Designed By: Sarah Buehlman Marc and Mandy Maister were clients and fans of Cantoni before they purchased this harbor home on Balboa Island. The South African natives originally met designer Sarah Buehlman and Cantoni’s Founder and CEO Michael Wilkov at a storewide sale, and quickly established a relationship as they bought furnishings for their primary residence in Newport Beach. So, when the couple decided to invest in this gorgeous second home, in one of the ritziest enclaves in North America, they sought Sarah’s help in transforming the outdated 1960’s residence into a modern marvel. “It’s now the ultimate beach house,” says Sarah, “and finished in Cantoni from top to bottom—including new custom cabinetry installed throughout.” But let’s back up. This project began when Mandy contacted Sarah in the midst of the remodel process (in December 2010), asking if she could come take a look and help with the overall design. “The plans were being drawn up with an architect, and they opted not to move anything major. Instead, they updated everything—as in the small carpeted staircase that became a gorgeous glass and metal sculpture,” Sarah explains. She took photographs and measurements, and then set to work creating the scaled renderings. “Marc and Mandy were drawn to the One and Only Collection. It features a high-gloss brown and white color scheme which served as inspiration for the project,” says Sarah. Primary pieces in the expansive living area include the Mondrian leather sectional, the Involution sculpture, and a pair of Vladimir Kagan Corkscrew swivel chairs. The Maisters needed a place to house all their electronics but didn’t want a typical entertainment center. The One and Only buffet was actually modified by our skilled shop technicians, in our distribution center, so it could accommodate all the couple’s media equipment. “These artisans are another one of our hidden strengths—in addition to the design tools, inventory and extensive resources we have to get a job done,” adds Sarah. Marc and Mandy also fell in love with the exotic Makassar ebony wood in the Ritz Collection, which Sarah combined in the master bedroom with the Ravenna double chaise to provide an extra place to sit and enjoy the beautiful harbor views. Beyond new furnishings, the Maisters also decided to completely redo their kitchen. And though Marc and Mandy did not have a chance to actually see our kitchen displays, having worked with Sarah over the years, they had immense trust in our commitment to craftsmanship and quality. In fact, they opted for new cabinetry in four bathrooms as well as the laundry room based on our 3D renderings and lacquer samples alone—without ever opening a drawer. “Their trust in my expertise and Cantoni’s reputation were a major deciding factor,” says Sarah. This plush second home, complete with a private boat dock right out back, counts as one of Sarah’s proudest accomplishments. “These long-time clients are great. They love Cantoni and appreciate high quality Italian furnishings in particular. The home is so gorgeous that once you are inside and open the Nano doors, you simply don’t want to leave.” The job took almost two years to complete, but everyone seems quite happy with the results, proving that large or small—and in cases necessitating a quick turnaround or execution of a long-term vision—Cantoni has the resources to come through for all clients.

Designed By: Sarah Buehlman Marc and Mandy Maister were clients and fans of Cantoni before they purchased this harbor home on Balboa Island. The South African natives originally met designer Sarah Buehlman and Cantoni’s Founder and CEO Michael Wilkov at a storewide sale, and quickly established a relationship as they bought furnishings for their primary residence in Newport Beach. So, when the couple decided to invest in this gorgeous second home, in one of the ritziest enclaves in North America, they sought Sarah’s help in transforming the outdated 1960’s residence into a modern marvel. “It’s now the ultimate beach house,” says Sarah, “and finished in Cantoni from top to bottom—including new custom cabinetry installed throughout.” But let’s back up. This project began when Mandy contacted Sarah in the midst of the remodel process (in December 2010), asking if she could come take a look and help with the overall design. “The plans were being drawn up with an architect, and they opted not to move anything major. Instead, they updated everything—as in the small carpeted staircase that became a gorgeous glass and metal sculpture,” Sarah explains. She took photographs and measurements, and then set to work creating the scaled renderings. “Marc and Mandy were drawn to the One and Only Collection. It features a high-gloss brown and white color scheme which served as inspiration for the project,” says Sarah. Primary pieces in the expansive living area include the Mondrian leather sectional, the Involution sculpture, and a pair of Vladimir Kagan Corkscrew swivel chairs. The Maisters needed a place to house all their electronics but didn’t want a typical entertainment center. The One and Only buffet was actually modified by our skilled shop technicians, in our distribution center, so it could accommodate all the couple’s media equipment. “These artisans are another one of our hidden strengths—in addition to the design tools, inventory and extensive resources we have to get a job done,” adds Sarah. Marc and Mandy also fell in love with the exotic Makassar ebony wood in the Ritz Collection, which Sarah combined in the master bedroom with the Ravenna double chaise to provide an extra place to sit and enjoy the beautiful harbor views. Beyond new furnishings, the Maisters also decided to completely redo their kitchen. And though Marc and Mandy did not have a chance to actually see our kitchen displays, having worked with Sarah over the years, they had immense trust in our commitment to craftsmanship and quality. In fact, they opted for new cabinetry in four bathrooms as well as the laundry room based on our 3D renderings and lacquer samples alone—without ever opening a drawer. “Their trust in my expertise and Cantoni’s reputation were a major deciding factor,” says Sarah. This plush second home, complete with a private boat dock right out back, counts as one of Sarah’s proudest accomplishments. “These long-time clients are great. They love Cantoni and appreciate high quality Italian furnishings in particular. The home is so gorgeous that once you are inside and open the Nano doors, you simply don’t want to leave.” The job took almost two years to complete, but everyone seems quite happy with the results, proving that large or small—and in cases necessitating a quick turnaround or execution of a long-term vision—Cantoni has the resources to come through for all clients.

When we initially met with our clients, they expressed the need for modernization and updating. The original kitchen had good quality cabinetry but had standard finishes and lacked a little bit of design. With utilizing this kitchen already good bones, and a “few” updates, it’s almost as if it’s a brand new kitchen! This included a fresh new finish for the cabinetry, new countertops, backsplash, and fixtures. Want to learn more about how we transformed this kitchen? Continue reading below! Cabinetry As mentioned above, the kitchen already had great bones. Refinishing cabinetry is not only a great way to save money but a wonderful way to recycle and revamping what you already have. All, we needed to do was remove the door and drawer fronts, paint the cabinet boxes and paint the fronts. Voila! We have a two-tone white and grey kitchen! Already the space was looking fresh and brand new. However, no stopping there. While we were at it, we updated some other stuff as well. Keep reading below! Countertops Having lived with laminate tops for a while, our clients were starting to notice the wear and tear from its daily use. So, they wanted something that would not only last but also is easy to maintain. There’s no better choice than quartz! They decided on a 3cm Caesarstone in Nougat – a great pairing with newly finished cabinetry! Backsplash Having had 12×12 standard tiles as the backsplash, there were lots left to be desired. With tons of options of tile out there, we decided on utilizing two different tile styles as the backsplash. For the main field tile, we have a 3×6 H-line in Pumice, and an accent tile in Daltile Frost Snow marble. Simple, classic, and clean! Fixtures Lastly, the finishing touches of the kitchen, are not just finishing touches. They provide functionality to the space! The sink and faucet are not only beautiful pieces but something you use every single day, so they must be something that works for our client’s space. Our clients decided on a Blanco Quattrus super single bowl in stainless steel, and a Blanco faucet and soap dispenser.

Alcove bathtub - mid-sized contemporary kids' white tile and porcelain tile ceramic tile alcove bathtub idea with furniture-like cabinets, gray cabinets, a one-piece toilet, blue walls, a vessel sink and marble countertops

When we initially met with our clients, they expressed the need for modernization and updating. The original kitchen had good quality cabinetry but had standard finishes and lacked a little bit of design. With utilizing this kitchen already good bones, and a “few” updates, it’s almost as if it’s a brand new kitchen! This included a fresh new finish for the cabinetry, new countertops, backsplash, and fixtures. Want to learn more about how we transformed this kitchen? Continue reading below! Cabinetry As mentioned above, the kitchen already had great bones. Refinishing cabinetry is not only a great way to save money but a wonderful way to recycle and revamping what you already have. All, we needed to do was remove the door and drawer fronts, paint the cabinet boxes and paint the fronts. Voila! We have a two-tone white and grey kitchen! Already the space was looking fresh and brand new. However, no stopping there. While we were at it, we updated some other stuff as well. Keep reading below! Countertops Having lived with laminate tops for a while, our clients were starting to notice the wear and tear from its daily use. So, they wanted something that would not only last but also is easy to maintain. There’s no better choice than quartz! They decided on a 3cm Caesarstone in Nougat – a great pairing with newly finished cabinetry! Backsplash Having had 12×12 standard tiles as the backsplash, there were lots left to be desired. With tons of options of tile out there, we decided on utilizing two different tile styles as the backsplash. For the main field tile, we have a 3×6 H-line in Pumice, and an accent tile in Daltile Frost Snow marble. Simple, classic, and clean! Fixtures Lastly, the finishing touches of the kitchen, are not just finishing touches. They provide functionality to the space! The sink and faucet are not only beautiful pieces but something you use every single day, so they must be something that works for our client’s space. Our clients decided on a Blanco Quattrus super single bowl in stainless steel, and a Blanco faucet and soap dispenser.

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in San Francisco

Example of a transitional living room design in San Francisco

They key to gorgeous spaces... Less stuff. When everything fits neatly out of sight, the clutter is gone. How to get there? Start with less and then subtract.

Afyon Sugar Marble floor and mosaic wall tile So you decided to re-design some parts of your house. You don’t know where to start and what to choose. One of the more important decisions you will make is your choice of tile. Will it fit your furnishings? Should anyone enter the room, which type of atmosphere should the visitor feel? When they look down, what should they see? You should seriously consider Afyon Sugar marble tiles for your floor. Afyon Sugar marble, with its origins in the region Afyon, Turkey, is a high quality white or dark white marble with distinctive yellow or dark yellow veins running through it. It breaks the “cold” feeling a pure white marble tile can create or the pure white hygienic look. The veins create warmth and are suitable with basically any color scheme you decide in furnishings, curtains and paint. Imagine waking up in the morning and the sun’s rays lightly playing with the floor or kitchen counter and distinguishing the yellowish hint in the tile. This tile usually comes in polished finishes; although honed and brushed finishes are also widely available. Afyon Sugar marble mosaic wall tiles are perfect to round off the warmer atmosphere one would like to create in a room. The cleanliness of white with the hint of warmth creates that warmer feeling. Mosaic sizes generally starts at 5cm upwards. Create a pattern between light and dark by designing one first. Ask your specialist tile merchandiser for assistance in this regard. Most should have great pattern ideas. If not, they are not really offering the full service. Afyon Sugar marble usually comes in 2-3cm thickness, although minimum thickness of 1cm may be found. The grain per cubic centimeter density is 2.70 with an impressive 0.19% water absorption rate. Porosity is at 0.45%. This tile comes in various other edges, not only straight. Talk to your local tile merchandiser. Afyon Sugar marble tiles have various applications for interior or exterior use, counter tops in the bathroom or kitchen and stone cladding. So, when deciding on the right tile and you want to create some warmth within a clean finish, why not look at Afyon Sugar marble floor or wall tiles. This tile is an excellent all rounder tile with a soft finish. Talk to your local tile merchandiser who has the knowledge, expertise and necessary skills in providing you with the right advice.

This neutral outdoor couch and modular ottomans and table can be arranged in multiple ways to accommodate a small or large group. The outdoor rug and the pillows bring the blue and green accent colors into the neutral space

We totally transformed this master bedroom with new flooring, feature wallpaper behind the headboard, new wall color on the other walls. All new furniture was purchased to create a nice sitting area at the end of the bed. The last part of the project to be completed was the built in feature wall. This started with the built in lower cabinetry with leather granite tops. Then the electric fireplace wall was built out to the depth of the cabinetry and covered in reclaimed wood. We used white weathered wood horizontally and the brown weathered wood on the corners. The floating shelves balance out the space with accessories

This client wanted to add some additional counter and bar space to their kitchen/dining area. We wanted the it to look more like a furniture piece than just some some additional kitchen cabinets. The cabinets were done in a grey finish to stand out from the rest of the cabinets in the kitchen. The countertop material is also different but complementary to the counters in the kitchen. The real feature is the great backsplash tile. Not only is the shape really different, the print and texture of the tile mosaic is so interesting

Bedrooms are sanctuaries for rest, rejuvenation and intimacy. Design (and organize) accordingly.

The repetition of the clean artwork in the same print sets of the back wall and complements the potted plants. The blues really stand out against the earth tones of the stamped concrete and the dark brown tables

The next step was to figure out what could the client do herself in order to save money. The design already called for four berms in order to transform the flat space into a more interesting landscape, so we ordered 10 yards of dirt and the homeowner wheelbarrowed it all to the back yard creating four big berms. That saved a good $1,500 in labor. The client also decided to do the final mulch, and to lay the top dressing down for the paths … saving another $1,000 or so. After that decision, we looked at the available budget for the first phase and decided what would be the best bang for the buck. In consultation, we choose to look at what takes the longest to mature over the greatest amount of time and get started there, first. In other words, we put the bones of the garden in first. The bones are those trees and shrubs that will perform the functions of screening, focal points and elevation. Because the budget didn’t call for bringing fully grown plants in by crane, we decided to go with shrubs in five gallon containers and trees in 10 gallon containers. All in all, the first order was roughly 100 plants in that category and these plants will grow to provide different heights, colors, textures, shapes and more.

Eclectic living room photo in Philadelphia

Kitchen - eclectic kitchen idea in Philadelphia

Transitional dining room photo in San Francisco