The CKD Blog
Where Sarah, and sometimes Steve, share design projects, renovation advice, and other project-related insights.
5 Kitchen Design Ideas for Effortless Entertaining
If you love to entertain, but your kitchen isn’t doing you any favors, it’s worth considering an upgrade. Since we’re already in December, I’ll share several tips that you can implement right away to make entertaining easier and more seamless…
3 Easy Ways to Update Your ‘90s Home
The ‘90s have come and gone, and these days, our tastes and preferences have evolved to new heights. Now (if you’re anything like our clients), I’m guessing you dream about open, bright, airy rooms with functional, livable space. We all want more room to breathe and live! If you’re ready to embrace the 21st century, but your home is still sporting retro features, I have some ideas for you…
7 Ways to Transform Your Tuscan Style Kitchen
Does your Tuscan style kitchen say, “Old World charm?” With wine country motifs, dark hardware, and heavy earth tones, you may feel ready to trade the beige for a bright and airy space. But where do you start? Today, I’m sharing 7 ways to update your old-world-style kitchen…
How to Update & Modernize Your Tuscan-Style Bathroom
If your bathroom is clad in floor-to-ceiling travertine and cherry wood cabinets, you’re probably thinking that it’s time for an update. But you also know that a complete renovation or remodel can be disruptive, time-consuming, and require a decent investment. Well, here’s the good news: you don’t always need a renovation to create the transformation you’re looking for. Here are 7 tips to modernize your Tuscan-style bathroom…
The Best Replacements for Your Tuscan Travertine Tile
Builders and designers went with travertine tiles 20+ years ago because it was cost-effective, durable, and complimented the popular Tuscan style of the ‘90s. However, now that those golden beige tones are looking a bit dated, you’re ready to make a change. So what are your options? Keep reading…
5 Ways to Transform your Tuscan Style Interiors Without a Major Renovation
Tuscan-style interiors were the trend of the ‘90s, with dark cabinetry, granite countertops, and travertine from wall to wall. But now, it’s 20+ years later, and your Tuscan-style home no longer feels like the reigning king of style. If you’re ready to trade those dark tones and dated materials for light, bright, and fresh, you’re in luck! Today, I’m sharing 5 ways you can make cosmetic updates that will give you the refresh you crave without requiring major construction…
A Year in Review: The Good, The Bad & The Oakley
I thought I would wrap up this year by sharing the ups and downs we experienced at work and at home. Without further ado, here are the top 5 things we are thankful for in 2021, along with our goals and vision for 2022 — which includes serving and supporting you. Come take a look...
Guest Post: Steve’s Favorite Kitchen Cabinet Features
Hey y’all, it’s Steve again. I’m taking over for Sarah this week...so today, let’s keep it fun with my favorite kitchen cabinet features, the ones that make cooking, entertaining, and cleanup easy...
5 Decade-Defining Features in Florida Homes & How to Update Them
I’ve been in many homes here on the Gulf coast, and I can tell you that I’ve seen some definite patterns in the types of decade-defining features homeowners are likely to be living with — or buying, if they just moved or transferred here. While not all of these dated design elements need to be given the boot, if they feel out of place to you, there are several solutions you can implement, from renovating to a cosmetic refresh.
Color Combinations That Work With Travertine Tile
Tuscan-inspired homes have almost always included travertine because of its soft golden tone (which matched those yellow walls). Style aside, however, I think its true popularity stems from the fact that it was an affordable upgrade material for flooring and bathroom tile.
How Window Treatments, Textiles & Textures Make Your House Feel Like Home
Finding the right window treatments and textiles is still a large part of what I do — and honestly, is what makes a newly renovated house feel like home.
3 Ways Renovating During Post-Pandemic Times Has Been a Struggle
Home renovations have been impacted by the pandemic, and the setbacks the industry is seeing show no signs of slowing, even as we shift into what will hopefully be post-pandemic times. Here’s what you can expect and how to handle it…