The Kitchen Island as a Sculpture
The kitchen is the heart of the home.
This sentiment resonated with me when I began designing the island for our new home.
It was the perfect place to set my creativity loose.
Inspired by global textiles, I carved individual panels to create a design that felt just right.
I also added steel elements to bring together the stainless appliances to make it feel cohesive.
Carving individual panels and then arranging them to feel balanced was just the beginning.
Next, I decided to burn them. I like playing with fire :)
Burning can create an alligator texture which I wanted to see in specific places.
Burning also softens the edges to make it look aged.
I love the "worn-loved" look of antique textiles
The next step was to add color to the wood. Creating the tone was a subjective process.
I like working up the tone slowly from the blackened wood.
I knew I was going for that special gunmetal color, with a little brightness, or maybe the vibrant blue in Turkish rugs,
or that beautiful color of the blue sky I see riding up chair 3 while skiing on Aspen Mountain.
In other words, I wasn't exactly sure until I saw it by layering and building until I loved it.
The "box" was custom-made to include the microwave and a cabinet on the backside
which had the layered blue color throughout.
The countertops are quartz and the iron range hood was commissioned.
With our open floor plan, the island becomes a visual statement that connects the
living room, dining room, and outdoor living space.
The Island is a piece of art that adds a special touch and
brings a sense of grounding to the heart of our home.
Check out the video below
Creating the island was exciting for me!
It's a surprise element that blends perfectly with the decor and stands on its own.
It's always important to draw inspiration from the world around us and
follow our passions when thinking about the design of our living spaces.
xx
Andrea
P.S. Please reach out to Andrea@andi-le.com to discuss ideas and explore potential collaborations.
The Foyer Sets The Stage With Carved Wood Tiles
Take for example the foyer in our new house.
Since it's the first thing you see upon entering, it needed to have a warm, inviting impact.
Architectural elements play a key role in achieving this goal.
I created carved wood "tiles" that clad the wall to add texture and character to the space.
The tiles have been on my mind for years, I experimented with different materials for stability and carve-ability.
I designed an organic texture rather than a geometric one.
I liked the gentler flow and how it harmonized with the other pieces in sight.
The design remained the same on each tile, (even though they are placed upside down and sideways),
the theme translates and is cohesive.
Due to the dimensions of the finished wall, each tile ended up being a 19-3/8" square,
with each one being individually crafted.
ALSO....
Installation was a breeze! Which is always appreciated. I had the wall backed with 1/2” ply.
After securing the floating steel shelf, my nail gun and I got to work.
I added milled sides and wood strips to frame the wall ….voila !
Creating a home is not just about having a beautiful space;
it's about surrounding yourself with elements that inspire and bring joy.
I get so much joy in designing and constructing bespoke pieces for clients,
it breathes life into a space and adds unique details tailored specifically for it.
The process of creating my own home has inspired me with a plethora of fresh ideas for my clients.
xx
Andrea
Sculptural seating and it's visual impact
I’ve always been more interested in the sculptural aspect of functional objects
of their essence and the visual impact they have on one’s experience
as well as in home décor.
It’s art in an unexpected way, a surprise, a wow, a smile and joy,
these are the chosen details that make a décor sing.
Sculptural seating makes a statement
merging art, craft and engineered design.
And….
transforms an everyday functional object into
art with a personal aesthetic and point of view.
Benches and chairs can elevate a décor by
finding expression through design’s functionality.
It is always unique with its own personal story.
If you are looking to add something unique to express your home style,
open your mind to the art of furniture.
Stay tuned for some exciting news that includes sculptural seating
for “Living Creatively”
:)
xx
Andrea