Kitchen Design Notes

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Where are my Keys?!*!
2008-02-13 07:19:00
We have all been there. The frantic last minute rush out the door. You were supposed to leave the house five minutes ago, and then the realization sets in...the keys, where are they, phone...argh. Here is an idea to love.File this under good ideas.You packed her lunch last night, put her shoes and backpack by the door, and you were just about to get your 2nd grader to school on time for the second day in a row when you realized you might have to call a cab because your car keys had vanished into thin air. Avoid the frustration of missing keys, lost cell phones and forgotten lists with the sturdy, canvas Doorganizer. Hang it on the front door to keep your keys, sunglasses and shopping list nearly impossible to miss, and hang one on your office door to keep your PDA and mobile phone in easy reach. A strip on the back can hold paperwork, notepads and mail. They’re also great for keeping kids organized. Hang one from the bedroom door to keep handheld toys, music players and homework ...
More About: Keys

Where are my Keys?!*!
2008-02-13 07:19:00
We have all been there. The frantic last minute rush out the door. You were supposed to leave the house five minutes ago, and then the realization sets in...the keys, where are they, phone...argh. Here is an idea to love.File this under good ideas.You packed her lunch last night, put her shoes and backpack by the door, and you were just about to get your 2nd grader to school on time for the second day in a row when you realized you might have to call a cab because your car keys had vanished into thin air. Avoid the frustration of missing keys, lost cell phones and forgotten lists with the sturdy, canvas Doorganizer. Hang it on the front door to keep your keys, sunglasses and shopping list nearly impossible to miss, and hang one on your office door to keep your PDA and mobile phone in easy reach. A strip on the back can hold paperwork, notepads and mail. They’re also great for keeping kids organized. Hang one from the bedroom door to keep handheld toys, music players and homework ...
More About: Keys

It's time for Girl Scout Cookie Season!
2008-02-11 23:29:00
It's an annual event that has been around since 1936.Girl Scout cookies are an American Icon, a worthy purchase that goes back into supporting local Girl Scouts in your area.I look back at my Girl Scout years fondly. There was so much creative spirit and camaraderie in the tasks and events we were involved in. The friendships, the camp outs, will there ever be a better time in a young girl's life?The girl scout cookie campaign is where I found my competitive edge. Earning my badges was a thrill, the cookie campaign was exciting when I filled out the whole form and needed another page for more orders.A bit of trivia: Look who else was a Girl Scout:Sandra Day O'Connor Madeleine Albright Laura Bush Hillary Rodham Clinton Chelsea Clinton Tipper Gore Elizabeth Dole Gloria Steinem Ann Landers Barbara Walters Star Jones Jane Pauley Katie Couric Candace Bergen Mary Tyler Moore Celine Dion Sheryl Crow Natalie Merchant Rebecca Lobo Venus Williams Susan Taylor (Essence magazine) ...
More About: Time , Season , Cookie

It's time for Girl Scout Cookie Season!
2008-02-11 23:29:00
It's an annual event that has been around since 1936.Girl Scout cookies are an American Icon, a worthy purchase that goes back into supporting local Girl Scouts in your area.I look back at my Girl Scout years fondly. There was so much creative spirit and camaraderie in the tasks and events we were involved in. The friendships, the camp outs, will there ever be a better time in a young girl's life?The girl scout cookie campaign is where I found my competitive edge. Earning my badges was a thrill, the cookie campaign was exciting when I filled out the whole form and needed another page for more orders.A bit of trivia: Look who else was a Girl Scout:Sandra Day O'Connor Madeleine Albright Laura Bush Hillary Rodham Clinton Chelsea Clinton Tipper Gore Elizabeth Dole Gloria Steinem Ann Landers Barbara Walters Star Jones Jane Pauley Katie Couric Candace Bergen Mary Tyler Moore Celine Dion Sheryl Crow Natalie Merchant Rebecca Lobo Venus Williams Susan Taylor (Essence magazine) ...
More About: Time , Season , Cookie

Small Space Kitchen Options
2008-02-10 16:48:00
In a small kitchen, more than not, compromises have to be made.Not all compromises are a bad idea. I love small space kitchens and they can be executed with charm and function.The benefit of a small, but well designed kitchen, is that they can be efficient with fewer steps between the appliances, and fewer but well designed counter and cabinet storage space. The problem with small spaces if designed poorly; poor storage, lack of counter space, and inefficient appliances can send one through the loop trying to prepare a simple meal. Photo from THS Sensational Space Saving Kitchen s Photo from THS Sensational Space Saving KitchensA client befuddled with her small space condo. kitchen, came to me for help. She said she is considering eliminating her dishwasher to gain much needed drawer space. You could do this if you do not use the dishwasher much but I think a dishwasher is good for resale value, so in a small space I have some other options for you to consider.I have walked into many...
More About: Small , Options

Small Space Kitchen Options
2008-02-10 16:48:00
In a small kitchen, more than not, compromises have to be made.Not all compromises are a bad idea. I love small space kitchens and they can be executed with charm and function.The benefit of a small, but well designed kitchen, is that they can be efficient with fewer steps between the appliances, and fewer but well designed counter and cabinet storage space. The problem with small spaces if designed poorly; poor storage, lack of counter space, and inefficient appliances can send one through the loop trying to prepare a simple meal. Photo from THS Sensational Space Saving Kitchen s Photo from THS Sensational Space Saving KitchensA client befuddled with her small space condo. kitchen, came to me for help. She said she is considering eliminating her dishwasher to gain much needed drawer space. You could do this if you do not use the dishwasher much but I think a dishwasher is good for resale value, so in a small space I have some other options for you to consider.I have walked into many...
More About: Small , Options

TAKEOUT MENU ORGANIZER
2008-02-09 09:36:00
Yes, I do admit it, I do not want to cook every night of the week. Some nights I want someone else to cook for me. My take out menu's clipped to the side of the fridge is not really the best system. I grab one from the clip and the lot slips out all over the kitchen floor. It is getting a little out of hand. I banished my junk drawer, so I refuse to start shoving the menus in the drawer anymore, the manila folder concept was just as messy. I found a menu organizer at last that I think deserves a spot in my kitchen. Yes, I could get a generic binder and be done with it, but this is so much more stylish and fun.Now I have a quick and easy way to reference my favorite dish, Pad Kee Mao at White Elephant Thai and remember to tell them "hold the chili" as well as my others family members favorite dishes. The bestselling Takeout Menu Organizer proudly acknowledges the fact that most of us don’t cook every night (or any night). Like a modern-day recipe box, the Menu Organizer neatl...

TAKEOUT MENU ORGANIZER
2008-02-09 09:36:00
Yes, I do admit it, I do not want to cook every night of the week. Some nights I want someone else to cook for me. My take out menu's clipped to the side of the fridge is not really the best system. I grab one from the clip and the lot slips out all over the kitchen floor. It is getting a little out of hand. I banished my junk drawer, so I refuse to start shoving the menus in the drawer anymore, the manila folder concept was just as messy. I found a menu organizer at last that I think deserves a spot in my kitchen. Yes, I could get a generic binder and be done with it, but this is so much more stylish and fun.Now I have a quick and easy way to reference my favorite dish, Pad Kee Mao at White Elephant Thai and remember to tell them "hold the chili" as well as my others family members favorite dishes. The bestselling Takeout Menu Organizer proudly acknowledges the fact that most of us don’t cook every night (or any night). Like a modern-day recipe box, the Menu Organizer neatl...

Make the most of small space
2008-02-09 07:38:00
A view out the back from the kitchen. (Michael Robinson Chavez, Los Angeles Times) I love sharing clever ideas. This small L shape kitchen benefits with a flood of light on the counter tops without losing wall cabinet storage.Well done!
More About: Space , Small , Make

Make the most of small space
2008-02-09 07:38:00
A view out the back from the kitchen. (Michael Robinson Chavez, Los Angeles Times) I love sharing clever ideas. This small L shape kitchen benefits with a flood of light on the counter tops without losing wall cabinet storage.Well done!
More About: Space , Small , Make

Peninsula Swap
2008-02-07 17:53:00
published in Domino, February 2008This Kitchen designed by Linda Woodrum, for a home in the Florida Keys caught my eye. This is what I call a creative swap. I love this! The sink and dishwasher were placed in the peninsula. In the short part of the "U" where the sink typically resides, an under cabinet convection/microwave oven makes good use of the space. Inventive and practical for a narrow kitchen.What law says the sink has to be in front of the window? Designer Linda Woodrum has resolved a peninsula conundrum by giving the dishwasher a proper home next to the sink. The problem for older kitchens with the sink typically in front of the window, the narrow "U" prevents the dishwasher from being placed next to the sink. The dishwasher would end up perpendicular to the sink and logistically behind the sink. The narrower the space, the more awkward it becomes. Nothing is more awkward than having to back up from the sink and turn about. Or if you are not inclined to move your feet, i...
More About: Peninsula , Swap

Peninsula Swap
2008-02-07 17:53:00
published in Domino, February 2008This Kitchen designed by Linda Woodrum, for a home in the Florida Keys caught my eye. This is what I call a creative swap. I love this! The sink and dishwasher were placed in the peninsula. In the short part of the "U" where the sink typically resides, an under cabinet convection/microwave oven makes good use of the space. Inventive and practical for a narrow kitchen.What law says the sink has to be in front of the window? Designer Linda Woodrum has resolved a peninsula conundrum by giving the dishwasher a proper home next to the sink. The problem for older kitchens with the sink typically in front of the window, the narrow "U" prevents the dishwasher from being placed next to the sink. The dishwasher would end up perpendicular to the sink and logistically behind the sink. The narrower the space, the more awkward it becomes. Nothing is more awkward than having to back up from the sink and turn about. Or if you are not inclined to move your feet, i...
More About: Peninsula , Swap

True Luxury in Concrete
2008-02-06 22:22:00
Looking for inspiration for your shower?This shower by Grotto Designs shows that concrete can be shaped, stained, embellished.For more inspiration visit Grotto DesignsConcrete is adaptable and timeless. Picture above and below from Robert G Laurain Custom Concrete
More About: Luxury , True

True Luxury in Concrete
2008-02-06 22:22:00
Looking for inspiration for your shower?This shower by Grotto Designs shows that concrete can be shaped, stained, embellished.For more inspiration visit Grotto DesignsConcrete is adaptable and timeless. Picture above and below from Robert G Laurain Custom Concrete
More About: Luxury , True

Sliding Doors
2008-02-05 22:41:00
Looking for the perfect solution for lofts and other open areas where room dividers make the space complete. To make it less corporate, and yet still light emitting, imagine a Lumicor insert...Consider customizing the panels out of elements other than frosted glass.This one designed by Jhane Barnes for Lumicor.Or this one called Infinity White.Or how about something more Botanical.This one is called coastal. The reeds are very zen like. Troy Adams used something similar. See below for a photo.This one is called Bamboo Rings. How fun and whimsical would this be fun in a post modern design.Translucent Tree Leaves. Beautiful pattern for a contemporary or transitional design.This slider as shown at Troy Adams Design.comlets the light transmit from the panels but allows for privacy.For more information on Lucite, visit LumicorFor more information on Sliders visit The Sliding Door Company
More About: Doors

Sliding Doors
2008-02-05 22:41:00
Looking for the perfect solution for lofts and other open areas where room dividers make the space complete. To make it less corporate, and yet still light emitting, imagine a Lumicor insert...Consider customizing the panels out of elements other than frosted glass.This one designed by Jhane Barnes for Lumicor.Or this one called Infinity White.Or how about something more Botanical.This one is called coastal. The reeds are very zen like. Troy Adams used something similar. See below for a photo.This one is called Bamboo Rings. How fun and whimsical would this be fun in a post modern design.Translucent Tree Leaves. Beautiful pattern for a contemporary or transitional design.This slider as shown at Troy Adams Design.comlets the light transmit from the panels but allows for privacy.For more information on Lucite, visit LumicorFor more information on Sliders visit The Sliding Door Company
More About: Doors

Set Design Influences Residential Kitchen Design
2008-02-04 18:15:00
Every so often a movie or television series comes along where the set design starts to acquire as much press as the stars themselves."Brothers and Sisters" on ABC is one of those shows. The kitchen, is garnering it's own fan mail at ABC from admiring fans who want to copy it. The kitchen is beautiful but not fussy. Production Design er, Denny Dugally along with Set Designer Bryan John Venegas say they purposely created a home environment that did not look to perfect.The October '07 issue of Traditional Home was the first alert I had about this new star set design kitchen. For further research, since I am always missing Sunday night TV, I took a video tour of this kitchen via the internet. I like this kitchen. The link is attached below.The original production designer, Scott Chambliss, set the tone for the color palette used thoughout the Walker residence. Dugally and Venegas are responsible for the show's overall look. The story line has the Walker residence set in Pasadena, ...
More About: Residential , Kitchen , Kitchen Design

Set Design Influences Residential Kitchen Design
2008-02-04 18:15:00
Every so often a movie or television series comes along where the set design starts to acquire as much press as the stars themselves."Brothers and Sisters" on ABC is one of those shows. The kitchen, is garnering it's own fan mail at ABC from admiring fans who want to copy it. The kitchen is beautiful but not fussy. Production Design er, Denny Dugally along with Set Designer Bryan John Venegas say they purposely created a home environment that did not look to perfect.The October '07 issue of Traditional Home was the first alert I had about this new star set design kitchen. For further research, since I am always missing Sunday night TV, I took a video tour of this kitchen via the internet. I like this kitchen. The link is attached below.The original production designer, Scott Chambliss, set the tone for the color palette used thoughout the Walker residence. Dugally and Venegas are responsible for the show's overall look. The story line has the Walker residence set in Pasadena, ...
More About: Residential , Kitchen , Kitchen Design

Dish towels and sponges
2008-02-03 23:36:00
One day apart a reader and a client asked where is the best place to keep the dishtowel and dish sponge. Alrighty then, here is my opportunity to sound off about the topic.Dish towels and sponges must be absolutely clean each time one is used. Because the average sponge can host 7 billion bacteria, (namely E. coli or Staphylococus aureus), you could be doing more harm than good during a counter wipe down.Follow the advice of cleaning experts and keep your sponges as sanitary and effective as possible.Get in the habit of disinfecting your cellulose sponge or dish cloth. An article from RealSimple.com, "How to Keep Sponges Germ-Free: Sponge basics and tips for microbe-management".gives advice on this subject. "A damp, dirty sponge encourages bacteria growth. But it’s not enough to squeeze out the dishwater, says Richard Sparacio, cofounder of MaidPro, a nationwide housecleaning service. Once the soapy water has been released, rinse the sponge under hot water. Then press out the wate...

Dish towels and sponges
2008-02-03 23:36:00
One day apart a reader and a client asked where is the best place to keep the dishtowel and dish sponge. Alrighty then, here is my opportunity to sound off about the topic.Dish towels and sponges must be absolutely clean each time one is used. Because the average sponge can host 7 billion bacteria, (namely E. coli or Staphylococus aureus), you could be doing more harm than good during a counter wipe down.Follow the advice of cleaning experts and keep your sponges as sanitary and effective as possible.Get in the habit of disinfecting your cellulose sponge or dish cloth. An article from RealSimple.com, "How to Keep Sponges Germ-Free: Sponge basics and tips for microbe-management".gives advice on this subject. "A damp, dirty sponge encourages bacteria growth. But it’s not enough to squeeze out the dishwater, says Richard Sparacio, cofounder of MaidPro, a nationwide housecleaning service. Once the soapy water has been released, rinse the sponge under hot water. Then press out the wate...

Dish towels and sponges
2008-02-03 23:36:00
One day apart a reader and a client asked where is the best place to keep the dishtowel and dish sponge. Alrighty then, here is my opportunity to sound off about the topic.Dish towels and sponges must be absolutely clean each time one is used. Because the average sponge can host 7 billion bacteria, (namely E. coli or Staphylococus aureus), you could be doing more harm than good during a counter wipe down.Follow the advice of cleaning experts and keep your sponges as sanitary and effective as possible.Get in the habit of disinfecting your cellulose sponge or dish cloth. An article from RealSimple.com, "How to Keep Sponges Germ-Free: Sponge basics and tips for microbe-management".gives advice on this subject. "A damp, dirty sponge encourages bacteria growth. But it’s not enough to squeeze out the dishwater, says Richard Sparacio, cofounder of MaidPro, a nationwide housecleaning service. Once the soapy water has been released, rinse the sponge under hot water. Then press out the wate...

Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker
2008-02-03 21:53:00
Jamie Oliver has a brilliant invention that may convince you to give up your mortar & pestle. If anything, it is a fun way to shake away your aggressions. The ceramic ball does all the work crushing, grinding and bruising the contents, releasing amazing aromas and zingy flavours. You can also add liquids like oil and cream to create delicious dressings and marinades.http://www.flavourshaker.co.uk/ watch/Love this!
More About: Jamie , Jamie Oliver

Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker
2008-02-03 21:53:00
Jamie Oliver has a brilliant invention that may convince you to give up your mortar & pestle. If anything, it is a fun way to shake away your aggressions. The ceramic ball does all the work crushing, grinding and bruising the contents, releasing amazing aromas and zingy flavours. You can also add liquids like oil and cream to create delicious dressings and marinades.http://www.flavourshaker.co.uk/ watch/Love this!
More About: Jamie , Jamie Oliver

Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker
2008-02-03 21:53:00
Jamie Oliver has a brilliant invention that may convince you to give up your mortar & pestle. If anything, it is a fun way to shake away your aggressions. The ceramic ball does all the work crushing, grinding and bruising the contents, releasing amazing aromas and zingy flavours. You can also add liquids like oil and cream to create delicious dressings and marinades.http://www.flavourshaker.co.uk/ watch/Love this!
More About: Jamie , Jamie Oliver

Designers of Distinction Day
2008-02-02 07:02:00
Thursday afternoon I was invited to tour the Enkeboll Castle in Carson, California.The Enkeboll Company, founded by Raymond Enkeboll, produces legendary wood carved architectural products.Getting to tour the facilities where some of the most beautiful carved wood products are made was worth clearing my calendar for the day. I felt like a kid getting to go behind the mysterious gates of Mr. Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. Fascinating. It has that same sense of mystery, anticipation and excitement. I was waiting to see if the Oompa Loompas would appear.Upon entering the wrought iron garden gates, a stone and brick pathway gently winds its way to the hand carved front doors of this authentic styled Tudor Castle. The front of the castle is truly special. From the floors to the hand carved beams in the ceiling.Security was very serious. I have been sworn to secrecy not to reveal anything. Cameras were not allowed. These photos are courtesy from the Enkeboll web site. I toured the fr...
More About: Designers

Designers of Distinction Day
2008-02-02 07:02:00
Thursday afternoon I was invited to tour the Enkeboll Castle in Carson, California.The Enkeboll Company, founded by Raymond Enkeboll, produces legendary wood carved architectural products.Getting to tour the facilities where some of the most beautiful carved wood products are made was worth clearing my calendar for the day. I felt like a kid getting to go behind the mysterious gates of Mr. Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. Fascinating. It has that same sense of mystery, anticipation and excitement. I was waiting to see if the Oompa Loompas would appear.Upon entering the wrought iron garden gates, a stone and brick pathway gently winds its way to the hand carved front doors of this authentic styled Tudor Castle. The front of the castle is truly special. From the floors to the hand carved beams in the ceiling.Security was very serious. I have been sworn to secrecy not to reveal anything. Cameras were not allowed. These photos are courtesy from the Enkeboll web site. I toured the fr...
More About: Designers

Designers of Distinction Day
2008-02-02 07:02:00
Thursday afternoon I was invited to tour the Enkeboll Castle in Carson, California.The Enkeboll Company, founded by Raymond Enkeboll, produces legendary wood carved architectural products.Getting to tour the facilities where some of the most beautiful carved wood products are made was worth clearing my calendar for the day. I felt like a kid getting to go behind the mysterious gates of Mr. Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. Fascinating. It has that same sense of mystery, anticipation and excitement. I was waiting to see if the Oompa Loompas would appear.Upon entering the wrought iron garden gates, a stone and brick pathway gently winds its way to the hand carved front doors of this authentic styled Tudor Castle. The front of the castle is truly special. From the floors to the hand carved beams in the ceiling.Security was very serious. I have been sworn to secrecy not to reveal anything. Cameras were not allowed. These photos are courtesy from the Enkeboll web site. I toured the fr...
More About: Designers

Endo Magnets Clips
2008-01-31 17:25:00
No kitchen should be without a good magnet clip. You will love these. They hold up to 20 pages. A certifiable neat freak, I take all my coupons and important clippings and hide the them on the side of my refrigerator, to keep the paper chaos contained. I love these! Endo Magnet Clips
More About: Magnets

Endo Magnets Clips
2008-01-31 17:25:00
No kitchen should be without a good magnet clip. You will love these. They hold up to 20 pages. A certifiable neat freak, I take all my coupons and important clippings and hide the them on the side of my refrigerator, to keep the paper chaos contained. I love these! Endo Magnet Clips
More About: Magnets

Endo Magnets Clips
2008-01-31 17:25:00
No kitchen should be without a good magnet clip. You will love these. They hold up to 20 pages. A certifiable neat freak, I take all my coupons and important clippings and hide the them on the side of my refrigerator, to keep the paper chaos contained. I love these! Endo Magnet Clips
More About: Magnets