With four kids and a dog, Katherine and Kevin Brazel wanted a home re-design. Their twenty-five year old home needed a family friendly makeover that was kid- and dog-durable. “All of the design decisions were based on functionality and usability,” the Brazels comment. “Our home is large, but we weren’t using all the space and the layout just didn’t work for our family.”
Designer Gabriele Pizzale added pizzazz to the children’s bathrooms on the second floor. Perfectly pink, the girl’s bathroom is finessed femininity. Th e Brazels comment, “We wanted a design that would work when she was a teenager.” Twinkling like earrings, the white and silver lamps add jeweled elegance. Their gleam accentuated by dangling glass pendants matching the cupboard door handles. Artwork and curtains coordinate white tiles, accessories, and the counter’s curves.
Twin sinks, triple towel hangers, and true blue hues are Gabriele’s treat for the boys’ bathroom. “The color scheme was masculine. It reminded us of the cottage. We love it,” say the Brazels. Art is a great way to add depth to a design. Gabriele notes the typewriter keys were a way to personalize with each of the son’s names. Their retro looks match the lighting’s style.
Burgundy brings burnished warmth to the master bedroom. Subtle touches in texture, line, fabric and finishes add richness. The dark wood of the cabinets and headboard are repeated in the ensuite. Cuff -link-like drawer pulls accentuate the handsome furniture while glass and silver dance light around the room. “Th e unique glassware and decorative touches give a feeling of being in a resort,” the Brazels state. Gabriele advises that in the master bedroom both parties’ tastes must be taken into consideration.
The kitchen and dining area maximize light and space. “Our goal was to make this room bright and welcoming. The kitchen does not get a lot of natural light, so pot lights and bright light fixtures were key,” Gabriele comments. With white walls and ceiling as well as seemingly thinly stretched cupboards, the room’s visual height is raised. Slim silver pendant lights, sconces, chandelier and art add to the airy ambiance. Th e dark contrast of the oak floors and furniture also ‘raise’ the ceiling’s height. “Th e ability to tolerate heavy traffic,” the Brazels comment, “helped in the choice of materials.
Curtains in the kitchen and dining room add to the burgundy theme and gentle geometrics. “We get a lot of compliments on the curtains, especially in the kitchen,” the Brazels remark. “We wanted to have variation in curtain length for its aesthetic value. However the curtains had to be primarily durable and functional.”
“Gabriele took the time to understand our family and learn what was important to us. She then came back to us with a design that exceeded our expectations. She definitely made our dreams a reality!” the Brazels state.
The Brazels are delighted with the redesign, commenting “Still can’t believe this is our house! We absolutely love the finished design. It is not only beautiful, but it functions even better than we hoped for.”
Text J. Lynn Fraser
Photography Mike Chajecki
Space Designed by Gabriele Pizzale Design
Photographer, Mike Chajecki
Counters, Cambria
Cabinetry, Icon Kitchens
Tile, Factory Tile Depot
Kitchen Table and Chairs, Canadel
Master Bedroom Furniture, Geovin
Lighting, Gerrie
Master Bathroom Faucets, Girls and Bathroom Shower, Grohe
Girls and Boys Bathroom Faucet, Kohler
Powder Room, Delta
Kitchen Faucets, Kohler
Fabric, Kravet
Rugs, Surya
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