We are honoured and thrilled to feature Maureen of MODECOR INSPIRED INTERIORS as our first Guest Blogger on our new site.  It is our pleasure to introduce her to those of you who may not have had the pleasure to meet our charming, ebullient and talented friend!

Maureen Coates

Spring often awakens one’s desire to refresh and renew one’s surroundings. Whether one’s ideal is to awaken each morning to a kitchen that is a soothing, serene oasis of calm, or an exciting and sparkling showcase, utilizing the services of an experienced and knowledgeable professional like Maureen is always key.

Whether you need a colour consultation or a complete decorating project, Maureen Coates, sole proprietor of MODECOR INSPIRED INTERIORS, offers decorating services providing functional, creative answers to clients’ decor dilemmas. Here are but a few images of her gorgeous interiors…

Amiable, artistic, and delightfully approachable, Maureen is a 2010 CDECA Award winner. Maureen’s artistic expertise lies in colour, furniture, floor plans, window treatments, flooring and finishes, lighting, and room organization, as well as staging and special occasion decor.

As a former professional graphic artist, Maureen has a keen eye and has always had a passion for art and decor. Maureen loves to collect original artwork and artisan pieces, and her interest in pillow design and construction has led her to create an exciting array of colourful, whimsical, elegant pillows.

And now, Maureen’s vision of her FAVE KITCHEN…

A few weeks ago Pam and Oded at OR DESIGN glassworks invited me to do a guest post on their newly designed blog. I was thrilled to comply, but even more so when Pam suggested I write about my favourite kitchen. I’m not actually sure I’ve ever encountered my favourite kitchen…however, I certainly know after having designed three of my own what I could not live without and what I would definitely include in my favourite kitchen.

I’m leaning toward small functional kitchens these days as our family at home is dwindling and we are closer to another downsize in the near future. My personal style is more tailored and linear…so my kitchen cabinets would be dust-can’t-be-seen grey shaker style…something like this…

To amp up the bling factor, I want these textured handles and knobs.

I have always enjoyed displays in my kitchens, so my favourite kitchen would have open shelving and some strategic plain glass fronted doors.

I can imagine displaying some OR DESIGN glassworks originals on these open shelves…

CABANA SALSA

…ohh ya!!…

PARADISO

Love the unexpected…

Picture this dramatic framed artwork sparkling on a shelf!

LA DANZA

And this vibrant beauty…

CORAL REEF

This platter has stolen my heart…IL CUORE AL CUORE

And this spectacular centrepiece bowl is a must have!

BLUE LAGOON

My dishwasher and fridge would be integrated and the cooktop, wall oven and drawer microwave would be stainless.

I’m all about functional storage such as drawers for pots and pans, a dedicated area for baking and small appliances, spices and utensils and a narrow-shelved pantry where everything is visible and at my fingertips…

I do not want to exert any more pressure than needed when searching for canned goods, boxed goods, oils and vinegars…

I like large work surfaces and around my sink, and cooktop…essential for the messes I make when creativity flourishes in my kitchen! I have quartz counters now and they are great looking, functional and easily maintained….however, I might explore marble which is more porous, but absolutely gorgeous.

Quartz

Marble slabs

Love, love, love, this natural stone for my favourite kitchen backsplash. I have this in my kitchen now in a different colour and it provides a WOW factor…

I’m a double sink kinda girl…but there is something about this farmhouse sink and the marble countertop with the grey cabinets…yummy…

My BRIZO faucet would follow me to my favourite kitchen…

Flooring is a toughy… although I love the look of a beautiful tiled floor, I personally cannot stand on one for any length of time. I love the radiant heated cork floor in my kitchen now, but would choose a pattern similar to this…

If space is tight, I would include a counter height bistro table. We already own an antique marble table top that is begging to have a custom wrought iron base constructed….something like this…but not exactly like this…

and these comfy counter height stools would accompany the bistro table…

and because I absolutely adore toile and have just decided my favourite kitchen would be yellow, the stools would be covered in this…

Under cab zenon lighting and potlights are absolute necessities for me…but to top it all off (pun absolutely intended), I’m thinking this elegant frosted and clear glass pendant(s) would complete my favourite kitchen…

Thank you, Pam and Oded, for inviting me to write this guest post.

The only problem is, now I’m itching to start designing my favourite kitchen!

- Maureen Coates, MODECOR INSPIRED INTERIORS  

modecor@rogers.com  www.modecor.ca  613 286 9132

Accredited CDECA Member. CDECA Award Winner 2010.

. See Maureen’s work featured in OTTAWA Magazine, September 2010

http://www.ottawamagazine.com/homes-gardens/2010/09/17/from-the-print-edition-sneak-peek-from-the-glebe-house-tour-on-september-19/

. Glebe House Tour, Ottawa Citizen, Saturday, September 18, 2010

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Live+Inspiration/3544390/story.html