Urban Farmhouse: Family Bath

CAROL REED

December 18, 2019

Christmas Greens! We’ve just wrapped up a set of design plans for January construction. The family bath for the Bedford family home is part of an extensive home reno and was inspired by the existing vintage, two sided alcove tub (with rounded corner) tha't’s definitely a keeper. And I continue to be smitten with #Kohler’s Artifacts series which has the perfect modern heritage vibe for this century house, so much so we’re also using this series for faucets in the kitchen.

CAROL REED

February 6, 2019

Interior Design: Floor Plan - Before & After

CAROL REED

February 6, 2019

Before & After floor Plans of a Whole Home Renovation

Floor Plan - Before | Carol Reed Interior Design Inc.

The before & after plans of this past project are a great example of how effective it can be to assess and make thoughtful changes to a floor plan. This important step is the catalyst to achieving a successful home design or renovation - its also my favourite part of the design process because its when the potential is revealed and solutions are realized. The objective for this plan was to update an 80's suburban home for a busy young family of 4 who love to cozy up for movie nights and also host large family gatherings. The most pressing issue was the need for a more functional kitchen and so the renovation planning started and extended from there. (See plan above and the key issues to be addressed.)

The house had none of the builder upgrades (like hardwood or crown mouldings or granite counters) and so not only was it in need of aesthetic updates the layout didn't function well for their lifestyle. The hard working spaces like the kitchen, entry and laundry areas were inefficient. This put them in a dilemma many home owners face….endure a top to bottom renovation… or.... begin a search for another house that better suited their needs. Both can be equally daunting choices for a busy young family, ultimately they chose to undergo a full renovation but in the hands of a professional team and with the intent that the project wouldn't become an extensive gut-reno. I came on board to re-design the floor plan plus all the new details and finishes that would transform the home - featuring a luxurious new kitchen (which by design, would not be the typical open concept configuration).

Floor Plan - After | Carol Reed Interior Design Inc.

The “after” version of the floor plan shown above and below with notations of some of the key changes. Although the changes to the layout were not drastic from a construction stand-point, the combination of those layout improvements with the added functionality and all new materials, finishes and details resulted in a dramatic transformation.

Floor Plan - After (showing proposed furniture placement)Design by: Carol Reed Interior Design Inc. — Floor Plan - After (showing proposed furniture placement)
Design by: Carol Reed Interior Design Inc.

CREED

February 23, 2018

Kitchen Renovation: 18th Century Dutch Colonial

CREED

February 23, 2018

Design Plans & Concept for the kitchen renovation of a heritage home on the South Shore of Nova Scotia.

Kitchen Concept by: Carol Reed Interior Design Inc. www.carolreeddesign.com

Without a doubt one of the most appealing aspects of designing projects in Nova Scotia is the opportunity to work on some of the oldest homes in the Country. Its exciting not just to see this heritage preserved but seeing it adapted and juxtaposed with modern day living. This rural, oceanside dutch colonial dates back to 1784 and has maintained all of its original character and features for more than two centuries, its significance holds heritage designation. Nestled on a grassy treed lot, it sits prominently at the end of a large harbour with stunning views of the ever changing ocean and sky.

CREED Blog - Dutch Colonial Kitchen Renovation, Shelburne Nova Scotia www.carolreeddesign.com

The scope of this project involves renovating the current kitchen and adjacent pantry. The original 18th century kitchen was in the cellar and has likely been out of use for the past century or more. The current 'modern day' kitchen is on the main floor at the rear of the house but consists of nothing more than a double sided island in the middle of the room (the sink on one side, the range on the other) and two closets. Not surprising the top priority for the new owner of the house was to put in a new kitchen.

The room is a large rectangle with some common but difficult challenges to work around; a wall of windows with low sills, 3 doorways, and a brick chimney stack - not a lot of wall space to work with. With a concept for the design already envisioned, the next step was coming up with the new layout.

Rear view, the door on the left leads directly into the kitchen.CREED Blog - Dutch Colonial Kitchen Renovation www.carolreeddesign.com — Rear view, the door on the left leads directly into the kitchen.
CREED Blog - Dutch Colonial Kitchen Renovation www.carolreeddesign.com

Kitchen Design by: Carol Reed Interior Design Inc.www.carolreeddesign.com — Kitchen Design by: Carol Reed Interior Design Inc.
www.carolreeddesign.com

The initial proposed plan (above) involved removing a brick chimney that imposed approximately 2 feet into the room (previously serving an old fireplace) and is located exactly where we wanted to put the new range. After much deliberation however, the final version of the plan (not shown) now incorporates the chimney stack staying as is, so the range wall has been reconfigured from what you see above but maintains the same design concept. More importantly, the homeowner is equally as thrilled (as am I) with how the alternate solution worked out. In addition to the main kitchen the adjacent separate panty/servery will be maintained but with all new cabinetry and finishes - the only mandate being a recently purchased fridge had to stay. The panty is situated between the kitchen and dining room, with an entrance into each.

The concept for the finishes and fixtures for the main kitchen area (above) reflects the simplicity of the aesthetic - the new kitchen will be very plain, and very english with hand crafted quality. The floors will be the original wood floor boards, we'll be exposing the original hand hewn wood ceiling beams, the cabinetry will be custom made, flush inset with a hand painted finish. The existing original large mouldings will be replicated in new. The sconces and stools are a nod to the colonial style of the house. The range wall features a large hearth style range canopy complete with mantle which also does a stellar job of concealing the old brick chimney.

Finishes & Fixtures Presentation Meeting - December 2017.Kitchen Concept by: Carol Reed Interior Design Inc. www.carolreeddesign.com — Finishes & Fixtures Presentation Meeting - December 2017.
Kitchen Concept by: Carol Reed Interior Design Inc. www.carolreeddesign.com

Demolition started this week and I'm looking forward to seeing what's discovered when the bare bones of this 18th century charmer are revealed.

WELCOME!

CREED: [noun = A summary of principals, beliefs or opinions. ]

BEAU-TY: [noun = The quality that gives pleasure to the mind or senses and is associated with such priorities as harmony of form or colour, excellence of artistry, truthfulness and originality. ] There is no better example of this than Mother Nature.