This custom home in heart of Great Falls Village, has been an elder couple's home for years. Since moving to this large home, they had a different vision for the main level of the home, specifically the kitchen, sunroom and laundry area. The wife loves modern arts, modern cabinets, sleek counter tops and floors. The breakfast room was separated by a bearing wall from the kitchen space. The kitchen was confined with surrounding walls and disconnected from rest of the main level. Tall eleven foot ceiling with large scale coved crown molding was a signature mark of this home and she wanted to continue that look throughout the new remodeled area. We took down the middle bearing wall by inserting structural beams, moved the back wall into the laundry space to create a pantry and a space for wall cabinets, and on the opposite side created space for a desk area. We implemented two large scale islands with all kinds of amenities such as an espresso maker, warming drawer, steam oven all wrapped in waterfall quartz. We relocated major soil stack and duct chases to allow taller cabinetry and open the flow between the two new spaces, Our expert designers cleverly implemented French doors and used long plank porcelain tile for seamless connections among all new space. Modern style glossy white cabinetry with exquisite selection of hardware and carefully selected quartz top brightens up this new kitchen. A new and modern laundry room was designed and got added to front side of the kitchen. Clever placement of LED lighting, pendent lights and under cabinet lights, brightens up this kitchen. The new kitchen space is perfectly suited for friendly gatherings.

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.

The Delaney's Design team was selected to decorate this beautiful new home in Frisco, Texas. The clients had selected their major furnishings, but weren't sure where to start when it came to decorating and creating a warm and welcoming home.

Before, the kitchen was very closed off, dark and did not have a good flow. When designing the new kitchen, we reconfigured the layout, which allowed us to create a more linear design that functioned better for our client and her needs. This new layout created ample storage that allowed our client to organize her kitchen, have all the upgraded interior features and a place for everything. We also made sure all the appliances needed were incorporated into the kitchen along with a 60" refrigerator! The island became a major focal point, like a piece of furniture with decorative legs, that grounded the space and became the main gathering place with enough seating for five. Our client selected a really pretty distressed green inset cabinetry for the main kitchen area that really set the tone for the new farmhouse style in the home. The accent decorative range hood, glass uppers with the X Mullions, granite countertops, farmhouse sink, statement faucet and the handcrafted tile backsplash she selected tied everything together.

When Sara Mosele Interiors, an innovative architecture/interior design studio in New York, was tasked with transforming a client’s new one-bedroom apartment in the Chelsea section of New York into his dream home, she jumped at the chance to merge her “design with a human touch” philosophy with her Italian sensibility. The client, a young Italian, was a first-time buyer who wanted to transition from his eclectic rental look to a sophisticated, sustainable aesthetic that was both warm and contemporary. Sara mobilized her team to create a functional yet stylish environment that will remain timeless. Sara knew the apartment had good bones in an old building with character. The apartment needed minimal upgrades. The footprint was functional, the wooden floors were in good condition. and the kitchen and bathroom required no major chamges. Sara and team were able to plunge into the design, using color, shape and texture to make a new statement, The walls became a neutral canvas in each room. The living room, for example, was painted a soft gray against which an abstract painting with bright red and blue colors became the inspiration for the selection of a bright blue chair and ottoman in boucle, blue pillows on an off-white modular sofa, and complementary red and blue rugs. The goal was to work with high-end modern Italian brands --- Flexform, Vitra, Molteni &C, among them ---selected in sizes that match the proportions of the rooms. A challenge throughout was the need for more lighting which was addressed creatively with an abstract chandelier in the living room and a similar modern look over a sleek metal table in the dining room where rust-colored chairs edge the metal table. Three modern light fixtures also are placed over the sink in the kitchen The bedroom also juxtaposes a brown headboard and a whimsical taupe side table by Vitra with sections that rotate, creating contrast against a creamy beige bedspread and wall color. A custom-made wardrobe serves as a focal piece and valuable storage space.

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

This custom home in heart of Great Falls Village, has been an elder couple's home for years. Since moving to this large home, they had a different vision for the main level of the home, specifically the kitchen, sunroom and laundry area. The wife loves modern arts, modern cabinets, sleek counter tops and floors. The breakfast room was separated by a bearing wall from the kitchen space. The kitchen was confined with surrounding walls and disconnected from rest of the main level. Tall eleven foot ceiling with large scale coved crown molding was a signature mark of this home and she wanted to continue that look throughout the new remodeled area. We took down the middle bearing wall by inserting structural beams, moved the back wall into the laundry space to create a pantry and a space for wall cabinets, and on the opposite side created space for a desk area. We implemented two large scale islands with all kinds of amenities such as an espresso maker, warming drawer, steam oven all wrapped in waterfall quartz. We relocated major soil stack and duct chases to allow taller cabinetry and open the flow between the two new spaces, Our expert designers cleverly implemented French doors and used long plank porcelain tile for seamless connections among all new space. Modern style glossy white cabinetry with exquisite selection of hardware and carefully selected quartz top brightens up this new kitchen. A new and modern laundry room was designed and got added to front side of the kitchen. Clever placement of LED lighting, pendent lights and under cabinet lights, brightens up this kitchen. The new kitchen space is perfectly suited for friendly gatherings.

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.

Guidelines for Choosing an Outdoor Firepit Designs When going over possible Outdoor Firepit Ideas in Kansas City MO, one of the main considerations is the decor and design of your home as it stands now. This is because it is important for the firepit to blend with and complement your home as opposed to standing out and looking out of place. Alternatively, if you are looking to redecorate your home, you can select an outdoor firepit that complements not your current decor, but the target. Most outdoor design ideas incorporate either metal or copper as the main material. The design itself depends on individual preference. For instance, you may choose an ornate design, in addition to providing you with the option of choosing from different shapes such as a square or a rectangle. A major consideration when selecting a design is the number of people who would potentially be warming themselves around the fire. For an outdoor pit around which many people are likely to gather, an open design is recommended. The professionals and designers in UMKC Masonry are in the business of enhancing spaces and creating a final product that is both functional and aesthetic. These experts prioritize high quality and first-rate service for every client. Kansas City Landscape & Design is Kansas city’s only certified Real stone veneer/siding contractor, BRICK PATIO CONTRACTOR..Stone veneer, STONE PATIO, FIRE PIT, KANSAS CITY’S BRICK,STONE WALLS CONTRACTOR,,Stone siding or cladding, is used for homes, offices, hardscapes, landscaping or any other architectural construction project that demands the finest surface covering.

Chesapeake Energy’s 74,000 sqft. Green Roof a Natural Turf Rooftop Sports Field Chesapeake Energy is the second-largest producer of natural gas in North America, a Top 15 producer of oil and natural gas liquids and the most active driller of new wells in the country. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company’s operations are focused on discovering and developing unconventional natural gas and onshore oil fields in the U.S. Chesapeake is in the midst of creating a central hub, “Chesapeake Campus” as CEO Aubrey McCLendon refers to it, on the NW corner of Oklahoma City. Centered in the middle of Chesapeake Campus is a 75,000 square foot natural grass rooftop athletic field built on top of Chesapeake’s new 3 level parking garage. Sporting events, social gatherings, concerts and much more is what this new wonder of Oklahoma City offers. Chesapeake’s rooftop athletic field, designed by Elliott + Associates Architects, constructed by Smith & Pickel, and installed by Total Environment, not only brings aesthetic appeal to the streets of Oklahoma City, green roofing is a fantastic way to reduce the heat island effect of urban areas and capture storm water while creating enjoyable space for residents and employees. The environmental impact of a green roof is undeniable, adding significantly to the LEED Point system designed by the USGBC in all five major areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Green roofing replaces the green space displaced by a building, prevents excess storm water drainage, reduces the temperature of a building and the urban heat island effect, protects and extends the useful life of a roof, and reduces energy demands. Utilizing the AirField System as the drainage layer in a green roof design allows a complete inch of water storage space beneath the entire surface plus it is incredibly strong and light weight. The AirField AirDrain geocell is also easy to work with, install and fashion in unique layouts. What’s more, a green roof incorporating AirDrain means your design includes renewable, recycled, and locally obtained materials. We know you have a choice in designing a green roof, and we hope you consider the many benefits of AirDrain. Build a better green roof with AirField. Some Benefits of AirField in a green roofing system include: 100% vertical drainage under entire surface, 100% post manufactured recycled material, rapid water movement, minimal site disturbance, fast installation, light weight, incredible load bearing strength test at an empty 233 PSI/ 33,552 PSF. The list of major sustainable projects for AirField Systems of Oklahoma keeps growing and includes Chesapeake’s Central Park, Chesapeake’s Building # 14 rooftop, Whittier Middle School’s natural grass fire lane and Oklahoma State Cowboys T. Boone Picken’s Stadium’s game field along with hundreds of sustainable projects nationally. Total Environment Inc. is a Design-Build-Maintain company specializing in comprehensive landscape services for discriminating clients in the residential and commercial arena. The all-inclusive array of services and products that Total Environment provides is unequaled in the industry, in addition they also provide the ultimate in customer service. Highly skilled Account Managers from Universities in Oklahoma and across the country, oversee the properties daily, insuring impeccable success rates for installations and maintenance that is second to none. Projects span a broad range – from the installation of state of the art athletic fields to period landscapes, Total Environment is on top of the industry game. Seasonal displays of color, professionally designed and installed, enhance their properties and are always the ‘talk of the town’ every spring, summer, fall and winter. Christmas season, thanks to Total Environment ace lighting crews and its very generous clients, create a Winter Wonderland … always an incredible gift to Oklahoma City and the surrounding communities at large. Ty T. Hartwig, President of Total Environment, shares a favorite motto with his beloved Oklahoma City, “Labor omnia vincit” – which translates to “Labor Conquers All Things!” – a personal philosophy that molded the company into what it is today. Call today to find out how the AirField Systems can save you time, money and energy on your next green roof, sports field or porous paving project, 405-359-3775. http://www.airfieldsystems.com/chesapeake-energy-green-roof-natural-turf-rooftop-sports-field/

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

Before, the kitchen was very closed off, dark and did not have a good flow. When designing the new kitchen, we reconfigured the layout, which allowed us to create a more linear design that functioned better for our client and her needs. This new layout created ample storage that allowed our client to organize her kitchen, have all the upgraded interior features and a place for everything. We also made sure all the appliances needed were incorporated into the kitchen along with a 60" refrigerator! The island became a major focal point, like a piece of furniture with decorative legs, that grounded the space and became the main gathering place with enough seating for five. Our client selected a really pretty distressed green inset cabinetry for the main kitchen area that really set the tone for the new farmhouse style in the home. The accent decorative range hood, glass uppers with the X Mullions, granite countertops, farmhouse sink, statement faucet and the handcrafted tile backsplash she selected tied everything together.

Before, the kitchen was very closed off, dark and did not have a good flow. When designing the new kitchen, we reconfigured the layout, which allowed us to create a more linear design that functioned better for our client and her needs. This new layout created ample storage that allowed our client to organize her kitchen, have all the upgraded interior features and a place for everything. We also made sure all the appliances needed were incorporated into the kitchen along with a 60" refrigerator! The island became a major focal point, like a piece of furniture with decorative legs, that grounded the space and became the main gathering place with enough seating for five. Our client selected a really pretty distressed green inset cabinetry for the main kitchen area that really set the tone for the new farmhouse style in the home. The accent decorative range hood, glass uppers with the X Mullions, granite countertops, farmhouse sink, statement faucet and the handcrafted tile backsplash she selected tied everything together.

This designer client relationship is one based on friendship. Senior Designer Cori Dyer and client have an indescribable partnership and unmentioned understanding when it comes to decorating this home. A vintage charmer with a modern flair, filled with collectables and uncommon goods that make this space a unique and spectacular. Cori Dyer: I first met Sally when our boys became friends at Chaminade in 2007. Since then, we have stayed close and become great friends. Several years back she asked for my help giving her ideas on ways to spruce things up a bit and work with her on a major remodel. A little intimidating as Sally has a beautiful home and is an avid collector of vintage finds.... way before the trend of blending old and new was popular. She has an eye for unique ways to use vintage pieces and incorporating those into some of the most interesting and compelling displays. What has made this design relationship work is simply one of respect. I know when to give her that push outside of her comfort zone and incorporate her collections with selections that work with what she has, but that offer a new spin on putting it all together. From that initial "spruce up" has come a makeover in her Living Room and currently one completed in her Family Room. Although there are signs of my design throughout her home, the detail and selection of the collections and vintage finds are all Sally!! I truly think that is how Design should be. Blending old and new, and a Designer listening to what makes the client happy. Client: It was fun to be in style for a year or two, but it’s back to being the quirky lady. I started collecting in my teens and enjoy the hunt for new finds of all types. Cori helped me to enjoy my collections in a new and modern way! As always I had too many things. With her designer eye she taught me to blend the old and the new and to use different materials. The best part was going shopping with one of my best friends, who just happens to be a designer!! She is definitely the ying to my much needed yang.

An historic Spanish Colonial residence built in 1925 being redesigned and furnished for a modern-day Southern California family was the challenge. The interiors of the main house needed the backgrounds set and then a timeless collection created for its furnishings. Lifestyle was always a consideration as well as the interiors relating to the strong architecture of the residence. Natural colors such as terra cotta, tans, blues, greens, old red and soft vintage shades were incorporated throughout. Our goal was to maintain the historic character of the residence combining design elements and materials considered classic in Southern California Spanish Colonial architecture. Natural fiber textiles, leathers and woven linens were the predominated upholstery choices. A 7000 square foot basement was added and furnished to provide a gym, Star Wars theater, game areas, spa area and a simulator for indoor golf and other sports. Antiques were selected throughout the world, fine art from major galleries, custom reproductions fabricated in the old-world style. Collectible carpets were selected for the reclaimed hardwood flooring in all the areas. An estancia and garden over the basement were created and furnished with old world designs and materials as reclaimed woods, terra cotta and French limestone flooring.

This recent renovation project began with a desire to open up the kitchen to the family room. Today everyone seems to want the big island to live and entertain around, right? I always recommend taking your time during the planning phase—6 weeks at least! Kitchens and bathrooms are highly functional areas, so you want to give yourself time to think thoughts like, “where am I going to put all my plastic cups?” I ask my clients lots of questions during this phase to help them design a kitchen that truly has a place for everything. Appliances and plumbing are part of this phase as well. Once the cabinet design was finalized, the demo began! Because that troublesome wall was load bearing, so the GC, Miland Home Construction, had to install a beam to support the second floor. But once that was done, boy we had a lot of space to work with! Picking your countertops is a little like picking an ice cream flavor: you really want to see all your options! Not only is function important here, but your counter material is really a major element of the kitchen, so pick one you love! This client fell in love with Taj Mahal Quartzite. The backsplash was the next layer of fun. Now the mood of the kitchen becomes clear. Will it be elegant? Homey? Rustic? Picking the lighting then becomes like the fine tuner on a microscope, adjusting the view to its perfect clarity. With construction underway, and the mood of the new space established, soft furnishings become the focus. Layering in luxurious, yet durable fabrics are the name of the game for most families. We all want beautiful spaces that can stand up to spouses, kids, and pets! It’s always a lot fun to select a deep and comfy sofa and chairs! The finishing touches are what really give the project that designer look—so be sure to save room in the budget for art, window treatments, and accessories. In this home I wallpapered the wall behind the tv with a subtle grasscloth, selected a large abstract to center the room, and echoed its colors throughout the accessories. The result is eye-pleasing indeed: soft, textured, interesting and peaceful. This busy family was thrilled with the results.