May 12, 2016

The Impact of Our Design Decisions

The Impact of Our Design Decisions

  After the initial visit with new clients on the coast, writing copious notes and documenting the interior space with photographs, we made the following decisions based on the wants and wishes of our clients.

There were several characteristics about the home that needed updating. The tile floor and kitchen needed a complete remodel which played a large role in the decisions we made hereafter. As our client had a source for wide plank pine flooring we all agreed that was the direction to take.

In addition, we made the following design renovation decisions:

We suggested removing the large twisted columns and the half walls they were built into.

Removing the half wall between living room and doors to the deck

Removing the island in kitchen and replacing it

Removing all existing window treatments and replacing the door to the deck with a 8ft tall new unit with side light

Complete remodel of the kitchen and all new recessed lighting which resulted in the removal of the entire ceiling.

  The renovation meant that the clients had to remove walls, ceilings, columns, doors and floors.

These were carefully thought out design decisions that created a drastic demolition but will result in a brand new, updated beach front home in a matter of months. Progress reports to follow.

- Carol Hamilton 

May 5, 2016

The Times They are a Changing…

The lyrics from Bob Dylan’s song, The Times They are a Changin’ are very appropriate seven months after Columbia’s Thousand Year Flood in October, 2015. The aftermath of the flood has changed our neighborhoods in so many ways. We use to walk down the street to visit with neighborhood friends, watch kids playing in the yard, watch dogs chasing balls – our neighborhoods were full of life and activity.

Progress in the Lake Katherine are.

Now we see homes being torn down and dumpsters in front yards. Homes being raised and homes being remodeled. New construction and for sale signs in front yards.

Many new developments on Burwell Road

Our neighborhoods, they are a changin’!

April 28, 2016

Kitchen Transformation!!!

When my clients called me about renovating their kitchen, the challenge was that their kitchen is an interior room with no outside views. Plus, they had a large skylight that had a dated feel to it. At first, they just wanted to paint and replace appliances, but quickly realized we could greatly improve the design of their room.  We decided to  open up one end wall  to let in natural light from the dining room. What a difference that made! Then, the white cabinets, reclaimed hardwood floors, and planked walls really changed the look of their kitchen.

Tim Hance, the architect on this project, designed the skylight to flow into the planked ceiling. It  definitely helped to disguise the large square box from before and makes it feel a part of the room.

By moving a door over a foot, we were able to gain a wall of storage at this end of the room.

The cooktop area, island, and baking center have white marble countertops. The glass doors over the baking center are beautiful!