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L'Auberge de Sedona Completes First Phase of Renovation

Filed under: Journeys

auberge sedona
I visited L'Auberge de Sedona very early in 2009, when this long-time favorite retreat in Arizona's long-time favorite retreat town was just in the beginning phases of an extensive, $25 million renovation. This property now has 64 rooms (up from 56), between its cozy lodge and its private cottages set near wooded Oak Creek. The older cottages were given comprehensive face-lifts designed to reduce the separation between indoors and out -- there are bigger windows, expanded decks and totally private outdoor showers, the 13 new cottages include "spa cottages", designed with jacuzzi tubs.

The second phase of renovations are set to end in April 2010, and will include the addition of eighteen new cottages, set up on the hill overlooking the existing property. These cottages will have a view of Sedona's famous red rocks -- just about the only key feature that this property has lacked in its 25 year history.


Iconic Las Brisas Acapulco Gets $20 Million Makeover

Filed under: Journeys


The famed pink and white 1960s Acapulco hotel Las Brisas has just pronounced its $20 million makeover complete. Perched high above Acapulco Bay, the renovated hotel now boasts glass ceilings in guest rooms, new outdoor seating French-terrace style and various interior updates like new flat screen tvs and plush linens.

Many guest rooms have sweeping ocean views, which have kept the place popular over the years. That and the cute pink and white Jeeps they use to ferry guests back and forth from the hotel.

Check out the changes and many of the original '60s details in the gallery.

Does Your Garage Need A Makeover?

Filed under: Decor, Services


Services to make over closets are everywhere these days. Getting organized has become big business. The latest service to organize the home tackles the garage which is often the place of last resort for storage. PremierGarage is devoted to creating neat garages by installing cabinetry and organizers as well as their proprietary garage floor coating system. The process begins by meeting with a PremierGarage design consultant who works with you to plan your dream garage on a computer. The floor coating system comes in 16 colors and finishes and the cabinets have thick adjustable shelves and steel hardware. The cabinets are set above the floor to help eliminate nesting places for insects and to protect against flooding. Some garages have cost more than $40,000 but the average price for a PremierGarage basic installation of flooring and cabinetry is around $3,500. Most installations are completed in one day.

Before and After a $162,000 Kitchen Remodel

Filed under: Decor

When a contractor or designer sets out to remodel his own kitchen, he can be up for quite a challenge. After all, he isn't likely to settle for anything less than perfection and probably has an exceptionally specific idea of what he - and also, in this case, his wife -  wants. Howard Robbins took on his own home and, after 9 months and $162,000, walked away with a National Association of the Remodeling Industry Award in his region for the "best residential kitchen over $100,000." His kitchen was "outdated, inefficient and oppressive" (picture after the jump), but simple aesthetics aside, there were a few major changes that had to be made, something to take into consideration if you are looking to remodel. The ceiling was raised by 3 feet, eliminating dropped, panel lights, and one wall was pushed out, providing a roomier area to start with. Once the room was opened up, new appliances, flooring and, of course, accessories were added. The kitchen now has Decor ovens and cooktop, a Subzero refrigerator, a Miele dishwasher and, to meld with his wife's love and collection of Asian decor, bamboo accents and Japanese shoji screens, from Shigoto Ya Inc., were added, as well.

[Images Muffy Kibbey, SF Gate]



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