detail.   Notice how it draws attention to the dimension of the doors, outlines the accessories and emphasizes the curved arches in the cabinets.

This kitchen remodel is candy to the eye.   Using multiple but subtle faux finishes allows all of the features to stand out.  There is a delicate and unique balance of details that encourages your eye to glide across the room to appreciate the architecture and accessories.   Going that extra mile gives an unmistakable statement of quality and  design sophistication.

Please take a moment to send us a comment.  OR, call 770 777 7020 for information about where to begin on YOUR next project.

Special thanks to designer, Christine Barnes for this wonderful kitchen remodel  .  .  .   770 241 2302

Visit www.kasswilson.com for more transformations.

Over time, styles change,  color trends change and the purpose for a space will change.  But one thing that seems to remain the consistent is the timeless beauty of exotic wood and the elegance of traditional craftsmanship.  This project represents the transformation of a space into a sophisticated gathering place that will be enjoyed while relaxing with a glass of fine wine.

The Design Process:

Plans for the future of this area include the addition of a wine cellar.  The theme will be changing to reflect an elegant pub setting.  Look closely at how this designer has skillfully re-directed the color palate and style of this space.

The “visual weight” and “balance” of this room has been shifted with the clever use of color.  Applying a faux finish to the cabinets transformed their harsh white appearance into elegant dark wood hues.  The beauty of a painted wood grain technique creates the illusion of fine crafted flame mahogany.  This outlines and draws attention to the stackstone in the mantel.  The colors were chosen to blend effortlessly with the tones of the fabrics.   A clean lined, neutral sofa acts as a quiet backdrop to all of the other design elements in the room.  As a result,  your attention is drawn upward and flows around the room to embrace the rich colors, tailored patterns and warm textures.

This space now has a new attitude.  It honors the luxury of traditional elements yet remains a relaxed setting for comfortable entertaining.  It is a reflection of a mature and sophisticated design style that will be complimentary to a lovely wine cellar.  Cheers!

Special thanks to Karen Davis of KD Design Studio  770 346 9494  www.karendavisinteriors.com .  Also, be sure to visit www.kasswilson.com to view more transformations.

He wants the richness of wood.  She wants an updated color.  How do you keep everyone happy?  Creating a kitchen that accommodates both personalities requires creative planning.  One solution is to look at how you can incorporate more than one finish in a single space.  During our first meeting, we looked through a large portfolio of cabinet finishes.  Two options were identified as possibilities.  A soft stria glazing in a complementary tone of gold offers a casual yet tailored elegance.  The beauty of wood grain is rich in tradition, but the concern was that it would appear too dark if applied to every surface.  Careful studying of the lines within the cabinetry revealed the answers.  The division became obvious.  Both finishes could be used and a unique kitchen was born!

The Design Process:

In a kitchen, the cabinetry usually covers more than 60% of the wall space.  It can be very repetitious.   We often create drama in a room by adding an accent wall of color.  This same concept can be used on your cabinets.  Utilizing two complementary finishes will add character and give your kitchen a personality all its own.

Look closely at the original kitchen.  The cabinets are perfectly uniform and symmetrical.  They were painted the same color as the walls and lightly glazed.  This offers a quiet sophistication to surround the new focal points. . . the two large towers.  A wood grain technique was applied to give them the illusion of freestanding furniture.  Designing with an odd number of elements is more pleasing to the eye.  So, the island was number three.  The pantry doors were then treated the same as the surrounding cabinets.  This allows your eye to gently float around the room without interruption.

The custom tile on the backsplashes and the front of the counter introduces a dramatic pattern into this space.  Painting the trim around the bar in the same wood grain technique provides an outline of this feature.  It is a finishing detail that helps to emphasize the importance of this design.

This kitchen now offers versatility.  It provides an invitation for warm family gatherings.  But with a few fancy accessories, it is easily dressed up for formal entertaining.  It readily adapts as a pleasing environment that will fit any personality.

To view more cabinetry transformations, visit my website at www.kasswilson.com.

This kitchen renovation was near completion.  To “wake it up”, the vent hood was embellished with a textured design and highlighted to enhance the details.  Applying a black finish to the bottom drawers creates a more substantial focal point in the center.

The wall colors were chosen to blend with the window treatments.  An elegant reflective faux finish now surrounds the new cabinetry and compliments the luxurious sheen of the fabric.  Squares of a bronze damask design adds an unexpected element.  This detail is a departure from the ordinary and predictable.  It is a unique blend of a timeless pattern with an updated contemporary twist.  The result is a sophisticated renovation that combines modern flair with a respect for traditional style.

The Design Process:

Getting new cabinets is not necessarily a guarantee that you will have the designer kitchen that you have always dreamed of.  This homeowner recognized early in the renovation process that something was missing.  It was the absence of a strong point of interest . . . something that will break up the repetition of the standard cabinet finish.  The larger the kitchen, the more important this becomes.  Sometimes this can be achieved by merely having the island a different color.  But, if your ceilings are tall, you need to stretch that focal point higher than waist level.  In this case, the vent hood was the obvious choice.

A contrast of black is always dramatic.  To add more interest, a raised texture was applied to the inset on the vent hood.  Outlining the raised areas in bronze further highlighted the details that are incorporated into the cabinetry  This adds a touch of elegance and intrigue.  Finishing the lower drawers in black creates the appearance of a tower and accentuates the height of the ceilings.  There is no longer any question about where your eye travels when you enter this kitchen.  Simple faux finishes in unexpected places provide the dramatic “wake up call” that was needed to make this space spectacular.

For more examples be sure to visit my website at www.kasswilson.com.

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.

This project took place in a large furniture and design showroom.  The challenge was to define the reception area.  Changing the “accent wall” into a true “focal wall” creates a stunning backdrop.  The clever addition of a dramatic texture technique and rich metallics offers a treat that is both visual and tactile.  It immediately captures your attention and draws you in.  To further emphasize the desk, the inset of the cabinetry was enhanced in a complimentary palate to showcase the raised architectural details.

This reception area may be small in proportion to the rest of the space.  But it is now rich with intrigue and defines a place of importance and purpose.

The Design Process:
The quality of a faux finish is often more valuable than quantity.  In this scenario, the goal was to frame the desk and create a contrasting backdrop that would make this area stand out.  The clean lines and the black color act to visually “underline” this space.  High lighting the center panel of the desk with brilliant bronze tones creates enough contrast to punctuate this feature.

The wall finish needed to be equally as dimensional.  The trowel technique is more dramatic with a structured rather than random pattern.  This emphasizes a crisp and tailored style.  The size of the squares was determined according to the scale of the space.  If they were too large, it would overpower the beauty of the front panel . . . too small and they would lack definition in this open area.

The colors are complimentary to all of the fabrics, furnishings and accessories.  The warmth of the metallics outlined in black are a neutral yet stunning way to capture your eye.  This reception area is now readily identified as an invitation to explore the creativity within this showroom.

This new homeowner was not pleased with finish on the mantel or bookcases that came with this house.  However, they suspected that it could easily be changed.  Our vision was to utilize darker colors that would be more complimentary to the fireplace and add richness to this space.

The mantel was treated with a wood graining technique to match a piano on the opposite side of the room.  The color for the bookcases was chosen from tones in the stone and the deepest colors in the background of the fabrics.  For additional interest and touch of sophistication, a subtle texture was incorporated on the raised panels of the doors and outlined in bronze.  Drawing attention to the fireplace screen,  subtle metallic enhancements were added to awaken the details. The use of neutral and unexpected colors along with creative placement of texture offers a sense of unique sophistication.  The changes made provide an impression of added value to this home.  The hidden potential in this lovely space has been found.

The design process:

When looking at a full wall of architectural details, it is important to keep it interesting.  In this case, the bookcases were treated with a different finish than the mantel.  Each element then stands on its own as a separate feature.  The combination of faux finishes that are chosen should be planned to blend with all of the fabrics and furnishings within the space.  Departing from the traditional finish options such as “distressing” or “antiquing” is a way to make a home uniquely yours.

Back door guests are the best.  So often, attempts are made to hide a back entrance.  But in this case, it is celebrated.  In this country style home, special friends and family are welcomed with warm words of wisdom.   Meaningful phrases are incorporated into this rustic faux finish.  Each spectacular surface shares rich heart felt greetings from the homeowner.

The Design Process:

A color palate was chosen that would complement the flooring.  This 5 layer faux finish begins with a base that is suggestive of stone.  The home owner provided a list of statements that express her sentiments.  From this list, we selected the size, fonts and placement of each phrase.  The letters were then individually painted.  To complete the look, multiple layers of random texture and glazing techniques were added.  This provides even more depth and dimension.

The strength of black provides the accent.  It works to “punctuate” the verses, light fixtures and cabinet finish as focal points.  Additional artwork is not needed.  There is no question where your eye is led as you travel through this space.

All of the layers work together to create the illusion of authentic aging and distressing.  It gives the impression that these pearls of wisdom have withstood the test of time.  You cannot help but read them each time you enter or leave this home.  They are truly words to live by.

Be sure to visit www.kasswilson.com to view more transformations.