JLC was charged with transforming a 35 year old home which had suffered a remodel or two into a cohesive and modern home. Sustainable design principles were placed at the forefront of the design process alongside functionality and aesthetics. The end result is a roughly 3,000 sf home that is both comfortable and beautiful. The exterior palette is defined by Resysta siding and decking, acrylic stucco, a standing seam metal roof and black aluminum windows and doors. At the interiors white oak and walnut cabinetry throughout bring natural warmth to the clean, white interior. The home achieved LEED Platinum in 2017 and was featured on the San Diego Green Building Council’s 2017 Green Homes Tour. Project website: neuhaus-encinitas.blogspot.com

White Box – Kitchen and Living spaces We were asked by our client to remove two walls in order to open the small space that measures 17’ wide by 31’ long. Two simple ideas drove the design; Light and duality of space. Guided by both we started with what we believe is critical to every project – process of discovery. The proposed design uses white and dominating color for walls, cabinets and the built in bench. Light colored wood floor will add to the light appearance of space shell. As all dividing walls were removed, perimeter walls were charged with functions; linear kitchen, bench next to dining table, and pantry closet. Avoiding upper cabinets allow the design to be open and make use of the wall as a dynamic element –otherwise a monochromatic space. The newly created functional void connects both ends of space and creates what appears to be a larger and brighter spatial experience.

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

80% of all of our clients are from overseas. With more than twenty five years of experience as architects in LA we have specialize in helping the expats that is why all our staff speak at least English and one other language. We take the time to interact with our clients and to describe in great detail all the planning and construction process that his project will require to go through. We know that procedures are different and cumbersome in LA, that is why all the bureaucratic process with local authorities required for your project is handled by our specialized staff and free of charge. Our field of work is mostly in LA although we have projects all over USA.

80% of all of our clients are from overseas. With more than twenty five years of experience as architects in LA we have specialize in helping the expats that is why all our staff speak at least English and one other language. We take the time to interact with our clients and to describe in great detail all the planning and construction process that his project will require to go through. We know that procedures are different and cumbersome in LA, that is why all the bureaucratic process with local authorities required for your project is handled by our specialized staff and free of charge. Our field of work is mostly in LA although we have projects all over USA.

White Box – Kitchen and Living spaces We were asked by our client to remove two walls in order to open the small space that measures 17’ wide by 31’ long. Two simple ideas drove the design; Light and duality of space. Guided by both we started with what we believe is critical to every project – process of discovery. The proposed design uses white and dominating color for walls, cabinets and the built in bench. Light colored wood floor will add to the light appearance of space shell. As all dividing walls were removed, perimeter walls were charged with functions; linear kitchen, bench next to dining table, and pantry closet. Avoiding upper cabinets allow the design to be open and make use of the wall as a dynamic element –otherwise a monochromatic space. The newly created functional void connects both ends of space and creates what appears to be a larger and brighter spatial experience.

The adaptive and interactive features of the Talea introduced exciting challenges to the design process. I believe we found a balance that allows this fixture to thrive in a range of spaces and different applications. I am really pleased with how the design language turned out, specifically how the expressive hinge suggests its ability to swing, and how the wood to metal arm detailing suggests the arm can telescope. It’s a beautiful mixture of utility and elegance.

Three years after completing the first phase of our Clients’ home renovation we were summoned again to redesign their Kitchen. The charge was to create a sleek, “Metro” Kitchen and a dynamic flow between it and the adjacent Sitting Room. The Client, who works from home for a Fortune 500 Corporation, also requested a desk area at which to do her job. Transforming the “Eighties, “White-washed- Southwest-Country” styled Kitchen required a complete stripping to the studs, reconfiguring the position of appliances and cabinetry, eliminating a wall and peninsula that separated the Kitchen from the Sitting Room, and a complete make-over of the brick-oven- like fireplace. The process yielded a stunning and efficient working Kitchen which features a coffee station, wine bar, full height pantries, a seamless flow to the Sitting Room and, to our Clients’ delight, a little office space tucked behind a pocketing French door.

Three years after completing the first phase of our Clients’ home renovation we were summoned again to redesign their Kitchen. The charge was to create a sleek, “Metro” Kitchen and a dynamic flow between it and the adjacent Sitting Room. The Client, who works from home for a Fortune 500 Corporation, also requested a desk area at which to do her job. Transforming the “Eighties, “White-washed- Southwest-Country” styled Kitchen required a complete stripping to the studs, reconfiguring the position of appliances and cabinetry, eliminating a wall and peninsula that separated the Kitchen from the Sitting Room, and a complete make-over of the brick-oven- like fireplace. The process yielded a stunning and efficient working Kitchen which features a coffee station, wine bar, full height pantries, a seamless flow to the Sitting Room and, to our Clients’ delight, a little office space tucked behind a pocketing French door.

Many buyers ask the same question when sourcing bedside tables from China: “Why is the MOQ so high?” For OEM bedside table and nightstand projects, MOQ is not only a sales rule. It is connected with material purchasing, machine setup, finishing process, hardware ordering, packaging, and production efficiency. For standard ODM bedside tables, MOQ is usually easier to manage because the factory already has the structure, material plan, and production process ready. For custom OEM nightstands, MOQ is usually higher because the project may involve custom size, color, drawer structure, legs, handles, finish, logo, packaging, or smart functions such as USB-C, wireless charging, LED lighting, Bluetooth speaker, fingerprint lock, or password lock. For importers, distributors, hotel buyers, e-commerce sellers, and private label furniture brands, the best solution is not always to ask for the lowest MOQ. A better approach is: - Start with existing ODM models - Keep the material and finish simple - Use mixed SKUs under one material plan - Accept a reasonable small-order price increase - Build long-term cooperation with the factory - Test the market first before placing a larger order Hebai Furniture, operated by Ganzhou Hebai Wood Products Co., Ltd., is a China-based OEM bedside table and nightstand manufacturer supporting OEM/ODM projects for global buyers. We support: - Modern bedside tables - Leather nightstands - Upholstered nightstands - Smart nightstands - Hotel bedside tables - Wireless charging nightstands - USB-C bedside tables - LED nightstands - Bluetooth speaker nightstands - Fingerprint lock nightstands - Custom packaging - Private label furniture projects If you are sourcing bedside tables or nightstands from China, understanding MOQ can help you reduce risk, control cost, and negotiate with suppliers more professionally. Full MOQ guide: https://hebaifurniture.com/blog/bedside-table-moq-guide Browse product catalog: https://hebaifurniture.com/category Request catalogue and quotation: https://hebaifurniture.com/catalogue Hebai Furniture | OEM Bedside Table & Nightstand Manufacturer in China

White Box – Kitchen and Living spaces We were asked by our client to remove two walls in order to open the small space that measures 17’ wide by 31’ long. Two simple ideas drove the design; Light and duality of space. Guided by both we started with what we believe is critical to every project – process of discovery. The proposed design uses white and dominating color for walls, cabinets and the built in bench. Light colored wood floor will add to the light appearance of space shell. As all dividing walls were removed, perimeter walls were charged with functions; linear kitchen, bench next to dining table, and pantry closet. Avoiding upper cabinets allow the design to be open and make use of the wall as a dynamic element –otherwise a monochromatic space. The newly created functional void connects both ends of space and creates what appears to be a larger and brighter spatial experience.

Many buyers ask the same question when sourcing bedside tables from China: “Why is the MOQ so high?” For OEM bedside table and nightstand projects, MOQ is not only a sales rule. It is connected with material purchasing, machine setup, finishing process, hardware ordering, packaging, and production efficiency. For standard ODM bedside tables, MOQ is usually easier to manage because the factory already has the structure, material plan, and production process ready. For custom OEM nightstands, MOQ is usually higher because the project may involve custom size, color, drawer structure, legs, handles, finish, logo, packaging, or smart functions such as USB-C, wireless charging, LED lighting, Bluetooth speaker, fingerprint lock, or password lock. For importers, distributors, hotel buyers, e-commerce sellers, and private label furniture brands, the best solution is not always to ask for the lowest MOQ. A better approach is: - Start with existing ODM models - Keep the material and finish simple - Use mixed SKUs under one material plan - Accept a reasonable small-order price increase - Build long-term cooperation with the factory - Test the market first before placing a larger order Hebai Furniture, operated by Ganzhou Hebai Wood Products Co., Ltd., is a China-based OEM bedside table and nightstand manufacturer supporting OEM/ODM projects for global buyers. We support: - Modern bedside tables - Leather nightstands - Upholstered nightstands - Smart nightstands - Hotel bedside tables - Wireless charging nightstands - USB-C bedside tables - LED nightstands - Bluetooth speaker nightstands - Fingerprint lock nightstands - Custom packaging - Private label furniture projects If you are sourcing bedside tables or nightstands from China, understanding MOQ can help you reduce risk, control cost, and negotiate with suppliers more professionally. Full MOQ guide: https://hebaifurniture.com/blog/bedside-table-moq-guide Browse product catalog: https://hebaifurniture.com/category Request catalogue and quotation: https://hebaifurniture.com/catalogue Hebai Furniture | OEM Bedside Table & Nightstand Manufacturer in China

Many buyers ask the same question when sourcing bedside tables from China: “Why is the MOQ so high?” For OEM bedside table and nightstand projects, MOQ is not only a sales rule. It is connected with material purchasing, machine setup, finishing process, hardware ordering, packaging, and production efficiency. For standard ODM bedside tables, MOQ is usually easier to manage because the factory already has the structure, material plan, and production process ready. For custom OEM nightstands, MOQ is usually higher because the project may involve custom size, color, drawer structure, legs, handles, finish, logo, packaging, or smart functions such as USB-C, wireless charging, LED lighting, Bluetooth speaker, fingerprint lock, or password lock. For importers, distributors, hotel buyers, e-commerce sellers, and private label furniture brands, the best solution is not always to ask for the lowest MOQ. A better approach is: - Start with existing ODM models - Keep the material and finish simple - Use mixed SKUs under one material plan - Accept a reasonable small-order price increase - Build long-term cooperation with the factory - Test the market first before placing a larger order Hebai Furniture, operated by Ganzhou Hebai Wood Products Co., Ltd., is a China-based OEM bedside table and nightstand manufacturer supporting OEM/ODM projects for global buyers. We support: - Modern bedside tables - Leather nightstands - Upholstered nightstands - Smart nightstands - Hotel bedside tables - Wireless charging nightstands - USB-C bedside tables - LED nightstands - Bluetooth speaker nightstands - Fingerprint lock nightstands - Custom packaging - Private label furniture projects If you are sourcing bedside tables or nightstands from China, understanding MOQ can help you reduce risk, control cost, and negotiate with suppliers more professionally. Full MOQ guide: https://hebaifurniture.com/blog/bedside-table-moq-guide Browse product catalog: https://hebaifurniture.com/category Request catalogue and quotation: https://hebaifurniture.com/catalogue Hebai Furniture | OEM Bedside Table & Nightstand Manufacturer in China

Many buyers ask the same question when sourcing bedside tables from China: “Why is the MOQ so high?” For OEM bedside table and nightstand projects, MOQ is not only a sales rule. It is connected with material purchasing, machine setup, finishing process, hardware ordering, packaging, and production efficiency. For standard ODM bedside tables, MOQ is usually easier to manage because the factory already has the structure, material plan, and production process ready. For custom OEM nightstands, MOQ is usually higher because the project may involve custom size, color, drawer structure, legs, handles, finish, logo, packaging, or smart functions such as USB-C, wireless charging, LED lighting, Bluetooth speaker, fingerprint lock, or password lock. For importers, distributors, hotel buyers, e-commerce sellers, and private label furniture brands, the best solution is not always to ask for the lowest MOQ. A better approach is: - Start with existing ODM models - Keep the material and finish simple - Use mixed SKUs under one material plan - Accept a reasonable small-order price increase - Build long-term cooperation with the factory - Test the market first before placing a larger order Hebai Furniture, operated by Ganzhou Hebai Wood Products Co., Ltd., is a China-based OEM bedside table and nightstand manufacturer supporting OEM/ODM projects for global buyers. We support: - Modern bedside tables - Leather nightstands - Upholstered nightstands - Smart nightstands - Hotel bedside tables - Wireless charging nightstands - USB-C bedside tables - LED nightstands - Bluetooth speaker nightstands - Fingerprint lock nightstands - Custom packaging - Private label furniture projects If you are sourcing bedside tables or nightstands from China, understanding MOQ can help you reduce risk, control cost, and negotiate with suppliers more professionally. Full MOQ guide: https://hebaifurniture.com/blog/bedside-table-moq-guide Browse product catalog: https://hebaifurniture.com/category Request catalogue and quotation: https://hebaifurniture.com/catalogue Hebai Furniture | OEM Bedside Table & Nightstand Manufacturer in China

Inspiration for a timeless porch remodel in Minneapolis

Photos by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Study room - mid-sized transitional freestanding desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor study room idea in DC Metro with blue walls and no fireplace

Shower Stall With a View. Mosaic tile used for the vanity backsplash was also installed in the shower surrounded by rows of soft white porcelain subway tile. A natural mosaic stone shower floor was installed with an infinity drain and a footrest doubles as a shelf. A glass enclosure and quartz clad skylight complete the look. Lisa Piellusch Picture Your Life Photography

Blending a modern sensibility with traditional architecture, this garden features a front yard meadow with native grasses (Carex praecracilis) and wildflowers. Poured-in-place concrete pavers in a meandering pattern slow the approach from the sidewalk to the entry. The modestly-sized backyard has been maximized for entertaining with outdoor dining and lounging areas and subtle landscape lighting. Native plants, herbs, and edibles share the back garden beds, and a raised pond brings the garden to life. Photo by Martin Cox Photography.

Experience the elegance and functionality of expertly designed spaces with our professional interior design and visualization services. The images above highlight our ability to create beautifully styled interiors, from a serene and inviting bedroom with natural wood accents to a sophisticated living area designed for comfort and practicality. Every project is tailored to reflect your personal style and functional needs, ensuring your home feels uniquely yours. As part of our commitment to your satisfaction, we offer design services completely free of charge for clients who proceed with their renovation projects with us. This ensures a smooth and cohesive process, from concept to completion, without additional design fees. Whether you’re envisioning a modern retreat or a family-friendly space, our team is here to turn your ideas into reality. Let us bring your dream home to life