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Kitchen Design NotesKitchen Design NotesWelcome to Kitchen Design Notes. Whether in the middle of a kitchen remodel, planning one or just dreaming, stop in and browse. This blog is part sounding board, part roladex. Here, I can share tips and pass on the latest design information to you. 
Articles
Practicality of Concrete
2008-04-06 21:22:00 The floor shown on the left was my inspiration color.In the last showroom I designed, I used the concrete slab as the finished floor. We didn't have a big budget for wood or stone tile floors, so we thought we would work with what we had, concrete. Even then, we found out that concrete could be expensive if you go the route of an overlay, a stamped pattern or a highly polished mirrored like finish. We went for economical route by resurfacing and adding a stain to the existing surface.We received so many complements on the floor that I laugh when I remember the trauma involved.Everyone who stopped in wanted to know how we achieved that color. It was an acid wash base of terra cotta and verdigris and it turned out fabulous. But fabulous is never easy.We wound up doing it ourselves, or rather our GC was brought in to fix it. It was a lot of trial and error. At first, we got 2-3 quotes from different concrete sub contractors to do the work. I was ready to hire one company who's refere... More About: Concrete
Practicality of Concrete
2008-04-06 21:22:00 The floor shown on the left was my inspiration color.In the last showroom I designed, I used the concrete slab as the finished floor. We didn't have a big budget for wood or stone tile floors, so we thought we would work with what we had, concrete. Even then, we found out that concrete could be expensive if you go the route of an overlay, a stamped pattern or a highly polished mirrored like finish. We went for economical route by resurfacing and adding a stain to the existing surface.We received so many complements on the floor that I laugh when I remember the trauma involved.Everyone who stopped in wanted to know how we achieved that color. It was an acid wash base of terra cotta and verdigris and it turned out fabulous. But fabulous is never easy.We wound up doing it ourselves, or rather our GC was brought in to fix it. It was a lot of trial and error. At first, we got 2-3 quotes from different concrete sub contractors to do the work. I was ready to hire one company who's refere... More About: Concrete
Blog Birthday
2008-04-06 20:23:00 April is my one month Blog anniversary. This has been a fun experience blogging, sharing my passion for design and getting to know many people in the process, world wide. What started as an experiment to log my resources and remodel tips for clients has turned into an enjoyable writing experience. You will notice some tweaks and tune-ups as I take "baby-steps" learning to teach myself the basics of "HTML" and formatting my blog. Some attempts have not been good, losing some of my favorite links. Hopefully, I will be able to master this crazy HTML thing as time progresses.Have a piece of cake this month for me! More About: Birthday
Blog Birthday
2008-04-06 20:23:00 April is my one month Blog anniversary. This has been a fun experience blogging, sharing my passion for design and getting to know many people in the process, world wide. What started as an experiment to log my resources and remodel tips for clients has turned into an enjoyable writing experience. You will notice some tweaks and tune-ups as I take "baby-steps" learning to teach myself the basics of "HTML" and formatting my blog. Some attempts have not been good, losing some of my favorite links. Hopefully, I will be able to master this crazy HTML thing as time progresses.Have a piece of cake this month for me! More About: Birthday
Trends in Materials
2008-04-06 04:27:00 I am being asked to speak at a seminar on Trends in Finish Materials for Kitchens and Baths.Even though I have my own ideas I am more interested in hearing from you.So, I thought I would pose the question to my blog buddies.What are you interested in hearing about in finish materials for kitchens and baths?Do you want to hear more about back splash ideas and counter tops? Are you color challenged and looking for help coordinating floors, cabinets and counters?Do you want to hear about hard wood verses tile floors?Or, do you want to hear about alternate floor materials?Are you troubled with the terms and want to know more about them before you decide? Should you consider Stainless Steel, Vitreous China, Fire Clay, Cast Iron, Porcelain... how does one decide what is the best selection for your family?What finish selections are puzzling to you for your kitchen or bath remodel?Is cost playing a factor in what materials to choose?I am interested in hearing what your questions are.Thanks!...
Trends in Materials
2008-04-06 04:27:00 I am being asked to speak at a seminar on Trends in Finish Materials for Kitchens and Baths.Even though I have my own ideas I am more interested in hearing from you.So, I thought I would pose the question to my blog buddies.What are you interested in hearing about in finish materials for kitchens and baths?Do you want to hear more about back splash ideas and counter tops? Are you color challenged and looking for help coordinating floors, cabinets and counters?Do you want to hear about hard wood verses tile floors?Or, do you want to hear about alternate floor materials?Are you troubled with the terms and want to know more about them before you decide? Should you consider Stainless Steel, Vitreous China, Fire Clay, Cast Iron, Porcelain... how does one decide what is the best selection for your family?What finish selections are puzzling to you for your kitchen or bath remodel?Is cost playing a factor in what materials to choose?I am interested in hearing what your questions are.Thanks!...
Virtual Faucet Creator
2008-04-01 16:03:00 "Ta da"! Exactly what I needed and I created it."Here’s an example of what you can do with the Virtual Faucet Creator ... Start with the original BELMONT in a Weathered Copper finish, and then swap the handles for CAMARILLO in Satin Nickel for a new look.California Faucets launched the new Virtual Faucet Creator at www.calfaucets.com. This new web based tool provides anyone with the ability to design their own custom bathroom faucet or kitchen faucet by combining any spout style with any handle, in any of over 25 decorative finishes. Interior designers, architects and homeowners alike can enjoy creating unique custom faucet designs for their home, clients and friends. You can design your custom faucet and share it via email, online or printed in Adobe PDF format. California Faucets’ uniquely flexible product line allows you to create over two million custom faucet combinations quickly and easily. “Our new Virtual Faucet Creator has revolutionized custom faucet design. W...
Virtual Faucet Creator
2008-04-01 16:03:00 "Ta da"! Exactly what I needed and I created it."Here’s an example of what you can do with the Virtual Faucet Creator ... Start with the original BELMONT in a Weathered Copper finish, and then swap the handles for CAMARILLO in Satin Nickel for a new look.California Faucets launched the new Virtual Faucet Creator at www.calfaucets.com. This new web based tool provides anyone with the ability to design their own custom bathroom faucet or kitchen faucet by combining any spout style with any handle, in any of over 25 decorative finishes. Interior designers, architects and homeowners alike can enjoy creating unique custom faucet designs for their home, clients and friends. You can design your custom faucet and share it via email, online or printed in Adobe PDF format. California Faucets’ uniquely flexible product line allows you to create over two million custom faucet combinations quickly and easily. “Our new Virtual Faucet Creator has revolutionized custom faucet design. W...
More Tips on ROI
2008-03-27 06:49:00 Reno ROI, no this is not the name of a slot machine in Reno Nevada. As catchy and game-like as the name "Reno ROI" sounds, gambling on renovation return on investment is a topic anxious homeowners take seriously. As a matter of fact, there are several new articles on the subject available to read on the internet.Home Renovation Guide has a ROI round up on the topic. They have some interesting points, for instance did you know that by adding a swimming pool is not a value added ROI despite the huge investment, while a simple quick fix (painting kitchen cupboards) adds to the resale value.I will add my own cautionary update to kitchens based on what clients tell me.Do not purchase expensive granite counter tops to top existing cabinets if your cabinets are shot.If you are fixing up the house for a quick sale and need to do it economically, save your money on new cabinets and expensive slabs of granite.Instead, detail out your kitchen to a spic and span immaculate state. Paint the cab... More About: Tips
More Tips on ROI
2008-03-27 06:49:00 Reno ROI, no this is not the name of a slot machine in Reno Nevada. As catchy and game-like as the name "Reno ROI" sounds, gambling on renovation return on investment is a topic anxious homeowners take seriously. As a matter of fact, there are several new articles on the subject available to read on the internet.Home Renovation Guide has a ROI round up on the topic. They have some interesting points, for instance did you know that by adding a swimming pool is not a value added ROI despite the huge investment, while a simple quick fix (painting kitchen cupboards) adds to the resale value.I will add my own cautionary update to kitchens based on what clients tell me.Do not purchase expensive granite counter tops to top existing cabinets if your cabinets are shot.If you are fixing up the house for a quick sale and need to do it economically, save your money on new cabinets and expensive slabs of granite.Instead, detail out your kitchen to a spic and span immaculate state. Paint the cab... More About: Tips
Support your community: Buy Local
2008-03-24 05:59:00 Driving through my town, I noticed a telling sign, businesses that once were a thriving part of the community, are now merely vacant buildings with "for lease" signs in the windows. Two popular restaurants, two art and frame shops, two kitchen and bath retails showrooms. Rents are high, sales are down. Where are these business going? My favorite frame shop told me he is going back to wholesale downtown. The sign in my favorite restaurant said they can't afford the landlords increase in rent.I have heard my client's mention the deals they find when searching the internet for the best prices on cabinet hardware, plumbing fixtures or even large ticket appliances. I am all for getting a bargain, but I prefer to buy local and put my money back into my local economy and encourage clients to do the same. If you see a better price, show your local store, if they want your business, they will make an effort to provide a better discount.On the other hand, when competing with predatory int... More About: Community , Support , Local
Support your community: Buy Local
2008-03-24 05:59:00 Driving through my town, I noticed a telling sign, businesses that once were a thriving part of the community, are now merely vacant buildings with "for lease" signs in the windows. Two popular restaurants, two art and frame shops, two kitchen and bath retails showrooms. Rents are high, sales are down. Where are these business going? My favorite frame shop told me he is going back to wholesale downtown. The sign in my favorite restaurant said they can't afford the landlords increase in rent.I have heard my client's mention the deals they find when searching the internet for the best prices on cabinet hardware, plumbing fixtures or even large ticket appliances. I am all for getting a bargain, but I prefer to buy local and put my money back into my local economy and encourage clients to do the same. If you see a better price, show your local store, if they want your business, they will make an effort to provide a better discount.On the other hand, when competing with predatory int... More About: Community , Support , Local
All fired up over appliances
2008-03-20 07:37:00 Tonight I attended a special open house event at Warehouse Discount Center in Agoura Hills, CA. The idea behind these open house events are to get kitchen designers excited about new product lines so that we can share this information with our clients.Even more so, I encourage client's to visit appliance stores that offer product demonstration days. You will want to learn how to work effectively with these new appliances before you purchase them. Call your local appliance store and ask if they have product demonstration days. Also, you should know that appliance distributors encourage customers to come see cooking demonstrations at their authorized product centers throughout the country.Saturdays are good days to visit your local appliance stores, especially if they have live displays. Product demonstration days are fun times. Live displays, ovens filling the air with savory delights. Sweet crepes gently prepared before your eyes and served up with fresh strawberries and cream. T... More About: Fired Up , Fired , Appliances
All fired up over appliances
2008-03-20 07:37:00 Tonight I attended a special open house event at Warehouse Discount Center in Agoura Hills, CA. The idea behind these open house events are to get kitchen designers excited about new product lines so that we can share this information with our clients.Even more so, I encourage client's to visit appliance stores that offer product demonstration days. You will want to learn how to work effectively with these new appliances before you purchase them. Call your local appliance store and ask if they have product demonstration days. Also, you should know that appliance distributors encourage customers to come see cooking demonstrations at their authorized product centers throughout the country.Saturdays are good days to visit your local appliance stores, especially if they have live displays. Product demonstration days are fun times. Live displays, ovens filling the air with savory delights. Sweet crepes gently prepared before your eyes and served up with fresh strawberries and cream. T... More About: Fired Up , Fired , Appliances
Hats off to the weekend warriors!
2008-03-19 05:25:00 I have got to hand it to the "do-it yourself" able bodied homeowners who tackle and complete home renovation projects. With the high cost of materials and labor to complete a project, "sweat equity", can payoff in the long run. That is if you have the patience to endure living in construction mode far longer than it takes if you hire professionals to do the work. Check out the story of Lili and Arnie Richards, profiled in LA Times Blog, "Pardon Our Dust".Great story if you are thinking about doing it yourself.A kitchen remodel and dining room addition all for $27,000 is remarkable. A remodel like this would certainly run into figures closer to $100,000 if done by a general contractor.Why it worked for them:They planned in advance and stuck to a schedule. Diligent in planning. Previous experience remodeling.Realistic about the invariable hic-ups. They managed their expectations.Self-starters, determined to see the project through to the end.Self-reliant. Spirited even while enduring... More About: Weekend , Warriors , Hats
Hats off to the weekend warriors!
2008-03-19 05:25:00 I have got to hand it to the "do-it yourself" able bodied homeowners who tackle and complete home renovation projects. With the high cost of materials and labor to complete a project, "sweat equity", can payoff in the long run. That is if you have the patience to endure living in construction mode far longer than it takes if you hire professionals to do the work. Check out the story of Lili and Arnie Richards, profiled in LA Times Blog, "Pardon Our Dust".Great story if you are thinking about doing it yourself.A kitchen remodel and dining room addition all for $27,000 is remarkable. A remodel like this would certainly run into figures closer to $100,000 if done by a general contractor.Why it worked for them:They planned in advance and stuck to a schedule. Diligent in planning. Previous experience remodeling.Realistic about the invariable hic-ups. They managed their expectations.Self-starters, determined to see the project through to the end.Self-reliant. Spirited even while enduring... More About: Weekend , Warriors , Hats
Misery Loves Company
2008-03-19 03:11:00 Anything worth having needs time, effort, some expense, more patience and a heavy dose of humor. In the case of a home renovation, the payoff is the pride of luxuriating in gleaming new diggs, bragging rites and a fabulous place to throw a dinner party. Before you can celebrate the completed project, the trick to getting what you want is research, research, research! Now if only we could say that three times fast and voila, your remodel is done. Alas, if only life was so. Still sitting by the sidelines? James Curry, the executive editor of Epicurious.com, the premiere award-winning food Web site, blogs about his adventures in redoing his kitchen in his first home. Read through his blog to discover his latest adventures in appliances and tile shopping, what flooring material to choose, read about the fine art of compromise between James and his wife. Learn about the messy and time consuming process of permits, plan check and approvals as they battle through with the city government ... More About: Company , Misery Loves Company
Misery Loves Company
2008-03-19 03:11:00 Anything worth having needs time, effort, some expense, more patience and a heavy dose of humor. In the case of a home renovation, the payoff is the pride of luxuriating in gleaming new diggs, bragging rites and a fabulous place to throw a dinner party. Before you can celebrate the completed project, the trick to getting what you want is research, research, research! Now if only we could say that three times fast and voila, your remodel is done. Alas, if only life was so. Still sitting by the sidelines? James Curry, the executive editor of Epicurious.com, the premiere award-winning food Web site, blogs about his adventures in redoing his kitchen in his first home. Read through his blog to discover his latest adventures in appliances and tile shopping, what flooring material to choose, read about the fine art of compromise between James and his wife. Learn about the messy and time consuming process of permits, plan check and approvals as they battle through with the city government ... More About: Company , Misery Loves Company
And now finally: A stylish shower drain
2008-03-16 20:47:00 A pet peeve of mine is cheap shower drains. You may think I have too much time on my hands to worry about the state of drains. Being in the business, I have seen way too many ugly drains and by ugly I mean the corroded powder coated type with the screw holes showing, usually with a screw missing or a bent drain cover.Finally , a faucet manufacture has addressed the state of drains.ABSORBING STYLEIntroducing the StyleDrain™ from California Faucets—the First “Decorative” Shower Drain with fast-flow efficiencyForm and function fuse in the world’s first decorative, highly proficient shower drain. California Faucets’ groundbreaking StyleDrain™ boasts style previously unseen in a shower drain. Indeed, StyleDrain™ is the alternative to the run-of-the-mill, plain-Jane industrial drain.Whether a complex shower system with multiple water spray applications or simple shower with a single head, StyleDrain™ delivers deluxe style in tune with the most luxurious bath decors.“Con... More About: Stylish
And now finally: A stylish shower drain
2008-03-16 20:47:00 A pet peeve of mine is cheap shower drains. You may think I have too much time on my hands to worry about the state of drains. Being in the business, I have seen way too many ugly drains and by ugly I mean the corroded powder coated type with the screw holes showing, usually with a screw missing or a bent drain cover.Finally , a faucet manufacture has addressed the state of drains.ABSORBING STYLEIntroducing the StyleDrain™ from California Faucets—the First “Decorative” Shower Drain with fast-flow efficiencyForm and function fuse in the world’s first decorative, highly proficient shower drain. California Faucets’ groundbreaking StyleDrain™ boasts style previously unseen in a shower drain. Indeed, StyleDrain™ is the alternative to the run-of-the-mill, plain-Jane industrial drain.Whether a complex shower system with multiple water spray applications or simple shower with a single head, StyleDrain™ delivers deluxe style in tune with the most luxurious bath decors.“Con... More About: Stylish
Should we or shouldn't we?
2008-03-15 17:52:00 Considering a home renovation? In today's unpredictable housing market, checking what type of ROI you would get in today's market in your specific zip code would be a valuable tool to consider your options.There is a new web site, Cyberhomes.com, that may be helpful if you are considering a kitchen remodel or home renovation. It’s definitely a fun tool to play around with if you’re a homeowner! Cyberhomes (www.cyberhomes.com) is a new online destination for people who want complete home buying information, including renovation ROI estimates for a specific zip code and detailed neighborhood info – all on one site. Whether you’re interested in doing a home renovation to increase the value of your home for a future sale, or if you’re simply trying to make your home more comfortable to live in, deciding to take on a home renovation or remodel can be an exciting time for homeowners. But with as unpredictable as the housing market is these days, how do you know if a renova...
Should we or shouldn't we?
2008-03-15 17:52:00 Considering a home renovation? In today's unpredictable housing market, checking what type of ROI you would get in today's market in your specific zip code would be a valuable tool to consider your options.There is a new web site, Cyberhomes.com, that may be helpful if you are considering a kitchen remodel or home renovation. It’s definitely a fun tool to play around with if you’re a homeowner! Cyberhomes (www.cyberhomes.com) is a new online destination for people who want complete home buying information, including renovation ROI estimates for a specific zip code and detailed neighborhood info – all on one site. Whether you’re interested in doing a home renovation to increase the value of your home for a future sale, or if you’re simply trying to make your home more comfortable to live in, deciding to take on a home renovation or remodel can be an exciting time for homeowners. But with as unpredictable as the housing market is these days, how do you know if a renova...
Jot Dry- Erase Refrigerator
2008-03-02 06:18:00 Amana has introduced a new refrigerator with a Dry Erase surface.From jotting down a grocery list to family reminders, the Jot Dry-Erase Refrigerator lets you express yourself anyway you like, as often as you want. Just jot it down. Erase and repeat.
Jot Dry- Erase Refrigerator
2008-03-02 06:18:00 Amana has introduced a new refrigerator with a Dry Erase surface.From jotting down a grocery list to family reminders, the Jot Dry-Erase Refrigerator lets you express yourself anyway you like, as often as you want. Just jot it down. Erase and repeat.
Is there humor in recycling? You bet cha!
2008-03-01 20:37:00 These book shelves are made from real books and salvaged lumber. So clever and humorous!This is hands down my favorite quirkiest bookshelf ever. In design, as in life, no one should take themselves too seriously. This bookshelf does it for me.Great gift idea for a loved one too.Do you have a bookshelf idea? Artist Jim Rosenau, will make custom shelves on any theme. You can begin with just one book or simply an idea you provide. For more information please visit the website This Into That.com More About: Humor , Recycling
Is there humor in recycling? You bet cha!
2008-03-01 20:37:00 These book shelves are made from real books and salvaged lumber. So clever and humorous!This is hands down my favorite quirkiest bookshelf ever. In design, as in life, no one should take themselves too seriously. This bookshelf does it for me.Great gift idea for a loved one too.Do you have a bookshelf idea? Artist Jim Rosenau, will make custom shelves on any theme. You can begin with just one book or simply an idea you provide. For more information please visit the website This Into That.com More About: Humor , Recycling
More on Small Space Kitchens
2008-02-19 10:33:00 Minimalistic Kitchens that have a personality. Here are a few of my current favorites. Enjoy.Edgy, Bold, Bright in such the small space. What a great chandelier!hotson.netGrenich Village LoftDomino Magazine, Feb 2008. Key Features that give this kitchen personality: The play of contrasting materials surprise and delight. The acrylic Philippe Starck chairs for Kartell paired with a deep stained rustic farmhouse table.Medium stained walnut cabinets mixed with white cabinets. The Pagani Quartz and Bronze pendant lamp in contrast to the stainless steel pulls. A reason not to get too neurotic about matching the lights to the hardware to the appliances and so on. An eclectic minimalistic kitchen perfected. More About: Space , Small
More on Small Space Kitchens
2008-02-19 10:33:00 Minimalistic Kitchens that have a personality. Here are a few of my current favorites. Enjoy.Edgy, Bold, Bright in such the small space. What a great chandelier!hotson.netGrenich Village LoftDomino Magazine, Feb 2008. Key Features that give this kitchen personality: The play of contrasting materials surprise and delight. The acrylic Philippe Starck chairs for Kartell paired with a deep stained rustic farmhouse table.Medium stained walnut cabinets mixed with white cabinets. The Pagani Quartz and Bronze pendant lamp in contrast to the stainless steel pulls. A reason not to get too neurotic about matching the lights to the hardware to the appliances and so on. An eclectic minimalistic kitchen perfected. More About: Space , Small
The News on Lighting
2008-02-13 17:37:00 A new LED recessed can light made by LLF is finally here. Last week I was treated to a show of new lighting products available for kitchen and bath remodels and I am very happy to report I am very impressed at the capability of the LLF product. Peggy Deras, at Kitchen Exchange, has written a very informative article on the new LLF LED can light and I would encourage my readers to follow the link to the article. LED Recessed Lights are Here- REALLY HERE!!! More About: News , Lighting , The News
The News on Lighting
More articles from this author:2008-02-13 17:37:00 A new LED recessed can light made by LLF is finally here. Last week I was treated to a show of new lighting products available for kitchen and bath remodels and I am very happy to report I am very impressed at the capability of the LLF product. Peggy Deras, at Kitchen Exchange, has written a very informative article on the new LLF LED can light and I would encourage my readers to follow the link to the article. LED Recessed Lights are Here- REALLY HERE!!! More About: News , Lighting , The News 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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