"SOMETIMES, AS A DESIGNER, the hardest thing to do is to hold back. Paul Pavlak and Karen Gilbert, founders of SkLO, a Healdsburg based company that produces handblown glass lighting and accessories, focused on restraint when designing the renovation of their 1,200-square-foot cabin-style home outside Sebastopol. The couple shunned large additions and excessive ornamentation in favor of the humble, essential beauty of a smaller, cozier space marked by untreated redwood siding, stone slabs, and large glass windows to bring the outdoors in. "It's very warm," explains Paul, who trained as an architect. "As an architectural point of view, and as people, we don't want fussy stuff. We like things that are durable, things that will wear with you."

Karen and Paul's workshop and design studio is just across the courtyard from the main home. It's a functional, barn-like space with tile floors and space for drawing, prototyping and metalwork.

We encourage you to read the full story at Sonoma Magazine.

Thank you to Abigail, photographer Eileen Roche and the Sonoma Magazine team for this feature.

More press featuring our new SkLO releases ...

New Light Collection including Peak Chandelier and Pillow Pendant

Drape Composition 2 Pendant and Stack Object featured in Fall Market Tabloid

New Light Collection

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Making Of 

"We developed a special glassblowing technique that gives these vessels their ‘seam’ while hot on the glassblower’s pipe. This unique asymmetrical off-center detail creates their signature look. When the vessels’ tops are cut during the process known as ‘cold-working,’ the curving double opening is revealed. We love the frosted finish we developed that breathes new life into these classic SkLO pieces.”

- Karen Gilbert, Partner & Designer