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6-in. studs, respectively, before the balance was framed out. Soffit faces were overlaid with 1 ⁄ 8 -in. Lauan plywood to create a smooth transition between framing members; two layers of 1 ⁄4-in. drywall were installed on the curved sections to create the elegant curvature. "It was definitely a challenge, but my carpenters really enjoyed the work," Riggall recalls. "It was a little outside of the box. It was a day different than your typical days." PLENTY OF DETAILS Another significant challenge facing the design team was how to support the slab of granite the clients wanted to put stools under looking into the family room. "They didn't like the idea of legs, and neither did we," Riggall says. "With corbels, your knees knock into them. We ended up making a Z-shaped steel brace underneath the gran- ite that ran down the knee wall and sat underneath the piece of granite on the lower cabinets. This helped to carry the weight of the overhang of the upper cabinets. It took a lot of think- ing and measuring to get the pieces right, but it turned out beautifully and we were able to give the clients that overhang beyond what typically would be allowed for granite, without extra support." The remodeled space also has integrated tech controls and fea- tures. A rack in the garage holds components such as the cable box, receivers, amps, CD players, DVD players and other related equipment. With the help of a third-party electronics integra- tor, Harth Builders placed ceil- ing speakers and hidden speak- ers throughout. A sub-woofer is hidden inside a wall cavity. The clients can control their media wirelessly through their smart- phones, tablets and remotes. The use of stone throughout the family room, kitchen and dining room further ties the areas together. Alongside gran- ite countertops, cabinetry and a tile floor that mimics hardwood, the homeowners ended up with what Riggall describes as a "cool look." Glass mosaic tile, which is sealed and grouted to protect against grease splatter, comprises the backsplash behind the range. Other details include pull-out storage for spices; dish drawers; general, task, accent and natural lighting; a picture window over the range; and ample contrast through the use of light and dark colors and materials. In addition to the interior work, Harth Builders removed the old deck and built a new, larger one. Because of the sloped yard, the team had to be diligent about ensuring the retaining wall was built properly. "It had to support the whole patio and tie in with the dimensions of the deck," Riggall explains. After careful calculation and execu- tion, the family has a beautiful outdoor living space in which to further enjoy its home. "I was over there about a month after completion, and they had their speakers going and music playing throughout the kitchen and dining room," Riggall remembers. "They just loved it. They're both people who enjoy having others over and sharing what they have; I think they're going to make excellent use of this space." QR 18 April 2014 QR ForResidentialPros.com PROJECTS: Design Solutions Curved elements, such as the step into the living room, are a common design theme. The kitchen and living area open into each other to create a large common space. QUR_16-19_DesignSol414.indd 18 3/28/14 10:11 AM