THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

Eclectic Living room is an artfully curated collection of life’s art d’object which have been designed symmetrically to create balance. Mixing animal prints adds texture and luxurious drama. The chic colour palette and luxurious layered mix is 'Coco Chanel' inspired and uniquely personal. stephani buchman photography

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

Entertaining and bringing people together is what this family is all about. Birthdays involve amazing cakes like you see on those TV shows, and groups of 30 people or more. Their ideal kitchen needed to accommodate that level of baking and hosting, but also support the daily rhythms of life. Our collaborative design was guided by Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural tradition that predates feng shui. Based on Vedic traditions that harmonize human behavior with natural forces in the world, Vastu Shanstra basically suggests how to inhabit a place in the best way possible. The objectives were: -Relocate the entire kitchen so the home’s heat source (oven) is in the southeast -Incorporate symmetry into the overall design -Create a large space for entertaining – open and airy with lots of light -Simultaneously separate but join cooking and gathering spaces, allowing the cook to have a cook-specific zone that is still a part of any gathering -Individual storage for small appliances – making them easier to use -Simplicity – the space should be easy to use and maintain Design challenges we solved for: -Incorporate three load bearing points of the house -Provide structural support that was not obvious -Reconfigure kitchen utilities to another part of the home -Maximize storage space Design solutions and mindful innovations became an exciting motivation that drove the project: -Double-horseshoe design features two symmetrical islands that seat 18 people comfortably -Downdraft ventilation behind rangetop allows unobstructed views -Overhead beams for structural support -Equip nearby dining room with locking bar and wine cabinet -Roll-out appliance shelves on back of cooking island are powered for easy use -Symmetrical fridge and freezer columns separated by oven -Cabinets along back of the cooking area for everyday items -Tall pantry cabinet has four drawers for paperwork -Spacious walk-in storage pantry has a counter with power outlets -Coffee station has a trash can directly below for easy clean up -Two sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup “A lot of relationships are built over food,” the homeowner told us. “This [kitchen] keeps our family close because we all love food. My kids sit in the kitchen all evening long every day – and I’m right there cooking. That’s life –to be together.” We also collaborated with the homeowners to remodel their primary bathroom, primary bedroom closet and an additional bathroom.

[ Houzz Furniture - Bestier.net ] Do you struggle with styling shelves? I’m sure you’ll have no problem styling this beautiful bookshelf cube organizer from my sweet friends over at @bestierofficial. If you’re needing some tips…. keep on reading. This bookshelf is exactly what this space needed and I’m crushing on the size, shape and color!! Not to mention, I had so much fun styling this for spring. Now about those shelf styling tips… ?It’s always key to style shelves with varying height objects to add interest. ?Group items in 2’s & 3’s. You can give a balanced look without being too symmetrical. ?Layer objects to create interest and depth. ?Use multiples of the same items. Stacked in rows or on top of each other. ?Whatever ya do.. don’t forget to add some greenery to bring your space to life!

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

Dennis and Joe have a large, light-filled house. New construction meant lofted space and open floor plans with traditional styling. Running a busy dental practice by day and engaged in a rich social life by night, this couple needed a professional to take the lead on making their house a home. That’s my cue! They wanted to take risks, and stay away from “matchy-matchy”. We gussied up a plain ol’ TV room and gave it a healthy dose of luxury. Our plan was initially inspired by an abstract painting hanging over their stone fireplace. We brought in their love of the outdoors to make things cozy and used family furniture whenever possible for nostalgia and comfort. I took their love for one-of-a-kind objects and started making a design plan, aiming to solve their biggest frustration: the family room. They had a tortured relationship with a “forgotten family room,” a great space that was spacious and bright, but not at all cozy or joyful, and certainly not “them.” I wanted to create a cozy space functional for everyday curling up with puppies and watching TV after dinner, yet chic enough for hosting the pre-dinner kitchen overflow and cocktails during parties. I went looking for contrasting textures and materials. I wanted to balance patterns and scale, and use non-traditional colors as neutrals to create an overall sense of “BAM!” Dennis and Joe loved the nod to the classics juxtaposed with new and different globally-inspired pieces. For this project our design aesthetic can be described as Middle Eastern/tribal meets mid-century modern. We played to their sensible side with proportion and balance, and stayed as far away from boring/bleh as we could. You could say this room was pretty successful...It was featured in DC Modern Luxury. (#nobigdeal, right?) From there we moved on to other spaces.. We added colorful pillows and sheer drapery to finish off their formal living room. We kept an inherited bedroom set from Dennis’ Mom and added color, draperies, and pillows to overhaul the guest bedroom. Their project was not a rip-and-replace, we weren’t starting from scratch with a blank piece of paper. Rather, our goal was to take what was already there and make it better, more like them. Using functionality first, we focused on giving the house a soothing, joyful aesthetic. We upped the chic factor by a gajillion and helped them find their ‘happy’ at home. See more Safferstone stuff at www.safferstone.com. Connect with us on Facebook, get inspired on Pinterest, and share modern musings on life & design on Instagram. Or, send us a love note at hello@safferstone.com. Photo: Angie Seckinger

21 century is a century of recuperation, there's no space anymore to know for us enough to make new, no rocks enough to make new and I think we have to make new things that exist already. The antique furniture is impossible to imitate and it's unique and the most beautiful contemporary 21 century abstract art made by time. Is not just the beauty, I find it's a bit superficial, I think the spirit of the object attracts me more. I think the art opens your eyes. This is not just a new project, is a new capitol in my design carrier because I mixing new and antique objects for the first time and I love it. It's fascinating to buy something forgotten and to give a new life.

Our mission was to gift Bellevue with classic, natural and timeless style while setting it up with impressive functionality so that it was ready to be an entertaining-friendly home they needed it to be. Mission accepted! Our clients’ vision was clear: They wanted the focal point of every space to be the view of Oakland while making it cozy and infusing the space with color. We carefully selected a neutral color palette and balanced it with pops of color, unique greenery and personal touches to bring our clients’ vision of a stylish modern and casual vibes to life.

Modern Italian Wall Unit Exential Art Ronci 4 by Spar Made in Italy Exential Art by Spar is an italian modular wall unit line that could be an excellent design solution for any modern or contemporary styled living room. A renewed modern design with a high functionality creates an entertainment center of refined rarity. With Exential Art, a new concept of values, culture and passionate living is born. This italian wall unit will enter your house and the areas of your daily life not only as an aesthetic but also as a functional addition, featuring an abundance of storage space so essential in an everyday life use. The artwork of international fame by Rossano Ronci is reproduced and signed on refined surface of glass making this wall unit composition a precious object giving a value to your home. The composition is shown with structure in White Gloss lacquer and fronts in Mirrored glass. PLEASE NOTE: The ART Exential is a modular wall unit line offering a wide variety of units in different sizes. You can order this wall unit either as a complete composition, as shown in the main picture, or build your own composition according to your own dimensions and preferences. Please contact our office about details on the customization of this wall unit. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: Structure: Made with particle board of wood, covered with E1 melamine finishes or high gloss lacquer Drawers: Made with panels of wood particles in E1-coated finish PVC beech. Metal runners with fine race to fall Glass Doors: Decorated by Rossano Ronci The starting price is for the Wall Unit Composition Ronci 04 as shown in the main picture. Dimensions: Wall Unit Composition: W141.7" x D22.8" x H72.2"

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

Available 3 pcs. When ordering more: development in 3-6 days. Size: XL Length: 192 cm Width: 120 cm Height: 177 cm Weight: 22kg Material: Carbon/basalt fibers Shape: Round Surface coating: Soft touch polyurethane Pattern: Cross linked. Max load: 350 kg Weight: up to 22 kg Various range of custom sizes. From 105cm in width up to 200cm. Manu Nests Swing chair Large size XL are ideal for garden furniture or outdoor terrace and large interiors: hotels, verandas, gardens, exhibitions, rest rooms. Made of basalt. CIIRULIS brand offers hand-made outdoor furniture for garden or terraces. “I wanted to find and think of something unique. Something new and I did it,” says designer Raimonds Cirulis. He is the first person in the world who makes furniture from basalt fibers. The furniture is light, but stable, and has the unique basalt lace pattern. Two identical objects are impossible to make, because every piece of furniture is 100% hand made so each is a masterpiece. Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chair ” In rare cases, chairs are made out of unusual materials, especially as a form of art or experimentation. Raimonds Cirulis, a Latvian interior designer, created a volcanic hanging chair that is handmade out of volcanic rock”. WHAT IS MANU? In ancient Indian mythology, Manu is the GOD, Creator of the LIFE. So, MANU series means The Nest of the Life. Basalt is unusually durable material, for example basalt fiber is stronger than a fiberglass.

In My Sister’s Garden-A Wistful Romp through a Drought Resistant Oasis "Spring is the time of the year, when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade." - Charles Dickens One of the great things about growing up on a farm in the boondocks is that your tribe is your family. We five siblings were as thick as thieves as we climbed trees, worked the fields, pulled fences, drove tractors, branded cattle, and planted the spring garden. We played, we quarreled, and we dug in the dirt together. By the time May arrived, we ached to get our hands grubby in the vegetable patch. Waiting for the vegetables to sprout and be harvested taught us patience and responsibility. Of course, Mom’s beautiful flower gardens would already be abloom by this time of year getting us into constant trouble because we were forever picking bouquets not only for her, but, for teachers, 4-H leaders, and Sunday masses. As we grew into adults, our love of the earth grew as well. Following in the big shoes of my Father, my brother continued the family tradition of being a farmer and has one of the most beautiful vineyards in the county. Our Mother’s love of gardening instructed the gardens of her girls. Recently I walked with my sister Debbie through her eclectic garden. There is a saying that “you can take the girl out of the country, but you can never take the country out of the girl.” With Deb, she’s never left the land where we were born. She is a country cowgirl through and through. She’s always adorned with her cowboy hat, rodeo belt buckle, and boots! She hunts, fishes, grows her food, and would have relished being a pioneer in the 1870’s. Debbie and her husband are the ultimate recyclers and re-purposers. With their barnyard of adopted animals-pigs, goats, donkeys, chickens, even Texas long horns at one time, all the weeds and garden cuttings feed the animals and the manure is then recycled back to the garden. They collect rooftop rain runoff in used wine barrels then pipe it to a storage tank to help with summer watering. It’s never enough, but every drop helps. Their garden art includes rusted plows, wooden swings, a plethora of homemade birdhouses, multiple fountains made from found objects, wagon wheels, antlers, the cutest country chicken coop you ever did see, and a sleeping shed outfitted with a bear hide, antique fishing gear, pinecones, and found treasures of every sort. From their patio they watch the wildlife on their hillside property-deer, bobcats, raccoons, turkeys, skunks, and the occasional mountain lion. It’s a playful, restful garden setting, albeit with a watchful eye for the rattlesnakes that enjoy this oasis as well. What I love about Debbie’s garden is how it reflects her unique personality, her love of the land, and her admiration for the history of the Wild West. As we ambled around the property with her happy dogs in the lead, the songbirds sang, a bevy of butterflies delicately landed on her flowers, and the koi in the pond swam to the surface to greet me. This time together immersed in this sustainable landscape nurtured my soul and brought our childhood memories to vivid life. Although we grow the same plants, shrubs, trees, and succulents in both of our yards, our designs and esthetics are completely different. And that’s the beauty of creating a garden, making it your own special paradise where you can find peace, tranquility, and restoration in tandem with the wild kingdom. TIPS TO CREATING YOUR OWN UNIQUE PLAYGROUND ⎫ Don’t over-think it! Make lists of everything you enjoy in a garden then do it. ⎫ Be conservation conscious as well as considerate of nature. ⎫ Be creative. Think swathes, angles, circles, and flow. There is nothing more boring than a box. ⎫ The hardscape must include natural materials: rocks, gravel, barn wood, shells, or anything meaningful to you. ⎫ Instead of buying art, repurpose childhood toys, old sinks, even a commode overflowing with flowers can be comical. ⎫ Be playful. When you are going to spend time in the outdoors, you want to enjoy yourself. Allow your personality to shine. ⎫ Add surprises, secret gardens, hedged rooms, anything that will enhance the whimsical and magical element to your garden experience. ⎫ Lead to a focal point or view with meandering paths, walkways, and trails. ⎫ Invite the pollinators; bees, butterflies, and birds by providing housing, nectar flowers, protection, fountains, and ponds. ⎫ Mix it up. For a drought resistant garden, consider an array of beautiful succulents, cactus, lavender, bulbs, iris, daylily, geraniums, and other plants that will add color, texture, form, and structure, yet require little maintenance and minimal water. ⎫ A potager, pots, or area designated for edibles and herbs is a must have. There is nothing better than picking your dinner from your own property. ⎫ Benches, swings, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and places to unwind, watch the clouds, savor sunsets, and marvel at the stars make your garden your home. ` What’s so fun about our family gardening experience is the sharing that we all do in giving each other clips, snips, cuttings, bulbs, and volunteers. We grow the same specimens and as we stroll and admire our handiwork, we can’t remember who gave what to whom first. As I said farewell to my sister, she handed me a hand-painted tin filled with blooming echeveria from clippings I had given her a few years before. We shared a laugh. Little did I know this would be the last walk with my sister. She died just a few days before this article was published. She would have loved to have seen her passion in print. Debbie may you garden in the heavens. The circle of life continues. Happy Trails to you, Debbie. Until we meet again... Read more: https://www.lam orindaweekly.com/archive/issue1006/Digging-Deep-with-Cynthia-Brian.html Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/doc/313702488/My-Sister-s-Garden-Digging-Deep-With-Cynthia-Brian Radio Broadcast: http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/92459/porn-alarm-effective-apologies-in-my-sisters-garden Press Pass: http://vapresspass.com/2016/05/24/in-my-sisters-garden-a-wistful-romp-through-a-drought-resistant-oasis-by-cynthia-brian/ ©2016 Cynthia Brian The Goddess Gardener Starstyle® Productions, llc Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com www.GoddessGardener.com 925-377-STAR Tune into Cynthia’s Radio show at www.StarStyleRadio.com I am available as a speaker, designer, and consultant. Keywords: Debbie’s garden my sister’s garden, a cowboy western garden, drought resistant plants, cynthia brian, lamorinda weekly, starstyle, goddess gardener.

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.” This is a custom specialty bread drawer!

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

Modern Italian Wall Unit Exential Art Ronci 1 by Spar Made in Italy Exential Art by Spar is an italian modular wall unit line that could be an excellent design solution for any modern or contemporary styled living room. A renewed modern design with a high functionality creates an entertainment center of refined rarity. With Exential Art, a new concept of values, culture and passionate living is born. This italian wall unit will enter your house and the areas of your daily life not only as an aesthetic but also as a functional addition, featuring an abundance of storage space so essential in an everyday life use. The artwork of international fame by Rossano Ronci is reproduced and signed on refined surface of glass making this wall unit composition a precious object giving a value to your home. The composition is shown in a White Gloss lacquer. PLEASE NOTE: The ART Exential is a modular wall unit line offering a wide variety of units in different sizes. You can order this wall unit either as a complete composition, as shown in the main picture, or build your own composition according to your own dimensions and preferences. Please contact our office about details on the customization of this wall unit. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: Structure: Made with particle board of wood, covered with E1 melamine finishes or high gloss lacquer Drawers: Made with panels of wood particles in E1-coated finish PVC beech. Metal runners with fine race to fall Glass Doors: Decorated by Rossano Ronci The starting price is for the Wall Unit Composition Ronci 01 as shown in the main picture. Dimensions: Wall Unit Composition: W130" x D22.8" x H72.2"

Entertaining and bringing people together is what this family is all about. Birthdays involve amazing cakes like you see on those TV shows, and groups of 30 people or more. Their ideal kitchen needed to accommodate that level of baking and hosting, but also support the daily rhythms of life. Our collaborative design was guided by Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural tradition that predates feng shui. Based on Vedic traditions that harmonize human behavior with natural forces in the world, Vastu Shanstra basically suggests how to inhabit a place in the best way possible. The objectives were: -Relocate the entire kitchen so the home’s heat source (oven) is in the southeast -Incorporate symmetry into the overall design -Create a large space for entertaining – open and airy with lots of light -Simultaneously separate but join cooking and gathering spaces, allowing the cook to have a cook-specific zone that is still a part of any gathering -Individual storage for small appliances – making them easier to use -Simplicity – the space should be easy to use and maintain Design challenges we solved for: -Incorporate three load bearing points of the house -Provide structural support that was not obvious -Reconfigure kitchen utilities to another part of the home -Maximize storage space Design solutions and mindful innovations became an exciting motivation that drove the project: -Double-horseshoe design features two symmetrical islands that seat 18 people comfortably -Downdraft ventilation behind rangetop allows unobstructed views -Overhead beams for structural support -Equip nearby dining room with locking bar and wine cabinet -Roll-out appliance shelves on back of cooking island are powered for easy use -Symmetrical fridge and freezer columns separated by oven -Cabinets along back of the cooking area for everyday items -Tall pantry cabinet has four drawers for paperwork -Spacious walk-in storage pantry has a counter with power outlets -Coffee station has a trash can directly below for easy clean up -Two sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup “A lot of relationships are built over food,” the homeowner told us. “This [kitchen] keeps our family close because we all love food. My kids sit in the kitchen all evening long every day – and I’m right there cooking. That’s life –to be together.” We also collaborated with the homeowners to remodel their primary bathroom, primary bedroom closet and an additional bathroom.

Modern Italian Wall Unit Exential Art Carnevali 3 by Spar Made in Italy Exential Art by Spar is an italian modular wall unit line that could be an excellent design solution for any modern or contemporary styled living room. A renewed modern design with a high functionality creates an entertainment center of refined rarity. With Exential Art, a new concept of values, culture and passionate living is born. This italian wall unit will enter your house and the areas of your daily life not only as an aesthetic but also as a functional addition, featuring an abundance of storage space so essential in an everyday life use. The artwork of international fame by Erio Carnevali is reproduced and signed on refined surface of glass making this wall unit composition a precious object giving a value to your home. The composition is shown in a White Gloss structure with Mirrored glass fronts. PLEASE NOTE: The ART Exential is a modular wall unit line offering a wide variety of units in different sizes. You can order this wall unit either as a complete composition, as shown in the main picture, or build your own composition according to your own dimensions and preferences. Please contact our office about details on the customization of this wall unit. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION: Structure: Made with particle board of wood, covered with E1 melamine finishes or high gloss lacquer Drawers: Made with panels of wood particles in E1-coated finish PVC beech. Metal runners with fine race to fall Glass Doors: Decorated by Erio Carnevali The starting price is for the Wall Unit Composition Carnevali 03 as shown in the main picture. Dimensions: Wall Unit Composition: W130" x D22.8" x H72.2"