This contemporary San Jose kitchen doesn't shy away from color.

Universal Design and Kitchen Remodels

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Genie Nowicki is one of Harrell Design + Build’s Universal Design experts. Passionate about creating living spaces that are functional, accessible, and beautiful, she explains how Universal Design can be incorporated into a kitchen “in small bites without major design changes.” Or, if a homeowner is undergoing a full kitchen remodel, more comprehensive changes can be integrated into the overall design.

“I fully believe that homeowners should take advantage of making their home accessible whenever the opportunity presents itself,” says Genie. “Many people think that Universal Design products will make their home look and feel like a hospital but in reality, they are beautiful. When a space is properly designed, you’d never realize it was created to be accessible. And accessibility can benefit the entire household.”

The Small Bite Approach

Even if you don’t plan to undertake a major kitchen remodel, there are still Universal Design principles that can easily be applied. Cabinet hardware and faucets can easily be changed, appliances can be upgraded to those allowing easier access, and existing cabinets can be modified using special storage solutions, drawers, and unique shelving units that extend outward.

Simple Universal Design Solutions

  • Cabinet hardware: install pulls instead of knobs
  • Faucets: Install a single lever faucet to the side of the sink to allow for easier reach
  • Drawers: use full extension for increased accessibility
  • Base Cabinets: Use roll-outs and drawers versus shelves
  • Upper Cabinets: Forego a backsplash and have cabinets come all the way down to the counters
  • Storage Accessories: Installed inside cabinets, these make items easier to reach
  • Dishwashers: Choose an appliance manufacturer, like Fisher Paykel, that offers dishwasher drawers rather than doors.
  • Refrigerator: Choose a unit with the freezer drawer on the bottom
  • Wall Ovens: Install at a comfortable, reachable height. A better choice than a one-piece range
  • Microwave: Install at a level accessible to those seated or standing

Genie explains, “One of the most ingenious Universal Design products I’ve discovered is made by Hafele, a company that offers a variety of kitchen storage solutions as well as cabinet hinges. They have a hinge mechanism that allows upper shelves to pull out and drop down to a lower level, making them fully accessible to someone who is seated or has any issue with reaching high places.”

Incorporating Universal Design Into a Kitchen Remodel

Updating your kitchen is the perfect opportunity to maximize accessibility. It allows a design to be achieved that creates ample space and reachability alongside function and beauty.

Comprehensive Universal Design Solutions

In addition to those accessibility features listed above, the following solutions can be included when a kitchen is being fully redesigned.

  • Ample aisle space: A minimum of 48 inches between counters and one 60-inch diameter open space to allow a wheelchair to turn around
  • Counter heights: Standard counters are 36 inches but to achieve the best accessibility, 33 inches is ideal. Having counters at both heights creates multiple useable workspaces, with the lower counter also serving as an accessible space for young children or as a baking center.
  • Flooring: Smooth, non-skid surfaces with seamless transitions ensure durable, easy to maintain floors that virtually eliminate tripping hazards and allow for mobility devices to move easily in the space. Hardwood, luxury vinyl tile, engineered wood, porcelain tile with machined edges, linoleum, and sheet vinyl are all viable options.
  • Cooktops: Induction units are responsive and easy to clean. These electric appliances only heat the cookware; the surface itself never get hot, virtually eliminating the risk of fire or injury.
  • Stove hoods: Choose an appliance with a remote-control unit that can be mounted on the side of a reachable cabinet.
  • Outlets and switches: Place on the face of cabinets or at levels that are easily reachable by those in seated positions.
  • Lighting: Use of natural light sources in addition to LED fixtures create ample light. Recessed or surface mounted fixtures are ideal for overall illumination while under-cabinet task lighting should be installed at the front underside of cabinets. Decorative pendant lights over islands are also popular.
  • Counters: Polished black granite or quartz is a very reflective surface. This can cause a lot of glare making it uncomfortable to sensitive eyes when lighting bounces off.
  • Pull out breadboards: Create an instant, functional “roll under” work area.
  • Rolling carts or butcher blocks: These allow for easy transport of ingredients, dishware, or other kitchen items for those using mobility devices.
  • Appliance lifts: These mechanisms are installed inside cabinets and eliminate having to lift and move heavy appliances such as mixers. The appliance is securely placed on the lift which easily pulls up and locks into place. These mechanisms require a larger, 18-inch cabinet.
  • Roll-under sink and cooktops: By designing an open space beneath cooktops and sinks, individuals using wheelchair are able to get close enough to wash dishes and prepare meals. Drains and garbage disposals should be located toward the back of a shallow sink.

Genie explains that an additional level of thoughtful design is required when applying Universal Design, especially in kitchen spaces. The initial interview process is critical in understanding how the homeowners use their space, allowing a designer to problem-solve, often creating a functional solution that didn’t previously exist. Things like plumbing and electrical along with counters, storage, and creating ample space all need to be planned in advance.

“The kitchen is a very personal space and there are numerous ways to integrate UD products and principles, many of which depend upon the homeowners, their lifestyle and how they use the space,” Genie offers. “There is a unique motorized solution for sinks or cooktops. With the push of a button, the counter raises or lowers up to six inches. This product takes preplanning but adds an amazing level of accessibility.”

Incorporating Universal Design doesn’t require a significant kitchen remodel. There are many aspects that can be applied without major design changes. But if you are contemplating a kitchen remodel, integrating accessibility features is something to seriously consider, especially if this will be your forever home.

Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of Harrell Design + Build’s designers to learn more about Universal Design and how it can increase the functionality, accessibility, and beauty of your Silicon Valley or San Francisco Bay Area residence.

Premier senior designer, Genie Nowicki, is certified in numerous forms of design and the recipient of multiple awards. Genie joined the Harrell Design + Build team after years of running her own successful design business. Beginning her career in the world of income tax planning, she made a career leap in 1990 to the equally “detail and code-filled world” of kitchen and bath design. Genie obtained her Certification in Professional Kitchen and Bath Design in 1992 and achieved her Certified Kitchen Designer (CID) and Certified Bath Designer (CBD) status in 1996. After passing another rigorous examination, she became a Certified Interior Designer (CID) in the State of California in 2002 and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) in 2006. Her experience has included residential interior design, kitchen and bath design, barrier free/Universal Design, lighting design, and participation in numerous showcase houses in the Bay area, as well as several commercial projects. Genie prides herself on listening to her clients and providing timeless design work that is appropriate to her clients, their lifestyles, and their homes. Her excellence in design has been recognized with awards, projects published in local and national magazines, and a Sunset design book, and an article she wrote was featured in the Fine Homebuilding Kitchen and Bath Annual Issue.

An über-modern Los Altos Hills kitchen is sleek, with a bold pop of color on the backsplash.

Creative Options for Island End Caps

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With islands becoming more of a standard kitchen feature, more imaginative ideas are emerging for how to use island end caps. Depending upon whether the homeowner prefers them to be a focal point or simply to blend in plays a role in the ultimate design.

“Understanding the client’s needs along with the overall design aesthetic helps me to guide them with end cap options,” shares senior Harrell designer, Sara Jorgensen. “During our in-depth planning meetings, I ask a lot of questions: Do they prefer clean, simple lines? Do they need more storage or want a place to showcase special kitchen platters or décor? Do they want a special spot for their kitty or pup?”

Creative ways to use island end caps include:

Open bookcase: End caps offer an ideal location to house and display favorite culinary tomes.

Storage: Most homeowners can use more rather than less storage. End caps offer perfect locations to visually highlight key display pieces facing the living space. This could be open storage or a cabinet with beautiful glass doors and interior illumination. For hidden storage that is easily accessed, adding in drawers or doors on the opposite side allows frequently used item to be tucked away. This is a perfect place to store homework items, entertainment ware, beverage items, microwaves, and more.

Pet-friendly niche: Many people have pets and the kitchen is the primary location for food and water bowls. A special niche can be designed into an end cap, typically on the side facing into the kitchen, where bowls can be recessed and tucked out of the path of (human) travel. They can even be elevated for larger pets.

Wine rack: For wine lovers, incorporating a custom wine rack into their island end cap allows them to display their collection as well as have favorites close at hand.

Waterfall edge: For those who love the crisp, clean look of a continuous countertop, a waterfall edge is a stunning use of end caps. The counter material continues vertically all the way to the floor, creating a simple, uninterrupted line. Alternately, a waterfall edge can be created using a contrasting material such as natural wood.

Decorative element: As an alternative to a waterfall edge, end caps can be used to create a decorative element that offers visual appeal. This design can then be repeated in other areas throughout the kitchen. These elements can be traditional, classic, modern, farmhouse, or contemporary and as ornate or simple as desired.

“Determining which option works best is a very personal decision based on lifestyle, function, and personal preference,” Sara confirms. “But there are a lot of resourceful options to put island end caps to great use.”

If a kitchen, bath, or even a whole home remodel is something you would like to explore, we invite you to set up a consultation with a member of the Harrell Design Team. We also encourage you to visit our online project gallery to see our extensive kitchen, bath, and even whole-house remodels.

Sara Jorgensen, one of Harrell Design + Build’s award-winning designers, artfully executes her clients’ design desires coupled with their functional needs. Sara’s creative passion, authenticity, and open style of communication, enabling her to provide an innate understanding of client needs to the Harrell Design + Build Design + Build team. “Some clients know their style. Others need inspiration. Through the design exercises in which my clients’ partake, we come easily to an understanding of their preferences. The ultimate goal is to create a beautiful, timeless, on-budget, and functional project,” says Sara. Sara works from a holistic viewpoint to the smallest of details that create the design’s ‘wow’ factor. Her designs have won awards from the NKBA, NARI and National CotY and encompass a wide variety of projects from Wine cellars, Yoga rooms, Master Suites, Kitchens, and Decks to whole house remodels. A Bay Area native, Sara holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design from San Jose State University. Sara is a California state Certified Interior Designer (CID) and a Certified Green Building Professional (CGBP). Outside of work, Sara enjoys kayaking, San Jose Sharks hockey, snowboarding, cycling, snowman building, spending time with family and relaxing outdoors. She is a proud committee member of the Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club and enjoys driving her Model T around California on various club tours.

Discover Your Design Preference: Create a Houzz Idea Board

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One of the best ways to discover your personal design aesthetic is to explore images of living spaces. Most people know what they like when they see it, be it color, floor or counter materials, the layout or theme of a room, or a specific architectural design style, but many don’t know quite how to put these preferences into words. Pictures are an ideal way to share with your designer exactly what you like – and what you don’t.

“I love Houzz Idea Boards,” enthuses Harrell Designer, Divya Vijayanandakumar. “Pictures speak volumes. They expose clients to different ideas, which in turn helps them articulate their design aesthetic as well as narrow down and assist in translating preferred style, materials, fixtures, and color.”

If you’ve never been to Houzz.com, this website focuses on all things residential. From specific design styles, room design and remodels, lighting, fixtures, window coverings, materials, you name it and Houzz has it. Their Idea Boards provide a way for homeowners to explore, save, and share images and comments with their designers. This is a much more efficient and effective way to gather all your images in one place (versus sending images via email or text to your remodel team members) to provide visual context to your remodel preferences.

If you’ve never created a Houzz Idea Board, it’s simple.

  1. Go to Houzz.com, create an account, and sign in
  2. In the top right corner, click on Your House
  3. Choose Idea Books
  4. Click Create a Book – here you can name your book (Kitchen remodel for example) and add a description if desired
  5. Save your Book – be sure to leave the Make Idea Book private option off to enable sharing
  6. Once saved, you’ll see a pop-up window asking you to share your Book with others using their email addresses. This can be especially helpful for your designer, Design + Build firm, contractor, etc.

You can create as many or as few Idea Books as you’d like. If you are undergoing a whole home remodel, you may want to create separate books for your kitchen, Master Suite and Bath, Living and/or Family Rooms, and Outdoor areas. This allows you to place images into each that pertain to specific living spaces. In a Kitchen Idea Book, for example, you may include images on cabinet styles and colors, countertop materials, islands, fixtures, lighting, flooring and more.

How to Add Images to an Idea Book

Adding images to an Idea Book is simple. Log into your Houz account, open the applicable Book and choose Add Images. You can search the almost endless array of photos on Houzz by typing in search terms, or choosing a starting point recommended by Houzz. You can also upload images from your computer if you have photos from, say, a model home, magazines, or a friend’s residence that you’d like to include in your Book. To do so, click the small upload file icon in the left-hand corner below the green Invite button.

Houzz also provides helpful filters to narrow down the types of images. This is helpful if you know you like farmhouse style kitchens, for example. But for many, starting with a broader search may unearth styles, products, and ideas they wouldn’t have known to explore.

To save an image, click on the Save Photo icon on the image. Ensure it will be saved in the appropriate Idea Book. Be sure to add comments about what you like in that photo.

Says Divya, “It is especially helpful when clients specify what it is they like about each image. Most pictures have a lot of components so telling us you love the cabinet style but not the color allows us to better understand and narrow down your preferences and exactly what it is you like.”

Once you’ve created and shared an Idea Board, you can continue to update it, adding more images, even deleting ones you’ve previously saved, and your designer will instantly have access to whatever changes you’ve made.

A picture really is worth a thousand words. A huge part of the thrill of a remodel is unearthing your distinct design style. Houzz Idea Boards are an excellent way to explore and discover what moves you as well as to communicate and share these preferences with your Design + Build team.

Harrell Design + Build has been designing and remodeling distinctive homes since 1985. A full-service, 100% employee-owned design and construction company, Harrell a single point of contact, a proven process, and award-winning design. We invite you to stop by our Design Center in Palo Alto or schedule an appointment to discuss your home improvement project with one of our amazing designers.

Having created over fifty compelling interiors in both India and the Bay Area, Divya Vijayanandakumar brings a wealth of design experience to Harrell Design + Build Born and raised in Chennai, India, the most significant cultural, economic and educational center of south India, Divya initially pursued Computer Science but after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, she did a career about-face, deciding to come to Silicon Valley in 2004 to attend West Valley College, where she achieved her AA degree in Interior Design.

After working in a residential firm as a Junior Designer and then moving to a commercial firm as a Senior Interior Designer contributing her talents to large-scale office buildings as well as healthcare and educational facilities, Divya moved back to India in 2011. She spent a few years working at a high-end residential design firm before launching her own residential and commercial Design + Build company, The Plan-D, whose award-winning designs were featured in none other than Vogue Magazine.

Once again, the Bay Area called and Divya answered, relocating once again to Silicon Valley and joining Harrell Design + Build in May 2019 as one of our Designers. Divya brings with her a keen eye for design aesthetics along with a deep-rooted understanding of field work, project management, and entrepreneurship.

A LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction, Divya also has her Evidence Based Design certification and accreditation. She is driven by creating a sense of function and beauty by understanding the deepest wants and needs of her clients. She fully believes that that grade of work you offer the world reflects that strength of respect you have for yourself, and lives by this credo through her integrity, professionalism, patience, and empathy.

A Mountain View kitchen offers a chic, beachy feel with white cabinetry and a seafoam green backsplash.

Warming Drawers, Convection Ovens & Induction Cooktops

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Good food and a warm kitchen are what makes a house a home. Warming drawers, convection ovens and induction cooktops are a popular choice in kitchens where cooking, entertaining or family gatherings are a focus.

Choosing the proper appliances to meet your culinary requirements is one of the many decisions a homeowner must consider during a kitchen remodel. Harrell Certified Kitchen Designer, Debra Winston advises her clients to consider how they cook, entertain, and their overall lifestyle when considering cooking units.

Debra explains, “Appliances for kitchens continue to evolve with more pre-programed settings to make cooking more pleasurable and more precise. There are many finish options now, available in suites such as matte black, shiny black, slate, rose gold, and the classic stainless steel. Look for smudge, scratch, and fingerprint resistant finishes. Also, newly popular is bright white in either a gloss or matte. Made with a powder coated finish, these whites won’t turn yellow with age. Bright pops of color such as orange or French blue can become an exciting focal point of the kitchen.”

Warming Drawers

These units are an entertainer’s must-have, perfect for warming food as well as keeping dinner hot for a family member who comes home late. It can also be used to warm plates and cups and is a champ at heating damp finger towels to the ideal temperature. They can also be used to proof bread and other yeasted doughs, make homemade yogurts or ferment foods. Warming drawers are typically 30 inches wide by 10 inches high and can be located below a wall oven or cooktop.

Convection Ovens

These ovens use a fan to uniformly circulate hot air, which results in faster cooking at lower temperatures. Convection units create an even, golden brown for baked goods and a toothsome crispy texture for baked poultry. Though available in gas and electric, the latter is preferred for baking. Convection ovens come in a variety of sizes as well as freestanding and wall units, ensuring you can choose the appliance that best fits your new kitchen design.

Induction Cooktops

Cooking with induction is safe, fast, and much more energy efficient than gas or electric. These cutting-edge cooktops and ranges use electromagnetic coils under a glass surface to create heat directly into cast iron, carbon steel, or magnetic stainless-steel cookware. (Aluminum, copper, and glass won’t conduct heat on an induction cooktop.) Since the heat is transferred directly to the cooking vessel, cooking is accelerated while the cooktop itself remains cool. This effective, innovative and easy-to-clean design is ideal for households with young children and also works well as a Universal Design feature. Believe it or not, this technology has been around for quite a while, and prices have come down significantly. (One note of caution; if someone with an implanted pacemaker is very close to the cooktop for an extended period of time, there may be some interference from the magnetic field).

Harrell Design + Build’s premier design team is here to help you create the kitchen of your dreams, including offering insights into the brands and types of appliances to fit your lifestyle and budget. Contact us to set up a complimentary meeting at our Palo Alto showroom with one of our award-winning designers to explore your kitchen remodel.

Debra has been with Harrell Design + Build Design + Build for five years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, is an accomplished painter and quilt artist, and spent 13 years working for Ralph Lauren in New York City as a fashion designer before moving to California. She studied Interior Design at Cañada College, where she specialized in Kitchen and Bath Design. She worked as an Interior Designer prior to joining the Harrell Team in April 2014. Debra has received numerous awards for her designs, her specialty being Kitchen and Bath redesign, as well as color consultation. She is a passionate Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP), and also works on whole-house remodels and room additions.

A laundry room with plenty of space for garment care and folding.

5 Universal Design Ideas for Beautifully Functional Laundry Rooms

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Universal Design centers around creating spaces that are comfortable, accessible, safe, and usable to the greatest extent possible by people with varying levels of physical abilities. A forward-thinking concept, Universal Design principles can be applied in ways that seamlessly meld function and aesthetics to achieve spaces that fit your lifestyle now and into the future.

The laundry room is a utilitarian space that warrants thoughtfulness to ensure its functionality extends to all people. These spaces are best located at the primary point of use. The majority of a household’s laundry is generated from bedrooms and baths, so situating this space close to sleeping and bathing areas minimizes transporting bulky hampers long distances.

When redesigning a residential laundry, Harrell’s resident Universal Design specialist, Genie Nowicki, suggests keeping these five principles in mind.

1. More Space

Many laundry areas are small and constricted. By designing a laundry with more floor space you allow easier maneuverability and accessibility.

2. Lower Sink

Utility sinks are a great addition to a functional laundry area. To ensure the sink is reachable by someone in a seated position, the sink should be shallow (to meet ADA standards), the countertop approximately 32 inches high, be open underneath, and have an accessible faucet with lever handles.

3. Front Load Washer & Dryer

Front loading washers and dryers placed on storage pedestals are more ergonomic for everyone. The washer and dryer doors should open away from one another to allow for easy transfer of clothing. Place the washer in a metal pan with an exterior drain to avoid water damage should the unit leak or overflow.

4. Reachable Storage & Hanging/Folding Areas

Many laundry rooms have wall-mounted cabinetry but having lower storage that is easily reachable is a must in a Universally Designed space. Rolling hampers, which can easily be moved room-to-room as well as storage pedestals beneath washers and dryers meet the needs of those unable to access tall cabinets. Rods and folding spaces placed at varying heights allow clothing to easily be hung and folded by those both standing and seated. Pull-down storage and rods are also available.

“Using rolling hampers really benefits anyone doing laundry. They make it easier to transport laundry from room to room rather than lugging heavy, cumbersome baskets or hampers,” recommends Genie.

5. Good Lighting

Proper light is important, especially for those whose vision is in any way compromised. Recessed LED lighting and under cabinet lights provide bright task lighting, especially in a space that may have no exterior windows. If there is a window, a motorized window covering allows the shade to open and close at the touch of a button.

6. Bonus Design Feature: Pet Spaces

For pet lovers, the laundry room is also an ideal place to install and dog bath and/or a litter box alcove. Dog baths should be fully waterproofed and tiled and be raised 8 to 12 inches off the floor for ideal comfort and ergonomic design. They could also have a bench on which the bather can sit, a handheld showerhead, a glass door to contain spray from the inevitable post-bath shake, and a niche for all those pup grooming products.

Litter box alcoves keep unsightly litter boxes discreetly tucked away, and help keep the littler a bit more contained. Installing a fan will help keep odor to a minimum. The access for cleaning the box should be at a comfortable height and should be wide enough to allow the box to be removed and the inside of the alcove swept or hand vacuumed.

Doing laundry is a task undertaken by just about every household. Having a laundry room that is attractive, accessible, and functional can make this chore much more palatable. And by integrating aspects of Universal Design, this residential space becomes usable by all.

Harrell Design + Build has been designing and remodeling distinctive homes since 1985. Discover how we can recreate and redefine your residence to fit your Silicon Valley lifestyle by scheduling a complementary consultation with one of our award-winning designers at our or Palo Alto showroom.

Premier senior designer, Genie Nowicki, is certified in numerous forms of design and the recipient of multiple awards. Genie joined the Harrell Design + Build team after years of running her own successful design business. Beginning her career in the world of income tax planning, she made a career leap in 1990 to the equally “detail and code-filled world” of kitchen and bath design. Genie obtained her Certification in Professional Kitchen and Bath Design in 1992 and achieved her Certified Kitchen Designer (CID) and Certified Bath Designer (CBD) status in 1996. After passing another rigorous examination, she became a Certified Interior Designer (CID) in the State of California in 2002 and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) in 2006. Her experience has included residential interior design, kitchen and bath design, barrier free/Universal Design, lighting design, and participation in numerous showcase houses in the Bay area, as well as several commercial projects. Genie prides herself on listening to her clients and providing timeless design work that is appropriate to her clients, their lifestyles, and their homes. Her excellence in design has been recognized with awards, projects published in local and national magazines, and a Sunset design book, and an article she wrote was featured in the Fine Homebuilding Kitchen and Bath Annual Issue.

Designing Beautiful and Functional Baking Stations

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Designing A Roof With Curb Appeal

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We’ve all driven by houses that have that certain something. These welcoming, attractive homes have that much sought-after moniker referred to as curb appeal. All of the exterior elements come into play – landscaping, color of the house, entry door, windows – to create a cohesive and inviting appearance. Yet there is one important element we don’t often consider when it comes to curb appeal: the roof.

Harrell Design + Build Designer, Rafael Gomez, studied architecture and worked in both commercial and residential firms before joining Harrell.

“I remember early on in my career, designing rooflines was my biggest fear. I couldn’t grasp how what was going on inside a home could be matched up in a proportionate, balanced way with the roof,” reflects Rafael. “The experience in figuring this out was valuable in teaching me how interior and exterior architectural elements worked together. Now, I really enjoy creating rooflines that add to the beauty of a client’s home.”

There are multiple components that make up a roofline:

  • Shape
  • Pitch
  • Mass/scale/proportions
  • Continuity
  • Flow

The goal is to find the right balance of each of these elements while also designing a roofline that is in line with the overall architecture style of a home. It is also important to consider the neighborhood in which you live so your home fits within the overall residential look and feel of the surrounding area.

“To maintain the architectural integrity and continuity of their neighborhoods, many cities have architectural guidelines that impact what homeowners can do to the exterior of homes,” explains Rafael. “It is always advised to gather all of this information in advance of starting a project.”

The proper use of materials and design elements also helps to create curb appeal. Dormers with windows, enclosed soffits, gutters and downspouts, vents, and rafter tails that have a distinct design are all ways to add visual appeal to a roofline.

There are also a myriad of roofing materials that can enhance the beauty and resale value of your residence. Certain materials look best with specific architectural styles so it is wise to take this into consideration as well as the pros and cons of each type of roofing.

Thanks to their affordability, approximately 70% of homes in the United States have composition/asphalt shingles. This roofing material comes in an incredible array of colors and profiles, and is a great option for many types of houses. Available in clay, concrete, slate, and fiber cement, tiles are another roofing material that can offer a dramatic profile for the right style of home. Wood shakes, once very popular, offer an attractive, upscale appearance but tend to be considerably more expensive than their composite counterparts. Metal is a great option to achieve a farmhouse look, or for use on a feature area, such as an accent on an entry, dormers, or bay window. Solar tiles are an up and coming roofing product, eventually replacing the large and unsightly solar panels that can often detract from an otherwise attractive roofline.

Designing a roofline that accentuates your home, especially if you are undergoing a significant addition or remodel, can positively impact your curb appeal. It’s critical to ensure your roofline has a balanced appearance, it structurally sound, and properly ventilated. Working with a designer to assist in selecting the finishes, materials, and other elements guarantees a consistent architectural aesthetic and a home that has one heck of a WOW factor!

Let Harrell Design + Build help you achieve a roof with incredible curb appeal! Schedule a complimentary session with one of our talented designers at either our Los Gatos or Palo Alto showrooms.

One of Harrell Design + Build’s premier designers, Rafael Gomez has a background in Architecture and his extensive design experience brings a bold and forward-thinking edge to the Harrell Design + Build Design + Build team. After graduating from Universidad Autonoma De Guadalajara in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Rafael became a licensed Architect in Mexico. In 1995 Rafael began his professional career in San Francisco working in both commercial and residential architecture firms. Having worked in the field of design and construction, Rafael possesses a comprehensive design philosophy, which begins with the assumption that design is an intelligent process through which people arrange their environment. Establishing a relationship with his clients based on mutual trust and respect, Rafael carefully listens to client needs to create a custom design that fits their unique lifestyle. Designs that allow for function, durability and longevity are Rafael’s trademark. Thanks to his extensive project feasibility research and collaboration with our production department and engineers guarantee, these designs come to life. Rafael joined the Harrell Design + Build team after 12 years of Design + Build experience. His vision and attention to detail have won him many awards from NKBA kitchen renovations to whole house remodels as well as new homes.

The Bay Area News Group Names Harrell Design + Build a Winner of the Bay Area Top Workplaces 2019 Award

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PALO ALTO, CA Harrell Design + Build has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2019 honor by The Bay Area News Group. The list is based solely on Employee-owner feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

“Top Workplaces is more than just recognition,” said Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. “Our research shows organizations that earn the award attract better talent, experience lower turnover, and are better equipped to deliver bottom-line results. Their leaders prioritize and carefully craft a healthy workplace culture that supports employee engagement.”

“Harrell Design + Build is thrilled to be named #13 in the Bay Area News Group Top Workplaces!” says Lisa Sten, General Manager. “Harrell Design + Build is “home” to 40 employee-owners, due in part to our team’s alignment in providing exceptional client service throughout the arc of the home remodeling Design + Build experience, and because we focus culturally on shared values and behaviors. Clients and employee-owners are drawn to Harrell Design + Build as we have high levels of engagement in The Harrell Process and with each other in creating an unparalleled home remodeling experience.”

“At Harrell we expect results, yet not at a cost to our functional teams, collaboration and culture.” Sten said.”We encourage innovation, creativity, and agility, and ‘fun at work’ is one of our 10 core values!”

“Becoming a Top Workplace isn’t something organizations can buy,” Claffey said. “It’s an achievement organizations have worked for and a distinction that gives them a competitive advantage. It’s a big deal.”

“We are proud of our 100% Employee Owned company and our ownership culture. Employees, clients, vendors and trade partners often tell us that we are an unusually team-oriented and fun Design + Build remodeling firm, but being included on the Bay Area Top Workplaces list is a wonderful confirmation of that fact,” states Ciro Giammona, CEO.

About Harrell Design + Build: Designing beautiful and highly functional homes that reflect the style of the people who live in them is the work that has inspired Harrell Design + Build and their team of employee owners since 1985.

In 1985, Harrell Design + Build was founded by Iris Harrell and began with a single employee. Today, we employ thirty-seven employee owners, including designers and accomplished craftspeople. We are an award wining, full-service Design + Build firm specializing in high-end residential interiors and exteriors throughout Silicon Valley, from Los Gatos to Hillsborough. Harrell Design + Build’s projects range from stunning whole house, kitchen and bathroom remodels, universal design, home theaters and wine cellars, outdoor living and kitchens, to smaller projects focusing on a few impactful elements of design change.

Harrell Design + Build is a company that is known for our client focused design with both individuals and families who are interested in a quality renovation managed by a collaborative and receptive team of professionals.

With designers holding numerous certifications from the National Kitchen and Bathrooms Association (NKBA) and/or members of the prestigious American Society for Interior Design (ASID), Harrell Design + Build has showcased prominent, high-end interior and exterior design projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

We have received over fifty design awards through the National Association of Remodeling Industry’s META design contest, in a number of categories, including residential kitchen, bath, universal design, whole house remodel, and exterior landscaping. We have also won multiple Contractor of the Year, National Kitchen and Bath Association awards, and Chrysalis design awards.  We’re blushing a bit here, but are also proud of our press attention, frequently appearing in publications such as the California Home and Design, GENTRY, Silicon Valley Business Journal, Palo Alto Weekly, San Jose Mercury News and Qualified Remodeler.

Permits: Why Do You Need Them and For What Projects

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Outlet Technology

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Earlier this year, Harrell Design + Build Designer Genie Nowicki, spent three days at the annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) where she was immersed with the latest industry products, trends, and technologies. Although not as sexy as steam showers, spa bathtubs, and the latest fixtures, electrical outlet technology was prevalent at KBIS.

According to Genie, “Kitchens and bathrooms have considerable code requirements. These are spaces in which numerous appliances are used around water, so there are strict guidelines around the placement and type of outlets used. At KBIS, there were some really exciting solutions to make unsightly outlets more visually pleasing, or unique ways to hide them completely.”

Outlet Technology

With more and more devices requiring USB ports for charging, electrical outlets are finally incorporating this technology and docking stations are being integrated into kitchens and baths.

Smart WiFi plugs are remote control devices, enabling automation to actively manage any appliance, light, or device via an app or using a smart home assistant. Affordable and easy to install, these smart plugs allow you to control or schedule lights and temperature, pre-heat hair styling devices with the touch of a button, regulate your kid’s access to gaming consoles and television, and monitor your home’s energy efficiency.

For years, outlet trim plates have been available in a variety of colors, designs, and finishes but the outlets themselves hadn’t followed suit. Finally, outlets are being designed in a number of metallic finishes to create a seamless, cohesive appearance.

Creative Outlet Placement in the Kitchen

GFCI outlets are required to be placed every four feet in a kitchen, and within two feet or less of the edge of a sink or cooking surface. There are multitudes of ways to make outlets less conspicuous, maintaining function without compromising the aesthetics of your space.

  • Under cabinet outlets: The outlet or outlet strip is hidden from view but may have “dangling” appliance cords.
  • Pop-up outlets: Tucked into the surface of a countertop, these low-profile outlets are made accessible by simply pushing on the them to have them ‘pop’ above the counter or pushing them down to hide them away. These may not be accepted by all building departments.
  • Outlet post: Nestled between cabinets, a post is a great way to incorporate outlets.
  • Hinged cabinet facade: Hiding outlets behind a hinged drawer façade allows accessibility when needed but is disguised when not in use.
  • Recessed below counter: An outlet strip can be hidden underneath a deep countertop edge, peninsula, or island overhang for easy access without compromising design.
  • Inside drawers/cabinets: A great place to install a docking station for tablets, phones, and others devices.

Creative Outlet Placement in the Bathroom

Just as in kitchens, our bathrooms must have GFCI outlets and have equally strict requirements on placement. We typically have a number of personal grooming devices that can crowd our countertops, creating a tangle of cords and a battle over outlet access. This can be resolved with creative and functional outlet placement.

  • Medicine cabinets with built-in outlets: great for storing and charging electric razors and toothbrushes.
  • Inside cabinets: A great way to get outlets off walls is to place them inside cabinets. USB outlets allows for charging of phones, wireless speakers, and tablets.
  • Underneath counters: An ideal blend of accessibility and functionality.
  • Inside drawers: Outlets at the back of a drawer is ideal for plugging in hair styling or personal grooming devices.
  • Pop-up outlets: These low-profile outlets work well in bathrooms and can be set into the countertop.

“It’s always exciting to offer clients inventive new ways in which to integrate outlets in bathrooms and kitchens that both maximize and personalize the function and beauty of the space. Plus, the evolving technology that allows homeowners to control appliances at the touch of a button is very desirable,” shares Genie.

Are you dreaming of updating your kitchen or bath? Schedule a complementary meeting today and allow the design team at Harrell Design + Build to help you discover what’s possible.

Genie Nowicki, senior designer, holds numerous certifications in design, and is a renowned authority of Universal Design, and the recipient of multiple awards. Genie joined the Harrell Design + Build team after years of running her own successful design business. Beginning her career in the world of income tax planning, she made a career leap in 1990 to the equally “detail and code-filled world” of kitchen and bath design. Genie obtained her Certification in Professional Kitchen and Bath Design in 1992 and achieved her Certified Kitchen Designer (CID) and Certified Bath Designer (CBD) status in 1996. After passing another rigorous examination, she became a Certified Interior Designer (CID) in the State of California in 2002 and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) in 2006. Her experience has included residential interior design, kitchen and bath design, barrier free/Universal Design, lighting design, and participation in numerous showcase houses in the Bay area, as well as several commercial projects. Genie prides herself on listening to her clients and providing timeless design work that is appropriate to her clients, their lifestyles, and their homes. Her excellence in design has been recognized with awards, projects published in local and national magazines, and a Sunset design book, and an article she wrote was featured in the Fine Homebuilding Kitchen and Bath Annual Issue.