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In Transition
Degen-Majka Finds a
Happy Medium
Story by Debra Kronowitz | Photos
by John Anderson
What started out as a kitchen alteration
in a Miami Beach home four years ago has turned into an ongoing
project of expansion and décor for the creative design team of
DEGEN-MAJKA, located in Miami’s Design District.
Living in a 4,500-sq.-ft. bi-level mid-century modern
house, the client initially contacted
DEGEN-MAJKA for a standard
kitchen remodel. After many discussions of expansion – of the
family and the house – the design duo, Jeffrey Degen and Gary Majka, were contracted to design the conceptual space. This was
the duos first time working with the client. Architect Alex
Sturman of Coconut Grove was brought into the project once the
conceptual space was approved.
“We added 1,500 square feet to the existing residence. Our
goal was to preserve the flavor of the house, keep it
contemporary and transitional to balance the likes of both the
husband and wife,” said Majka. “We added a new family room, two
bedrooms, a child’s bath and exterior rear patio areas.”
From the beginning, the objective was to not only add
living space but to transition the home to the client’s changing
style and taste. The original furnishings were a combination of
early marriage. The furniture had outlived its usefulness and
style, and the couple was ready to combine her soft taste with
his like for the stark, modern feel.
“The couple compromised, settling for a modern style," said Majka.
The Elements
Impressed with the amount of space they were able to
find, the project grew and continues to grow today under the
conceptual designs of Degen and Majka.
The home’s breakfast room and laundry room – part of the initial
kitchen project – were redesigned. |
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Photos by John Anderson |
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Interior partitions were removed, the
electrical panel and main waste were relocated to
allow the design team to open the kitchen to the
breakfast area and eliminate the wasted space of
confining hallways.
The “found space” was added to the kitchen
area, allowing for a wall of built-in sub-zero
refrigeration, a wall oven and microwave by Décor
and a 32-inch TV. The extra space also allowed for
the installation of a large cooking island with
downdraft ventilation to the exterior.
The kitchen boasts an integrated Miele dishwasher,
Franke faucets and sinks, granite by Keys Granite,
custom-made cabinetry by Quality Woodcrafts and
hardware by Duhber. Recessed, low-voltage lighting
is from Halo with a decorative fixture by Jolo at
DCOTA. Marble flooring was
added on both levels of the house, and extensive
rich wood paneling was added to the new family room
and a new bar area. Adding to the atmosphere are
tray ceiling to provide washes of indirect lighting;
motorized window treatments were added throughout
the home. In the family
room, anigre paneling provided by Best Custom
Cabinetry was paired with crisp contemporary
detailing by DEGEN-MAJKA. The duo
combined
exclusive pieces, products and materials to create a
luxurious yet livable setting. The design duo also
designed and installed leather walls in the living
room. “Furniture proved
to be a challenge, as the clients had different
tastes in color and style,” said Majka. Ultimately,
directional sofas by DEGEN-MAJKA were added and
complemented with chairs by Judith Norman. Fabrics
from Kravet and Ultra Suede Corp. can be found
throughout the home.
We had tables made by Today’s Custom Design and a
console cabinet was specifically designed by me and
reproduced by Today’s Custom Design.
Custom-made
rugs by Carpet Creations were added to the living
room and family room,” Majka added.
Upstairs, hardwood flooring was used in the
kids’ rooms. The couple’s 7-year-old daughter’s room
was reconfigured to conform to the new design.
“The furniture was cut
and refitted, windows were closed and shelving was
added to provide new use and niches,” Majka
explained.
Inside the master suite,
custom-made sofas and
cocktail tables were added as the focal point, along
with area rugs and new bedding. DEGEN-MAJKA retained
the existing window treatments. The
master bath was completely renovated with custom
cabinetry, marble, hardware and bath fittings and
fixtures, and his/her closets. In addition
to the living space, the home was retrofitted with
new air conditioning, windows and a generator.
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The Patio Area
The exterior of the home also became part of the expansion project. The
wrap-around patio has undergone an extensive redesign in marble and
adorned with planters. The patio area off the kitchen measures 16 x 20
and on the opposite side of the house it measures 16 x 24. Here, Majka
and Degen created a custom waterfall. The patio
area off the family room and breakfast room fronts onto a large pool and
deck. DEGEN-MAJKA will be furnishing the pool and patio area through the
spring with tables and seating. A barbeque area is also planned to be
built and retractable awnings will be installed on the west end of the
patio to block out the harsh afternoon sun.
“We are exploring the idea of refinishing the pool and deck area
and creating a cabana area off the pool,” said Majka. Not
only are they lovely clients, but they are receptive to ideas and they
commit to the plan… and they love the outcome!” exclaimed Majka. Degen-Majka
Furniture and Accessories boasts the finest in home furnishings and
accessories from six continents.
Degen-Majka,
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