Tradition- a term so rooted its application rarely changes its meaning, yet so dynamic it reflects culture, time, geography, means and values. But more then a term, tradition is a code and as the case with any code some choose to honor it, some worship it, and some prefer to abandon it.

Long Island, despite its proximity to one of the most modernistic cities in the world, Manhattan, embraces the code of time honored tradition most obviously with its landscape, architecture and design. From its East Coast Farmhouses to its Gold Coast Mansions tradition weaves through the islands neighborhoods as surely as the breeze. Garden City is no exception. Residents here approach every facet of the town’s esthetics with fundamentalist certainty.

You might for a moment explore the idea that designing in such an environment requires less talent then, let's say, designing without boundaries. However, it's quite the opposite. Design by prerequisite requires thorough knowledge of the key elements that define the style and the creativity to explore its limits, bringing it to new heights while achieving the predefined outcome. The challenge becomes even more evident in the kitchen and baths, two rooms riddled with code limitations and the inclusion modern day appliances. So when Vinny Muldoon, owner of Old World Quality Corp set out to build a new Dutch Colonial in Garden City that looked as though it had been there for decades, he turned to Douglas Kitchens to ensure traditional authenticity in every facet of the kitchen and bath designs.

Doug Walsh, CKD, owner of Douglas Kitchens worked with Old World to design the kitchen and six bathrooms. To mirror the homes exquisite custom detailing Dutchmade custom cabinetry was chosen for its furniture like craftsmanship and seamless construction. In the kitchen, white cabinetry cleverly lines the rooms perimeter providing ample storage and workspace, but with an understated presence that enhances the magnificent millwork and allows each piece to enjoy its own recognition. To compliment the symmetry of the room’s high ceilings and open, airy layout Doug choose mullion doors to offset the cabinetry and create a sense of depth and light.

Central to the kitchens design is a handsome, twelve foot island clad in cherry, beaded inset paneling, topped with a 2 1/2" thick Double Roman Ogee granite top. The islands rich wood and architectural detailing add contrast to the perimeter workspace and serve as a transition from the kitchen to the rest of the great room that includes quarter sawn 6" wide oak floors, a 6' fireplace, French doors and custom, built in bookcases. Furnished with an antique copper bar sink and additional cabinetry the island is well suited for entertaining, prep work and dining. "We wanted the island and cabinetry to look as though they were natural part of the home and not separate furnishings," notes Doug. Most of the cabinets are virtually seamless and the island was actually shipped from Dutchmade in one finished piece." Finishing off the kitchens custom look are 4 1/2" beaded columns framing the range and farm sink and 3 1/2' beaded columns en-casing the wall oven and built in refrigerator with integrated paneling. The architectural toe kicks complete the look giving the base cabinetry furniture like finishing. All of the appliances are by Viking. Just off the kitchen is a marvelous butlers pantry furnished in floor to ceiling cherry, cocoa cabinetry with Gothic mullion doors, a granite counter top and a hammered antique copper bar sink.

They say that historic homes come with rich histories. What makes a Vinny Muldoon home so sought after is his ability to capture the sentiment and charm that historical home owners seek, while leaving in the past the drafty windows, antiquated plumbing, musky basements and squeaky floors typically associated with old homes. Old Worlds craftsmanship truly echoes it design skills. The sprawling 4 story home easily accommodates 6 bedrooms and 6 baths, a nanny's quarters, a home theater, exercise room, living room, dining room, den, great room, mud room and too may walk in closets to mention. However as much attention went into the plumbing, heating and cooling systems as the design work. “Our goal is to create homes that are as well built as they are designed. We use top of the line, high tech heating and cooling systems that are so efficient they cut traditional energy costs to almost half," explains Vinny. "We’re constantly looking for new ways to improve the quality of the home environment." The homes lower level features elevated 9 foot ceilings and full length windows which eliminate dampness and equal the feeling of being on the first floor. While the bathrooms gleam with historical charm, all are well equip with modern day luxuries including whirlpool baths and body sprays. Here again, custom detailing was paramount to the design. The vanities and medicine cabinets were custom built at the factory and designed by Doug to blend seamlessly with the homes rich architecture.

Although newly constructed, it's difficult, if not impossible to single this home out from the established homes on the block. The same extraordinary detail went into the homes facade. Yellow stained cedar shingles topped with a rustic slate tile roof, column flanked doorways and windows, ornately framed with black shutters, are the hallmark of the Garden City traditional home. The copper gutters and exquisite frieze decorated with carved wood preserve an image of the past and are precisely the finishing touches Vinny is acclaimed for.

It comes as no surprise that Vinny and Doug are in high demand these days. They've worked on numerous projects together in Garden City and each has been the rave of the town. In a town like Garden City, that's no small accomplishment.