Tuesday, December 21, 2010

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.

Friday, December 17, 2010

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 Porter
GBK Enterprise
www.gbkenterprise.com

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

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.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

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.

Friday, December 3, 2010

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.