Sanctuary Kitchen and Bath Design seeks to add a motivated individual to its growing design team. We are a luxury design firm specializing in unique kitchens and baths. Our mission is to provide our clientele with amazing products, useful knowledge, inspiring design, and superb customer service.

We are searching for a detail-oriented, self-directed individual that will report to our lead project coordinator.

Position: Kitchen and Bath Project Coordinator

Role Description:

-Procurement of samples for our customers.
-Scheduling and deliveries: Coordinate deliveries and installations with our network of subcontractors and DSP's
-Coordination of subcontractors: Oversee the deliveries and installations by sub contractors. Maintain a presence on job sites and identify / communicate potential problems or areas for improvement.
-Pricing: Requests and inputs for pricing of custom products including: cabinetry, countertops, appliances, shower glass, tile, lighting, plumbing.
-Assistance with digital design boards, renderings, and presentation materials

Requirements:

-Candidates must have their own form of transportation, a valid driver’s license, and current insurance on their vehicle
-Experience with drafting software is valued but not required
-Microsoft Office including: Excel, Powerpoint, Word
-Attentive to detail
-Articulate in verbal and written communication
-Ability to problem solve
-Ability to read and understand / interpret architectural drawings

This is a full time, salaried position.

Open PTO = no set number of vacation days. Take time off when you need it. Stay home if you're not feeling well.
We do not punch a clock in the design industry. Our goal is to provide a happy work environment with a flexible work schedule for our employees. If you'd like to join a growing company with room for advancement, this is a great role for you.

On the Drawing Board

It's been a long time since our last blog post...My sincere apologies for lack of posts - We have been busy busy busy wrapping up a few installations and continuing with a few new designs since the holidays.  Below are two renderings of kitchen designs we are currently working on.  We can't wait to get started on the actual installations! 

Modern in the mountains.  Matte white and rich wood veneer come together to form a space that will be clean and inviting after a long day on the slopes in Winter Park.  

Modern in the mountains.  Matte white and rich wood veneer come together to form a space that will be clean and inviting after a long day on the slopes in Winter Park.  

Our take on a clean traditional kitchen.  The hood will be custom made by Raw Urth Designs in Fort Collins and the butcher block on the island will be fabricated right here in Denver by Heartwood Carpentry.  

Our take on a clean traditional kitchen.  The hood will be custom made by Raw Urth Designs in Fort Collins and the butcher block on the island will be fabricated right here in Denver by Heartwood Carpentry.  

Nearly Complete in Boulder!

A couple quick snapshots of a nearly complete bath remodel in Boulder.  What we love about this bathroom: Mixture of interesting materials - limestone, porcelain, marble, quartz...the lighting...free standing tub and floor mount tub filler, and mostly that shower!  

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On the Drawing Board

We are incredibly excited for a new project that will be delivering next month!  This rendering is a view of the kitchen and butler's pantry.  Working with a very neutral palette of warm grays and whites, this whole house is going to be transformed.  Very thankful to Ruggles Mabe Studio for referring us on this wonderful project.  

Kitchen

Kitchen

Butler's Pantry

Butler's Pantry

Master Closet

Master Closet

Piano Bar

Piano Bar

Some of Our favorite Rustic Modern Designs

We are seeing a lot of traction in the "rustic modern" design trend.  What exactly is rustic modern and how can you achieve it in your space?  

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In it's most basic idea, Rustic Modern is the use of rustic or old materials in a decidedly modern form.  When it comes to kitchens, this idea can be achieved by creating long lineal lines with flat cut slab veneer cabinet doors (as pictured above).  

Hardware should be minimal, non-existent if possible and wherever possible choose a muted color.   

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Choosing materials is perhaps the most important aspect of the rustic modern kitchen.  It's important to mix in different textures to form a basis for a space that FEELS different.  In the photograph above, the slab doors are contrasted by heavy flat black pilasters to anchor the island and perimeter cabinetry.  

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Pictured above, light natural pine flooring forms the basis for a very Scandinavian feeling space.  The island, elevated off the floor, has clean lines, no cabinet hardware, and mixes in a stainless steel appliance.  The overall effect is clean, minimalistic, but also inviting.  

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Here is a beautiful example of rustic modern.  Reclaimed flooring mixed with high gloss white cabinetry and an abundance of natural light.  The countertops are gray quartz.  In this example, the brushed nickel hardware is not my favorite, but it works.  

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Take a look at the photos in this post and you'll see a basic common thread throughout all of them.  No wall cabinets!  Each of these kitchens lacks them completely.  We're seeing this trend  in a lot of our new designs.  Floating and open shelves are a great statement piece in your kitchen if you can commit to keeping your space fairly organized.  

If you are thinking of updating your kitchen or are designing a new home and are in need of inspiration for your new kitchen, please reach out to us for a consultation.  

 

 

 

 

5 Easy Steps for Getting the Most Out of A Design Consultation

If you've taken the initiative to hire a designer for your upcoming new build or remodeling project, then it makes sense to get the most out of your time spent with them.  As you will most likely be paying hourly design fees upwards of $100/hr for these services, doesn't it make sense to get the most out of each design consult as possible??

I've designed hundreds of kitchens and bathrooms, and probably conducted over a thousand design consultations over the past decade.  Throughout the years, a common theme has emerged among our most successful projects.  The homeowners that come prepared to our meetings generally speaking have the most fun and the most striking results.  

1. Create a Houzz.com Ideabook full of photos of projects that you love.  Write comments on each photo about what you like in each photo.  Most importantly share it with your designer so they can make the most out of the research you've done up front.  Alternatively, you can also use Pinterest.

2. Establish a realistic budget.  Set your numbers in the very beginning.  The more precise you can be with your actual budget, the more likely you are to come in on budget.  

3. Create a list of "must haves" and a list of "definitely nots".  Hand these off at the initial design consult.  Ideally, this list will also outline the overall scope of work that you're looking to have done.  

4. Talk to your friends who have recently built or remodeled a project in their home.  You'll get a first hand account of what the design and construction process is truly like.  Gaining this knowledge is going to guide your expectations and keep your dreams in line with reality.  

5. Approach the consultation with an open mind.  Be willing to think outside the box in terms of layout, process, or aesthetic.  You've had months (sometimes years) to ponder what your new space might be like.  A designer who sees your home for the first time might have a completely different take on what is best for the space.  

 

 

Sanctuary Kitchen Design Featured on Houzz.com

A few months ago, we were contacted for content regarding how to discuss budget with customers by Houzz.com.  We were happy to oblige, and the article went live today!  

Click link below for the whole article: 

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/71148445/list/for-pros-talking-about-the-budget-doesnt-have-to-be-awkward-really

Chic Modern Mountain

A quick shot of the range / hood / fridge wall from a project that is nearing completion in Aspen.  The cabinetry is Textured European Oak Veneer with a special "liming" process from Greenfield Cabinetry.  Wolf range with integrated pro hood above.  Door to right is a 36" fully integrated Sub Zero unit and the door on the left leads into the pantry.  The stone behind the range is a translucent natural material that is backlit.  Big thank you to Ruggles Mabe Studio for bringing us in on such a fantastic fun project.  

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Master Bathroom Before / After

After a few concepts exploring different configurations, our homeowners decided that a free standing tub, his and hers vanities, and a spectacular shower were tops on their list.

Here are the before pictures-

Photos from the completed renovation.  We relocated the shower, tub, and the entrance into the bathroom. 

Following a Kitchen Remodel - Down the Home Stretch

This post encompasses weeks 7-9 of the remodel process for this particular project.  To recap: we decided to completely relocate the kitchen from one part of the house to another.  We moved it from a smaller space that was directly located next to the garage down to a much larger space - which was previously a living room.  In addition to this - we've refinished all the flooring, redone the fireplace, and are also updating a small powder room.  

Last week was really exciting!  Our countertops and appliances were installed in the same day.   It was quite a transformation and we certainly have to tip our cap to the general contractor who orchestrated all the trades working in one space together.  

Below are some photos of custom 2" thick black walnut countertops that we had made locally here in Denver.  These pieces are truly a work of art.  Picture of the installation is down near the bottom of this post...

Our final post following this project will most likely not happen for a few weeks.  Our general contractor is taking a much needed vacation and will be back in two weeks after a trip to Australia to finish up the last few details of this project.  

Here is a shot of a custom 2" thick solid black walnut countertop that our local craftsman made for us.  It's now installed as a "swing off" on the island.  Picture below...

A close up shot of a "live edge" piece of walnut that will be installed as the powder room vanity top.  

The kitchen is nearing completion.  Next up: white backpainted tempered glass backsplash (large panels), appliance paneling, plumbing and electrical trim...

Following a Kitchen Remodel Weeks 4-6

It's been a while since our last update on our kitchen remodel in Boulder.  This post will summarize the past few weeks worth of progress.  

The new entryway between dining room and kitchen was created.  These are the new stairs between the two spaces. 

We delivered cabinets about three weeks ago...

Cabinet delivery

The general contractor fell a few days behind schedule because the drywallers were not able to get started on schedule.  However, he's been hard at work getting everything ready for our countertop template, which is happening tomorrow...

The kitchen starting to come together...

The bar area.

The floors were sanded down last week.  The final coats of floor finishing will take place after the appliances have been installed.  Although it looks a long way from completion we are just a few short weeks away from being done.  The countertops will be installed in two weeks and we will have the appliances and plumbing hooked up shortly thereafter.  I'll keep you posted...

Following a Kitchen Remodel - Week 3

Although it is tough to tell, there was a lot of progress last week.  The plumbers were able to successfully create new plumbing connections for the main sink, cooktop, and bar sink.  This week, the electricians are in the space, roughing in all the connections necessary for the new appliances and GFCI receptacles required in the kitchen.   

The flooring contractor dropped off some stain samples for our floors, which are going to be refinished starting next week.  Here's a look at our cabinetry finishes along with the flooring samples.  We are leaning towards the natural oak which will receive one treatment of bleach to lighten it and remove any orange / red tones.  We are also specifying a water based finish to prevent any "honey" coloring over the years. 

Here is the favored wood stain next to the new mudroom entry tile.  

Following a Kitchen Remodel - Week 2

Hi There!  If you remember from our last blog post, our plan calls for completely relocating the kitchen from the existing area down to the lower living room.  Demolition is now completed and it revealed a few surprises - as usual with a remodel.  Along the main window wall, we found a huge volume of audio wiring.  It was coming out of the wall right where our main cooking surface was supposed to be.  We also discovered a concrete footing for a foundation that was jutting into the room by about 4" along the south wall.  To complicate things, we also found two vents from the basement running along the west wall.  Fortunately for us, we have an ample amount of space to work with so we decided to fur out both of these walls and adjust our plumbing and lighting plan.  Here is a pic of the space as of yesterday...

Following a Remodel from Start to Finish - Week 1

Interested in following one of our kitchen remodels from start to finish?  Good!  You're in luck.  We're going to be posting entries here as often as possible - shooting for weekly updates - following one of our kitchen remodels in Boulder.  

Today is the first entry - and I'm going to use a few photos and drawings to illustrate the old house footprint and what we aim to accomplish with the kitchen remodel.  

Here is a drawing of the existing house - pre - remodel.  

EXISTING FLOORPLAN

As you can see, the kitchen currently occupies the smallest room on the main level of the house.  

And while the kitchen is the smallest room on the main level, the room with the most space, the lower living room, sits mostly under-utilized.  

What we aim to do is completely relocate the kitchen down to the lower living room.  This will take advantage of the south facing windows for great sunlight, a much larger footprint, and it will also give us the opportunity to create the "great room".  Below is the proposed new floorplan for the main level:

PROPOSED NEW FLOORPLAN

And here is a 3-D rendering of what the new kitchen space will look like once completed.  A mix of zebra wood veneer and high gloss white cabinetry will be topped with a white quartz countertop and a really amazing walnut top on the island.  Sub Zero and Wolf appliances are complimented by the back painted white back splash.  We're even incorporating a new bar into the space to create a place where our homeowners can make a drink after a day at the office. 

First phase of demolition was completed yesterday. Here's our first pic of the new kitchen space, after the built ins were removed.  

Demolition phase one complete! 

Check back with our blog regularly to see the progress as we completely transform this home. We are aiming for weekly updates with photos and notes of our progress.  

Boulder Kitchen on the Drawing Board

This transitional kitchen will soon belong to a family of four in North Boulder.  With construction slated to begin in May, we are just a few months away from completely transforming their space into something really magnificent!


On the Drawing Board - Boulder Modern Kitchen

We are very excited to be entering the final design phase of a fantastic project in Boulder.  This project will be quite extensive in scope, as we are moving the kitchen to a completely separate room in the home.  This transformation is going to give the homeowners a phenomal dining room in the space previously occupied by the old kitchen, and allow for a much larger new kitchen in a previously under utilized space.  Below is a rendering of the new kitchen.  

On the Drawing Board: Cherry Hills Kitchen

We've just completed renderings for a fantastic kitchen in Cherry Hills Village.  This kitchen will be comprised of high gloss walnut, antique mirror, and brush stroke paint on the main island. We are implementing a system of hidden niche storage for the back wall of the kitchen.  Once installed, these sliding doors will hide some really great functional storage for spices, oils, and other cooking items.