Blueprint for Remodeling by Mary Calvin

Thoughts after 35 years of what makes remodeling a gratifying experience Planning often takes more time than the actual construction process.

Make your remodeling about you
You are a unique individual and you deserve the best.Remodel
your kitchen to make it an efficient, comfortable space. It must reflect your preferences and personality.

Make your remodeling painless
If it is done right, planning and completing your remodeling
project will be enjoyable. Remember, you will be spending
a lot of time in your new kitchen. Do everything right the first time.

Make it a genuine team effort
Your kitchen designer and contractor should work together–and with you–like an experienced surgical team.
Choose your team members carefully, then make sure they
understand exactly what you want. You want to be happy with every
decision you arrive at and solution you come up with…..you will live.
with them for a long time.

Personalities matter
The right kitchen designer and contractor will not intimidate you.
They will understand not only what matters to you, but why it is
important.Their qualifications should include a passion for details,
as well as a sincere respect for your vision and property.

Your team matters
Your remodeling team may be one of the most important teams
you will ever be a part of Make sure everyone works well together
so you will be comfortable whenever you need to rethink an idea
or consider an alternative.

Details and more details
Remodeling a kitchen is serious investment
Clearly define your vision following a detailed plan
focus on how everything fits together.
Every decision should be based on your priorities
Share your dreams and ideas with your kitchen designer
Collect photos of kitchens you would love to have
Your designer will help you ask the right questions and make
good decisions

Designing the project
There is an efficient order to planning a successful remodeling
project. Your kitchen designer will take you through the process
so you’ll never need to revisit any previous decisions.Dedicate time
and attention and do not make hasty decisions. Do not go along with
any idea that you are uneasy with. You have only one chance to do it right.
A well planned and executed remodeling project increases the value of your home Purchase the highest quality materials your budget can afford.

Approving the plans
Do not be intimidated by reading your plans . It is your kitchen designer or
architect’s responsibility to explain them
Ask as many questions as it takes until you are ready to sign the plans
Whatever is on your plans will be ordered and installed

Moving forward
Once the plans are approved, your remodeling project will be
set in motion; materials ordered, delivery dates set and schedules
put in place. If you have chosen your team well, you can be confident
that every detail has been checked and double-checked

Remember
The more you plan, the “luckier” you will be, and the more
great memories you will have in your new kitchen.

more details

modernhouston.weekly featured real estate

3726 Arnold // Edith Archer – Greenwoodking Properties // $1,299,000

This home was designed by William Stern,  an award winning Houston architect, and was built by Renaissance.  Located in West University Place on a 7500 sq. ft. lot, the home is on a pier and beam foundation, has a metal roof and soaring public areas overlooking a stone patio.  It has 5 bedrooms,  4 full baths,  a half bath,  a media room, and a study.  It is an exciting house that shows great attention to detail and has been lovingly maintained.

more details

Kauri Dining Table // designer: Mario Botta 2009

The Kauri millenarian swamp – Timber with an Ancient Soul. There is a breath of infinite time in Kauri timber, the largest and most famous New Zealand tree, a conifer that thrives only in sub-tropical climates. “Agathis Australis” is the scientific name for a tree that appeared during the Jurassic period before man had set foot on the earth and which grew in virgin forests. Cataclysms and natural disasters, which took place at the end of the glacial period, razed entire forests, covering them with water and mud. And, it is from these swamps, a nest of mud, that Kauri  has come to life again, splendid and in tact as though it had just been felled. The conservation of the Kauri and the slowing of the natural decomposition process takes into account various factors and those factors which seem to have a fundamental role are the large quantities of resins present in the timber. According to recent studies, the resin contains certain remedial and impermeable ingredients which protect the bark from mould and water. more details

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ITACA sofa design by: Angelo Dall’Aglio + Angelo Natuzzi

The characteristic of Itaca is the rigour of its forms and dimensions which contrast to the soft and gentle lines of its cushions. The pull-out headrest, which can be positioned as you like, gives Itaca a personal and functional character. available at:www.bontempi.it

mh.weekly real estate 1403 Eberhard St

1403 Eberhard – $649,999 // Brain Spack – John Daugherty Realtors

Deliciously understated, plushly designed contemporary completed in 2006. Open spaces w/interesting niches + dramatic flair. Great wall space w/art lighting. Rich Brazilian wood floors in living, dining & kitchen. Quality appliances, sweeping island & walk-in pantry. Third floor master is light-filled + spacious. Spa bath plus one of the largest walk-in closets you will ever see.  Closet can be converted to third bedroom & is plumbed for full bath. First floor bedroom with Zen garden. more info

AIA Sandcastle 2009 Competition

For over two decades in the first part of June, Houston area architects, designers, engineers and contractors have taken their tools to East Beach in Galveston for what is considered one of the world’s largest sandcastle competitions. The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) sponsors this annual contest. This year 70 teams have their eyes (and shovels) set on winning the prestigious “Golden Bucket” award.

www.aiasandcastle.com

The New Trend – No Trends

Some people are natural trend spotters, and Mary Calvin is one of them.  As owner of Cabinet Innovations she has her finger on the pulse of what people want in kitchen design.  She knows that in the past kitchen styles followed single focused trends such as raised panels on cabinet doors, but today things are  changing.  Calvin notes, “You could almost say the trend is ‘no one trend.’”

That doesn’t mean designers have lost their way.  One visit to her showroom and it’s evident that designers are expressing a new freedom in their work, not bound by the latest fad.  Styles here reflect a spectrum from Hill Country rustic with distressed matte finishes, to streamlined designs reminiscent of the fabulous 50’s… read article

Sobe Chair by Oggetti

The newest Showtime chair features clean lines, a stunning inlay and shiny metal legs. Inlaid with rattan strips. Made in the Philippines .. more info

modernhouston featured realestate

1109 Oxford St          $,1,250,000

Bill Baldwin – Karen Derr & Associates Realty

Making modern history. This amazing home complete with pool
and summer kitchen will take your breath away. Soaring ceilings,
attention to every detail, energy saving features throughout
and the finest quality and selections. Making an appointment
today to view this stunning home… more info