Show and Tell

I recently completed these initial design boards for two different clients and thought I would share them with you;

The first kitchen design is for an online client of mine who lives in Seaford, New York. Her kitchen is basically a blank slate (except for the existing cabinets and countertops.) I selected several industrial-style items such as the barstool, pendent lights and stainless steel subway tile backsplash. I injected some color by means of a large rug and some fun wall art.


The second board is an entry design I came up with for a local client of mine. The homeowners recently purchased a split-level home in the country and I'm helping them decorate several rooms in the house. They are a fun family of four with traditional-meets-modern tastes.

I'll keep ya'll up to date with the progress of each project, so stay tuned!

Trend Alert: Penny Tile

As much as I love a good subway tile or mosaic glass tile backsplash, penny tile has become a new favorite of mine!

Penny round tile is both historic (it's been used for many many decades) as well as neo-modern. It's become a big trend in kitchen and bathroom design in recent years and is considered a fresh and new option for many homeowners. The shape and size of these small tiles gives it it's name and it comes in so many different colors and materials. You can purchase this tile just about anywhere now (in fact I saw some great penny tile options at Home Depot just yesterday!)

via Young House Love

via Sarah Richardson

via BHG

via Houzz

 How gorgeous are these metalic penny tile kitchen backslashes?!

via Decorpad

via Cococozy

Penny tile is traditionally used on the floor, more specifically in bathrooms. . . although it looks great in modern applications as well!

via BHG

via Houzz

via Laura Casey Interiors

via Pink Wallpaper

Speaking of using penny tiles in a bathroom, why not tile an entire wall with this versatile tile?! It creates a great focal point and major impact in small or large bathrooms.

via Decorpad

via Rock House Remodel

Another great use for penny tile is on a fireplace. . . 

via HGTV

 So what do you think of this tiling trend? Do you think it's here to stay?

Room of the day

This kitchen featured in House & Home Magazine features gorgeous CeasarStone countertops with white cabinetry and a generously sized contrasting black island. The Circa Lighting Hicks Pendants over the island look amazing in this kitchen! The floor to ceiling chalkboard and fun artwork keep this otherwise traditional space from becoming too stuffy. What kid (or big-kid like me!) wouldn't love to doodle all over that wall?!

DIY Kitchen Art

I created an art print to hang in my kitchen and I LOVE the way it turned out! Take a look:

I used Gimp (the free version of Photoshop) to create a 'kitchen conversion chart'. I can't tell you how many times I have had to hop on the computer while cooking or baking to google a conversion!  I figured this handy dandy (and super cute) piece of art would be the solution to my problem. Here's a closeup:

Feel free to download it and print it for yourself if you wish! (It's formatted as 5x7.) I mounted it on a piece of white cardstock and framed it in a white frame I already had. It's the perfect addition to my kitchen and cost only pennies! What do you think? Oh, and don't you just love my red Kitchen Aid mixer? I sure do. It was seriously one of the best wedding gifts we received - it's not only super functional but shiny and pretty and looks great in my kitchen! What's your favorite kitchen accessory or gadget? Please share!

Eat-In Kitchens

As much as I love a beautifully decorated formal dining room, lets be realistic. Typically most people only use their formal dining rooms every so often. Eat-in kitchens are pretty much a standard in homes now days because they are so realistic and convenient. Breakfast nooks, banquettes and islands are all great options for an eat-in kitchen, but what about incorporating a dining table with chairs right smack in the middle of the room? If you have a large enough kitchen, I think this is a great option! It's super functional and creates a cozy and inviting kitchen perfect for family dinners as well as entertaining! Here are some inspiring kitchens to inspire you! 

via Windsor Smith

 via Apartment Therapy

via Elle Interiors

via House & Home

via Traditional Home

via House Beautiful

via Elle Decor

via Windsor Smith

 via Elle Decor

via Veranda

This layout might not suite everybody's fancy, but I love the look! What do you think about this style of eat-in kitchen? 

Project Sneak Peak

Good morning and happy Monday to everyone! I'm back again to share the details of a project I'm currently working on. . .

Floor Plan:

Design Board:

We're using creamy white shaker cabinets with a gorgeous quarts countertop and timeless subway tile backsplash. The floors will be a dark rustic hardwood which will go throughout the house. I selected a farmhouse sink and opted to do open shelving to the right and left of the window above the sink. The other wall has enclosed cabinets for concealed storage. The new appliances will all be stainless steel. The light fixtures above the bar area are chrome and have sort of a rustic country feel, but with a modern twist! The window above the sink will have bamboo blinds with a cornice made out of suzani inspired fabric. I selected Bortoia chrome stools for the bar area and the long, opposing wall will have a collection of framed botanical prints.

So what do you think of this kitchen remodel design?! I'm really excited about this project and am loving the way it's taking shape.

Whether you are interested in remodeling or just doing a little bit of redecorating, contact me for rates and services! JPM Design's goal is to provide clients with affordable, stylish design solutions. I offer extremely low rates and will help you create the home of your dreams, no matter what size your budget is.

Don't live in California? No problem. I offer online design services worldwide! Go here for more information.

Ikea Cabinets

There is no denying the fact that I LOVE Ikea. I've perused the kitchen cabinet section of Ikea a million times and admired their variety of styles and easy-on-the-wallet prices. I've also read excellent things about the durability of their cabinets (and 25 year warranty!) and I would totally use them in my own home or in a clients home if the budget was really tight. Take a look at these super-stylish kitchens. Can you believe they are Ikea?!

 via House & Home

 via Carol Creed

via Sunset

via Sarah Richardson

via Decorpad

via Samantha Pynn

With the right flooring, countertops, backsplash and fixtures selections, Ikea kitchen cabinets can look like a million bucks! So what do you think. . . have you ever installed Ikea cabinets? Would you?

Room of the day

I'm loving these creamy white cabinets, dark stained wood floor combined with cheerful blue walls and don't get me started on that smoke bell lantern light fixture! I love everything about this kitchen and dining nook. Don't you agree, it's gorgeous?!

Room of the day

via A Life's Design

I love, love, love this all white kitchen and those yellow suzani bar stools! The open cabinets above the sink just gave me an idea for my own kitchen. . . hmmmm. . .

I'm off to go remove some cabinet doors and see how it looks! Wish me luck :)

Happy Friday ya'll!

Arabesque Tile

I am in love with this beveled arabesque tile from Mission Stone Tile! It is so clean and crisp looking, much like classic white subway tile, but the pattern and depth adds so much more visual interest. Lets go in for a close up, shall we?!

Ooh la la! Gorgeous, simply gorgeous!

I'm actually quite fond of this entire kitchen! There are a few things I might change (ie: chandelier and paint color) but overall I'm digging the white cabinets, dark stained island, countertops and backsplash tile combination.

Do you love this tile as much as I do?!

Room of the day

via Style at Home

Maybe I should change the title to 'Room of the week' because I have been fixated on this image all week! I can't stop staring at it and taking in all the lovely details. Maybe it's the white cabinets combined with dark glossy floors, maybe it's those lucite bar stools, or maybe it's that vignette in the background with the cowhide rug and abstract orange art that make me love this space so much. I also adore the idea of bookshelves in a kitchen. Why not?! Simplicity, functionality and style is what it's all about!