Rebecca Ryan Design - New Face for a Frumpy Fireplace

PROBLEM: FRUMPY FIREPLACE

This frumpy fireplace is such a dominant element in the room that no matter what else is done with the walls or furnishings, the room will never look right and the owner's will never be happy with it.

• Bland, pale brick takes away from the beautiful hardwood floors
• Random knick-knack shelves create clutter and fight with the open storage of the built-ins
• Brassy surround is very dated
• Log storage opening is useless and distracting.

SOLUTION: NEW FIREPLACE FACADE

The new tile facade is clean, current and transitional enough to work with a variety of furnishings.

• Tiling directly over the existing brick is easy and economical.
• One type of tile used for all surfaces creates a single visual impression.
• Removing the knick-knack shelves, closing in the log storage, and laying the tile in a straight stacked pattern creates clean lines that don't fight with the open storage of the adjacent built-ins.
• The tile's depth and texture keep it interesting without being busy. The richness of color adds some punch to the room. The color - both warm brown tones as well as cool grays make it a versatile choice that can coordinate well with a variety of other colors and tones.
• The gas insert is clean, simple and black.
• The stainless steel shluter provides a nice finished edges for all three sides.

Rebecca Ryan Design: Instant Gratification

Spray Paint is the key to instant gratification. 

The color choices are vast, and so are the finishes.

They can be used on any surface provided you select the appropriate formula. 

And this picture only shows about half of what was actually available at my local home store.

• Update a brassy fireplace door in a metallic bronze or matte black
• Unify finishes on mismatched picture frames
• Revive a shabby piece of wicker furniture 
• Paint anything in a bright high gloss lacquer for a punch of color (like a nightstand or a chandelier)
• Change the metallic finish on light fixtures

If you've done something you love, send me a pic and I'll post it on Facebook.

Rebecca Ryan Design: I Spy .....Innovation

Can you spot the differences?

Hansgrohe Axor Bouroullec  

is a bath collection not constrained by a rigid pattern.

The position of the faucet and handles is not predetermined: you can decide where to locate them - on top of and around the sink. Shelves integrated into the sink permit flexible positioning of the faucet and handles, or provide space to store your personal items. A collection which gives you the freedom to customize your bathroom as never before. 

Yes, that's water coming out of the shelf!

Rebecca Ryan Design: 3 Keys to Maximize Counter Space

Look Familiar? 

Use these 3 Key Planning Points to get the most out of your countertops.

1. CONTINUOUS: When it comes to having good work surfaces the key is continuous countertop surface. Ideally a kitchen will have at least one area of countertop that is 5 feet long. If you can't get a 5' strip in your tiny kitchen, get the longest length you can make work.This could be between the refrigerator and the sink or on an island. One continuous work surface is more valuable than a lot of total square footage of countertop broken into in short lengths. 

2. LOCATION:The countertop location is also important when it comes to handedness and sequencing. Typically, right handed people like to prep, chop etc to the left of a sink. Whereas, left handed cooks do the opposite. If you can consider and accommodate this in your space planning, the kitchen will be more efficient and enjoyable to use. 

3. LANDING: "Landing areas" are needed next to the refrigerator, microwave oven and traditional ovens. Usable landing space doesn't always have to be directly next to an appliance. It could be on an island behind you, or in the form of a pullout shelf in a tall cabinet under a microwave. The point is that went you are pulling something hot from and oven, or lots of things from a frig, you need an easily accessible place to put them. Other functional landing areas to consider would be for bringing in groceries and mail, purses, and bookbags. 

Rebecca Ryan Design: Return on Investment

The link to Remodeling Magazine's 2013 Cost v. Value chart is a valuable tool.
http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2013/costvsvalue/division/west-north-central.aspx

After you look at it, ask yourself, "Am I remodeling to sell or to live?"

(ROI) is a reality, but it’s really only relevant to people who are planning to sell within 5 or so years. The truth is, ROI does not measure “homeowner satisfaction” which is the REAL return on their investment. I see it in my business over and over again. Once people change their environments in a way that reflects and serves them better – they are changed and their lives are changed as well. It’s truly transforming – and that, my friends, is Priceless!

Rebecca Ryan Design - Blue is New!

I'm really excited about all of the blue I'm seeing in the design world. If you aren't seeing it yet, you will. The trend is to use deep, saturated blues - navy, deep cobalt, midnight - with lots of white. Pops of color are introduced with other livelier and brighter hues of blue - royal, periwinkle, turqoise and compliments of yellow or red. Patterns are large scaled, bold and graphic. This new blue trend is straightforward - not fussy, with hints of nautical.

My clients are at the front of the curve. I recently designed a condo in Minneapolis with a gorgeous "nearly navy" den and white carrara marble tile fireplace.

Kitchens can benefit from this trend too.

Rebecca Ryan Design - Minneapolis Kitchen and Bath Showroom Design

"MINGLE: Cabinetry, Furnishings, Design" - is a new concept, destination, design showroom being built in Plymouth, Minnesota.

I am so excited to be part of the award winning team of designers putting it all together. With nearly 30,000 SF and over 100 displays, including many life size, working displays, people will be able to see gorgeous, innovative design for every room in the house. Guests will see kitchens, bathrooms, master suites, walk in closets, bar and billiard areas, wine cellars, offices, laundry rooms, mud rooms and more. Each display is complete with unique cabinetry, countertops, furniture, flooring, lighting, plumbing, paint, wall paper, fabrics and accessories.

As if that's not enough, Mingle will host local artisans in it's on site gallery, and chefs and events in it's many working kitchens. There is literally nothing like this in the entire Midwest.

Mingle will be open 7 days a week to retail clients as well as to builders and designers.

Stay tuned for more, as the showroom is slated to open early Fall 2012.