Green and Grand

Complementing the perimeter cabinets, the islands, also from Timberlake, are Sierra Vista Maple finished in a Butterscotch Glaze.

The island hood, set back in the perimeter cabinets, is finished in the same cream-toned cabinet shade as the islands. The striking contrast makes it a focal point in the room. Tall, fluted columns edge the panels used on the hood, with an arched valence providing a distinctive touch. On opposite sides of the hood, ribbed glass door inserts provide a space for display.
Finishing touches in the room include natural quartz countertops from Formica Corp., a food waste disposer and hot water system from InSinkErator, flooring from Dal-Tile Corp. and pendant light fixtures from Progress Lighting.

The Tranquil Bath

The “wow” factor of The New American Home takes on special meaning when guests walk into the master bath area, a space designed for two people. Deep turquoise-papered walls, a natural stone tub surround in various shades of turquoise and a ceiling-to-floor waterfall immediately impress.

“The focal-point fountain gives the space a spa-like feel,” says Sater. “The step-up tub also has a small fireplace, which is a nice accent.”

Beyond the tub is a glass-and-wood enclosed shower with multiple spray heads that features Kohler’s DTV automated shower system, which can be programmed to the user’s desired temperature and spray configuration.

Along the left wall, his-and-hers vanities in Capistrano Cherry with a Chocolate Glaze from Timberlake flank the waterfall, with her vanity using a shaker valence below the countertop as a seating area.

All in the Family Suite

A distinct feature of The New American Home for 2008 was the inclusion of a family suite. The builders and designers of the home recognized the changing needs of today’s multi-generational families. Therefore, the suite offers a living area with kitchenette, as well as a guest bedroom with adjacent bath.

“One of the challenges was to address the needs of older guests, who may have handicap accessibility issues. Therefore, we allowed for possible future wheelchair access for the bathrooms,” explains Sater.

For a studio-type space, everyone typically likes a functional layout with ample storage, he adds. “The bedroom and bathroom are separated from the kitchen and sitting area with a partial wall, but not a door, to keep the space from feeling small,” he says.

The open kitchenette/seating area includes a plasma television housed in the back of the island – a space-saving solution for the compact living space. Also included in the space is a microwave drawer from Sharp Electronics, which provides easy access.

Cabinets in the kitchenette are from Timberlake and are Yellowstone Cherry with a Chocolate Glaze. The cabinets are repeated in the family suite bath for a seamless transition between areas.

A semi-circular countertop provides dual function as a prep/built-in seating area.

“Privacy was another challenge, which was addressed by placing the suite near the front of the home with quick exterior access, allowing occupants to come and go freely as well as receiving guests,” he adds. That access comes in the form of a secondary entrance to the home, which includes the family valet area – a drop-off zone between the garage and family suite.

“The family valet is a very elegant answer to the mudroom,” explains Sater, “because with great built-in cabinetry, everything has a place and the space doesn’t have to be closed off or hidden away. It was designed to help organize entryway activities, and acts as a place for the clutter of everyday living – cell phones, iPods, backpacks, purses, briefcases, cameras and laptops.

“One side of the room has a built-in locker with two oversized cubbies and closed storage – making it ideal for larger items like backpacks and sporting gear,” he says. “The other side has flip-open storage for keys and wallets, and a charging station to keep electronics ready for the family on the go.”

To read even more about green design and the 2008 New American Home.