Ghee Indian Kitchen gets an upgraded Wynwood vibe with its new location

This article details the transformation of an outdated kitchen in a two-family home in Arlington, Massachusetts, that had remained largely untouched for over 50 years. The homeowners, who had resided in the property for almost two decades, sought to modernize their kitchen while honoring the home's 1920s heritage and incorporating a sense of whimsy and warmth. Resa Gray, a partner at Honeycomb Design + Build, led the renovation project, focusing on infusing Finnish design elements, a connection to nature, and cheerful colors to achieve a contemporary feel. One of the primary goals of the renovation was to enhance the perceived size of the kitchen without physically expanding its footprint. To achieve this, the design team removed a partition wall that previously obscured the rear stairs. This modification created a more open and spacious feel within the existing layout. Additionally, a large window was installed, significantly increasing the amount of natural light entering the kitchen, which further contributed to the sense of openness and airiness. A key aesthetic feature introduced in the redesigned kitchen is a vibrant floral wallpaper from Milton & King. This eye-catching wallcovering, characterized by dense foliage and lively blooms, serves as a welcoming focal point. It extends down to the first floor, creating a cohesive visual flow and drawing inspiration from the outdoor garden. The choice of this less traditional, energetic pattern reflects the homeowners' desire for a joyful and colorful environment, as noted by Gray, who emphasized the positive impact of vibrant colors on the family's mood. Given the space constraints that precluded the inclusion of a traditional island, Gray ingeniously designed a breakfast counter. This counter is strategically positioned to face the newly installed large window, allowing residents to enjoy natural light and views while dining. Complementing the custom-designed breakfast counter are orange Eames stools, which add a playful and modern pop of color, harmonizing with the overall color scheme of the kitchen. Further details of the kitchen's cabinetry include lower cabinets painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Marea Baja, a blue hue with a subtle hint of green. These are accented by natural cherry shelves. These shelves were intentionally placed in a corner that was previously hard to access, transforming it into a functional and decorative area for displaying personal mementos and cookbooks, adding a personal touch to the space. For the backsplash, narrow tiles from Nemo Tile were chosen and installed in a herringbone pattern. This choice was deliberate to ensure that the backsplash would contribute texture without competing visually with the bold floral wallpaper, maintaining a balanced and sophisticated design. During the renovation process, the team discovered original fir floorboards beneath layers of peeling checkerboard tiles. These historic floorboards were carefully refinished, and any damaged sections were repaired using salvaged boards from other projects. While this approach resulted in some natural blemishes, the homeowners appreciated the character these imperfections added, feeling that it honored the historical integrity and age of their home. The entire renovation aimed to create a kitchen that is not only functional and modern but also deeply personal and reflective of the homeowners' tastes and the home's intrinsic character. The collaboration between the designers and the homeowners ensured that the final design achieved a harmonious balance between contemporary style and traditional roots. The project successfully transformed a neglected space into a vibrant and welcoming central hub for the family, emphasizing bright colors, natural light, and a connection to the outdoors. Ultimately, the redesigned kitchen represents a thoughtful blend of aesthetics and practicality, celebrating both the past and the present of the Arlington home. The selection of materials and finishes further reinforced the design's commitment to both beauty and longevity. Every element, from the large window to the specific paint colors and tile choices, was carefully considered to contribute to the overall whimsical and modern yet rooted aesthetic. The renovation is an example of how thoughtful design can revitalize an old space. #KitchenRenovation #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #FinnishStyle #Wallpaper #ModernKitchen #MetroWest #ArlingtonHome #HoneycombDesign

The Pinecone Pantry, a new venture owned by John and Colleen D’Esposito, is set to open its doors in The Railyard development at 412 Grayson Pkwy, Grayson, GA 30017. The establishment plans a soft opening in early November, with a grand opening slated for the end of the month. This new business aims to blend a café-style sandwich shop with a retail boutique, offering a unique community experience in Grayson. The menu at The Pinecone Pantry will feature a variety of classic sandwiches, including roast beef, turkey, and chicken salad, alongside paninis. All sandwiches will be made with Boar’s Head meats and fresh bread sourced from a local Georgia bakery. In addition to sandwiches, boba tea will be available. The dining area will include a small selection of indoor tables and expanded outdoor seating, which will be covered and equipped with ceiling fans and heaters, ensuring comfort for guests regardless of the weather. Beyond its culinary offerings, The Pinecone Pantry will feature a curated retail section. This boutique space will offer a selection of home décor items, books, and gifts, providing customers with an opportunity to browse and shop while waiting for their food. The D’Espositos' vision is to create a welcoming atmosphere that combines fresh, made-to-order food with a unique shopping experience, addressing what they perceived as a missing element in the local area. John D’Esposito described the concept as fast-casual, with orders placed at the counter, though staff will be on hand to assist patrons. The space itself boasts historic charm, featuring exposed brick and rafter ceilings. These architectural elements, combined with the building's age and character, inspired the owners to create a concept that celebrates Grayson's Americana roots, seamlessly blending the past with the present in its design. The Pinecone Pantry is strategically located within The Railyard, a prominent mixed-use development in the heart of Grayson. This development is designed as a community hub, integrating restaurants, retail establishments, and gathering spaces. The Railyard features both new constructions and meticulously renovated historic buildings. The Pinecone Pantry occupies one of the property’s oldest structures, which the owners believe contributes significantly to its unique character. John and Colleen D’Esposito bring diverse professional backgrounds to this venture. They met in New York’s retail industry and previously operated a café in downtown Atlanta. Colleen’s expertise lies in management, having held roles at major retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Lord & Taylor, complemented by an artistic flair for design and merchandising. John focuses on operations and logistics. Their combined strengths are reflected in The Pinecone Pantry, which aims to deliver both quality food and a thoughtfully curated retail experience. Having resided in the Atlanta area for nearly a decade, the D’Espositos were drawn to Gwinnett County for its diversity and community spirit, expressing their desire to build a place that fosters community connection. The operating hours for The Pinecone Pantry will be Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The establishment will be closed on Sundays. #GraysonGeorgia #NewBusiness #PineconePantry #RailyardDevelopment #CafeRetail #HomeDecor #LocalBusiness #CommunityHub #RestaurantOpening

The article details the redesign of an 18th-century farmhouse in Lumberton, transforming it to accommodate modern living while honoring its historical roots. The project was undertaken by Michelle Gage of Philadelphia-based Michelle Gage Interiors, who notes the home's significant age, dating back to the Revolutionary era. This particular residence presented a unique challenge due to its extensive history and the accumulated alterations made by previous inhabitants over centuries. The homeowner's openness to Gage's suggestions was a crucial factor in the redesign's success, allowing for a creative yet respectful approach. Gage identified an inherent 'English vibe' in the home and aimed to align the interior design with both this aesthetic and the client's 'quirky and eccentric' personality. The English influence is evident throughout the house, starting from the entry where antique boot racks hold wellies. The primary bedroom showcases a vibrant display of color and pattern, featuring layered florals on the walls, headboard, and bedding. The chosen wallpaper designs evoke a British country house style, characterized by rich patterns that contribute depth and character to the space. The redesign also incorporated unique elements like a moody, jungle-themed wall covering in the breakfast nook. This wallpaper, featuring hidden animal motifs, thoughtfully frames the home's original built-in cabinetry, adding an element of surprise and whimsy. In contrast, the laundry room adopts a more serene ambiance with a subdued sage-green and white botanical wall covering, designed to create a fresh and crisp atmosphere reminiscent of newly laundered linens. The project successfully merged historical integrity with contemporary comfort and personal style, creating a home that respects its past while providing a vibrant and unique living environment for its current owner. The collaboration between the designer and homeowner resulted in a space that is both historically conscious and reflective of modern eclectic tastes, demonstrating how an antique structure can be adapted for current lifestyles without sacrificing its inherent charm. #LumbertonFarmhouse #HistoricalHome #HomeRedesign #EclecticDecor #InteriorDesign #MichelleGageInteriors #EnglishVibe #RevolutionaryEraHome

Taco Reho, a popular food truck in Rehoboth Beach known for its award-winning Mexican dishes, has transitioned from a mobile operation to a permanent brick-and-mortar restaurant. After seven years of serving customers from its food truck, founder Billy Lucas, a former chef for rock music icons like Jay-Z and Miley Cyrus, realized his long-standing goal of establishing a fixed location. The new restaurant, situated on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth, features a distinctive matte black brick exterior with bright red accents and an amp graphic, reflecting its rock ‘n’ roll theme. The interior design of Taco Reho is a key aspect of its new identity, merging the culinary experience with a vibrant musical ambiance. Upon entering, guests encounter original artwork and a wall adorned with various sizes and colors of amplifiers. The restaurant boasts a "wall of sound," an Eddie Van Halen-inspired foyer, a faux tufted cushion wall, and a graffiti wall. Custom-made tables, guitar-shaped bars, a road case table, a live moss wall, charmed wood walls, microphone lights, and a drum set chandelier further enhance the rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic. An open kitchen allows diners to observe the culinary process, adding to the dynamic atmosphere. Beyond its striking design, the new Taco Reho location offers an expanded menu and enhanced services. In addition to the familiar favorites like pork carnitas, baja fish, and chicken tinga, new additions include freshly made nixtamalized tortillas, burrito bowls, taquitos, and desserts. A notable feature is the dedicated tortilleria, designed to resemble a radio DJ booth labeled MASA FM, capable of producing 1,500 hand-pressed tortillas per hour. This space underscores the restaurant's commitment to fresh, authentic ingredients. The establishment caters to diverse dining preferences, providing dine-in seating, a full bar, and a convenient drive-through service for those seeking a quick meal. The drive-through option ensures that customers who appreciated the food truck's accessibility can still enjoy their favorite dishes without a sit-down experience. While the food truck itself will no longer operate on the Delaware coast for daily service, it remains available for rent for local events and gigs starting in the new year. Billy Lucas emphasizes that Taco Reho is designed to be a unique, fast-casual-plus restaurant, distinguished by its energetic atmosphere and a staff dedicated to providing an exceptional guest experience that goes beyond a typical taco joint. #TacoReho #RehobothBeach #MexicanCuisine #RestaurantOpening #RockAndRollTheme #FoodTruckTransition #CoastalHighway #DelawareFood #RestaurantDesign

Talati and Panthaky Associated, a long-standing and influential architecture and design firm in India, has undergone a significant transformation, now known as Talati and Partners LLP. This change in nomenclature marks a new chapter for the firm, with siblings Ria and Xerxes Talati, children of founder Noshir Talati, taking the reins alongside a robust team of partners and associate partners. This strategic shift has generated considerable interest regarding the future direction of the firm, which has been a cornerstone of Indian architecture for over 50 years. Ria and Xerxes Talati express their commitment to upholding the core principles established by their father and his partners: intelligent functionality and elegant, fuss-free design. However, they aim to infuse these foundational values with a fresh vigor and contemporary perspective, reflecting a more modern approach. The new leadership brings in younger talent, signaling a dynamic evolution while maintaining the firm's legacy of excellence. The transition involved older partners moving on, a natural progression that was part of a pre-established contingency plan for Noshir Talati's eventual step down from active leadership. Noshir Talati initiated this contingency plan when he fell ill the previous year, leading Xerxes to implement the planned management restructuring. The firm, which once comprised 300 employees, capitalized on the opportunities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown. This period allowed the new leadership to streamline operations and re-evaluate the organizational structure, ensuring efficiency and adaptability in a changing world. Despite the global challenges, the firm's workflow has not only been maintained but has also increased, with a diverse portfolio of ongoing projects. Notable current projects include the design of India’s largest zoo in Jamnagar, commissioned by Anant Ambani, and the new Essar office building in Mumbai. Even with the change in management, Noshir Talati continues to contribute his design expertise, albeit at a more measured pace. He finds renewed enthusiasm in the resumption of work on his long-term dream project, the Palais Royale in Central Mumbai. This ambitious residential tower, a decade in the making, is significant for being the first in India to seek LEEDS certification, highlighting a commitment to sustainable design. The Talati siblings hold their father in high regard, acknowledging his impactful journey from selling pencils and sweets to establishing a pioneering design firm. They emphasize his role in professionalizing interior design in India and creating countless job opportunities for artisans such as carpenters, painters, and stone masons. The firm takes immense pride in witnessing the success of the grandchildren of those artisans, who now lead their own contracting companies. The fundamental ethos of the firm, emphasizing respect, humaneness, and empathy, remains unwavering, regardless of the ongoing changes and modern adaptations. #ArchitecturalFirm #IndianArchitecture #DesignLegacy #BusinessRestructuring #LeadershipTransition #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #NoshirTalati #MumbaiProjects