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I'm (Kitchen) Floored!! (Again!)
2008-06-05 19:47:00 Had you there for a minute! I've talked lots about the lightness in Scandinavian kitchens. Light tones are seen in many kitchen materials such as walls, cabinets, countertops, backsplashes and so on. But, I think what is, really, a very cool look, and one that is very UNcommon here in the U.S. are super light floors as are often seen in Scandinavian kitchens. There is SOMETHING about a light floor, and I'm not even sure I can express what it is, but I'll try. I think light toned floors contribute a number of interesting attributes to a kitchen design:The space appears larger than it really is. If the walls are light as well as the floors, the space seems to float, almost suspended, and there is a flow to the space that, in all light tones, almost defies description.If the large elements such as cabinetry, are dark, the expected contrast is reversed and is a very cool look. The space looks clean! One may want to choose an imperfect light floor, so the inevitable nicks and spo...
Small Kitchen Design Ideas
2008-04-25 13:53:00 Is your kitchen small? Does it feel closed, dark and cramped? If so then you’ll love these kitchen design and remodeling ideas that will help move your kitchen out of the suffocating darkness and into the spacious light. Add light to the kitchen.The right mix of natural and artificial light will immediately brighten up the space and make it look larger. A bay window or skylight will add architectural interest and allow a bright flow of natural light. Choosing the best ambient and task kitchen lighting and fixtures will illuminate the kitchen after dark giving the space the same airy, bright feeling it has during the day. Use light colored cabinets to give the illusion of an expanded kitchen space. Avoid standard size cabinets with a smaller cabinet mounted on top for more space it looks choppy. Use continuous high wall cabinets to give the kitchen an illusion of height and more space. It’s just like fashion - if you are petite wearing a belt cuts you in half and makes you look ...
KBIS 2008 - More Pantry Love!
2008-04-24 12:57:00 From KBIS, I have too many fun images of organizational finds for the pantry not to share them with you, so there is more for today. And, if you're like me, I think it's so much fun to discover new ways of organizing (yes, FUN.) Keeps the insides of our cabinets interesting, so that they, oh let's take a stretch here, do their JOB to amuse their pantry masters, right? Not to mention adding efficiency to the mix. Poor pantries, SO much work to do! I think my own pantry definitely needs therapy, it's so mixed up...Here we go again. Would you prefer this for your corner wall cabinet (it pulls out!): &-nbsp; &n-bsp; OR- THIS....! No contest! -; - &-nbsp;Also from Knape & Vogt is this super handy pull out tray divider... &nb-sp; &nbs-p; -; From Rev-A-Shelf, ne...
My Midlife Crisis ... In The Kitchen
2008-04-17 22:05:00 Not a crisis, it sounds so dramatic, but a period of transition, yes...honestly...as a kitchen designer, that is. I'm no longer so concerned with the kitchen triangle. For the most part, the kitchen triangle is fading away. Why? Because of several things:one's personal work habits taking precedence (a good thing)the introduction of so many different shapes, sizes, and types of appliancesdesigning multiple work stations into a kitchenmulti generations cooking together as fun rather than a taskthe kitchen being even more the hub of the house attracting people like ants to a picnicBut, it's funny, the thing that is really making me totally rethink the kitchen is its role as a social place. We've all read the magazines talking about the kitchen as the "gathering place." We've heard that for years, and there is the island with a few stools, etc. etc. But, my eyes have been opened even further, since last August after having visited the Hansen showroom in Copenhagen an...
Dream House Diaries March Toward Mediocrity
2008-04-07 13:17:00 One more post about the New York Times blog, Dream House Diaries, just one more! And, if the link does not work down the road, this is what the blog was about. A couple from up north builds a house in Florida, spending close to one million smackeroos, double, from what they first planned on spending, land and construction, included.Here's the bottom line: In the course of spending one million smackeroos, they got a builder's kitchen in their march toward mediocrity (and obvious design flaws.) So, the lesson for the day, for this blog, for those who are about to spend thousands on a kitchen, is this:There are different types of kitchen designers. That's it, end of story. Alison and Paul were told this little nugget of wisdom, and they did not listen. As a result, there are so many flaws in their kitchen, I won't bore you again with the list. Instead, I'll go positive and tell you, basically, what's out there. Low budget for new construction/remodelsHome Depot, Lowes, and your b...
Lessons Learned From New York Times' "Dream House Diaries"
2008-04-07 00:38:00 As I noted a few days ago, the New York Times blog, of which I was a "regular", has put up its last post. It's definitely bittersweet for me (I can't deny there are SOME emotions to seeing the last post, since I've hung in here for close to a year!) But, somehow, I think I'll be able to work tomorrow. :)Here are the lessons that, I think, one should learn.1. Plan in advance. As far ahead as you can, as soon as you are thinking about remodeling or building a home, start the process to find a kitchen designer. Alison and Paul's (the homeowners) builder told them to wait until the kitchen had a floor. That's...I can't find the words.2. Find a kitchen designer - Take a look at this post for tips to find a kitchen designer. Allow for time up front, it may not be able to get done quickly. 3. Before you sign a contract, tell your builder you may not want to use his kitchen designer. Deal with that up front, and find out what sort of allowance will be rebated back to you. My take is ...
Designing A Kitchen For A Large Space
2008-04-04 11:52:00 I was recently hired to design a kitchen for a large space, which will incorporate two connecting rooms. The home has its architectural challenges, of which I could mention a bunch off the top of my head. Currently, in this huge kitchen, there is about 36" between the island and the main "run" of cabinets. 36" in a huge kitchen. That really makes sense...no, it doesn't. Part of what I find to be a lot of fun, is when I go into a home, look at the existing kitchen, and I can see the thinking, the motivations, of the previous kitchen designer. I do enjoy making lots of mini observations, connecting the pieces, to figure out how and why the kitchen was created in its original form. And, I could be way off base, too, with my assumptions, sometimes, but, it's a fun, little, exercise. And, of course, one never knows who really drove a design, the designer or the client.Here is the empty plan of the existing space. I'll tell you...you draw it out, put in windows...
The VERY Latest Kitchen Design Trend 2008
2008-04-01 12:49:00 This is truly breaking news, and truth be told, I am THE force behind what will prove to be a movement in architectural and interior design starting the moment this post gets published. I predict what is already beginning to surface is this: Henceforth, and from now on:There will be a kitchen in every room in the home. If not a full size, then, well, something a little smaller, whatever, forget the details for now, I'm busy with the concept. Kitchens are the nourishment, the heart and soul of the home. It is the most important room in the home. It is SO important, that it only makes sense to expand the concept! The advantages are really where our society is moving, anyway. Here are the advantages:maintaining one's privacy-once and for all! You know all that privacy talk you hear? Now, there's one more way to be private.have your own stash of fooddecorate the kitchen however you want - seek out and express YOUR inner kitchendesign it to...
A Dream Kitchen?
2008-03-31 20:51:00 I started reading the New York Times' blog, Dream Home Diaries, late last spring. Let me say that I truly wish Alison and Paul, the homeowners who built a home in Anna Maria Island, Florida, the very best. I hope they love their kitchen, that it works well for them, and I wish them all good things in connection with their home.I've been a regular on the Dream Home Diaries blog on posts that had to do with the kitchen. My motivation was to help out Alison and Paul, who asked for help, admitting to being completely clueless to building a home, as well as educating the public at large. Many of us helped out. What a great resource of information (and smart alek-y and snarky comments) they had before them. Man, this blog is so entertaining, I'll be sorry when it's gone. I found myself feeling quite annoyed at times at the authors' complete lack of response to my and others' advice. Advice on fundamentals! Let me give you an example. Alison wrote that J...
How Solid Wood Is Set To Make A Comeback In Kitchen Design
2008-03-31 17:43:00 Kitchen design and interior design more generally is continually evolving, 2008 will be no different with changes in the way we use and decorate our kitchens. Worktops sink units and cabinets are all set to change with wider use of curving, more organic forms. The organic feeling continues in terms of materials with a move away from the industrial steels and chromes of the past few years to more natural solid wood being used. Luxurious solid wood worktops made from oak or beech will be increasingly utilised as design experts expect a move towards more homely forms of kitchen design. One of the reasons for the predominance of solid wood instead of stainless steel in the worktops and cabinets is due to a change in uses for the modern kitchen. The industrial look was predominant as people purely used their kitchen's for cooking. Recent trends have moved away from this utilitarian nature to more of a friendly space for families to enjoy together, hence the resurgence of solid wood feat...
By: Home Design 365
Random Kitchen-ness!
2008-03-28 01:17:00 I'm sorry I haven't been around! My head has been moving in other directions...moving from one client to another plus a bunch of other work related stuff. So much to say, I'll never say it all! One thing I can say very enthusiastically... I find this to be the best time in a very, very long time, that, really, all the kitchens I am working on are interesting, aesthetically challenging, and all kinds of other good stuff. I'm loving my work. I'm enjoying my clients. I'm really revved about all of what I'm working on!Let's take Grace. As I said, we installed most of the kitchen and Grace decided, after some time, that she just didn't love one section of the kitchen. And, she wanted to design an entirely new and different wall (in the upper section, the base cabinets would stay). Luckily, what she decided NOT to use was not a large financial loss. So, I came up with another plan, which Grace loves. The left side of the elevation is opposite the dining area, the right side,...
Top Ten Secret Kitchen Design Tips - Lighting!
2008-03-13 22:35:00 Do you think lighting is boring? Do NOT touch that mouse...I promise to totally excite you with these tips, ideas, and whatever, about lighting your kitchen. Here we go... (come on, get ready, settle down!) These are quick, useful, and un-boring ideas, like take-out from the gourmet food store. Maybe not ALL you need to know, but close! 1. Let's talk style! Lighting is jewelry, end of story. Think of it as such. It says something, a big something. Whatever you want it to say, it says it, and says it loudly. Do you want to pick something safe? It will say safe. Do you want style that's "out there"? That's your message. What's the point? Take your fixtures' design SERIOUSLY please...put TIME into choosing your lighting jewelry. 2. Pendants - hang 'em LOW! Low is cozy. Low is dining table-like. Low is cool. If your mother tells you they are too low, you know they're close to perfect, and maybe a little bit lower will do. If your contractor says they're too low, lowe...
My Day So Far...What Kitchen Designer Dreams Are Made Of
2008-03-06 21:58:00 Oh, disregard the last part of the message...I just felt compelled to write that, and I'm feeling punchy, lol! So, here's my day so far...3:45 AM - I can't sleep, no big reason, but now that's it, I'm awake. Reach over for the laptop (it's ALWAYS fired up) and start the day...5 AM - Down in the office, easing into the day...6 AM-7:30 AM - Emailing with Hansen...we've been asked by a prestigious architectural firm to submit a proposal to include Hansen kitchen and bath furniture for a "green" complex of apartments in Washington, D.C. so details back and forth, as they are 6 hours ahead. Meanwhile, I was told by the Hansen marketing director that the press release I wrote in late January had a date of January '07 on it and a release date of 2/28/08! NOT a good thing! I changed the date fast! arghhh, so early in the morning.8:15 AM - A meeting with a new installer. We had some good conversations in the past few days, but the in-person meeting is very important. How do...
Changing The Kitchen Design In Mid Stream
2008-03-05 22:37:00 Grace's kitchen project is, I guess, 2/3 done at this point. Here was the plan. I think it was a few days before I left for Denmark in August, Grace didn't feel comfortable with the plan (the cabinets had already been ordered) so I told her to come by my office and let's figure it out. I came up with an alternative plan after our meeting and Grace was happy. This entire general design reflect's Grace's desire to have continuous countertops everywhere, yet to keep things interesting over and under the counters. She wanted a sort of country/Tuscan feel, yet with modern conveniences. This type of style was what we were after. FAST FORWARD TO LAST WEEKAfter mulling it over for some weeks, Grace decided to make a big change. She decided she didn't love the entire upper section of the elevation below, she wanted it all gone! Fortunately, the arch and other built in cabinet next to it was made of plywood, destined to be faux painted. Yesterday, they were dismantled!W...
A Look At Kitchen Design; Worktops, Appliances And Cupboards
2008-03-03 17:37:00 The kitchen is often considered the most important room in the house, redesigning a kitchen requires a lot of thought and effort to create the ideal space. Before visiting a supplier and considering replacing all of the worktops and cupboards there are certain considerations that should be factored in. As a room that contains many essential appliances, use of space should be a major concern.With so many kitchen suppliers out there offering deals on worktops, cupboards, appliances and lighting solutions it is important to shop around. Getting as many quotes as possible is vital to ensure you find the best price and the most productive work schedule. Remember having a new kitchen fitted can be a stressful experience, thorough planning will help reduce this stress. One catchphrase that is often bandied about in kitchen design circles is the 'golden triangle.' However technical it sounds it primarily refers to the fact that the majority of appliances should be located close to each ot...
By: Home Design 365
Introducing The Top Secret Project
2008-02-23 10:04:00 It is my pleasure, as I sit here in Copenhagen writing this post, to introduce my readers to a very special new line of kitchen and bath, and other furniture, new to the U.S. as of right now! Hansen "Living Kitchen Architecture" is a line of kitchen furniture unlike anything in the U.S. kitchen and bath marketplace today.Hansen is designed by Danish Architect, Knud Kapper MAA MDD. Architect designed, the aesthetic is elegant, modern, yet timeless.Hansen is 100% eco friendly, using woods from managed forests, to adhesives, to finishes, all eco friendly, to the construction method, which features SOLID WOOD throughout every single piece. There is so much more to share with you, and I will...in the meantime, please visit the Hansen website.Last night, I attended a fantastic event, the redesign opening event of Hansen's Copenhagen showroom. More on that event later! Oh, the theme? New York, New York!
Decor8 Blogger House Party!
2008-02-08 17:38:00 Decor8 is having a blogger house party, and I was tagged to do the virtual kitchen! As usual, I may be a bit late to the party, but it was fun doing it. OK, here's the client info:Home owner: Young single mom (cookbook author) with a son living in a 18th century Georgian townhouse in Savannah Georgia approx. 2000 sq ft., 2 floors, 3 bedrooms (one is an office), and a large patio off of the kitchen. She loves to entertain, enjoys pastels and Swedish decor, decorating on somewhat of a budget but she can splurge on one expensive item per room. Loves pattern and feminine touches but can't deal with too much clutter.Since I only had a few finishes to select, I thought I'd go a bit further and design this kitchen from scratch, exclusively for decor8's virtual client. Let's go with dessert first...the one special item chosen for the kitchen was a (pricey) 36" induction cooktop from GE Monogram. For THIS client, a cookbook author, it's a dream come true. The super high...
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 Designer, 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, ...
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 Designer, 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, ...
Ten Top Secret Kitchen Design Tips
2008-01-20 13:30:00 It's all in the details! Who knows why, but I just started thinking of how small, pesky, planning details, if overlooked, can cause pain and heartbreak if not addressed. OK, "top secret" may be just a little stretch, but not by much! I came up with these planning secrets, largely unknown to the typical consumer, off the top of my head, and trust me, there are MANY more that I must be aware of as I slowly and carefully go about editing a kitchen plan for the last time before putting the order "to bed" as I call it, at which time there is no more time for changes. The factory begins to produce the order, and the result of these planning exercises will be known....upon installation. It can be the stuff nightmares are made of, if only thought of, say, during cabinet production, or as a surprise, during installation! Here are just SOME of the details I'd like to share with you: 1. Size (width) of window and door casings - If cabinetry must fit between, say, a w...
Kitchen Design Musings...II
2008-01-18 11:38:00 Back to contemplating, confronting and exposing potential biases based on this post, regarding a book I was asked to review, in which my immediate reaction to its images was not favorable, having ended with the question "Am I a kitchen design snob?"I am one who likes consensus, not to follow it blindly, but for the information value it provides. I look for consensus in my own mind, by reacting, then verifying what/how/why I'm feeling, sometimes over and over. It's sort of a "checks and balances" thing, and I'm sure many of you do the same. Thus, the "kitchen snob" question came into mind to verify my immediate reaction, as I do in my design practice, to make sure my ideas and opinions a) are not too personal to me b) survive the "verification" process I give it c) have real merit. I torture myself! "The images are 'eh' " followed by, "Am I a kitchen snob?" Each of us, whether professional kitchen designer, or co...
Kitchen Design Musings
2008-01-17 12:41:00 I received a book in the mail as a request to review it, the other day, which I subsequently declined, for reasons not relating to what's written below. Being a kitchen design pro, and especially, a blogger focusing on kitchen design, I see MANY kitchens, many more than I ever did before I blogged. It's been great!That part alone, to be exposed to new kitchen design concepts, day after day via my blogging efforts, again, has broadened my aesthetic horizons, leaving me, continually, newly inspired.The vast majority of the pages of the book I was asked to review contained what I'd call "bread and butter" kitchens. At first glance, I found many of the images in the book to be either dated or uninspired, with a few gems here and there, for sure. On second and third glance, my instinct was further confirmed. I didn't care for the layout of the book, either. I've seen it all before. I had an immediate, "eh" reaction.Then, another voice (th...
Kitchen Week At Design Hole Blog
2008-01-15 22:19:00 Lots going on over at Design Hole, on my blog roll for a long time. Jennifer Mitchell, an interior designer, is quite intense about her work, and what she's doing this week on kitchens are, well, kitchens on steroids! Go and take a look, and while you're at it, take a look at my little chat on kitchen trends. It's all very good stuff. All this week. Meanwhile, I've played around with my apartment floorplan for a little bit. It's funny how taking a wall down makes one rethink the entirety of the space, not just the kitchen! That's what I'm doing, having had no previous intention to do that. I felt the furniture worked. Now I'm not so sure, and I never really loved the sofa against the half wall.Here's the thing. My husband and I require, NOT the typical sofa and one or two chairs in our living space, as is found in nearly all apartments of our size. We need the ability to stretch out and gaze mindlessly at the tv, in between napping, doing computer ...
My Chat With Martha Stewart Tonight...I'm Not Kidding!
2008-01-12 04:48:00 I bet that title got your attention! But, it's TRUE! Tonight my husband (the #1 Martha Stewart fan...our whole family calls her his girlfriend) and I went to Times Talks, tonight, a week's series of lectures by celebrated thinkers in the arts, media, politics, and more, organized by The New York Times and held in their new facility in their new, green, building in, where else, Times Square! We're in our city apartment for the weekend, a nice break! Stewart was interviewed by Kim Severson, a very engaging and funny, New York Times food reporter. Martha Stewart talked about her typical day (breakfast is hot water and lemon (in the car on the way to the city), blueberries, and a hard boiled egg white.) After the morning shooting of her show, she stops all work for one hour, to do yoga and regroup for the second half of the busy day ahead, and ends the day watching David Letterman. After the talk, there was a Q&A period. I had a question for Martha Stewart. I got up to the microp...
Kitchen Design
2008-01-04 14:57:00 This beautiful and smart kitchen design is made by Fevzi Karaman a designer from Turkey, Ankara who made the kitchen cupboard “silverline” which won a prize at a contest student. The colors of the kitchen pechues with a green apple that gives a sacred Deco touches to the kitchen. The modular furniture is very ...
NYC Kitchen Design - My Apartment
2007-12-30 11:15:00 My husband and I are vacationing in the city this week. We've been here since Thursday, and we're coming back home on Tuesday. We are loving being here! Our apartment is on the upper west side, such a beautiful area, a real neighborhood feeling to it. Lots of history, charm, great restaurants, and, truth be told, a world class movie theatre! I LOVE movies, but don't go as oftenas I'd like. So far, we've seen two...The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and I Am Legend (in IMAX...amazing-not the movie (I am Legend), the screen...also $32 for two!) Do you know Rotten Tomatoes? I don't see a movie without it! For the rest of our visit, we just had brunch with our daughter/son-in-law today, I made a random purchase of tickets, yesterday, for a Broadway play ("Is He Dead?") on New Year's Eve at 2 pm on 45th Street, and we'll be milling amongst congregating Times Square revelers (only after the play lets out) and maybe another movie on Tuesday. Mostly, we're enjoying the ci...
Everyone Ends Up In The Kitchen - Why?
2007-12-26 20:34:00 You know it's true...you say it yourself! "Everyone ends up in the kitchen!" I have a new theory about the "why" of it, actually two. We know it's a social thing, the kitchen is a magnet (obviously) to be around food, and people like to help, but it's more than that. I think the reason people enjoy being in the kitchen is because it's "real." You can let your hair down in the kitchen, be more real, more casual, roll up your sleeves and be more "yourself." Even a formal kitchen is still, well, a kitchen, and has far less of the "pretentious" factor than does the more formal living areas of the house. Show me a fabulously dressed guest in the living room, and then in the kitchen, and I'll bet that guest warms up to the host and other guests just a little bit more quickly!Beyond that, the other reason I see the kitchen as an attraction for guests is because kitchen tasks/activities allow people to be DOING something, to b...
The Seven Deadly Sins of Kitchen Design
2007-12-20 16:46:00 Designers reveal the goofs that can doom your kitchen project Getting a new kitchen may seem like heaven, but if you commit some common kitchen-planning sins, you may spend your remodeling project in you-know-where. Kitchen designers may be trained to help customers avoid mistakes, but they all have war stories of being brought into projects only after big problems arise. What are the kitchen-planning gaffes they see most often? 1. "Appliance Fever"-- This commonly occurs
By: Home Design 365
What?s New and Hot in Kitchen Design Trends
2007-12-02 09:53:00 Featured by www.OwnHomeStyle.com By James Mahoney Today’s modern kitchen serves as a family hub of household activity and entertaining. They are now well lit, open places. The kitchen’s size and design should address your family’s lifestyle and how your kitchen is used for cooking, eating and entertaining. Since the kitchen is called on to fill more ...
Dwell Videos - Design Perspectives
2007-11-28 19:43:00 I was just approached by Dwell magazine and was asked to take a look at a series of three videos, featuring innovative design concepts, explained by the designers themselves from their personal and professional perspectives. The first video is by landscape architect, Andrea Cochran, second is an Airstream interior design by Christopher Deam, and the third shows a prefab house by prefab architect Michelle Kaufmann. To me, good design is good design, and oftentimes concepts can freely move from one discipline to another. Andrea Cochran talks about layers in her design work, the juxtaposition of warm and cool elements, warm being, perhaps, lone plantings placed nearby strong, simple lines in the hardscape. It is a lesson for interiors as well, kitchen design absolutely included. It is a philosophy which is clean, yet not cold. Layers of visual interest are designed in, after the foundation of the design is created. This is what I tell my clients about their kitchen ...
What’s New in Kitchen Design?
2007-11-25 01:03:00 As the kitchen continues to reign as the gathering place for many families, design trends have centered around creating a space that is comfortable and inviting. The arts and crafts movement has recently seen a resurgence in modern kitchen design, as homeowners opt for a more open layout and subtle design decorations. What makes the kitchen more than just another room in the home are the personal touches that make it unique. Many times it’s the simplicity of the overall design that allows the room’s finer details and individualized styling to take shape. The home is a sanctuary for many people, and kitchen design trends reflect the high demand for a space that allows the homeowner to unwind. As people continue to define their perfect kitchen, Mission-style cabinetry, with its extra-wide framing and cascading top and bottom rails, complements the homeowner’s desire for simplicity. Full overlay doors and a recessed center panel highlight the doors fine detailing and clean, simpl...
The Best Secret Of Kitchen Design
2007-11-22 17:56:00 by: Guy Morris It has often been said that the heart of the home is the kitchen. If that is really true, then why is it that some kitchen designs just don’t seem to support more than one cook or... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
By: KITCHEN
Inspiring Eat-In Kitchens
2007-11-22 14:36:00 Do you need a formal dining room for your Thanksgiving dinner for a small group? No! Over the years, I've had one long table, as well as multiple tables, and I'll tell you what is best: it's whatever works! And, if that means eating in the kitchen, so be it. Here are inspiring eat in kitchens good enough for today's main event, the Thanksgiving meal. Images from Desire To Inspire and the (departed) House & Garden. Enjoy!
Which Kitchen Design Is Best For You?
2007-11-16 12:14:00 by: Mike Yeager Kitchen design is a sea of opportunity filled with potential. Color schemes, wallpaper and other aesthetic additions will make up the design portion of your kitchen. The future is... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
By: KITCHEN
A New Vision In Kitchen Design
2007-11-08 16:54:00 Coming soon...an honest, green, kitchen. A stunningly simple, organic, yet adaptable, point of view. Solid wood. Solid design. Available in the New York area (for the first time), in the first quarter of 08 from...me! (more details soon!)
Kitchen Design Inspiration (Hamptons) Long Island Style
2007-11-04 20:36:00 What a weekend! On Saturday, I dragged my husband to go to a seminar on green kitchen design in Princeton, New Jersey, Miele's headquarters. Let me tell you, their headquarters are absolutely gorgeous. Modern, colorful, beautifully designed. What a treat. The seminar was filled with great information, which I have to gather together and make several posts of shortly. Very informative and will report back shortly. The seminar was over at about 1:30, and we began the drive back toward Long Island, over the beautiful Verrazano Bridge. When we were in the sort of beachy Brooklyn area on the Belt Parkway, I said, you know, part of me feels like driving to the Hamptons. My husband said, "let's go!" Crazy kids that we are, we did just that...into the remains of a hurricane which came fairly close to Long Island, resulting in wind and rain...very cozy, if not fun to drive in!We stopped at a few great shops, and by this time it was around 4:30. I was immediately inspired! The fir...
Kitchen Triangle Smackdown!
2007-10-25 12:22:00 Is the kitchen triangle all it's cracked up to be? Well, YES, for the most part. But, today's news in kitchen design is that the kitchen triangle just may not be for everyone! And, the funny thing is, I do believe that my presenting a kitchen plan to a client which does not include the kitchen triangle allows the client to be more savvy and confident in regard to what they want from their kitchen, not less. In this situation, I gave my clients a wide variety of very different plans which were good possibilities for their space. There is never just one solution, oh no! Some plans had angled islands and peninsulas, including other design solutions, and, appliances in varied positions. Long story short, this was the one they chose. Why? For two reasons. First, they both cook. Right now, their aisles between obstacles, all around the kitchen, range from about 24" (that's correct) to 39" in width. Incredibly tight, with no room to move around. Frustrating to say the le...
Green Kitchen Design Inspiration
2007-10-21 01:02:00 Today's post brings to a close, this special Green Kitchen Design Week. I have learned new information in the course of writing about this topic this week, and I hope you have too. I hope you are more aware than ever before of green design issues, product resources for green kitchens and the oppoortunities available to define "green" in the context of a kitchen remodeling project.Three easy to remember concepts in living green and creating eco friendly kitchens are the 3 R's:ReduceReuse RecycleThi-s is such a broad topic, I could never cover it in a week! In the future, I will discuss energy efficient lighting, eco friendly flooring, and other building materials used in a kitchen remodel, including how to find green products. Over time, I will also be adding to my green collection of websites and blogs, found on the sidebar. To get started, here are two resources I'm crazy about: Treehugger's How to Go Green and The Lazy Environmentalist, found via K+BB Green. Till...
A Budget Green Kitchen Design
2007-10-19 12:40:00 We've all heard that, and if you haven't, you will, that materials for green kitchens can be more expensive than non green materials. So, what, then, for those who need to be on a budget, I'm talking a bona fide small budget, and you want to be green, and you also want a wonderful kitchen? Here are options! I recently wrote about my kitchen, but in this context, it's a different story! Do what I did First, let me clarify that our intent with our own kitchen was not necessarily to be "green." Our intent was to be resourceful. At the time we did this, the green drumbeat was yet to be heard in a significant way. We needed a new kitchen, had some expensive family events coming up, and could not also do the "dream" kitchen, so, we chose to be resourceful and budget oriented. I clearly remember saying these words to myself, as I contemplated our lack of a budget: "You're a designer, design something!" Looking back, I cannot believe all of the green...
Green Kitchen Design - Things To Know
2007-10-18 13:33:00 I think I'll throw out some random and useful information about designing green kitchens. These are not in any particular order, but are categorized for easy reference to get one started thinking about incorporating green kitchen design, and overall green principles. My goal is to keep it simple! Here's why. At this point, (nearly) none of my clients, nor potential clients, are asking questions about designing a green kitchen. They are very busy people, that I know. For many, there is not much time left, with active jobs and families, to become aware of, and accumulate (quickly/easily understandable) knowledge on this issue and how it relates to the kitchen they are thinking about remodeling. Of course, it is important that the "big picture" of sustainable design has a chance to go hand in hand with one's own plans to remodel the kitchen. That's where I come in! Let's take a look at some of these principles which can be easily implemented toward designing green kitche...
Green Kitchen Design Week!
2007-10-14 19:24:00 I'm excited to start this week out on a green note! This week I will be talking about green design as it relates to kitchen design and general principles of the many ways there are to think green. I'm happy today, to introduce you to Jeff Holloway, CKD, a force behind the new blog, K+BB Green. It's a blog about greening our kitchens and baths. I'm late to the party introducing Jeff, although he and I have been talking since the summer! Busy schedules intervened, and I chose to wait to introduce his blog until after he attended the Green + Design Conference to hear his thoughts on the subject and connect to what he learned. It's a blog I certainly will be watching with great interest, especially since we are both kitchen designers. I have been very remiss in writing about green kitchen design, and that will now change. There is so much to say about kitchens, other than green related topics, but, I feel privileged to have my blog as a platform to promote responsible issues ...
More Tips on Accessible Kitchen Design
2007-10-05 17:20:00 Over at Transgenerational.Org they have a wonderful example of a Universal Designed Kitchen. Accessible conveniences, user friendly at any age. Take a look at the kitchen for ideas you can incorporate into your design. For more information on Universal Design: http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/-index.htm
Latest Kitchen Design Ideas from Copenhagen?s Kitchen Showrooms
2007-10-01 00:00:00 Editor?s note: This is a guest post written by Susan Serra from Thekitchendesigner I LOVED going to Copenhagen's kitchen showrooms, seeing the latest, and very cool, design ideas. Large patterns on walls, beautiful, and textural wood grains, lots of dark charcoal or black, and white, cabinetry, these are some of the ...
Open Plan Kitchens - For Empty Nesters
2007-09-30 16:12:00 My husband and I changed two rooms of furniture around yesterday, swapping furniture in each room. The dining room furniture was put into the smaller of our two family rooms. The family room furniture was put into the dining area (not the breakfast area), which is open to the kitchen. We now have a great room floor plan, that I've been designing for my clients for the past, close to, 20 years!Two of our three kids moved out about 3 years ago, the smaller family room just wasn't getting used, and at the same time, new lifestyle patterns were emerging for us. Our daughter and son in law visit from the city on occasional weekends, our other son, less so, and lots of time is spent in the kitchen along with a variety of activities such as preparing meals with great music playing, laptop use, sports tv with no sound on, hors d'oevres before dinner, relaxing, talking, dining, and any combination of same. Being on the "other side" of raising children, I can tell you, at least f...
Kitchen Designs - See The Plans!
2007-09-26 14:11:00 I'm feeling good right now. I'm seeing a client later this morning. Even though I've been designing kitchens for a long time, I have the desire to reinvent the wheel each time I plan someone's kitchen. Now, that doesn't mean that wild and crazy things are happening in my design process. But, what it does mean is that I try to be open to new ideas, new details, to present to the client.This stage is, at once, the most exciting and the most nervous for me, for lack of a better word. It's exciting when I know that I did good work and I cannot wait to show the client. I'm nervous because I hope the client is thrilled with the possibilities before them.And, yes, I provide numerous design solutions. I do this so that what I present is not solely subjective (if I were to present, say, one or two floor plans) and because I feel the client should see multiple possibilities, to avoid a "could have, should have" feeling later. Sometimes, a nuance in the floor plan makes all th...
Kitchen Design - A Brief Pause
2007-09-24 23:56:00 This poll will stay at the top of the page for a little while. See below this post for newer posts.So, I've been writing this blog for almost eight months now and I've only touched the tip of the iceberg. I've enjoyed much positive feedback. I want this blog to have substance, not just pretty pictures, and I want to share my thoughts with you on the broad and often complex topic of kitchen design and being a kitchen designer. At this point, I'd like to pause and hear from you! Tell me what you think, I want to know! If you have more then one answer, please comment too! Survey - Take Our Poll
Built in Coffee Maker Appliances - Rethinking Kitchen Design
2007-09-18 14:10:00 The coffee pot! It used to be a non issue, never on the radar screen when planning a kitchen. Now, it's absolutely a checklist issue to discuss. I'm in the middle of the kitchen design process with a client. Up to now, we had talked about having a place for his coffee/espresso maker and other small appliances, perhaps in one area of the kitchen. Sort of an appliance "center."Then, I received an email from the client saying he would like a built in coffee maker system. Shortly after, he said, "oh, let's just put a pot on the counter, that's good enough." I then realized that I had not told him the concept behind the built in coffee maker.It's about convenience. Convenience is nice. It means always having a cup of coffee when you are ready. Here are the reasons why one may want to consider a built in coffee maker appliance:convenience - always ready for one cuptime saver - no more multiple steps of prep/clean up for one or two cupsinfrequent water fillin...
Kitchen Design
2007-09-14 12:47:00 I want to share with you this post on www.trendir.comIf you like good design you should definetly read this post French kitchen designs from Mobalpathe first shown design, Heliante Red - Tokyo, I like the most but others are also good.Isn't it beautiful?If you liked this post, please subscribe our RSS Feed.
By: TheNozhblog
Don?t Use DesignMyRoom.com For Kitchen Design
2007-09-10 01:21:00 DesignMyRoom.com can yield some silly, but fun, creations Have you wanted to design your own kitchen, but don’t have the tools? My 3D CAD software frequently impresses my clients, because my software lets them design in real time. I can rearrange cabinet layouts, change countertops, and appliances with only a few clicks. They can ...
Smeg Retro Fridge
2007-09-01 00:32:00 The Smeg retro fridge is the perfect way to appreciate the old design with all the perks of a new fridge. It’s available in red, orange, blue, black, lime green, pink, pastel blue, pastel green, cream, and silver.Smeg Retro Refrigerator | $1,500 at Smeg Related Entries: Rollercoaster Ride on your Fridge with FrigitsLG?s GRG227S Fridge Packs in Everything But the Kitchen SinkNever Wonder How Old It Is AgainLG fridge doubles as your PA Tags: Kitchen Design - Cool Stuff |
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