The Sketch Book Files

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Jen's spot for inspirations, inside her life as designer and artist. I share progress, tips on sources, spaces that inspire and how to push the boundaries of every space.

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xo, Jen

Posts tagged modern shelf
3 Tips To A Perfect Dry Bar

Author: Sydney Piwowar

As society modernizes, I believe the perception of alcohol in the home does as well. Where once the home parlor was filled with cocktails and conversation, it turned to a plastic covered furniture living room. Now I believe we are in a full swing back to the original cocktail room we all knew and loved. Not every once looking to implement these in-home bars has the ability to add plumbing for a wet bar… This is where the Dry Bar steps in. It is the perfect space to call home for your best drink ware, wines and spirits. To elevate yours to the next level, I have curated 3 tips to make your Dry Bar the topic of the night!

Build It In

I know it isn’t a wet bar, so there is no need for built in components, but is important that it feels integrated into the home. If you are trying to add one into an existing structure, the easiest way to do this is to replace a built-in or unnecessary closet.

dry bar 1.jpg
 

Make It Feel Special

The most unsuccessful dry bars are the ones that feel left over kitchen cabinets you just put in the living room. They key to a good dry bar is to make it feel special. Consider special finishes on the cabinets, an upgraded stone counter top, a backsplash (could be tile, wallpaper, paint, etc.), and even lighting.

dry bar 2.jpeg
 

Add Lots of Storage

At first it will seem overwhelming because you have not began to curate your collection, but over time you will need it. Whether you need shelves for your Whiskey collection, or racks for your wine bottles, be sure to maximize on storage. Consider how your collection might change over time as well. For example, purchasing more glasses, changing from a red wine to white wine collection, will you need refrigeration?

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For more bar ideas, check out my painters page HERE!

How to Design a Wet Bar in 5 Steps

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Step 1. Pick out your storage method

Will this include open or closed storage? Will you need to store bottles? Glassware? Both? Will you be including a refrigeration system?

Step 2: Pick out your Plumbing Fixtures

Never doubt the importance of plumbing fixtures in small spaces.. Every detail counts.

Step 3: How to finish your backsplash/wall

Paint, wallpaper, and tile OH MY! So many options.. This is a great space to showcase a pop of color or pattern.

Step 4: Cabinet Hardware

Cabinet hardware can be a great accessory. In this image below, the lack of hardware makes a much more powerful impact on the space.

wet bar 4.jpg

Step 5: Style and Accessorize

Here is your opportunity to showcase your bar tools, coasters, and beautiful glassware.

Unexpected Wallpaper Applications

Author: Sydney Piwowar

Behind Built-Ins

This modern geometric pattern provides a sense of luxury and relaxation in this classic application.

Inside Kitchen Cabinets

Look how GREAT Kelly Wearstler Channels Wallpaper POPS against these crisp white cabinets.

Inside Closets

I love the fact that no matter your closet size, you can add an element of design to a space that is primarily just functional.

Stair Risers

This contrasting wallpaper mural completely changes the mood of what could have been a boring, white space. Love the sense of artistic creativity added here.

Stair Stringer

Over Doors

Doors don’t need to be boring anymore. There are so many great peel and stick wallpapers out there that you can use on flat panel doors.

Unexpected wallpaper 7.jpg

Upset because you don’t have flat panel doors to do this to? Don’t worry! You can totally apply this method to trimmed panels too. See below.

Framed Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a work of art.. Framing your left over wallpaper or samples is a great way to showcase your favorite patterns without the permanence of pasting it to a wall.

A Stylish Shelf – Best Practices for a Perfectly Styled Shelf

For some reason people commonly struggle with how to style a shelf and make it look natural and an organic collection. The key is actually collect personal items from travel or a particular memory- over time. If everything is purchased at once or at one store, it starts to feel artificial and not personal. The trick is a happy balance! I always tell clients I love "shopping" at a clients home. I get the advantage of seeing their items with fresh eyes, which helps reorganize and edit. Then we can determine if we need to sprinkle in a few new items- which is often the case for a refresh. 

There are three things I keep in mind when I am working on a styling project:

  1. Be sure to incorporate a mix of types of shapes. For example, be sure to include solid vases- NOT glass. Open or woven elements, medium and small shapes. Be sure that all the shapes are not the same thing- not all circle, square, etc. And I always include several good coffee table books. Leaning small picture frames are also a great way to bring in another element.  

  2. Make it look natural – but not messy. The goal is always asymmetry. Balance out the each side with colors and shapes not completely opposite, but try one shelf down. The hardest part for most people is to not make it symmetrical. Humans naturally wants things in order. It should look curated and thoughtful.

  3. I always start with a couple grounding areas, such as I map out where my book vignettes will go in the overall composition. Then I start to work in the shapes- working quickly I try not to think too much and over analyze. You can do that later. Also this quick approach allows this first pass just the "setting" phase. After I have gotten about 50% of the selections up, I step back and see where I need to fill in the whole and what shapes I need. 

  4. Another tip, walk out of the room for 10 minutes and then come back. Letting your mind and eyes visually rest, allows you to see things fresh when you return to the room. This is when you can start to analyze what is working and where some items need to get moved. If you get to a standstill- just start over. Take everything off the shelves, and start fresh. If needed rinse and repeat. 

  5. Lastly, do not be afraid to edit the items that are not working, even though it was passed down from your Grandma or a memory from your first trip to Paris. If it doesn't work, find another special place for it. Clients often get too emotionally attached to an object that may just need a new place to live in the home. 

West Loop Project – Office Shelf Styling

West Loop Project – Office Shelf Styling

 
Westshore Dr Project – Kitchen Shelf Styling

Westshore Dr Project – Kitchen Shelf Styling

 
West Loop – Bar Cart Styling

West Loop – Bar Cart Styling

 
Elmwood St Project – Office Shelf Styling

Elmwood St Project – Office Shelf Styling

 
Kenwood Manor – Bar Built In Styling

Kenwood Manor – Bar Built In Styling

 
Westshore St Project – Library Built-In Styling

Westshore St Project – Library Built-In Styling