From Sunroom to Kitchen


My room at the 
ASID FWC Holiday Splendor 
Payne Mansion Showhouse

When I was asked to participate in the inaugural ASID FWC Payne Mansion Showhouse, I was thrilled to be asked and excited to be doing a room.  Little did I know I would be creating a kitchen out of an existing sun-room in a historical home.  Ok so that in and of it self should have sent me a packin,  but I am always up for a design challenge, so site unseen I agreed to participate and signed myself up.

And this is what I saw that first visit to, Selby Garden's Payne Mansion, the future site of my "sun-room kitchen" transformation.
I remember thinking, wow I love the brick floor and the light in this room is amazing and what an incredible room to hang out in for a month.  My next thought was....."What have I gotten myself into?"

So I gathered all the dimensions and off to the drawing board I went.  Given the historical nature of the Payne Mansion we were given specific instructions that there were to be no modifications to the space and when the showhouse is done the room is to be put back exactly as it was prior to the showhouse installation.

So here I was a room with glass on three walls and the back of a fireplace and two doors on the other.  All I could think was how much I love that brick floor.  And "what have I done?"

I had to set it aside for a few days and let myself be inspired by the space and let it evolve into a "Kitchen" in my mind.  And then I had it and pen to paper I began to create a kitchen out of a sun-room.  We, the designers and participants in the showhouse were given the phaleanopsis orchid as our common theme for the house and beyond that we were each allowed to present our design for approval.  And this is what I presented as my design solution.
After months of planning and preparation here is my finished designed Kitchen that's not a Kitchen space.
BEFORE

BEFORE
BEFORE
BEFORE
Be sure to stop by Selby Garden's and stop into The Payne Mansion where you can view my room in person and see all the other amazing spaces designed by my fellow ASID FWC Holiday Splendor Showhouse Designers  
And here are a few details in the "Kitchen" ...





CREDITS - Design and design concept by Carmen Christensen, Solid cherry cabinetry and decorative solid cheery hood by Time2Design, hand stenciled curtains by Carmen, Orchid Painting by Carmen, All decorative accessories by Time2Design, Orchid photo's by Burt Kellermen, After Photo's seen in this article by Burt and Nanatte Kellermen, Silk florals provided by Lux Art Silks, Concrete Countertop by Jake Brady at concrete countertops, inc., reclaimed custom wood table from Sarasota Architectural Salvage, large area rug with fern pattern from Rugs as Art,  custom light fixtures from reclaimed materials created from materials found at Sarasota Architectural Salvage, Hansgrohe kitchen faucet from Gorman's Bath Gallery, Kitchenaid appliances from DeSear's Appliances.  A special thank you to everyone who was a part of helping me to create this room!!! And a super special thank you to my mom Lynda Christensen for all she does and all the hours and hours she put in helping me put my room together.....You Rock mom!  Love you!

Be sure to stop by to see the Showhouse

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Presents

“Holiday Splendor at the Payne Mansion”

December 1, 2011 through January 2, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Museum of Botany and the Arts.  

And also during Marie Selby "Lights In Bloom" 

My Home, My Time2Design ~SRQ Magazine

Be sure to pick up this month's issue of SRQ Magazine to catch a glimpse of my home as part of a feature story about the October 2011 ASID Designer Digs event that I participated in.  



Designer Favorite Holiday Color Tips

Check our feature in Surroundings Magazine


Editor-in-Chief Linda Merrill has featured several Designer/Bloggers on pages 4-5, including myself and several of my very dear Blogger 19 alumni.  We were asked to share our favorite holiday color combinations  in the spectacular Holiday Style issue. 
I am honored to be part of such a truly amazing and talented group of designers and thank you Linda for including me in your Holiday Issue!


Be sure to check out Surroundings magazine - wow such a beautiful guide to decorative living - Editor-in-Chief Linda Merrill has feature myself and my friends Raina Kattelson Michelle Jennings-Wiebe Carmen Natschke Lori Gilder Michelle Cortizo Kerrie Kelly and more in this spectacular Holiday Issue http://www.surroundingsmagazine.com/

My Home, My Time2Design ~Brizo Venuto Faucet


My new BRIZO® VENUTO® KITCHEN FAUCET,
installed and I love it.



Venuto Kitchen faucet with SmartTouch Technology by Brizo

SmartTouch Technology enables home epicureans to simplify tasks and increase efficiency in the kitchen during food preparation and cleanup  “If hands are full or dirty, the flow of water can be started easily with the touch of a forearm or wrist anywhere on the faucet, helping to reduce the potential for cross-contamination.” said Laura Brooks, senior brand manager, Brizo. Cooking enthusiasts who are environmentally aware are more able to conserve water because they are less likely to leave the water running between tasks. 

In another update, all Venuto models with and without SmartTouch Technology now feature MagneDock magnetic docking technology, which utilizes a powerful magnet to securely lock the wand into the faucet spout. The intuitive MagneDock design makes the wand extremely easy to engage and disengage, and allows Venuto to maintain its sweeping, artful form and seamless appearance when the wand is not in use. 

The Venuto with SmartTouch kitchen and bar/prep models are available in Polished Chrome and Brilliance® Stainless.  Standard Venuto models are available in Polished Chrome, Brilliance Stainless, Brilliance Stainless with Soft Touch® and Matte Black with Soft Touch.

About Brizo products
Brizo®, the faucet brand for the fashion forward, meets the demand for aesthetics and performance with a collection of distinctively designed faucets and related products that create a fashion statement in the home. Providing the latest in inventive technologies, fashion-forward design and award winning performance, the Brizo brand is a fashion label that believes form and function are one and beautifully the same.

Rooted in the fashion and design communities, the Brizo brand is the primary sponsor of fashion designer Jason Wu, and is the first national sponsor of the St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway.  Named for a Greek goddess who appeared in the dreams of mariners, Brizo products are available exclusively at Brizo Impressions Showrooms.  http://www.brizo.com


My Home, My Time2Design

Backsplash Tile selection has been made -


















The perfect contrast to the very linear cabinet lines and a beautiful reflective quality against the crema marfil leathered marble countertop! 

Life Takes Place In Color!

As a DeWils Authorized Dealer I am excited to announce the addition of these amazing color choices from DeWils Fine Cabinetry



So true Life really does take place in color and an amazing compliment to their already amazing line.  Bravo DeWils!