Hello friends! We are all “sheltering in place” as mandated here in the San Francisco Bay Area. My husband is working from home. All non-essential businesses are now closed. The streets are quiet. If I do see a person while out walking Chief, we each step away to allow for at least 6 feet of distance. It feels awkward but necessary.
The restaurants that are still open are only selling takeout. So, last night we thought it was a good excuse to order Tony’s Pizza and have it delivered. We will try to support local restaurants in this way…but probably more healthy food. And we are cooking a lot as usual.
We need to “lower the curve” so all these businesses can get back on their feet!
Well, let’s take a little break from all this…
Reinventing Closets
My client Molly’s California Cottage style home had a couple of closets that could be maximized. She wanted a beverage center and a powder room. Now that it’s mandatory for them to stay home, I’m so glad they can enjoy their new spaces.
New Beverage Center From A Closet Space
Together with Brovelli Architecture and Construction, we designed the beverage center on the left and the powder on the right (with the entrance around the corner).
The wall on the right was going to feel a bit awkward so we wrapped it in horizontal planking and carried it through on the backsplash of the built-in beverage area. The lower cabinet is painted in Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (looks nice with the existing wood floor) and the uppers are Benjamin Moore White Dove.
Closet Becomes A Compact Powder Room
Around the corner, on the other side of the horizontal planking is this new little brass and natural wood powder room. The floating vanity was custom made by Brovelli Architecture and Construction, the sconces are from Visual Comfort, the beveled mirror is from Pottery Barn and knobs are from Rejuvenation.
It was hard to get a good photo. Having added this little half bath adds value (and function) to their home.
Minor Kitchen Updates
I suggested a few kitchen updates trying to be respectful of their budget (replacing the countertops was not in it…perhaps down the road).
The dated sconces were obstructive in this small space so we replace them with recessed lights. Molly’s husband says that this was one of his favorite things! The walls are painted white. Horizontal planking was added to the island and it was also painted MB Hale Navy to tie in with the beverage center.
We needed lighter-weight counter stools…Molly found these at Target! On sale right now.
That navy blue reminds me of the Bay at dusk! A couple of readers mentioned that they enjoy the distraction of pretty pictures while we are all angst-ridden. Please know that I will be here for that. It’s a diversion for me, too.
Best wishes for good health to you all.
Mary Ann
Another beautiful and functional project! Since my Paris apartment is 48 sq .meters, I always love to see what you accomplish in small spaces!
Thanks, Mimi. Where do you live in Paris? We were on Bd. Malesherbes by St. Augustin church.
Mary Ann,
I know there are some that seem to think enjoying beauty whether it be artwork or a pretty room is frivolous during such a serious period of time, but it’s a stress reducer for me and takes me to my happy place. Thank you for continuing to supply such joy.
xo,
Karen
Thank you, Karen. Trying to stay positive.
These are all wonderful changes! I love the powder bathroom….the countertop with the natural wood base is 2 things up!!! Great job all around!
YOU are AWESOME. So talented and real. I love this post. I would pay you to keep me entertained. I wish you were here in So. Fl. to help me. I thought I would redo our condo kitchen this spring but now … no! I was thinking of an over the island fixture but maybe it would distract. What I have now is calm and blends in.
Usually, I like island pendants! But not in this case, Gayle.
Tony’s Pizza is awesome! We are trying to eat healthy, as well, but I would make an exception for Tony’s. Stay well!
LOVELY RE-DO!
I heard of someone yesterday who was in the middle of a remodel and has NO KITCHEN during this SHELTER IN PLACE!These people should feel SO LUCKY!
Off I go to grab another cookie from mine!
XX
This is a lovely diversion. Thank you.
i really look forward to your posts! You are always so positive and give us a break from the anxiety and negativity so often seen on the internet. Thank you, Patty
Thanks, Patty!!
Beautiful spaces!
Thanks!
While I love the new features And colors I don’t find the kitchen dated. To me it looks cozy, warm and inviting.
Just sayin.
Well, that’s what makes the world go round, Elaine. But the pendants detracted and the Corian countertops (like we have in our rental apartment) are definitely not current…but at least those aren’t offensive. We are living with ours! 🙂
Once again, a wonderful refresh! I love seeing and hearing how people find ways to tweak their home so it works well for them.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos! I live in Canada and, like you, our daily lives have changed so much and so quickly. I am heartened by the beneficial results on the environment of our new behavior and hope it will help us to make permanent changes in our behavior when life gets back to normal. Till then, let’s get through this together, with a beautiful photo or story, a smile or a helping hand.
Best wishes, Sonya
What a great sentiment, Sonya!! I know my hands have never been washed so often!! 🙂 Best wishes to you!
Another great before and after, Mary Ann, you’re a genius at what you do! I love the artwork to the right of the beverage center, but then I love it all! Great job!
Thanks, Gail. the art was done by a family member.
Wonderful Before and After magic! You and your clients – and the construction team – outdid yourselves.
Thanks, Stacy!
Mary Ann,
I so enjoy every theme that you cover. That includes the photos of the Bay area where
we have walked on our travels to San Francisco. I identify walking right in your neighborhood with all its
spectacular views. I have been dreaming of those hydrangeas cascading down Russian Hill as well as
many other sites.
Thank you so much for your blog and your instagram posts!
Alice Strom
Minnesota
Thanks, Alice!!! It’s raining now so the hydrangeas will be beautiful. Take care.
Absolutely beautiful! What a great use of space. Can you tell me where you found the schoolhouse clock in the kitchen? It’s so cheerful!
I love it, too. I will ask Molly.
Mary,
Not Mary Ann ….. but Check Target for the schoolhouse clock. I found mine about a year ago, they might still have them.
Nancy
How large is the powder room? I am desperately trying to find room in my home for a powder room, but never thought a closet might be the answer.
That wall to the right of the beverage center was bumped out so that the powder room is about 48″ by 60″ long.
Did you remove the pendant lights over the counter? I love the print on the wall next to the bar. Do you have any information on it. Love everything you did especially the powder room.
Yes. The painting was done by Molly’s mother-in-law.