JUNE 2023 TAGC NEWSLETTER

Orinda Mid-Century Reimagined

This is my third project for this family as they have grown and prospered. I have been fortunate to have followed them from Rockridge in Oakland to Orinda.

This house was very dated and needed a facelift and more. Take a good look at the "before" picture of the Entry below.

Now compare it with what the owners and I reimagined and created to update the home.

We removed the cumbersome trim and eaves on the front façade and centered the Entry Doors under a new columned Entry Gable. Note the tapered columns, which add interest and customization.

Then we went inside and removed the interior walls to create an Eat-in-Kitchen using a linear fireplace as the focal point.

We needed space for a laundry/Office and Larder. I conceived cabinet-faced doors hiding the secret Laundry/Home Office and the Pantry.

I love to include whimsical design details like this to create interest in our projects. We think that the final effect is dramatic.

The new design creates a great family environment ready for entertainment.

Patio and French Doors

Living Room

Office

Photos by Olga Soboleva/Rave Photo

THE TAGC GOURMET

Chowing Down In Lamorinda

The best bar in Orinda has been in the same location for over 65 years. Casa Orinda Restaurant has an old-time western bar with an incredible collection of antique firearms. Jonny Davis, Ben Mitchell, Michael Martis, and I love to stop in for a cocktail(s) and fried zucchini at the bar. Don't expect a weekend table in the Main Dining Room, as those reservations have been booked for years by the same people.

For lunch, you cannot go wrong by visiting The Hofbrau where you'll find some of the best traditional pastrami sandwiches and hot plates reasonably priced.

Lately, we have been enjoying Pizza Antica in Lafayette for one of the best Caesar salads in the East Bay. Their flatbread-style pizzas are to die for. Combine the food with a full bar, and you're talking to one Happy Contractor.

Hope to see you in my hood. I'd be happy to show you around.

-Tracy