This Nickel Finish Is More Refined Than The Rest, According To A Designer

This article highlights the transformation of a high-rise galley kitchen in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, owned by Ivee and Sam Fromkin. Perched on the 18th floor, the apartment offers panoramic views of the Shrewsbury River, the Atlantic Ocean, and the New York skyline. After 25 years, the existing kitchen, which had become worn from daily use and frequent entertaining, underwent a significant renovation to maximize space and modernize its aesthetic and functionality. Ivee Fromkin, an interior designer herself, spearheaded the renovation. The initial galley kitchen was constrained, prompting her to raise the ceiling to create a more open feel. A wall separating the kitchen from the dining room was removed, allowing for a more fluid connection between the spaces. To further enhance the kitchen's footprint and functionality, 4 feet were incorporated from the adjacent dining room. This reclaimed space allowed for the installation of a counter with seating for four, strategically angled to provide diners with optimal views. Despite retaining a galley layout, the redesigned kitchen feels considerably more spacious. Ivee emphasized the importance of accessibility and efficiency in her design, noting that during cooking, everything is within easy reach. The renovation also included significant appliance upgrades, such as replacing a single wall oven with a double oven. A notable addition is a refrigerator featuring French-style glass doors, which Ivee describes as a "gem" for its aesthetic appeal. Material selection was a crucial aspect of the renovation, balancing beauty with practicality. The countertops were chosen in hammered black granite with a dull finish, contrasting with the shiny black granite floors that were original to the apartment. This choice was deliberate, as the dull finish helps conceal fingerprints and dust, making maintenance easier. The rough edges of the countertops also add a textural element and visual interest to the space. Glass-front cabinets were installed, offering both a decorative element and practical visibility, allowing the Fromkins to easily locate items. The backsplash features white Carerra marble, cut in two different sizes to add visual depth and interest. The walls were painted white, with a subtle touch of pale lilac used inside the tray ceilings, providing a "tiny pop of color." The reconfigured layout also created space for a dedicated bar area on the dining room side, where the Fromkins proudly display their collection of cocktail shakers. The article mentions that bar stools, purchased in 1990, were revitalized with crisp white slipcovers, chosen for their easy washability. This choice inspired Ivee to use the same pure-white cotton fabric for slipcovers on all the living room furniture, ensuring durability and ease of cleaning, especially with grandchildren actively using the space. Completed in 2008, the kitchen continues to maintain a chic and contemporary appearance. For the Fromkins, it has become the central hub of their home, where they enjoy dinner at the counter each night, savoring the sunset views. The breathtaking views from their apartment are cited by Sam Fromkin as a primary reason for their continued enjoyment of the residence. #HomeRenovation #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesign #HighRiseLiving #SpaceMaximization #LuxuryKitchen #MonmouthBeach #HomeDecor #ApplianceUpgrades

The selection of backsplashes and countertops represents a pivotal aspect of kitchen design, blending aesthetic appeal with functional necessity. While backsplashes offer extensive creative freedom to establish a kitchen's mood or reflect a client's persona, countertops, despite their practical role, contribute significantly to the overall beauty of the space. When these two elements are harmonized, they elevate the kitchen's design to an exceptional level. This article compiles insights from various designers who share their projects, demonstrating how backsplashes and countertops collaboratively create visually pleasing and highly functional kitchens. Genevieve Trousdale, principal designer at Circa Genevieve, emphasizes integrating nature into kitchen designs. She often uses natural stone, such as Elegant Brown Leather quartzite countertops, and stained oak cabinetry. The quartzite, with its brown, taupe, and deep-sea green hues, provides a grounding yet seductive horizontal surface. Custom oak cabinetry, featuring mullions designed to resemble a mountain range, complements the natural theme. Frosted glass in the upper cabinets mimics the sky, enhancing the outdoor ambiance. The backsplash, hand-painted with an olive tree on glossy white ceramic tiles, further extends the nature theme, symbolizing the client's desire for a unique kitchen that brings the outdoors in. An adjacent wall showcases a single olive branch with a bird, along with a metal pot rack for copper pots, adding both storage and display. The versatility of the white tile also allows for varied design treatments, as seen in another project where metal accents are used with the same tile. Lauren DeBello of Lauren DeBello Interiors notes the rising popularity of zellige tile for backsplashes due to its handmade, unique texture and timeless appeal. While white and ivory are common requests, DeBello successfully incorporated blush-colored zellige tile for a client seeking a 'wow' kitchen with a touch of pink. The tile is extended from countertop to ceiling on the focal wall, with floating shelves accentuating the height. White cabinetry and Vadara's Carrara quartz countertops, featuring subtle gray veining, ensure the backsplash remains the central design element. DeBello highlights quartz's durability and ease of maintenance as key reasons for its popularity among her clients. She also advocates for extending countertop material to the backsplash for a sophisticated, easy-to-clean look, and finds pleasure in assisting clients with these crucial selections. Rebekah Zaveloff, design director and co-founder of KitchenLab Interiors, employs a holistic approach to material selection, considering the overall vibe of the kitchen. She evaluates light and dark tones, colors, and the 'language' of each material, ensuring a balanced design where statement pieces are complemented by quieter elements. Zaveloff observes current trends such as zellige and hand-painted terracotta tiles, as well as marble with brass inlays and multi-stone mosaics. Antiqued mirror is also used in butler's pantries for light reflection. Full-height quartzite or marble backsplashes remain popular for modern projects. She prioritizes honest conversations with clients about material characteristics and maintenance to guide them toward informed decisions, especially concerning materials like marble. In older homes, Zaveloff often creates layered looks by mixing materials like natural stone, ceramic tile, and beadboard. An example includes a renovated 1890s home with Carrara marble countertops, a butcher block island, and a painted brick wall with subway tile, aiming for vintage authenticity. Mel McDaniel, founder of Mel McDaniel Design, encourages clients to prioritize personal happiness over trends in finish selections. In one project, she designed an eclectic French kitchen with vibrant colors and patterns, including black painted cabinets, a black and white checkered floor, and a rich blue True refrigerator. A New Ravenna Kelp Forest Alexandrite mosaic tile backsplash in blues and greens served as a unique focal point. McDaniel emphasizes that backsplashes can be a canvas for special design elements. For bold backsplashes, she recommends quieter countertop materials like quartz or natural stone, ensuring durability and easy maintenance. In this instance, Cambria Portrush quartz, with its soft white foundation and navy veins, was chosen to complement the striking backsplash. McDaniel sometimes starts with the backsplash to fully explore its design potential, recognizing its significant role in defining the kitchen's vibe. Erin Judge, studio director and senior designer at Kelle Contine Interior Design, focused on authenticity and raw materials for a new-construction home. In the kitchen, visible steel beams, wood accents, and concrete floors set the tone. A blackened steel ventilation hood, flanked by hidden cabinets, is contrasted by a small stack mosaic tile backsplash from Ann Sack’s Savoy Collection. The metallic glaze and Graphite colorway of the tile provide shimmer and texture, while its smaller scale balances the hood's heft. Caesarstone’s Organic White quartz countertops, with a waterfall edge on an 11-foot island, offer a soft white, consistent surface without excessive veining, meeting the client's preference for understated finishes. Judge notes the popularity of durable, low-maintenance quartz and quartzite. She often extends countertop material to the backsplash for a clean, contemporary look, especially with bold veining or texture. Porcelain slabs are also gaining traction for their varied textural patterns beyond natural stone, offering design flexibility and durability. #Backsplashes #Countertops #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesign #NaturalStone #Quartzite #ZelligeTile #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends

Metallic finishes are increasingly popular in interior design, offering a blend of depth, texture, and character that can transform living spaces. These finishes are not merely about adding shine; they reflect light, create visual depth, and introduce a sense of luxury, appealing to both contemporary and classic aesthetics. The ‘Modern Metals’ Designer Finish range by Birla Opus Paints exemplifies this trend, providing wall textures that are dynamic and statement-making. This collection allows for the transformation of ordinary walls into captivating design elements, making sophisticated and unique interiors accessible and affordable. One prominent offering in this collection is Metallic Mirage, a designer finish that masterfully blends different metals to produce a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. Its reflective qualities are designed to convert any room into an oasis of style, evoking the dynamic energy of a concert stage. This finish is ideal for individuals looking to infuse their homes with a bold and unforgettable aesthetic, where light interaction becomes a central design feature. For those who appreciate subtlety, the Pearl Marmorino finish presents a more understated elegance. Inspired by the natural beauty of pearls and the rich, classic appeal of Marmorino plaster, this metal-fused designer finish adds a touch of opulence and sophistication. It embodies a refined, timeless, and effortlessly cool aesthetic, proving that metallic elements do not always require a loud presence to make an impact. Instead, it offers a quiet shimmer that enhances the overall elegance of an interior. Another innovative design is Metallic Moon, which draws inspiration from the ethereal glow of moonlight. This finish features a luminous, metal-infused texture that is perfect for cultivating a serene yet striking ambiance within living spaces. It harmonizes exceptionally well with minimalist décor, characterized by clean lines, soft fabrics, and a calming atmosphere, inviting moments of tranquility and contemplation. This particular finish highlights the versatility of metallic textures in creating diverse moods and environments. Ultimately, metallic finishes contribute significantly to the overall feel and story of a home. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they engage the senses and elevate the sensory experience of a space. Whether it's the captivating shimmer of Metallic Mirage, the opulent elegance of Pearl Marmorino, or the celestial glow of Metallic Moon, the ‘Modern Metals’ Designer Finish range by Birla Opus Paints reimagines the classic allure of metal textures for contemporary interiors. These options provide endless possibilities for homeowners and designers to enhance their spaces, ensuring that walls do not just exist but tell a compelling narrative through their intricate textures and reflective qualities. The range encourages exploration into how these finishes can be integrated to create stylish and personalized living environments, pushing the boundaries of traditional interior design. #BirlaOpusPaints #MetallicFinishes #InteriorDesignTrends #WallTextures #ModernMetalsCollection #LuxuryHomeDecor #HomeDecoration #DesignElements