Style Without Breaking the Bank – Design Smart

Thank you for all that responded to the poll! Most of you decided that a model home needs to show design style without breaking the bank. So, I allowed myself a mid-upgrade budget, without over improving the home where the appraisal would be compromised and standard features would be disguised.

Ok, we want style: Traditional, Tuscan, Mediterranean, shabby shic, minimalist, French country, ethnic fusion, modern, wild, mission, Moroccan, ghetto fabulous, gaudy, etc. Some I listed purely to illustrate the wide range of choices. Our current model is tropical-esque created by using red, golds, and leafy themed accessories and wall art.  I think I even noticed some disguised pineapples. That was great 3 years ago. It’s gotta go.

The operative word today is transitional. It’s much hotter than traditional or contemporary, as it combines both styles to create an updated sophisticated feel in a relaxed environment using uncomplicated earth and natural tones. Retail furniture stores like Create and Barrel and Restoration Hardware exemplify transitional design to their core.

If you are wondering what floor plan we are building, click here: AVALON

When designing interiors, it is best to begin in the kitchen. Why? Because most of the color palette will be established there in the juxtaposition of the cabinets, countertops, tile and backsplash. Everything radiates from there. The kitchen after all, has grown from a segregated dirty room, to the showcase of most homes. We are all self-proclaimed gourmet chefs and some, like me, even have a chefs jacket to validate our skills.

Rich Espresso Cabinetry

We begin by choosing rich espresso color (a dark brown/black) cabinetry with a simple detail. This is one of our included cabinetry door design, with a very conservative upgrade glaze. The dark and neutral color is very easy to work with and somewhat universal. We can go in a variety of different color directions from here.

Granite countertops are next. Although some inner loop homes are using creative materials like concrete, stainless steel, butcher block, copper, zinc and limestone, granite is timeless and durable. The new granite technologies also have a stain shield that lessens the maintenance usually associate with this material.

Copper Silk Granite Countertops

Copper Silk granite color is an ideal match. It has a beautiful consistent blend of earth browns, with dark espresso type colors showing through, coupling beautifully with the cabinetry. In addition, the minority colors include grays, blues and subtle purples, allowing to pull these colors in accessories. Copper Silk being a mid-level granite, it lowers the budget from the marbles, travertines and some of the exotic and pricey granites usually found in model homes.

Mowhawk "Mirrodor Brown Pearl" Porcelain Tile 20x20

Floor tile is next. Although sometimes we are tempted to use natural tile flooring like travertine, marble or slate, some ceramic and porcelain tiles are so beautiful, much easier on the pocket book, and their look is more consistent, achieving a sophisticated look. Some porcelain have profiled edges allowing for 1/8″ grout line in lieu of the typical 1/4″ grout line in tile installation. This gorgeous 20×20 tile picks up the beautiful neutrals of both the cabinetry and the countertops, allows for the flexibility of colors as we continue this into the family room and foyer, showing subtle grays and a hint of olive. Our options are open.

Natural Tumbled Travertine in a subway 1"x2" brick pattern

Most models show very elaborate backsplash patterns including natural materials, metal inserts, cooktop medallions, patterns, listellos and more. This is a place where a lot of impact can be made, showing off many high end options. Even the most minute of details can increase one’s budget immensely. Conversely, the kitchen is the most important in terms of value, meaning, upgrading this area is perhaps wise. We will take the other approach of less is more.

A simple 1″ x 2″ tumbled travertine subway backsplash is elegant, timeless, and adds a hint of texture needed to enhance our transitional style. We have chosen a light color to contrast the medium/dark countertops and the rich dark espresso cabinetry.

This combination is what I believe to be the universal “little black dress” of design. It works now, and it will always work. And like the little black dress, a couple of accessories will take it form timeless to delicious fabulousness. Our two accessories:

Metal Listelle by Arizona Tile - Old Ferro (Burnished)

1. A simple geometric listelle (flat moulding/molding used as separation between larger mouldings) that picks up the simplicity of the cabinetry, the minority colors of Copper Silk countertops, as well as adding some texture wit a hint of contemporary design. Think of this as your signature necklace. It will sparkle and make a strong statement. It will be installed across the backsplash in between the tumbled travertine.

Tubular Handles for all cabinets and drawers

2. Satin stainless tubular hardware is inexpensive and an incredible way to breakup the otherwise regular and consistent cabinetry. By using stainless, we tie in the metal of the listelle, the sparkle of the appliances and the plumbing fixture. This accent also adds a geometric almost industrial feel to our previous pseudo traditional design. Combining elements of yesteryear and today, we create this much sought out transitional style.

Yes, money does allow us the freedom to choose whatever we would like in our homes, but it does not necessarily dictates taste. A home is a home and also an investment vehicle. Design smart.