"Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1" is a stylized depiction of an unassuming blossom. The white flower pops out of a field of green leaves and blue sky. O'Keeffe is making a point with her single-minded focus on the white flower. "When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not," she said. 

Art inspires my work as an interior designer. You'd be hard pressed to find a better example of what a focal point really should be than O'Keeffe's masterpiece. In interior design, a focal point is not a wall painted bright red. A focal point is something worth looking at: a picture window that frames an exquisite view, a fireplace clad in fine Carrera marble, or if you're lucky, an amazing painting. The red wall might be an effective background for a focal point, but it is not one in itself.

Looking for more interior design inspiration? Download our FREE guide.

Jackie Lopey embraced her creativity and passion over 10 years ago when she left her corporate job in San Francisco to become an interior designer. Since then she has worked with over a hundred satisfied clients transforming hundreds of rooms, and Jackie’s reputation now precedes her as one of the top Certified Interior Designers in the East Bay. 

She has a keen eye for detail and uniquely intuits her clients wants and needs. If you want a home that is breathtaking and deeply personal, Jackie Lopey and her team at Venue are the experts you need to talk to.

One of our most commonly asked questions is: How can I make more space in my home? Answer: Hire a great interior designer who is terrific at making the most of your space (we happen to know a great one)! You might not be ready for a remodel just yet, so you need to look at how you organize your home. We are not asking you to fold your clothes differently or hug all your possessions and see if they bring you joy! However, Claire in marketing is a huge fan of Marie Kondo and really does feel "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" when sorting and ridding her home of unwanted clutter. She actually enjoys making sure her clothes neatly stand to attention before putting them away! However, if you feel this is all too much effort, the simple trick is to have a house filled with great organizational and storage options.

See Part 1 of our Reclaim Your Space Blog Series featuring kitchens, here, as well as Part 2 covering bathrooms, here.

Living Spaces

Storage benches are a great way to hide clutter in the living room. However, we all love to see our favorite things and to make our home feel unique and special. With the two following projects both clients wanted to showcase their wonderful collections one in a traditional way and the other with a modern approach.  

Traditional

Our clients in San Ramon wanted a traditional sense of style and needed easy access to their book collection. They wanted to keep the look homey while displaying their most treasured antique pieces. The shelves by Crystal Cabinets were made to withstand the weight of the books and to avoid the risk of damage.

"Crystal Cabinets is our go-to for most projects, they have so many styles to choose from and perhaps, more importantly, their quality is outstanding. I need a manufacturer I can trust to not let me, or clients, down. I only ever hear positive comments back from my clients when using Crystal Cabinets." says Jackie Lopey, CEO and certified interior designer at Venue in Pleasant Hill, CA.  

Built-in white selves and bookcase incorporating the fireplace

Modern

Our client in Lafayette wanted a clean way of showcasing their world collection of artwork. They wanted a contemporary showcase without distracting from the art. These floating shelves are perfect. They keep the room uncluttered, compliment the modern furniture and don't distract from the pieces on display.

Modern floating shelves to complement the modern decor and keep the collectibles as the focus

How will you organize your storage?

One of our most commonly asked questions is: How can I make more space in my home? Answer: Hire a great interior designer who is terrific at making the most of your space (we happen to know a great one)! You might not be ready for a remodel just yet, so you need to look at how you organize your home. We are not asking you to fold your clothes differently or hug all your possessions and see if they bring you joy! However, Claire in marketing is a huge fan of Marie Kondo and really does feel "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" when sorting and ridding her home of unwanted clutter. She enjoys making sure her clothes neatly stand to attention before putting them away! However, if you feel this is all too much effort, the simple trick is to have a house filled with great organizational and storage options. 

See Part 1 of our Reclaim Your Space Blog Series featuring kitchens, here.

BATHROOM

Of all the places in the home, bathroom storage has to be taken seriously. Some items need to be accessible: shampoo in the shower, for example, or towels after a soak in the tub. Bathroom storage also has to be organized to hide personal items such as medication. We love the bathroom storage we incorporated into the projects below. 

 
Pull out shelves and a roll-up appliance garage keeps counter space clear and hides personal items in a creative way.

 
Need more space? Consider a wall-hung toilet. The tank is in the wall and gives you added space where space might be tight. And, don't forget the space over the toilet - it keeps surfaces clutter-free!

Shower niches offer easy access to shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc.

Open shelves provide a great space to store towels and glass-fronted cabinets help show off pretty bottled toiletries, just where you need it!

Plenty of cabinets and open shelving for towels keeps surfaces clear

 How will you organize your storage?

Tip #1 - Plan storage that children can reach. One day, I realized that my daughter was more than capable of getting a cup off the shelf and putting water into it - IF she could reach the shelf. So, I stocked one lower cabinet with a kid-friendly selection of plates, cups and bowls, and she's been serving herself ever since. 

Drawer-mounted plate racks, like the one below, are the best way to move dishes down to a kid's level. Order a rack like this with your new cabinets, or add it to an existing deep drawer.  The one below is by Crystal Cabinet Works, our go-to cabinet manufacturer.

Tip #2 - Provide a safe step up. Kitchen cabinets are just another set of monkey bars for some kids. You remember how the thinking goes, "If I hook my toes around this drawer pull, rest my opposite knee on the countertop and hold onto the door with my left hand, I know I can reach the Pop Tarts with my right."

Seriously though, falls are the leading cause of injury to kids under 15 according to the CDC. So, figure out where you're going to put a step stool. It'll be safer for children and for you.  A broom closet will work, or you can even hide one under the toe kick of a cabinet. Here's a picture of the Stepfix by Hafele.

Tip #3 - Be careful around corners. Children run when they should walk. There's no avoiding it. So, think about what a child is going to be faced with when they run around a blind corner.

Is it an open wall oven with a hot door that is right at their eye level?  Or, will it be you standing at the kitchen sink cutting vegetables with a knife?  Or, you again, only this time turning with a hot pot in your hands?

In general, avoid putting potentially dangerous appliances or work areas where children, or adults for that matter, might blunder into them.

Do you have other tips on keeping kids safe in the kitchen? Share them here. I'd love to hear from you.

Looking for more kitchen design tips? Download our FREE guide.

Jackie Lopey is a Certified Interior Designer and the CEO of Venue. Read about Jackie's journey from a DIY home remodeler to Certified Interior Designer & CEO.

One of our most commonly asked questions is: How can I make more space in my home. Answer? Hire a great interior designer who is terrific at making the most of your space (we happen to know a great one)! You might not be ready for a remodel just yet, so you need to look at how you organize your home. We are not asking you to fold your clothes in a different way or hug all your possessions and see if they bring you joy! However, Claire in marketing, is a huge fan of Marie Kondo and really does feel "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" when sorting and ridding her home of unwanted clutter. She actually enjoys making sure her clothes neatly stand to attention before putting them away! However, if you feel this is all too much effort, the simple trick it to have a house filled with great organizational and storage options.

KITCHEN
We know you can never have enough surfaces or storage in your kitchen. Here are some of our favorite organizational and storage options for your kitchen.

Spice Rack & Pan Drawers

Now you see me...now, you don't.  The perfect way to hide kitchen appliances!

Clever kitchen appliances give you more space and keep your surfaces clutter free.

A kitchen pantry with doors can hide a multitude of sins and is the perfect way to hide your kitchen appliances and ugly packages, whilst having all your supplies in one place.

Glass fronted display kitchen cabinets showcase a favorite collection

Narrow slide out drawers keep appliances off counter tops but still easily accessible

No matter how much enthusiasm we have for a project and how instantly we see your desired reading nook or how best to showcase your prized artwork collection, sometimes it's not easy for you to see the same vision, especially when walls need to be knocked down, windows and doors moved and rooms opened up. That's why at Venue we always provide perspective drawings and when completing whole house projects, 3D rendering drawings, using the latest software. We offer you a view inside of our heads! 

Rachael Daboin, Interior Designer at Venue, says "Our drawings allow our clients to visually see the space we can create, how their heirloom dresser will look in their newly designed dining room or if they really do want the lime green feature wall, they were so insistent on.  By showing our clients a glimpse of their future home it offers a way for them to truly see the great space we are creating." 

The textures, the lighting, the depth of field, the furniture, the outlets, the glazing - everything you’d hope to see in the crisp clean transformation of your home is presented in perfect clarity.

This sofa is so good we can't believe it is suitable for outdoor use!

The Del Mar sofa from Century Furniture will really give you amazing comfort and will turn your outdoor space into an outdoor room!

IT'S ALL ABOUT AL FRESCO!

Everything tastes better al fresco. But it's not always easy to take control when cooking on an outdoor grill. That's why Wolf BBQ grills have caught our eye, they offer precise heat control unlike most other grills which can make outdoor cooking a hit-or-miss proposition. "Wolf grills change all that. They give you the same kind of precision control and ease of use features as their indoor counterparts – Wolf ranges, ovens and cooktops. Just imagine the juicy possibilities.

With Wolf BBQ grills, as with every Wolf product, you can count on quality construction and exceptional performance through years of outdoor cooking. Wolf BBQ grills are sculpted in double-wall stainless steel, precision-welded so they will not rust or hold water. Each of the four gas grill models comes in natural gas or LP, and can be built in to your outdoor space."

Optional carts are available for the 30", 36" and 42" models.

RISE AND SHINE

Bring a subtle shine to your summer nights with these sumptuous fabrics from Robert Allen. Whether you lean toward subtle bronze and platinum or light-catching gold and silver, there’s no denying we all appreciate the elevated and uplifting effect metallics have on a space. From sequin embellishments to rich yellow gold threads, their luminous patterns prove that a touch of shine can make even the most muted rooms rise to the occasion. These fabrics from Robert Allen strike just the right balance and are offered in jewel-tones, velvets and geometric motifs.  

Light Up Your Life

Cassoni is an important reference when it comes to Luxury Italian Furniture, Lighting & Outdoor Designs, having a large and exclusive selection with over 100 Italian companies. Their trendy and constantly updated Italian Collections offered in different styles like Modern, Contemporary, Transitional, Glamour & Traditional, meeting every need for your Design Projects. 

We love this dramatic outdoor furniture designed by Stefano Giovannoni. Stefano Giovannoni, one of the World’s most prestigious designers, designs a great chill out furniture collection inspired in cushions. With a warm, Mediterranean design that holds that universal appeal present in all of Giovannoni’s creations , this collection invites you to relax and enjoy life. It is suitable for outdoor use, even in the most extreme weather conditions since it is made of polyethylene using the rotational molding technique. 

Inspired By Nature

We would definitely feel at one with nature with Curry & Company's concrete and faux bois outdoor furniture and it's crafted to stand the test
of time.

Currey & Company’s Faux Bois chairs, benches, tables and other accents are truly one-of-a-kind. Faux Bois is a French term, meaning “false wood,” and refers to the creating the look of branches, wood forms and grains. Faux bois has origins not only in France, but in Italy, Japan, Mexico and Spain. Crafting Faux Bois furniture is done by sculpting concrete over a steel form is a centuries-old art that has enjoyed sustained popularity due to its durability, beauty and sophistication.

Create a curated outdoor space using our benches, chairs, tables and other accent pieces.

When Elements Merge

Comfort, design and practicality are merged beautiful in Century Furniture's new outdoor upholstery collection; Elements. Drawing its beauty from clean, simple silhouettes which pay tribute to the arch, a ubiquitous architectural element that not only indicates structural relevance, but beauty by its graceful lines. The sweeping arches on the base of each piece are created by the taut synthetic fabric zipped over the powder coated aluminum frames. The result is a modern collection that is very linear, and yet the perfectly rounded arches give the pieces a hint of delicacy and airiness.

Small rooms will only feel smaller if they are left in the dark. Go bold and go bright, there are always many ways to light a room. A small bathroom is the perfect example of this, think ceiling light, mirrors and below and behind cabinets. Here are a few of our favorites:

More than just a medicine cabinet

Upgrade your modern bathroom with Fleurco's Luna Lighted Mirrors offer sleek styling & functionality at an affordable price point. LED lighting, an aluminum frame, and distortion-free glass provide the backbone for this eye-catching piece. Whether as a vanity mirror in your bathroom or as a full-size wardrobe mirror in your bedroom, Luna Lighted Mirrors prove to be an outstanding value while being backed by the quality that Fleurco is known for.

Flush Lighting Keeps a Feeling of Space

Hartland flush mount form Hudson Valley Lighting ticks all the boxes. Reminiscent of swank 1920s style, their Hartland family employs multi-faceted crystal rods to opulently refract light around the fixture. A smooth, opal glass diffuser held into place by a heavy, cast metal frame ensures the piece looks as beautiful from below as it does from the side. The unusual pairing of delicate crystal and bold metal makes Hartland a fitting piece for many interiors.

2. GIVE A LITTLE MORE THOUGHT TO AMBIENT LIGHTING

Ambient light, cast from the ceiling down, can come in a number of forms. In functional rooms like mudrooms and laundry rooms, but also in bathrooms and windowless hallways, limited space precludes a dramatic statement. The right flush mounts add the touch of luxury and the subdued refinement that sets apart the room of distinction.

You flick a switch and 'Abracadabra' it turns on! Ambient Lighting, as described by the American Lighting Association, is "lighting which provides an area with overall illumination. Also known as general lighting, it radiates a comfortable level of brightness without glare and allows you to see and walk about safely. In some spaces such as laundry rooms, the ambient lighting also serves as the primary source of task lighting.

It can be accomplished with chandeliers, ceiling or wall-mounted fixtures, recessed or track lights and with lanterns mounted on the outside of the home. Having a central source of ambient light in all rooms is fundamental to a good lighting plan."

With such a huge role to play ambient lighting should be given a little more thought. There are millions of choices but here are a two of our favorites from YLighting:

3. WE ALL HAVE A TASK TO DO

Task lighting helps you perform specific tasks, such as reading, grooming, preparing and cooking food, doing homework, working on hobbies, playing games and balancing your checkbook. It can be provided by recessed and track lighting, pendant lighting and under cabinet lighting, as well as by portable floor and desk lamps.

Task lighting should be free of distracting glare and shadows and should be bright enough to prevent eye strain.

Sometimes the original is still the best. We love the original Task Lamp from Anglepoise "The 1227 was originally designed in 1935. George Carwardine, working in the automotive industry, was tinkering in his shop and developed a spring which could be moved easily in every direction yet also remain rigid when held in position. This new spring was the basis for the 1227. The shade was developed to concentrate the beam of light on the task at hand and therefore could use a lesser wattage lamp. Soon it was realized that the 1227 would work just as well for a reading lamp as it did for factory task lighting. Reissued to celebrate it 75th Anniversary. The Original 1227 is made with aluminum arms and a heavily weighted base for extra stability."

Original 1227 Task Light by George Carwardine, from Anglepoise

Appalachian Hardwood, lovingly handcrafted into the finest American-made hardwood floors - The Essence of HomerWood. Recalling the age of quality and craftsmanship, they hand select each plank from sustainable, center-cut lumber to reveal the character and unsurpassed beauty created by nature. From these planks they handcraft and custom design exceptional hardwood floors for those who seek style, elegance and individuality. Flooring is such an important design feature and one sometimes overlooked. CEO and Interior Designer of Venue, Jackie Lopey stresses the importance of getting it right, “Flooring covers such a large area of any room, that it’s bound to make a big impact. And, in the case of a quality wood floor, it’s got to last twenty or more years.  I love Homerwood floors for their beauty, quality and durability.  They offer a 50-year warranty.  That says it all!" 

Their classic to contemporary designs offer truly spectacular floors in a range of beautiful species, colors, styles, textures and surface treatments to suit any personality or lifestyle. Made in America, from American hands and hearts to your home, each plank is a reflection of who they are and the quality of work they do.

The rich elegance of HomerWood’s solid, all-American Birch lends an air of distinction to any room, with its fine grain and attractive satin-like luster. This precisely milled flooring line features a range of designer-inspired colors for the most discerning of homeowners.

We all love touchy feel fabrics and wallpaper and you won't be able to keep your hands off the new Salamadre Modern Luxury collection. 

Sumptuous Fabrics & Wallpaper

Scalamandré's Modern Luxury is a sophisticated collection of fabric, trimmings and wall-covering that combines old-world craftsmanship and detail with a thoroughly contemporary aesthetic. Glamorous silks and velvet's layer with casual linen weaves, lustrous embroidery and dazzling metallic handcrafted wall-coverings. The collection mixes graphic geometric, organic patterns, soft textures and traditional damask motifs in a color palette that is quietly neutral and nature inspired, offering understated elegance for the modern home.

Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head!

This Forest Light from Currey and Company really grabbed our attention, perhaps because it reminds us of all the rain we've been having in Northern California. We love the dripping white quartz pendants suspended on Washed Lucerne Gold chains. The Forest Light is an exceptional fixture that demands attention. This decadent objet d'art transforms any space all on its own.

"Stanley's Virage collection is aptly named for the daring turns, or virages, of the Circuit de Monaco where the famed Monaco Grand Prix has been run in the neighborhood of Monte Carlo since 1929,” said Vice President Randy Wells. “We believe this authentic, exciting collection is deserving of the title.”

“For more than half a century, contemporary furniture has been a tradition within Stanley Furniture,” said Wells. “As evidenced by the mid-century modern designs of our flagship Heritage Collection and most recently our Crestaire collection, contemporary styling is an important part of our brand’s design language.”

The collection is presented in two distinct finish palettes including Truffle, a decadent brown wood finish that showcases the fiery warmth of cherry veneers accented by a lightly striated caviar black paint and hand-applied antique gold leaf highlights. The other finish is a matte grey basalt wood finish on pecan veneers, which lends an organic feel to the wood grain patterns buttressed by a lightly striated cool, dark brown flint paint and hand-applied genuine antique silver leaf highlights.

Make Life Easy

An exciting new addition to the world of outlets is the in-wall USB outlet. You can never have too much charging!
The adorne USB outlet is available in a half-size option. It will quickly charge phones and tablets. You can use it by itself or pair it together with a standard outlet. You do not need ANY additional wiring when added to a standard outlet. Who wouldn’t want one more charging location if you could easily have it? Such a simple upgrade that really makes life better.

The adorne collection's modular design makes it easy to configure the perfect combination of outlets, nightlights—even USB ports—as needed. Go ahead, plug and play!

It's a Revelation!

Uttermost, a major manufacturer of home accessories and furniture is positioning the new brand as a step-up from the existing Uttermost product, with more limited distribution. Revelation will encompass all of the major home furnishings product categories, but will focus more on accent furniture with complementary accessories in lifestyle settings. The line will highlight larger-scale pieces with a modern design sensibility.

“Revelation is all about authentic materials and finishes, great attention to details and features, as well as sophisticated and innovative designs. It will be a design-driven line, rich in texture and organic materials,” said Mac Cooper, president and CEO.

We think the video speaks for itself! 

The Venue team is excited about all that 2017 will hold. 2016 was a busy and productive year. However, we love to look ahead and we're bursting to tell you about all our surprises we have in store for 2017, for now you’ll have to be patient but we promise to keep you updated with our announcements as soon as we can. Watch this space!

Who Said It Wasn’t Easy Being Green!

The industry has some exciting new offers for the beginning of the year, starting with Pantone, the globally recognized industry standard on color has announced their hottest hue for 2017, drum roll please... Greenery! Nature’s neutral, PANTONE Greenery is a versatile “trans-seasonal” shade that lends itself to many color combinations.

 “Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.” Says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone Color Institute.

While green can look great on the catwalk, we prefer to use it in the home - we love this color, great choice PANTONE!

Selamat Designs showcase a great example of home décor in the Greenery color.

Who said it wasn’t easy being green!

How are you going to use it?

Duralee recommends you pair it with peacock? Maybe add a touch of tan? They’ve pulled out their favorites in case you're in need of a little combo inspiration.

Felice Anno Nuovo (Said in our best Italian Accent!)

The Tuscany Collection from Orion Ornamental Ironworks  is one of their long-selling favorites and allows you to easily add interior architectural interest. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your home.

These lightweight metal cornices can be used in many ways. Install them over rods with rings, traversing rods, motorized rods, blinds, shades, or just on their own. Orion offers them in 28 designs arranged in three height categories. If you’re looking for more options, narrow heights can be triple stacked and medium heights can be double stacked. All cornices are available in 35 Iron Art finishes, or your own custom finish. Plus, all designs can be bent to your specifications; especially useful for bay windows!

Looking for more cornice ideas? Use them to add details over doors, whether they are patio doors with windows or interior doorways. Add an optional wood duster to not only block escaping window light, but serve as a display shelf for lightweight art or collectibles. Or create evening drama with cornice lighting!

A Play on LadyLike

A return to softer, more feminine shapes and colors that inspire tranquility and calm inform this look by Currey & Company. Soft textures and materials such as leather, gold leaf and fine inlaid woods provide a lovely cover to clean modern shapes. 

We love this grown up, sophisticated look as it shows a feminine side appealing to any home and any gender. 

Add a delicate yet decadent touch to your next project. 

Love to mix traditional with contemporary design? You're not the only one. Design Art by Orion is showcasing hand-cut SwissCrystal finials with contemporary iron hardware. SwissCrystal-On-Iron features 5 finial styles and 5 base styles. 5 Décor Finishes for the bases have been selected to coordinate beautifully with 5 Iron Finishes available for 1-1/4" rods, rings, brackets, holdbacks and batons.

Now we just need to choose the curtains to go with them!

THINK SOAPSTONE IS JUST FOR THE KITCHEN ... THINK AGAIN!

Even in Northern California we sometimes hang up our barbecue tools in the winter. However, after seeing this beautiful soapstone grill on the M. Teixeira Soapstone website, our tools won't be going away anytime soon.

This innovative outdoor beauty is sure to be a conversation piece and the stunning heart of your outdoor space. Everyone will enjoy the grilling process. The large hotplate is 3cm (1 1/8") thick soapstone. The fire bowl is made of weathering steel and the base can be soapstone or weathering steel. Both materials are very resistant to the elements and can stay outdoors year round. It’s easy to clean and there is almost no maintenance involved. Any left over food or extra oil can just be scraped into the fire. Just wipe down the hot plate with detergent and water and next time you use it, just wipe on some olive oil. Great for gathering people around a fire pit while using it for cooking.

We love to recommend soapstone and here's why;

Soapstone Facts:

• Soapstone does not stain.
• Soapstone counters are not harmed by hot pots, citrus, wine, acids or chemicals.
• The only maintenance recommended, not required, is the mineral oil treatment to enhance the natural darkening process the stone goes through and to ensure the soapstone darkens evenly. Mineral oil is not recommended to protect the soapstone, it does not need protection since it is naturally non- porous. (See our Facebook page for before and after photos of our soapstone in our showroom being oiled).
• Cleaning your soapstone tops can be done with any of the common household cleaners, no need to buy special sealants or other “hard to find” often harsh chemicals.
• The cost of soapstone is comparable to other natural stones.
• Soapstone can be offered in a variety of different textures, unlike most other natural stones that are only available with a high polished finish. Some clients like the stone to feel rougher to the touch, others like it a little smoother and some like it in between, we can please all tastes by re-finishing the top of the slabs, at no additional cost.

Want to see more? Come on over! We'd love to show you our showroom where we have a soapstone counter top on display.

DO YOU HEAR THE PITTER PATTER OF LITTLE FEET YET?

We do! Huge congratulations to our Administrative Assistant Stephanie who is expecting her second baby at the beginning of March. And Stanley Furniture's new nursery collection, Stone and Leigh, launched last fall has got us all cooing! 

Combining classic, upscale and familiar design elements with childlike characterizations, Stone & Leigh captures the imaginative spirit of childhood through artfully crafted, timeless nursery and children’s furniture.

Stephanie offers her advice when choosing nursery furniture, "Remember the crib will take center stage and set the tone for the room however, the other pieces of furniture will last far longer and usually stay in your child's bedroom long after they have outgrown their crib. So, whilst white sometimes seems the obvious choice, I prefer a darker wood - it might just be the one thing my baby won't grow out of!" 

Developing an accurate budget for your kitchen remodel is a little bit of work, but will be so worth it when you're standing in your dream kitchen and still have money left in the bank. The proof is in these before and after pictures from one of our recent projects.

Question 1: What Will It Cost To Remodel My Kitchen?

This is, of course, the most common question. Where we work (Lafayette, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Pleasant Hill), the average cost of a kitchen remodel is about $45,000. The lower third of kitchen remodels runs about $14,000, and the top third about $82,000. The top 5% comes in at $128,000. All of the totals above are from the Houzz Real Cost Finder, August 2018.

Based on the many kitchens we’ve designed, small and large, those numbers sound right. However, you need to go further to develop a real-world budget for your project. We use a 5-Step Process:

1. Finalize the Space Plan: Only when you know everything that is going in the room and where it is going can you start to budget.

2. Get Contractor Estimates for Labor & Building Materials: Send your finalized space plan out to one or more contractors for bidding.

3. Get Quotes for all Finishes, Furnishings & Fixtures: Quantify each and every item and send them out for quotes.

4. Total It All Up: Add Your Contractor Labor and Building Materials to your Furnishings, Finishes, and Fixtures for a Total Budget.

5. Make Adjustments: Now – with your detailed budget in hand and before you’ve purchased anything – is there time to make adjustments? Would you like to spend less? Identify areas to trim. Do you have a few more dollars for this project? Upgrade in areas that are important to you.

Are You Ready To Tackle Your Biggest, Most Expensive Home Improvement Project?

Most of our kitchen remodel clients are willing but not ready - willing in that they really want a beautiful, new kitchen and not ready because they still have many, many unanswered questions. Does that describe you? If so please get in touch:

Call 925-285-0815 or email jackie@venueathome.com now to schedule a 30-minute phone consultation. Yours FREE when you mention this blog post.

Missed our blog series What You Need to Know About Kitchen Design, the Top 10 Questions homeowners ask us again and again?

Don't panic! Here's the full countdown:

Question 10: When Remodeling My Kitchen, Where Do I Start?

Question 9: I Want To Move (Or Remove) A Wall, Door Or Window. Do I Need An Architect?

Question 8: Who Should I Talk To First—A Designer Or A Contractor?

Question 7: Do I Need A Building Permit?

Question 6: How Much Of My Time Is This Project Going To Absorb?

Question 5: How Do I Choose Cabinets?

Question 4: Is It Okay To Put A Wood Floor In A Kitchen?

Question 3: How Do I Get More Space In My Kitchen Without Adding On?

Question 2: How Long Will It Take To Remodel My Kitchen?

Question 1: What Will It Cost To Remodel My Kitchen?

Jackie Lopey embraced her creativity and passion over 10 years ago when she left her corporate job in San Francisco to become an interior designer. Since then she has worked with over a hundred satisfied clients transforming hundreds of rooms, and Jackie’s reputation now precedes her as one of the top Certified Interior Designers in the East Bay.

She has a keen eye for detail and uniquely intuits her clients wants and needs. If you want a home that is breathtaking and deeply personal, Jackie Lopey and her team at Venue are the experts you need to talk to.

Time costs money, so it’s not surprising that it relates to the second most commonly asked question.

Question 2: How Long Will It Take To Remodel My Kitchen?  

The construction phase of a kitchen remodel usually runs 4 to 12 weeks.

Why such a wide range?

A lot depends on how well you’ve planned. We like to get all of the materials for our kitchen remodels to the job site – or at the very least to a local warehouse – before the contractor starts work. Then, your kitchen is completed rapidly and you’re not paying for your contractor to sit around waiting for materials or losing your construction crew to another project with materials at the ready.

That kind of coordination requires a deep level of planning.

Our master item list – furnishings and fixtures commonly used in remodels – includes over 200 items. No room needs all 200, but we check for each and every one to avoid nasty surprises that blow the budget and the timeline.

Still have questions? Call 925-285-0815 or email jackie@venueathome.com now to schedule a 30-minute phone consultation. Yours FREE when you mention this blog post.

Next week we’ll answer Kitchen Design Question 1: What Will It Cost To Remodel My Kitchen?

Jackie Lopey embraced her creativity and passion over 10 years ago when she left her corporate job in San Francisco to become an interior designer. Since then she has worked with over a hundred satisfied clients transforming hundreds of rooms, and Jackie’s reputation now precedes her as one of the top Certified Interior Designers in the East Bay.

She has a keen eye for detail and uniquely intuits her clients wants and needs. If you want a home that is breathtaking and deeply personal, Jackie Lopey and her team at Venue are the experts you need to talk to.

Beacon Hill introduces Animale at Robert Allen, silk textiles that marry the worlds of creature and man. In Animale, human and animal attributes intermingle throughout embroideries, jacquards and prints, to create an arresting tableau of pattern, texture and color, and a silk collection that is one-of-a-kind.

Surface cut weft yarns that mimic the tendrils of a feather, weave structures that mirror the contours of a nautilus, print and embroidery techniques that call to mind magnificent plumage... Exquiste craftmanship, a hallmark of Beacon Hill, eloquently evokes beauty and beast through the language of textiles. By working with the world's finest artisans, Beacon Hill has developed fabrics that are both one-of-a-kind, and beautifully designed for diverse applications.

MAGIC? NO, MAGNETS! 

This week we were discussing the benefits of induction cook tops with our clients and we're delighted to see Wolf are embracing induction cooking in their new first induction range available October 2016. If you've never cooked with induction, you're in for a surprise. It is a technology of startling precision and power – perhaps the only type of cooking that could lure you away from gas.  Wolf pairs a powerful induction cook-top with its celebrated dual convection oven, which delivers the most even heating you'll find, plus 10 automatic cooking modes to master any dish. It's a combination to delight any culinary enthusiast.

The induction cook-top boils water faster than gas. Has a black ceramic glass surface that cleans in seconds. And a flexible cooking surface that accommodates various pan sizes and dishes. How does it perform? Induction gives you high to low end control as precise and powerful as any gas range you've used. With this extraordinary range, you'll cook meals better (and faster) than you ever thought possible.

Induction cooking harnesses the power of magnets, generating heat directly in the cooking vessel rather than the cook-top, to create a precise and efficient control of heat.  Along with the boost feature on the cook-tops, water will boil faster and cookware heat more quickly than gas. Wolf Induction allows you to predict delicious results by providing exact and quick heat control on both high a low settings. 

One of the many features of the Induction Range is that is combines the induction cook-top with the Wolf convection oven. With two convection fans that saturate and circulate heat to ensure that food is cooked evenly without hot and cool spots, allowing multi-rack cooking with no rotation necessary. The 10 cooking modes allow for perfecting anything from traditional roasts and pies to pizzas and dried fruits.

It just makes us want to get cooking? 

SAVE WATER EVERY DAY

KOHLER, believe great design is form and function in perfect harmony with the environment. They design products that don’t just look beautiful and perform exceptionally well, but also use significantly less water. Because lowering your water usage shouldn’t mean lowering your standards.

Switching to a water-saving toilet is the single most effective change you can make in your house to conserve water. And with KOHLER technologies like their powerful AquaPiston®flush engine, you won’t have to sacrifice anything in terms of performance.

The Highline® Comfort Height® water-conserving toilet combines both style and function with its clean, simple design and efficient performance. 

California has just experienced the first rain of Fall, and wow do we need it! That's why we are an advocate of anyone who makes it their mission to save water.

Want more kitchen design ideas? Our blog series, What You Need to Know About Kitchen Design, addresses the questions we get asked time after time. We are now down to the top three questions.

Question 3: How Do I Get More Space In My Kitchen Without Adding On?

There are four ways to get more space in your kitchen without adding onto your house. Here they are in order, easiest and least costly first:

1. Boost the storage within your current layout

2. Create a more efficient layout within your current kitchen

3. Take space from an adjacent room

4. “Flip” your kitchen to a larger room in your house.

All four are successful strategies depending on what you mean by more space. Is more space room for an island with an eat-in breakfast bar? Or, is it ample storage so that food and small appliances aren’t overflowing from your cabinets onto your countertops?

Think an addition is your only option? Think again! Ask your designer to show you two or three ways to layout a new kitchen within your existing home. Creating multiple floor plans for every project is standard operating procedure at Venue. We want our clients to “see” options before deciding on a layout. Your designer should create floor plans, elevations, and 3D models that bring your new space alive.

BEFORE

AFTER

Want help making your dream kitchen a reality? Call 925-285-0815 or email jackie@venueathome.com now to schedule a 30-minute phone consultation. Yours FREE when you mention this blog post.

Next week we’ll answer Kitchen Design Question 2: How Long Will It Take To Remodel My Kitchen?

Unique ways to light a room

For a fun touch we couldn't help but smile when we saw the Lumio Book Light at the newly opened MoMA in San Francisco. 

When shut, Lumio masquerades as an elegant hardcover book bound in lasercut wood. When opened, it magically transforms into a sculptural light illuminated by a high-performing LED. Lumio was born from San Francisco-based designer Max Gunawan’s fascination with the functional potential of origami and his desire to create a flexible lighting solution that adapts to the user’s needs. Lumio’s minimalist, compact form allows for maximum portability, and since its diaphanous, pleated interior is made of hard-wearing and water-resistant Tyvek, this innovative lamp is equally at home bedside, at a backyard barbeque, or on the go. The strong neodymium magnets imbedded within its covers allow this transformable light to be expanded 180 degrees to its fullest brightness, or mounted upon any magnetic surface. The included leather hanging strap enables lightweight Lumio to be suspended, offering ambient light akin to a lustrous paper lantern. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides wireless power for up to eight hours (rechargeable via micro-USB cord using a 2A or 3A adaptor). Brightness: 500 lumen. Light temperature: 2700K (warm white). 

It's what's on the inside that counts!

When designing your dream kitchen never underestimate your lighting requirements. Venue's designs don't just look at showcasing the outside of your kitchen but inside the cabinets too! Crystal Cabinets have summed it up perfectly: "Over the past few years, advancements in LED lighting have made integrating lighting into kitchens easier, more cost-effective and energy efficient. But don’t be fooled, not all LED’s are created equal! Cheaper systems tend to have inconsistent color, wide LED spacing which creates distinct light “dots” and drivers with short lifespans.

Integrated lighting offers several benefits. Not only does it make kitchens more vibrant and luxurious, it also makes them safer. Under cabinet lighting can help reduce cooking accidents by increasing visibility, which is especially important for aging-in-place design. Spaces become more vibrant with every layer of light that is added. Under cabinet lighting not only promotes safety, but also enhances the beauty of counters and back splashes. Interior cabinet lighting gives easier visual access to stored items, and when integrated into glass frame cabinets, creates a spectacular showcase area."

You can see how all the right components of lighting showcase this stunning kitchen to the max! (Featured below)

Brighten Up Your Living Space

Hudson Valley Lighting is always a favorite when looking for great lighting and their 2016 Fall Collection really caught our eye. We love the simplicity and symmetry of the Astoria lighting collection. Bubbles of light balance on and balloon forth from trumpets of cast metal. Opal-etched glass diffusers poise in balanced rows, above and below, along a wheel of light, concealing LED bulbs.

Smooth, minimal, and sophisticated, Knowles is a piece for the dedicated aesthete. Tipping their hat to the Vienna Workshops and the Bauhaus School, metals and glass work together for a fixture that is more than the sum of its parts. Machined metal clasps supporting the white glass shade add subtle textural detail, while LED bulbs deliver phenomenal performance.

For more information and to see how we have used lighting in our projects, please visit our website www.venueid.com

How will you light up your life?

Question 4: Is It Okay To Put A Wood Floor In A Kitchen?

Yes, you can put a wood floor in your kitchen. Wood floors never go out of style and look great with today’s white and gray painted cabinets. Be realistic, though.

Are you and your family willing to quickly clean up water and food that spills on the floor? Wood floors, in any room of the house, are susceptible to warping and staining when exposed to water. Still interested in wood?

A kitchen is a great place for a reclaimed or distressed wood floor. Distressed floors hide a multitude of sins and will let you relax and enjoy your new kitchen, including the wood floor.

Still have questions? Call 925-285-0815 or email jackie@venueathome.com now to schedule a 30-minute phone consultation. Yours FREE when you mention this blog post.

Next week we’ll answer Kitchen Design Question 3: How Do I Get More Space In My Kitchen Without Adding On?

Dyslexia and Design

The Dyslexia Design Exhibition caught our eye, taking place September 22-25 in London, designjunction will play host to the inaugural Dyslexic Design, an exhibition that explores the link between dyslexia and creative industries. The project, in support of the British Dyslexic Association, will celebrate dyslexic designers’ work over five days during the London Design Festival.

The Dyslexic Design exhibition, curated by one of the U.K.’s leading designers, Jim Rokos, will challenge perceptions of dyslexia by accentuating the positive effects of living with it and its close association with design. The goal of the project is to remove the stigma sometimes associated with it. 

With dyslexia in her family, Venue's Marketing Coordinator, Claire Collinson says "This will be an excellent exhibition, many people with dyslexia are incredibly creative and this exhibition is a great way to showcase talents and remove any negative associations about dyslexia."  

The exhibition curated, organized and driven by Jim aims to explore the connection between dyslexia and the creative industries. It looks at the positive effects as well as the challenges that people face working with a learning difference.

The exhibition’s main goal is to remove the stigma of dyslexia and reveal it as a gift. It will look at how dyslexia affects a person’s lateral and visual thinking. Visitors to the show will see a mixture of the designers’ latest as well as specially created work for the exhibition.

Click here for more information 

COME DINE WITH US!

Have you read our earlier blogs about  Venue's interior designer and owner, Jackie Lopey's trip to the Las Vegas Market this summer?

Jackie couldn't help but be impressed with Wood Fusion a completely eco-friendly furniture company.

Wood Fusion pieces are all one of a kind and handmade by a team of passionate and dedicated craftsmen & designers. The natural beauty of these designs tell their own story as the uniqueness of the wood grain and patterns naturally attract the human eye.

They are completely eco-friendly and only reclaim trees that were cut down due to hazards, droughts, or sustainable forestry practices. They take pride in creating a new purpose for these exquisite gifts of nature that become everlasting heirlooms.

Essence or Arterios

We couldn't agree more wtih Mark Moussa, Creative Director and Founder of Arteriors who says “The artist in me never stops looking for inspiration.” and Arteriors is a great place to find inspiration. We love their products and each piece has it's own unique style.

Launched in 1987 with a focus on beautiful, handcrafted accessories in classic materials, Arteriors has evolved into a global leader in artisan lighting, furniture, wall decor and decorative accessories…evolved into a go-to resource for residential and contract designers as well.

“It all starts with the product,” says Arteriors Founder and Creative Director Mark Moussa when describing the essence of the company he founded nearly 30 years ago.

This Mosquito Bench caught our eye, reminiscent of the graceful silhouette of a mosquito's leg, this ottoman works well in a bathroom, around a center table in a gallery hall, in front of a fireplace or just about anywhere. 

COLOR OF THE MONTH

We love Scalamandré color of the month, Peacock. Named for one of the most beautiful and dramatic birds on earth, this color is anything but shy. It’s exotic without being shocking, and creates an incredibly rich background with which to contrast pale neutrals, complementary orange, or gold metallic finishes. More than anything, it’s a perfect mix of green and blue, two of nature’s most peaceful hues - so it provides not only depth, but serenity to an interior. Check out their newest Peacock fabrics, trimmings and wall covering, and show off a new look!

Question 5: How Do I Choose Cabinets?

When choosing cabinets, start with what you don’t see – the cabinet box. You want a box made from high-quality plywood that is formaldehyde-free. (Yes, some cheap cabinets are made with plywood that off-gasses formaldehyde, poisoning the air in your home!) The back, bottom, top, and sides of the cabinet box should be ½” thick plywood on framed cabinets and ¾” thick on frame-less. Look for a drawer box with dovetail construction and quality guides – an area where makers of cheaper cabinets often cut corners.

Now for the parts of your cabinets you do see: the face frame, doors, drawer fronts and finished ends. Wood face frames, doors, drawer fronts and finished ends should be well built with good clean joints and beautifully finished in a multi-step process. You will know a multi-step stain or paint because it looks rich and deep.

If you’re interested in a laminated cabinet finish, great for modern kitchens, go for the best quality you can afford to minimize issues with cracking and de-lamination.

Finally, choose a cabinet manufacturer with an ironclad guarantee – preferably one that covers the life of the cabinets. Quality kitchen cabinets will last 20 or 30 years, and you want to buy them from a manufacturer who can go the distance.

RED FLAG Be cautious if your cabinet doesn’t back up claims of quality with a set of detailed specifications including measurements for all parts.

To see more information about the kitchen featured click here or for more design ideas and cabinet choices see our website. 

Still have questions? Call 925-285-0815 or email jackie@venueathome.com now to schedule a 30-minute phone consultation. Yours FREE when you mention this blog post.

Next week we’ll answer Kitchen Design Question 4: Is It Okay To Put A Wood Floor In A Kitchen?

Jackie Lopey embraced her creativity and passion over 10 years ago when she left her corporate job in San Francisco to become an interior designer. Since then she has worked with over a hundred satisfied clients transforming hundreds of rooms, and Jackie’s reputation now precedes her as one of the top Certified Interior Designers in the East Bay.

She has a keen eye for detail and uniquely intuits her clients wants and needs. If you want a home that is breathtaking and deeply personal, Jackie Lopey and her team at Venue are the experts you need to talk to.

When asking the Venue Team their favorite color everyone gave a different answer. However, we did all agree that the Sherwin-Williams' 2017 Color of the Year, Poised Taupe was a winner.  A modern take on a timeless classic, Poised Taupe signals a new direction in society’s ever-growing thirst for beautiful neutrals that bring warm and cool tones together to create one irresistibly versatile color.

“Poised Taupe" celebrates everything people love about cool gray as a neutral, and also brings in the warmth of brown, taking a color to an entirely new level. Not cool or warm, nor gray or brown, Poised Taupe is a weathered, woodsy neutral bringing a sense of coziness and harmony that people are seeking,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams.

As the Sherwin-Williams team traveled the world to identify the latest trends and make this year’s selection, it became clear that neutrals are beginning a transition from the monochrome gray of the past five years to a more complex taupe and brown. In a recent homeowner survey conducted by Sherwin-Williams, nearly 40 percent of the respondents agree that they would like to incorporate warmer neutrals, such as warm grays, taupes or beiges, into their home décor. Additionally, more than two in five people identified taupe as a timeless neutral they would choose. Move over cool toned colors. A new trend is here!

Don't keep it under the carpet!

What a nifty little idea from Sweepovac. The Undercounter Kitchen Vacuum is perfect for cleaning kitchen messes. Install it at the bottom of kitchen counters and it acts as an automatic dustpan. Just sweep crumbs, dirt, and other debris into the suction area and press the foot pedal. It will automatically suction up your mess so you don't have to pull out your vacuum. Additional features include an air filter, a large bag, and a 10-second timer. Its strong suction removes dirt in seconds, and its sleek design allows for no loss of space. This might just make sweeping the floor a little bit more fun! 

End of Summer Giving You the Blues? We Say Embrace It!

We love this article from Elle Decor's website: 20 Blue Rooms, from nautical to modern every style does well with a touch of blue. It is probably due to blue's calming tones that makes it so popular and choosing different hues and patterns can also make it a striking and uplifting choice, as featured in this kitchen. Nivin Velasquez, an interior designer at Venue, offers the following advice "Love bold blue? Try using it as an accent color in your room. It can make an impact as an accent wall or in your accessories. Add beautiful dark stained furniture to ground your room and remember to incorporate lighter tones to give the eye a place to rest.”

So don't get the blues, embrace them. Still unsure which is the right hue? Call us we'd love to help you find the right blue for you.  

Question 6: How Much Of My Time Is This Project Going To Absorb?

Designing a new kitchen is like taking on a second job. If you’re designing it yourself, plan to spend 80 hours researching materials, planning your layout and visiting showrooms, and 20 hours finding contractors, meeting with those contractors and then gathering and comparing their bids.

That’s just to plan your kitchen, you’ll spend another 40 to 60 hours finalizing your purchases, placing orders, tracking those orders and receiving deliveries. You’re not done yet! Was anything you ordered out-of-stock or discontinued? You’ll need to find a replacement. Did anything arrive damaged? You’ll have to file a claim and get a new one shipped out.

If you already have an endless To Do List, designing your own kitchen and running down the needed materials is a tall order. Protect your sanity and your time, which is after all priceless, by hiring a full-service interior design firm, like Venue, to carry the load. The result will likely be better than you could achieve alone, your designer will get your kitchen designed quickly, save you money and, of course, eliminate many hours of frustrating work.

Still have questions?  Call 925-285-0815 or email jackie@venueathome.com now to schedule a 30-minute phone consultation. Yours FREE when you mention this blog post.

Next week we’ll answer Kitchen Design Question 5: How Do I Choose Cabinets?

This week at Venue we get our groove on with furniture that plays music, we reveal how to get organized for going back to school, get mesmerized by a spa shower for the home and much more…

When is a Sofa Not a Sofa? When It's a Speaker!

We love music - who doesn't? That's why the Häfele Loox Sound System 105, caught our eye. It's an invisible sound system that is ingeniously developed to be installed into furniture pieces. Ready? Here comes the techy bit ... A Bluetooth receiver with an integrated exciter (sound transducer), is neatly encased in a specially designed compact body. Simply connect your smart phone or another Bluetooth-enabled device to play your favorite music, streaming audio, podcasts, etc. The exciter sends these vibrations through different surfaces, transforming every piece of furniture into a sound conductor (speaker). In other words, you can add audio to a wide range of environments with a simple installation process and stylish design, cool huh?

What Happens In Vegas ... Doesn't Always Stay In Vegas!

When Jackie Lopey, owner of Venue, visited Las Vegas Market this summer she couldn't wait to tell us all about it, “I love the organic wood with its burls, knots and live edge paired with the crystalline geometry of the glass.” Since then Venue has liaised with several new exciting vendors, we already have clients wanting their products and we know it's the start of a beautiful friendship. We'll continue to talk about the different vendors in the coming weeks but this week we want to tell you about Jeffan Furniture. Jeffan International is the North American division of a 20-year-old family-owned company based in Indonesia. The company’s mission is to bring Indonesia’s amazing craftsmanship and design capabilities to the rest of the world. Jeffan’s designs are eclectic, current, modern and fashion-forward. They offer a broad line of home furnishings, including furniture for indoors and out, lighting and home accents. Working with local artisans, most products are crafted by hand using indigenous and exotic materials. These materials and techniques are infused into modern designs based on collaboration with designers from around the world.  

Spa at Home - Serenity Light, Sound, Rain Head

We all want one of these! Controlled by ThermaTouch, this unique system from ThermaSol creates a personal experience and environment with the creative use of light, sound and falling water. The ceiling-mounted system utilizes high-quality LEDs for Mood Lighting mode, which delivers gradually changing color palettes and in-shower lighting. Chromatherapy mode delivers seven color calibrated presets matching up with the body’s chakras. The audible experience is delivered through a high-performance trilinear sub-woofer with high-frequency drivers and a high-efficiency class D amplifier. With ThermaTouch, audio settings such as volume, treble, mid-range, bass and voice response feedback are controlled. Finally, the rain head shower delivers a gentle falling water sensation through two rows of 82 easy-clean neoprene jets. Wow! 

We Might Live on the West Coast, but the East Coast Still Inspires Us!

The Kate Spade New York Home collection from Jaipur Living was among the most talked about when it launched at the end of last year and we continue to love the new range which takes a fresh look on her iconic patterns, along with several original design additions marked by bright new colorways and patterns. 

Custom Furniture For Our Customers

We understand everyone wants something a little different to make their home unique and, thanks to Robert Allen, designing custom furniture has never been easier.  Their furniture program continues to expand and now includes upholstered headboards, dining room chairs, occasional furniture, as well as chairs, sofas, and sectionals. We love this chair design by Rachel Reider Interiors in Boston. With endless possibilities, Venue with Robert Allen can make a one-off masterpiece or a complementary suite for your living, dining or bedroom. We have you covered!

Question 8: Who Should I Talk To First—A Designer Or A Contractor?

You’ll hear a lot of nightmare stories about general contractors. We love the ones we work with, who refer us again and again, and think we’ve come to understand them. Contractors know how tough remodels can be. They know they can’t give you an accurate quote until they see exactly what you plan to do. That means you must have construction drawings (floor plans, elevations, details, and notes) showing what is being taken out and what is being added. So, call your designer first so that she can create the construction drawings your contractor needs.

By the way, if you want to get an inflated estimate, call your contractor while you’re still brainstorming the design. Then, he’ll have to add everything you might do to his estimate to make sure both you and he are covered in the end!

Question 7: Do I Need A Building Permit?

Some contractors and homeowners are comfortable working without a permit even when one is legally required. However, we’re against it. A kitchen remodel is a major undertaking, and the cost of a building permit is usually a tiny component of the total budget. The building code is focused on serious stuff – fire safety and structural integrity. Why take a chance?

Want to know the key questions you should be asking a contractor and how to get the most reliable quote? Need help choosing a contractor? Call 925-285-0815 or email jackie@venueathome.com now to schedule a 30-minute phone consultation. Yours FREE when you mention this blog post.

Next week we’ll answer Kitchen Design Question 6: How Much Of My Time Is This Project Going To Absorb?

Jackie Lopey embraced her creativity and passion over 10 years ago when she left her corporate job in San Francisco to become an interior designer. Since then she has worked with over a hundred satisfied clients transforming hundreds of rooms, and Jackie’s reputation now precedes her as one of the top Certified Interior Designers in the East Bay.

She has a keen eye for detail and uniquely intuits her clients wants and needs. If you want a home that is breathtaking and deeply personal, Jackie Lopey and her team at Venue are the experts you need to talk to.

Last week, we answered Question 10: When remodeling my kitchen, where do I start? This week, Question 9.

Question 9: I Want To Move (or Remove) a Wall, Door or Window. Do I Need an Architect?

If you’re making structural or seismic changes, you need an architect or a structural engineer. We routinely move walls, windows and doors in our kitchen designs and refer our clients to an engineer to create structural drawings. Structural engineers work quickly and offer great value.

However, you will need more than structural drawings.  You will need to-scale construction drawings.  We routinely create a set of construction drawings including:

As-Built – drawings of the pre-remodel space and sometimes the whole house or lot,

Floor Plan – a bird’s eye view of the remodeled space showing walls, doors, windows, appliances, plumbing and more, like the one on the right,

Lighting Plan – again a bird’s eye view, this one shows the placement of your lights and outlets and addresses any energy requirements in the building code,

Elevations – a view of each wall, as though you were standing in front of it looking at it, showing the placement of all of the cabinets, wall sconces, electrical outlets and plumbing on that wall,

Detail Drawings – a study of a particular feature like the layout of your backsplash that shows the desired result to your contractor.

For our projects, the client’s general contractor takes the construction drawings Venue has created and the engineer’s structural drawings to the local building department to pull permits.  Then, the construction drawings are referred to throughout the remodel.

Still have questions? Call 925-285-0815 or email jackie@venueathome.com now to schedule a 30-minute phone consultation. Yours FREE when you mention this blog post.

Next week we’ll answer Kitchen Design Questions 8 and 7: Who Should I Talk To First - A Designer Or A Contractor?

Still have questions? Call 925-285-0815 or email jackie@venueathome.com now to schedule a 30-minute phone consultation. Yours FREE when you mention this blog post.

Next week we’ll answer Kitchen Design Question 9: I Want To Move (or Remove) a Wall, Door or Window. Do I Need an Architect?

Decorating with yellow is tricky. Get it just right and your room feels bright, new and fresh. Get it wrong and it looks harsh, dated or dingy. So, how will you know when you’ve got it just right? Follow these designer tips: 

Yellow can be a bossy color. Like all warm colors, it advances visually. Painted on multiple walls, it will intensify, looking more yellow than it does on a tiny paint swatch. The fix? Choose a paint swatch one or two shades less intense to achieve the color you really want in your room.  

When we looked at the paint swatch for this kitchen, it showed only a hint of yellow. On all four walls, the effect is a perfect warm glow.

2. Use yellow sparingly. 

A little yellow goes a long way. If you want a yellow kitchen, for example, a yellow backsplash or yellow island surrounded by neutral floors, walls, and cabinets will carry the whole color scheme.  

With yellow on the backsplash and pendant lights only, this kitchen is bright and fresh, but not overwhelming.

3. Balance yellow with white. 

Yellow and white are a classic color scheme. What could be fresher? The trick here is to use more white than yellow.

White and gray balance the yellow in this casual polyester throw rug.

4. Let yellow play second fiddle. 

Yellow can pair with literally any other color. The trick is to pick the right shade of yellow. If you don’t have an eye for color, use a favorite fabric, area rug or piece of art to guide you. For example, this yellow coffee table from Decorative Crafts would be the perfect accent for blue or purple.