It has been 10 weeks literally focused on the same project. It’s hard to believe one project could create so much to talk about! If you like a behind the scenes look on how things get done, this is your episode. Once again, our luxury brownstone project in Carmel doesn’t disappoint and this week we move up to the penthouse of the project, more appropriately known as the 4th floor. This space is smaller in size as it is flanked by not one, but two outdoor deck and entertainment areas, but this 4th floor doesn’t take a backseat to any other part of this project. Want to understand how to properly hang a very heavy shelf? How do you get storage in built in seating? What goes into properly determining the dimensions of built ins that flank a fireplace? Join us as we continue to demystify the remodeling process.
When you have a small space and an outstanding, experienced designer with a blank slate to create the perfect gathering area, something amazing is sure to be the outcome. Tiffany Skilling outdid herself once again with the design of this space.
If you watch the 7 minute video, you will see all of the details captured in this 4th floor oasis. Bold colors welcome you as you come up the steps and every corner of this room has something to see. Let’s review the highlights to learn from.
Hidden Storage Please
In this project, the built ins were designed with two things in mind. The visual and the function. The visual is intended to incorporate upholstered seating and wallpaper in the shelving area behind the seating. The functional allows us to get hidden storage below the seating to store out of season items or extra pillows. These details aren’t easy to pull together and require an understanding of how the upholstery will affect the function of the drawers below the seats. Take a look at the video for a more in depth description, but take from this newsletter that it is possible to have the best of both worlds if you plan properly.
But It's Just A Shelf
How is it that hanging a shelf can be difficult? Well, the truth is… the heavier it is and the fewer connection points you have to the wall, the more important it is to properly secure said shelf to the wall. In the case of this particular shelving, we had to take into account very heavy elements that required proper support. So, what’s the answer? Blocking. Not football blocking, but in this case, we get behind the drywall and install wood to support our attachments at every point where the shelf connects. Don’t rely on fasteners screwed into drywall if you have a shelving unit with any kind of weight to it!
One More Comment About Trim
Throughout this project, you’ve seen in the various videos our focus on the finer details related to ornate trim design and installation. What you may not have seen in our prior discussions is a focus on how you use trim to work around problems. On this 4th floor, we had a fire sprinkler head fall in an inconvenient spot. We used an approach with crown molding to avoid an eye sore. (See the video to learn more.) We also dealt with trim complications where doors and windows came together. Aside from watching the video, our best advice in writing would be to have intentionality when making decisions on how these trim elements come together. When in doubt, make it look like one piece of trim as opposed to making it look like you tried to inconveniently squeeze 2 pieces of trim together in a tight space.
We are always here to help if you have additional questions! Have a great week!