Quality in Our Home is Sustainable to the Environment

"Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected." ~Steve Jobs

Many of us continue to look for the quick fix. We think that our lives may somehow be fulfilled through consumption and accumulation. Instead of saving to purchase quality, we think that we will be financially better off getting the biggest "bang for our buck."

Yet today, more of us are not feeling enriched within our lives. Nor are our wallets any fuller. In fact, our lives and homes have become cluttered with excess. Our money is being wasted on items that are quickly replaced. And further, we have a growing concern with the impact all of our waste has on our environment. We are continually looking for ways to "Go Green" at home.

According to the US Green Building Council, "a green home uses less energy, water and natural resources, creates less waste and is healthier for the people living inside compared to a standard home." There are many steps we can take to improve our home's efficiency and promote environmental harmony. The USGBC provides resources to help, including the guide 9 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient and Tips for Living Green.

To lessen our carbon footprint, let's raise our standard of quality. Being mindful of our purchases allows us to further treasure our possessions and surroundings. Recycling or donating items that don't have purpose or value eliminates excess. Organization occurs when everything has its place. Once you are ready to honor your possessions and space, invest in well-thought design. Detailed design meets both aesthetic and functional needs. Quality provides longevity. Longevity contributes to sustainability. Value quality over quantity.

Follow the Creation of a Dream Kitchen (3rd of 4)

Step 3: Living through a remodel can prove challenging for homeowners, both physically and emotionally. A designer's ability to advise and provide support during the entire process eases the pressure on the client. As a point person, I aim to provide solutions for conflicts and mitigate questions that may occur during construction. The construction process continues... It is a long and arduous process. Stripping the existing maple cabinetry and working with this species of wood to perfect the desired finish proves laborious for the painters. Maintaining a construction schedule is always a challenge. This project is no different and more time than expected is required. But ultimately, true artistry obtains the desired results.

Everything is masked and the first of finish coats are applied.

The kitchen is sealed off in an attempt to contain the fumes of the finish coats.

Once the cabinets are finally complete, the walls are painted and the rest of the finishes are installed. Granite counters are crafted with a beautifully crafted ogee edge.

Limestone floors are accented with a mosaic border surrounding an espresso finished island.

Textured glass adds interest to the detailed cabinetry.

Installation of the cast stone hood begins. Its travertine finish complements the stone floor. The soft curves and rope detailing in the hood shelf and stack reflected the details in the cabinetry and crown molding. Corbels extend to the counter and surround a stone mosaic backsplash.

The final touches are applied to the finishes: the tile is grouted; the crown of the hood is added; everything is sealed and the final trim pieces are applied.

Finally, the appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting and electrical will be installed. Completion of construction is nearing. The homeowners eagerly anticipate moving into and enjoying their new kitchen. Look for the final photos...

Follow the Creation of a Dream Kitchen (2nd of 4)

Step 2: Communication and observation during construction are essential to ensure that the details and design intent are well coordinated. Clear, concise drawings are created and reviewed with potential contractors. Questions are handled during the bid phase. Estimates are received.

Once the contractor is selected, finishes are finalized; appliance and fixtures are ordered; construction begins! For this kitchen, everything was removed down to the studs and the subfloor was reconstructed. Mechanical, plumbing and electrical are located according to plan.

Drywall is replaced. Walls are prepared for the delivery of cabinets.

Installation of the fine, custom cabinets begins! All of the thought and detail begins to materialize. The layers are pieced together and fit like a glove.I can't begin to explain how gratifying it is to work with a client, conceptualize a space, and then watch as it transforms into their new reality.

Now, we work with the painter through a series of stain samples to determine the final result. Stay tuned...

Follow the Creation of a Dream Kitchen (1st of 4)

Step 1: Smart planning is the first key step in developing a successful kitchen.

An effective plan promotes increased organization and efficiency. After my initial meeting with a client, I get to work developing layout options that meet their goals and desires. Here, I follow

my redesign and renovation process for a client's kitchen.

BEFORE PHOTOS:

Space Challenges:

• Insufficient work, storage, clean-up, cooking and refrigeration space
• Circulation congestion
• No focal point
• Inadequate narrow center island

Client Desires:

• Upgrade appliances, including a larger refrigerator and range
• Update finishes
• Maintain a breakfast bar that faces adjacent family room
• Make it more suitable for two cooks and entertaining
• Coordinate finishes with existing family room and bar cabinetry

With this kitchen, the challenge was to provide the clients' wishes while maintaining the basic footprint. It is actually small relative to the size of the house it serves. I set out to maximize the space. After receiving comments on the preliminary sketches, a basic floor plan was developed. Elevations were then produced. Finally, to help the client visualize the design concept, I rendered the floor plan and a few key elevations.
My Suggestions:

• Create a focal point on the wall facing the family room
• Develop efficient work zones
• Connect the kitchen circulation to the family room on two sides
• Open the visual connection between kitchen and family room
• Eliminate obtrusive, inefficient walk-in pantry
• Create visual interest through planar variation, contrasting finishes and lighting
• Upgrade cabinet and finish style and details
• Refinish existing cabinets and trim in family room and bar

The client's ability to make decisive choices led to minimal changes while developing the layout and helped expedite the design process. Next step... design documents and contractor selection.

Mexican Architecture - Villa el Cerrito

San Miguel de Allende is a town located on a high desert plateau in the mineral-rich central Mexican state of Guanajuato. It was here that Spanish colonization conceivably began in the 16th century and where I looked to find traditional Mexican architecture.

Located north of Mexico City, San Miguel's charm and preserved history draws travelers and a wide range of artists, including photographers, decorators and designers.It is here that I found Villa el Cerrito, an authentic adobe villa built by prominent local architect, Roberto Burillo. Its lush garden paradise was conceived by master New England landscape designer, Douglas MacLise, and created by local premier landscape architect, Timothy Wachter.The quality and authenticity of the design and construction is truly inspirational. I especially love these large-scale hacienda doors recessed into this entrance. The dark wood balanced against the warm tone of the stucco leads the eye up to the dark, heavy timbers above. The stone pavers reflect the cool hues found again in the stone columns and niches. Contrast of materials and colors are in harmony. Through this magnificent villa, I found interior decorator, Rachel Horn. There is continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, comfort and elegance. The palette is uses the earth's natural material and colors. Inside, light and shadow bounce off each other through skylights, windows and openings. Light gently grazes the texture of the stucco walls. Throughout the villa and its surrounding landscape, the eye is lead through one space into another, with jewels at the end of each vista.

Mexican Architecure - Tulum

Research is often required when developing design, especially when the style draws from history. One project has invoked my exploration of Mexican design. What I've found is a country rich in cultural history and inspired by a wide spectrum of architectural styles. Mexico's origins have influenced its vast array of architecture.

To begin, I looked to the Yucatan Peninsula and a recent visit to pre-Columbian ruins at Tulum. This Mayan city is situated along a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. And though it may have been built as early as 300 BC, the majority of its buildings date between 1200 to 1500 AD. As a result of the Spanish Conquest, the Maya abandoned the site late in the 16th century.

One enters the city through a low, narrow tunnel carved into the massive stone wall. On the other side, I was first struck by the vastness of the fortress and the beauty of its locale. Surrounded by walls on three sides, the fourth was protected by the sea. Templo del Dios del Viento (Temple of the Wind God) was built on a natural rise...

next to this cove:

The rubble remains of the city walls and buildings exhibit its stone construction.

The architecture is similar to that found at Chichen Itza, but on a much smaller scale. A stepped base, serving as the temple's foundation, leads to El Castillo (The Castle), the site's most imposing building. The steps leading to Templo del Dios Descendente (Temple of the Descending God) has a similar temple substructure.
The well-preserved Templo de las Pinturas (Temple of the Frescos) is comprised of two levels and contains colored murals on its inner walls. The lower level displays a colonnade leading to an inner temple room. And, the outer temple is decorated with a series of stucco figures in bas-relief and carved masks.

Here is the detail of one corner figure:Finally, La Casa de las Columnas (The House of the Columns) has preserved its series of stacked stone columns and the remains of a thatched roof.This detail show the stone and beam construction of the door with its bas-relief figure above:

Obama Inauguration Events - Day 2

As if meeting the Obamas wasn't enough, it was just the beginning of an amazing week...

The next morning, we were escorted through the massive crowd, 2 million deep, to the Mall with a direct view of the Capitol. It was difficult to get a real sense of how many people were there until I saw us all on the teleprompter. Even then, it was so surreal. It was incredible... and freezing!

I have honestly never been so cold. It had been 70 degrees in Sacramento before I left. So, although I was layered and bundled up, I could not fully appreciate how cold it would actually be. The whipping wind was biting my face. My lips were numb. My nose kept running. But although my frozen toes ached through my wool socks, I couldn't help but feel elated.

The crowd was warm and friendly. There was an air of excitement and peace. People kept reaffirming, "We're all family today." A local woman told us what a welcome change it was to feel the flow of positive energy rather than the opposition of so many recent demonstrations.

To be there, among all the national and world leaders... and among the people... to feel the energy reverberating between us... it was truly awe-inspiring. I could feel the magnitude of his presence... the magnitude of what was about to happen. This was history.

As he took his oath of office, I felt so moved by the magnitude of these words. Upon his speech, a feeling of hope resonated through the crowd... His metaphorically outreached hands and heart spoke to the world... offering cooperation, not domination. He offered a "new way forward based on mutual interests and mutual respect... we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

I could only be swept up by the sea of patriotism that surrounded us. It was so alive and swelling. The dream was finally being realized. And I felt proud... to be a part of this moment... and this country. Proud. Finally.

Afterward, the mass exodus was nothing I'd ever experienced. We started to walk to the metro station, foolishly thinking that we could actually get to one.

Sandwiched in tightly at times, we slowly worked our way through through the ebb and flow of the sea, ultimately, walking to our hotel in Georgetown. Incredibly though, even as we were in this gridlock of people, there was a sense of calm. Even with such an extent of confusion, so many people crowded into such relatively tight quarters, no arrests were made this whole day. In fact, I never saw anyone outraged nor felt any sense of mayhem. There was only positive energy flowing throughout the city that day. Everyone reached out to help each other. That night, we went to the ball of all balls... The Neighborhood Ball. This was the 1st ball that Mr. President and Mrs. Obama attended. At this televised ball, Beyonce sang "At Last" during their 1st dance of the evening.

The additional incredible lineup of performances included Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige, Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Maroon 5, Faith Hill, Will-I-Am, Sting, Stevie Wonder and Shakira. Among the hosts were Denzel, Leo DiCaprio, Queen Latifah. It was a glamorous evening to wrap up our day's array of experiences. I feel incredibly privileged to have been a part of it all. And incredibly grateful to everyone who made it possible. This experience made me feel even more empowered... and ready to do my part.