2020 Kitchen & Bath Contest: Gina Sims Designs

Gina Sims, Gina Sims Designs

1) What is your official title and do you have any special design qualifications?

Owner, Principal Designer 

2) How long have you been designing kitchens and baths?

 We’ve been doing residential design for 8 years.

3) What was the most challenging part of this design? 

Kitchen – we needed to make a statement. It was all about finding the right tile for the feature wall. 

Bath – the bathroom needed to feel restful and artistic. Finding the right colors, wall covering, art and rugs were all a huge part of the project.

4) What were the client’s needs for this bath and in the end their favorite feature(s) of this design? 

Kitchen – The kitchen needed new, better functioning cabinets and it needed to be a standout, aesthetically. In the end, the cabinets and countertops and island were just what she needed and the tile was the showstopper. Other elements were a great nod to the main events – A perfect blend of style and function!

 Bath – The bathroom started with the bathtub! This steel-skirted tub was the impetus of the room. We took out a vanity that spanned an entire wall and put two sinks and a gorgeous vanity on the other side, leaving room for this incredible bathtub experience.

5) What is your general design philosophy when it comes to kitchens/bathrooms? Kitchens and bathrooms should clearly function for how you want to live. Always start there. After that, let’s have fun! If I have to err on “bland/looks like everyone else’s” or “personality/makes you happy”, we are going to push you toward happiness all day long. 

6) Did you have a special look, feeling, or feature in mind when crafting this space or what was your inspiration? 

Kitchen – My client pulled things from her house – succulents, black and white needlework in a wood frame, a copper timer and a brass penny dish. Those elements looked so beautiful together, they became the basis of this design. 

Bath – It all started with the bathtub and we went with a great textural wallpaper and paint color and wainscotting to accent. From there it was simple warm accents like art, rugs and that fabulous lighting and vanity, that really dressed it up. 

7) Please list four manufacturers of pieces in your design (lighting, cabinets, tile, vanity, etc). 

Kitchen – Seneca Tiles from Traditions in Tile, Dove Studio Cabinets, Schoolhouse hardware, Silestone perimeter countertops (custom cement island)

 Bath – Three Rivers Trading Bathtub, Innovations Wallpaper, Farrow & Ball Paint, Oly Lighting

8) Can you give homeowner’s three tips to help create a similar design? 

Kitchen – The tile wall is going to look best if there’s a clear accent wall and enough space to do it justice. If you have those, go for it! Find a color or pattern that makes you happy and let that take center stage. Keep the other aspects on the neutral side and play with metals! 

Bath – “Spa-like” does not have to mean white. Find a color or wallpaper you love and lean in. Soft elements like window treatments, rugs and even towels can make the space feel cozy. And never forget art! I love great art in a bathroom – it can be so unexpected!

9) What is a common mistake homeowners make when redesigning their kitchen/bath?

Not doing their homework. I have all my clients create idea boards of spaces they love on Houzz or Pinterest or Instagram so I can see what common elements they love. If 80% of the kitchens on your board have warm wood cabinets, then it’s a no brainer that you should go that direction.

Details: ginasimsdesigns.com