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.

Showroom Hours

Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm

Saturday 10am-3pm

(Map and Directions on Contact page)

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.

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 

                                       traditional kitchen design by grand rapids architect Visbeen Associates, Inc.

                                                 traditional living room design by seattle architect knowles ps

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

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

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.

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