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Decorative Kitchen Pot Racks & Lighting
2007-07-18 15:05:00
A large catalog came in the mail yesterday and when I opened it I knew it was something special. It's a company called 2nd Ave. Design.  They have some really interesting products. They seem to move from Mediterranean rustic to Soho funk. Let me show you some of the things I thought you'd like to see. It's a cinch to coordinate various types of lighting, sconces, chandeliers, pendants, with the pot racks. I actually like to mix finishes, I think it's more interesting, and their finishes are beautiful.           ;      &nbs p;      &nb sp;      &n bsp;      & nbsp;               ;      &nbs p;      &nb sp;      &n bsp;      & nbsp; &nb...
More About: Kitchen , Lighting , Deco , Chen

Kitchen Design - The Work Triangle (then and now)
2007-07-17 23:34:00
You've all heard of the work triange in regard to kitchen design. There is so much to discuss regarding kitchen design, and I've already discussed many topics on this blog, but have not yet touched on this most well known of topics, the work triangle.I've recently been asked some questions by an editor about the work triangle for future publication in a shelter magazine, so it got me thinking. I'll tell you my thoughts on this topic. And, I'll try very, very hard to keep it interesting! That Was ThenIn the old days, oh, up to as recently as 5 years back, kitchen design was straight forward. The work triangle served the vast majority of America very well for decades! Why? Because our choices were limited. The key ingredient in keeping kitchen design on the straight and narrow, in my mind, was standard(ized) appliances. A societal component contributed to kitchen design maintaining the status quo as well...that is, the singular definition of "what is a family?" There wa...
More About: Design , Kitchen , Work , Kitchen Design , Chen

Scandinavian Kitchen Design ROCKS!
2007-07-17 01:38:00
I'm not kidding about this. It really rocks, trust me. Take a look, and turn up your speakers. A LOT. It doesn't always work for some reason. Refresh your browser if you don't see the video right away. It's short but unlike anything else I've seen!Scandinavian Kitchen s That Rock The HouseOr try this link, but try it! (And then report back!)My cousin, Lis, sent me some links for Scandinavian kitchen websites, many of which I already had, but some were new. I had asked her to send me some magazines, and she said links are easier. Nice! I'll be loading up on magazines when I go to Denmark in August. I usually spend at least $100 on magazines, and they add so much weight, but it's worth it (to me!)Here are some thoroughly modern kitchens from the company, Trend. The wood really looks fantastic here, doesn't it?  And, as always, try out a few blogs. The first, Modern Country, has text in brown in English. Also check out hvitstil, and last but DEFINITELY not least,...
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French Kitchens - Chalets in the Alps
2007-07-14 14:23:00
Today is Bastille Day, commemmorating the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789. Of course, on this national holiday, always falling in the midst of the Tour de France, it is traditionally the day upon which French riders will make a special effort to take a stage victory for France! And, so, it is appropriate to show some kitchens from France today, and I think I have a treat for you! Since the Tour is entering the treacherous and stunningly beautiful French alps, let's take a look at some French country kitchens in some luxury chalets, oui?  Images from the Oxford Ski Company, specialists in luxury ski vacations. I'm there...I just need to learn how to ski, just a detail! I hear tomorrow the route for the Tour is even more grueling in the mountains of France. I'm watching, are you?         ;   As you can see in the first image, many of these chalets will accommodate from 10 to 20 people, or more. Some have 8-10 bedrooms, h...
More About: Kitchens , The A , The Alps , Chen

Custom Kitchen Cabinets - What You Need To Know, Part 1
2007-07-13 12:49:00
Choosing your cabinetry is a huge decision. It's so permanent, isn't it? So many choices too! Since the cabinetry is often one of the largest parts of the kitchen remodeling budget, I'll be doing a series of informational posts on selecting your cabinetry. Today's post will be a simple explanation of custom cabinetry. Is it right for you? We'll see.The phrase "custom cabinets," or "custom cabinetry" can be quite confusing. In fact, it means different things to different people! Do you want custom kitchen cabinets? Will they last longer? Will you pay much more? Is it worth the money? Here is some insight, and answers to common questions, to help make your decision making a little bit easier. These questions and more will be addressed in future posts. For now, let's begin at the beginning with a description of custom cabinetry and what makes it appealing to some.What is this image?? It's an image of custom cabinetry integrating seamlessly with surrounding mi...
More About: Kitchen , Part , Custom , Cabinet , Chen

Kitchen Dining Inspiration
2007-07-12 21:18:00
I happened to see that a blog I frequent (A LOT), An Eye for an I:nterior featured this post of mine, an interesting kitchen design, and I immediately noticed the table and chairs that Jen was putting together, and I'd love to chat about it. As you notice, the table is raw, rustic, natural, and the chairs are modern, smooth, and white. The thread that they have in common are simple lines.But, the real interest is found in their differences. I really love this look, and I encourage my readers to go beyond their comfort zone and experiment! Pairing together "rustic" and "modern" makes them each POP, a wonderful study of contrasting style and theme.  Another nice contrast is the juxtaposition of straight lines and curved lines. Each element looks strong and important. It also brings to mind my cousin's kitchen in her summer house in Denmark in terms of the rustic/modern combination. Just thought I'd take a quick opportunity to share this concept. Thanks, Jen...
More About: Kitchen , Inspiration , Dining , Chen , Dini

Kitchen Remodeling Perspective
2007-07-12 20:03:00
Next time anyone connected to a kitchen remodel is super stressed, remember this link, below. In order to understand the whole thing, please click on the link in the post "enormous concrete Virgin." Funny story. How can I tie this into kitchen remodeling? For one thing, I, too, can get carried away with worry, concern, all sorts of emotions in the course of doing my job. I mean, issues with deadlines, clients, tradespeople, allied professionals, delays, suppliers...there are many opportunities for me to get undone, and the same goes for my clients. I've been reading this blog I have linked to, checking it most days of the week since mid December. It's helped me have a healthy and more serene perspective on life than I had, previous to finding it. It actually has had a profound impact on me, to tell the truth. It also propelled me, after having been far too lax, to go on a campaign to get every test and go to every doctor that I could think of beginning this past January ...
More About: Kitchen , Remodeling , Perspective , Chen , Deli

Kitchen Design - Tuscan Style!
2007-07-12 02:08:00
I sold a kitchen to my client, Grace, today. We've been working together since January. Lots of stops and starts, beginning with Asian design and ending up with a Tuscan themed design! Here are a few very simplistic images of what we're planning. They have not been embellished with wall and backsplash details, they are just simple line drawings. I'd like to point a few things out to you.FloorplanSee the orange dots? That delineates, or transitions, the working part of the kitchen from the dining/furniture area of the kitchen. This is by design so that there is a frame of reference across the width of the room, and the length for that matter. Grace wanted an expanded work area, and she also wanted to interact with her guests, AND, she needed to seat five people within the space. See the large window parallel to the table? It's a very large window, and very low, so the cooktop had to veer off at that angle, which actually works quite well. I don't love the configuration of t...
More About: Design , Kitchen , Kitchen Design , Style , Chen

The Kitchen Designer on the Desire To Inspire Blog!
2007-07-10 17:00:00
It's really great to be featured on the wonderful interior design blog, Desire To Inspire ! Thanks Kim & Jo! I'm honored, truly, because these gals showcase really fantastic interior design, found world wide, in many different styles. It's a source I go to, to get inspiration, ideas, and information. I have often felt that Kim and Jo have a little bit of a kitchen fixation (in a good way!) as it is not unusual to find kitchens among their collections of interiors on any given day. I'm always thrilled to see these kitchen images. It's actually helpful to see the kitchens in these interior design collections, as one can see the kitchen design within the context of the entire home. But even beyond helpful, it is a valuable resource, and one of the very few blogs which includes different parts of the home, which one can learn from, in addition to just enjoying the view, a nice enough activity! Again, thank you! 
More About: Kitchen , Decoration , Blog , Designer

Le Tour - Belgian Kitchens Today and Yesterday
2007-07-10 02:48:00
Today Le Tour de France goes through Belgium, through beautiful Flanders, amongst chateaus, canals, and wonderful little villages. Unfortunately, there was rainy weather and a huge crash! Watching the peloton is really something awesome. While I won't be updating you on the tour every day (I promise) I do feel compelled to give a bit of a showcase of Belgium by virtue of, what else, Belgian kitchens! Now, it's not the easiest thing to do to find Belgian kitchen design, so we have a mix of the very old Belgian kitchen by Belgian painters, and the uber-cool and awesome new kitchens, found in Design Addict.  The first image is called "A Maid In The Kitchen" by David Emile Joseph de Noter. I don't think the maid is doing her job, do you?  She looks awfully depressed! Next up is a kitchen by Suzon Inber & Associates at www.inger.be     Let's take a look at another kitchen from Suzon Inber & Associates. And one more ancient kitchen. I th...
More About: Today , Kitchens , Yesterday , Este

An iPhone For Every Kitchen Project?
2007-07-09 12:42:00
Yes, I succumbed, followed the crowd, became an iPhone fangirl, and all the rest, I admit it! But, oh, it's soooooooo sweet! Needing a new phone, I researched for a month before the iPhone's release, hardly even considering the iPhone in the equation, discarding it early on as a contender, as I was focused on Blackberrys, the Nokia N95 (with an incredible camera, but alas had some dealbreakers) and other smart phones. I was democratic in my comparisons. That said, I ultimately decided to purchase the iPhone, and it has already made my life and my work easier, and isn't that the test?Here's why I bought the iPhone, but please note, in general, how important some of these features can be, whether one is a designer or a client. It's a tool! The large screenIn the end, this was my number one reason for purchasing the iPhone, end of story. I am so done with small screens! The experience of using a large screen (important when having a smart phone) enhances the usefulness of the devi...
More About: Kitchen , Iphone , Project , Chen

Kitchens on Le Tour De France!
2007-07-08 12:55:00
The first stage of the 94th Tour de France began today in London, for the first time ever. They say one million spectators lined the streets to take in the start of Le Tour, the route going from London to Canterbury, 203 kilometers. 189 of the world's best cyclists are now on their way toward 20 stages in all, through villages, mountains, long flats, and ultimately, of course, into Paris (wait till you see the luxury Paris kitchens I already have lined up!)I have a personal interest in the Tour. My son is a bike racer and aspires to great cycling accomplishments! We frequently attend races around our region. I'll be watching the Tour every day. I must say, the producers of the tour tv footage frequently include amazing views of the French countryside and villages. Turn it on for an hour, you'll see what I mean. It is a fabulous tour of France. Those aerial views are crazy!So, in honor of the first stage of Le Tour, beginning in London, here is a collection of ...
More About: Kitchens , Tour de France , Chen

Kitchen Design Details - Banquette Height
2007-07-07 18:32:00
I've added a new category, "Kitchen Design Details ". Sometimes, I'll come across a useful piece of information, or am reminded by a detail from an image that I feel might be important to pass on, so I thought I'd create this new category.It's funny how this happens. Today, I saw an image in the hot, new, building and design site, PointClickHome. I immediately honed in on the built in banquette. First, let me say, this is a beautiful image, isn't it? It is a lovely representation of a rectiliniar design.What I want to highlight in this image is the height of the banquette, nothing else. When planning a banquette, consider the following:What is your table height?Will you want a cushion on the top of the banquette?How comfortable will you want the banquette to be? If you want super comfort, then think in terms of THICK cushions, sofa-like, as much as 4-5" thick, and watch the firmess of the cushions as the cushions dimension will then compress easily or not, ch...
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KBIS 2007 Kitchen Design for Better Homes and Gardens Midwest Living Magazi
2007-07-07 00:26:00
So, I've been real busy since KBIS, and I took so many pictures and brought back so much information that I have more to share with you! The "Idea Center", which is either three or four full, real, kitchens, produced on the KBIS site in a wonderful, huge area, was, as usual, well, wonderful! Meredith Corp., produces these kitchens, each from a particular magazine, and each has a specific theme. It is a trends spotting experience also! In this case, trends that I am spotting are:a soft contemporary stylingwalls of tile or stonerustic featuresan eclectic lookmini version of a work stations conceptcomfortable feelinglarge, multi-functional sinkFrom the press release: Midwest Living 's kitchen at KBIS, "Back to Basics" is a relaxing weekend retreat, with its ‘back-to-nature’ kitchen and bath space. Pairing the Heartland’s agricultural heritage with contemporary cabinetry and appliances, the converted barn is designed to relax and enhance the weeken...
More About: Design , Kitchen , Kitchen Design , Gardens

Absolutely Beautiful Kitchens
2007-07-05 18:15:00
I love the blog Absolutely Beau tiful Things, authored by Anna. Today, I looked through it and found a few posts on particularly beautiful kitchens, which I'd like to show you. The first post shows a gorgeous white kitchen which is actually very similar to one that I did recently.  And, in Anna's later post Kitchen Love Part Two, please check out the inspiring ways to use shelving on walls and in pantries. Anna is an Interior Designer in Brisbane, Australia and owns a very wonderful shop called Black and Spiro. Please also take a look at the blog At Home With Kim Vallee. The advice on this blog is excellent. It is practical and insightful and creative, a special and important combination. Kim's writing translates into focus and direction and makes it easy to follow too.And one more, more shelving from Small Space Style, another blog with great ideas and again, very practical advice.I need to do a post about shelving in kitchens, it is so HOT these days. These blogs have inspi...
More About: Decoration , Kitchens , Chen

Scandinavian Kitchens and Independence Day!
2007-07-04 15:24:00
It turns out it's perfectly appropriate, and I even wish I had planned it this way, that I'm two days late for my weekly Monday Scandinavian Kitchens exhibit. Today, being, July 4, Independence Day, is the perfect tie-in to dedicate this post to my parents, who came from Copenhagen to the U.S., at that time, sailing past Lady Liberty, to pursue the American dream. My parents, especially my mother, wanted to assimilate as seamlessly as possible into American life. She quickly found a church to become a member of, got involved in school and PTA activities, made lots of genuinely good friends and was happy to gain citizenship and to feel like an American. My father founded a business, made his fortune, later lost it all, blaming it on unions, also typically American! I lived the American dream growing up, and while assimilation was important to my parents, the wonderful Scandinavian cultural traditions remained intact. Food, the language (between my parents), the fantastic Danish mod...
More About: Independence Day , Chen

Kitchen Appliances - Retro, Color, Cool
2007-07-02 13:02:00
I've been wanting to show you the very cool appliances from Big Chill Retro Appliance, and now, seeing this post from Desire To Inspire, this is the moment to do it! As soon as I saw these Big Chill refrigerators, I knew they were done right. I don't know what 50s or 60s vehicle the special logo comes from, but it's the kind of thing that you know you've seen before. And, the lines of these refrigerators, I feel like I've seen that style before too. It has personality, not just bulk. I'm wild about the lines of this refrigerator!Very interesting too that the ranges are identical to Elmira's line of ranges, another great line of retro inspired appliances. Oftentimes, one manufacturer distributes the same item to multiple brands, I think that is common knowledge. That said, there could be some tweaks of differentiation on the inside of the appliance, tailored to a brand's specifications. Now, I know that Scrappy Girl over at Domino Magazine is interested in retro cool app...
More About: Color , Kitchen , Cool , Kitchens

Green Kitchens - Consuming to Conserve?
2007-07-01 17:58:00
Very interesting article in The New York Times, Buying Into The Green Movement. This piece talks about our eagerness to literally "buy into" the green movement, causing critics to question the fundamental issue...are we "consuming to conserve", thus, this line of thinking being a paradox? Are we eager to buy new green products, products, whether green or not green, which may not truly be needed at all, thus, creating an unnecessary environmental impact?I can't advise new homeowners whose kitchen is 40 years old and damaged, to forego renovating their kitchen. I am not of that philosophy, although some may be. To me, THAT is an oxymoron. However, there are ways to think a little deeper as to how one can be green, with, or even without, the use of green products.  Let's take new kitchen cabinetry. A client may have an interest in designing with "green" products. One issue, which has a huge environmental impact, of course, is fuel. A homeowner may w...
More About: Kitchens , Cons , Ming , Chen

French Country Kitchens Friday!
2007-06-29 15:38:00
I just uploaded another ten images into my now growing authentic, charming (admittedly not for everyone) French Country Kitchens album. I think it's because I just booked an apartment in Copenhagen this week for my vacation and I'm thinking vacation...villas...authentic European kitchens. I'll bet there are those who want to rent a home in France for vacation and experience living and cooking in one of these kitchens. I really hope they don't end up cooking meatloaf, that would be a crime and subject to banishment from French soil, FOREVER! But, I digress.If you're inspired to create a French country kitchen, a word of advice. Look at these images. Get inspired. But, also look for the details. For example, you may not care for the general look and feel of an entire kitchen, but look more closely, and you may see that you like the hood or the shelving or another detail.  Don't judge any one of these too quickly. In a few cases, while I didn't love the kitchen, there was s...
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Kitchen And Bath Ideas Magazine
2007-06-28 16:20:00
I like Meredith's Kitchen And Bath Ideas magazine, I always have. I used it many moons ago as inspiration for my own kitchen design before this profession sucked me in I began in this profession. I have always found them to be right on top of what's happening in kitchens today. Yes, they are a mainstream, old, company, under the Meredith Corp./Better Homes & Gardens umbrella of publications, but I'd strongly advise you to pick up a copy of Kitchen And Bath Ideas today, and here's why. They may not show all the up-to-the-minute, cutting edge, fabulous Italian kitchens over and over, throughout the magazine, but, truthfully, how many people own those kitchens? There's a kitchen style for everyone, and Meredith does a fantastic job of mixing it up in every issue, showing just that, something for everyone. Kitchen and Bath Ideas are as relevant today as they ever have been, and I absolutely use them as a go to source for inspiration. Likewise, on occasion, I am a go-to source f...
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Kitchen Planning In The New York Times
2007-06-28 14:53:00
The New York Times is my home page for my computer, and I check it throughout the day. It's informative and entertaining, and that MUST be a slogan for some newspaper somewhere!So, I see this blog in the Times Home & Garden section called "Dream Home Diaries" and this week, the homeowner is unsure about what to do with the kitchen plan. I immediately went into planning mode (as if I don't already have enough planning to do for my paying clients!) and plunged in.But there's something really fun about putting your plan out there for the world to give you opinions on, especially for something as important as a kitchen. And, of course, the entertainment part comes in where you get all the many and varied people who have all the answers or chastise the writer for something or other. After the "enlarge" feature started working on the plan, on the Time's site, my opinion changed about the kitchen design regarding what should go where, since I saw a bigger drawin...
More About: Kitchen , Planning , Kitchen Design

Kitchen Countertops - Slate, Yes, Slate!
2007-06-28 03:45:00
Slate is the quiet, little known, but serious, player in countertops for kitchens! Of course, slate is traditionally seen as a building material for flooring, roofing, cladding on buildings, wherever there is a need for a very strong, solidly performing material. So, why not kitchen countertops? I'll warn you in advance...mention slate to people in the biz, including countertop fabricators, and most likely you'll get, "No way, slate will stain and is too porous!" It could be followed by "You're nuts!" While I've been accused of being nuts on numerous occasions, it doesn't apply to this situation. Trust me... Rarely marketed to kitchen and bath designers for some reason, slate is, perhaps, one of the strongest, if not the strongest, materials one can use as a kitchen countertop, even exceeding the properties of granite. Slate, as a countertop material, has numerous properties that we need in a hard working countertop surface. And, by the by, I'm VERY conserv...
More About: Kitchen , Slate , Late , Counter , Chen

KBIS 2007 - Faucet Action!
2007-06-27 16:37:00
Back to showing more KBIS items after a too long hiatus! Some companies bring press releases to KBIS on products they have introduced some months back, even as early as the fall of the year before, with KBIS taking place in the spring. As I go through the press kits, I'm not looking for the newest product release dates, although that's always fun and "now." But, with hundreds and thousands of products out in the marketplace, I won't NOT show a product because it's already been introduced some months back. If I think it's cool (thus "new/cool products" category) meaning either good value, good design, finish, or whatever strikes me about it, I'll show you. It may not be THE newest introduction or THE most modern/innovative styling. I just have to think there is something special about it. That's good enough!So, I saw this Price Pfister faucet, and thought, wow, that's traditional, affordable, Price Pfister? I mean, I don't associate PF with fashion forwar...
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Is Your Kitchen Designer Driving You Crazy?
2007-06-26 12:51:00
I didn't plan on writing about this topic, I haven't thought about it much at all recently. I don't currently have any conflicts with clients, all is quiet on the eastern front. To set the scene even more oddly, I was out in the quiet early morning taking pictures of my incredible delphiniums in the garden with just the birds as my companions, when these thoughts started creeping into my head. Truthfully, it's an issue I've cared very much about for years. So, I got to thinking out in the garden about conflicts between clients and their kitchen designers this morning. And, this will not be about how kitchen designers are so wonderful and well, misunderstood. I won't go down that biased and defensive road.  Objectivity is my goal.I'm going to go backwards, take the negative feeling and try to offer up ways out of it. The one thing I will say in defense of kitchen designers is that we, too, are human. What makes us professional, besides our experience and expertise, is th...
More About: Kitchen , Driving , Crazy , Designer , Ving

Scandinavian Kitchens - Summer Fresh!
2007-06-25 22:20:00
Since my last Scandinavian Kitchens post, summer has arrived! Summer , to me, is one of those extreme experiences in many ways. I wouldn't want it all year, I like it just long enough to really enjoy it fully. I happen to like the summer garden better than my huge spring rose flush with thousands of rose blooms. Likewise, eating any meal of the day al fresco enhances the dining experience and creates summertime memories. As another summer solstice-inspired change, I lightened up the look of the blog a little bit...also more light filled and clean for the summer. I hope you like it. Here are some fresh, summery, Scandinavian kitchens for you to dream on (ok, put wireless in the backyard and then bring your laptop, jump in the hammock, and dream that way!)   I'm especially excited this week because just this morning I found and booked an extremely (that word again) charming apartment in Copenhagen for our vacation this summer, for 2 weeks. Made the plane reservati...
More About: Fresh , Dina

Kitchens at PointClickHome
2007-06-23 17:17:00
I just heard from my blogging counterpart, Timothy, at Charles and Hudson that he's a part of the hot new site PointClickHome, the new shelter hub that brings together ElleDecor, Metropolitan Home, and HOME magazines.  From what I see, there are lots of lifestyle  areas to check out, such as food, decorating, remodeling,  gardening, and more good stuff. It's laid out well and logically, with lots of great images, informative, and down-to-earth chat across the site. The two words that come to my mind are "fresh" and "smart!" Good work, Timothy! 
More About: Kitchens , Chen

The Kitchen Electric Estimate
2007-06-21 14:19:00
Geez, I spent a long time trying to spice up the title to this little piece, (I can't always just stick to pretty kitchen pictures!) and I just couldn't find anything clever to describe an electrical estimate. Give me some ideas, please! Maybe something about sparks flying? No, bad idea. It's a GOOD idea, when getting multiple bids for your kitchen renovation, to be organized so that your bids from contractors will use the same set of specifications. It sounds like a no brainer, and it should be, but the only way to make sure the estimates are comparable is to have one set of specs to give out to your electrical contractors to bid from.Here's what you may want to include, or make sure your designer includes, on a floorplan and/or separate sheet of specifications: Appliances - Brands and model numbers if possible. List all appliances, including: Refrigerator Freezer Refrigerator DrawersWine RefrigeratorCooktop - gas or electricOvens - gas or electricMicrowaveOther O...
More About: Kitchen , Electric , Chen

Beautiful Kitchens
2007-06-21 02:46:00
Want to see some beautiful kitchens? Look through Coastal Living's kitchen section and get inspired! I love lots of things about this kitchen and have a couple of quibbles. LOVE the same paint on the walls as on the hoodLOVE the dark brown accentsLOVE the contrast of the white floor and dark island/tableLOVE the use of whiteDON'T LOVE the refrigerator enclosureWOULD BETTER LOVE an integral open shelf toward the top of the island for useful storageWOULD BETTER LOVE the ceiling fixture over the island hanging lowerWOULD BETTER LOVE a piece of artwork hanging over the recessed wall cabinet next to the blinds Overall, a winner for me. How about you?? Enjoy these inspiring kitchens.  
More About: Kitchens , Beautiful , Beau , Chen

Designing Your Kitchen - All in Due Time
2007-06-20 01:27:00
I cancelled two appointments this week, one for Monday and one for tomorrow. I really don't like to, and therefore, rarely cancel appointments I think it sends a message that somehow I wasn't ready/organized/prepared, and so on. It gives me anxiety, like, oh, so many other little guilt-ridden things like this! (That's why I grow roses, to get outside and take a sniff of a fragrant rose.) OK, I take more than a sniff...I walk around the garden and take photographs when the mood strikes.Last week, it seems I was out of the office more than I was in, and I had appointments with these same people also last week, at which time we scheduled for this week as well.  Oftentimes I have the weekend to catch up on my work. I'm an early riser 7 days a week, usually well before 5 am or sometimes (on a weekend!) shortly after, so I do have real good quality time to get things done.This past weekend, with my kids coming in from the city for the Father's Day weekend, there really wasn't t...
More About: Kitchen , Designing , Time , Kitchen Design , Chen

Scandinavian Kitchens - Beautiful/Innovative Cabinetry
2007-06-18 20:42:00
So far, in this series on Scan dinavian kitchens, I have not showcased many brands of cabinetry, so I'd like to do that today. Let's focus a bit on the cabinetry, surely an integral part of any kitchen, as the kitchen is often (mostly) about storage. Storage that is functional, furniture-like, cool, whatever...as we know, the aesthetics of the cabinetry lead the rest of the kitchen's theme. I think it is safe to say that the vast majority of current Scandinavian kitchens incorporate contemporary themes. This is another reason why it's very helpful to see this regular series, as the vast majority of kitchen design in the U.S. is traditional. Perhaps this series on Scandinavian kitchens will help many consumers become more comfortable with contemporary kitchen design. Since Scandinavian (modern) kitchen cabinetry is seen in rooms (within Scandinavia) with traditional architecture, surrounded by heavily textured materials, or situated among smooth and sleek surfaces, with which one ...
More About: Kitchens , Beautiful , Nova , Dina