Author Archives: Michele

Getting What You Pay For

Posted on September 21, 2013 by Michele

When a quote comes in lower than expected, I get over the initial elation pretty quickly as my wheels start asking “Why? What’s missing?”. I can estimate with the best of them – I know how much a kitchen costs; … Continue reading →

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Light it Up

Posted on September 7, 2013 by Michele

I have been shopping fixtures, spec’ing placements and counting foot candles forever but with a recent build project, it has been constant for the better part of three months. Style aside, there is a ‘science’ to how large a chandelier … Continue reading →

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Hostess Gifts – Cottage Style

Posted on July 23, 2013 by Michele

I am part of a family of total cottage sluts – we will go where ever we are invited, happily – or used to, pre-becoming cottage owners once again this summer – and I am intimately aware of the time, … Continue reading →

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Cottage 101

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Michele

I just finished our new, well…new to us, cottage on the gorgeous Lake of Bays. Sigh. I love this place and everything cottaging means to my family. We have been two summers without our own so have been begging and … Continue reading →

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My Favorite Things – Kitchen Edition

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Michele

I love to cook – really and truly – which actually makes me a discerning kitchen designer. I know how much time you can spend in the kitchen on an entertaining weekend so believe it should be every bit as … Continue reading →

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Kitchens Galore

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Michele

I am in the throws of designing three kitchens – something I haven’t done in years and even then, it really wasn’t my bag. Millwork design is specific and precise and I am a broad stroke kind of girl. Not … Continue reading →

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Guiding Principles – Creating A Plan You Can Stick To

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Michele

As I take on more work, mostly because I love, love the clients I am able to work with, I am reminded of the design principles that make for a good plan. The artistic mind can be scattered – mine … Continue reading →

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The Design Process – CONTINUED

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Michele

We met with our forth and last architect candidate yesterday. Hooray. Being in the business myself, I know that a generous wedge in our decision-making process rests with whether or not we connect with the architect. This is a relationship … Continue reading →

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Italian Job

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Michele

I spent the morning at Acqua Cucine on King West sourcing for a few bathrooms I have on the go and generally getting a serious helping of exquisite Italian design with a side of the rest of the inspired EU. … Continue reading →

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On the Bright Side

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Michele

I do love me up a serving of neutral: a quiet scheme of sweet ivory and mellow ecru; schemes that are never more than a tone or two from home. They tend to be classic and sophisticated, modern or transitional. … Continue reading →

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