HOME IDEASS

Be honest with yourself. Will the luxury you’re considering help enhance your relationships, like my client's new kitchen has? Or will it make you dread the day it gets messed up? I love the Saarinen marble Tulip Table. It speaks to my soul. But I know if I had friends over and someone spilled red wine on it, I would be annoyed. I love that table, but I love my friends and family more. No matter how beautiful an object, it's not worth it if it makes you anxious to use it or if it becomes more important than the people in your life. Instead of the Tulip Table, I got an awesome wooden table that looks better as it ages. During a bro night, my husband and younger brother were using acetone paint remover while sitting at that seemingly indestructible table, and they accidentally removed some of its varnish. At first I was a little peeved, but when I look at those spots, I’m reminded of the fact that my little brother and my husband have a great relationship and enjoy hanging out together.

Q

I have so many clients who go back and forth on marble countertops. On the one hand, marble is gorgeous. On the other hand, it’s porous and prone to scratches. If clients really loves something, then I encourage them to at least consider it as an option. There's no rule that says your whole kitchen has to be marble. During a recent kitchen remodel, we put marble everywhere except for the island, which is frequently used for food prep. The result is a more practical version of the marble kitchen the client always wanted. She’s now the first to offer up her home for parties and get-togethers. When you love your home, you want to share it.

Q