The Icing on the Cabinet

The bling on the drawer box, the pull on the door. Cabinet hardware has become the icing, the statement, the finishing touch on kitchen and bath cabinetry. Hardware is not just functional it can add a touch of whimsy, individualism, a pop of color or texture and everything in between.

However - here's one tip to consider when selecting hardware. Try it on. That's right. Try it on. Hardware is produced from all over the world and varies in length, depth and the height of the stand offs. Stands offs are not what happens at the OK Corral at midnight - but the metal, leather, wood or stainless material that fastens the pull to the face front of the drawer or door on your cabinets. The depth is what gives the comfort in the everyday use, something you may not have ever thought about.

Keep in mind you will be using the hardware on your cabinets everyday. Be certain that it feels good in your hand. That there is ease of use as well as attractiveness. We hate to admit it but as we age, flexibility in the hands becomes affected by arthritis among other conditions. Even a paper cut can hinder the simple act of opening a drawer.

 Order a sample - try it on. Try it on your cabinets, try it on for function first. And then if you fall in love with the style, the feel and the bling that adds that certain something to your space - you know you've made a choice you can live with. 

Fooled again

He wasn't the first one to fool me with his boyish charm and youthful good looks. When he smiles he lights up the room....the only difference between him and the others is that wagging tail that follows behind his  wiggling  body.  

Pawlie - Mr. Pawlie Paws, Paws or "that damn dog" entered our lives about 9 months ago. Just like giving birth - the good, the bad and the ugly - the integration of a second dog into our home has been a tad painful. Like the couple of hundred dollars that went to the emergency vet for a very sick pup last weekend.  Diagnosed with bacterial poisoning from supposedly devoured wild mushrooms in the back yard proved to be false when the real culprit passed through at 1 AM - a large piece of solid rubber that came from heavens knows where.  

Pillows are no longer safe and Marlon, our six year old Dal, heaves a sigh of relief when Pawlie goes off to obedience training. He gets to have the house back to himself, the way it used to be...if only for a little while.

One thing I know for sure this little boy takes a lot of time - training, walking, cleaning, cursing, cleaning, walking, cleaning, oh wait I said that already - all paid back by a single kiss or an enthusiastic greeting. This exuberant little fellow could have gone to another home and I never would have met him. But I believe puppies pick us, to grow to be our companions, our confidants, our support, our unconditional love.  

We have alot to learn from the humble canine.  Alot to learn indeed. 

If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.

Pudd'nhead Wilson

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I want my MAYPO!

In 1956 the most successful ad campaign was based on a cartoon kid named Marky. Bald, floppy eared and cowboy hat, his claim to fame was demanding his maple flavored oatmeal by vocalizing "I WANT MY MAYPO!"  Soon the likes of Mickey Mantle, Johnny Unitas and Wilt Chamberlain were clamoring for their Maypo too.

Advertising has become a bit more tedious. Magazines grow thinner and newspaper are disappearing. New media marketing has become all confusing.  Do I ping it or blog it?  How do you know where your advertising is best served?

The short answer - you don't.  Websites can validate your business, Facebook can enhance your popularity. email blitzes go to junk mail, as direct mail often gets pitched.  Slogans are few and far between, and the advent of advertising is in flux.

How can we be heard? Like Horton Hears a WHO - "We are here! We are here!" but WHO is listening?  I have seen companies that were rocking and rolling fall by the wayside because they can't find their message.  The smartest piece of advice I ever got was from a friend in the industry.  Her 2 cents worth?

Decide who you are and stick with it.  Simple huh?

Decide who you are and stick with it.

Are we still talking about advertising?

In complete compliance: Minimalist to the Maximum

In complete compliance: Minimalist to the Maximum: "BEFORE AFTER Another great project with Greenleaf Remodeling. A true ADA compliant space was created with the constraints of worki..."

Minimalist to the Maximum

BEFORE

AFTER

Another great project with Greenleaf Remodeling.  A true ADA compliant space was created with the constraints of working in a condo - and without moving any of the exisitng plumbing hookups.  A true gentleman, our client is forward thinking concerning not only his space - but his own health.





Living with MS creates enough challenges every day, and a space in which to retreat and "just be" was clearly in order.  What a joy to work on, and our client to work with. By updating the look and feel of the space using minimalist design and "spa appeal", functionality became front and center. The existing shower and tub was removed, as well as one partial wall in the entry area. A storage closet was opened up with colorful baskets used for everyday needs. New lighting, tile and serious hard work and the bath was reborn. 



SHOWER BEFORE



AFTER

A barrier free shower with teak fold down seat, niche for essentials and glass tile accents opened up the small space. The original shower stall was gutted and replaced with a maple wood drawer base with teak top and framed mirror above. A wall mount sink with clean lines, comfort height commode and open shelf cabinet above with closed storage for personal items was deigned with the same quarter cut maple.  Kohler Purist faucets and grab bars keep the remodel clean and contemporary. Using bright polished chrome for fixtures added just the right touch of gleam in this streamlimed space.

Clean, comfortable and WOW what a look - the new remodel adds a whole new elegance to the term "ease of use".

http://greenleafbaltimore.com/

http://huntvalleytileandstone.com/

Design Dilema: High Style Kosher Kitchen

Design Dilema: High Style Kosher Kitchen: "Just recently I completed work on a gorgeous Kosher kitchen. I love it when I learn from my clients. What? A design expert admitti..."

High Style Kosher Kitchen

Recently I completed work on a gorgeous Kosher kitchen. I love it when I learn from my clients. What? A design expert admitting they learned from their client? Yes sir, I did. My client has traveled the world - to Belgium, on Safari in Africa, Russia - just to name a few. Add to that being exceptionally well read and I was enthralled. 

 

The kitchen is simply knock out. Using all Sub Zero/Wolf appliances, two Franke undermount sinks and KWC faucets, the challenge was to provide enough storage for all dishes, pots and pans used during everyday food prep as well as Jewish holidays. 

While storing her cookware in her now organized space, my client began to kasher for the holiday. Any new metal, aluminum container or cookware, glass vessels and utensils require t'vilat kelim (ritual immersion) in a kosher mikvah (ritual bath) prior to use. Passover commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and marks the beginning of the harvest season.

Compact yet concise, this contemporary Kosher kitchen is a chefs' dream to create in. Grey Silestone countertops and a full height backsplash with flecks of reflective mirror sparkle softly in the light. The elegant color and pattern of curly maple wood veneer adds understated drama to the space. Long contemporary bar pulls grace the doors and drawer fronts with just the right touch of metal.

What more can I say about this stunning space? I think a toast to my client is in order....

L'Chayim - to life. And to many happy days and hearty meals with family and friends gathered 'round.