Random Kitchen Meanderings

I'm thinking random thoughts today, so I'll jump around and show you some things you need to see.

You need to see the post from Living Well in Westchester, about antique hardware! I mean, come on, how cool is that?  Mark has lots of good insight on all things home related.

Laurie Burke from Kitchen Design Notes has good information on small space kitchens. Laurie says she likes small kitchens. I do too. They're efficient, smart, and any designer worth his/her salt enjoys the unique challenge of trying to get every square inch of function out of a small kitchen!

Kelly from Kitchen Sync has insightful information on seating around countertops, what works, what may not, and WHY. Most important issues to resolve is real lifestyle behavior rather than assumed. Good ideas and solutions, take a look.

Ann from KitchAnn Style is showing new tile from Ann Sacks. Of course, you know it has to be gorgeous! These handmade tiles of glass give an old world look with modern character. I think they're just gorgeous. Good find!

Oh, did someone ask about my "Top Secret" project? If all the stars line up, it may be unveiled on the weekend of the 22nd. In the meantime, take a look at this. It is connected to the project. What does it have to do with kitchens? Everything!

Decor8 Blogger House Party!

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 power burners with faster response than gas, green technology, and super safety attributes (thinking of her child,) won, hands down. She's psyched and ready to cook up a storm!

Interested in living green, where she can, the countertop is made of recycled materials by Avonite. The cabinetry has green components, is painted with low VOC paints, and her appliances are all energy star rated, all this just for starters. The kitchen was designed to cover all sorts of activities beyond cooking. Our heroine will be able to:

a. do the cooking in an "open" setting, gazing out toward her child or the lovely patio beyond

b. prep at the island as well with a great line of sight all around

c. clean up at the sink with a nice expanse of windows

d. have good, and quick, access to all of her cooking items, tools, and cookbooks on the open shelving section

e. communicate with her child

f. watch tv cooking shows easily

g. hang out in the seating area with a laptop

h. spend quality time with her child

i. Have storage addressed in a variety of ways, maximizing storage, yet maintaining an open feeling

Oh, her aversion to clutter? Once she saw the storage and access possibilities of open shelving, she loved the look! She may be storing items in decorative baskets on the shelves as a compromise. So, here we go! But, first, take a look again at all these really great ideas and inspiration in the other rooms of our heroine's home, over at decor8.  Thanks Holly/decor8, it was fun to dream for a bit....

And, let me obsess just a little more on the cabinetry. Look at the floorplan. It IS a very old, Savannah Home. Maybe we need to section off (in terms of a color), say, the sink base section, or the shelving section, and put another finish on the cabinets there. They could be a glazed, golden yellow finish, something like that. May go really well with the supersoft gray finish, shown below. Imagine for a minute...

And, here is a modern version of the informal, Swedish, cotton kitchen rug:

Recycled countertop has bits of yellow, lots of white, and a very interesting grain pattern, unlike most engineered stones

Yellow kitchen tools/accessories!

So, what do you think? Let's do a little more brainstorming. What do you like/don't like/would change, etc?

Participating bloggers were:

decor8, Creature Comforts, Style Files, Design For Mankind, Perfect Bound, Bloesem, SFGirlbyBay, AphroChic, Gracious Inspiration, Design Is Mine. and Making it Lovely.  and moi.

Kitchen Blog Anniversary

Talking about kitchens...does it ever end? It's been a year since I wrote my first post on this blog. I started with a little hesitancy, a bit unsure of where this was going. Somehow I just kept thinking of kitchen related issues to talk about. At this moment, I have so many kitchen focused things to talk about, I don't know what to talk about first!

This is such a natural process for me...just to toss out ideas, stir up the pot a bit, and lots more. I love this process. I've also met so many amazing bloggers who have welcomed me into the design blogging community from the very start. I actually didn't know about this whole, well, underworld isn't the best word, but universe of blogging, until I started blogging, and then, what a surprise I found! Cool people, great ideas, interactivity at its best.

So, I'm feeling good at this one year mark. I also feel I'm at my prime in life and in my career. I've actually never been more happy, more confident, fully engaged with life in a positive way, than right now, and I'm looking forward to more good things to come, including my TOP SECRET project, soon to be unveiled!

I LOVE reading your comments. Say whatever you want. Disagree with me or challenge anything I say at anytime. Maybe I'll learn something.  Maybe you will. Maybe we both will!

I may be gone from this blog for days at a time, it just happens, but I'm here in spirit. Kitchens are the soul of the home, where all five senses come together. They're special. I love thinking about kitchens. I love cooking with my husband and cooking when my kids come to visit. I love the glass of wine that my husband pours for me while we're cooking. I love the sofa as part of my kitchen table. Good stuff happens in the kitchen. My husband just yelled down the stairs "Hey!" which is sort of our word to say hello. Gotta run and get that glass of wine, as I'm sure he's preparing dinner now....

More good things to blog about later...just wait! Thanks for your participation...it would really not be the same without you.  

Your Superbowl Kitchen

How is/did your kitchen function this superbowl Sunday? I'm watching the game as I write, or I should say, watching the commercials and getting up during the game! We've had party superbowls and quiet ones. This is a quiet one this year. Just my husband, me, and my son. Earlier today, Steve (husband) and I took my daughter and her husband (and Max, the dog) back to the city after their weekend visit and we stopped at Whole Foods on the way in.

Let me tell you, it's all about their chicken wings! Of course, that's a staple for superbowl Sunday, and wow, are they GOOD. Worth going off the diet for! This is actually the smallest choice of food, I think we've ever had for superbowl Sunday. Blue corn chips with salsa, potato salad, blue cheese dip for the wings, and that was IT. I'm almost ashamed! I also bought fresh veggies, and somehow they didn't get on the table, but those wings!!

I want to share my favorite commercial with you. The second half just started, and I don't need to see another one. This one really cracked me up!

Hope you're having a good time..tell me how your kitchen functioned for you. And, what did you make/buy/cook? Did your appliances work well for you? Any post game 20/20 kitchen analyses to share?

Here's my favorite commercial, the first one, but I also really like the fedex one too, below. Enjoy!!

You've got to see this commercial, my favorite

http://sports.aol.com/nfl/superbowlads

GE Monogram New York City Showroom Event

I think I've just taken a totally unintended break from my blog. Wendy, a loyal reader, asked if I took a "busman's holiday." So many things have been going on that I want to share with you, large and small, plus something VERY top secret and hushhush (coming soon) but I just have not had the chance until now to sit down and put these thoughts into words.  And now I'm afraid that if I do, this could very well be my longest post in history.  That runs a huge risk, because as we know, it is not difficult for me to go on for paragraphs over a thought or a detail.  So, I think I had better be a bit cautious at this moment! 

You know, I also have to say that I feel I am so lucky.  I feel so fortunate to be in the kitchen and bath  industry.  It is an exciting industry, it is an industry that is creatively exciting, is technologically interesting, fashion oriented, for better or worse, and nearly every one I have ever met, whether fellow designers, manufacturers, whoever, are engaging and intelligent people.  I feel another post coming on, so I think I will stop here. :)

Last night, my husband and I attended the opening of GE Monogram's beautiful, new, showroom at the Architects and Designers building in New York City.  The theme of the showroom is: New York City! Whether shown on walls or floors or other surfaces, the New York theme was everywhere.  There was a glitzy media display, referred to as Times Square, there was an area called Columbus Circle, a lovely section called Central Park, and the number "59" seen repeatedly in black-and-white tiles.  This imitated the 59th street subway stop. Very clever, and very cool. What's not to like, as a typical New Yorker would say?

I had the opportunity to speak with several GE executives, and they even listened carefully to a product idea I had, and described.  We had a nice chat, and I was delighted to hear that my blog was read by at least one of the GE execs I spoke with.  The showroom was absolutely filled with people from the industry, and I enjoyed seeing several people I've known over the years, one for about 20 years. 

Here are images of the showroom.  Enjoy!  Take a look at this wonderful event that I attended.  I was given a tour around the showroom. The more I learn, the more I think that an induction cooktop is the way to go.  More power, more energy efficient, faster response, all desirable attributes. The pro-ranges were substantial looking and very sexy, and, I saw a cooktop grate that flips over and becomes a special wok grate. How about a cooktop with all burners having double burners on each element, one to simmer, one for highest output? Love it. And, just for you, I sampled the wine, hors d'oeuvres, little desserts, and I can report back to you that the food was fantastic!

The images were taken with my iphone, so excuse any loss of quality, just think artsy thoughts... So much more to tell you soon!!

Ten Top Secret Kitchen Design Tips

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 wall and a window, the size of the window casing is critical. Likewise, cabinetry fitting BETWEEN window or door casings. Casings being changed? To what size, and how will that affect cabinetry?

2. Casings and moldings colliding - Will your cabinet crown molding and window or door casings collide? That's just not right! Check floor, cabinet, and ceiling junctures.

3. Is there adequate room on the wall planned for receptacles, primarily when one walks into a room? If tall cabinets align a doorway, would there be room/depth planned in for receptacles, even if they have to be cut into the cabinet side?

4. Backsplash height - What height is perfect for you? This is adjustable, unless it is driven by the height of a tall cabinet, but should be planned in advance. Are you short in height? Or, do you have tall countertop appliances? Another critical area to look at.

5. Floor level - Is your floor wavy, as most are? Are you designing in decorative feet, valances, toekick details, or columns, which reach the floor? If so, and the above mentioned items are too short, you will experience gaps, as the cabinets are first installed at the HIGH POINT of the floor...as the floor dips, that's where you see the gaps. The cabinets in the low points are propped up with shims so that the tops of all cabinets are level to receive a level countertop.

6. Microwave - Don't assume it can easily be built in snugly, for a great, tight, look. Many microwaves have trim kits which MUST be used or the warranties will not be in effect. I've not come across any microwaves that can be built in tightly, ever.

7. Large sinks - You love the large sinks, but beware of how deep they are front to back, and if undermounted, add the rim size to determine if your faucet will fit underneath the countertop. More and more recently, I am making sink bases deeper to accommodate these large sinks. This also effects adjacent cabinetry!

8. Cooktop and oven brands, one above the other - In this configuration, make sure you use the same brand of appliance. Typically, if two different brands are used, each warranty may not be in effect. A bad scene...

9. Downdrafts - Downdrafts are tricky. If you do not use the same brand downdraft as the cooktop (this IS typically allowable) the configuration underneath the countertop may not fit with the height or depth dimension of the cooktop under the countertop, making the combination uninstallable..something to check.

10. Where do your cabinets end on a wall? Me...I HATE little slivers of wall, say, 1-2". I think it's tacky. i like to leave at LEAST 3 1/2", more typically, 4" at least between a cabinet side and, say, door casing.

Randomly Gorgeous Kitchen Styles

Hi dedicated readers and new ones too. I'm feeling a little fluid in the aesthetic part of my mind today. We're in the city this weekend, which always makes me think more specifically about the coming kitchen renovation, and now, more and more, in terms of style, theme, the general look and feel of the room rather than the mechanics of the kitchen, for now. Once the wall came down, it opened up more than the physical space, it opened up questions about the entire space, as I said before.

Short note...my husband further cut the half wall down below the countertop. Looks even better. As we speak, he's removing some soffit pieces (as quietly as he can,) 

So, I move to questions of style, as I surprisingly came up with the plan for a 12' sofa the other day! I didn't expect THAT, but we're on board with it.

Having a home on Long Island, which is somewhat eclectic in style, more of a soft contemporary, very soft, with more of a touch of an artisan feel than a contemporary feel, I'm thinking, what look do we want in the city?

Our instinct is to go beyond our comfort zone.

We're liking very clean lines, at least one burst of color, perhaps bright white walls AND painted floors, and, as always, pieces of artwork that are stars, not supporting players.

Yet, when I go on Desire To Inspire, which always inspires me, I see these kitchens, some which are so country in their feel, that are stunning as well! Nonetheless, I think we're still leaning toward more modern, a bit eclectic, a bit artisan, that's where we seem to be headed.

Here, then, are some randomly gorgeous kitchens...enjoy them. :) 

OH...the last image is the sofa we're seriously considering, really, sold on. It's shown in a sectional, but we'd have it in two 70" sections, one a right arm and one a left arm. What you can't see is the fabric is quite textured. The image and the sofa is from Design Within Reach.  

But, honestly, what about you? Are you ever conflicted as to what style you REALLY love and can commit to? 

Kitchen Design Musings...II

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 consumer, have, and are entitled to, our opinions...but it's helpful to be open, at least preliminarily, to multiple sides of any issue.

Back to my reaction to the book. I'm a different person than who this book is directed to, and I think I forgot that, when I first opened it up and had a negative reaction to the images. I think each of these images represent dream details or dream kitchens to someone. And that's GOOD. To others, those who do not need to follow the "typical," (and there's nothing wrong with typical, seriously) it won't be satisfying. I also feel the image descriptions are too simple, without any "whys" connected to them, which could have been VERY useful. That makes me nuts, quite frankly. The whys are everything to those just starting their kitchen design journey.

But, regardless of what I or the author thinks, people will buy the book for their own personal reasons known only to them and may not even read the text at all. That's ok too. They may like a rug, or a tile, or a color, or they may read every word, keeping it nearby throughout their process. I think the book has value, but more attention to detail could have been taken in several areas. As a kitchen design professional, I'm bored by the images for the most part and disappointed by the information. Putting my consumer hat on, it has value for beginners in the process, yes. I'm choosing to be honest rather than polite, admittedly, not always easy to do, or enjoyable. I have a couple of other quibbles not necessary to note.

ANYWAY, the flip (positive) side to "am I a kitchen design snob?" is this: I'd say I'm on the right track, as long as I keep those checks and balances happening for the benefit of my clients, encouraging, yet not pushing (for too long!), allowing the client to decide what works for them, and supporting their choices in the end. This secondary reaction I had (the snob thing) is an example of the checks and balances in action..

I couldn't recommend this book for one sort of industry bias that is clearly noted in the book, and which is absolutely, positively, not a "must" for consumers looking to use a professional kitchen designer. The text in question adds confusion and influences consumers buying the book to go down a path that has no compelling merit to it.. Sorry to be a bit mysterious here.

This has been helpful for ME to put this into words, sort of a public dissection, and subsequent reaffirmation of my approach to  issues, as they arise, and what happens next. if it's aided as a nap inducement for some of you, that's good too! 

Kitchen Design Musings

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 (there are many voices in my head) interrupted and said, "excuse me, are you a kitchen design snob? Are bread and butter kitchens of no, or little, worth?"

Interesting question!

I will leave you with that question, as I have to get ready for an appointment. The image, here, is of a kitchen I did about 10-11 years ago, which is typical of many of the kitchens in this book, although way too many images were nowhere near even this level of "nice" and should never have made it into the book. And, again, yes, there were those which were of great interest and innovation. But, those were few, and I wanted more from the book...

More later, as I contemplate, confront, and expose potential biases which may be lurking...stay tuned!

New/Cool Kitchen Products!

It seems I'm seeing more and more natural, textural, and exotic themed products coming down the pike. With a mainstream eco friendly trend happening, I think we'll see some interesting product introductions in the months ahead, and I'll keep you informed, as spring is the season for the most new products coming to market. Take a look!

Stone Forest introduces a sink made of a black granite polished interior and rim with a natural front apron. The sinks are carved from a single block of stone. Each is unique, and color and texture will vary. The sinks will fit most 3.5" drain assemblies or disposals. Weight: is approx. 300 lbs. It's natural/organic and has non-toxic/low VOC.

The Mandalay Collection of knobs and pulls by Atlas Homewares brings the essence of Burma to you. The intricately woven design is reminiscent of the mastery created by Burmese artisans. Available in finishes of brushed nickel and venetian bronze, Mandalay round knobs are $7.90, square knobs, $9.90, pulls, $14.90, and large pulls, $18.90. Coordinate your appliances with Mandalay appliance pulls, new from Atlas.

Elkay introduces its new Gourmet egranite, a family of granite silica and acrylic resin-formed sinks that bring a granite-like luxury material into the kitchen. The egranite sink line features spacious compartments and a non porous surface, which prevents staining and reduces any absorption of bacteria or odors. Sinks are available in black, biscuit, and white.

Kitchen Week At Design Hole Blog

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 work, or yes, even talking to one another! Stretching out is an absolute must and non negotiable. Forget a chair/ottoman, it's not really nap-worthy.

So, am I really crazy to consider a huge, I mean huge, sofa in this otherwise small apartment? I'm almost embarrassed to say the size of it. It's nearly 12' (yes, 12') long. Oddly, to my eye, it seems to work. We should both be able to stretch out at opposite ends. It would have to come in two pieces. Here's what I'm considering. I'm not afraid to go beyond what's typical, and sometimes, doing something oversized can be exciting, and in this case, MAYBE it would serve to elongate the room as well, especially if it's on legs and in a light color?

Tell me what you think, please! UPDATE: THE LOWER IMAGE IS WHAT WE LIKE NOW (WE'RE TOTALLY BUYING INTO A 12' SOFA IN A 550SF OR THEREABOUTS APARTMENT!) HUSBAND ENTHUSIASTICALLY AGREES!

The Kitchen Walls Came Down! My Apartment Remodel

I met my husband at the apartment in the city on Friday. I drove in, unloaded my stuff, my son loaded his stuff in the car and drove the car home to Long Island, to return sometime on Sunday, at which time we returned to the Island (yesterday evening, car in front of the building, he again unloaded tons of laundry, still undone.)

So, my husband walks in the apartment door at 2:45 pm on Friday, I had just arrived a little earlier, and we both look at each other and know that noisy work in the building has to be done by 3 pm, Monday to Friday, no weekends. He has 15 minutes to cut through the kitchen walls with his sawzall, or whatever it's called. Twenty minutes later (so shoot me!) the wall is cut in half, via horrible noise! Yay!

Just enough time to get cleaned up and go off to see Martha Stewart, in person, at the NY Times Talks series, her biggest fan (HE is.) The walls remained in place until the next day, Saturday, at which time he removed the sheetrock, twisted out the studs and cleaned up the mess. That's all relatively quiet work.

Me? I was out on a girls' day with my daughter...one she owed me for my birthday from July! MOMA, lunch, walk through the park, it was lovely. Trust me, my husband prefers to be alone so he doesn't have to tell me what to do. I'm fine with that!

Upon my return, around 3 pm on Saturday, I opened the door to the apartment, and WOW, what a reaction I had! It looks fantastic...so open! So in need of emergency surgery!

What I felt right away was that this kitchen (obviously) needs to "talk" to the living area in an important way. I want to make the place really flow. In an apartment this size, this kitchen is actually big!  I think that's a good thing. I think, to be able to:

a. have great counter space

b. be able to be at the main counter space and communicate with someone beyond

c. stand at the sink and look toward and out the window

d. watch the tv when desired

e. have nearly full size appliances

is a really, really, great thing in an otherwise tiny New York City apartment!

I won't go into ALL the ideas I have, that's for later...but, I wanted to share this progress with you. A few things I WILL tell you:

a. the tv cabinet goes...a flat screen will take its place

b. the cluttered looking green dining chairs will go...maybe an Arne Jacobsen Series 7 chair?

c. the black sofabed will go...in its place will be a loveseat with legs and arms back a bit, for a lighter look, but we definitely want two sofas in the space, and that's the best place, I think, for them to go.  Putting them opposite one another makes the floor space very narrow, too narrow IMO.

I'm also up for suggestions!  Please take a look at the flikr slideshow for more details.

Here's the before, that's a mirrored wall (came with the apt.) behind the black loveseat:

This is the after:

More With Martha Stewart

There's more that comes to mind today, as I think about last evening's New York Times' event with Martha Stewart, and I'd like to share it with you!

Interesting bits and pieces...

As Martha sets out for the drive to the city each morning with her hot water and lemon, she carries the beverage in a paper cup, which she reuses. Martha spoke passionately about sustainable living, wanting her products to last. She talked about towels, or was it sheets, that are from her collections, that have lasted 17 years!

In regard to food, Martha was a very early advocate (early 80s) of the locally grown produce movement, a la Alice Waters and Jeremiah Tower, notable chefs of that period. Martha encourages everyone to grow their own produce. As a child, Martha had to do many chores in the garden, on her relatives' farms, where she spent time, and her parents believed in self sufficiency in a big way, teaching tasks to Martha and her siblings with expectations that they would be done properly, instilling confidence and a DIY sort of philosophy in the home. Martha, in later years, raised pigs, sheep, goats, and encouraged her own daughter to do chores outside the house for the animals. She also said that if she didn't do what she was doing now (managing an empire) she'd be a veterinarian. It all makes sense!

Cooking with fresh, preferably, home grown, produce and other fresh foods, is very high on Martha's priorities. 

Martha was friendly, quite outgoing, and surprisingly relaxed. It was a very intimate feeling, at least we thought so!

My Chat With Martha Stewart Tonight...I'm Not Kidding!

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 microphone and asked Martha Stewart if she had a hands on approach in designing her kitchens. Stewart replied that she has designed her kitchens by herself and was very enthusiastic about her love of the kitchen! Where the sinks should be, appliances, counter space, she knows what she wants.

Martha Stewart also said she really likes the convenience and accessibiity of open shelving. She said that the kitchen is the most important room in the home, even more important than the bedroom. She loves the kitchens that are designed in her KB homes developments.

Mistakes? I heard of one. Martha Stewart made her island in her East Hampton home too big, yet it was useful nonetheless. 

After the talk, there was a book signing, and my husband bought two books, Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook, and a cookbook, which I'll update you on tomorrow. How lucky am I? My husband likes to keep a nice (and clean) home, it's a natural for him. A spray bottle and paper towels on the cover, he wants Martha's secrets! Stewart signed both books.

Oh, and when I introduced myself before my question and mentioned I write a blog, Stewart asked for the blog's name. I gave it to her at the book signing. Ms. Stewart, you're welcome to comment to this post!  It was a great evening! :)  

New Kitchen Chic - Boho Modern

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.

 

Blogging For Kitchens

Here is some really great kitchen info found in some of my favorite blogs!

An interesting take on working appliances into surrounding storage comes from Materialicious. I can see these pieces in a small second home, a cabin or cottage, when you just need the basics, but you want some style, or, naturally, in an urban apartment setting. Cool!

From Janet at Remodelista, something brand new, a 36" wide horizontal access dishwasher from Smeg. I love to see new ways to do the same task, and the innovations just keep coming in recent years.

My friend, Kelly, from Kitchen Sync, talks about very practical issues regarding challenges in the remodeling process. We know there must be one or two, right?

And, starting the New Year off green, K+BB Green's Friday's links. An interesting selection it is, too.

2008 Kitchen Trends - Banquettes

The next trend to talk about, for kitchens in 2008, as identified by Better Homes & Gardens,  in a trend report, sent to kitchen and bath designers, is the banquette. BH&G says they can accommodate a varying amount of people, they allow increased room for the dining area in the space, and create an intimate feeling in the space. They also site the ability for storage in the cabinetry configuration as a real plus. Image by BH&G.

My Take: I do agree. I've been doing more banquettes than ever! That said, my clients have wanted banquettes more frequently as a result of a simple idea I had for a "better banquette" This "better banquette" concept makes so much sense, yet, I hardly ever see it done.

First, let's give the old banquette with the 2" cushion a proper funeral, perhaps a joyous, and respectful, jazz funeral, as it's had a real long run in the world of built in (uncomfortable) seating! R.I.P.

The better banquette, taking its place, is about comfort!

Start with a much shorter cabinet height, approximately 14-15" or so. Typically, a standard cabinet height for a banquette is 18" high. Then, you have a 2" cushion. Out with the 2" cushion! What is far better is a 4-5" cushion. Make the cushions like a sofa cushion....comfortable, yet supportive. The word I use repeatedly is "cushy."

A much thicker cushion will dramatically improve your, your family's and your guests' experiences and enjoyment at the dining table. Not only that, but, a thick, comfy, cushion will be a magnet for everyone to sit at, not the last choice. You'll want to prop up a pillow behind you with a laptop, pick up your feet and stretch out. It will become a first rate comfort zone. Your family and guests will linger and will be much more relaxed. I would like to have made the cushion in the image another inch thick, had I ordered it, but it's much better than the typical cushion.

I cannot advise you on what should go into the cushion, I'd love to have an interior designer stop by and shed some light on that. I only know that comfort trumps an uncomfortable seating area by miles!

Other than that, you can fit more people into banquettes when you need to. That's real versatility. Space in the room is clearly saved, often, an important factor. Storage is a plus, but should not be the driving force to design a banquette. And, banquettes look great in general...I love the "built-in" look. It makes a dining area have more importance, more architectural interest, in the right situations. Lots of great decorative opportunities.

IS it a trend? It may be, but I don't see it as a trend which may (ever, really) go "out." It's a fresh idea that can work well aesthetically and functionally in the home, thus, to me, it is less of a trend than a good idea in many situations. I wouldn't worry about this being "trendy." I don't see that...in the negative way.

For me, it's really all about putting my feet up and hanging out for a bit in the kitchen. Think comfort!

2008 Kitchen Trends - Lighting

Having just talked about 2008 kitchen trends, I received a little booklet in the mail from Better Homes & Gardens, just for kitchen and bath professionals, all about 2008 kitchen trends. Allow me to give you their predictions, and my comments.  Actually, I think I'll do one trend per post, otherwise this post will be way too long! First up:

LIGHTING

BH&G says forget about lighting for the sake of function alone. Done, boring, over. The trend is for highly decorative (and functional) lighting anywhere and everywhere. Accent lighting, and decorative lighting fixtures, whether for task or general lighting purposes, will be designed into kitchens with more frequency this year.

My Take: I do agree. I'm seeing my clients paying more attention to my lighting ideas and suggestions (I almost always do a lighting plan) and being receptive to more and varied types of lighting in general. They seem to now get that lighting creates moods, it can change functional areas into more dressed up areas, and can create a variety of looks.

My Recommendation: When doing a lighting plan, let the type of lighting guide the type of fixture. Under cabinet lighting can easily be done with "green" LED fixtures, for example, as well as accent lighting, inside cabinets, as another example. Recessed lighting is a good foundation for general lighting and can be installed using flourescent lamps. Use dimmers, too, to save energy and create effects. Be aware of how much lighting you really need and where/how the lighting should be switched to conserve energy. 

To get started, understand that there are/can be three types of lighting in the kitchen: general (often, ceiling mounted lighting), task lighting (under wall cabinets, over an island, under a hood, over a sink), and accent lighting (lighting to feature a hutch, artwork or other decorative area.)

And, yes, have some fun with interesting lighting fixtures:

• Hang several together at different heights
• Use bright colors
• Use interesting shapes
• Hang pendants closer together than usual to have several appear as "one"
• Be aware of lighting in stores, hotels, restaurants, other public places for fresh ideas
• Add sconces that you would normally put in other rooms...they look great surrounding windows
• Mix styles (carefully) and finishes
• Ask yourself if you want the lighting fixture to stand out or blend in?
• Be green and seek out antique lighting fixtures

Trend Or Good Idea? It may be a trend, but it's also a good idea in general. The principles of this 2008 trend have been present in professionally designed electrical plans for years. It is a trend in which eco friendly fixtures can play a part too. One can also follow a general design trend if desired and later, change a fixture in favor of another look. Here is an example of a preliminary lighting plan I did (below.) Let there be light!

Kitchen Trends 2008 - What's To Come?

Do kitchens really change that quickly, from one year to the next? Should we be looking for trends for kitchen design in 2008 and discard what we saw in 2007? What new things will we see for 2008? What do we look for and where do we look?

Progress is a good thing. Progress brings us new ideas, new solutions, a fresh, creative, look at familiar, comfortable, and sometimes, boring, or cumbersome, territory. Often, progress evolves into a trend. Here's where it gets tricky.

Trends, to me, are singular ideas, seen with little differentiation, across numerous manufacturer's product lines and showcased in mass media directed at consumers, resulting in maximum visibility.

A trend which can become highly influential. Take the color black. It's become trendy to incorporate black in cabinetry, even for all the cabinetry in a kitchen. Black kitchens are seen now in shelter magazines, blogs (yes, here too), showroom displays, and manufacturer's brochures. Top image from HGTV.

I don't think black kitchens have ever been on the radar for kitchen design...in a big way. They are now.  So are tiled walls...wide swaths of walls with tiles, often mosaic tile, or, the same, seen all across a backsplash, inlcluding behind a range. Imagine a tiled wall combined with a black kitchen? See image above. Very cool from 2006 (first seen) till...oh, maybe three to five years as a guess? No, be careful going down that road. Kitchen materials are not accessories as in fashion or smaller interior design accessories, easily changed, such as pillows. A kitchen should be designed to last decades.

Let me say it this way...it's best when "fresh, new, creative" comes from original ideas suited to specific situatiions rather than being influenced by the power, and security, of a frequently seen/published/displayed idea.

So, create your own original ideas for 2008. Don't know where to begin? No time? No vision? Then, look for a creative designer, interview her/him carefully, and express your desire for true originality, something special...just for you! Something that is a personal expression, an aesthetic that is yours alone that may even break the rules. Go ahead, color outside the lines. Make it meaningful.

Interested in what's happening now AND expressing your personal vision? Take a look at this kitchen at left. The clients, from the UK, were inspired by.....um, Stilton cheese! Now THAT'S what I'm talking about!

I guess that's really my message for all kitchen renovations in 2008. I'll be doing mine this year, and once I started to relax, this past week, the ideas began to flow. It's good advice for anyone. That's the first step.

NYC Kitchen Design - My Apartment

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 city!

BACK TO KITCHEN DESIGN...

Being relaxed, and being in the apartment, helps me think about the kitchen renovation we're planning. I have a very different idea for storage, which I have not yet found a solution for. Something I have not seen done anywhere before, either. Perhaps my solution will be a first!

I do believe this design idea could catch on! It's something I first thought of a couple of months back, and, you heard it here first (just remember, NYC kitchens are tiny!) Mine is about 7' × 7' total! Yet, for me, aesthetics must be on an equal level with function, not an after thought.

The image below is of one wall in the kitchen. The opposite wall will be opened up to the living area. 

See the refrigerator on the left? Imagine a line on the right side of the refrigerator continuing from the right edge, up to the ceiling. There, that's the way I should have drawn it, as that entire section is 24" in depth. Disregard those arrows in the image that point toward the refrigerator.

For the section to the right of the refrigerator, I want to visually elongate that area in terms of width. Disregard the note on the image that says that area will be 20" deep. It will be 13" deep. I'll install a slide out vent above the cooktop, and all you will see is a 1" bar x about 30" wide. The front door is to the right of the wall next to the oven.

There will be a facade all across this section, 13" off the wall. The facade may be changeable. it could be a distressed piece of metal. It could be a faux treatment on a removable board. It could be rustic barn siding, constrasting with sleek cabinetry. It could be a quiet color or shade, perhaps with a small beam situated at the bottom of the facade to serve as a shelf for artwork or objects.

THE STORAGE SOLUTION/IDEA/CONUNDRUM?

I want to design or find something that can gently be lowered, perhaps a wire shelving accessory of some sort, to lower close to the countertop, have a shelf or two, for storage, and then be designed to be pushed gently up again into position within the front facade, invisible, yet functional. Any ideas? Let me know...I'm thinking too...much more to come!