New Kitchens by William Hefner & Christopher Peacock

I just love the pure beauty and artistic simplicity of William Hefner’s kitchen designs.

If you are not familiar with William Hefner, he is a wonderful architect from California. He designs beautiful homes, but his kitchens rank high on the inspiration scale for me. 

Although not practical for the snowy northeast winters, I adore his use of steel windows and his streamlined aesthetic which is both sophisticated and beautiful.
 

He has just published a gorgeous new book California Homes.  William Hefner also has sent me a copy to giveaway to a lucky Willow Décor reader.  As always, just leave a comment. Or as you know, current subscribers and followers are automatically entered to win.  You can order a copy of California Homes HERE. Or visit his website HERE for even more inspiration.

In other exciting news, Christopher Peacock inspires us once again with his stunning new kitchens on display in his fabulous new 5000 square foot showroom in the D&D building in New York City.

The new showroom is breathtaking and Peacock has really created something special.  Every cabinet, stove hood, and drawer pull reflect his outstanding quality and flawless design.

It is glorious inspiration at every turn. Notice the beautiful curved cabinet and the butcher block integrated in to the center island.

The showroom is not limited to kitchens, he has other wonderful installations including a library, bar area, dining room and a terrace.  Though they wouldn’t disclose the cost of the new showroom, its clear that no expense has been spared!

To see more of Christopher Peacock’s latest designs click HERE. 

Finally congratulations to “Yoga Girl” for winning the Magni Giveaway – please email me your shipping address.

(all photos used with permission. Content copyrighted and not be used with our permission  from Willow Décor)

Amazing French Country Kitchen

I adore interior brick walls, so I was immediately smitten with this French Country Kitchen by designers, Sally Wilson and John Kelsey of Wilson Kelsey Design. These award winning designers have been creating gorgeous interiors for over 25 years. They were a perfect choice for this homeowner who longed for a large European style space that would encourage family gatherings. The kitchen was gutted and then thoughtfully redesigned by Wilson Kelsey Design providing stunning results.

The exposed brick walls are accented with aged interior shutters. If you look closely you can see two islands; one for food prep and one for gathering. To enhance the old world feel notice that the appliances are hidden away behind the beautiful custom cabinetry. On the left the cabinetry hides two Sub Zero refrigerators. I especially love the the large copper apron front sink. You can see how the sink has already taken on a wonderful patina.

The aged finishes on the cabinetry are quite beautiful. Here is a close up. You can also see a better view of the prep island.

No French inspired kitchen is complete with out a large stove. I love the toile inspired tile backsplash. Notice the distressing on the cabinet to the left. Wilson Kelsey Design is well known for their great attention to details!

Adjacent to the center island is the wonderful eating area. The antique chandelier is one of two in the kitchen, you can spy the other over the sink area.

(image by Laura Moss)

A custom built-in sofa was designed to face the new gas fireplace and to encourage lingering at the table.

Above a closer look at the new gas fireplace which adds a wonderful ambiance and creates a very cozy eating area.

In an effort to reduce overhead cabinetry and to increase storage a butlers pantry was added to the design. Notice the arched ceiling niche, copper sink and beautiful wall sconces. It’s all these small details that add so much to the old world feel.

It's not a surprise that because of the thoughtful design by Wilson Kelsey, the homeowners find that they love to gather and linger in the their new space.

Special thanks to Sally Wilson and John Kelsey for sharing their wonderful work with us!

To see more of Wilson Kelsey Design click HERE

To read their wonderful blog click HERE

To see more of Photographer Sam Gray’s work click HERE

(All written content copyrighted by Willow Décor, Photos by Sam Gray and property of Wilson Kelsey; not be used with out permission)

Cape Cod Beauty!

I have been spending some down time with my family at the beach – no TV and limited computer access. Peaceful and relaxing time. Being at the ocean is so inspirational to me that I wanted to share with you this gorgeous home in Cape Cod, designed by the wonderful firm, Hart Architects.

A spectacular ocean front property renovated to support a modern family’s needs. I love the softness of the crushed gravel driveway, so common on the Cape.

The architects were phenomenal, really paying to attention to every beautiful detail. Let’s have a look inside.

The living room is lovely. Notice the deep arched entry ways and beamed ceilings. I love the x detailing on the doors and the soft graceful turn of the staircase. Notice that the room is painted white, but because there is so much architectural interest, the room is warm and inviting. Looking through the doorway on the right you can see the library.

I adore the warmth of an all wood room. You can see a bit of the ocean through the French doors - I could spend hours here!

The family room is lovely of palette of white and soft blue. You can see the kitchen beyond. I like the columns and the half wall division between the two spaces. Its visually gives each room its own defined area, but still feels very open and airy.

Another photo which shows the kitchen more closely. White cabinetry, subway tiles and bin pulls keep it classic but fresh.

A second kitchen area has a wonderful cozy keeping area. Perfect for enjoying that morning cup of coffee. Notice the peaked ceiling – with the ceiling height and the windows and French doors, the space appears much larger.

More French doors invite you out to enjoy the spectacular vistas. I love this little seating nook.

Finally a spectacular sunroom! Notice the gorgeous ceiling and the fireplace – Fabulous!!!

For more photos of this beautiful home and more inspirational designs visit Hart Architects HERE.

Hope you are all enjoying the lazy days of summer as much as I am!! See you in a few weeks!!

(Photo Credit: Cheryle St. Onge and Hart Architects. All content property of Willow Décor and not be copied with out permission)

Stunning Coastal Exterior and Interior Renovation

I am always intrigued by renovation. I especially marvel at exterior transformations and this beautiful home in New York is no exception.


On a breathtaking piece of property on the Long Island Sound it was a perfect home for renovation. Above is the Before - a wonderful, quaint colonial.

And here is the After: Notice the change in the roof lines - the original second story was expanded and a second story was also added to the original one story structure - These external additions changed the ordinary into extraordinary.

The kitchen renovation is stunning boasting state of the art appliances and marble counters. Notice the arched entrances between rooms.

I love the classic details of this kitchen including the subway backsplash tile, lighting, marble counters and the exquisite detailing on the corners of the center islands.

Looking from the other side of the center island we can see the dining and family room area. Notice the arched bookcases which echo the arches through out the first floor.

With the addition of a second story over the original one story structure, the owners were able to add a spectacular wood paneled library with fireplace and vaulted ceilings.



Again if look closely you can great details in the millwork of this room. The arched window provides a spectacular view of the Long Island Sound.

An infinity edge pool gives the illusion that the water's edge begins just steps outside the back door.
Wonderful coastal landscaping seamlessly bridges this outstanding home from land to sea.
I adore oceanfront homes - How about you??

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(All photos by Chuck Choi and property of Oliver Cope Architects & Mayfair Construction)

Welcome Back Thru Dutch Doors

(Traditional Home)

One of my favorite design elements are Dutch Doors. I love how they make an entryway immediately more casual, warm and fun. I have always imagined my children playing, each on a different side of the door - playing store, lemonade stand or ticket booth.

Looking out from a Dutch Door when the top is open is wonderful, as shown above in this fabulous ocean front home from Coastal Living. When we redo our beach house, adding a Dutch door is at the top of my list. So over the years I have collected several images of my favorites.

This natural wood Dutch door, which I found via BH&G, is high on my list of favorites. I love the iron work and my husband Dave, loves natural wood color.

Here is another beautiful entry from BH&G. This Dutch Door is surrounded by glass. Notice the diamond pattern on the sidelights and the transom. Very pretty.

Another photo I have had for some time from favorite designer, Windsor Smith via (Joni at CDT). Though a very neutral space, I love the punch of turquoise brought into the room when the top of the door is open.

Here is another turquoise door I found at Design Sponge. I love how the color of the door is repeated again on the inside of the bookcase.

Another painted door from Coastal Living, this time in yellow. See how Dutch doors add a bit of whimsy and lend a casual feel to a space. This is the type of feeling I am trying to achieve at the beach house.

Brooke at Velvet and Linen has a Dutch door in her gorgeous home. Can't you just feel the welcoming warmth in her house! Beautiful!!

A perfect entry! I adore this shot from Traditional Home. The Dutch door gives the illusion of a larger space. The black painted door, iron work and brick floor are sublime!

Here a laundry room/mudroom from Country Home, achieves the same illusion of space with a Dutch Door and with tile set on the diagonal. Cute dog!

(photo-Jack Arnold Homes)

This door has a lovely arch and X design on the bottom. The door is fully closed, but if you look closely you will see that it is in fact a Dutch door.

This door from Coastal Living also has the X design on the bottom. This seems to be a common element.

(Photo by Eric Roth for Catalano Architects)

You have seen this lovely room before at Willow Decor. It's from our talented friends at Catalano Architects. Notice to the far right a beautiful Dutch door. See the rest of this spectacular home here.

(Country Home)

The next two photos are kitchens with Dutch doors. This is my favorite room for incorporating a Dutch door into the design.

(photo Coastal Living)

In both instances the open top of the door really brings the outdoors in! I love the look but do have concerns with bugs flying in, as I have never seen a Dutch door style screen.

(Delaware Historic Society)

Above and below are two antique doors which caught my eye. I like this first door because I think the scale of the door is very interesting. I like the larger top. I would love to see the entire house but my suspicion is that the house itself is also very grand.

(photo - This Old House)

Finally - this my favorite door of the bunch . I love the color, the antique hardware, the small window and of course how wonderful it looks with the stone surround. Over the next several months I'll be on the look out for an antique Dutch door. If you have a Dutch door, let me know how it "lives" and if you are thinking of adding one to your home let me know which one you prefer.

Also check out Karla's Its The Little Things That Make a House a Home blog. She took an old door she found on the side of the road and created a gorgeous Dutch Door - see how she did it HERE. Thanks so much Karla!!