Welcome to Tulsa

Hello Fellow Interior Design groupies! I have had this blog for quite some time but have not utilized it to it's fullest. That is all about to change! My family has recently moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma from Austin, Texas and there is much to talk about. I'm looking forward to using this site to show some how-to tips and keep you up to date on an exciting new venture!

First, I would like to update you on my current "job". We moved into a great 1917 Craftsman Bungalow

that needed some cosmetic updating and a bit of a kitchen overhaul. Being a designer, I feel in love with the "project house" the first time we viewed it and could instantly see it's potential inspite of it's pink laminate and wood countertops and light olive trim. This place oozes charm and I was eager to make it a super comfy, stylish place for my family and our three dogs.

The main project has been the kitchen. Here is what it was like when we moved in:

The area designated for the fridge, did not fit our large French door model and I felt a bit claustrophobic in that space. I also, was not interested in keeping all the tall vertical cabinetry and missing out on additional countertop space. So, I envisioned more countertops sunk into the wall for max space; a triangle work zone to give me more room to prep the meals; a natural stone countertop and undercount stainless steel sink for easy maintainance and an open, airy feeling. All those things have been acheived with the new layout and painted cabinetry. I have also added uppers and lowers for needed storage and it's all functioning beautifully. Here is it's current state:

There are still touch ups to do and the backsplash - a wow moment I will be sure to share next week! I'm also going to attempt a soft white venetian plaster technique - hope it looks as lucious as I'm imagining. All that will be noted here in the weeks to come.

So, my main client is myself and my husband. I'm still working some small projects for a few friends in the Austin area, but those will wrap up shortly. I never was much of one for sitting still. Which brings me to my next venture...

Annually, Tulsa Designer Showcase choses a home or space to remodel and decorate all to raise money for Tulsa public schools (and give us local designers another creative outlet!). I was lucky enough to have the wonderful people at my local Sherwin-Williams mention this to me when I was in their store buying more paint for my new digs. I sent an email and now I'm involved!  Here is the link to the Tulsa Designer Showcase:
http://www.tulsadesignershowcase.com/

Check out the home slated for remodel this year!  It's a do-sie!
It's going to be a wonderful, crazy ride...all of which I will document here for your amusement and comments. My hope is to expose a few of you to the process and get you to head to the event and make a donation (did I mention my daughter attends Tulsa public school???). I'm also hoping to show you a few tricks of the trade and get your advice/preferences on the design/look of the two spaces I have been given. So, let's start things off right away!

I'm working in the 3 year old boy's craft room and the mother's craft room. They are both separate spaces in the basement area that are connected by a pass-through window. The spaces now are rough, but I'm sure they will turn into wow's ... with your help! Please answer these two questions for me:

1. If you had a designated space for your child to do crafts, what would you want to see in that space - sky's the limit!
2. If you had a space for your lounging/crafting, what would you want to see in there?

I appreciate your time and will be posting pics of the rough space soon! Please be sure to "follow" this blog so you will be notified of all updates.

Thank you so much!
J-