suspended image

When a designer says she wants an image suspened in midair...I comply.

The back board and framing lumber suspension system located behind the unit provide an unencumbered dock for such a hanging. Without strings or mirrors this illusionary hanging is not only functional and striking but extremely strong. The corners of walls are always solid studs, so 4.5" wood screws anchor this unit well enough to hang a couple coats or even a dart board (just a thought)

Loose Flagstone

Loose Flagstone is dangerous! Make no mistake, simply mortaring it back on will not work. I used a small grinder to remove all the random grout and created an even "Floor" for which the stone would secure to. Because grout adheres to slate and discolors even the smallest portion I had several large sponges on hand to keep the original gray even and untarnished. 

With safety returned to the front door vestibule, this homeowner's insurance policy is no longer in jeopardy!

Red Island

This kitchen island is a real conversation piece. It is approximately 40 years old and has been painted twice. Although it is not my design, I took the liberty of taking several photos and precise measurements to duplicate its' unique form and sophisticated country style. 

I will be more than happy to adjust the dimensions and color to meet the requirements of any room.

Wood framed mirror

Too many houses have the big slab of mirror held on by 4 plastic clips. Ugly!

Well, the remedy is simple. Wood frame around the mirror and over the clips. Here, we added further wood trim for effect and fauxed the shower stall aluminum brown. The effects are a warm dramatic and personalized touch to a would-be stark interior.

Built-in shelf units

Built-ins add tremendous value to homes. Often buyers go with the home that has more storage, thinking that they themselves will take care of the cosmetics. Very few opt for building their own wall units.

 The crown and quarter-round moulding complete the unit and compliment the entire room. 

My design here is simple, effective and standard. I have the wood precut at the store and build on-site. The process is easier than you might think and far more productive than something like Granit countertops. 

$750 Kitchen Light

Installing this is not for the DYI (Do-it-yourselfer). 

Each glass shade is $120 to replace. The only way to install this fixture is to have all four connected, leveled and wired, then the entire unit, complete with 13 pounds of stainless steel bracket is to be lifted to the ceiling while all shades (red glass) are housed in styrofoam boxes. 

The homeowner selected the fixture and I installed it without a glitch. The black support wires are held by a knot inside the stainless chamber.

This photo of my tile installation is specifically angled to show the cabinet-to-grout line. Too often, tile installers fail to address this detail. Even though it is not seen by standing adults, it is a strong indicator of quality craftsmanship.

The design and color coordination and wall plate faux work were orchestrated by Interior Designer Lori Gray.