Design a house around this...

Do you remember the commercial where 2 clients present an architect with a faucet and say "Design a house around this!"?

What a challenge! It can be done. Many times I take inspiration from things around me in order to design a space in someone's home. This next picture are favorite items from a home owner gathered together for the purpose of getting to know her before designing a kitchen and dining area.

What’s important to the home owner?
History and stories from the past
Sharing time together with friends
Warmth
Unique conversation pieces
Functional, Elegant, Friendly
Imagination
Clean lines with pops of silly
The view rules - Nature, trees

This was the jumping off point for creating a color and texture scheme.

Next came a shopping trip for accessories to further the inspiration and set a direction for the new design. These new items tie back to the homeowner's favorite things and her story by bringing out her whimsical and dramatic nature in an updated and classy style. 

My Recommendations for her kitchen design

Countertop – Tea Leaf Silestone
Ceilings – Because they are lower than she'd like, use Ivory Lace (SW7013) on ceiling
Cabinetry - Because there are white appliances – use Ivory Lace (SW7013)
To bring in the bling – change out the cabinet doors to shaker style or other raised panel that allows you to add picture frame molding in a coordinating metal.
Optionally, use Spicy Hue (SW6342) on lower cabinets to weight the room and warm it up.
Walls – Bonsai Tint (SW6436) or Haven (SW6437):  These are light greens which will complement the green outside her windows.
Backsplash – This can be a party!  Think - Masquerade Ball - Harlequin patterned tile using Spicy Hue and a green to match the countertop, plus black and white. Remember her Mardi Gras Mask?

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Here's my recommendation for a classy place to dine after whipping up a meal or having a cocktail in the new kitchen. I'd skip the mauve chairs in this inspiration picture. What a beautiful table adding history and character while comfy chairs allow diners to sit for lasting conversation after an enjoyable meal!

More work will need to be done to bring the more mid-century modern kitchen design in line with the traditional dining area (or vice versa) as this design gets refined. Getting to know a client is key. Designing around their favorite things is fun for me as well as the clients as the details come to the surface and they see my interpretations are as unique as they are.