Sunday, December 9, 2018

KITCHEN RESCUE

Homeowners Debby and Gary turned their attention to their timeworn kitchen when Debby completed her 40 year in-home daycare career. After four decades of kiddos in the kitchen, Debby wanted to give herself the retirement gift of a culinary remodel. Debby loves to cook. She already had a good work flow in this 1930s cottage kitchen, so the floor plan would stay basically the same.

What Debby really needed was an aesthetic refreshment of the space: a cozy, family-oriented creative space where she could emphasize color, and have more fun cooking in a livelier environment. While she was at it, she could update with all the modern amenities, yet still retain the vintage charm.



CURRENT COMFORTS
Every surface and appliance got an upgrade.

•    Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) floors are easy on the feet and easy to clean.


•    A Miele induction cooktop with pop-up fan practically disappears when not in use, unlike imposing old appliances.



•    Open-faced easy-access shelving unfetters the daily routine.



•    Debby loves her farm sink—this stainless steel option coordinates with both her cottage theme, and her matching stainless fridge, dishwasher, and compactor.



•    Dreams of double ovens for family feasts: check!



•    A barn door replaced the basement swing door, eliminating the old “door dance” in that tight corner.


SMALL WINDOW CHANGE WITH BIG IMPACT

Despite the existing three modest windows and patio glass door, the room felt a little stifled. A seamless addition of one new window un-crowded the interior air, space, and light. Moreover, what had been isolated windows now join together into a panoramic view.



LOOK UP
Most of the kitchen has a dramatic vaulted ceiling with cross beams. But we needed to create interest in a section of low ceiling that connects to the dining room. Traditional tongue-and-groove ceiling planks did the trick.



COLOR COLLUSION
Debby achieved intense color variety and vibrancy without inducing fatigue. Her sunflowery walls set a bright foundational hue. Her grey cabinets act as a secondary neutral backdrop, with a subtle silver quality, almost glowing. With this prevailing atmosphere, she can now add a multitude of spot color accents, wares and chairs, without appearing cluttered.



DEBBY STYLE
Debby was especially looking forward to introducing a bright red antique Chinese armoire, a new focal point that works beautifully with her oriental rug. And she loves using her old patina’d table as her trusty work bench “island”. Like eclectic teacups that come together to make a set, Debby’s mismatched unique furnishings form a cohesive family. Diners can choose a chair to match their character.



NEW BEGINNINGS
Debby and Gary are thrilled to have a unique brand new kitchen that still feels like the original cottage. They are diving into retirement with new cooking adventures and new creativity. Let the baking commence!


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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

WHOLE HOUSE REMODEL BEFORE MOVE-IN

 


Downsizing and upgrading at the same time: 
remodeling before moving in to this classic mid-century modern home. 
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This sounds ideal - less to take care of, but more to enjoy! 
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This home received a  full face-lift from head to toe including a new kitchen, master suite, guest bath and wine cellar:
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all the important rooms of the house!

KITCHEN
Consistent with mid-century modern architecture, these homeowners combined the clean lines of the cabinets with horizontal waves of tile running across the backsplash.
The caramelized bamboo is a renewable resource as well as a beautiful cabinet material.



Gray and gold colors in the granite countertops are picked up in the stainless steel appliances and the soft fawn color of the backsplash
Tile reminiscent of the 60's works perfectly with the state of the art gas cooktop and heavy-duty hood.



 
A dream pantry off the kitchen with pull-out drawers, broom closet and extra full-size refrigerator. 
Also serves as the Costco closet!







WINE CELLAR
A small 7' x 9' space was converted to a temperature-controlled wine cellar able to store 900 bottles.





Organized, labeled and visible for easy access.



MASTER BATH

Simplicity, beautiful textures and a little surprise!




Smooth alder cabinets, leather-like tile with heated flooring, veined granite, and bright glass block make this master bath a spa-like treat.


Stunning patterned glass block allows the sunshine to come in but maintains the privacy.


Note that the lower glass blocks are opaque and the very top ones are clear allowing the view of the lush back yard through while in the shower.



 GUEST BATH

Glass block again in the guest bath.

The homeowner has a love for orange which pops against the neutral gray tones.

Plenty of storage

A little surprise by the toilet.

Sleek and simple shower

MOVE-IN READY!



Monday, October 1, 2012

FROM LIVING ROOM TO OFFICE



A little-used living room is transformed into a professional office.


Owner: 
Glen Miller of G. A. Miller Architecture, PC
(Specialty: commercial design including small businesses and multi-unit franchises)

 Prior to this remodel, Glen rented space in a Class B office complex.  

In this mobile world of instant communication and mobile technology, Glen is able to retain clients all over the U.S. and Canada from his new full-service office from home.

The remodel paid for itself in a little over one year.



Crisp, clean lines and contrasting textures work well in this architect's office. 

Interior Design:
GA Miller Architecture worked in collaboration with
 Debora Souza IIDA
Think Work Interiors LLC



Mountain views and beautiful light streams into the office space.

Wall Street Journal Article: Step into Office-Less Company



Dry-stacked stone fireplace provides more texture and warmth.
  

Efficiently organized desk, computer, filing cabinets, printer, scanner and plotter.


Full service office


Maple mantel against stone fireplace.

Star gazing

Handsome fabric panels double as a display area and bulletin board 

Once again, this remodel paid for itself in a little over one year.


BEFORES




Wednesday, June 6, 2012

All Things DECK!




  • Has your deck seen better days?  
  • Tired of the constant upkeep and maintenance?
  • Is your patio boring? 

This might be the time to update your deck with 
beautiful new 
easy-care products

Below: composite decking and vinyl handrails.



Closeup:  Same product, different color and black metal railing




Beautiful look from the street






Do you need waterproof decking?
Outdoor tiles
Another easy-care option 
Below:



Here's how the above waterproof tile deck is done.


Waterproof membrane
Tiles raised off membrane for drainage

How about a covered patio to get out of the sun and rain?



Or a front porch?



How about an arbor?



Or a trellis



Would this look good in your backyard?