SOMA Living November 2022

HOME DESIGN DESIGN IS as FLUID as FUDGE!!! (PG rating filter applied) Fudge! Fudge! Fuuuuddddgggeee! “Why did they build this like this?,” I thought as I stared at the six foot cast iron floor to ceiling waste line as if it were the hilt of a dagger protruding from my heart. A waste line is generally 8 to 10 inches off a wall, but NEVER aligned with a load bearing header. Until now. Which meant it had to stay put. Which meant I was going to have a mother fudging, 18-inch obtrusive jut out in what was to be a gloriously long and straight countertop run in my kitchen renovation! FUDGE!!!!!! After a libation, or two, I remembered the words I often tell my clients, “Design is fluid”. It was time to heed those

words and look for a solution to make this kitchen, my own kitchen, Pinterest worthy. With a little brainstorming, my design guru wife and I found a solution. We would take the gorgeous wallpaper we had earmarked for the powder room, and use it on one side of the jut out, put our wine fridge in that space, creating an “open concept” butler’s pantry. On the other side, I would run the countertop stone up the wall as a backsplash, add a matching shelf and a brass café rail. The jut out went from an obnoxious intrusion to a fabulous design element (see below). It wasn’t my original vision, but I love it. So does the young couple that bought the house. Fluid design can lead to better design. So, a word of advice: if you’re planning a major renovation, prepare to be fluid. You can’t always get what you want, especially with the old houses in SOMA. But with a little design magic, you may love the alternative.

Habitat ilist Group design studio renovation planning & interior design

“Life is very stressfull, your home shouldn’t be. Our designs are highly functional for ease of use and aesthetically beautiful to fulfill your soul. We believe your home is your sanctuary.”

Douglas Huebner

Call or write for a consultation (917) 676 - 2000 thehabitatilist@gmail.com

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