Chaletmomma

Hi Friends after many months the kitchen refresh is finally complete!

Back in February I popped into Home Depot and came home with a sample of English Channel. I am not someone who needs a plethora of swatches. I knew I wanted a dark blue but, not navy and this color fills the bill perfectly.

On Friday July 24th we celebrated 17 years of ownership here at the Chalet. In that time all but two spaces have been redone at least once. (We like what we like and we like it for a long time! hahaha!) So the kitchen was one of the spaces that had not seen any updates since the original remodeling project in January 2005.

This is our kitchen in its full Ben Moore Pumpkin Spice glory…. I loved the color so much for so long - until I didn’t. I started talking about painting the kitchen a dark blue last fall. I saw some raised eyebrows and I get it - I really do - the space is about 9’ x 9’ and I’m being generous - the measurement from the frig to the diningroom is 6’ 6 inches.

If you follow along on IG than you never see this space. It’s small, hard to photograph and the light levels vary between barely any to being very bright thanks to it bouncing off our neighbors house.

In April I painted the trim - the problem was I didn’t have the wall and ceiling paint. This is my very sweet husband - he went to the store (during the the height of the pandemic here in New Jersey) and bought me paint. I started painting the ceiling Behr Paint Pink Prism in May but, as it is with life especially during Covid the project stalled. On July 22nd he took pity on me and gave the ceiling the second coat it needed and then my friends I was off to the races!

I painted for 6 hours on Friday July 24th (that magical 17th Houseaversary) and for another 8 hours the next day. I know you’re thinking what?1? 14 hours to paint such a small space but, I started brushing and stuck with it. I like brushes they offer me a control I don’t feel with a roller. I also used artists brushes to get in to some of the nooks and crannies.

By Saturday night there was Art! Thanks so much Christina for lending your eye!

“KP duty is “kitchen police” or “kitchen patrol”...”

— Wikipedia

This image proves the ceiling really is Pink!

This fabric was the jumping off point for the rest of the elements in the space. Originally I thought about going in a chinoiserie direction but, when I closed my eyes and asked myself what did I want to live with? What did I see in my minds eye? Something I Ask Clients To Do… I saw fun with a modern twist and this fabric is the perfect blend of color and pattern to tell that story.

I first saw this fabric on my friend and Interior Designer Cameron Jones IG feed, she was sweet enough to grab a yard and mail it from Raleigh, North Carolina. It had been sitting in a bin in my basement for a few years - I am so glad I hadn’t used it for pillows or a client! So the last thing I tackled were the cafe curtains.

I hope this has inspired you and let you see even professionals can struggle to get projects finished - for one reason or another.

This pretty space is getting a break while we’re at the beach - breathing in salt air, eating donuts, playing mini-golf - all while self distancing and wearing masks. Please know I’m here for assistance - email me - no project or query is too small!

Take care and Please wear your mask!

Everything we do in design is intended to make an impact.

I am so excited to share today’s piece. I had the most fun bringing some Chaletstyle to my dear friend Amy’s home. It’s a center hall colonial brilliantly decorated and filled with beautiful pieces and art. It has back to back living areas - and last fall we started chatting about freshening up the built-ins in both the Livingroom and the Television room. I was thrilled when I was asked for my help.

There were a total of 3 days spent styling, painting and restyling.

First let’s look at the Livingroom - this room overlooks the back garden.

On the first day we stared looking through all the design elements Amy has organized - I mean look at this friends - all ready to grab and go! And grab we did! Next we shopped the house a bit pulling pieces and some books from other rooms. Then the styling began!

I could shoot myself for not taking a true before image of the two spaces. I certainly didn’t have my blogging cap on that day in November.

After day one we admired both rooms - but, Amy wanted to go further. The conversation turned to Peel and Stick wallpaper in a grass cloth texture. After reviewing options and discussing an order was placed but, when it arrived it just wasn’t right. It wasn’t what she had in her mind’s eye. So the next logical step was paint. Kensington Blue # 840 by Benjamin Moore was chosen.

The painting was easy peasy with a steady hand and an angled brush. It took two coats.

BAM friends… At the end of Day 2 we knew that the paint, the color was wonderful - it allows the objects to really pop - it was the magic sauce the space needed. In addition some new objects and books had been purchased bringing in a subtle influx of pink to the space. I think these pieces really make the space sing!

You all know how much I love pink and think a touch of it can go anywhere!

Now let’s look at the Television Room.

After tackling the Livingroom we turned our attention to the Television Room. On the first day we styled the shelves adding touches of gold. We were loving how they turned out.

In addition to painting the Livingroom shelves Segovia Red #1288 by Benjamin Moore was chosen to add that special pop.

The Benjamin Moore product was again lovely to use and it covered in two coats.

This color is the perfect choice - I mean look at this room - it picks up on the rug and the Flag Art totally pops. In addition there are a few new gold-toned pieces along with some books and a yummy touch of tortoise. The mix is marvelous!