Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The Louis Ghost Chair

 
This chair is a mix of two of my favorite things, The Louis Ghost Chair & Barbie!and yes I still like Barbie. The famous Philippe Starck created The Ghost Chair that cleverly reinvented the classic Louis XVI arm chair. The Ghost chair comes in many colors but I will have to say the Barbie version is my favorite.


Tuesday, August 14, 2012




Showroom Hours
Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 10am-3pm

(Map and Directions on Contact page)





Friday, August 10, 2012

Introducing Fieldstone Cabinetry


Kitchen Mart is excited to offer Fieldstone Cabinetry. Fieldstone builds quality cabinets with endless color selections and possibilities. When paired with Cambria countertops, your kitchen or bath is transformed to an enchanting space unlike any other. Let me show you an example. 

 One of my favorite Fieldstone cabinets is an inset door with Amaretto Finish, and when I combined it with Cambria’s Aberdeen color I knew it was meant to be. By combining Asian elements with the cabinetry and countertop, I was able to create a kitchen or bath design concept that creates a tranquil space.




Friday, March 23, 2012

The Arts and Crafts Movement

      
           The traditional geometric style of Arts and Crafts has been a popular look that many Kitchen Mart clients would like to mimic or replicate for their kitchens. Here is a little history lesson and tips on how to achieve the true Art and Crafts style.

          The British Arts and Crafts movement was inspired by William Morris in rejection of low quality furniture being mass produced during the 19th century. He revived the importance of traditional handcrafted pieces, quality, and the art of fine craftsmanship. William Morris later had a team of talented designers and artists who together created the design firm called Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Company. Due to the success of the company, larger workshops were made in London and became Morris & Company in 1875. The Morris & Company not only created quality furniture but stained glass and textiles as well. Take a look at some of Morris & Co. creations below..


The Morris Chair

Morris & Co. "Snakes Head Print" 1876

"David's Charge to Solomon" by Brune Jones & Morris & Co.
Trinity Church, Boston Massachusetts

Embroidered Screen

          
           The British Arts and Crafts movement was introduced to the United States through exhibitions held in New York, California & Chicago, but Gustov Stickely is credited for its success in the United States. Gustov Stickley was a well-known architect and designer from New York. Gustov was highly influenced by William Morris’s work and was one of the first to combine the Arts & Crafts with current American styles. Gustov also saw the importance of quality craftsmanship and made it one of his goals   to make "furniture that shows plainly what it is and in which the design and construction harmonize with the wood" You see this in the straight lines, larger proportions and minimal details of his furniture. His furniture was also hand crafted with mostly solid oak, beautiful inlays and leather upholstery. In 1902 Stickley launched his first magazine, “The Craftsman Magazine”. The magazine showed illustrations of his work, promoted his beliefs and styles as well as design principles. The Craftsman Magazine became a great influence in the design world and got a large audience that spread throughout the United States. Gustov’s furniture and style quickly became known as “Craftsman” taken from his inspiring magazine. Take a look at some of Gustov Stickley’s creations below..

One of Gustov Stickley's furniture designs

Gustov Stickley Armchair

Gustov Stickley inlay chair

Gustov Stickley Mark

The Craftsman 1904

The Craftsman Magazine  Illustration


Dallas Museum of Arts exhibit of Gustov Stickley


Some Tips on how to recreate or Mimic 
 Arts and Crafts or Craftsman style:
Click to view larger.

Here are some great examples 
Kitchen and Dining Area traditional kitchen
                                       traditional kitchen design by grand rapids architect Visbeen Associates, Inc.

Cascadia Residence 04 traditional living room
                                                 traditional living room design by seattle architect knowles ps

Craftsman Home traditional staircase
                                        traditional staircase design by cincinnati design-build Andrew Melaragno, AIBD

Craftsman Home traditional kitchen
                                        traditional kitchen design by cincinnati design-build Andrew Melaragno, AIBD

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Bathroom Trends for 2012!

Bathrooms are like never before, incorporating exciting new technology, comfort and style.  Some  new trends for 2012 include minimalist fixtures, clean lines, electronics, and environmentally friendly designs with comforting textiles. I am excited for the advancements in bathroom design. Just take a look at these examples....

Seura TV Mirror
"Séura’s exclusive mirror technology is surprisingly magical. When on, Enhanced TV mirrors provide immediate access to news and media. When off, the television completely disappears without a hint of its technical applications for a truly vanishing effect. You decide when a television is in the room with the simple push of a remote control button." www.seura.com

Seura TV Mirror

Smartfaucet from iHouse
The Smartfaucet can recognize its user and automatically adjusts to their preferred temperature! The touch screen has many features including e-mail,calendar, temperature and LED lights.

Aquamass tub
Aquamass is able to make tubs with unique patterns and amazing designs

Aquamass tub

Bagno Sasso Tub
Bagno Sasso also has creative designs for their bathtubs and other products

Bagno Sasso concrete washbasin
Amazing!

Bagno Sasso Wooden Bathtub Collection
Bagno Sasso has mastered their exclusive wooden free standing tubs and sinks.

 Bagno Sasso Wooden Bathtub Collection 


Bagno Sasso Wooden Bathtub Collection

Delta Touch2O Bathroom Faucets
The Delta Touch20 faucets allow you to tap the faucet on or off. The Touch 2O.xt alows you to use it hands free with its activating sensor.

Kohler Age Gracefully collection
Kohler Elevance rising wall bath allows you to enjoy a luxury bath with easy entry and exit.

Jacuzzi Towel Warming Drawer
The Jacuzzi towel warming drawer will keep your towels nice and warm for a spa experience. Who wouldn't like a nice warm towel after a relaxing shower or bath.






Monday, January 2, 2012

And the Winner is.. Europe

Thank you for voting,
       Europe was chosen as the continent most would like to visit. Europe has many wonderful countries to explore with lots of life and history. Color is used in cultures all around the world as a way to communicate and tell their story. Different colors have a special significance or meaning that play a major role in its history, arts, traditions and lifestyles. Greece for example uses colors that are influenced by their mountains, clear skies, sunsets, and eye catching coast lines. Did you know that the Parthenon was actually the contrary to how we think of it today? The Parthenon was very colorful with bold blues, reds, and gold but over time these colors faded. It’s surprising to find out that the Parthenon was colorful but why do you think that was? These colors are often seen in the Greek culture to show power or high significance, but the color blue is cherished. It is perceived as a color that wards off evil and of protection.  You will currently find their beloved color in their pure white homes with blue accents that surround the cost, their art and architecture, open Ocean, and flag.  Each country may use and perceive colors differently but that’s what makes each country unique and fun to explore.  Take a look
at these collages I made on different countries and let the colors introduce you to their story.

(click on the picture to view larger )

Greece

India

China


Venezuela

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Modern Vs. Contemporary


What is the difference between Modern and Contemporary design?

Although Modern and Contemporary are used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two.
Contemporary design refers to our present time, and latest styles of the 21st century. The word Contemporary is used to describe basically the styles & designs of “today.” 
Modern design does not refer to “current” design but rather to a style taken from a time period or era. During the 1920’s the Bauhaus school in Germany pushed the traditional thoughts and styles of the Arts. The Bauhaus school taught a large range of the Arts that turned away the “expressionist” style or idea and looked towards a “rational” style that incorporated functionality, minimalism, straight lines and mass production. These ideas created the Modern style or Modernism.

Modern and Contemporary are often used interchangeably because the Modern style look and ideas are still very popular today. The straight lines, clean look, and functionality are seen in high-end homes, hotels, architecture, and furniture and many aspects of current design. Contemporary designs use these modern elements with new aspects to them. Can get confusing I know…. but hear area a few pictures to compare the two

MODERN EXAMPLES

master bath modern bathroom
                                                                         modern bathroom design by minneapolis
                                                                                   architect John B.A. Idstrom II

California Cool in the Castro-Bathroom modern bathroom


Deck House Family Room modern family room

Photo: Norma Molina Lopez. Great room contemporary living room
                                                                     modern living room design by san francisco
                                                                         architect Mark English Architects, AIA

Larkin Street Residence modern living room
                                                                    modern living room design by san francisco
                                                                        architect John Maniscalco Architecture

Mid-Century Remodel modern kitchen
                                                                        modern kitchen design by minneapolis
                                                                      interior designer Walsh Design Group, Inc.

Lake House Two - Bath modern bathroom
                                                   modern bathroom design by seattle architect McClellan Architects

CONTEMPORARY EXAMPLES

Pool House & Wine Cellar modern dining room
                                                                   contemporary dining room design by nashville
                                                                                interior designer Jamie Beckwith
Pool House & Wine Cellar modern living room
                                                                    contemporary living room design by nashville
                                                                               interior designer Jamie Beckwith
Prince Street Kitchen contemporary kitchen
                                                                 contemporary kitchen design by boston kitchen
                                                                            and bath Venegas and Company

Rough Hollow Parade Home 2010 contemporary kitchen
                                                      contemporary kitchen design by austin interior designer PPDS

Modern Manor contemporary living room
                                                  contemporary living room design by minneapolis interior designer
                                                                                      Martha O'Hara Interiors

Pool House & Wine Cellar modern kitchen
                                                                      contemporary kitchen design by nashville
                                                                               interior designer Jamie Beckwith

Queensway master contemporary bedroom
                                                                           contemporary bedroom design by toronto
                                                                               interior designer LUX Design Inc.

Luxury Bathroom contemporary bathroom
                                                 contemporary bathroom design by new york general contractor
                                                                Prestige Custom Building & Construction, Inc.

bathroom contemporary bathroom
                                                               contemporary bathroom design by photographer
                                                                                    Elad Gonen & Zeev Beech