Design in a Bag

I got a call from a potential client this morning inquiring about help with her kitchen remodel. She said she had a good start already because she had purchased a "Design in a Bag" that she saw in Better Homes and Gardens. Now she just needed a little guidance and direction in terms of construction, functionality, and implementing the design.

The second I heard "Design in a Bag" my ears perked up because it was an idea my mother had suggested to me about 3 years ago. At the time, my design business was just beginning, which gave me enough to worry about, so I didn't do anything with her idea. But perhaps I should have...

Thanks to google I found Design in a Bag within a couple of minutes of hanging up the phone. Certified kitchen and bath designer, Rebekah Zaveloff, offers several designs in a bag sorted by color scheme or style (classic, vintage, or modern) which you can view and purchase straight from her website, Designinabag.com.

{style: Grayling}
Your Design in a Bag will cost your around $75-$100, and will come complete with specifications for paint color, countertop material, cabinetry finish, and backspash tile, along with 3-D architectural drawings, and a purchasing guide.

{style: Le Muy}
I thought that maybe blogging about Design in a Bag would possibly send potential business elsewhere, but I actually think it's a great place to start for clients who are on a tighter budget. Kitchen design tends to be really involved and many clients will still feel they need assistance with their remodel, but the Design in a Bag can definitely save you time and money on the initial design.

{style: Sheffield}
Visit Better Homes and Gardens blog here to enter to win a free Design in a Bag.

Interior Renderings at The Met

While in New York we took a little night stroll through the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They have a new American Wing which was really cool, complete with period rooms full of early American furniture, decor, and artwork. I also always love checking out the Van Gogh's, Degas' and Monet's, but while wandering around I came across these lovely paintings of various 20th century rooms. I believe some were specifically intended as artwork, while others were rendered by designer's for their clients.

{I believe this one is a photograph but still just as fun to look at.}

On To The Dining Room

This week I was excited to start working on the dining room of a current client who I posted about previously here. We're still working with coppers, chocolates and touches of red and we're using a lot of texture and a little bit of glam.

My client requested a built-in banquet on one side of the table. I loved the idea so we ran with it. Here are some quick drawings of what we plan on doing.


We're planning to build storage below the bench cushion for holiday dishes and other items that don't get used very often and then open glass shelving above for more every day glassware and dishes.


With all the espresso wood being installed with the built-in I wanted lighter drapery to add contrast. I fell in love with this silk fabric (below) and it inspired the rest of the fabric selections and color pallet.

For extra texture we're using this gold and chocolate grass cloth on the ceiling.

I'm in love with this dining table. The hammered polished nickel pedestal base is a perfect fit. The metal adds another texture and it's a pretty contrast to the dark rosewood top.

Of course, no dining room is complete without a chandelier.