Kristin Drohan Interior Design

Eco Friendly Kitchen and Bath Products

Okay, so long time no post.  What can I tell ya.  I took a little sabbatical.  Not at Cirque Lodge or anything.  I was on vacay and I'm spending time with my kids.  I've found that all work and no play makes me, dull, pissy, and no fun.  I'm working on balancing work and life.  Recently, I started working on  a whole house update for an eco friendly client.  My research for this project has uncovered some cool stuff, so I thought I'd share.  Part of the project includes updating the kitchen and three baths.  That means cabinets, flooring, tile, counters, fixtures etc.  My cabinet company of choice is Wood Mode.  Most of my clients lean more traditional, so bamboo or some of the other eco options just don't work atheistically.  The great thing about Wood Mode is that they are ESP ( Environmental Stewardship Program) certified.  They use sustainably forested wood and a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer which virtually eliminates VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the finishing process.  That means when cabinetry is installed, there won't be any off gassing to effect the indoor air quality.  

 
Here is the product design board.  I have blogged about ECO by Consentino before.  This is a countertop material made from 75% post industrial and consumer waste.  It is heat resistant, doesn't need to be sealed, and doesn't scratch or stain.  Some of my favorite color ways are featured above.  Priced similiar to granite, it comes in 10 1/2 ft slabs, which eliminates the need for seams when installed. What more could you want?  I've also included WaterSense faucets for both the kitchen and bath.  This is an EPA designation that reduces water usage by 20% but does not sacrifice performance.  Lastly, I have featured Forecast Lighting's Organic Modern grasscloth pendants and Ben Moore's Aura paint.  Aura is low VOC not zero VOC which is their Natura line.  Even though Aura is a bit pricier, my contractors think it has superior performance.  There you have it...My client's Coastal Inspired Eco Friendly Kitchen and Baths.  I'll keep you posted on our progress. 

Free Advice Friday-kitchen counter tops

A reader writes:

Hi, Re-doing kitchen to include new cabinets, gunstock oak flooring, stainless appliances. What color countertop do you recommend? Should I get something med/dk brown quartz or keep it lighter. The kitchen cabinets are Maple--Cream Glaze (Cream colored or off-white with just an almost invisible lighter cream/white glaze). The flooring, unless you talk me out of real hard wood for a kitchen floor, will be gunstock oak-see attached. I've had people tell me not to put real wood in a kitchen, so...that's still up in the air based of further advice. Wall color and dinette color/material, I will try to figure out once I get a handle of what to do for counter top. Thank you so much! 

I will definitely not talk you out of real wood flooring.  I prefer it to be eco friendly... made of reclaimed wood or wood that has been sustainably forested.  I have test driven every type of  kitchen flooring  in my 8 military moves.   I love wood the best.   On to the counters.  I like to keep the counters neutral and devoid of any specific color, especially if you are considering a move in the future.  FYI, the inquirer, prefers Black to Brown.  With that in mind,  I have given her a few options.

In the classic options, I've given her a Sensa granite and marble.  Sensa Granite has a long term stain protection built into it so that it doesn't have to be sealed. When I choose granite, I look for the color of the elements going into the kitchen within the stone.  For example,  I look for the tone of any wood or the color of the appliances.  I like it to have a little silver shimmer if the appliances are stainless.   Marble is a classic, sophisticated choice.  Beware, however,  marble does stain rather easy.  Some like the patina this creates over time.  I currently have marble in my kitchen.  If it is sealed, you can get most stains out.  I don't mind the character.  If you have little kids or lean type A, this is not the counter surface for you. 

There are some really awesome new eco friendly options out there too.  I have shown two Ceasarstone options which are made from 17 - 35 percent recycled glass and quartz.  For performance and function is doesn't get any better than quartz.  It is stain resistant and doesn't require sealing.  It is heat, scratch and chip resistant too.  The last option is a high constrast, surface from Eco.  This is made from 75 percent post-industrial recycled raw materials.  It too has all the attributes of the Ceasarstone.  The Black makes this a dramatic choice.  My three favorites are the Marble, Chocolate Truffle and the Black.  The marble is dressy and beautiful.  The Chocolate Truffle has every color element of the kitchen in it.  It has Silver for the appliances, a warm Russet for the tone of the wood, Cream for the cabinets, and a hint of Black.  You just can't go wrong with Black counters and Cream cabinets.  It isn't for everyone, but I like the drama.  I  can't wait to see what the reader chooses.  What would you pick?  I'll be joining Paula Grace for Timeless Tuesday and then for real martinis Thursday night. 

 

HGTV Green Home

Before I get to the HGTV Green home, I need to thank Nicole Haddad from New York Spaces for the article on the Kristin Drohan Collection on the Edge blog.  You can read it here. 

A few days ago I decided to check out the HGTV Green home in person since it is only an hour away in Plymouth, MA.  Lets get to it.  I loved the color palette of Black, Red, Blue, and White.  I know... shocker.  I thought the decorating was nice.  I think Linda does a great job with these homes even though she takes some serious criticism from the bloggers.  Here was my disappointment.  Although the house was a "Green" build, only a portion of the decor was.  They didn't even source the upholstery.  Now, I'm not a Green fanatic, and there's definitely shades of Green, but I expected to see some cutting edge eco friendly stuff.  I was a little disappointed. 

I love the outside architecture of this house, but the pic is a little deceiving.  The house is only 2100 sq ft and other houses are in close proximity.  You don't have a lot of privacy or land.  This may be a positive for people like my Mom who can then chat with all the neighbors and passer bys.  She is the ultimate social butterfly.  Personally, I like a little more space.

 

 
This is the main living area.  I love the colors. 

 
The master bedroom was interesting. I like the decor and love the bedside light fixtures, but I gotta tell ya, the room is a little tight.  This is a queen bed and as you can see, there isn't a whole lot of room.  My 6"8" hubby would miss his Cali king bed.  Maybe he is such a minority that for most of us that works. They designed this house to be a second home for a retired couple with visiting Grand kids. 

 

The master bath was really pretty but again the function was weird.  The tub was tiny and my husband hit his head on the doorway into the bath and the water closet.  They must have lowered them from a standard height to accommodate the decorative interior roof.  

 The only other bedroom in the house was for the kids.  Super cute decor. Loved the galvanized pipe they used for the bunk beds and the lamps.  What's up with the wall mount sink in the middle of the bedroom (you just see the edge in the alcove in back) and no closet?  Even if the kids are just visiting, I think a closet would be a nice place to hide their stuff. 

 
The outdoor space is nice and especially if you like your neighbors. 

So what do you think?  Did you watch the show?  Are you entering to win? 

Where do the extra guests sleep?

Are you gearing up for visitor's arrival in the next few days?  I know I am.  This is the first house I've lived in since we've had kids that I have an actual guest bedroom.  It is appropriately sized, at about 9' x 9'.  Tiny for sure, but it is the perfect amount of sq footage dedicated to a space that gets 5 % usage throughout the year and in my town costs about $325 a sq ft.( I know, YIKES!).  Since, this is the first time I've had a guest bedroom I have experimented with all sorts of ways to sleep visitors in the past.   Sofa-beds, daybeds, air-beds, you name it.  I've tried them all.  Here are the solutions I have found to be the most comfortable.  The first is a daybed I designed specifically for this purpose and will be included in my new furniture collection. 

Here is another option.  What is so great about these pieces (besides being eco friendly) is that they are 7 ft long and 34" wide.  That is almost the size of a twin bed but is the scale of a sofa.   The point was to have them be usable as sofas with the option of sleeping extra guests.  Even though they are little smaller than a twin bed, twin bedding still works great.  The mattress is super comfy and can be done in a bio hybrid soy base cushion (eco friendly) or with a spring down cushion. 

Another option that works pretty well is the new air mattress top sofa beds.  Hickory Chair has one that it really convenient and comfy.  Here's how it works.

The pump comes with the sofa bed and inflates to a 8" thick mattress in 30 seconds.  It has a foam base and the air cell inflates over top.  The air mattress  is sandwiched between a padded mattress cover that also eliminates the cold temp that air beds sometimes have.    I have laid on this mattress (that somehow sounds wrong) and it is really comfortable.  No metal bar poking you in the back.  I know these options won't help for this Holiday, but for the future you have some great alternatives for comfortably sleeping your guests. 

New Before and After

As promised here is a project I recently finished in Va.  I want to point out that even with a modest budget you can get completely custom pieces with high style and function if you have great resources.  

 
Family Room Before

Family Room After

Every piece of furniture in this make over, we had custom made.  The upholstery pieces were made in NC.  The sectional is from Boulevard Eco Upholstery (my collection).  The case goods were made in PA by one of my fabulous vendors.  I had to talk my client into the curtain panels.  The budget had been exhausted and my homeowners weren't convinced they wanted them.  I purchased ready made cotton duck panels and used the left over ottoman fabric to add a band to the bottom--something they could readily afford.  The rug is a sisal from Surya.  All in all, the result is pretty and sustainable.

 

Living Room Before

 
Living Room After

These chairs are from Hickory Chair.  I think this is one of their styles that gives you a lot of bang for your buck and it is super comfy.  The silk panels were made by my workroom. I bought the silk directly from the mill in a bolt, which kept the price wayyy down.  We used the rest for coordinating panels in the dining room across the entryway.  I have to merchandise the bookcase in the dining room, so it hasn't been photgraphed yet.  The wine cabinet is a custom piece I designed and had made by a company located in MI.  We painted the old mirror and...WAH LA, you can't even tell it is the same piece. 
The wool rug is one of my favs from Surya (I've used it in a different color for another project), and is 100 percent wool.  I reused the client's chest, added Candice Olsen lamps, some fresh flowers and a tray on the ottoman and the makeover is complete.   So what do you think?  I'm participating in Met Monday at  Between Naps on the Porch and Blue Monday at Smiling Sals.  Hop on over and see amazing transformations at BNOTP and cool Blue at Sals. 

Gearing Up for High Point Market

I can't believe it is time again for our semi-annual buying trip to High Point, NC in a couple of weeks.   I received my buyers pass and catalogs in the mail the other day and the planning has begun.  After last Spring's market, (click here to view that post) I told you I'd show the process my designer friends and I embark on for our trip.  This year I have to fly to Northern Va and meet me colleagues Karen, and Paula Grace.  Then we will drive the 5 and 1/2 hours to NC.   As part of the pre-planning, we put together our Excel spread sheet that list the showrooms we individually need to attend.  Then we cross reference our requirements.  There is usually a lot of duplication.  Paula (last time I had the honor) puts together a final game plan that is color-coded and has our schedule by location.  This is very important because there are over 2000 show rooms spread over the entire town of High Point.  You need to be strategic to maximize your time. Okay, and maybe we are all a little type A.  I will be attending the Sustainable Furnishings Council, Certified Sustainability Training Program for one entire day.  That will reduce my shopping time.  I recently joined the SFC to further my commitment of running an eco-friendly business.  This class will allow me to be certified in sustainable design.  I'm really looking forward to that.  High Point is always an opportunity to meet shelter magazine editors and other well known designer at the parties.  We will be hitting Elle Decor's book signing party with Margaret Russell this year.  Last Spring, we went to Savifieh's Designer Rug Launch Party and met Thom Filica , Suzanne Kasler, David Easton, and Thomas O'Brien.  Thom was very sweet and David Easton was an absolute trip. 

Thom and I (kept my eyes open, that's a first)

As I've said before, I love this trip.  We always learn so much and find unique companies to open accounts with.  We gain resources that allow us to provide our clients with individual and stunning items for their homes.  I'll keep you posted as the planning progresses.

On another unrelated design note.  Here's praying for a full and speedy recovery for Tim Tebow, the Florida Gators quarterback who was injured in this weekend's game.  What makes this young man so special is not only is he an unbelievable athlete, but he is an even more amazing human being.  My husband did his undergrad and ROTC at the University of FL and we bleed Orange and Blue in the Drohan household.  Our schedules revolve around the Gator game on Saturdays (heaven forbid if one our child's soccer game conflicts) in the Fall.  I've always been a Football fan (maybe that's why I like doing "Man Caves" so much) but I've become as passionate about the Gators as my husband.  It was horrifically disturbing to watch Tim lie motionless after a hit Saturday night.  It looks as if it was a concussion and thankfully not a serious spinal injury .  As a fan, I hope to see him back on the field soon.  As a Mom, I will worry every time I see him out on the field in a football uniform.  Go Gators!!

 

Funky Art and Quirky Lighting

I visited this showroom  last spring at High Point and haven't had a chance to post these pictures.  This showroom has repurposed several everyday materials into really interesting items.  I love the crayon art for a children's room.  The corset chandy might work in a powder bath.  The other items are a bit of a stretch.  So, what do you think?

crayon art (very clever)

crayon art close up

corset chandy

petticoat floor lamp

 cotton ball chandy (this has the show Design Star written all over it)

clothes pin chandy (maybe in a laundry room?)

 

petticoat chandy (not my kind of funky)

I told you it was interesting.  I'm kind of diggin the corset chandy and petticoat floor lamp.  Either might be fun in a woman's closet/dressing room... or a drag queens ( I'm not judging just saying).  It is very Moulin Rouge.  I think the crayon art is quite brilliant.  Can you think of way you'd use any of these?

 

Arlington, Va Eco Friendly Before and Afters Continued...

Thought I'd throw in a picture of the outside of the house for context.  You can see the Craftsman details in the exterior and that makes the interior decor more relevant. 

This is the living room before.  This is actually the room I was called in for.  My client had spent a significant amount of money on brand new furnishings and custom window treatments at a retail store but was still really unhappy with the space.  Still utilizing all the recent purchases, here is the after.

The living room is directly across the entryway from the dining room and really needed a punch of color.  We used the Citrus Orange to link the two spaces and add pizazz.  I had a rug custom made that allows you to utilize a fabric border.  I love this resource. Sometimes, I'm not called into  a job from the beginning or a client has an existing color palette we need to work with.  Matching a rug after fabric and art has been chosen is sometimes very difficult.  Being able to use an existing fabric from a space and incorporating it into a rug is really beneficial. We used the stripe from the pillow fabric and had a diamond pattern laser cut into the chocolate brown center.  The artwork is another special feature.  My client had her Mother paint this for the room.  We used the woodsy feel of the exterior  surroundings as inspiration for the subject matter for the art.  It is really stunning and serves as a real focal point.

Master Bedroom Before

Master Bedroom After

I just love this room.  We again reused many of the existing furnishings.  We added a gorgeous Phillip Jeffries grasscloth wall covering for texture of the walls.  This is also very eco friendly since the fibers are a sustainable resource.  The new chests are from a furniture company that is a member of the FSC ( Forest Stewardship Council).  It means that a majority of their products are from well managed forests, controlled sources, and recycled wood or fiber. The shell lamps and leaf wall art are from Palecek, a well known Green practicing company.  We repurposed the old nightstands as end tables in the master sitting area ( which you can't see in the pic) and guest bedroom.  The leather chair was swapped with one from the basement that we had recovered.  I unfortunately don't have a pic of that but need to have my client send me one.  The chair transformation is amazing.  Custom art, window treatments and bedding are the final touches to the room.  

Basement Media Area Before

Basement Media After

There is the leather chair from the Master.  The chair and ottoman in the before pic were the ones we had reupholsterd for the master (I've really gotta get pics of this).  The old sofa was put into the kids play area.  Again we repurposed everything.  The new sectional is from a company who makes eco friendly upholstery. The hardwood frames are from American managed forests, the cushions are 20% soy based.  The cotton batting and eight way hand tired coils are from 85% recycled material.  Gotta love it.  This is the same company I've partnered with to produce my own eco friendly upholstery line.  The best part is, it is super comfy and ridiculously durable.  The lighting fixture is from Forecast's Organic Modern Collection.  This is a collection utilizing sustainable materials like grasscloth and cork for shades. 

Basement Bar Before

Basement Bar After

In the before pic you can see the cubie ottomans.  We had two of these reupholstered and utilized as cocktails ottomans in front of the sectional.  You can just see a hint of the stripe sides and chocolate fabric top in the media photo above. They are in front of the side table with the popcorn on it.   The third one we reupholstered to use as a vanity seat in the master bath.  The new barstools were custom made by a company about an hour from me in MA.  They use American hardwoods too.  This concludes the tour.  I hope you enjoyed it. I just loved working with this family they were truly dream clients.  Wow, this is a long flipping blog.  Didn't know I could be so windy (okay yeah if I'm talking not typing).  Typing is usually a deterrent for me.

 

Arlington, VA Eco Friendly Before and Afters

So here are a few of the before and afters from the Arlington, Va house.  Everything this client had we reused, repurposed, and reupholstered.  It was almost a whole house redo in the end. 

Dining Room Before

 

Dining Room After

So the eco friendly features in this room start with the cork wall covering from Phillip Jeffries.  Cork is a sustainable product and is being used in many ways these  days.  One, being this amazing paper.  I used Aura paint by Ben Moore, silk draperies, and a wool rug.  Silk and wool are both natural fibers, which makes them fairly eco friendly. We reused every piece of furniture and recovered two of the chairs in linen. Here's what we did with the wine fridge.

My client had some left over granite from an outdoor kitchen project which we repurposed for the countertop and then I added stainless and glass tiles for the backsplash.  The client also wanted an ice maker and found a high quality energy star rated one at the local big box home improvement store.  We added the entertainment bar to the kitchen area matching the existing cabinetry.  You'd never know it was done separately.

 

Kitchen Before

 

Kitchen After

Now you can see the new bar placement.  In this pic you can see that I reused the chandy from the dining room over the kitchen table. I recovered the barstools in my Agion fabric I've blogged about before. The other pillows are bamboo and linen and the sectional is the same one they had before.  I still have the master bedroom, family room, and basement yet to post. 

 

Repurpose... Before and After Furniture

I have this really amazing group of friends that  are talented designers and artists here in Northern Va.  My interior design friend, Paula Grace and I are both blogging today about one of our mutual artist friends, Andie Samarelli  http://www.bojams.com/.  We are covering different projects so be sure to go to Paula's blog http://www.paulagracedesigns.blogspot.com/ and read about another cool project Andie did for her.  For the past few weeks, Andie has been furiously trying to finish painting all my projects.  The other important part of this is to show how a little paint can help to repurpose items.  This is a great eco-friendly way to recyle items that are no longer working in their current state.  The first project is a chest I had custom ordered and made for a client.  I made a mistake and this item ended up being too big.  It is a gorgeous piece of furniture and since I had some bucks tied up in it, I thought I'd have it painted to reflect my style and fit into my new Boston house.  Here are the before and after pics of that and a few other projects she has recently done for me.

Before

  After

Before (looks cute... doesn't work in the new house)

 

After (Zebra fab...I know it isn't for everyone but I love it)

Before (My daughter's boring doll house)

After (awesome!!)

After (amazing detail...look at the surf boards and life ring in the left corner)

 

This is an unfinished wooden jewelry box from a craft store I had her do for my daughter. She even painted her likeness on the top.  When my daughter opened it, she said, "That's me!" There are little shells and jewels in 3-D spilling out of the teasure chest.  It had so much detail, the picture does it no justice.   

Andie's work is just so awesome.  She is doing some furniture for a client's little girl's room in August.  I'll be sure to share the before and afters with you.