Making
It Personal
 Your home is your haven—a place where you can unwind, relax and be yourself. It should, therefore, reflect your tastes and interests. Too often we make choices for our homes based on what other people like or recommend. The residence of Josef Mahler is an example par excellence of recreating at home an atmosphere that spells personal fond memories.
Several years ago Josef, an artist from Germany, and his wife settled in the United States, which offered a warmer climate in which to work. The cold, wet German winters were adversely affecting Josef’s arthritis, and therefore his ability to draw and paint. However, as much as they loved their adopted country, they still missed their homeland. Josef’s wonderfully creative solution was to design his entire home around a Bavarian theme.
A focal point in the Mahler’s kitchen is the cooktop, where brick, tile and stucco are used to create the visual impression of an open hearth and massive chimney, reminiscent of an early German
cottage. The workhorse of every German kitchen was a large, freestanding cabinet. Josef elegantly painted his with flower motifs and villagers dressed in colorful Bavarian costumes.
 The spectacular master bath features a wraparound mural depicting the German village of Mrs. Mahler’s youth. Step into the whirlpool tub and you can lose yourself in a magical fairytale land of swans and weeping willow trees.
Every facet of the Mahler’s home is beautifully designed to fit in with the theme that is so dear to their hearts. It is a place where they can be themselves.
Interior designer, Jerri Edwards, suggests that a homeowner establish his or her own “logo,” so to speak. When working with a client, she will ask questions like “Which season do you like the best?” or “Do you have a favorite aroma?” or “Describe a nostalgic moment from your childhood.” Her interior design solutions incorporate colors, patterns and artifacts that evoke in her clients pleasant memories or comfortable associations. Giving consideration to these kinds of questions can help you design your home in a way that makes it totally your own.
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Visit the 2000 Showcase of Remodeled Homes
 Please join us at the 2000 Showcase of Remodeled Homes April 14-15. The Showcase is sponsored by the Greater Grand Rapids Home Builders Association and features remodeling projects both large and small. Kitchens by Stephanie, Ltd. is proud to be a participant for our seventh year. For a sneak preview of one of our 2000 projects, turn to page four.
Tickets are available at any Showcase home or at our showroom. Projects are open Friday from 1 to 9pm and Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Tickets are $6.00 for adults, and $3.00 for children, and good for all Showcase projects. Watch for more information in the Grand Rapids Press, Sunday, April 9.
If you are considering remodeling or building, this is a wonderful opportunity to look at some of the new products and get a wealth of good ideas. Our designers will be at our Showcase homes and will be more than willing to answer your questions.
This year's Showcase of Remodeled Homes will be an exciting one for Kitchens by Stephanie, Ltd. Our cabinetry and design work will be featured in two projects. Both projects in the Showcase were a collaborative effort by Kitchens by Stephanie, Ltd. and Strauss and Falarski Builders, Inc.
Over the years we have been involved in remodeling projects large and small. However, as the demand for our skilled installation crews continues to grow, we find that working with a professional team specializing in large scale remodeling has been a benefit for all those involved.
When remodeling projects grow to include major renovations such as expanding foundations or reworking roofs, we'll call in the experts at Strauss & Falarski Builders to handle the rough construction work. When the project has been brought to the vanilla box stage, (drywall and primer), our craftsmen arrive to install the finish products such as cabinets, counters and appliances. We work together to oversee the job and ensure the continuity of the design. We feel this collaboration has been very successful and we'd like to invite you to tour the projects for yourself and see the results.
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Wood Siding/Fiber-Cement Siding
 From very earliest times, people have used wood for cladding the exterior of their dwelling places. Available practically worldwide, it is extremely versatile and can be cut into a wide variety of sizes and shapes. The fact that it is economical, durable, easily malleable, and uniquely beautiful in appearance make it an obvious choice for building material.
Experience has shown, however, that when exposed to extreme weather conditions, wooden boards may shrink, expand and warp with changes in the moisture content. When properly sawn, dried, installed and finished these effects are minimized.
 The purpose of the finishes is to guard the boards from moisture reabsorption and the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays, which can cause premature decay of the wood. Paint and solid color stain provide the best protection from the elements. Some manufacturers even pre-finish their boards at the factory. When two coats of a quality finish are correctly applied, the siding will maintain its good looks for up to 15 years before requiring a recoat.
Recently, fiber-cement siding has gained heavily in popularity for installations where the look of wood siding is desired, but strength and durability is paramount. Fiber-cement siding has earned a reputation for withstanding hurricanes, humidity, salt spray, snow and ice. It also resists UV rays, termites and is non-combustible. The siding comes from the factory already primed for painting.
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Conservatories: Windows on the World
 Beginning in the 17th century, British aristocracy built delightfully elegant glass houses for the purpose of protecting the exotic plants they gathered from around the world. These elaborate structures, called conservatories, were highly ornamented with finials, fancy brackets, projecting gables, round bays, roof lanterns, fan lights and stained or leaded glass. An intricately designed conservatory was a must-have for every grand home of the Victorian era.
Modern homeowners still enjoy the distinctive Old World charm of a British conservatory, but the light and airy space has now become an extension of their home’s living area. Benefiting from high-tech, state-of-the-art construction, today’s conservatories are energy efficient, durable and virtually maintenance free. They have become year-around rooms, flexible enough to be used for a variety of activities.
A conservatory is designed to compliment the existing architecture of the home, regardless of the style. Conservatories designed with simpler lines are often called sun rooms. A well-planned conservatory enhances a home’s exterior, adding a totally new dimension of beauty and value.
Imagine a sun-filled breakfast room, doors wide open and the pungent smell of flowers in the air. Or picture a warm, cozy sanctuary where, protected from the elements, you enjoy watching gusts of wind playing in the trees. No other room in your house would give you such direct, breathtaking views of your outdoor landscape. It wouldn’t take long before your
conservatory became your favorite spot in the home, a source of continuing delight and pleasure.
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New Showroom Hours:
In order to better serve you, our clients, we are reducing our showroom walk-in hours. We have always prided ourselves on working as a design team, but recently with the increase in business, we've found it difficult for our designers to have uninterrupted time. To help remedy this, we will be closed on Tuesday's and Thursday's so that our designers can participate in Design Team Workshops. This time is spent collaborating design ideas as well as allowing some quiet time for designers to focus exclusively on the needs of their current clients.
Our new showroom hours will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. If you find that these hours are not convenient for you, please be assured that we will be more than willing to make an appointment for a private showroom tour at a more convenient time.
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