Fix This Kitchen / Consulting Designer

image credit .ikea-usa.com/fixthiskitchen

I was asked to be the consulting designer for a, first time ever, Webisode for the A&E show Fix This Kitchen.  Thru months of preparation the week finally arrived this past December and the 5 day kitchen remodel transformation took place.

Fix this Kitchen receives hundreds of nominations and entries to participate to have their kitchen totally remodeled.  Anthony Russo (accomplice) with his mom Susan Brewer (homeowner) created their audition tape, sent it in and out of the hundreds of audition tapes they were selected to receive a brand new kitchen.

I have often wondered if the TV shows we all love and enjoy on HGTV, DIY and Bravo, really take place in what seems an impossible amount of time and unrealistic timeframes.  I am here to confirm, that yes a Kitchen can be torn apart and put back together in just under 5 days.  It is not without chaos and confusion, nor stress ~ but at the end of the 5 days the epic moment when the homeowner arrives to see the finished project is the best reward!

For me the experience was one filled with emotions. I had the pleasure to select and recommend David Koukl owner/contractor of Custom Homes Inc. ~ his company was responsible for the construction and installation of the job.  It was my honor to have been selected to be a part of making this amazing kitchen a reality for Susan Brewer.  Meeting Susan's son Anthony and spending time with him during the crazy five day process, of tearing out the old kitchen and remodeling his mom's kitchen, gave me an opportunity to truly get to know him and his family.   They are a really close nit family with an amazing faith and a true commitment to each other.  I was truly touched by what a wonderful gesture it was of Anthony to nominate his mom and seeing their family interact was testimate to their family bond. 

Just After the reveal! Rachael Russo, Eric Greenspan,
Susan Brewer, Anthony Russo, Carmen Christensen

For me the hightlight was meeting Tracy Hutson ~Host  and Eric Greenspan ~ co-host.

Tracy Hutson is interior designer, style consultant, actress and author.  Most notable she has been part of ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition since 2003, is the founder of Tracy Hutson Designs, mother of two adorable sons and author of Feathering the Nest ~ Tracy Hutson's Eco-friendly Guide to Decorating Your Baby's Room.

I had a great time hanging out with her and truly enjoyed our "Design Time" together.  Thanks Trace ~ you rock!

Eric Greenspan - "Chef" is known for his love of food on Food Networks's "The Next Iron Chef Season 2" / "Iron Chef America Challenge" / Executive Chef - Owner of The Foundry / Executive Chef  - Owner of The Roof on Wilshire / And soon to be opened Greenspan's Grilled Cheese Restaurant.

Greenspan has skyrocketed to success and has been named runner–up for Los Angeles magazine’s "Best New Restaurant." Eric's amazing sense of humor kept everyone on set and the job-site in good spirits as we plowed thru the amazing kitchen transformation of Susan Brewer's kitchen remodel.

Brewer Residence / Before Picture 

Brewer Residence / After Picture

production before picture

production after picture

I'd like to add an extra special thank you to Cutting Edge Granite for providing, fabricating and installing the Brewer's new Cambria Countertop.  Thank you for working around the hectic schedule, you delivered  and installed as promised with great professionalism.  I look forward to working with you on future projects!

A Stylish Laundry Room and a Special place for the Dog!

Above is a sneak peak at the Laundry Room designed and installed by Time2Design at the Denton Residence as part of the Jewels on the Bay Showhouse.  The custom cabinetry, provided by Time2Design, is outfitted with a special polished chrome dog bone drawer pull, that adds a bit of whimsy to this amazing Laundry Room.  

The Laundry Room space is a multi-purpose space and an important element in this room the Denton's dog, Lenny.  This is Lenny's special place! {and the visiting grand-dog Violet}  

Read More about this beautiful laundry room here.

 

Lenny and Violet {painting for Denton's / by Carmen}

ABC7 TV Debut / Carmen Christensen

As a new participant in the Jewels on The Bay ~ Boys & Girls Club Showhouse, I was honored to be asked to be interviewed on camera by Linda Carson, a legend in her own right.  She is so lovely in person and I was touched to have been part of the segment that aired last on WWSB abc7.  It was so fun and I look forward to many more on camera opportunities in the future...who knows, with practice maybe there could be a new design show on HGTV called "Time2Design with Carmen Christensen.  {a girl can dream ~ just puttin it out there}

My Home, My Time2Design ~Guest Bathroom Towels

I have never been a fan of wall hung towel bars, you know the ones I mean. Everyone has the towel bar in their bathrooms that have the "just to look pretty" towels. You know who you are, and I have to admit I have been guilty of this myself in the past.

In my guest bathroom, in an effort to end this nonsense and to create a place for towels to hang when I have guests, I found this great towel rack that hangs from the hinges of the door. Space for four towels and gets them out of sight.

Chicken Basket Light

When I was creating my showhouse room, for the ASID Hoilday Splendor Payne Mansion Showhouse, I needed to find a way to create lighting in the space. We were told we could not drill, nail or make any modifications to the walls or ceilings.  So it was a bit of a challenge to figure out a way to create light over the table area without hanging anything from the ceiling.  After spending a short time with Jesse White at his place, Sarasota Architectural Salvage, I quickly spotted a really cool basket and, no pun intended, a light bulb went on in my head and I knew that this was going to be the perfect light fixture for my space.  Only after creating the light fixture did I find out that in fact it is a basket used as a cage for chickens. {a true transformation of function}  I used an adjustable black floor lamp base, added a light harp with lighting kit and connected the basket.  And then by using an Edison Style light bulb it really gave the fixture that extra ambiance and style.

 

Happy 2012!

I am so thankful for all that 2011 taught us and here's to all that 2012 has planned for us!  To you and yours a wish of blessings upon you as we welcome 2012. 
Happy New Year!