For the past few months I’ve been working on a fabulous whole home gut job in Long Beach. There’s nothing I like more than taking a project down to the studs and revitalizing a space!
Here is a sneak peak of the project in progress…
The concept for the home is Old World, with an emphasis on connecting the interior to the outside. I’ve put in gorgeous planked floors and brass fixtures, as well as larger elements like the stacked cobblestones surrounding the fireplace, and the floor-to-ceiling brick in the kitchen. I also opted to paint the beams jet black in a satin finish, which brings a bit of sharpness to the look.
All of the renovations are nearing the end. We’re just waiting to install one last element, and it happens to be my favorite touch in the whole house: custom-made interior shutters.
{Inspiration images via Velvet and Linen}
I was inspired by these images of European villas, and the romance of opening shutters to let the daylight in – or better yet, closing them for a candlelit dinner. There’s plenty of deep red, black and rich beige fabric elsewhere in the room to absorb sound and provide a sense of softness, which is important; otherwise the look might be too cold.
{A quick shot of the black stain finish sample}
Originally the shutters were going to be painted black with a distressed finish. It was coming out too heavy and contrived. We then came up with the concept of using a black stain to retain the visual texture of woods grain. In just a few short weeks they’ll be installed. I can’t wait to see my vision come to life!
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I have a weak spot for exposed brick, so I’m really loving that kitchen – the entire space really. The shutters are going to be a perfect touch to this home and what you have designed. I featured your nautical gut job and vibrant living room on my blog the other day because I was so in awe of your work. Well done and I enjoy reading all of your updates.
Amy,
I loved Brooke’s post on interior shutters. How great to actually be installing them in what looks like a beautiful home.
I love the stack stone surround on the fireplace and the brick wall in the kitchen. Are the bricks pavers or full-sized brick? What color palate are they?
I hope you will have the opportunity to take a pic or two of the shutters once they’re installed.
karen
Amy love the brick and black, can’t wait to see the final shots. Thanks for sharing….
Ooo that is going to be beautiful! Can’t wait to see it!
Jennifer
Such a beautiful home! Would it be at all possible for you to tell me the source for your light fixture in the kitchen? I have been looking for something like that and it is PERFECT for my space. Thanks!
You are amazing! Your designs are always so inspiring. The brick in the kitchen had me at hello
yes, your home is fabulous, i really like the old world feeling.