KENWOOD DEPOT

KENWOOD

This is the Kenwood Depot is in Sonoma County I fell upon driving to a client one day. It was once a working train station for the Pacific railroad from 1837 until 1947. The architecture detail of the stone masonry was interesting to me, it is a modified Romaneque. From what I understand, they have wedding events there. Still a working building all these years.

HANGER CLOTHING COVERS - PROTECTORS!

CLOTHING PROTECTORS!

These are really cool coverlets or protectors for clothing to prohibit dust and dirt on the shoulders or other damage to ones clothing. I really like them, because I can see through it to my clothing and not use ugly plastic.

With plastic you run the risk of the residue of the plastic rubbing off onto your clothing. Because plastic does not breath it may only melt onto your clothing. Besides we are all getting rid of junk plastic in our homes.

These inexpensive, breathable, nylon covers can be reused for many years and can also be washed.

Purchase on line at:
Anna PorterGBK Enterprise
www.gbkenterprise.com

ST. HELENA CUSTOM BOOKSHELVING

ST. HELENA CUSTOM BOOK SHELVING & DESK

This is a recently finished wall unit for book shelving and attached desk I (Malka) designed for a home in St. Helena. It is made of a custom stained alder by our shop. I worked with the best contractor I have ever worked with of all the 30 years that I have been in this business. Of course she is a woman who is always well organized herself; Polly Ogden. Polly specified the tall valance for this terrific lighting fixture that can glide back and forth. I am sure it looks much better with books and artifacts on the shelving. A very satisfying, creative job and a lovely clients, as always.

MALKA'S TOUR OF NAPA VALLEY'S NATURAL ORDER

NAPA VALLEY'S NATURAL FALL ORDER

Yofi, my poodle and I make a daily walk through out the vineyards of Napa Valley before going to work creating organized cabinetry.

It is my daily reminder as to how natural order in the world is my teacher and coach in how we all keep order in our homes. Nothing should be forced or fake. It is a process of design and innovation to create calmness and order in the homes of my client's.

As a designer I wish for my client's to have the same natural order and ease in their homes as the natural order of the earth. For the season of fall is a time to let go of dead attachments, to slow down and live a less florid life. This is the season of the autumn.

JOE MONTANA'S HOUSE TOUR

VILLA MONTANA

Villa Montana is a magnificent California wine-country estate owned by football legend Joe Montana. Set on more than 500 acres in Calistoga, this private property includes a 9,700-square-foot Tuscan-inspired home. It also includes a professional-grade equestrian center, two creeks that run year-round, a private pond, a full-sized basketball court, a skeet shooting range, a caretaker’s residence, a guest house, pool and spa, a gymnasium, a bocce-ball court, and a olive oil producing olive orchard.
Joe Montana and his wife have moved down south and have left this home for sale. Located in the very north part of The Napa Valley it faces St. Helena Mountain. Apparently, short of moving to Italy, Joe Montana designed this house to be as though it was in Italy.

ECO FRIENDLY SHREDDER

HAND - CRANKED PAPER SHREDDER

I have a couple of problems with these modern day shredders in my client's home offices. They are large, in the way and have a mess of electrical wire to deal with and attempt to hide or at least make less conspicuous. Falling upon this very small hand-cranked paper shredder I think is the best choice around. Since most home offices generally do not have a lot of paper to shred there is no need for a large shredder. Besides many of us are attempting to go paperless, therefore we shall have even less need for a cumbersome shredder in the future.

Made by Yuen'to Design & Idea International's and can be purchased at: www.aplusrstore.com

EXCLUSIVE BUTTONS!

EXCLUSIVE BUTTONS

Yes this is a little off my beaten track of closets and orderly things, but I came across my now favorite personal source of pleasure I need to share.

In a little corner of the world of the San Francisco Bay, I fell upon this eclectic, fascinating and wondrous little vintage button store - Exclusive Buttons in El Cerrito.

Gracefully endowed by Mary Sortile, for which once was her husband's inventory from peddling buttons to Five & Dime Stores for over 60 years. Mary Sortile intimately assists particular and appreciative designers with the choices of a lifetime from precious buttons of the past including bone, horn and the famous plastic of Bakelite.

EXCLUSIVE BUTTONS
10252 San Pablo Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530
510.524.5606

Winter Hours:
Friday & Saturday 10:00 to 3:30
Summer Hours
Friday & Saturday 11:00 to 4:00

DANIEL LAVITT

ART & HOUSE TOUR ROLLED IN ONE:
DANIEL LAVITT

Daniel Lavitt a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, is a innovative sculptor and installation artist creating a provocative glare of art in "space."

Size and scale and function and efficiency are highlighted in his art. Funny to me since my work as a cabinet designer I do the same thing designing for better space and efficiency.

But, this is what I find provocative in his work; his visions and his application of it creating the "Art." I love it, it moves me and makes me smile.

I first met him as a mere baby in the arms of my dear friend, his mom. He now is a marvelous and thought provoking, creative artist who make us think.

POUFFE

This is a beginning of a new lesson plan where I will share and illustrate the definition of a word that has something to do with the industry of closets and cabinetry, under the context of beauty and order.

Pouffe
A round, large, heavily stuffed cushion that serves as a seat fashionable from the early 19th century.
Examples above starting on the top; the new Missoni ZigZag Glam Pouffe. Others are beautiful, soft and useful addition to a walk in closet.

GARAGE DOORS!!!

GARAGE DOORS!

Top off a well organized garage with a "stop in your tracks" garage door billboard cover.
Made in Munich, Germany by Thomas Sassenbach, these simple Velcro attachment are of a indestructible high-quality material.
Choose from a large selection of innovative and creative designs or your own photo of your liking, perhaps of your own children - blown up.

I must also mention that my dear cabinet designer friend; Denise Butchko of Chicago turned me on to this great source through facebook. She also creates amazing garage, closets and other cabinetry but in Illinois.
www.style-your-garage.com