Spacial Design Website
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www.spacialdesign.com
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Local Events & Cooking Demo's
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Tuesday February 3, 20099:30 am - 3:30pmTickets $40 per person Lunch Ticket $25 per person served at the San Francisco Yacht Club in Tiburon 11-2:00pm
An exclusive look at some of the most beautiful kitchens in Belvedere and Tiburon. Tour six beautiful. kitchens designed by local designers, architects and contractors.
Transportation begins outside the San Francisco Yacht Club, 98 Beach Road, Belvedere.
For more information call 415-490-2767 or visit their website at....
http://www.belvedere-hawthorne.com/
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Standards of Excellence
530 West Francisco Blvd.
San Rafael, CA
Food For Thought
Tuesday February 17, 2009
Join Chef Rachelle Boucher for a FREE culinary edu-tasting program
from 6:30 to 9:00pm.
Standards of Excellence
530 West Francisco Blvd
San Rafael, CA
Every Saturday from 11:00-3:00 PM
Appliances Demos - See website calender for details.
http://www.standardsofexcellence.com/
Dacor Showroom
871 Dubuque Ave
South San Francisco, CA
Join the Dacor Showroom for a complimentary Dacor Dinner and Cooking Demonstartion.
Contact Charlene to reserve a space. 650.624.8283
See their website for more great classes and information and their products. http://www.dacor.com/
Cooking for Kids!
Get your kids involved!
Check out this great website:http://whatscooking.info/They specialize in cooking classes and gifts for kids! |
Butterscotch Pudding  If you have ever tasted the Butterscotch Pudding at The Lark Creek Inn in Larkspur you will understand that there is nothing like it! This recipe comes close, which means more box pudding for us! Ingredients:
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoon cornstarch
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into bits
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Accompaniment: lightly sweetened whipped cream
Preparation:
Whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in
a heavy medium saucepan, then whisk in milk and cream.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking frequently, then boil, whisking, 1 minute.
Remove from heat and whisk in butter
and vanilla.
Pour into a bowl, then cover surface with buttered wax paper and chill until cold, at least 1 1/2 hours.
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Beef Chili with Ancho, Mole, and Cumin
The meat, ancho, mole and cumin are the stars in this delicious Chili recipe!
1 tablespoon cumin seeds 4 bacon slices, chopped
1 4-pound boneless chuck roast, trimmed, cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch cubes 1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
4 large garlic cloves, chopped
3 1/2 cups (or more) beef broth, divided 1/4 cup pure ancho chile powder 1/4 cup Texas-style chili powder blend (such as Gebhardt) 1 tablespoon mole paste 2 teaspoons (or more) salt 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled 1 to 2 tablespoons masa (corn tortilla mix) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Garnishes:
Warm, freshly cooked or drained canned black beans or pinto beans
Chopped white, red, or green onions
Grated cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or Queso Fresco
Sour Cream
Tortilla chipsPreparation:
Toast cumin seeds in heavy small
skillet over medium heat until fragrant,
stirring often, 4 to 5 minutes. Cool; grind
finely in spice mill or in mortar with
pestle.
You can also use Cumin Powder.
Sauté bacon in large pot over medium high
heat until brown and crisp. Using
slotted spoon, transfer bacon to large bowl.
Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. Working
in 4 batches, sauté beef in drippings in pot
until browned, about 5 minutes per batch.
Transfer beef and most drippings to bowl
with bacon.
Add onion and garlic to pot.
Sauté until onion begins to brown, about
5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup broth to pot. Bring
to boil, scraping up browned bits. Return
beef, bacon, and any accumulated juices to
pot. Mix in ancho chile powder, Texas-style
chili powder, mole paste, 2 teaspoons salt,
vinegar, oregano, and cumin seeds. Add 3
cups broth; bring to boil.
Reduce heat to
very low and simmer gently uncovered until
beef is very tender, stirring occasionally
and adding more broth by 1/2 cupfuls if chili
is dry, about 2 1/2 hours.
Mix in masa by
teaspoonfuls to thicken chili or add more
broth by 1/4 cupfuls to thin. Season chili
with salt, pepper, and cayenne, if desired.
DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cool 1
hour. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover
and keep chilled. Rewarm over low heat.
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Aristocratic Cabinetry New Product!
Aristocratic Cabinets is proud to introduce the new "Elements" Veneer Collection, consisting of seventeen masterfully engineered composite veneers.
These composite veneers are created from a combination of obeche and koto logs harvested from managed forests in Africa and plantation-grown poplar.
The logs are cut into veneers that are dyed using a heated pressurized dying vat. The different colored veneers are then dried.After drying, the veneers are glued up in a specific color sequence, depending on which species of wood is being mimicked. The result is a large, glued up block that is held under pressure until the glue dries. This block is then sliced into the the composite veneers that are in their collection.
Advantages for the use of composite veneers in Kitchen and Bath.
1.Consistency of grain and pattern color.
2.Composite veneers do not darken with age; however, they may lightnen with prolonged exposure to sunlight.
3.Many of the veneers have a tight grain pattern, which allowsthem to be used horizontally without grain matching.
4. Composite veneers achieve the look of expensive wood venners at a much more reasonalbe cost.www.aristocraticcabinets.com
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6 Low-Carbon Companies for Your Home
It's never been easier to eco-chic your home
in style, thanks to retailers who are
fashioning remarkable pieces of furniture and decor using eco-forward
materials and practices.
By using sustainable materials and reducing their carbon footprints
through alternative energy consumption and carbon-offset purchases,
this group of six manufacturers and retailers are making it possible
for us to create warm and inviting homes, while also fighting the
warming of the planet. Now that's the kind of multitasking we can
really get behind!3r Living
Online shop 3R Living offers an array of eco-friendly home goods and
offsets all shipping-related carbon emissions through Carbon Fund.
www.3Rliving.com
Bentley Prince Street Rugs
Bentley Prince Street rugs' arresting prints and colors have inspired a
following that includes both modernists and traditionalists alike.
Kudos to the company for not just purchasing carbon offsets, but also
taking the next step to actually reduce emissions: Bentley has reduced
the amount of waste sent to landfills during the manufacturing process
by 92 percent, and makes rug backings with post-consumer recycled
content.
www.bprugs.com
Grass Roots
Grass Roots online store features a careful selection of eco-friendly
products that are shipped out carbon-neutral through the company's
purchase of offsets. The company also buys 100 percent renewable energy
for its Canadian stores. Check out the site's salvaged wood serving
platter-perfect for green entertaining!
www.grassrootsstore.com
Knu
Modern home and office furniture manufacturer Knu scores points for not
printing catalogs that kill trees (and also clutters our mailboxes).
The company manufactures its (mostly) sustainably harvested wood
furniture in an energy efficient facility that offsets 100 percent of
its carbon emissions. All pieces can be viewed exclusively online.
www.getknu.com
Loll Designs
Give your backyard a sleek makeover with Loll's innovative outdoor
furniture collection. The tables and chairs are made using 100 percent
recycled plastic collected from objects like milk jugs, detergent
bottles and margarine tubs. Plus, the company packages all products in
recycled cardboard boxes, donates 1 percent of sales to environmental
programs and offsets the carbon emissions related to shipping.
www.lolldesigns.com
Shaklee Corporation
This green products company is devoted to cleaning more than your
house-it buys all of its electricity through renewable energy sources
and offsets 100 percent of its carbon emissions. Plus, their cleaning
products are nontoxic, biodegradable and come in recyclable packaging.
www.shaklee.com
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Bathtubs to Dream About!
Some of us our shower people and some of us are bathers. Here is a look at some tubs we think both types of people would enjoy!
"Aquasoul"
Whirpool Tub from JacuzziRub-a-dub-dub, two in a tub...the sleek two person Aquasoul
Double whirlpool tub
from Jacuzzi is about as luxurious as they come. The contemporary
design boasts a modern style with modern technology to match.
Four
remote-controlled jet settings: Silence, Breath, Renew and Dream -
massage your muscles with various intensities of relaxation,
invigoration and calm.
Comfortable headrests cradle your head while the
hydromassage works out all the kinks.
This 350-liter, two-person
whirlpool looks as great as it feels, featuring a versatile design that
lets you install it as a freestanding or built-in tub, with one rounded
corner that allows for corner installation.
The clean look of simple
geometric lines makes this a classic yet contemporary fixture worthy of
the most modern spa environment right in the comfort of your own home.
Agape Tub
"Exline"Bathtub by Agape made from white Exmar (which is a composite of resin and quartz powder.) It can be installed as a free standing unit, with side shelf to take taps and lateral open shelves.
We love the extra storage!
BainUltra
If you adore luxuriating in the bath you'll just love the Tekura ThermoMasseur Bath
from BainUltra. With the impressive choice of 5 different contours and
the 'MyBodyRest' accessory set, the Tekura tub sets you up for a
fabulous soak.
To explain, the 'MyBodyRest' set consists of headrests,
armrests and a leg rest to complement the shape of the bathtub and
ensure you get the maximum benefit, whatever your body type or height.
A headrest can be located on either end to provide maximum comfort to
two bathers.
You can choose from Cabreuva wood (as shown here) or
Acrystal. Both are easy to maintain and fully interchangeable. You'll
appreciate your relaxing thermo-massage bath all the more with these
smart accessories - proving that attention to detail can make all the
difference.
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A Different Kind of Kitchen Sink Last week we woke up to the SF Chronicle, headline forecasting "Worst Drought Ever"
Panic...if
you were living
in Marin in 1976 and 1977 it was all about water
rationing and using our bath water as kids to water the garden. Oh and
remember not to flush!
Well, we came across this new sink...it
might not be your dream remodeling sink, but maybe for now it can help
do our part, aside from a rain dance!
Hughie Sink The
patented Australian
designed and manufactured Hughie sink
solves all your water saving problems around the home- from the Kitchen
to the Laundry, Bathroom and Shower!
By using this water saving device
called the hughie sink around the home, you too will be able to capture
up to 80% of all grey water wasted. So don't be a drip - reuse every
drop!
This Australian invention comes at a time when our country is in the
grip of the worst drought in living memory; with most states under
sever water restrictions.
http://www.hughie.com
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February 2009
Issue 4
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"THE DESIGN DISH"
Keeping you updated with the latest and greatest information in Kitchen & Bath Design!
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Hello Friends,
At Spacial Design we are optimistic that 2009 is going to be a great year!
While the media reports and analysts report doom and gloom, we see opportunity. Our clients are still moving forward with their projects and we are getting numerous calls for cabinetry bids.
As the residential real estate market returns, out goal is to provide new and exciting products for your future remodel.
Enjoy our February Newsletter!
Susan & Jenn
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Save up to 15% on the Kitchen of your Dreams!
For a limited time Dura Supreme Cabinetry is available without a wood species upcharge. Premium wood species like, Cherry, Maple, Lyptus, Rustic Cherry, and Quarter Sawn Red Oak are now available as the same price as Oak - which represents a savings of up to 15%!
This is a special offer only on orders placed from February 2 - March 15, 2009.
www.durasupreme.com
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When Does Crisis Equal Opportunity?
By: Jason Lewis
Frank Howard Realtors
www.jasonknowsmarin.com
An ancient Chinese proverb once stated "A crisis is an opportunity riding the
dangerous wind." We've heard this proverb translated in other ways including
the much shorter and more optimistic "Crisis equals opportunity."
Over
the last few years, overzealous real estate purchasers focused solely on the
opportunity side of buying property. They saw it as a skyrocketing market with
no end in sight. Many believed the moment they purchased property, it would
necessarily appreciate within a year or less, and so they chose their loan
program accordingly, often misstating their income just to get a "foot in the
door."
Well, as the current 'Mortgage Crisis' has taught us, that idea
didn't work out so well for everyone. Prices aren't appreciating so quickly
anymore and, in numerous areas of the country, they're falling.
Today many potential
purchasers are making a NEW possible mistake. In light of all the negative
headlines over the last year, they're holding off on buying homes
altogether
because they're viewing Real Estate as more of a commodity than a home.
What's the difference? For
one, you can't reside in the stock market. Your mutual fund provides no shelter
against rain and wind, it doesn't have a fireplace, a backyard for the kids, or
somewhere to hang your coat. And, to my knowledge, most stocks don't provide a
tax write-off. With a house, on the other hand, you're paying for actual
shelter, pride of ownership, tax benefits, and hopefully long-term appreciation.
Has the American Dream somehow been reduced to nothing more than 'buy low and sell high'? Of course no one
can argue with that as a great investment principle -- but is it the only thing that matters when considering
where to live, raise kids, and begin a life?
Here's the gamble. If a
first-time buyer is waiting to buy a home because he or she is trying to
outsmart the market (buy when prices are at their very lowest), they may be
missing out on a fantastic investment opportunity AND a chance to partake in the
American Dream. (By the way, unless one is psychic, it's impossible to know for
certain when prices are at their very lowest until that moment has passed.)
The Chinese proverb mentioned at the beginning of this article is true --
opportunity rides on a "dangerous wind" and all investments carry some degree of
risk. But take heart, in an effort to save the economy and stop the decline of
prices, the Federal government and other agencies are taking action. Freddie Mac
recently announced mortgage rates are at a 37
year low.
There is talk in the
mortgage industry of a possible 4.5% interest rate on the way. According to
Marney Solle of Residential Pacific Mortgage, on 12/19/08 the conforming 30 year
rate fell to 4.75% if a purchaser pays 1 point on the loan. (Please see my website for specifics.) If
these new programs succeed at leveling prices, we may already have 'hit the
bottom' or close to it.
My company, Frank Howard Allen Realtors, sold
substantially more units this November than last and I understand many of these
sales were due to investors coming back into the market to take advantage of
stellar deals. Investors don't generally start purchasing until they believe
they're at "the bottom"... so their recent activity may be a sign.
So, the next time you hear the word "crisis" in relationship to the Marin Real
Estate market, consider it may actually be an opportunity... riding on a dangerous wind.
Just be careful not to underestimate the opportunity...or overestimate the danger.
If you or
a friend or family member has a Real Estate question or needs expert assistance,
please don't hesitate to call Jason Lewis
415-257-2078 or visit my website
at, www.jasonknowsmarin.com
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"Greener" Kitchen Countertops
Many popular countertop materials are not kind to the environment: Conventional
solid-surface products are often petroleum-based, and granite mining is starting to scar the
landscape. The following surfaces are other options that are more gentle on the environment but just as
durable.
Squak Mountain Stone a Fibrous-cement material comprised of recycled paper, recycled glass,
coal fly-ash and cement. Material is hand-cast into "slabs" as an
alternative to natural or quarried stone. Resembles soapstone or
limestones.
http://www.squakmountainstone.com
IceStone sparkles with flecks
of recycled glass set in concrete and is manufactured in a day-lit factory in
Brooklyn. It's "Cradle to Cradle" certified for energy-efficient and socially
responsible production, and healthy materials.
http://www.icestone.biz
PaperStone is tough (originally used for
skateboard ramps), stain & heat resistant and Forest Stewardship Council
approved. It resembles soapstone but is made from 100% post-consumer recycled
paper and cashew-nut resin.
http://www.paperstoneproducts.com
Ekocrete, Inc. announced the
availability of
a new "green" concrete that uses 90% recycled and
by-product materials without sacrificing strength or durability.
http://www.ekocrete.com
We are happy to announce that San Francisco Artisan, Buddy Rhodes, specializes in Concrete projects. They will be carrying this general purpose concrete starting this spring.
http://www.buddyrhodes.com
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Featured Products Dacor's 30" Gas Range Dacor's new Epicure 30" Gas Range is the ideal centerpiece for your kitchen - with attractive features like the IlluminaTM
Burner Controls that glow Dacor signature flame-blue when the burners
are on for style and safety. Meticulous gourmets will surely
appreciate the SimmerSearTM Burners for the
super-specific simmer, sear or sauté at ultra-low or ultra-high temps.
This is the only premium gas range that offers greater cooking
flexibility using multiple burner configurations to cook different
foods at different BTUs and in various sized pots and pans, all at the
same time. Dacor's Three-Part Convection System with fan, air baffle
and convection filter ensures precise oven temperature control,
superior heat distribution and zero flavor transfer. And two 14"
Continuous Platform Grates give you ample room for oversized pots for
an especially spacious cooking surface.
 Liebherr 36" Fully Integrated
Refrigerator & Freezer
The
fully integrated 36" wide refrigerator-freezer combination can be
hidden behind your kitchen cabinetry or integrated with stainless steel
doors. With precise electronic controls and SoftTouch technology, it
will keep the perfect selected temperature. The main compartment,
spacious vegetable drawers as well as the double freezer drawers are
illuminated by numerous LED lights, for beautiful soft lighting.
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Kitchen Storage Solutions
Discover innovative ways to make kitchen cabinetry more space-efficient and functional!
Drawer Box Specialties' Corner Drawer System
By working with a corner's unique shape,
Drawer Box Specialties'
(DBS) Corner Drawer System gives you twice the storage space. In addition to making drawer boxes
of all shapes, sizes and materials, DBS offers smart accessories like
drawer organizer inserts, utensil and cutlery inserts, as well as a
variety of pull-out drawer options.
Hettich's Cosario System
Hettich's
Cosario fitting system is mounted below a wall unit, making it a great
place to store herbs and spices or kitchen gadgets out of sight, but
keep them handy when needed. Unlike a conventional wall unit, storage
space is completely open to view and provides ergonomic access to
contents. The integrated light strip illuminates its contents when open
and the countertop when closed.
Neff Kitchens' Wall Mount Compartment
Neff Kitchens'
Wall Mount Compartment is a sleek countertop enhancement with real food
preparation and efficiency in mind. The unit offers a bright, ergonomic
organizer for both the look and function of a real chef's kitchen.
Neff's Accessories Collection also offers cutlery, knife and spice
drawer inserts, pull-out pantries for narrow spaces and the European
Midway hanging rail system, which includes bread-holder and spice-jar
attachments.
pegRAIL's Kitchen Solutions Accessories
pegRAIL's
Kitchen Solutions Accessories line features hooks and holders designed
to fit on its extruded "rail" system. The hooks and holders can
organize almost anything and come with either a "peg" to fit directly
into the rail or a "saddle" to fit over the hangbars on pegRAILS' wire
shelves, wine and pot racks. Available in polished chrome or satin
nickel, the 36, 54 or 72 inch wide rails can be mounted at any height.
pegRAIL items are sold individually to allow for maximum flexibility
and creativity, and virtually all pegRAIL items are versatile and
interchangeable. The simple, patent-pending "peg" makes changing each
set-up easy.
Häfele's LeMans System
The smooth-operating, full-swing LeMans
blind base-corner shelf system from Häfele
combines turning and swinging into one simple motion. Top and bottom
shelves pivot independently and travel completely out of the corner
cabinet, providing maximum access. This high-tech, space-optimizing
storage solution is available for both framed and frameless cabinets.
Häfele's complete line of European-inspired kitchen cabinet hardware
and accessories also includes pull-out pantry systems, lazy susans,
drawer dividers and trash-can, recycling and backsplash systems.
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Spacial Design Before & After Featured Kitchen of the Month!
Our "kitchen of the month" belongs to The Shimano-William's family of San Rafael. This project was a complete home remodel. In which we created a "Transitional" look by blending traditional and contemporary styles and finishes. The entire main living area was gutted. We removed a wall between the kitchen and family room as well as the wall between the dining room and kitchen. Through creative space planning we were able to create a fabulous "great room," including a new gourmet kitchen (which was relocated to the old family room), family room, dining room and laundry room. We even added a powder room! Working as a team, we collaborated with the homeowners and contractor for a beautiful end result. We hope you agree!!
Before: After: Before:
After:
Contractor:
Jack Mosher Constuction
504 Red Hill Ave
San Anselmo, CA 94960
415-457-0713
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Special Offer
We appreciate all of your wonderful referrals to
family and friends and now we want to give back to you. By referring a friend to
Spacial Design... we would like to offer you a gift! That means for any referral that leads
to a retained Kitchen or Bath client OR a kitchen cabinetry sale, we
will send you a $200.00 gift certificate to your favorite restaurant, Spa or
retail store.
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Warmly,
Susan
Susan Lund
Spacial Design |
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