It's Times Like These

It’s times like these when we are reminded that the meaning of home is so much more than a perfectly placed pillow or a shiny marble countertop. It’s times like these when I find myself feeling grateful for having a soft bed to sleep in. For having food in the fridge, and the sun streaming through the west windows, warming my face and feet. For having a car conveniently parked in the driveway, running water, heat and doors that lock. For being able to wash my clothes and take a hot shower. For being able to walk outside for a breath of fresh air, and listen to the birds chirping in the plum trees.

 It’s easy to get caught up with the not-so-perfect. The things that need to be fixed, redesigned, cleaned, and organized. But home is a gift, even when it’s undone. Interior design is truly a luxury and a privilege. That doesn’t mean it’s not important. It absolutely is, and I adore helping my clients transform their spaces. I wish for all of us to live in impeccably, authentically designed homes. What a dream! But even more, I wish for all of us to have a safe place to rest our heads, bodies and souls each night. And that every single home on this planet, however done or undone, is filled with peace, not war. 

Introducing Vegan Interior Design Services

I’ve been vegan for over four years now. It’s seriously one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. (If you want to read more about why I’m vegan, I posted about it here.)

Being vegan isn’t just about the food we eat. It’s about the choices we make in nearly every aspect of our lives. Every single day we have the opportunity to support cruelty-free businesses, products and practices. Interior Design is no exception. From area rugs to furniture upholstery to pillow inserts, we can make kind and conscious decisions about what we bring into our homes.

Over the past few years, I have shifted to vegan design in my own home. For me, this means no wool, silk, bone, leather, down, or any other animal product. Or any product that directly or indirectly contributes to the abuse or exploitation of animals. I feel strongly that when we bring the energy of an animal that has been abused and killed into our home, our home’s energy is directly impacted. And not in a good way.

Fortunately, it’s not difficult to create vegan-friendly spaces. There are so many products available now and the market for cruelty-free home decor is only going to grow (as we’ve seen from the booming vegan food and beauty industries.) These are exciting times. And I’m super optimistic as we move into 2019 that we’re going to see more and more conscious home decor and design products become available. (I’m waiting for a sofa line by Pinatex. It’s leather made from pineapples!)

I’ll be starting a Cruelty-Free Guide right here on my website to help us all figure out what is/isn’t vegan. It’s not always straightforward, so I plan on doing the legwork and research. And if you have any tips or insider information, please share. We can make a change. We can work together to make this world a better place for the animals. And our homes can still be beautiful. And kind.

If you’re interested in working with me to create a vegan/cruelty-free home, send me an email at kelly@storyandspace.com. I’m super excited to add this new specialized service, and it would be an honor to work together creating your own conscious, kind space.

The Bull

When my client’s artwork arrived with a few dings in the frame, I had the opportunity to snatch this piece up for my own home. 🐮 

The blank wall above the dining table (which I am NOT showing you because it’s an IKEA just-gonna-use-this-for-a-few-years-now-we’ve-had-it-for-15-years-table) is its new home. 

I wonder about this bull’s life every time I gaze into its soulful eyes. Where was this photo taken? Was the animal killed? Was it on a sanctuary? Did it know love? Or only fear? 

Also, being vegan, I’ve wondered if it’s weird to have in my house, and especially in my dining area. If I don’t know if this animal was exploited or not, is it still ok to have in my home?

I’ve landed on this: it is ok. It’s more than ok. I am honoring the animal now. His beauty. His  strength. His spirit. When I look at him, I see all animals. He reminds me that we are all connected. And he’s a daily reminder of my pledge to continue to honor and respect all creatures in the best ways I know how, for the rest of my days here on earth. 

So thank you, Bull. And bless your spirit, wherever you are. 

(artwork: Trowbridge Gallery; photo Ben Woods)

When to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Here's my latest kitchen remodel project. Isn't she pretty?

And the before. Quite a transformation, huh? 

My client contacted me about a year ago. She was getting ready to undertake her kitchen remodel, but needed guidance on materials, colors and overall design. Her first question to me was "Do I replace my cabinets? Or paint them?" 

I answered her question with a couple more questions. Did the kitchen function well for her? Did it have enough storage and was it easy for her to get around? Yes. It had plenty of storage and she was happy with the overall layout. 

Then I asked her what problem she was trying to solve? And would replacing her cabinetry solve that problem?

This was a bit of an "aha" moment for her. And it is for most of us. Before we proceed with any design project it is important to identity the problem we are trying to solve. If we don't know what the problem is, then we don't know what to fix...or how to fix it. 

We identified the problem as an aesthetic one. She just didn't like the way her kitchen looked...or felt. I suggested she save herself thousands of dollars and paint the cabinets as opposed to replacing them. They were in excellent condition, and although the door style wasn't exactly what she would have chosen if she was buying new, they weren't bad at all. And with a coat of paint and new hardware, they would take on an entirely different character. Replacing the cabinetry would have solved the problem in some regards. It would have given her a new look and feel, but it wasn't necessary for her to fix the problem. Painting the cabinetry was a much simpler and less costly solution. 

My client knew she wanted white cabinetry. She had already pulled some inspiration images of kitchens she liked when we first met. Over the next couple of months I helped guide her on countertop materials, hardware and fixture finishes and style, lighting, paint color and custom tile design. We collaborated through the process with my client playing the role of project manager - my favorite way to work! 

For those of you drooling over the gorgeous backsplash, the tile is from Oceanside Glass Tile. We did a custom blend in Facets 1/2" x 1/2" mosaic. They have a super cool online tool to play with proportions of colors, so you can get very specific about your blend. 

And...for those of you drooling over the wood island countertop, it is a beautiful piece of reclaimed walnut from Heritage Salvage in Petaluma. I love the warmth and patina that it brings into the space. 

The end result is a stunning space that truly reflects the energy of my client. I'd take this kitchen, wouldn't you?