Season's Greetings

Season's Greetings to you all!

At the time of this writing...here in Minnesota...we are getting a bunch of rain, there is barely a trace of snow left on the ground, and it is 37 degrees out at 9:30 at night. NICE! For those of you who are snow fans...it is a bummer. But I have to honestly say, I don't mind it a bit. We ARE all entitled to our own opinions.

I hope you are all winding down on the chaos of the season and are beginning to enjoy it. Try taking a "pause" to take everything in. I am thoroughly enjoying this holiday season so far!

I want to show you all the transformation from Inexpensive Harvest Planters to Winter Planters...

First, I removed the autumn details, mums, squash, scarecrow, and then added some clippings off of my evergreen and spruce trees. I also added some dried bloom clippings from my hydrangea bushes, hostas, and chives. Finally, I added a few shatterproof ornaments a couple small and one giant size for effect. Voila!






I am also busy getting BrynnAlden's 2012 business goals set. There are many. The key is to pick the one I "most" want to accomplish and start there. So that is what I am doing. I have chose the singular Most Wanted to Accomplish goal. I am now brainstorming on how to get there. With the achievement of that one Most Wanted Goal, the others automatically start to fall into place.

Watch for the Launch of our NEW website, Ugly Bathroom contest, and more...we are so excited about all that is new with our company in 2012! We can't wait to share it with you!

Thank you to our clients for a most successful year! We are looking for an even more successful year in 2012!



We hope you and your family make a ton of wonderful memories this Holiday Season! From our family to yours...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! See you next year!


As always, we love referrals and friends. Find us at www.facebook.com/brynnaldeninteriors

Will you qualify for this extra Tax Credit?

Hey all!

Just a quick note to let you know that there is another tax credit for energy efficient window treatments for 2011.

NOW is the time for adding or updating your current window treatments before this tax year ends...in order to qualify...treatments must be installed by December 31st, 2011. Treatments must also be one of the qualifying lines from Hunter Douglas...

Call BrynnAlden Interiors today to set up your measure appointment...651-283-5894...Share this on your Facebook page...Forward this to a friend!

Kitchen Remodel

Another school year is underway...and signals the end of summer...sigh! That means for me and many of you...back to work! I am actually excited...getting back into a routine is a welcome change.

Just wanted to share another kitchen remodel! This is a residence in Cottage Grove. The homeowners wanted to "open up" and update their existing kitchen.

This space has several challenges, some of them structural, some of them aesthetic and budgetary. Doors, windows, nooks, existing appliances, existing tongue and groove ceiling, base board radiant heaters and HVAC concerns, existing fireplace, and then some.

We began with a wish list, dishwasher, use existing appliances, island, bells and whistles, roll out trays, heavy duty drawers, plenty of counter space and no loss of storage.

By removing the peninsula cabinets there was a fear of possible loss of storage space. Removing the soffit and using taller cabinets to the ceiling plus the addition of an island replaces the storage previously found in the peninsula cabinets and then some.

In the original schematic design layout, we repositioned the stove(it is currently right next to the refrigerator-not ideal in the world of kitchen design) so it had a small counter on either side of the stove, the homeowner wanted one larger cabinet and counter space rather than the 2 smaller ones for storage reasons, so we left the stove alone, situated right next to the refrigerator.

You can see the new design...we incorporated glass top cabinets, used custom angled end base cabinets, added an island for maximum prep space, re-located the microwave over the stove. Installed a dishwasher near the sink, and replaced the old "mobile" dishwasher with a custom angled base cabinet. All the drawers are hardwood, dovetail construction with full extension glides. There are hardwood roll out trays in the base cabinets as well.




The cabinets are Maple with a spice stain. The counters are granite. The floor is a laminate which looks like tile(client selection).

The overall new look of the space is great, although there are a couple things I would do differently, the clients' satisfaction is most important. After all, they are the people who live there and use the space everyday.




As a designer, my goal is to educate my clients and guide them toward making the best design decisions which in turn creates the best design outcome. At the end of the day, the client may or may not agree with my suggestions. If not, no harm, if so, great of course. Individuals each have their own ideas, after all, we are human. The only reason I may have for adamantly directing the home owner in a different direction would be for safety, well fare, or code reasons.

Bellacor Re-Design Underway

Happy Monday!

It is the start of another beautiful week in MN. Glorious weather forecast for this week. Hopefully it will continue into next week.

The re-design of the Bellacor Corporate Headquarters is underway. The final selections have been made. Now just the final renderings. Here are a couple of schematic renderings along with the photos of the existing space.











The 'lowertown" conference room...an updated color scheme along with contemporary furnishing, lighting and artwork selections.









The "loft" common area...again an updated color palette in a statement color...along with updated furnishings, lighting, and artwork. Getting rid of the mish mash of colors and random stuff.





Watch for more transformation views to come...as you can see...the space does need a bit of help... I am excited to see the transformation take shape.

See you soon!

Kelli

Kitchen Remodel

Happy Summer!

Here in Minnesota...Summer finally showed up! Lovin' it!

Just wanted to show you all the before and after pics of a small kitchen remodel BrynnAlden Interiors recently did. This remodel was done on a low budget. Footprint remained the same.

Cabinets are Shiloh - Maple - Autumn Stain with square raised panel. Countertops are HD Laminate Postform.

This house is an investment property that was remodeled to re-sell. The soffits and peninsula cabinets were taken out and this opened up the space dramatically. New cabinets to the ceiling, crown molding, flooring, appliances, and countertops were also installed. Of course new light fixtures and paint as well.

A extremely dramatic difference overall. Thank you to Erickson Investment Group for allowing BrynnAlden Interiors to work on your project!

If you have a remodeling project you would like help with. Don't hesitate to call or email. No job is too big or too small. Floor to ceiling and wall to wall; BrynnAlden Interiors, does it all.

Enjoy the weekend!

Kelli

We won! Bellacor Project!

Hey all!

I am starting to wonder if it will ever stop raining. What happened to Summer? Just a quick note to share with you all...BrynnAlden Interiors was awarded the re-design project for Bellacor Corporate Headquarters in Mendota Heights! Yay!

Keep watching as the transformation happens! We are looking forward to showing you the finished project.

In the meantime. Here is a link to Bellacor. They sell a wealth of home decor, furnishings, and lighting. You never know when you'll need them. Enjoy!

http://www.bellacor.com/

~Kelli

Paint Colors - Light vs Dark

Happy Sunny Wednesday!

Do I dare say...I think Spring is finally here! Shhhh...don't say it too loud or Mother Nature may change her mind. I think those of us here in the Midwest have had enough of this crazy, colder than normal, weather. It seems to be a unanimous thought with everyone I speak to, we are READY for Spring.

I was watching HGTV one night. I know you are thinking why are YOU watching HGTV? It is my favorite channel. Some good things, some not so good in my opinion, but none the less a lot of variety. On came "Designed to Sell". I was pleasantly surprised by the designer, her name is escaping me at the present moment, but some of her ideas were exactly what I would do. Specifically, the use of a milk chocolate brown in the guest room. Hence, the idea for this entry.

The majority of people think using dark colors on the walls creates a cave like atmosphere. I completely disagree. I am not saying dark paint colors are for everyone. They are not. I however prefer dark over light. In my opinion, it makes a warmer, cozier space. In my master bedroom, I have used chocolate brown. I have also used a brick red in the hallway and header wall between my living room and dining room. Brick red and "tree bark" are in my lower level. If you are thinking, "You are crazy!" You are only partially correct. I prefer the term "daring". Just remember, paint is a very inexpensive element to experiment with. If you want to change it, it costs $30 - $50 depending on the brand of paint and your time. I love to paint, as most of you know, so the physical painting doesn't deter me one bit.



I lean toward dark colors in general, especially in my own home. I think there is a great balancing act one has to do in order to pull off dark colors successfully. Here are a couple of examples from the current issue of Elle Decor - May 2011. Aparently, I am not the only one who is crazy. Take a peek. I can't force clients to use dark colors when they are light people. However, if you are on the fence, I can try to sway you to the Dark side! Enjoy!

Space Saving Home Office Areas

Good Morning! I don't know how all you feel about the snow we are having...I know I would prefer the 50 degrees back! I know it's coming soon enough! Really not soon enough for me!


Anyway, I was the member spotlight in one of my networking groups a couple weeks ago. I did a little exercise to try to help the members understand a little bit more about what an Interior Designer does.

Yes, folks, we are more than pillows and paint colors. But don't get me wrong, we love it all!



Anyway, moving forward, one of the gals had asked a question about a home office in a bedroom, which is also a very tight space. She was tired of looking at all of her stuff.

I recommended using a screen/divider to separate the work space off to its own space and also act as a view blocker to block "all the stuff". I also recommended, taking an inventory of what she actually needs to work. Get rid of or re-locate the stuff that is not absolutely necessary for working.

Then the issue of a chair came up. The chair takes up a lot of space. Time to visit the local good-will to see if they have a smaller version for in-expensive. Throw the current one in the back of your truck or car when you go. They will take it, and you get a little tax write off of a donation, so get a receipt.



Anyway, I have a few different options for small home office spaces that I came across. One is using a screen/divider. Next are a closet conversion, a small niche office, and then just a small area without a screen.

They may work for you, they may not. In any case, I hope you get some great inspiration and ideas for your space. Of course we are always happy to offer additional on site help if you need! Good Luck and Happy office organizing.

If you could please take the time to be one of our followers also, that would be great!

Kelli

Kitchen Remodeling - Truth

Hey All!

I hope 2011 is off to a great start for you! It is for me! I am so excited about how things are starting for me. I was checking my email and linkedin this morning...I came across this in one of my industry colleagues websites. I know everyone thinks they can do kitchen design by themselves...it is extremely more involved than you will ever imagine. I have copied two pieces of Justin's advice, mostly, because I agree with him...check them out...

Here is what colleague Justin has to say...

I want to renovate my kitchen...where do I start? Follow these great kitchen design tips and you'll be well on your way to creating your dream kitchen!

Budget - Here is a great tip...the first thing you need to decide is how much you have to spend on your kitchen renovation. So many clients come to me and tell me what they want without thinking about the cost. Then they receive the estimates and it's a rude awakening. A good rule of them is to assume that everything will come in higher than expected.

What should I budget for?
Well, it all depends on how large or small you plan your kitchen renovation to be. Let's assume you are planning a full kitchen renovation. Use these kitchen remodel cost percentages as a guidline:

Appliances	10%
Cabinetry	30%
Countertops	10%
Electrical and Plumbing	10%
Flooring	10%
Backsplash and Painting	10%
General Contractor - Labor	20%

Always add 30% to the bottom line to compensate for any product and labor increases.

I know this seems like a lot but, you'll be happy you did!

Justin also says this, and this is an extremely important part...

Hire An Architect/Kitchen Designer - This is an extremely important step. You need to have kitchen floor plans drawn up in order to move ahead. Not only will they help you to decide what products, materials, and sizes to use, but they will also act as a precise blueprint for your contractor, electrician, plumber, tile installer, and countertop fabricator to follow once your renovation is underway.


Important - Only hire an architect if you are going to be adding an addition on to your kitchen or moving any load bearing walls! If you are not doing any of these things, an interior designer will do just fine...and will cost you less!

This is one of the best kitchen design tips I can give to help you keep down your kitchen renovation costs!

I am not trying to dis-credit the cabinetry departments in the big box stores...however, they are not usually the most experienced. They are hourly employees just like every other department in the store. Most of them have NO formal training...if you are lucky, you might come across one that has years of experience...and knows the design end from doing it for so many years. I encourage you to hire an interior designer...they are knowledgeable in Kitchen and Bath design and they are usually less expensive than an architect.

Hope you found some good advice here. See you all soon. Could you do me a favor? If you are reading this...would you please add yourself as one of my "followers" on my blog homepage please? I appreciate it!