K.Rene Designs

02/18/2025

Progress...finally! Soon the fun stuff!

01/29/2025

We have doors and windows!

11/02/2024

Slab poured, time for curing and then framing!

07/27/2023

OUR HOUSE DESIGN WAS APPROVED! The subdivision we are moving into requires new builds to submit plans to the ARC (architecture review committee). It took a bit longer than expected but we did create a different design style than what is currently in the neighborhoods. It took time to make sure the committee felt confident it wouldn't stick out like a sore thumb.
We are now to the part of the planning stage where we have to think about electrical needs, outlets, light switches, and ceiling/wall lights. We took a good week to pour over the contractor plans to make sure we really thought through our needs, wants and future requirements. Since this is an aging in place home, we needed to make sure we looked through the plans with that perspective as our lense.
It's extremely important that you think through the way you live right now and how you want/need to live in the new house. What kind of issues does your current home have? Outlets - too many, not enough, placed wrong on the walls? Switches - this will depend on whether you have multiple lighting fixtures in a room. Multiple fixtures could mean 2, 3, or 4 way switch, maybe a dimmer switch just to name a few. Light fixtures - look for "dark spots" in your design and decide if you want a ceiling light to address the spot or would an additional outlet allow you the ability to add extra light.
Outside - don't forget about the outdoor electrical needs. For example, we are adding an outdoor kitchen (a special project to keep the newly retired hubby busy) so we had to think through where we want to place the kitchen and what we want to include in the kitchen and then whether we would need an extra outlet or 2.
So, thinking about the way you live or want to live outdoors. Then make sure you check to make sure that you have all the necessary electrical needs addressed.
It can all seem overwhelming so if you want help from a designers' eye please contact me. I would love to help you make that stage of your build less frustrating or scary. Just message me!

10/28/2022

https://www.pinterest.com/kellbell96/master-bath-design/

MASTER BATHROOM: As I am designing my master bedroom I am also designing the master bathroom. I want my bedroom design to flow right into the bathroom since they are connected.
Color: I have chosen green for the bedroom so that will be the overriding color for the bathroom. On my mood board you will see that I have chosen a color scheme with varying shades of green with complimentary colors of an off white and spiced cider. They don't seem like a typical "coastal" colors but colors can fit a design when they are colors that ignite design ideas.
Tile: I wanted to bring the green color into the bathroom through tile. So I started looking at many tile samples looking for the perfect shade that won't make the room appear too dark or too much like a "jungle". I posted many different styles, shapes, and patterned tile that met the shade I was looking for. My reasoning for this is to allow myself time to think about them and to see if I liked them as much as I did when I first pinned them. I also want to make sure it's a tile that I won't grow tired of in a few years and can be easily used with other colors if I want to change things up. Tile is an investment and choosing the right tile that enhances the design and color scheme is important so that there's no regrets, second thoughts or replacing.
Counter: I am in LOVE with terrazzo! And the green terrazzo I pinned in the jumping off point for the design of the bathroom. This counter is the one aspect of the design that screams coastal for me. It reminds me of sea glass. When it comes to designing a room having that one component that excites you is key to a successful design.
Flooring: One thing to consider is what type of flooring is appropriate for a master bath. Since this house will be one where my husband and I will age in place I have to consider safety as we age. The other aspect is finding flooring that will hold up to water. I had considered carrying the flooring from the bedroom - which is the same laminate chosen for the living spaces. But then I came across a patterned glazed porcelain tile that would carry a rattan pattern that would be in the headboard of my bed. It's a very beautiful way to bring in another coastal element in the design. The pattern of the tile makes it a great option that meets the requirements I need in a master bathroom.
Cabinetry: As I love coastal design I also love mid-century modern. And I'm working to bring both into each room. For the master bath I love this cabinetry I pinned as it has the simple lines with flat front doors that are characteristic of mid-century. The beautiful wood used reminds me of driftwood. It feels like it just fits both design loves.
Hardware: I wanted to choose a faucet that is simple in lines to compliment the cabinetry. I also wanted to have the installation to be coming from the wall and not mounted on the counter. This set is exactly what I had envisioned and bonus it's gold!
My design is not complete but I have a direction. And I'm still in love with what I've chosen so far. Design changes throughout the process, it has to. Sometimes it needs to because of supply issues, costs, or because taste has changed. But it's worth the work because in the end you have a room that reflects you and makes you feel more like home.

Discover kellbell96's collection, Master bath design

09/17/2022

https://www.pinterest.com/kellbell96/moffit-kitchen-design/

It' been a while since my last post. I had a very busy, "grandkid" kind of summer. Every one of my 7 grandbabies was watched by grandma at one point in time, plus I got my first design job! Which is the focus of this post.
A friend of mine contacted me late June with some design needs. She needed to have her existing deck torn down and replaced and a face lift to her kitchen. We talked about wants and needs. We looked at colors and I took pictures and then our journey began. I took that information and created a Pinterest board of ideas (the board is included here to look at). But in reality, very little of my design is actually happening. But I'm ok with that.
This job taught me as a designer that it's not about making my design a reality as much as it is about making my client's home what she wants and needs. It also taught me to never assume I know what they like no matter how well I may know them.
My friend's decor is what I would call upscale farmhouse. Has some of the most beautiful pieces of country/farmhouse that I have ever seen. And she has done some "face lift" work to certain areas of her home that were very good choices. These should have been front and center of my design - it was in a way - I designed with the thought that I wanted to give her a face lift that would highlight her decor. She liked some things that I created, some things not so much. She sent me ideas and I tried to incorporate what I thought she wanted. But over time I began to realize that she had a good idea of what she wanted, she just needed someone to help inspire her, guide her, inform her, and to help steer her vision. She needed someone to walk along side of her in choosing, ordering and finding colors, tile, stone, and qualified contractors. She needed someone to help with the doubts, with the fears and with the overwhelming disruption to her home.
Her vision morphed as my design did. And I embraced the kind of design role she needed from me.
I love to design but more importantly I love being there with her and helping her achieve her vision. After all isn't that really what design is all about - making people's needs and wants a reality through their vision, especially when they don't realize that they actually do have a vision.
I'm excited to help my next client, are you the one? Let's work together and see your vision come to life.

Discover kellbell96's collection, Moffit kitchen design

07/20/2022

07/20/2022

07/19/2022