I came across this picture of a kitchen, again, in Veranda magazine, designed by Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz. I immediately liked it.

This kitchen goes more under the heading of "highly stylized" rather than "highly personal". More "showcase", less "high end catalog". And, that said, it's a viable look. Glam meets function meets texture. There was no other image of the working part of the kitchen.

I like the variety of elements, but what I like more is the strength, yet, restraint. I need to continue to explain to my clients that less is more. Fewer, larger, shapes and forms will enlarge a space as opposed to many, smaller, pieces, door sizes, accessories, etc. This is not a good vs. bad evaluation, simply an observation and another way to design a kitchen. The look is simple and elegant, so that the individual pieces say something meaningful yet are linked together in other ways, perhaps in color or tone, if not style. 

Here, my eye sees a variety of styles:

utility (stainless refrigerator)

rustic (dark wood island)

glamour (beaded hood)

something hip/fun (plexiglass chairs)

elegance/sophistication yet modern (prints on wall)

modern/sleek yet textural (floor)

contrast (floor and walls)

There are common threads among these elements which tie one disparate piece to another and it's fun looking for them.  I'm actually pretty crazy about this kitchen, although I'd probably want to change the prints to something A BIT more personal...give me that. But those chairs...what a WOW!

One question that comes to mind is, what came first, or simultaneously? Was the flooring color picked first, knowing that those chairs would be used, which relate to the walls in terms of tone? Was the big picture seen from the start, or were pieces brought in, to build on the previous concept. How were the layers developed? It appears to me that there was a desire to have a strong foundation first and foremost, as seen in the flooring and the island being similar tones. Other than that, it's hard to guess.

What do you think??

Here is more good stuff I saw at the show...let's look at tables. Tables send such a strong message about who lives in the home. Modern, traditional, formal, informal, textured, smooth, light, dark, light, heavy...these are just a few of the decisions one needs to make when contemplating the table in the context of the room and the home. Tables can also be a functional piece of artwork, and I am finding more and more, manufacturers are building and designing in practicality in terms of being able to refinish scratches, when they occur, which they will.

Here is a lovely table. It IS a piece of art, at least to me. The table is made by the Asia Design Studio.  Designed by Na Winn, a talented Vietnamese artist.

I like City Joinery. I'm also a fan of the name. Made in Dumbo, they have a wildly smooth finish on their wood pieces, allowing the wood to be enjoyed, every piece of grain, pigment, characteristic. They make some great tables. I was also told that it's quite easy to touch up the finish when desired, or when scratches occur. The finish was flawless, yet, they tell you not to be afraid to do touch ups. I like that.

I also liked Eric Manigian's work. His work is very organic in its look and feel. Manigian designs with longevity in mind, and his pieces come from a small group of millers who provide him with wood from discarded or fallen trees. His designs are of a minimalist nature. After all, with wood as beautiful as this, with all its rugged beauty, that's really all you need.

Next...a slideshow of more, interesting, picks from the show.

Lucky for me...New York is at my doorstep, so I must take advantage of special events when I can. I really looked forward to the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, featuring "the best in home furnishings from nearly 300 exhibitors" as the press release says. Last year, they say 23,000 people attended over four days...and it's not such a big space, so with an eye on the clock, we (me and Steve-my husband aka "Show Dog") got there at 10 am, when it opened.

When I go to design shows that are not kitchen-centric, sometimes kitchen items, like major appliances, are displayed or a few cabinet companies here and there. I don't really stop at those exhibits. What I think is more interesting are other manufacturers which are NOT necessarily kitchen focused. It allows me to look beyond the "typical' world of products manufactured for the kitchen and bath industry, maybe to find a use IN the kitchen of a product which was designed for elsewhere in the home.

In general, I observed lots and lots of natural woods, and other natural motifs and materials. The characteristics of wood, its grain, knots, multi colors, is prevalent in this show. Lots of white, too, some black, really, a little bit of everything. More modern style than traditional, for sure. Nature, I'd say, was the star.

Here are some random finds that I'd like to show you.  

First are some beautiful tiles I found, by Natalie Blake. They are very large, and quite irregular. They are more wall art than kitchen tiles, but I think one or more of these tiles could be beautifully framed around a backsplash of another material. This is an image of a tree, encompassing many tiles, but individual tilse can be pulled out from this and other motifs to stand on their own. Approximately $325 each.

French design is exquisite, no? I've begun to dream more seriously about going to Paris (I've not been there before) and was delighted to see the beautiful French antiques from Ghislain  Antiques, in Paris, and in Stamford, Connecticut, just down the road. Beautiful metal cabinets, perfect for kitchen pantry storage, stools, tables, can be lovely in the kitchen, no doubt. 

Another tile, imported from Italy by Wayne Tile. Situated in the back of a display against the wall, in the shadows, I found some tile I really liked for the floor, walls, anywhere.  it is named Scandinavian Mesh, but that's not why I liked it! It's soft, yet textured, a perfect warm modern tile. To me, it appears to be quite elegant.

And, last, for now, I'm pretty crazy about these wall panels. What an idea! They can go anywhere. They are made in the form of columns, arches, and panels. I don't know about maintenance behind a backsplash, for example, but I do think it could be interesting to have glass in front of a panel with bolts holding the glass to the stone.  Look at the website...so many textures and colors. Very cool. Barnell Stone.

I've been really busy recently working on my clients' kitchens. Deadlines of all sorts are always looming it seems, As a result, I've been remiss in bringing my readers beautiful and interesting kitchens! But, this blog is part of me and will not be denied attention! It tugs at me when I think about something or see something I find important in the process of kitchen design/remodeling, or information that is fun, or interesting that I have to share.

In that vein, yesterday, I think it was, or the day before, I was looking through interior design blog, decor8, which I often do to experience the VERY interesting "voice" of Holly, decor8's author,  Long story short, I was transfixed for a good hour (sorry, clients!) reading, thinking, analyzing, her words about a new look, feeling, focus, of interior design styling that decor8 feels is here, very much alive and moving forward. Holly calls it Boho (Bohemian) Modern.

At first glance, below, one could almost conjure up the words "shabby chic" but SC it isn't. Boho Modern mixes old and new, yet, it's more than "eclectic." Boho Modern is more born out of a deeper self expression, a confidence to style one's home with more personal conviction and personal focus as opposed to blindly (key word, here) following trends and/or images of interiors that manufacturers "suggest."

Anyone who knows me or reads this blog knows that I strongly encourage my readers and my clients to be much more personal in the kitchen in regard to styling, bringing in collections and (living room) artwork, sculpture, whatever. And, then, changing pieces as desired, not to think of the accessorization of a kitchen as being "done." Likewise, with cabinetry. So many possibilities, ideas, ways to mix pieces and on and on. The kitchen is the last bastion in the home that really needs to be kicked up about ten notches with the purpose to express one's self in this VERY soulful room. Sort of a paradox, actually.

Please take some quality time to read this post along with the comments (another gold mine of information.) Read this post as well, and the comments, more from Holly in the comments too. Great stuff. Here's MY interpretation of Holly's words in regard to Boho Modern kitchens. Have fun!!

Images from the fabulous Vakre Hjem & Interior (their website is down) and the last two images from Bo Bedre, always a favorite.

Here is a very special preview of a new product introduction - coming soon to the U.S. and to be distributed solely by yours truly!

 
Think......solid wood (yes, solid wood-all of it!)

Think......sustainable materials

Think......designed by a renowned architect and a student of one of mid century design's greats 

Think......handcrafted, yet affordable

Think......a first place design award presented by a prestigious design exhibition

And, of course, Think......style, elegance, innovation

 
Oh, I've given away way too much...more details soon! In the meantime, enjoy the preview! 

Here are a few more wonderful things I found at ICFF. We missed another installment of Scandinavian kitchens yesterday due to the holiday (I was in the garden) and I promise to revisit these kitchens next week. But, I'm real excited to bring these to you. And, no, KBIS is absolutely not forgotten...just want to go through these ICFF items first. I hope you will be glad I did!

Here's a piece I clearly remember seeing early on at ICFF. When I first saw it, I said "Pantry". In fact, it is called an armoire. That's ok. We can change the nomenclature and the use, right? Iannone Design Ltd., manufacturer, is a Philadelphia based design/build firm dedicated to the creation of eco-friendly modern furniture.

I'd like to see this armoire/pantry tricked out with roll out shelves, in custom sizes that I can design into a space, maybe with vertical dividers installed in an upper or lower space, who knows what options there are for this piece?? I can see quite a few already.

This is one happy furniture piece.

Then, I saw these stools from SMC Furnishings. There is an increased interest in real, authentic wood, splits, cracks, grain variations, and all. I think it's a beautiful expression of what wood is, sort of like people, imperfect. Wait till you see the other very cool stools and benches they have.

And, to complete the look for today, is one of a series of tables from FTF Design Studio. Cool, white, chic, hip....it's Corian on the table top, and there are several styles of tables. The table tops are 1/2" thick. FTF also makes a great line of trays for many different uses, including kitchen uses. Very innovative, very modern. FTF Design Studio is the furniture line of Roseann Repetti and her husband, architect West Chin. I CAN see coordinating the table top with surrounding Corian countertops, or matched up with countertops of contrasting materials, such as wood, perhaps. Or, maybe Norweigian slate. But, I digress (again). It's just really very simple and elegant.

Brooklyn Glassworks, a new company recently launched, redefines glass tile. Founded by artists Erica Rosenfeld, Dena Pengas and Brad Teasdale, they met several years ago at Urban Glass in downtown Brooklyn, where they currently teach. Over time, they each saw that their styles had strong similarities in their shared love of color, design, and form. More than glass tile, there is a line of contemporary lighting and limited edition furniture as well. All pieces are handcrafted in Brooklyn, NY. Colors for tiles are in seasons, spring, summer, winter, fall. Here are shades of summer.

More glass tile was seen at Stone Source, one of my sources for many years. Stone Source has really fabulous materials. They're lush and gorgeous and always stylish.  I was surprised to see the many choices that are available for their glass tiles. So many colors, sizes, moldings, color blends, and they do custom blends as well. There are a whole lot more colors for glass tile than just green! A great resource.

One of the reasons I love to go to a show like this, a non kitchen focused show, is to be open minded and look for wonderful items that may not be designed specifically for the kitchen but can be adapted as a useful piece in the kitchen. Here are a few items which blur the lines between kitchen and other living areas. Blurring is a good thing!

Tucker Robbins, blending "authentic tradition and contemporary life" has some very amazing pieces which are used as either tables or stools. And, YES, the pieces come in varying heights, depending on how it is used in the kitchen. The image is just one style, but trust me, you MUST go to the website to see all the other great stools. 

I stopped and looked at this piece by d.e.Sellers.  I don't know why, but I thought of things like copper pots, cookbooks, large bowls, and other progressively smaller items as the shelves get smaller. I immediately thought it could be both useful and interesting in the kitchen. It is made of one piece of 4x8 material, the kind used in cutting boards! It's both art and function. I saw it in black on the floor, which looked great.

I love this Pharos pendant lighting by Niche Modern. First of all, I enjoy the color palette. The pendants come in either transparent or opaque. I think I prefer the transparent, although they are both beautiful. The jewel tones are beautiful, and imagine the glow! They are available in either 40 watts or 75 watts. Please do me a favor and hang these low! Too often, pendants are hung way too high! Get that intimate, cozy feeling hung a little lower than normal.

So much more to come from ICFF and KBIS over the coming weeks. Stay tuned! 

I went to the Elica exhibit at ICFF on Sunday and stopped short when I saw the display of the crystal ventilating hood! Elegance is an understatement, it's crazy bling for the fish odors! They had another one on display too, which changed colors every few seconds. That's a WOW, if I ever saw one! Elica, divorcing from partnership with Zephyr, a well known hood manufacturer, will be in the U.S. under its own power (I couldn't resist.)

Talking about power, I know the next question is, how much? Well, let's just say it's the cubic zirconia equivalent of function, BUT, with 250 cfms per unit, they tell me they frequently install two over a cooktop. But, truthfully, they admit that they suspect many who purchase this are non cookers. What ever gave them that idea??  

And, here is the lighting fixture, Hungry, from Fabbian! I feel so uncreative, I never thought of a storage solution like that for utensils...

I went to ICFF yesterday in New York. What a show. It seems bigger than ever. ICFF is the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, and International it is....many countries are represented, grouped together in their own areas. This is a wonderful show. The products are highly creative, with such beautiful finishes, colors, textures, it's the best of the best I think in terms of creativity for modern design. I was crazy about this show. Lots of ideas for kitchens, creative, fun, or just alternative ideas. Really gets the creativity flowing.

I will be putting products up from this show for some time, as I will from the KBIS show as well. There is not a "shelf life" that is just days after the show to be compelled to finish reporting on a show. There are so many wonderful items, it will surely take me months to get through the great items I've seen, so look forward to fantastic ideas and resources over time.

Here's your breakfast table in the city or the country! This table just thrilled me. I love it, and if I could have it in a circular version, I'd put my money right down on it. It's fantastic, don't you think? It's by Mark Cwik.  Love it!

And, along the same theme, from Caba Company, here is barkskin. A natural handmade wood material for wall coverings or anywhere your imagination can envision it. It is an organic, hand pounded bark material. I think it's fantastic. Why not on a backsplash, covered with 1/4" clear glass? It comes in colors, in very soft, subtle shades and in deeper, stronger textures as well.