Every year the Village Association of Improvement (VIA) of Doylestown host their annual Bucks County Designer House and Gardens.
In 2018 I had the pleasure and honor to participate in space #8. It was a Mid-Century Modern Ranch House that had seen better days. After being a rental and art studio and extra home on the extensive property, it was in serious need of some TLC – but we were up to the task to give it a new fresh look. Here are some Before and After of the Kitchen, Dining Area and Salon Gallery Wall
Before:
The space had a ton of dark wood, brick and old character. It just needed some strong cleaner, elbow grease and attention to detail. The owners would have allowed the interior designers to paint any of the wood walls, brick, cabinets etc., but my thought was to preserve as much of the rustic charm. So, I kept the original surfaces and enhance their appearance. Plus, watch out! Wood paneling is making a come back!
After:
By adding a ton of blue and white elements with pops of shiny surfaces and finishes- it lightens the rooms dark wood. Everything from the chosen textiles, rugs, window treatment, lighting and paint had reflective elements to add to the overall shine and elegance of the space.
Before:
The cabinets were terribly damaged. We had 2 different cabinet makers come out to help patch and repair, but the soft wood was severally damaged. Alas, we did decide to paint the cabinets. The upper cabinets are a custom made linen white since the surrounding surfaces made it hard to pick from a paint chip. The lower cabinets were painted a fantastic hue called “Toucan Black” from Benjamin Moore paint. Its a beautiful deep purple black that turns from a slight navy to charcoal in evening light.
Find this color here: https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/2118-20/toucan-black?color=2118-20
After:
Custom ikat linen pinch pleat window treatments and curtains frame the large window and helped lighten the space. Over the kitchen sink, The Chinoiserie Asian printed kick pleat valance help control light and add a special elegant element. It also reflects the saffron color from both the dining room rug and the 100% custom leather recliner with push buttons.
Artwork borrowed for the event by local Bucks County Artist Stacy Speer Scott is framed over the bar and holds a beautiful balance between spaces. While a mini Empire style chandelier hangs low over the bar stools.
A Chandelier made of antique beading, glass, and shells are the right answer for this rustic space. Up lighting works better for the high ceilings and accents the wood. This gorgeous chandelier comes in a variety of sizes appropriate for many spaces.
In the kitchen, there were many different existing metal finishes, the cooper hinges and forged iron, plus new appliances in stainless steel. My thought was to keep adding to the list. You cannot fight the space. You have to move in the direction a space is pulling you. So, I ended up using Dye Cut Metal Drum Light Shades in the Kitchen and a gorgeous reflective raised wallpaper.
Artwork was donated for the duration of the show from many local Bucks County artist. Real art adds a richness to a room that nothing else can match..
With the traditional Dutch Door, I wanted to highlight its fantastic ability to open only the top portion, so I had a custom made Pagoda Cornaice fashioned over the space between the wood beams and door frame. We were then able to force your eye to ignore the copper piping and architectural flaws. This cornice actually far enough out, we can add drapery panels inside if desired. The fabric is a gorgeous faux, blue, chenille, aligator pattern, that memics the metallic blue Benjamin Moore Studio Finish paint.
The Studio Finish paint, from Benjamin Moore, comes in a variety of colors and you choose the technique to get the desired look. Much like a venetian plaster wall- I choose to have a suede finish but also debated an Asian parchment technique.
This fantastic gun metal, metallic blue is called: PT-300 Brushed Radiance See more about the paint here.
