Looking for some safe hosting ideas or gifts for virtual parties during a pandemic? Here is a quick, affordable guide that might provide a little pick-me-up for Holiday Gatherings, 2020 Style!
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Photography by Christy Kosnic
DIY Kitchen Reveal and Gut Renovation
Never in a million years did I think I would be writing a post like this. A DIY kitchen?!
My husband and I bought a house in October of 2018, and were swinging sledge hammers the weekend we signed. We were swinging with adrenaline, with emotion, a slightly inflated sense of ‘Oh, we got this!’, but more than anything a hope for a better future.
“‘You two are what!?’ / Yea, good luck with that!’ / ‘What are you guys thinking?’ / ‘You guys are brave (aka crazy, ha)’”
These are the responses we fielded for months. Almost 11 months to be exact. That is how long our DIY kitchen took. We were hoping it would take half that time, but did I mention we also had full time jobs, a killer commute (thanks DC traffic) and my tiny, budding, side design business to deal with?
“When we first moved in, the kitchen was old, dark, completely enclosed and kinda gross. It had to go. ”
I wanted something open and integrated with the main living areas, yet slightly defined, cleaner, brighter, modern but warm, earthy, textural and functionally efficient. And obviously, it had to look Designer, on a total budget. Duh.
So how did we do it? With a whole lot of YouTube, a lot of sweat, blood and tears. Oh, also a lot of patience, willpower, energy and power tools. Every time I turned around, my husband was watching some sort of video learning a new skill. He was obviously the heavy lifter, heavy worker, the jack-of-all trades, the risk taker, and the true grit behind it all. I was basically his work apprentice, the cleaner upper, the safety inspector (or at least I tried, ha), the project manager, and obviously the Principal Designer, although he tries to take credit for some design work. But don’t believe him! ;)
KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM BEFORE
Our plan was to completely relocate the kitchen to the corner of the house which was the old dining area, so essentially our entire open living space was under construction and not exactly ‘livable’.
The first thing we tackled- Demo! We took down all the walls to the kitchen, the cabinets, the countertops, flooring and even the ceiling. I don’t think we really anticipated the amount of debris we were going to have deal with!
After demo and cleanup, here is a series of tasks we tackled:
Demolished a larger window in the old dining area. Framed and installed a smaller window that would highlight our new kitchen sink area
To prepare for higher ceilings, we tackled the HVAC and rerouted new ductwork via the attic through all the main living areas
We insulated and raised the ceilings to their full vaulted glory (This is my favorite architectural feature of this house!)
Framed and raised a new wall to help define the new dining area and to create some separation from the sitting areas and entryway
Ran all new electrical wiring for the new kitchen
Added down lights through the dining, kitchen and main living spaces
Moved all the plumbing and ran new pipes in the concrete slab
Ran a new propane gas line for the new gas stove, as the neighborhood is not equipped for natural gas
Closed off our walls with drywall, skim-coated, sanded and painted
Raised and leveled the sub flooring. Laid new engineered wood through the whole main living areas
The hardest day might have been the day we moved the plumbing through the concrete slab. With a rented concrete saw, a lot of flying dust, some serious grit, and ear plugs, we got through it! And in return we had working plumbing for our future kitchen sink and some seriously sore muscles.
We ended up saving a lot of $$$ (albeit at the cost of a lot of time + energy) by purchasing flat packed boxes and putting them together ourselves. After we put in all our cabinets, we got countertops installed. We finished off our electrical and plumbing, installed the appliances and built a custom range hood. We added all the finishing trim and installed our backsplash. And voila, our dream kitchen was DONE!
It was a learning experience for sure. More than any skills, we learned about ourselves, each other and limitations of our own minds and bodies. It was difficult and certainly not for the faint of heart, but if we can do it, so can you! However, I did tell my husband, I will never do anything like this again, ha.
I will say, my husband was a trooper. He obliged and entertained all (well, most) of my ever changing design ideas. I think he will tell you that the problem with marrying (and DIY’ing) with a designer is that they have access to so many sources and design ideas that they have the hardest time sticking to one decision! And it is true. Designing for ourselves is about 10x harder than designing for our clients. Go figure.
Other than the actual completed kitchen, one of my favorite things of all during this whole process? Our trips to the Loudoun County Dump. Yup, you read that right. There is something so incredibly satisfying about unloading and getting rid of so much debris and trash. Also, it was always a lovely ride through the countryside, a few minutes of rest, and we usually got something yummy to eat on the way back!
Btw, if you are wondering where did we eat for those 11 months? In the car or truck. A lot. Everyone would ask me ‘why don’t you get a little hot plate, microwave and fridge and put it in the guest room in the back?’ Because of the dust, you guys. It was EVERYWHERE. ALL. THE. TIME. Eating in the car was our little refuge, and our break from it all.
We went through highs and lows, but ultimately we have a kitchen we love. It may be small, and humble, but I still stare at it in disbelief, awe and gratitude thinking of how we literally made this with our own hands.
Thanks for reading through our journey and, finally, here are some pics of the completed project!
DIY KITCHEN REVEAL
Photography by Christy Kosnic
Thank you to my super talented friend Christy Kosnic for capturing these beautiful photos and really bringing our spaces to life!
***For more info on the design of the kitchen, keep an eye out for a future post. Sign up HERE. If you are thinking about a DIY Kitchen renovation, I’m with you in spirit! And if you need a professional design assist, our curated consulting services might be just the thing for you!***
Fall-Friendly Master Bedroom Refresh
2020- The year that we all stayed home. I don’t think any of us ever thought we would be spending so much time at home, ever! I, as an introvert, absolutely love my alone time to recharge at home, but even I struggle with this new way of life.
Updating and redesigning our homes to accommodate these new ways of life (hello WFH, school and virtual absolutely EVERYTHING) has become a necessity. A lot of us are scrambling to update these multi-functional spaces and are understandably trying to get it done on a budget; our home offices, our dining rooms that are now our home schools, our kitchens where we are endlessly preparing meals and our living rooms where we are doing all of the above are all getting a facelift.
But what about our spaces that serve as our sanctuaries; the spaces that are meant to help us recharge? Our BEDROOMS!
Today, I thought I would highlight a few, cozy, fall-friendly pieces that can help elevate your master bedroom (on a budget!). What better way to welcome our favorite season and say goodbye to the Summer that never was? Ha.
pillow // linen sheets // throw // scented candle // candle holders // sheepskin rug // vase
Adding some neutral layers to your existing space can automatically make a room feel more relaxing and cozy. Add some heavenly candles, and a soft rug to ground the space and you instantly have a bedroom that feels more thoughtful and elevated.
Looking for something more than a quick refresh? Keep an eye out for a full post on creating that master bedroom sanctuary! Don’t forget to signup for updates HERE.
And in the meantime keep the inspiration going with AllModern, where you can peruse more: modern bedroom furnishings / bedside tables / shelves / sconces / bedding / decor
Thanks for reading you guys and stay safe!
via bobby berk
My Home Office Favorites
Hi Guys! Hope you are all doing well and staying safe. If you saw my first blog post, I wrote about 6 essential tips in setting up your home office. If you didn’t catch it, you can check it HERE.
Today, as promised, I wanted to highlight some of my own personal favorite pieces. Sadly, my home office is currently under construction (or more truthfully stalled due to many reasons! sighhhh), but IF I could set it up, I imagine you could find a few of these following items in there!
I break down exactly why I chose some of the major pieces that I do. Take a closer look at my selections below and let me know what you think!
Simply put, I love the angles and straight lines of this desk. But it is not only a thing of beauty, it is also functional with cable management and a center drawer that flips down for a keyboard. Anything that can help me hide away clutter, is amazing. As for the chair, although there are plenty of ‘prettier’ pull-up chairs out there (I’m looking at YOU), I wanted to make sure comfort and function were my primary targets, since I’ll potentially be spending hours here (even post pandemic). Having casters and arm rests are both helpful ergonomically and functionally. I bring in warmth via some of the warmer tones as well as the textures in the room, especially the rug. Again, I opted for simple, straight lines, and as a bonus, it is an indoor/outdoor rug that will help keep wear and tear down. I also wanted to bring in some dark tones to play off the warmth in the room. The MC black metal sconce not only helps me build contrast in the space, but functionally it provides me task lighting all the while keeping my desk clutter free! Win, win.
Ultimately, I wanted to create a space that was clean, minimal yet warm. And if I’m spending all day in there, it has to be functional and comfortable. I talk about how important color is in my previous post, and I wouldn’t dare create a space without some splashes of color! I bring those in with whimsical artwork and of course, via plants. I may have ‘splurged’ a bit on some pieces here, but hey, a girl can dream can’t she? Ha.
Thanks for reading and if you have any questions on how to set up your own home office, I’d be happy to help. As always, I’d love to hear from you! Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe HERE.
Sources:
DESK - CHAIR - STORAGE SHELF - RUG - SCONCE -LINEN PINBOARD -ART
Why Diversity in Design Matters and Black Creatives that Inspire
Hi Guys,
It’s been a rough few weeks to say the least. I know I was already personally struggling with the overall effects of the pandemic - thank God, me and my family have remained healthy, but business wise, it hasn’t quite been the same.
With that said, none of that compares with what I am sure folks in the Black community are feeling currently and have been feeling for such a long time. Seeing the nonsensical and outright racist behaviors/words of law enforcement and politicians is dehumanizing and hurtful, but I am in absolute awe of those individuals (and there have been thousands, maybe millions, from what I have seen!), that have stepped up and made us all see, hear and experience what needs to be acknowledged.
Black Lives Matter. That’s it. And, what I do know is that this fight that Black America is fighting is and always has been relevant to us all. That is why, every POC needs to understand that this is not just their fight, but we need to help them pave the way so that ultimately we can all feel equal in this world.
I can’t really speak for others, but I will speak for myself. Our design industry lacks diversity. As a brown, Muslim business woman (who grew up in 99% White, Middle America), I have faced my own share of outright discriminatory practices and challenges, and even continue to experience some to this day. And, the only way to overcome and change those preexisting prejudices (for any POC) is by acknowledgment of the problem by EVERYONE.
This is worth repeating — Our design industry lacks diversity. And why does that matter-specifically in design? It matters because diversity and inclusion promote innovation and creativity. Design (especially interior design) is interactive and when we have a homogenous pool of people creating for everyone, we fail to address the needs of everyone that may experience the space. When people from different backgrounds, upbringings and cultures come together, it breeds a whole new set of ideas, solutions and design trends. It creates a greater pool of problem solvers and ultimately helps designers create better suited spaces that are relevant and inclusive for ALL OF US. It creates a better reflection of who we are as designers and it creates a better reflection of our clients. It creates a better quality of life.
As of recently, I have been working on diversifying my own feed and expanding my sourcing network. As new projects and opportunities come my way, I really hope to be able to professionally connect with some of these Black Creatives and Entrepreneurs. Today, I wanted to introduce you to a very small handful of those many, many creatives that deserve to be highlighted! These designers and entrepreneurs are exceptional!
54Kibo by Nana Quagraine
54Kibo was created by Nana to help bring contemporary African designs to the rest of the world and make it accessible to everyone. She has everything from cool modern furniture to eclectic lighting and beautiful linens. One thing all her pieces have in common…soul. Check her and her team out and give them a follow.
Melissa Koby Art
Melissa is a self taught artist living in Tampa, Fl and her IG is absolutely full of inspiration! Besides her amazing ability to coordinate thoughtful colors, her illustrations ooze character and motivation. She even does custom commissions tailored to her clients specific needs! Yes please, sign me up!
B́ole Road Textiles
Bole Road Textiles was founded by designer Hana Getachew in Brooklyn. This remarkable company brings us Ethiopian, handwoven textiles that are graphic, vibrant and full of texture and depth. The name of the company pays homage to the beautiful and quaint neighbhood that her family resided in.
Enkee Ceramics
Enkee Ceramics, founded by the talented Denise, has some incredibly beautiful, organic and rustic pieces of pottery that I have ever seen. Here…texture is king, or queen! Her pieces are full of character and depth, and although she is all sold out for now, looks like she will be dropping some new pieces end of June, beginning of July. Get in line!
Nicole Crowder Upholstery
Nicole is a talented independent furniture designer and upholsterer in the Washington, DC area. She officially started Nicole Crowder Upholstery in 2017 after discovering how much joy the craft of upholstery brought to her! Of course, she is busy breathing new life into old pieces of furniture for clients, but she also sells some exclusive one of a kind pieces on her site. Check back for new pieces!
Thank you for reading and I hope you found these sources helpful. As things in the media settle down, I hope we all continue to do our part of listening, learning and helping individuals of color thrive and help bring equality to the forefront. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out. SUBSCRIBE HERE to stay in touch!
Working From Home? Set yourself up for success
Hi Guys! What a crazy time we are all living through right now. If someone had told me a few months ago that we would all be stuck in our homes for two months straight during the best season of the year (Spring, duh!) , I would have thought they were nuts. Amirite?!
Well, here we are and more and more of us are working from home; at least the lucky ones are. There are a lot of silver linings of this time period and i’m sure if we don’t already see it, we will soon enough. But for now, let’s make our time working from home the best! So, how do we set ourselves up for success?
SET A DEDICATED SPACE FOR WORK
When I started working from home last year, I quickly realized that having an actual workplace that I ‘go’ to everyday was important. It kept distractions to a minimum, but it also helped me create a ‘routine’. If you have a proper Office, you are already a step ahead of the game! Otherwise, find a nook of the living room, a bedroom, or maybe even consider converting an unused closet. Set it up with whatever YOU need throughout the work day - and wherever it may be, make sure there is some sort of separation from your ‘play’ space.
GET COMFORTABLE SEATING
Whether you have an actual rolling desk chair or are pulling up a chair from your dining table, just make sure it is comfortable. Ensure you are sitting up straight, with sufficient lumbar support and your feet are flat on the ground. While we are talking ergonomics here, your monitor should be at eye level, or just slightly lower while your arms should be at a 90 degree angle.
ADD COLOR
Adding a few splashes of color via paint, accessories or artwork in your space will keep the space interesting, personal and keep those productive/creative juices flowing throughout the day! If you are mostly just squatting temporarily in the short term, think fun colorful desk accessories or a personalized picture frame! And if you have an actual office space, the options are unlimited. Do not forget to give those walls some love (paint or wall art) and maybe think about throwing a fresh coat of colorful paint on those built-ins. Oooh, fun DIY weekend project anyone?
ADD PLANTS
This kind of goes in hand with the last point, but plants are so vital. They add color, they filter the air, and they literally bring life to a dull space. Studies have actually shown that having plants in the workspace can improve employe health and reduce sick days. Up until about 6 years ago, I don’t think I had a single plant in my apartment. So I get it! I remember thinking ‘sounds like just another responsibility!’ But really, you guys, if you don’t already have a little green friend by your workspace, add one. You’ll thank me, and yourself!
GET PROPER LIGHTING
This kind of goes without saying, but making sure a space is well lit for working is vital. Having daylight is best, but when that is not possible, make sure you have enough lighting to keep your eyes from (eventually) getting strained. Add a task lamp on the desk or a hang a cute corded sconce on the wall above. Light up your space in style!
DECLUTTER DAILY
Guilty here! I may not do this everyday, but it is something I am working on. Granted, it can be tedious to tidy up everyday, but it can really help keep the sanity. And somehow, I always feel better afterwards! Keep your workspace organized and clean and your mind will follow.
Thanks for reading! If you need specific recommendations on your home office or have any questions, please reach out. I’d love to hear from you. I’ll be rounding up some of my favorite pieces of office furniture and accessories in an upcoming post. So don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE HERE.
