Photography: Nathan Schroder
Example of a tuscan dark wood floor hallway design in Dallas with gray walls

This kitchen was fabricated by The Beveled Edge! Check out their work: https://bevelededge.net This kitchen's countertops have Blue Fire granite with a polished finish.. Search "blue fire" granite, see more granite of this family or other stone options: http://www.stoneaction.com Learn more about granite to see if it’s right for you: Granite countertops can last a lifetime. It contains no harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses. Granite is heat resistant and is one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan out of the oven directly onto the countertop surface. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack. Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives! Granite scores a seven on Moh’s hardness scale. Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Many sealers last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. When it comes to pricing, there are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone, the price will be driven upward. You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material.

Example of a classic kitchen design in Miami

A&E Construction. This Pennington NJ remodel of a master bath en-suite features marble basketweave tile detailing and a generous walk-in shower area. One memorable aspect of this design is the continuous marble slab that simultaneously serves as a tub deck and continues into the shower area to serve as a bench seat. Scroll through the project photos to observe this unique project.

http://www.calibamboo.com/bronze-greenclaimed-infinity-grooved-composite-decking.html

Description: In early 1994, the architects began work on the project and while in construction (demolition, grading and foundations) the owner, due to circumstances beyond his control, halted all construction of the project. Seven years later the owner returned to the architects and asked them to complete the partially constructed house. Due to code changes, city ordinances and a wide variety of obstacles it was determined that the house was unable to be completed as originally designed. After much consideration the client asked the architect if it were possible to alter/remodel the partially constructed house, which was a remodel/addition to a 1970’s ranch style house, into a project that fit into current zoning and structural codes. The owner also requested that the house’s footprint and partially constructed foundations remain to avoid the need for further entitlements and delays on an already long overdue and difficult hillside site. The architects’ main challenge was how to alter the design that reflected an outdated philosophical approach to architecture that was nearly a decade old. How could the house be re-conceived reflecting the architect and client’s maturity on a ten-year-old footprint? The answer was to remove almost all of the previously proposed existing interior walls and transform the existing footprint into a pavilion-like structure that allows the site to in a sense “pass through the house”. This allowed the client to take better advantage of a limited and restricted building area while capturing extraordinary panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills. Large 22-foot high custom sliding glass doors allow the interior and exterior to become one. Even the studio is separated from the house and connected only by an exterior bridge. Private spaces are treated as loft-like spaces capturing volume and views while maintaining privacy. Limestone floors extend from inside to outside and into the lap pool that runs the entire length of the house creating a horizon line at the edge of the view. Other natural materials such as board formed concrete, copper, steel and cherry provides softness to the objects that seem to float within the interior volume. By placing objects and materials "outside the frame," a new frame of reference deepens our sense of perception. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see.

Photo Credit Sarah Greenman
Transitional open concept medium tone wood floor living room photo in Dallas with white walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

alanBRANDTphotography
Minimalist bathroom photo in Seattle

This Newton Upper Falls referral required a full exterior painting on this 1890’s home. This home first required an EPA lead safety set up before any work can begin. If you have an older home, it may have lead paint. Federal and state law require that work done on homes built before 1978 is done according to EPA guidelines, using protective material and gear. Our painters are all EPA certified and follow lead paint removal specifications in these circumstances- we are committed to doing what is best for the environment, and the health and safety of our clients and crews. The home was prepped with a thorough wash by hand using bleach and jomax. The siding, trim, doors, window casings, window sashes, gutters, and porch were all scraped, feather sanded, spot primed and painted with two new coats. The siding was Sherwin Williams Sun Bleached Ochre, while the trim is Sherwin Williams Rookwood Shutter Green.

The class knob hardware adds to the theme of visual clarity in this bathroom. These knobs are an elegant touch when applied in the right circumstances.

You are walking quietly through the tall grass next to a wide river, brown and fast moving from fresh floods. The hot sun setting slowly overhead. Just as the sun begins to touch the horizon, the whole sky is brushed in a rich orange hue. You emerge from the grass to be greeted by your first sight of African lions in their natural habitat and a Serengeti sunset that will stay with you for the rest of your life. This was the moment that began this project, inspiring the client to recreate that moment for their sport hunting trophy room in their home. The goal was to be able to recreate that experience as closely as possible, while also ensuring that every mount in the collection had the ideal amount and type of light directed at it. Nature exhibits an infinite amount of unique color and light environments. From rich color in every hue and temperature, to light of all different intensities and quality. In order to deliver the client’s expectations, we needed a solution that can reflect the diverse lighting environments the client was looking to recreate. Using a Ketra lighting system, controlled through a Lutron HomeWorks QS system, tied in seamlessly to an existing Lutron HomeWorks Illumination system, we were able to meet all of these challenges. Tying into the existing system meant that we could achieve these results in the space that the client was focused on without having to replace the whole system. In that focused space, creating dynamic lighting environments was central to several elements of the design, and Ketra’s color temperature settings enabled us to be extremely flexible while still providing high quality light in all circumstances. Using a large track system consisting of 30 S30 lamps, each individually addressed, we were able to create the ideal lighting settings for each mount. Additionally, we designed the system so that it can be set to match the unique warm standard Edison-style bulbs in the main chandelier, it can be set to a “Natural” mode that replicates the outdoor conditions throughout the day, or it can simulate the exact color temperature progression of that unforgettable Serengeti sunset. Control of the lighting environment and a smooth transition to the lighting systems in the rest of the home was also a priority. As a result, we installed 3 Lutron motorized shades in the space to account for ambient light, and 6 A20 lamps in an adjacent bar area to create a natural transition to the rest of the lighting system. This ensures that all of the lighting transitions, whether from the rest of the home to the trophy room or the trophy room to the outside, are continuous and smooth. The end result is an impressive and flexible display space with an added “wow factor” that is out of this hemisphere!

This interior door model would be a perfect fit as a swing, pocket, bypass, bi-fold or barn door. In certain ancient cultures, a single vertical band of light was used to represent unflagging wisdom, keen discernment, and impeccable logic; a voice of reason shining through the fog of muddled circumstances. Listen, my friend, it seems to say, do not let external influences cloud your judgment. Any smoke-and-mirrors scheme must leave you unimpressed. No amount of honey-tongued poppycock can distract you, nor make you deviate from the path of your choosing. You are in control of the situation, and your decisions are solid because they are entirely your own, based on your experience and your ability to tell the difference between truth and falsehood. Pretty cool, isn’t it? The sheer elegance of this interior door is quite something.

Please RSVP early for our last LUNCH & LEARN in 2016. This marks Kiwi’s 10th CEU Class we have taught over the last four years. Counting for 1 CEU Credit, there are 15 spots available. (now only 8 spots left…also welcome to bring a colleague to event. Please include in your RSVP. ) Reserve your spot now. Here are the details- What: CONTROLLING AND ISOLATING SOUND WITH DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Lunch will be catered. This is also a networking event for architects and interior designers. KIWI AUDIO VISUAL’S 10TH Lunch & Learn! When: Thursday, NOVEMBER 17 from 11 AM until 1 PM 10:45 a.m. - check-in 11-12-COURSE- CEU Course 12-1 Lunch & Networking 1:00 p.m. end Where: Kiwi Audio Visual 1950 Kellogg Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 Map of Location Cost: It's free. Who?: Interior Designers and Residential Architects & Custom home builders/supers, too! 15 SPOTS ONLY- PLEASE RSVP as soon as you can. ~Click link- or email- MShull@kiwiav.com CEU CLASS DESCRIPTION: LEARNING OBJECTIVES of “Controlling and Isolating Sound with Design & Construction” • Define the importance of controlling sound. • Define how much sound isolation is required in various circumstances. • List the three tools: mass, absorption, and mechanical isolation and the role of each tool. • Outline design considerations related to the construction of specialty rooms. Controlling and Isolating Sound is tricky—without the correct tools, the right people, and the proper design, the results are often disastrous. Participants in this course will review the needs for creating sound for isolated specialty spaces and discuss how much sound isolation is needed in varying circumstances. In addition, attendees will dive into the three tools of sound isolation—mass, absorption and mechanical isolation and the role of each in the design/build process, while discussing the process of designing and constructing the specialty space. This course will also outline the benefits of working as a team with other trades to provide the client the expertise bringing about a well-designed and functional space. ASSOCIATION- AIA, AIBD, IDCEC, NARI Credit: 1.0 LU/HSW, l.0 CEU, 0.1 CEU, 1.0 CEU COURSE NUMBER: CO1O50 –AIA & 5.1-IDEC Designations: Health, Safety, and Welfare

Construction by Deep Creek Builders. Photography by Andrew Hyslop.
Example of a classic l-shaped enclosed kitchen design in Louisville with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Example of a classic home design design in Baltimore

Now as an experienced DIYer, Adam shares some important advice for other IKEA customers. “Remodeling your kitchen is hard under any circumstances. IKEA does present remodelers with an option for higher-end remodels that can be done by oneself, but it is not an easy road. There are plenty of tutorials online, but you will also run into situations that will not have a tutorial somewhere,” he says. To that end, he advises that as you go through the process, you will develop more confidence in how to manage these challenges. “Make sure you know what your limits are and know that once you start it can be impossible to stop with half a kitchen built. Take your time to investigate this project and make the best-informed decision for your home,” he adds. He concludes: “Installation was definitely challenging for a first-time installer, but it got easier as we progressed. I certainly could install another kitchen much faster right now!”

This home for a family of 4 has been an ongoing project since 2007. The homeowners have some special circumstances, and she prefers things minimal. The kitchen was completed in 2014. I chose the cabinet colors to keep it airy and grounded, and we decided we still love the wall color I chose in 2007. The handmade subway tiles and marble slabs make this peaceful open kitchen one of my very favorites. Juliska lights. All photos by Scarlett Reed

This NYC apartment is a Batchelor’s dream pad. With a heavy focus on unique pieces and original art, this 2 bed / 2.5 bath home has much to boast about! Hidden doors, oversized mouldings, and upholstered walls only begin to describe some of the features added into this renovation. Due to unforeseen circumstances we were unfortunately not able to photograph this project upon completion. The images below are a mix of renders & pictures taken while on site. All art shown are the actual pieces curated from around the globe for this project. We wish you could see this space for real, but we hope you’ll settle for the 2nd best option. Please enjoy!

You are walking quietly through the tall grass next to a wide river, brown and fast moving from fresh floods. The hot sun setting slowly overhead. Just as the sun begins to touch the horizon, the whole sky is brushed in a rich orange hue. You emerge from the grass to be greeted by your first sight of African lions in their natural habitat and a Serengeti sunset that will stay with you for the rest of your life. This was the moment that began this project, inspiring the client to recreate that moment for their sport hunting trophy room in their home. The goal was to be able to recreate that experience as closely as possible, while also ensuring that every mount in the collection had the ideal amount and type of light directed at it. Nature exhibits an infinite amount of unique color and light environments. From rich color in every hue and temperature, to light of all different intensities and quality. In order to deliver the client’s expectations, we needed a solution that can reflect the diverse lighting environments the client was looking to recreate. Using a Ketra lighting system, controlled through a Lutron HomeWorks QS system, tied in seamlessly to an existing Lutron HomeWorks Illumination system, we were able to meet all of these challenges. Tying into the existing system meant that we could achieve these results in the space that the client was focused on without having to replace the whole system. In that focused space, creating dynamic lighting environments was central to several elements of the design, and Ketra’s color temperature settings enabled us to be extremely flexible while still providing high quality light in all circumstances. Using a large track system consisting of 30 S30 lamps, each individually addressed, we were able to create the ideal lighting settings for each mount. Additionally, we designed the system so that it can be set to match the unique warm standard Edison-style bulbs in the main chandelier, it can be set to a “Natural” mode that replicates the outdoor conditions throughout the day, or it can simulate the exact color temperature progression of that unforgettable Serengeti sunset. Control of the lighting environment and a smooth transition to the lighting systems in the rest of the home was also a priority. As a result, we installed 3 Lutron motorized shades in the space to account for ambient light, and 6 A20 lamps in an adjacent bar area to create a natural transition to the rest of the lighting system. This ensures that all of the lighting transitions, whether from the rest of the home to the trophy room or the trophy room to the outside, are continuous and smooth. The end result is an impressive and flexible display space with an added “wow factor” that is out of this hemisphere!