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Hazel Project, Amherst, New York
Hi Dino!

Well, it took four weeks and one day, but our kitchen renovation is finally complete. All design elements came together perfectly, and your sink played an integral role. Thank you! Included are a number of before and after photos. Feel free to use them how you desire. We are both so very happy with how this turned out, we'd love to share with others. Also, what follows is the brief essay you may share with our photos on your site.

Our kitchen renovation is quite possibly the most dramatic transformation of a galley kitchen we could have imagined. We sought to incorporate a number of design elements that balanced modern tastes with structural elements, integral to the house. We raised the ceiling up to the gabled roof, installing two skylights and a ceiling fan, while exposing the two-story brick chimney that was previously hidden behind the walls. Then, after gutting everything else, we relocated the existing stove and fridge, adding a dishwasher and disposal within maple cabinets. 12x24" slate-colored porcelain tiles with a strip of 1x2" tiles adds a visual draw that pulls the eyes into the kitchen, up the chimney, and to the vaulted ceiling.

The backsplash is made of narrow glass tiles, clear and frosted, of various lengths. We chose the color of the glass to complement the walls, brick chimney, maple cabinets, and of course, the copper sink. The countertop is black pearl granite - whose color variations pick up hints of copper, green, and maple. Brushed stainless steel hardware pulls the kitchen together, while maintaining the copper sink as a unique design element.

We chose a copper sink for a number of reasons. First of all, the copper sink provides a visual continuity throughout our 1942 colonial with its brass doorknobs and electrical plates. But further, in addition to copper's natural polished beauty, it continues to develop character as it ages, particularly when utilized as functional art - such as this kitchen sink. With respect to the structural design of the sink itself, its large, rectangular single basin and off center drain serve our functionality perfectly.

In all, the transformation was made complete by the harmonious integration of a number of design elements - including of course, a beautiful sink.
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Before...during and after...

   
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Cahill Project, Visalia CA

Dino, attached is my "testimonial". I had to send as PDF because of all the pictures. Feel free to use whatever parts you want on your website, and if you need me to send either the text or any pictures separately I can do that - just let me know. I sincerely meant everything I said in the letter - your personal touch and excellent customer service are something that is seldom seen anymore, and something I truly value, and it is evident you love what you do. You made my remodel a little less stressful.

My kitchen remodel experience:
When I started looking into updating my kitchen I knew I wanted something "different". I had seen pictures of copper farmhouse sinks but didn't know anyone who had one, so I thought that would be a great focal piece for the kitchen. After doing extensive research online I found Rachiele.com. My first impression was "beautiful, but no way can I afford one of these". As I read through all the info on the website I started to question what I saw on other sites. There were a couple factors that played most heavily into my final decision to go with a Rachiele sink:
1. Due to their patented design I would not have to modify my cabinets to accommodate a farmhouse sink apron.
2. They could customize the apron to match my décor.
3. Dino personally answered the phone and answered all my questions personally.
I ordered my sink and made arrangements to send a piece of my slate so they could match it to the rustic patina. I lined up my counters and backsplash people to coincide with the estimated date of my sink delivery. Dino was also very helpful in offering opinions and suggestions regarding my backsplash - he forwarded me pictures and options for copper insets which helped me with the final design of the backsplash. As we got closer to the due date I started bugging Dino to make sure we were on schedule, and of course we were.
Next came patina time. Dino forwarded me a picture of the patina in progress, and I wanted a slight change, so they made that change and forwarded to me. The pictures on line were hard to determine colors due to variations in my computer screen, so I was a little nervous and drove Dino crazy with second-guessing. The box arrived, and everything was in order – no damage! Upon opening the box I was a little unsure about the patina matching the rest of the kitchen, but we were moving forward no matter what.
My granite contractor didn't believe me when I told him the sink was supposed to "just drop in" – he said he'd make sure his guys brought power tools. My demo people forgot to install the sink before they left, so that night I took it upon myself to try to install it, and wouldn't you know – it slid right in – just like it shows on the website!
My granite and tile contractors were in awe of the sink – they couldn't believe it slid right in, couldn't believe the custom patina, and on and on. When you can impress professionals like them that have "seen it all", you know you've got a masterpiece on your hands!
Once we got the granite and backsplash in the kitchen all came together and looks wonderful! My concerns about the colors in the apron are gone – it looks amazing. The sink is starting to patina on the inside, and it is a living thing – it changes every day depending on how much I use it and what I use in it. I love the rustic look – and it is absolutely an original. One of my friends even commented that the sink was a piece of art, and she was right – it truly is a custom piece of art – Dino even signed it!
I chose cosmos granite and multi-color slate. Copper accents framed in/around taupe glass tile are above the stove to carry the copper theme through the kitchen. I have a stainless steel dishwasher right next to the sink, stainless faucet, and a stainless refrigerator.
I am so happy I chose to go with the Rachiele copper sink. It is unique, truly a piece of art, and I couldn't have asked for more patient and personal customer service from Dino. Thank you!!!!
D. Cahill

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