This custom shelving unit was created using plumber's pipe and reclaimed boards that were found in a neighbor's back yard. We think the overall effect is really unique now that it is installed on this tiled wall. You can achieve some pretty unique looks by mixing materials that wouldn't naturally be found together. Here, we used steel, reclaimed wood, and a marble-looking tile to create an aesthetic that is eclectic and interesting.
How to Plan for In Floor Heating / Radiant Heat in Your Bath
It's one of the most asked for luxuries in a bathroom project - in fact I can't remember the last time it was not part of a major overhaul of a master bathroom. Radiant Heating, also known as in floor heating, is becoming a standard for the modern luxury bath.
Frequently asked questions about in floor heating:
1. How is it installed?
2. How is the temperature controlled?
3. Will my bathroom become too hot if I don't eliminate the existing heat registers?
4. Can I use radiant heat under my wood floors?
5. Do's and Dont's
Answers:
1. At it's most basic premise, radiant heat is a system that heats the floor of a room. Related to a bathroom, the preferred method is to use a self contained electric system. There are several companies that provide these systems, but my personal favorite is the Schluter Ditra.
It is a self contained electric system that comes in a single box. Tile setters perform the installation but an electrician is necessary for providing the electrical connection. Communicating the specifications and details in the early stages is very important to all sub contractors on your project.
Whether you use the Schluter system or a similar one, the installation process is fairly straight forward. These heating systems come in "mats". The wires are either embedded in the mats or they are laid directly into the mats (as with the Schluter).
The Schluter Dietra System is a mat and wire system. First the mat is laid, and then the wires are placed at specific intervals for the areas that heating is desired. In this system, you can dictate which areas receive heat and which do not.
Whether you are using a pre-sized heat mat or the system noted above, it is laid on top of thinset above the sub flooring. Another layer of thinset is applied on top of the mat when the tile is installed.
2. The temperature is controlled by a thermostat that is placed on the wall. Thermostats are now fully programmable, meaning you can have your heated floor turn on to a certain temperature at a specific time and then turn off after a specified time period. So if a couple usually wakes up at 7AM, they can set the thermostat to reach a certain temperature by 6:55AM setting the floors to a perfect temperature before anyone ever steps foot into the room. After the usual routine of bathing and grooming, the floors return to a "dormant" state, and the heat is turned off. You can repeat this process several times during the day if needed.
3. Each house is different, so assessing the current heating situation is vital prior to planning for radiant heat. However, in most cases, radiant heat is sufficient for heating an entire room and no additional heat registers are necessary.
4. Always check with the manufacturer of the flooring as to its compatibility with radiant heat. Dependent upon the wood species, climate, and installation you should be able to utilize radiant heat under wooden floors. Generally speaking, engineered hardwoods perform best.
5. Do: lay radiant heat under areas in front of each vanity sink, in front of the toilet, and around bathtubs. Dont's: Do not lay radiant heat under the footprint of a cabinet, bathtub, or toilet. Laying radiant heat under a toilet will cause the wax ring to melt and become a big issue in the future.
The cost of radiant heat has come down dramatically over the past few years. An installation can be completed in a day and the units themselves are not terribly expensive. Radiant heat has become one of the most popular add on items to a master bath remodel with good reason. Who wants to stand on cold tile first thing in the morning?
In the Press
in Updates
Sanctuary Kitchen and Bath Design featured in the April 2015 issue of Colorado Homes and Lifestyles.
Click HERE to view a PDF version of the article.
On the Drawing Board...
What you are looking at is not a photograph! This is a rendering of an arts and crafts style kitchen that we have been working on for a few months. I find that the rendering medium is an extremely powerful tool for communicating designs to clients prior to signing off. This particular kitchen will be new construction in the Park Hill neighborhood of Denver.
Netuno Bordeaux granite slabs
These beautiful pieces of granite are being prepare for fabrication. They will adorn a fantastic bar that is nearing completion in the Hilltop neighborhood.
Favorite Products from KBIS 2015
in Updates, Educational
Below are photos and short descriptions of some of my favorite new and innovative products from KBIS 2015. Held annually, this show is a great way for manufacturers and service providers to connect with designers and other industry pros. The show provides quite a bit of inspiration for me. The ideas I see here often translate into new and innovative concepts and I look forward to translating what I've found into tangible designs for my customers.
The theme that runs through this year's show is integration of technology into the home. Touchless plumbing fixtures, home automation systems, countertops that charge mobile devices, new manufacturing techniques, and integrated smart lighting are just a few of the ways that manufacturers are changing the way we live in and use our homes. It's certainly an exciting time to be remodeling or building.
Ann Sacks structured tiles
Solid surface freestanding tub in matte finish
Dipped metal finish cabinet doors with wrapped channel construction
Brizo Kitchen Faucet
Built in wall wine coolers by Liebherr
Recessed channel LED lighting by Hafele
Ever wonder what a $50,000 range looks like? LaCornue
Kohler's gigantic space
Contemporary Powder Bath
Recently completed work! This powder room in Longmont, CO is clean, simple, and reinforces the fact that small spaces can be amazing and functional without going overboard. I specified a bamboo plank wall behind the vanity. The 6" wide planks really warm the space, and the 1/4" gaps between the boards provide a shadow line which is also interesting. Wall hung vanity keeps the space feeling open and airy and I love the Brizo faucet that is mounted on the wall. Wall mount faucets are a great option for small spaces because they allow for extra counterspace and are incredibly easy to clean around. Limestone plank flooring in a herringbone pattern. I worked in conjunction with Melton Design Build in Boulder, CO on this project. Melton is an AMAZING construction company. Their attention to detail and customer service are second to none. Highly recommended!
Sanctuary Kitchen Design Featured in Current Issue of Kitchen and Bath Ideas!
This bathroom seems to be a crowd favorite! It is featured in the winter issue of Kitchen and Bath Ideas by Better Homes and Gardens. Unfortunately, I cannot link to a digital version of the article, as the publication does not offer their content online for free. However! You can purchase this on newsstands NATIONWIDE until March 9. Here's a link to purchase a copy online : http://bhgspecials.zinio.com/browse/publications/index.jsp?productId=500622041
New Projects - Winter 2014/2015
I'm very excited about the projects on the drawing board at the moment. It will be a busy winter!
Hilltop Neighborhood Denver - Ground has finally been broken on our new build in Hilltop! My clients are a young family of three and they are building a house to live in and raise their family. I am very excited about designing their kitchen and bathrooms. We will be calling upon the white kitchen to anchor the great room on the main floor of this house, and it will be an amazing, comfortable, warm space when I am finished with it. Drawings are underway and I'm happy to say that I'll have some 3-D renderings of this space before too long to show you.
Secondly, but happening much sooner, is a remodel just up the street from the new home I mentioned earlier. I'm pleased to announce that we will begin work on a major remodel on a home just acquired by a wonderful family of four that recently relocated from another major city. This project will entail new walnut flooring throughout the second floor of the home and a major overhaul of the basement which will include a home movie theater, new bar, billiard table area, home fitness gym, and children's arts and crafts room. We're moving fast on this one and are hoping for a January completion.
Boulder - work continues on our condo remodel on Pearl Street. As we enter the construction phase of the project, I will keep you updated with quick pics of the progress.
Also in Boulder - another great young family has retained me to redesign their second floor master suite area. Plans call for a complete overhaul of the function of this second level of their home. I am planning for a spectacular master bath retreat complete with free standing tub and custom shower. We're also going to add a laundry room to the second floor and refinish the existing guest bathroom as part of the scope of work.
My third project in Boulder for this winter entails a very similar scope of work in redesigning an existing second level in a home to better fit the lifestyle of the hard working couple that owns the house. I will be working with Melton Design Build again on this project to create a space that works both functionally and aesthetically.
Bonnie Brae Neighborhood, Denver - We will make some minor alterations to the office and master bathroom of this home in the short term. Longer term - an addition is in the design phase to connect a detached garage to the main portion of the home. I will be working with the homeowners to design an interior layout that best maximizes the use of this new space. Funny story: This will be my second time working on this exact home, but now with different owners!
Fort Collins - I've recently been retained to redesign a kitchen in an absolutely beautiful home. The kitchen has obviously been taken care of over the years, but it is in desperate need of a major remodel. We will be knocking down walls and annexing space from a seldom used formal dining area to create a space that is comfortable, functional, and beautiful.
I promise to keep you updated on the slate of projects on the drawing board as work progresses. It will be an exciting winter with a lot of great designs happening!
Scouting Shots of a White Transitional Kitchen
So you'll notice right off the bat that these are not the highest quality photographs. That's because I took them myself with my phone camera. So please forgive the quality! I posted a few pics earlier this fall of this kitchen in various stages of installation, so hopefully this will tie it all together and you'll get an idea of what the space turned out like.
The defining feature of the kitchen is definitely the sink wall facing out onto the back yard. We were unable to remove a soffit due to structural beams in the ceiling, so instead, we tiled the whole wall with herringbone mosaic carrara marble and the installed 3" thick floating shelves with LED puck lights.
Another feature in this kitchen that is a bit unusual is the use of reclaimed Wyoming dairy barn wood for accent pieces on the back of the island and peninsula. The gray tones work really well with the carrara marble and Caesarstone countertops. I also really pushed for the waterfall edges on the ends of the island, and I am so glad the homeowners decided to go for it.
The floating shelves are 3" thick and have a small detail on the top and bottom edge. I used 2-1/4" LED puck lights (3 on each side) as undercabinet lighting. The pucks are aesthetically pleasing and provide for valuable light on the countertop surface, which is Frosty Carrina, by Caesarstone.
Before / After Bathroom Photos of a Pool House in Cherry Hills Village
This bathroom is inside a great pool house in Cherry Hills Village. We had to work around the existing tile flooring, which isn't great. It's sort of a peach / pink color. The previous homeowners painted the walls a flesh tone, which did not help. Working with BOA Construction, I designed a new bathroom for the pool house using Porcelanosa wainscot tile, a custom 8" thick concrete countertop with trough sink, and a custom vanity with polished chrome inlays on the legs.
Having to work around the existing flooring was a challenge. However, the material and color choices made during the design process dramatically cut down on the pinkish hue that was previously there.
Here are the before / after shots!
The vanity is designed with an open shelf bottom, to store rolled-up towels for guests. Four drawers provide nice storage. The legs are 4" in diameter and have polished chrome inlays running from top to bottom. My favorite part of this piece is the 8" thick concrete countertop that rests on top of the vanity. It has an integrated trough sink. Brizo Virage Faucet and sconces.
Polished chrome accents with white paint finish and black concrete is a great combination.
The wall tile is from Porcelanosa. It's a Spanish company that imports to the US, and they carry some amazing product. This particular tile is porcelain and it is manufactured with a matte finish wood grain. We installed the 12x24 tiles horizontally on the walls throughout the bathroom with a polished chrome accent piece on top. The effect is very light and airy and it creates a "beach" feel; perfect for a pool house.
This picture shows what a "trough" sink refers to. The sink is cast as part of the mold in the concrete fabrication process. Very clean and elegant.
I updated the fireplace with the same tile we used for wainscot in the bathroom. Both vertical corners are adorned with Porcelanosa corner trim in polished chrome.
Before Photos:
News, News, News
I can't believe it's been a month since my last post! I've been busy the past few weeks and unfortunately, sometimes social media has to take a backseat to real work taking place...
New projects:
An industrial modern home, built by Austin Signature Homes, is nearing the interior finish phase. Austin Signature Homes has been a premier builder in Denver for more than 30 years and I am excited about working with them. This particular home is located in Observatory Park. We are working with rift cut white oak, textured laminates, and large format glass as finishing colors and textures in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Second, a referral from an old client led me to a really fun young couple that is building a new home in Hilltop. They plan on breaking ground in the next month or so. While we are still a few months away from framing, it's never too early to start planning and designing.
Our master bathroom remodel in Evergreen comes to a close this week. It has come along nicely and we just finished painting the walls a great color by Benjamin Moore called Revere Pewter. I'll have some shots of the final space in a few weeks. Oh by the way, we are on budget and on schedule with this one, as usual!
Last but not least, I'm happy to announce that I've officially moved into an office shared by two other great companies: Jones Custom Builders and Hive Architects. I have worked with both on a couple of projects over the past few years. Architecture, construction, and design all under one roof. Not a bad combo!
New Projects for Fall / Winter 2014
New projects for Fall / Winter 2014
Read MoreDenver Polo Club Kitchen by Chris Awadalla featured in 5280 Home Magazine Autumn 2014 Issue
I was happy to design the kitchen for this project by interior designer Megan Kane in Denver's Polo Club neighborhood, just south of Cherry Creek. Jones Custom Builders did a wonderful job, as always, implementing the great design with amazing craftsmanship.
Click below for full article!
http://www.5280.com/dwell/magazine/2014/08/hit-refresh
Here are 15 Ways to Add Really Functional Storage to Your New Kitchen
If you haven't checked out Houzz.com yet and you are planning on remodeling or building a new home....go there now! It is stocked full of great ideas for those of us that love design, architecture, and construction.
Click on the link below to read an article that highlights some unique ways to add functional storage to your kitchen.
Progress of Our White Transitional Kitchen Remodel in Boulder
This transitional white kitchen is shaping up to be a proper space. My clients have been incredibly great to work with, so I am excited about the fact that they will be using this kitchen in a few short weeks.
We had a solid concept in the initial planning stages & I was very happy with the way things were drawn up....However, I think that now that the finishing items are being delivered and being installed I'm even more happy about the way it will turn out. White cabinetry, white Caesarstone countertops and herringbone carrara are going to make this kitchen pop.
Here are a few progress photos...and I'm happy to say AHEAD of schedule!
The peninsula will house the 5 burner gas cooktop and downdraft. The island will now be used solely for prep surface. Previously, the island was almost unusable because the cooktop took up the entire surface.
The stainless steel farmhouse sink will provide a nice modern contrast to some rustic elements we are incorporating into the design
One thing that will really give this space a truly unique feel is the incorporation of some reclaimed barn wood that I found at Front Range Timber in Denver. Love those guys. They go to Wyoming and tear down old dairy farms, then repurpose the planks for projects such as ours...
Reclaimed barn wood will wrap the back of the island and the peninsula.
Here are a few pics of tile that we will be using in the space.
This amazing pattern is being installed around the fireplace surround, which is visible from the kitchen
1 x 2 Carrara Herringbone backsplash
There will be a lot of work happening in the next two weeks in this space that will dramatically transform it. I'll keep you posted!
Before / After Concept
Concept boards for a new project in Evergreen
Here are the before pictures. Click on the picture to advance to next pic.
Here are the concept models...Click on the picture to advance to next pic.
Here are a few product samples we like. I aim to create a serene space with minimal color transitions and simple lines. We'll add interest with home owner artifacts that have been procured in far away places.
Click on the picture to advance to next pic.
The tub filler is polished nickel. Brizo Virage collection
Planning for Switches and Outlets in Your Kitchen Design
It is quite easy to overlook the placement of GFCI receptacles (outlets) and light switches in your kitchen design. We use these items so often that they become an oversight because they're always just "there" when you need them. However, somebody had to think about where to put that light switch or that GFCI outlet. It didn't just appear there...
I use a few simple guidelines for switch and outlet placement when designing my clients' spaces. Simply spending a few minutes in the design phase to lay out these items can make a big difference in the overall function of a finished space.
Outlet Specification and Placement
Have you ever heard of a "decora" style switch or receptacle but were unsure of what it meant? It refers to a line of outlets and switches manufactured by Leviton. The "rocker-style" switches and square styled receptacles look more modern and have more features than the old school style of outlets, so they are preferred by most homeowners.
Each municipality has its own requirements and codes for the placement of GFCI receptacles in the kitchen. So you'll need to ask your electrician what the exact distances are for your town. However, I can tell you that in its most general sense, you will need GFCI receptacles in the following locations in every kitchen:
- Within approximately 2 feet of the outside edge of any sink located along a wall
- On an island: one receptacle on each end of the island
- On a peninsula: one receptacle on the end of the peninsula
- On the kitchen walls: one receptacle every 2 feet (approximate. Again, check with your electrician for the exact dimensions required by your town's codes)
If you don't want to see GFCI receptacles in your kitchen backsplash, you can also use what's called "plug mold". Plug mold is more costly than standard outlets and more difficult to plan for and install, but it's very convenient and it completely hides your required outlets up under the wall cabinets.
Plug mold is a great alternative to standard outlets in the kitchen backsplash. There are several manufacturers of plug mold.
Another option I love for new kitchen outlets is the new Adorne line of receptacles and switches by Legrand.
The pop out outlet from Legrand is a great look in every kitchen
Outlets are a necessary eye-sore in every room, but most important in the kitchen. When planning your kitchen outlets, think about where you will place your small countertop appliances and where you'd like to have them plugged in. When in doubt, add an outlet.
You'll also want to think about where you'll charge your phone, tablet, and other mobile devices. When space allows, I always plan for a charging station in the kitchen. Not every kitchen has the room for it, but most do. Having a spot to charge your devices away from where food preparation occurs is a very nice thing. So don't forget to think about that aspect as well.
Switch Placement in the Kitchen
When laying out the switch placement in a kitchen, I always start by looking at the traffic patterns of the space. Most kitchens have 2 main entrances, sometimes three. I will identify those spots and locate my switches for the main ceiling lighting (most of the time it's the recessed cans) in a spot where they are easily accessed by those entrances. I almost always specify dimmers for the main can lighting.
The undercabinet lighting is usually switched somewhere in the kitchen backsplash. It is helpful to label the switches so that guests know what they're looking for when trying to turn on lights.
Accent lighting can be switched almost anywhere. (Accent lighting refers to the interior cabinet lights, or perhaps downlighting under the toekick). Just make sure you think about it before the electrician shows up and decides for himself where it should go without consulting you first!
Whisper Switch from Legrand
The main guidelines to follow are below. Sometimes, giving an unglamorous subject (such as switches and outlets) just a few minutes of thought is all it takes to really save yourself some major headaches down the road!
- Ensure that all GFCI requirements are met in your kitchen. This means you will need outlets near the sinks, on the ends of the island or peninsula, and also above any courter surface - in the wall.
- Think about what sort of receptacles you want to see. Are you OK with the old style outlets and switches? Or would you prefer to spend a little more and get some modern outlets that have a better look?
- Identify the major entrances / exits to the kitchen. Place switches for the main ceiling lighting at these locations. Use a three way switch that will allow you to operate the lights from more than one entrance for best convenience. Identify which lights should have dimmers and communicate to electrician.
- The switch placement for undercabinet or accent lighting can be placed anywhere you choose. However, ensure that you think about this prior to the work being commenced.
- Spend a little bit of time thinking about what sort of phones or tablets you might want to keep in the kitchen and where you will charge them. Do you want an exposed countertop area where your devices will be out in the open for everyone to see? Or would you prefer to hide them behind doors? Both of these options are available to you, it is really a matter of deciding which you prefer early in the design process and then planning accordingly.
A Modern Bathroom in Greenwood Village - Scouting Shots
Scouting shots from a recent bathroom remodel in Greenwood Village. Here are some of the highlights...
Cracked glass floor detail...Axor tub filler and faucets...custom Anegre veneer high polish cabinetry.
We used a really great luminescent tile for an accent in the shower. The wall tile is a 12x24 porcelain that is very similar to crema marfil marble.
Axor fixture, shown in front of the niche we built for additional storage. The storage niche is great for the homeowners' electric toothbrushes and has its own LED lighting and GFCI receptacles.
Shower niche
The free standing tub is by Hydro Systems, and the tub filler is the Axor Massaud. Striking!
Quick Pics from Boston
in Educational
My wife and I are in Boston for the Memorial Day holiday attending her close friend's wedding. It has been five years since our last visit and I forgot just how amazing this city's architecture is.
The Fairmont Copley Hotel is recognized as a Historic Hotel of America. Did you know - it's sister hotel is The Plaza in New York City. Both were designed by the architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh.
I try to keep an eye out for interesting architectural details when I visit cities. These little details sometimes can be used in future projects.
This column is part of a bridge crossing in The Public Gardens. I like the shape of the dentil mould and the pyramid center panel on each side. Might make a nice island detail...
Beautiful tile inlay for a bathroom?
Arched paneling for an entranceway. This photo is from Peacock Alley in the Fairmont Copley Hotel.
Trinity Church
Happy Memorial Day
