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Interview :: H2 Design + Build

Seeking a one stop shop for architectural drafting and planning, engineering, permitting, construction, landscape design and interior design? Paul and Katie Hackworth the husband and wife team behind H2 Design + Build can deliver! The boutique style design and build company tackles projects ranging from designing interior spaces, to remodels, additions, and new homes. H2’s projects have caught the attention of numerous publications including House Beautiful, Luxe Magazine and Rue Magazine. I’m thrilled to be interviewing them today!

Simplified Bee: I love that you are a husband + wife team! When did you realize that you wanted to work together?

H2 Design + Build: H2 Design + Build wasn’t something we had set out to do. It was basically happening in front of us during our “off” time and we finally made it official in 2010. I had a background in graphic design, and to this day utilize the programs affiliated with the industry. Simply speaking, mastering the architectural ruler was the beginning of it all for me. Paul had many years of project management under his belt, and had learned all the tricks of the construction trade during his time managing a handful of blue collar commercial buildings in need of vaiouus tenant improvements and upgrades. Our first project as a team was in 2006 when we renovated a charming cottage style home for our own family.

modern farm house // H2 Design + Build

SB: Your firm seems to do it all – including architecture, interior design, and landscape design – which aspects do you enjoy the most?
What are your personal styles? How are they similar? Different?

H2: Lucky for me, Paul stays out of the architecture and design realm. He has almost mastered the art of listening to me (no one is perfect, right?) and he definitely knows what I expect quality wise. There really is a solid line between each of our skill sets and job descriptions. I create and/or oversee all the architecture, design, and promo of our company and it’s projects. Paul oversees the scheduling, budgets, and timelines of each. This is probably one of the reasons why we have made the husband and wife thing work. Most importantly, we both admire and respect what the other brings to the table. 

I can’t say I like one area of my job description more than the other. It’s nice to get to move back an forth between them and so rewarding to see it all come together in the end.

timeless kitchen // H2 Design + Build

SB: Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?

H2: There really is no “one” person. The best collaborations are the ones where both sides respect the others talent and vision. When it works, it works. And it’s usually apparent right of the start.

gray kitchen cabinets // H2 Design + Build

SB: Do you have “go to” paint colors? If so, which ones?

H2: The Full Spectrum Color Collection by Benjamin Moore is my go-to collection these days. The colors feel very European to me and seem to fall into my work seamlessly. Colors like Crisp Linen, Chimichurri, Plantation, Sea Glass, Pinky Swear, Porch Swing, and City Shadow are all, literally, on my desk right now.

simple mudroom entry // H2 Design + Build

SB: Which of today’s interior design trends are here to stay and which ones will we see fade away?

H2: In all honesty, I don’t pay attention to trends because they are just that. I find myself drawn to timeless materials and designs and pair them with modern lines and amenities. Longevity is so important. No one wants to put money into something that will be out of style next year!

breakfast nook // H2 Design + Build

SB: Where do you recommend clients splurge versus save?

H2: Where someone decides to splurge is so personal. Items that you can see handing down to the next generation are a good rule of thumb. Artwork, lighting, an iconic piece like my favorite Saarinen table, for example, all could get put into the splurge category.

Architecturally speaking, you need to splurge on the bones of the house first. You don’t want to put money into something that you aren’t in love with initially.

outdoor living area // H2 Design + Build

SB: What excites you most about landscape design today?

H2: What excites me most about landscaping is how it can set apart a home from it’s neighboring houses. The same principles apply: keep it clean and simple, and don’t overwhelm the landscape with numerous species and focal points. I would guess that all of our favorite homes have a yard to pair with it that is just as lovely. 

One other small piece of advice; natural evergreen hedges are by far more welcoming that a fence.

artwork above bed // bedroom // H2 Design + Build

SB: Fill in the blank. No room is complete without…

H2:  … a personal touch. I love adding quirky, out of place items that reflect my clients’ personality.

marble bathroom // H2 Design + Build

SB: Do you have words of wisdom for those thinking about building or renovating a home?

H2: Start with the bones of the house. Perfect it, and then add on… whether that be spatially speaking or interior furnishing wise.

modern elements dining area // nuvolette wallpaper by cole & sons

SB: What’s next for H2 Design + Build?

H2: We are just going to keep going! We have a small restaurant remodel opening very soon, which is a first for our company. Additionally, we are working on a handful of new homes, plus various remodels and renovations. And of course, interior furnishings for all of the above.

Far too much of the  architecture and design of today has lost the attention to detail that existed in the past. I hope and aspire to bring some of this back, but from a modern perspective.
*all images provided by H2 Design + Build
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Read full story By on March 22, 2016 in Bathroom, Features, gallery wall, Garden, home exterior / curb appeal, interior design, Interiors, interview, Interviews, Kitchen, kitchens, Living Room, mid-century modern, mudrooms

Book Review :: Patina Farm

When I started blogging back in 2009, there were a few hundred decor bloggers out there. Now there are thousands and it’s been really hard to keep up with all my favorites because the list just gets longer and longer. One blog that I’ve followed from the very beginning is Velvet & Linen by interior decorator, Brooke Giannetti.  We quickly bonded on interior design, being moms and raising backyard chickens. At the time, Brooke and her world-renown architect husband, Steve were living in a lovely home in suburban Santa Monica, California. I’ll never forget her decision (which she shared on her blog) to leave the bustling, star-studded Los Angeles community for the quite, serene oasis of Ojai Valley – situated just south of Santa Barbara. I was inspired by her bravery to move her school aged children, build her dream home and follow her heart to spend her free time in nature.

Patina Farm // Book Review // via @simplifiedbee

Over the course of the last few years, I’ve watched Brooke and Steve’s dream unfold and was thrilled to hear that they were going to give us a tour in their just released book, Patina Farm . Through 150 stunning images and beautiful sketches by Steve, the book delivers a detailed account of inspirations, architectural elements, and various influences the designing couple encountered throughout the process. I found it interesting that the number one influence in their home’s footprint was sunlight. To achieve their goal of maximizing sunlight in and outside the home, they situated the house so that the back faces south. They also balanced the light in rooms by adding windows to two or three sides allowing for natural light for greater lengths of time. The connection of the indoor and outdoor spaces just flows in this house – allowing the family to reach their goal of of being surrounded by nature.

front gate // Patina Farm

The mix of materials used throughout Patina Farm was heavily influenced by French, Spanish and Belgium design and included galvanized steel, terra-cotta roof tiles, limestone, glass steel doors, and reclaimed barn doors to name a few. The Giannettis wanted their home to feel as it was built over time this mix helps them achieve that look. The result is a home that’s stunning from every angle. It’s superbly elegant, yet inviting and unpretentious. Brooke and Steve make it look effortless.

farm sink kitchen // steve and brooke giannetti // patina farmkitchen // steve and brooke giannetti // patina farm

One of the main reasons we built Patina Farm was to show our children the power of a dream. – Steve & Brooke Giannetti, Patina Farm

breakfast area // steve and brooke giannetti // patina farmliving room // steve and brooke giannetti // patina farmmaster bedroom // Patina Farm // Book Reviewmaster bedroom chaise // steve and brooke giannetti // patina farm

This one of the loveliest decor books I’ve read and I’m amazed at how intimate it is. From the first page, Brooke and Steve welcome you into their home in the most down-to-earth, personal way. I highly recommend taking a tour of Patina Farm for yourself!

*photographs by Lisa Romerein from Patina Farm by Brooke Giannetti and Steve Giannetti, reprinted by permission of Gibbs Smith

**this post contains affiliate links

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Read full story By on March 8, 2016 in Bathroom, Bedroom, book, book review, Features, Garden, interior design, Interiors, Kitchen, Living Room, outdoor living, Uncategorized

My Favorite Posts 2015

2015. It’s almost history and boy was it a year of change (at least for me). The biggest of course was my family moving from the bustle of the San Francisco Peninsula to the slower paced Sierra Nevada high dessert. I’ll be honest, it took me a few months to adjust (missing our California friends the most), but I love our new lifestyle. I’m also enjoying renovating our 1940s home (no small task – so lets see how I feel about it next year!). I’ve already tackled the foyer, thanks to a nudge from the One Room Challenge and will be sure to share other projects we are undertaking in the upcoming months.

Wishing you a very happy, healthy 2016!

Here’s a look at some of my favorite posts of 2015:

navy blue chain wallpaper // bathroom

Wallpapered Powder Rooms

entry console table // by @simplifiedbee

One Room Challenge :: Foyer Reveal

San Francisco Decorator Showcase // Bathroom

San Francisco Decorator Showcase :: Sneak Peek

Master Bathroom // San Francisco Decorator Showcase // Tineke Triggs

San Francisco Decorator Showcase :: Master Bathroom

follow your dreams // Ian Ruhter quote

Interview :: Ian Ruhter

green ikat chair // bedroom // JK Kling

Interview :: JK Kling Interior Design

easy + purifying indoor plants // www.simplifiedbee.com

Easy Indoor Plants

pink flamingo wallpaper // girls bedroom // @simplifiedbee

Design Reveal :: My Home

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Read full story By on December 28, 2015 in Bathroom, bathrooms, Bedroom, bedrooms, foyers, Garden, Girl, interior design, Interiors, Uncategorized, wallpaper

Design Crush :: Maggie Pierson Design

Comfortable sophistication. That’s what homeowner, jewelry designer, and founder of Dogeared Jewelry, Marcia Maizel-Clarke was seeking when re-designing her Malibu, California home. She hired interior designer and friend, Maggie Pierson to execute her vision of an inviting home that flowed and was well suited for entertaining. The result, as featured in MyDomaine is light & airy, approachable & open, and chic & relaxed. Love, love, love!

white contemporary kitchen // maggie piersonmarble kitchen // pendant lighting // maggie pierson designwhite marble kitchen // maggie piersonboho living room design // maggie pierson designLOVE sign // boho living room // maggie piersonnavy tufted sofa // family room // maggie pierson designround brass coffee table // seating area // maggie piersonwhite laundry room with wooden floors // maggie pierson designcontemporary california bathroom // maggie piersoncustom walk-in closet // maggie pierson designsquare marble tiled shower // maggie piersonsocal patio // maggie pierson design

There are even more beautiful images of this stunning home here.

*photo credit Tessa Neustadt

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Read full story By on August 26, 2015 in Bathroom, bathrooms, Bedroom, bedrooms, Closets, contemporary decor, Garden, interior design, Interiors, Kitchen, kitchens, laundry room, laundry rooms, Living Room, living rooms, mid-century modern, Organization, outdoor living, patio furniture