A big hello to everyone! My name is Jeanne and I'm thrilled to join Alexiis and Cristina on their Love Design Company blog. I'm the new writer and I look forward to sharing my thoughts and hearing yours on topics from alcoves to zebra stripes. Some random things about me: My living room is much lived in...I'm not an interior designer...My decor is guided by the theme indestructible by cat...My continual efforts to redecorate and rearrange my home have given me a talent for pushing the furniture around.
Are eat-in kitchens going extinct like shortbread recipes that require a pound of butter? I don't have a preference for either traditional or open concept designs; I'm happy as long as there's a stove that heats up a can of soup and doesn't set my hair on fire.
White is the only colour used on the walls and furniture in this kitchen. It blends the cooking and dining areas into a bright, pristine unity. Munching toast beneath the large skylight would be a light-filled and uplifting start to every morning.
Colours are fascinating and they often surprise me with the images and feelings they stir up. In this room, the green in the chairs' upholstery leads me to wonder about mischievous leprechauns. The pinks, particularly in the flowers and in the "LOVE" artwork, reminds me of sweet watermelon and the sweetness of heartfelt love. Combined thoughtfully against the expanse of white walls and trim, these spring-dappled hues playfully lift the energy of the space and freshen it with a pretty and young-at-heart vibe.
The glorious wood used in this streamlined, wall-mounted credenza helps it stand apart from being just a nice but ordinary piece of furniture. The striking grain sings a range of light to dark tones and transposes a basic, rectilinear form into song. The credenza doesn't merely function to hold and conceal clutter behind closed doors. It graces the room with a subtle oomph that doesn't overwhelm the minimalist surroundings.
Paying bills on time is a task that I do with genius if it means missed deadlines and late payment fees! This custom desk and bookshelf cabinet makes an enticing home office. To me, its strong blue suggests blue chip stocks. This cool, compact workspace would make the drudgery of balancing my chequing account more bearable.
Look ma! No cabinet hardware! My favourite thing about this kitchen is the contrast between the wood on the cabinetry and the other materials. The wood's gently wavy grain enlivens the uniformity and opaqueness of the tiles, counter, and appliances. Its bleached tones appear creamy and warming when set against the cool greys, white, and stainless steel. This kitchen may be small but its disciplined and succinct style is sharp as a knife.
I like reading in bed, do you? This airy sleeping loft provides a serene setting to curl up with The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo trilogy. The structure incorporates overlooked space (e.g. vertical space, hidden space), ample built-in storage, and multi-tasking elements (e.g. look closely at the staircase). Its thoughtful design adds a significant amount of extra space without consuming additional square footage.
