C/2 Design Blog

Diverse, easy to clean, low maintenance. . . when it comes to good qualities, stainless steel has plenty.  Although some consider the material to have a modern feel, this metal shows it’s diversity appearing in country, classic, and contemporary kitchens.

Photo courtesy of Country Living

Kitchen by Thomas Obrien

Below is a stainless countertop we put into a local town home.  I love the way it surrounds the cabinets rather than just sitting on top of them.

This floating stainless shelf we consructed does double duty providing storage space and task lighting.

And who says this sleek material is just for kitchens?  Whether it be in bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, or laundry rooms stainless steel is here to stay!

With C-2 Design being a small business here in Tulsa, we want to make sure we support other local businesses to keep our city’s economy healthy.  Sometimes we trade services, other times we pay for products, all the time we support each other.

Below is a checkout counter that I created with reclaimed lumber pieces.  It’s topped off with a “green” colored concrete and stainless steel trim.  This rustic beauty sits inside the “Elote” restaurant in downtown Tulsa, which boasts Mexican cuisine made with locally grown ingredients.

These “too cool for school” cutting boards are made with scraps that would usually be doomed for the dump.  They are fun and functional kitchen accessories that show tons of OKLAHOMA pride.  You can buy these at Dwelling Spaces (also in downtown Tulsa) along with plenty of other “Oklahoma proud” garb.

Spring time cookouts call for chimineas, fire pits, and outdoor fireplaces.  Whether they are used for roasting marshmallows, keeping warm, or fulfilling feng shui- these handsome pieces are a great addition to any back yard!  Using steel to create these outdoor marvels ensures they will be around for years to come and also provides a modern element.  If you are looking for a unique focal point to stare at all spring, summer, and fall, drop me a line and we can design one to fit your style and space.

Nothing says modern quite like the sleek and clean look of stainless steel.  We usually think of stainless steel appliances or countertops.  But this stainless steel fireplace is a great way to take the look through the whole house.  The fireplace is always supposed to be a focal point and this thick surround makes sure the heart of the home stays front and center.

When Reba McEntire and George Strait showed up in Tulsa to strut their stuff at the BOK Center, the staff there wanted to make sure the country legends were properly thanked.  In a collaborative creative effort, C-2 Design, Dwelling Spaces, and Claudia’s Burning Ink came together to construct these personalized photo frames.

The names of each artists’ past and present hits were burned into the wood to commemorate their highly successful music careers and their concerts at the BOK Center!

I constructed both frames with reclaimed wood, which was salvaged from an Oklahoman barn.  It’s pretty cool to think my handy work will be hanging in Reba and George’s houses for years to come.  Yep, C-2 Design has officially gone country. . . and we’re in pretty good company!

A nearby office building was looking for a wall treatment a little out of the ordinary.  I suggested rusted steel panels that would warm the space up and create an incredible focal point.  I love that this installation allows the area to have a modern feel while the color keeps things inviting.

I started with regular steel panels, cut them to size, and then applied an acid that would speed up the rusting process.  Once the panels had rusted to a point that I was happy with I applied a water based polyacrylic sealer.

I installed the panels with the all rusted side showing.  However, I also like the way the backs of the panels turned out.  The veining reminds me of marble and I can definitely see myself using this look in another setting.

During installation, I left 1/4″ reveal around all sides of the panels.

The final look is sophisticated and stunning, don’t you think?

When a local Tulsa office building was looking for a few upgrades they called me. They wanted something unique and substantial. Stone is stunning, but a thick single piece like the one below is super expensive. So, I poured up a slick concrete slab which I colored to look like stone. The irregular edge also lends itself to a natural stone feel.  NICE EH?

 When one Tulsa family relocated from New York, they brought something to remind them of their former home.  Something unique- a diving board.  The piece was very well worn when I got my hands on it, but its potential was evident.  The family wanted me to create a piece of furniture that would be functional and remind them of the many memories made in their former residence. 

First, I did just enough sanding to make things smooth, but allowed for a distressed look to remain. 

Next, I coated the wood with Tung oil and sprayed on a water-based polyurethane for a smooth finish. 

 The diving board turned modern bench now serves as a media console and extra seating when needed.  It is a wonderful addition to the home’s eclectic feel.

This piece is a perfect example of repurposing.  Just because an item appears to be past its prime doesn’t mean that it should be tossed to the curb!  Bring me your forgotten treasures and watch them go from garbage to good as gold. 

This is a 4 inch thick end grain butcher block countertop made out of hard maple and black walnut.

We used a 4 to 1 ratio with the wood. 4 parts maple to 1 part walnut.