Designer: Barbara Stowe, Allied ASID The clients were looking for a complete update of their original 1960's kitchen. They requested a clean and fresh look that would withstand the test of time. Although the footprint remained the same, eliminating soffits allowed for full height cabinets and made the space look larger. Brookhaven by Wood-Mode cabinetry, a narrow pull-out pantry cabinet and custom built-in plate rack provide plenty of storage and the dual-fuel Wolf range and Sub-Zero refrigerator are welcome upgrades. Classic colors of gray and yellow are repeated in the handmade ceramic tile back splash, the granite counter tops, porcelain plank tile flooring, decorative valance and the numerous fabrics. Antique chairs upholstered with new fabrics and a farmhouse table made from old doors add warmth, while polished nickel hardware and Schonbek crystal pendants add a bit of bling. The result is a kitchen that is wonderful to cook in as well as being a lovely gathering place for family and friends.

SJC Dramatic Remodel
Dining room - contemporary dining room idea in Orange County with black walls

INTENSIVE EFFECTS FOR LARGE INTERIOR SPACES Light fixtures with large crystal and powerful light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are the distinctive features of Crystal StarLED Deluxe. This large-scale lighting system is excellent for achieving powerful light reflections (up to a meter in diameter) in high-ceilinged rooms and where the ambient brightness is high. The large crystal is an attractive design feature in its own right. The pure brilliance of perfectly polished crystals is combined with powerful LEDs, creating an amazingly effective, economical and low-maintenance lighting system of unparalleled durability. Crystal StarLED Deluxe is available in three different set configurations. It Is also possible to configure a highly versatile lighting system from the individual elements to ensure optimal and unique lighting for any specific room. Outstanding effects can also be achieved in combination with Crystal StarLED. THE ADVANTAGES Distinctive features of the Crystal StarLED Deluxe: MODULARITY - Pre-assembled, ready-to-install sets make planning easy - Individual design configurations or combinations for special requirements: Expansion of the lighting system with additional crystal is easy, creating uniquely individual systems. The system range can also be easily expanded several meters with a pluggable extension. UNPARALLELED DURABILITY No other light source can beat the lifespan of LEDs, provided they are used under optimal conditions. The cost of maintaining the system is minimal: all you have to do is clean the crystals occasionally. LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION Crystal StarLED Deluxe lighting systems use 1 W LEDs. LEDs convert power directly into light. The resulting minimal energy consumption is clearly reflected in the operating costs.

Photo by Shelly Harrison.
Example of a classic wooden curved mixed material railing staircase design in Boston with painted risers

Image by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product name: Antique Stone and Marble Bathroom Elements. Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Those antique stone elements used in creating the crème de la crème of award winning bathrooms could be used today in rendering your humble bathroom into a magical indoor dreamscape equivalent to having your own exotic travel destination just a few step away from bed. Allow yourself a full body and mind therapy that will let you unwind and escape from life's constraints and worries for an ephemeral period that will feel like an eternity... From our antique marble and stone sinks, specialty reclaimed shower stones, floors and counter vanities, all our stone creations are guaranteed to give your bathroom a unique composition and arcane feel. Our stone elements are considered by many high profile designers and architects a badge of honor that helps them achieve an overall creative design vision for your house.

The ultimate heirloom chandelier, regal and refined, timeless and classic. A masterpiece of cascading crystals with an intricately cut crystal column, Century is fit for a ballroom, a stately dining room or a grand residence.

UNDERSTATEMENT WITH A SURPRISING EFFECT: ReveaLED by ANDRE KIKOSKI plays with contrasts, the styling of which can be individually configured. As the playful reversal of a chandelier's function, a familiar language of forms made of squares and rectangles only shines subtly to the outside - the true light radiates from the inside.

All wall cabinets have mullion doors with gold highlighting and recessed bottoms for under cabinet lighting. The custom 60" hood is finished off with columns with burl inserts to either side. The island ends feature fluted turned posts with acanthus leaves and bun feet. Cabinets are Brookhaven, featuring the Winterhaven Raised door style with a Candlelight finish with Black Glaze on Maple. Cabinet Innovations Copyright 2013 Don A. Hoffman

Bagatelle Pendant By Schonbek SKU# 1241 Bagatelle’s charming character is a fanciful interpretation of the traditional lantern chandelier and features a highly refined display of crystal. Bagatelle is available in a variety of finishes and is trimmed with Heritage Crystal. Photo Credit: Glenn Moody Photography

Crystal Empire follows the extravagant approach of turning the classic chandelier structure into its opposite: Crystal becomes sparkling frame and elegant leather transforms into decorative eye-catcher. The striking result creates silent opulence and innovative class.

Schonbek’s American Contemporary Collection is founded in styles developed during the latter half of the 20th century, takes further inspiration from current trends in culture, art, and society, and sets itself apart by instilling a sense of natural warmth in every piece. The result is an array of fixtures that make bold spatial statements while staying mindful of what will remain timeless. They are ideal for people who are attracted by the sophistication that comes from simple lines, forms, and shapes in perfect balance.

UNDERSTATEMENT WITH A SURPRISING EFFECT: ReveaLED by ANDRE KIKOSKI plays with contrasts, the styling of which can be individually configured. As the playful reversal of a chandelier's function, a familiar language of forms made of squares and rectangles only shines subtly to the outside - the true light radiates from the inside.

Circle appears to hover as if by magic, its light radiating outward from within. A simple crystal and high-quality stainless steel ring with a mysterious effect, this captivating decorative luminaire is particularly suitable as a representative lighting object for contemporary rooms.

Rugged glacial ridges found in northernmost Finland inspired the Sevetti pendant by Swarovski. Swarovski crystal edges each layer of the pendant's hand worked metal body. Cascades of gleaming jewel chains, tumbling like sand falls frozen in time, punctuate its boldly sweeping curves giving the pendant a truly contemporary and purely Swarovski look.

Transporting you to the dramatic, contemplative mood of the Romantic era, Arlington is an all-crystal chandelier with elaborately cut crystal column pieces, dishes, and bobeches. In a grand home filled with antiques, paintings and tapestries, Arlington makes a striking statement.

Like an heirloom cascade of diamonds, Chrysalita’s ethereal crystal basket is enhanced with fine strands of crystal-embellished chains. This delicately beautiful piece culminates in a faceted finial drop cut exclusively for Schonbek. While Chrysalita’s large chandeliers will delight in grand ballrooms, the smaller designs are ideal for your elegant home.

Large windows flood the space with natural light, showcasing the warm wood flooring and the sleek stainless steel appliances, including a built-in double oven and modern range hood. This kitchen is designed for both the passionate cook and those who love to entertain in style.

Faced with extensive water damage to their home, the Patel’s turned to Cantoni designer Andrea Petor to infuse new life into their family’s beloved weekend retreat in Montgomery, Texas. Balancing the client’s minimalist wants with their love of hosting, Andrea created a cohesive design to accommodate their frequent guests and large extended family. Beginning with the kitchen remodel, Andrea worked with the Patel’s to identify the best layout for the space, understanding it would be used regularly for entertaining. To maximize storage space, Andrea designed custom floor to ceiling cabinetry finished in high gloss white lacquer. She selected Miele optic white appliances to enhance the sleek design. Andrea had a custom dining table built into the island to provide ample seating and ensure the entire family could enjoy meals together. The kitchen’s monochromatic color palette was carried throughout the interiors allowing the home’s beautiful waterfront views to take center stage. Adding richness and texture to each room, Andrea selected sculptural, modern furnishings to complete the space and bring the Patel’s vision to life.

The barrel-ceilinged master bedroom called for serene coloration; blue brought an intimacy to the scale of the room. The walls were faux-finished in an elegant silk stripe; a Lombardy 19th century bed and comfortable Colombo Mobili furniture in European plum walnut with cherry inlay adds warmth. A Schonbek chandelier and Lalique Josephine lamps complete the room. The paintings are by Francis Hayman, left, and Max Carlier, right.