Ancient Hohokam Architecture

March was the perfect time to visit the Sears-Kay Ruins in the Tonto National Forest east of Carefree. My family and I hiked the small trail to the hilltop where you could see the remnants of an ancient Hohokam village. When we arrived to the top, I could only imagine what it must have been like in A.D. 1050 to 1200 to live on that small mountain top with the great views surrounding you and the peaceful silence. That same vast silence, made me so aware of the importance it must have been for everyone to work together for survival. Hand stacked stone walls provided protection, keeping predators out and I'm sure keeping the young children safe from the mountains edges. We found small pieces of Indian pottery and was greeted by butterflies enjoying the spring flowers.

Habitat for Humanity

BC Renovations and CC Interior Designs joined with Habitat for Humanity in September of 2008 and March of 2009 to assist two families with the building of their new homes. The home owners Hodge and Ortiz-Galindo worked with us as we framed the roof, interior walls, painted, and installed windows. We had a great time, along with a few sore muscles, but count it a privilege, honor, and responsibility to give back to the community.

Seen in the photos are Brad Christensen, Christine and Doug Cox, Meghan and Eric Rakotz, and Bill Voorhaar.

Making a Splash For Your Kitchens Focal Point

The most common focal point in the kitchen is the cooking station. You want to make sure that your focal point makes a great first impression. A creative ventilation hood, beautiful appliance, and well designed backsplash will take your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary.

Remember to keep everything in proportion. You don't want a hood that over powers your cooking surface or is too high or too low. Think outside the box when it comes to your hood, they can always be customized!

A simple cooking appliance can be embellished with decorative millwork, consider adding legs or feet to the cabinetry on either side of the slide in range. This is also a great spot for pull out spice racks. Again, make sure the size of the appliance you want is appropriate to the size of your kitchen.

No matter what, always address the backsplash, it is a blank canvas begging for attention. The splash design should be from materials that are easily cleaned and covers the wall area from the bottom of the hood down to the counter. Depending on the overall design, continuing the backsplash up the wall to the ceiling or tops of the upper cabinetry can have a great impact. The splash is also another great area to insert a couple of those high dollar embellishments without breaking the budget.

With proper planning, your kitchen's focal point solidifies your style and is an introduction that tells people you have a well designed kitchen.