While I’m doing fewer full service design projects these days and leaning into consulting, I do have a few remodels that I’ve been working on. I’m sharing a bit from those here today.
Kitchen Remodel With Accessibility in Mind
The project that has been under construction for four months now and is in the final stretch is a kitchen that turned into a bigger overall project.
This is a former client whose primary bath was done some years ago. This couple is so nice and fun, I was happy to work with them again, this time to get their kitchen and a few other spaces more up to date and functional for them to use.
BEFORE - Kitchen Remodel
I posted about it here a few months ago, and now we have flooring, cabinets, paint and appliances done. The countertops and splash just went in this week. I can’t wait for the hood, which should be the next major installation.
This kitchen needed to be more accessible for a wheelchair so wider aisles, an island that could be used for eating and food prep, a sink and storage that was more accessible, etc.
One big accommodation was the new tile floor that flows through the majority of the house. The flooring was chopped up before with tile and laminate and some big transitions that made for a lot of bumps. The tile flooring we installed now is an indestructible porcelain that creates a smooth ride in a heavy wheelchair.
While I had wanted to use an LVP as I wanted a wood look floor, it just does not hold up to wheelchair use, as per the manufacturer (they will not warrant it unless it is glued down). This tile is the one tile I felt comfortable with design-wise here. I did not want gray or beige or plain neutral tile, I really wanted a warm wood tone color.
While I had specified it in a 24” x 24” size, as I love large format tiles these days, we could not get it in a reasonable amount of time. After scouring Houston for just the right color, we compromised with its smaller 12” x 24” size that was available.
We matched the grout color so well, the floor really looks pretty solid overall. The bit of a grid that does show up gives it some pattern and highlights the small amount of variation this tile has. I’m happy with it and so is the homeowner. It has warmth and durability.
This next photo was taken just after the countertops were installed. This is the one element in the space that creates some pattern and interest and ties the neutral color with the warm toned floor.
Quartzite countertop and splash with new cabinetry and appliances
New kitchen island with quartzite countertop
Bathroom and Closet Remodel
Next is a project that is about ready to start construction. This is also a former client, we did a partial remodel on their kitchen with some game room and living room furnishings years ago.
Here is the bathroom to be remodeled.
Existing Primary Bath - To Be Remodeled
The shower has been redone recently due to some water damage, but they want some new finishes in the rest of the space. They’ve lived in this home many years and while they are mainly after a complete closet redo, they thought updating finishes in the bathroom would be a good idea while that is happening.
They’re interested in some wood cabinetry and a floor tile that isn’t a white mosaic. Something a little warmer and more elevated while still in the coastal, Americana style they have throughout the home, is in order here.
The sketch I did for them includes new tongue and groove wall paneling in a larger 4” plank, up to 7’ high. It will replace the beadboard sheet paneling they have now that goes to 4’. Since ceilings are 10’ here, I really like the idea of doing more paneling, especially since I’m going to go with a dark, herringbone tile floor that resembles a black slate, 4” x 24” and some custom wood vanities. (Their new shower has a black pebble tile floor, so this porcelain works really well with that.)
I selected some really nice medicine cabinets that have a black frame to substitute for the tall vertical storage cabinets they have currently. We are building more storage in another wall and I think this elevation, as you look into the room, seems a little cluttered and chopped up as it is now.
We’ll be removing the furr down above existing cabinets too, to clean up the wall and make for a more dramatic and stylized look.
Primary Bath Sketch
I love remodeling projects and working with former clients is always such a pleasure. While this is keeping me busy now with full service, I always have time for the consulting work I do, either via email with my Designed in a Click service or in person, locally.