Excellence in Strategically Designed Interior Environments
Artists’ Kitchen | Design-Build Strategy
Houseplay Renovations, 2017
This project was also an exercise in creative budget planning. Initially, I worked together with the clients to set a reasonable budget range for their project before any design or construction work began.
From this empowered position, my design team was able to balance the most necessary improvements with more economical solutions where needed. This level of transparency and clear expectation setting allowed for a smooth transition from design through construction.
The clients for this project were both visual artists, collectors, maximalists, lovers of baking and history.
They brought my team an aspirational wish-list for the tiny kitchen in their 1800's brownstone. From a spot where they could sit looking into each other's eyes, to laundry, to a window reading nook, our design solution hit every point on their list of desires for functionality while maintaining a strong aesthetic.
“A kitchen renovation became unavoidable for us. We entered into the process with dread. We interviewed many contractors, designers and architects. Getting real numbers was almost impossible. Houseplay got real with numbers, and we simply had a positive feeling about them, supported by good reviews. Our old house gave us a few unexpected challenges to confront along the way. But, we could not have endured the surprises without the professionalism, skill and good humor of the entire Houseplay team. We’d call upon them again in a heartbeat.”
Prioritizing Joy | Design-Build Strategy
Houseplay Renovations, 2018-2019
This client had many projects vying for her attention but through a series of thoughtful questions, I discovered that this less-practical ‘bump-out’ in the kitchen was what she really desired most.
Little did we know that a global pandemic was right around the corner and she would end up working from this magical nook everyday. By encouraging her to trust her intuition and prioritize her joy, we solved a problem we didn’t even know was on its way.
While planning a larger renovation with this client, she expressed her desire for the main floor powder room to feel luxurious.
Through strategic choices across the project, we were able to trim budget from other spaces to funnel more luxury into this luscious little space.
By prioritizing joy in this space that was used most often throughout each day, the client reported that this was now her favorite room in the house.
“I cried happy tears the day my project was complete — it is just stunning. I had a vision for what I wanted to do, and Tam and [her design team] got the intention behind what I thought was a crazy idea right away — they seemed just as excited about it, and I felt heard and inspired. Their insight and creativity was reflected in the design options they presented, and their care in the time they took explaining the details and process to me.”
Fresh Eyes | Design-Build Strategy
Houseplay Renovations, 2018
After five years of talking with contractors to solve a very tricky layout in this brownstone kitchen, the homeowners called us. Bringing fresh eyes and the ability to imagine the space as a blank slate, I solved the layout in one 60-minute session.
By abandoning a clunky U-shape and tucking the dishwasher into a restored brick fireplace (ideas that had never before been considered) we optimized the space for functionality and flow.
A detailed questionnaire supported our clients in developing a wish-list that empowered our design team in prioritizing the most important design elements throughout the kitchen: a washer and dryer, garden pop-out window, and matching reclaimed wood floors were top of the list.
The design aesthetic drew inspiration from direct observation of existing objects in the clients’ collections. Thus, moving back in to the kitchen immediately felt like coming home.
“After several consultations with different contractors who were not very helpful, we met with Houseplay Renovations and have been very happy that we chose them for our kitchen renovation. They came up with some creative and innovative solutions to our challenging space and layout while incorporating our personal style into the design. They were responsive to our questions and concerns during the design and construction process. They are professional and pleasant to work with. We are so enjoying our new kitchen transformation and it is now truly the heart of our home!”