2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN UNDER $40,000 A young family expecting a child just bought their first home, a 1964 colonial in Annandale, Virginia. There were many areas they wanted to renovate, but with the woman of the house being a professional chef, the kitchen was first and foremost. The existing kitchen was dark and dated. Upon entering the room, all of the appliances were aligned on the far wall, near the doorway to the adjacent dining room. While the original kitchen had a lot of open floor space, it had disconnected workspaces, limited counter space to prepare foods, and was generally dysfunctional. The new owners wished to create a kitchen that would not only serve as a space to efficiently prepare meals, but also as a mini office area where the chef could have access to cookbooks and a desk for recipe writing. Additionally, it needed to be a welcoming, central part of the home where the family could expect to have many informal meals over the years. The chef desired to have more cabinet space while also adding newer, larger and additional appliances to the footprint, such as a second oven. The addition of a large (approximately 4 feet by 7 feet) center island increased both the form and function of the room. The turned-legs and glass-faced curio cabinets that greet visitors offer a strong statement. The island maximized efficiency and was equipped with cabinetry and accessories on every side (e.g., spice cabinet, microwave cabinet, double trash can holder) and would even include an overhang on the side by the windows to serve as a breakfast bar. The large island is covered with a white macauba granite, creating a beautiful and expansive prep space. On the far wall, an airy garden window replaced the flat metal-framed sink window. Below the window sits a large white farm-style sink. The dishwasher and double oven were installed to the right. To the left, a large 29 cubic foot French-door, bottom freezer refrigerator. The selected maple cabinetry is frost white with pewter glazing. Coupled with the island’s espresso black finish, it creates a great yin-yang contrast and balance to the room. The bright cabinetry, garden window, added recess lights, under cabinet lights, embedded lights under the mantle hearth, and inside cabinet lights with dimmer switches enable this room to be as bright as desired. The Zen flare to this classic French Country kitchen is complete with the addition of the Sumatran black standing pebble backsplash. These easy to clean stones add great texture and stunning contrast. The homeowners are extremely satisfied with this new kitchen and are now looking forward to getting the rest of the house renovated.

Complete Backyard Designed in East Islip NY The family in this East Islip home wanted a pool for entertaining that was built to last. Giuseppe Abbrancati, owner/designer of Smithtown-based Gappsi, Inc. suggested a gunite saltwater pool in a Sports Pool style design where both sides of the pool are shallow and the deep end is in the middle. “Gunite pools make a statement. They are a very customizable pool. That is why you see a sundeck, round steps, and LED lights inside the pool. You can shape the cement any way you want it and apply any finish. They are also highly durable,” says Abbrancati who has been building pools for the last thirty years. “The deepest part of this pool is six feet. It’s built like that so you can play volleyball in the pool and its fair ground,” he adds. Abbrancati designed a classic rectangular-shaped pool that is 16 by 32 foot in size and has that sleek modern look. “Everyone in the Hamptons has the gunite rectangular shape. It is the most elegant,” he says. The pool, he explains, is a cobalt blue diamond bright with quartz finish. Before the installation, the house - that is close to a hundred years old- had a simple concrete patio. in order to keep the character of the home, Abbrancati chose a brick looking veneer that would blend in with the existing bricks to make it look like the pool was always there. “I didn’t want the pool to look like it was an addition. I wanted it to look like it was built with the house 100 years ago,” he says. Travertine pavers were added throughout. Additional features of the property that Abbrancati built was a sunken down natural fire pit made from rocks and lava and an L-shaped bench for seating. 1. One of the corners of the pool features a blue stone counter three feet wide that is designed to enjoy snacks and beverages poolside. 2. Seating inside the pool with stools built inside the pool made from veneer with glass tiles is an ideal spot for socializing. 3. A twelve-foot long natural gas fire pit runs alongside the pool so you can roast marshmallows and eat smores right from the pool. The fire accent is also a beautiful decorative feature that adds ambiance. 4. A sundeck is accessible on the shallow end of the pool and an ideal place to place a lounge chair. 5. To keep the pool pristine an ‘auto-cover’ was installed. With a push of a button - located next to the sliding door- the auto-cover opens and closes. 6. The pool has a gas heater and the temperature can go as high as 104 degrees. The average setting is between 80 to 85. The heater goes on automatically and the technology enables the homeowner to set the temperature that is comfortable for them.

The old kitchen had a range. The new version has a cooktop which enabled us to create large easy-to-access pot drawers underneath. A neutral backsplash keeps everything light.

Reconfigured doorway entries, and the original master bedroom & bath, allowed for a new master suite addition as well as an access point to the backyard. The requirement of a new air conditioning handling unit enabled creative solutions to be applied to a planned custom linen closet.

This custom built-in window seat maximizes storage space and functionality by utilizing deep storage drawers with full-extension glides. This design enables the homeowners to access the storage space without disturbing the seat above.

This waterfront recording cottage is a remarkable feat of engineering and design, built in just nine months, despite the challenges posed by its location on an island with limited vehicular access. Our team worked closely with an Architect, Landscape Architect, Studio Designer & Audio Visual team to create a space that is truly one of a kind. The cottage features a sound isolated live room and an isolation booth that are fully equipped with top-of-the-line recording equipment. The recording space is fully integrated with multi-room control, enabling the user to monitor the recording process from any room in the cottage. In addition, it is equipped with two kitchenettes, one and a half baths and a state-of-the-art Lutron lighting system, adding ambiance to the space, and setting the right mood for the musicians. The result of this custom build is a recording studio that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, providing the perfect space for creativity.

A ground up design and build of a modern seven bedroom primary residence incorporating sustainable design principles built for an international family of four. The concept revolved around the need for environmental sustainability while having plentiful communal spaces to create ease for a vibrant family and their guests. Equally important was that the private spaces functioned as a retreat. Natural light creates shifting patterns on the opposing wall of the glass paned hallway leading from the main house past the guest bedrooms and to the master suite. Subtle color palette and interior design use contrasting tactile elements to create an environment of luxury and accessibility. The views of the pool and garden through the large and continuous windows enable an ever-present connection to nature.

D-14 Residence, Rohtak One of the significant characteristics of traditional Indian homes has been their connection to the outdoors, that is often mediated through spaces like the verandah. Located in Rohtak, Haryana, the design of the D-14 Residence illustrates an optimal use of the verandah in the contemporary Indian bungalow context and modern living. Occupying a corner plot in a township called the Suncity, the residence is designed for an elderly couple who loves spending time in nature. The clients aspired to have a house with excellent connectivity to the outside, and shaded landscaped sit-outs. The design intent hence focuses on creating outdoor seating and expansive openings to make the interiors feel open, bringing in natural light and ventilation. The house is planned in a manner that all the significant spaces open onto a verandah on the southwestern edge, bringing in maximum sunlight. The verandah overlooks a wide 15 feet green bed with lush landscaping; this design strategy enables an excellent mediation between the interior and exterior spaces, where the verandah acts as a buffer to curb the harsh sun and exposure to dust. On the ground floor, a spacious entrance lobby leads one to a double-height family lounge interconnected with the dining space, both of which open out onto the verandah through an extensive opening. Together they form a lively, interactive node in the house which becomes the central point of activity. The verandah, central to the house's layout, is also overlooked by the living room and the master bedroom. It is enclosed with 30ft wide M.S sliding gatesMS grill, ensuring all the doors in these rooms can stay open without worrying about security. The plan allows seamless movement and flow of interaction that is highly interconnected with the outdoors. A minimalist and artful staircase leads to the first floor of the house. Topped with grey Kharad stone and a railing made up of bent 12 mm dia Mild Steel rods, the staircase opens into another lounge for family seating, which overlooks the double-height lounge on the ground floor. The first floor further accommodates a study, a bedroom for visiting children and grandchildern and the servant's quarter creating an independent unit. An external spiral staircase at the rear end is provisioned as a separate access to the servant's quarters. Designed in locally-made exposed brick which were sourced from a brick kiln 50km from the site, the house evokes simplicity and rawness of character. Patterned brick jaalis enclose the balconies and open decks, lending a distinctive identity to the facade. Together with the warm grey Kota stone and the landscaped lawns, the house evokes a sense of an earthy and rustic charm. True to the identity of its inhabitants and surroundings, the D-14 Residence is a creative expression of its cultural and material context. With the verandah as the central planning feature, it is a contemporary reflection of traditional Indian homes and their inherent affinity for the outdoors.

Open concept to maximize functional use of space for residents and caregivers. Universal design elements to maximize independence and remove barriers in areas of high use by residents with mixed abilities, e.g. pedestal table accommodates wheel chairs and is a stable design, unique framing and drywall removes all sharp corners and enables mobility with walkers and wheelchairs, vinyl flooring with sealed seams for an easy rolling surface for walkers and wheelchairs, ductless mini-splits with independent controls empowers control of temperature in each room. Discrete staff work area in kitchen with locking cabinetry for privacy of medical records and storage of medications. Light, bright, happy and safe with views of the outside neighborhood. Designed for independence, mobility and safety for residents with developmental disabilities living in a house with extra care provided.

We worked closely with our client to replace a lakeside cottage and garage to better enable multi-generational access to lakeside living with design attention to improving the ecological presence, preserving the lake view from multiple rooms and optimizing space use for lakeside visitors. The main house features three bedrooms, one full bathroom and laundry upstairs with a full kitchen, pantry and half bath on the main floor, and a fireplace for added warmth during chilly months. A three-season screened porch becomes part of the family room space in-season and is closed off by fully pocketed glass doors (14’ span) for the colder months. The wide-bay single car garage allows for plenty of room for winter storage of summer accessories while the second-floor features two bedrooms (that double as office and exercise space) and a full bath for visits from extended family.

AUTOMATED WINE BARREL BAR Make a statement with our Automated Hidden Wine Bar! Imagine showcasing your premium wine with a one of a kind Automated Wine Barrel Bar! With a touch of a button, a hidden bar inside of a reclaimed Okanagan Wine Barrel lifts in front of your eyes... Movable Spaces, located in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, manufactures state-of-the-art lift systems for modern concealment solutions and custom unique products such as our X2-LK Lift Desk kit and our Automated Wine Barrel Bar. Our Automated Wine Barrel Bar is the first and only of its kind. Each of our hand selected barrels tells a story. The Okanagan Valley is BC's premier grape growing region, boasting 185 licensed wineries. Rich in tradition and character, the Okanagan Valley wineries consistently rank among the world's best at international wine competitions, with a range of varietals from sun-ripened reds to fresh, crisp whites. Each barrel selected is meticulously reconditioned (inside and out) to ensure a long-lasting piece of quality furniture with no mold, mildew or residue (no fruit flies here!), then reinforced for strength and stained before the hidden bar and system is installed. The oak staves of the barrels feature beautiful grains and unique markings which we protect in our finishing process to keep their authenticity. Our Lift Systems are second to none, featuring advanced technology with sub-silent operation, smooth motion with soft start/stop, multiple control options (Bluetooth enabled) and anti-collision detection. Have piece of mind that your Wine Barrel Bar will last for years to come, backed by a 5 year lift system replacement warranty and lifetime phone support for any questions or problems. Options available for stain color and also for mobile options. Don't have access to a power outlet? No problem! Make your Wine Barrel Bar mobile by adding our high-performance Sony Lithium-ion battery which will provide 200 lifts per charge. Elevate your wine cellar to new heights!

This waterfront recording cottage is a remarkable feat of engineering and design, built in just nine months, despite the challenges posed by its location on an island with limited vehicular access. Our team worked closely with an Architect, Landscape Architect, Studio Designer & Audio Visual team to create a space that is truly one of a kind. The cottage features a sound isolated live room and an isolation booth that are fully equipped with top-of-the-line recording equipment. The recording space is fully integrated with multi-room control, enabling the user to monitor the recording process from any room in the cottage. In addition, it is equipped with two kitchenettes, one and a half baths and a state-of-the-art Lutron lighting system, adding ambiance to the space, and setting the right mood for the musicians. The result of this custom build is a recording studio that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, providing the perfect space for creativity.

Design by Blue Heron in Partnership with Cantoni. Photos By: Stephen Morgan For many, Las Vegas is a destination that transports you away from reality. The same can be said of the thirty-nine modern homes built in The Bluffs Community by luxury design/build firm, Blue Heron. Perched on a hillside in Southern Highlands, The Bluffs is a private gated community overlooking the Las Vegas Valley with unparalleled views of the mountains and the Las Vegas Strip. Indoor-outdoor living concepts, sustainable designs and distinctive floorplans create a modern lifestyle that makes coming home feel like a getaway. To give potential residents a sense for what their custom home could look like at The Bluffs, Blue Heron partnered with Cantoni to furnish a model home and create interiors that would complement the Vegas Modern™ architectural style. “We were really trying to introduce something that hadn’t been seen before in our area. Our homes are so innovative, so personal and unique that it takes truly spectacular furnishings to complete their stories as well as speak to the emotions of everyone who visits our homes,” shares Kathy May, director of interior design at Blue Heron. “Cantoni has been the perfect partner in this endeavor in that, like Blue Heron, Cantoni is innovative and pushes boundaries.” Utilizing Cantoni’s extensive portfolio, the Blue Heron Interior Design team was able to customize nearly every piece in the home to create a thoughtful and curated look for each space. “Having access to so many high-quality and diverse furnishing lines enables us to think outside the box and create unique turnkey designs for our clients with confidence,” says Kathy May, adding that the quality and one-of-a-kind feel of the pieces are unmatched. rom the perfectly situated sectional in the downstairs family room to the unique blue velvet dining chairs, the home breathes modern elegance. “I particularly love the master bed,” says Kathy. “We had created a concept design of what we wanted it to be and worked with one of Cantoni’s longtime partners, to bring it to life. It turned out amazing and really speaks to the character of the room.” The combination of Cantoni’s soft contemporary touch and Blue Heron’s distinctive designs are what made this project a unified experience. “The partnership really showcases Cantoni’s capabilities to manage projects like this from presentation to execution,” shares Luca Mazzolani, vice president of sales at Cantoni. “We work directly with the client to produce custom pieces like you see in this home and ensure a seamless and successful result.” And what a stunning result it is. There was no Las Vegas luck involved in this project, just a sureness of style and service that brought together Blue Heron and Cantoni to create one well-designed home. To learn more about Blue Heron Design Build, visit www.blueheron.com.

Benchmark® Induction Cooktop 30'' Without Frame. This Wi-Fi Enabled cooktop allows for convenient remote monitoring with access to cooktop programs and settings via the Home Connect app.

The site is located on the Mitchell House preparatory school campus in Polokwane. The client's brief called for an early childhood development centre which would accommodate 122 learners and requested that the building be evident of it's young and playful users. Curiosity, wonder and intrigue would become defining criteria in an attempt to create a conducive learning environment for young learners to grow, a building where children would be encouraged to interact with their environment. The construction methodology of the building would remain apparent, allowing its users to analyse the assembly of components. Due to the age group of the users, the building would need to function semi-autonomously from the rest of the school, while allowing for controlled interaction and inclusivity as is the norm for Mitchell House. A linear plan which coincides with the developmental progress of the learners was identified as the appropriate building typology. The spatial constraints of the site required this plan to be moulded into the available space between the existing infrastructure, however the linear process was maintained. From the access-controlled reception and administration area one would move past the creative arts and exhibition space towards the Northern wing where the youngest learners are taught. These would share connected ablutions and storerooms between classes to enable fluid movement and assistance throughout the teaching and service spaces. The East wing of the centre would house the elder learners who would be in the process of being integrated with the fabric of the main school campus. These classrooms include storage areas, however, have separate ablution facilities. The two wings of the building surround a courtyard where play and interaction are in abundance.

The Main Stay House exists as a straightforward proposal on an urban infill lot, paring down the components of a house to a minimal amount of planes and openings. The scheme is anchored by a modern entry sequence and a staircase volume, both clad in iron spot masonry externally and internally, creating thresholds between the respective realms of public, common and private, by minimal means. The masonry contrasts with an otherwise muted interior atmosphere of smooth, desaturated surfaces. The entry sequence is a twist upon the conventional domestic front door, front facade, and fence. The front masonry wall replaces the typical residential fence and frames an indirect access to the front door, functioning as a privacy barrier while revealing slices of the interior to the public street. The staircase bifurcates the layout to provide a clear division between the common and private zones of the house, while clearly reading as a mass from all outside view. Brick and glass become portals between common and private zones. The design consolidates the service core along the west façade, allowing the structure to fully open the living zone to the pool court and existing trees. This directly connects interior and exterior, as well as human and nature. Freedom to vary the program or functional use of the area is enabled and strongly encouraged. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Remodeling bathrooms Foster City in the right way requires the help of an expert. At Done Right Home Remodeling, you would get the expertise that you need for remodeling your bathroom the right way. We have access to the right set of tools and techniques which enables us to remodel your bathroom in the perfect way. Our team of expert designers and builders would ensure that your bathroom is remodeled just the way you have always wished it to be. Done Right Home Remodeling - Foster City Bathroom Remodeling Contractors https://www.donerighthomeremodelingca.com/foster-city/

2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, MERIT AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN UNDER $40,000 A young family expecting a child just bought their first home, a 1964 colonial in Annandale, Virginia. There were many areas they wanted to renovate, but with the woman of the house being a professional chef, the kitchen was first and foremost. The existing kitchen was dark and dated. Upon entering the room, all of the appliances were aligned on the far wall, near the doorway to the adjacent dining room. While the original kitchen had a lot of open floor space, it had disconnected workspaces, limited counter space to prepare foods, and was generally dysfunctional. The new owners wished to create a kitchen that would not only serve as a space to efficiently prepare meals, but also as a mini office area where the chef could have access to cookbooks and a desk for recipe writing. Additionally, it needed to be a welcoming, central part of the home where the family could expect to have many informal meals over the years. The chef desired to have more cabinet space while also adding newer, larger and additional appliances to the footprint, such as a second oven. The addition of a large (approximately 4 feet by 7 feet) center island increased both the form and function of the room. The turned-legs and glass-faced curio cabinets that greet visitors offer a strong statement. The island maximized efficiency and was equipped with cabinetry and accessories on every side (e.g., spice cabinet, microwave cabinet, double trash can holder) and would even include an overhang on the side by the windows to serve as a breakfast bar. The large island is covered with a white macauba granite, creating a beautiful and expansive prep space. On the far wall, an airy garden window replaced the flat metal-framed sink window. Below the window sits a large white farm-style sink. The dishwasher and double oven were installed to the right. To the left, a large 29 cubic foot French-door, bottom freezer refrigerator. The selected maple cabinetry is frost white with pewter glazing. Coupled with the island’s espresso black finish, it creates a great yin-yang contrast and balance to the room. The bright cabinetry, garden window, added recess lights, under cabinet lights, embedded lights under the mantle hearth, and inside cabinet lights with dimmer switches enable this room to be as bright as desired. The Zen flare to this classic French Country kitchen is complete with the addition of the Sumatran black standing pebble backsplash. These easy to clean stones add great texture and stunning contrast. The homeowners are extremely satisfied with this new kitchen and are now looking forward to getting the rest of the house renovated.

The dining room’s table of this house in Rishon LeZion is lighted up by due Hoops suspended lamps, model “2”. These lamps were customized with the black finish, upon architects request. The metal frame of these suspensions by Axolight is twisted around and floating to remind the taste of lightness, given also by the glass walls and the curtains separating the indoor from the outdoor. The house is built on a narrow trapezoid lot, bordering a small green public park with ancient Eucalyptus trees. The clients wanted the park to be seen as a continuation of their own private garden – The house was designed in an “L” shape to wrap around the swimming pool, facing the public park. The longer side of the house (28 meters) contains the living room, the dining area and the kitchen, while the shorter side contains the bedroom. The connection between the two sides is a double space containing the lobby. Vitrines are installed throughout the inner side of the house, enabling a direct connection with the outdoors. Additionally, to provide maximal openness, the vitrines are disconnected from the columns. Glass corners in the living room and bedrooms are free of any constructive elements to allow full access to the garden. To soften the overall look of the large building so that it feels as if it’s a part of the neighborhood, the house was designed as two separate masses, one on top of the other, with the first floor being shorter than the ground floor, creating a kind of ridge. On this floor are four children’s suits with rooftop balconies. Two suits on each side of the house are connected with a bridge. The bridge goes across the double space of the lobby overlooking the entrance on one side and the swimming pool on the other. The basement has two additional children’s suits facing the well-lit English courtyard and the home theater.