Gorgeous Grey/Gray Kitchen–Tradition with a Twist

We all know that grey (gray) is the new neutral. I think the new grey kitchens are both beautiful and timeless. I wanted to share this kitchen with you because although it incorporates all the classic, traditional elements of marble, stainless steel and inset cabinetry, it also feels youthful and fresh.

First, special thanks to my friend, Jamie Salomon, the fabulous architectural photographer, for sharing his gorgeous interior photos with us. Also thanks to his equally talented wife, Susan Salomon, who was the wonderful stylist for this kitchen and has styled rooms for many national home magazines. What an incredible team! Of course they had a gorgeous space to work in. The credit for this classic but fresh kitchen goes to Maine kitchen designer, Jeanne Rapone. It's not a surprise that Jeanne’s work has also graced several national magazines.

At first glance this classic kitchen is indeed beautiful. Inset cabinetry painted in a striking charcoal grey (gray) which plays off the stunning thick, marble counters. Notice the built in breakfront china cabinet. The long glass front doors, exposed hinges and hardware are reminiscent of an earlier time. By flanking the built in with steel framed windows and French doors, and adding interesting wall down lights, the kitchen instantly feels lighter and fresher.

Here is another view of the cabinet, as well as the center island. Notice the thickness of the marble. It makes the center island feel more substantial and timeless – as if it has been there a very long time.

And like all great designers, Jeanne Rapone added an element of unexpected surprise. She painted the pocket door to the butlers pantry a bright yellow. This small detail added a huge punch of youthfulness and vitality into this classic kitchen.

Also notice the fabulous lighting choices and the interesting detail behind the stove. Also notice the little designer details: chicken wire insets on the cabinet doors over the refrigerator and a mix of several different cabinet hardware choices; including handles, knobs, bin pulls, and latches.

On the opposite wall a bank of white cabinetry creates a bar area. Notice the yellow paint inside the backs of the upper cabinets. Here we tie the unexpected yellow door back into the rest of the kitchen. Also notice the yellow urns, and trays that were added for impact by the creative stylist, Susan Salomon. Finally, the artwork, which echoes the stove backsplash, is set off by a painted, gray block. An interesting and inexpensive way to bring a high fashion designer look.

This kitchen has so many details that merit a second glance. Think about how your can add one or two of these to your space. Just incorporating a few of these ideas can give your kitchen a whole new designer look.

To see more of Jamie Salomon’s work at Salomon Photography click HERE.

To see more of Stylist, Susan Salomon’s work click HERE.

To see more of Kitchen Designer, Jeanne Rapone’s work click HERE

Wonderful marble counters by Morning Star Marble click HERE.

(all content copyrighted by Willow Décor and not to be copied without consent. All photos property of Jamie Salomon Photography and used with permission)

Aspen Beauty–An Imaginary Dream Tour!!

Finally we have some snow on the ground in Boston. It’s getting me excited for our ski trip to Aspen this year.

As you know Dave and I are always scanning the real estate listings and we happened upon this gorgeous property for sale in Aspen. Of course at $39 Million USD, we couldn’t even get in the door, but its fun to dream. I thought you would enjoy a cyber tour of a home which caters to the rich and famous. So lets pretend it actually is my house and I am taking you on a personal tour. I would first bring you to our stone wine cellar to have a yummy glass of wine, before we started our imaginary home tour!

We would then make our way to the extraordinary great room. I would point out the antique hand hewn beams and we would admire the craftsmanship of the stone work. Notice the arch in the fireplace and the how it mimics the entry arch to the left. We would also take in the spectacular view of the slopes.

Next we would make our way into the kitchen, I would point out the floor and how we used limestone and antique wood for a wonderful effect. We would laugh about which center island to stand at because of course there are two!!

Then we would head into the dining room. We would talk about the gorgeous faux paint techniques and we would compliment the artist on his excellent fresco work. I would point out how the faux painting really enhances the arch in the dining room, making that architectural feature even more impressive. You will say how you love how it mimics the arches in the great room and I will be so impressed that you noticed.

Then we would pop into the pantry – You know I love pantries and this one is spectacular. Notice the beautiful wood ceiling.

Then we would meet the boys in the Billiards room! It would be so cozy and inviting! Notice the wood work and the stone arch entry – love the juxtaposition of those two materials.

We would head to the master bedroom and you would “ooh and aah”. We both would love the beamed ceiling and the faux fur throw on the bed! You would ask about the big ottoman. I would say the kids love to lay across it!

We would head outside to enjoy the sunset – I would point out how much I love the herringbone brick patio – You would tell me how much you love the interesting mantel around the fireplace which mimics the ceiling. We both would laugh at the animal heads and antlers. I would say they creep me out, but Dave likes them!!

We would head to pool area and take in the spectacular mountain views. We would both say how we didn’t want to put our bathing suits on in March!!

You would say the exterior is breathtaking and I would agree! Then we would head back to the wine cellar for another glass of wine. Of course this was just a pretend tour, but if you want to see more of this exceptional property click HERE to see the real estate listing. The new owners are going to be very lucky people!!

(All content copyrighted by Willow Décor and not to be used with out permission. All photos Sotheby's)

An Artist’s Sculpture Studio

One of my dreams is to have a studio. I love to paint, dabble in sculpture and of course, it would be wonderful to have a dedicated space for my interior design business.

Designer David Coote took a small garden shed and created the most amazing Artist’s Sculpture Studio and Retreat.

Though not very large in scale, it is enormous in charm and function. As you enter you can see a daybed to the right and straight on you can see the studio area. Notice the skylights and windows. There is literally light from almost every angle.

Here is a closer look at the studio. I love that the back wall is covered in old barn board and the floors are stunning!

A small pot belly stove keeps the studio toasty warm in the cooler months.

And there is even a small hot plate when you need to re-charge and have a bit of tea!

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To the right is another bed in a bit of alcove. Notice the lovely window and beautiful open beamed ceiling

A close up shows old brackets and barn wood shelves for storing old casts and an antique wash tub to hold towels and cleaning supplies.

The alcove also has wonderful skylights. I expect the light floods this studio and changes all day creating the most interesting patterns.

There is even a wash basin and water to freshen up – so charming!!

Notice the old re-purposed closet doors which hide all the sculpture supplies.

And these doors swing open to let even more light and the lovely gardens in.

Could you ask for a more inspiring place to work?! So readers, here is one of my dreams – an Artist Studio!

To see more of David Coote’s work click HERE. To see two other fabulous Artist Studios click HERE and HERE.

(All content copyrighted and property of Willow Décor, all photos David Coote)

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Wishing you all a special Valentine’s Day!! May you love an be loved….

xox Gina

(All content copyrighted by Willow Décor – photo Houzz)

Cape Ann Beach Cottage Before and After

I love renovation –moving walls and raising ceilings! Perhaps that is why I am so drawn to architects and spatial design versus fabrics and rugs. Most of my friends and colleagues think I am crazy, but nothing is more enjoyable to me than tearing out old walls and transforming rooms into a new and wonderful spaces. So when the the right architect/build firm comes along the results can be magic! Here is a wonderful before and after by Howell Custom Building Group who also did the architectural plan. The gorgeous After pictures were shot by the famous interior photographer, Eric Roth.

The 800 square foot cottage was part of an Inn, which consisted of the main house and cottages. When the Inn closed the homeowner purchased the cottage as a weekend retreat because of its spectacular location and views. The goal of the project was to increase the living area with out changing the footprint due to zoning restrictions. Above is the Living area/Kitchen Before.

Here is another Before from the opposite angle.The homeowner also wanted to add more windows to capture more of the spectacular ocean views.

Howell Custom Building Group provided a fabulous solution. They opened the ceiling with steel cable trusses to create cathedral ceilings and sleeping/play loft.

Here is the dramatic After. You can see that Howell Custom Building Group is outstanding at transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary!

Also notice their amazing attention to detail. I love the curved loft design which echoes a ship bow, as well as the ships ladder and hatch, that leads up to the play loft! So creative!!

The kitchen was cramped and cabinet space needed to be increased.

Curved mahogany kitchen counters were added and sealed with marine varnish. The design was inspired by the homeowner’s love of the famous Boston’s Union Oyster House Bar.

The bedroom before did not provide very good views

A glass slider was added and now the homeowners wake up views of the sparkling sea.

Usually in renovation the first thought is tear out the old stone and start again, but this stone fireplace was given new life.

They flanked the fireplace on either side with bookcases to add much needed storage and display space.

They also added a window seat for additional seating and a wall of sliders out to a new deck. The new sliders create an impactful and dramatic view of the ocean beyond. For more amazing photos of this cottage transformation to and to see more stunning properties by Howell Custom Building Group click HERE. To see more of interior photographer Eric Roth’s gorgeous work click HERE.

(All content property of Willow Décor, All Photos property of Howell Custom Building Group and Eric Roth)

Such A Dreamy Bathroom!

I wasn’t surprised when Architect and Design firm Alisberg Parker won an award for this wonderful bathroom.

The Greenwich Connecticut firm is not only exceptionally talented in creating and renovating spaces but also in decorating those spaces with the just the right materials. The effect, as you can see above, is stunning! I love how the large marble floor tile is off set by the small brick subway tiles behind the vanity. To the right is a gorgeous free standing tub and to the left a walk in shower.

Here is a closer view of the tub. It is beautifully set in a cathedral peak with lovely windows to capture the view. The lighting choice is sublime. Overhead lights would have cast a harsh glow and I think chandeliers in the bath are just getting too overdone. Here they selected wall mounted arm lamps for soft and romantic lighting - a very interesting choice which I just love!!

The walk in shower also has interesting lighting which echo's the angles and lines of the shower. Alisberg Parker did a wonderful job of incorporating the angles and eaves of the house into the shower’s design.

Here is a better view of the shower – Isn’t it a fabulous space?! Plenty of room for two!

A classic marble vanity and nickel fixtures complete the perfect bathroom. This is one to keep for your inspiration files! Excellent design – outstandingly executed! To see more of their beautiful projects click HERE.

(All content copyrighted and property of Willow Décor – All Photos by Eric Laignel property of Alisberg Parker not to be copied without permission)