April 1, 2013

Custom Bed Surround is an Amazing Use of Cabinetry

Waypoint's style 612D in Cherry Java

I believe in using cabinetry nearly everywhere in the home but this bed surround is a really unique application. Designed for a custom home in Florida it utilizes cabinets typically used in desk design to act as the attached nightstands. The headboard is paneled with matching decorator doors for a rich traditional look. Waypoint's style 612D in Cherry Java

Perhaps the most interesting part of this design is back of the unit. It is composed of a combination of bookshelf units and wall cabinets with glass-front doors and decorative legs. Together they act as a room divider. Filled with books and collectibles, it’s a practical and beautiful way to conceal the back of the bed. The cabinets are capped with granite tops for a finished look. Because the bed is free floating in a very large windowed-filled master bedroom, the back of the unit is seen first when entering the room…so it needs to be nothing short of spectacular.

I love a creative use of cabinetry and this bed surround is positively dreamy!

Connie Edwards CKD, CBD, Waypoint Living Spaces

January 7, 2013

Beautiful Hutches for the Home

Hutches are typically cabinets or shelves placed over a lower unit with a countertop. Often panels or cabinetry capture the sides for a free-standing look. However, all units shown here are built-ins, securely attached to wall just the way kitchen cabinetry is installed.

Found most often in dining rooms and kitchens, hutches offer a way to add variation in cabinet finishes, style as well as additional storage. Let’s look at several hutches that pack a lot of ideas. Waypoint's style 610D in Maple Butterscotch Glaze

The hutch above was designed for a wide hall leading into the kitchen of a home built in the late 1800s. In lieu of a tiled backsplash, matching paneling is use to give a more furniture-like look. The Afton glass inserts in the stacked wall cabinets fits nicely with the style of the home and the broad counter area is a perfect place to set up a buffet for the holidays. Waypoint's style 512sin Oak Espresso

This dining room hutch focuses on entertaining and wine storage. The contemporary pulls with the Espresso finish on oak cabinetry gives an up-to-date transitional look. With a thick open shelf and a place to hang wine glasses, the hutch is functional and attractive. A combination of drawers and standard base storage give a variety ways to tuck things away. Waypoint's style 610D in Maple Mocha Glaze

Above is a way to add an upper hutch to a kitchen. If there is adequate wall cabinet storage in the kitchen, a wall hutch can add visual interest and a place to display cookbooks and pretty serving pieces. Spice drawers conceal recipe cards and small kitchen gadgets.

Even an office can have a hutch-like area. See below. This unit with bookcases and mullion doors cabinets with a wide cove top molding. The upper unit is installed over three File Drawer Base Cabinets helps organize any home. Beaded columns finish off the sides. Waypoint's style 410S in Cherry Java

Hutches can add value to nearly any room and provide a variety ways to enhance the livability of the home.

Connie Edwards CKD, CBD, Waypoint Living Spaces

October 15, 2012

Let Me Entertain You!

Entertainment centers took a major change several years ago (about 2006) when flat screen televisions became affordable. Up until then, televisions were often stored behind doors in armoires. I know because I had one. As technology changed so did storage needs. Now less depth is needed to house a television and there are many more options to make a spectacular built-in that serves multiple needs.

WAYPOINT_ENTERTAINMENTCENTER_720R_CHY_JAVA_001

This cherry entertainment center in Waypoint's style 720R has a traditional look. Ample storage for games and toys in the lower section makes it perfect for a family with children. A granite countertop is an elegant finish to the room.

Some things to discuss with your designer are:

Size of television and if a larger one is in your future
If you will need a computer connection for gaming or other activities
What other equipment will be needed to support the TV; satellite receiver box, sound systems etc.

With that information in hand, your designer is on the way to the perfect entertainment center for your home. Here are two more ideas to inspire you.

A small area next to the fireplace in the den of this contemporary home was perfect for a well-thought-out entertainment center. Three-inch thick open shelves give a modern look and the glass doors in the lower cabinets allows for a remote control to be used.

As part of an extensive basement remodeling a combination entertainment center and office was created in Maple Linen to add to the brightness of the room. Lots of storage space and a blackboard message center complete the space.

Connie Edwards CKD, CBD, Waypoint Living Spaces

September 10, 2012

Fireplace Built-Ins Add Style and Storage

Nothing beats a cozy fireplace as summer turns to fall. Maybe now is the time to give some thought to making the most of that space. Built-ins will add a custom look with the extra bonus of more storage. Whether building a new home, putting on an addition or remodeling an existing room, adding built-ins takes a little planning. Building codes have to be considered but your designer will walk you through that process. In addition, various types of storage, electrical needs and lighting are all big issues to be considered.

Types of Storage: Open shelving, closed base storage for games and toys or a combination of both are just some of the options. If the project is going to be done, it should enhance the lives of the people living there.

Electrical Needs: Sometimes the fireplace wall is also the wall where the television has to be placed. Proper outlets and a hookup for cable may only be the beginning. Is a sound system part of the plan? If so, electrical must be added.

Lighting: Fireplace built-ins are often a great place for feature lighting. Whether it is a ceiling mounted wall washer to highlight the stone work or a place for beautiful wall sconces, lighting can make all the difference in the finished product.

Below are three idea-packed fireplace built-ins that will inspire.

Waypoint's style 630F in Cherry Chocolate Glaze

An asymmetrical arrangement of storage cabinets are featured in a bedroom with a contemporary fireplace. Note the extension of the streamline mantel becomes the cap on the cabinetry.

Formal stacked cabinets flank the original fireplace in this 1905 home. Decorative glass inserts in the upper doors are perfect for showing off china and crystal in this dining room.

Not only is the mullion door cabinetry from Waypoint but the columns and mantle were site-built from matching cherry moldings and panels. The built-ins are perfect for this home with an Arts & Crafts feel.

Were you surprised that only one of the photos featured a fireplace in a family room? Fireplaces are so popular they can go anywhere in the home.

Connie Edwards CKD, CBD, Waypoint Living Spaces

December 26, 2011

Dining Room Built-ins Dressed Up for the Holidays

Most of you know that I love built-ins used around the home to add style and storage. This dining room is one of my all-time favorites because the cabinets look like they are original to this Victorian home. Some of the secrets to designing a built-in with a period feel are:

The layered top molding is more than 7 ½” tall and has enough detail to be appropriate for an older home.
Waypoint’s Fincastle Glass in all the wall cabinets has real zinc caming and an intricate and elegant pattern.
The stacked wall cabinets add a charming look for the period home.
Crema Marfil marble is used as countertop for the cabinets adding an old-fashioned look.
A furniture toe kick completes the look.

Waypoint dining room built-in shown in style 720R Maple Linen

Part of the secret to making a built-in appropriate to an older home is the door style and finish. Here, Waypoint's style 720R in Maple Linen look like they are original to the home.

I love that we were able to share this beautiful built-in with a holiday party look because it gives me the opportunity to wish all my readers the very best of the holiday season.

Connie Edwards CKD, CBD, Waypoint Living Spaces

August 1, 2011

Waypoint Living Spaces® Participating in Sunset Magazine’s Smart Homes Project

Waypoint Living Spaces is proud to participate in Sunset magazine’s Smart Homes 2011. The project is a multi-use development comprised of four townhomes anchored by street-level commercial space. The development is located in the heart of Palo Alto California, making it easy to walk, bike or take mass transit to work, play or shopping destinations.

Rendering of the Sunset Smart Homes 2011

Two of the townhomes will be transformed into the Sunset Smart Homes featuring sustainable building practices and cutting edge technology. Waypoint is providing the cabinetry for both kitchens, a number of bathrooms and built-ins. If you are in the area, you don’t want to miss it. A four-week series of on-site seminars and open houses will be held Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from September 23^rd to October 16^th. Hours are 10-5.

Below is a guest blog by Sarah Gaffney, Sunset magazine’s home project manager.

Breaking Ground on the Sunset Smart Homes

by Sarah Gaffney

In just 10 weeks, we will complete construction on Silicon Valley’s greenest mixed-use development: the Sunset http://www.sunset.com/smarthomes

Everything about these homes is designed with “smart” in mind: from design and technology to energy efficiencies, location, and even furniture choices, we are creating two modern homes that provide exciting ideas for you to take away and make your own.

The Smart Homes will offer a little something for everyone. One home is designed with the young, on-the-go family in mind. We call them the Optimists. They are on the cutting-edge of all things high-tech. Technologies are blended seamlessly into their home (security, TV, music, temperature, lighting control, etc.) and all are operable from their mobile devices, anywhere, any time. It’s not the future, it’s now!

Next door to the Optimists, live the Explorers. These jet-setting tastemakers retired early so they’d have plenty of time to enjoy the finer things in life: specifically, travel and wine. Their home is filled with collections from their world journeys and is the place to be for weekend dinner parties and wine pairings. They use technology to monitor energy costs and safeguard their home while away, as well as enhancing the entertainment value (music, movies, slide shows of their travels) of their home.

Welcome to week one of our fast-paced project. We’ll chronicle the construction in this blog and look at what goes on behind the scenes. Come back often and watch us build!

I hope you enjoyed this guest blog and will follow the project!

Connie Edwards CKD, CBD, Waypoint Living Spaces