2006 Building Excellence Awards

This project consisted of converting a spare room into a 'Wine Lounge'.  The Owner's who collect and make wine wanted an elegant space which to entertain small groups of friends, share their wines and play games.  Before we began the project the room was mainly used for storing a friend's baseball card collection.  The objective was to create a finely detailed and sophisticated, yet casual atmosphere.  The challenge was to do this in a small space and to do it in such a way as to have it feel as if it belongs in the home.  

Due to the size of the room it was important that all of the woodwork and cabinetry be installed with great care and precision.  Tongue and groove 1x6 hemlock was installed on the ceiling - stained to match the existing woodwork - with two boxed beams.  Time was taken to shim and level the ceiling for the tongue and groove.  Two sconce lights and low voltage recessed art spot lights were placed precisely for symmetry with the boxed beams.  SubZero wine refrigerator and two refrigerator drawers were installed with integrated cabinet fronts to blend into the custom cherry cabinetry.  A mirror was strategically place above the countertop on the wall opposite the windows to reflect the beautiful territorial view.  The hemlock bead board wainscoting with chair rail helped to balance out the rest of the room.

Prior to starting the project the Owner's had taken a vacation to Hawaii.  Unfortunately, they arrived during a torrential downpour that did not let up the whole time they were there.  One of the activities that kept them occupied while stranded in their hotel was to watch a group of nearby chickens going about their routine.  They noticed the coloring of one of the chickens and thought it could be the inspiration for the color scheme in their future wine lounge.  During their first meeting with Brian Kashas, they presented the photo of the chicken (the first time this has ever happened, believe it or not).  Brian knew immediately that he would enjoy working with these folks and agreed that the project had to pay homage to this chicken somehow.  The Owner's were able to find a granite slab that had remarkably similar coloring to the chicken from Hawaii.

This project is a great example of what some imagination and fine craftsmanship can achieve for a small space.  In a room this size one minor element that's off can ruin the overall effect.  It's also easy to overpower a small space with excessive detailing.  We think we have achieved the right balance of details, lighting, materials, layout and color to create a truly exceptional space - and we are validated by the fact that our clients love it.