Tips For A Green Kitchen

Breaking News! I just received this fantastic list of easy tips to go green in the kitchen. Anyone can get moving on these tips right now. I'm stopping what I'm doing to pass this along to you. Take a look, from the editors of ShopSmart, a publication from those very serious people, Consumer Reports. The folks at ShopSmart took months to find the best energy saving products. Take a look.

1. Get a water-saver faucet

·         Why: A gleaming new faucet is an easy upgrade, but kitchen models can be water wasters compared with some bathroom faucets. Low-flow bathroom faucets with the Environmental Protection Agency’s new WaterSense label are about 30 percent more efficient.

·         Easy Green Fix: Until the EPA comes up with criteria for low-flow kitchen faucets (they’re in the works), for $3 to $11 you can make most new or existing taps more efficient simply by attaching an aerator.

·         One Possible Draw Back: With lower flow, it might take a bit longer to fill that pasta pot.

·         What to Buy: Two Kohler models that aced ShopSmart’s most recent tests and can be ordered with custom-fit aerators for about $10 are the Vinnata K-690-BX , $550, and the Forte K-10433-VS, $250. Another green choice is a hands-free faucet, like the Danze Parma D421058, $480.

·         Tip: When you find a faucet style you like, make sure it has a lifetime warranty that covers stains and water-wasting leaks.

2. Switch to watt-stingy lighting

·         Why: Modern kitchens can use up to 2,000 watts for lighting because standard incandescent, halogen, and xenon lights are energy hogs. All that excess heat from lights might prod you to turn down the A/C to cool things off.

·         Easy Green Fix: Switch to cool-burning compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) in overhead fixtures, and also consider adding some LED or fluorescentundercabinet task lighting. This easy fix costs about $200 for five fluorescent fixtures.

·         One Possible Draw Back: Some—but not all—CFLs and LEDs cast a bluish or other funky-color light. Before you buy, ask if you can return the fixture if youdon’t like the way the light looks with your décor.

·         What to Buy: Strips are the most common type of task lighting, round “puck” lights are best for casting pools of light onto a counter and linear lights are best if you need more versatile fixtures. Both round “puck” lights and linear lights are available with LEDs.

·         Tip: If your cabinets don’t have a built-in valence to hide task lighting, either add one or choose a fixture with a sleek housing that’s not as noticeable.

3. Put in a ceiling fan

·         Why: Kitchens get hot, and if you use an air conditioner to cool things off, it will gobble up a lot of energy and money.

·         Easy Green Fix: A ceiling fan in the kitchen will use only a fraction of the electricity that an A/C would.

·         What to Buy: ShopSmart tested models from Hampton Bay, Harbor Breeze, and Hunter, and most performed pretty well in air-movement tests. So rather than shop for a particular brand, go for a style you like and remember that lighting affects energy use.

·         Tip: You might be able to find CFLs designed for ceiling fans that can replace the original bulbs and save energy.

4. Renovate with recycled stuff

·         Why: A new countertop or cabinet style can change the whole look of your kitchen, but manufacturing them keeps power plants polluting the air and some green goods aren’t as green as they might seem.

·         Easy Green Fix: Before you buy new, see if you can find secondhand products.

·         What to Buy: Salvage shops are stocked with new or gently used stone countertops, hardwood flooring, decorative lumber, and kitchen cabinets, so they’re a great place to look for bargains. Habitat for Humanity sells used and surplus building materials at outlets called ReStores.

·         Tip: If you must have new, look for greener cabinets and other products made from sustainable lumber and materials.

5. Trade in the biggest energy hogs

·         Why: The appliances in your kitchen that take the most energy to operate are refrigerators and dishwashers. The older these appliances are, the less energy efficient they are and the more costly they are to run.

·         Easy Green Fix: It usually doesn’t pay to replace working appliances with new ones. But when you do update, look for models that use less energy and arequieter. Though energy efficient models can cost more, you’ll recoup the money as your utility bills shrink.

·         What to Buy: ShopSmart found that the Amana AFD 2535DE [W], $1,550, saved up to $72 a year in annual operating costs compared to a 15-year-old fridge and the Bosch SHE33MO [2]UC, $540, saved up to $51 a year compared to a 7-year-old dishwasher.

·         Tip: You don’t have to ditch the clunkers all at once. Start with the least efficient ones. It pays to replace them when repairs would cost more than half the price of a new appliance. 

Romantic Kitchens

Let's talk about romantic kitchens, ok? Picture yourself in a cottage, set way back  from the winding road. The house sits on a hill. The cottage garden is seen from the kitchen window and the vegetable garden is just beyond that. The kitchen, first and foremost, is a soothing place where its owner finds solace at any given time of day. People speak in soft voices, smiles and every motion in the kitchen is done with love.

OK, I got a little carried away. Next thing you know I'd be saying there are no mortgage issues, no conflict...and nothing to clean up! We can dream, right? Looking at these kitchens, life appears bucolic, and maybe, just maybe, having a kitchen like one of these, contributes to "peace and contentment" being a bit more achievable in one's personal haven. One can hope, and in any case, daydreaming seems quite easy in any of these kitchens..

What are the elements of a romantic kitchen? Perhaps, some of the following:

• Fabric skirts in front of lower cabinets
• Pretty things on display
• Open Shelves
• Pastel or soft neutral colors
• White, cream, or off white
• Breaking the rules

What do you think are the attributes of a romantic kitchen? Do you like this style? All images from Vakre except the last one, from Cote Sud and the second to last from lantlivsdrommar.blogspot.com. 

Cozy Kitchens!

Maybe it's the start of cool weather, the recent economic uncertainty surrounding us or another hidden reason, but, I've had this soft mantra in my head saying "cozy kitchen" for a couple of weeks now, knowing I need to share this subject with you.

I'd say with certainty that a cozy kitchen is in the eye of the beholder. To me, a cozy kitchen is about individuality, whatever the style. It's about your personality shining through, not the replication of a catalog kitchen. Can you get inspiration from a kitchen you see, elsewhere, that you love? Yes, but then you have to make it your own, which is how the soul of your space will eventually emerge. Bring in the antique lighting, the books, the collections, the old, wooden shoe mold on the counter, whatever.

So, then, CAN one define a cozy kitchen? Not easily. Following are familiar descriptions of what a cozy kitchen might look like. Soon, I will show you the "alternative" cozy kitchen...modern, fresh, and definitely cozy. Images are from Chris Madden's classic book, "Kitchens." Classic means timeless, the real definition, in my mind, of "cozy."

A Cozy Kitchen is...


a space with texture of various types, proportions and colors

often seen with more matte than shiny surfaces

an arrangement of personal items on display

colors and finishes that blend rather than match

soft - softness in furnishings, curtains, pillows, rugs

wonderfully imperfect, and a work in progress

simple/clean or cluttered

informal OR formal

I'll be talking more about cozy kitchens! In the meantime, what is a cozy kitchen to you?

Scandinavian Kitchens - End of Summer Edition

I've been collecting images here and there since August, when I thought I'd do a dog-days-of-summer-dreamy-white-kitchens post and, again, was so busy with these two kitchen orders that I could only procrastinate just a little and collect the images, saving them for later. Well, finally, today is the last day I am working on these orders after a summer of finalizing them, believe it or not, but, I digress. It's been intense!

Here are some dreamy kitchens to make you happy, I'm sure, as that's the effect they have on me! Each image has the name of the blog that they are from (all Scandinavian blogs, they're fantastic to look at) so enjoy them and I'll be back to you, now, regularly. That's my plan!

 

I'm here...

Hi there...happy September! I'm here...I have been completely engrossed in two highly detailed kitchen orders that are...highly detailed! Hundreds of details, hundreds of changes, all of which must be dealt with and end up perfect, so please excuse my absence. Duty calls! I will be finished in a few days, and I'll be back with you soon. In the meantime, how about a gorgeous, summer-y white Scandinavian kitchen (I've collected more in recent days, which I'll show you soon, after all summer isn't REALLY over till a few weeks.)

Thanks for your patience!

Mad Men And The Kitchen Set

Have you been watching Mad Men? I just started. I didn't see it last season, so I'm catching up and tonight will be the third episode of the first season I'll see. It's so cool, so chic, with such repressed people, no?

The kitchen is designed quite authentically, I think. Please see the kitchn's post on it. In fact, I think I had those same cabinets in my parents' kitchen when I was a child. I really recommend seeing Mad Men for interesting insight into the decor of the time, the primping and preening behavior most characters surround themselves with, accompanied by the contrast and juxtaposition of usually obnoxious and repressed behavior showcased in limitless variations. All this, just before all hell broke loose some few years later. Don't forget the raw egg in the caeser salad...

As a young (VERY young, I said) child during this period, here's what I remember. I remember my mother frequently wearing makeup and jewelry with short, curled (after curlers wrapped in a scarf) hair. I remember red lipstick, red cheeks and blue eye shadow. When she and my father entertained, my mother wore either a chic "shift" sort of dress to showcase her curves or one with a taut upper bodice and a full skirt...and always with the "good" apron as she flitted about the kitchen.  And heels of course. And, perfume, of COURSE. I'm sure it was a mix of high maintenance living and fun mixed in too!

As my parents emigrated from Denmark, the furniture in my home was Danish modern furniture, the real thing. The items we later threw away, I can't even think about, it pains me! Today, I use my parents' sleek walnut veneer dining room table for our breakfast table. 

Smoking was either a pipe or cigar by my father, but there was hard alcohol for social drinking too and of course, when my father returned from work. And, let's not forget Frank Sinatra playing in the background. Yes, life was very good. A T-bird in the driveway, a caddy, and everything. An American dream...until he cheated, he lost the business and they got divorced, but I digress! One thing that's worse than being repressed, is...guess, narcissism (probably rampant in the 60s!) You win the washer/dryer! Here's the set!

Granite Countertops - More Radon News

Following is a partial press release I just received from the NKBA: 

"HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (August 4, 2008) - There has been recent news concerning the possibility that granite countertops may contain dangerously high levels of radon. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has long recognized the carcinogenic effects of radon in the home and, as a result, recommends that consumers planning to remodel a kitchen or bath consult with an NKBA-certified designer.

Associate Kitchen & Bath Designers (AKBDs), Certified Kitchen Designers (CKDs), Certified Bathroom Designers (CBDs), and Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designers (CMKBDs) are experts in design who have been taught the proper methods for eliminating radon and other hazardous gases from the home, as discussed in the NKBA Professional Resource Library volume Kitchen and Bath Systems.

In addition to radon, NKBA-certified designers are familiar with many other health concerns in kitchen and bath remodels that most consumers have never considered. 

For more details on the health effects of radon in granite countertops, the NKBA recommends the Marble Institute of America as a reliable source of information. An associate member of the NKBA, the Institute has prepared a thorough analysis of radon levels and granite in its 2008 Radon Study. This study, as well as a consumer radon brochure and additional documents concerning radon in granite countertops are available at www.marble-institute.com."

While I'm a CKD, as mentioned in the press release, I'd have to say, no, I do not know the proper methods for "eliminating radon....from the home". Everything I read talks about "reducing" not "eliminating." "Eliminating" is a black and white concept. I'm not a scientist or a radon eliminating technician although there are many common sense tasks one can do to reduce. That said, I must put this issue in the hands of the consumer to make their own decision on what they believe in regard to granite and radon or to take other measures, such as hiring a professional radon technician for testing purposes, and so on. I do not have an opinion on either side of this issue as it is beyond my knowledge. Perhaps if I were a geophysicist I'd weigh in on this.

I love the phrase, "I know what I don't know." Perfect for this situation.

What do you think?

20 Tips To Prepare The Kitchen For Resale

With so many homes for sale around the country, due to the current mortgage crisis and general home value downturn we are experiencing, how can you set your home apart, particularly the kitchen, the heart of the home, to appeal to a prospective buyer?

Warning, some ideas may seem obvious, but as I peruse images of homes for sale, they bear repeating. This assumes that big ticket items in the kitchen will not be replaced. Perhaps I'll do a post on replacing bigger ticket items in the kitchen for resale. Don't miss the tips noted on showing your home - super easy tips with instant results!

• When showing your home, turn on all the lights in the kitchen

• Clean the windows inside and out as well as window treatments if necessary

• Declutter your counters. I'll say it again. Declutter your counters!

• Clean and organize the interiors of your cabinets - people will look inside

• Pay particular attention to organizing a food/pantry cabinet - this can look surprisingly good if shapes and sizes are arranged well

• Clean your floors

• Do touch ups wherever you can - walls, floors, cabinets, etc.

• Declutter your collections. Again...declutter your collections!

• After decluttering counters and collections, take a fresh look and add in a very few items if desired. Those items should be proportionate to the space. Do not put a small item on top of cabinets, use a larger item for better balance and proportion

• Make sure your picture(s) of the kitchen includes a wide angle shot and the kitchen is neat and decluttered

• Your image should be of good quality. Do not submit it if it is blurry or otherwise inferior in terms of exposure, etc. Ask others for opinions on the quality of the images

• Include windows if possible in the kitchen shot

• When showing the home, bring in fresh flowers for the table from the garden, or cut greens of some sort from the back yard, if you have one

• Remove all the magnets from the refrigerator

• Clean the ovens, cooktop and microwave!

• Clean the sink and surroundings! For a showing, move the soap bottles to inside the cabinet, clean the sink and drain baskets and keep it "all clear" around the sink

• Clean the refrigerator!

• When showing the home, move the piles of mail, papers, etc.

• Touch up paint trim on window and door casings, and other moldings

• If desired, "stage" the kitchen just a bit for a showing...a good looking table (if the table is in poor shape, use a tablecloth) set for a meal, perhaps with a centerpiece, a bowl or two of green apples on a countertop, other fruit, a big bunch of fresh basil in a vase near the sink, a basket of potatoes, just do not overdo it

Take a look at this image of a kitchen on an online listing. It's potentially a very good shot, very impressive and updated kitchen, but who can see a thing? I think there is too much of the staircase in the image as well, the whole image being somewhat crooked. Make a little more effort for much bigger rewards.

I feel better about the next image, but it could have been aligned much better. Try, too, to use a sharpening tool in your images. That will go a long way. The counters are nice and clear. Maybe a large gold bowl or other object could have been in the foreground. I would have removed the coffee pot near the sink.
















Relax, and wait for the offers - they're coming!

Slate Countertop Test!

There's always a good bit of conversation on the slate post that I did way back, and that's good, I'm glad people are digging through the archives. Lots of good stuff in the archives.

I thought it might be a good idea to redo my test, albeit in a very limited way, on the staining properties of slate, at least in regard to oil.

See for yourself what the result is. No staining! If you look closely at the first sample with the oil on it, you may see, on the unoiled part, a few white marks which are scratches. After I wiped off the oil on the sample with dishwashing soap and water on a sponge and brushed the slate using the opposite side of the sponge fairly roughly, "wah laaa" the white spots disappear! If they do not completely disappear, then it is my understanding (although I have not done it myself) that one can lightly sand any significant white scratches and they will disappear.

Yes, slate is strong, VERY strong (and very dense)! Take a look....the yellow text, which is too small, says "dark line" meaning to please try to find the dark line on the second image too so you can get it oriented. Sorry, when I tried to rotate one image or the other, it looked much more skewed and a bit more difficult to see, so you'll have to reorient yourself to find the similar graining of each sample so you can see where the oil was on the second sample. Still, do your own test, on any countertop surface.

Hot Countertops!

No, I don't mean stylish, I don't mean beautiful, I mean hot as in radon hot!

At this moment, The New York Times' article "What's Lurking In Your Countertop" is the Number One most popular article that is being emailed!

I'm no scientist or geologist, but, I'm paying attention and passing it along for you too. Oh, if you have to register for The Times, it's worth it. They do not do anything with your email address, so I'm told. Definitely register.

What you may want to do is contact a certified technician who will test your countertop here, or for $20-$30 you can pick up a radon testing kit at hardware stores.

What's Lurking In Your Countertop? 

When the French Country Kitchens Go Marching In...

I'm sitting here listening to WWOZ radio on the net as I often do, listening to a very modern version of "When the Saints Go Marching In" part rap, part gospel, part jazz, and of course, with that New Orleans influence everywhere. I know, you're saying "whaaaa?" but trust me, it's a good thing. Now, here comes another rendition after that one? Ok, I'll take it!

Oy vey, so how do I weave this into kitchens? There must be a way. Hmmmm....now I'm hearing "When the Saints win the Superbowl...." Ya gotta love NOLA!

NOLA! Yes, there is a huge, historical, French influence in NOLA, plus, I watched le Tour again this morning, from somewhere in France, so how about a few more Frenchy kitchens? I found them here, and many of them seem to be the Americanized version of French Country, but some are so good that I can't tell where they're from, so THAT'S interesting.

What a difference between kitchens from France and French "inspired" American kitchens. And, that's ok, say la vee, we're a melting pot after all over here, oui? Have fun!

Kitchen Open Shelves and More

Wow, you'd think I was on vacation or something! No, just occupied with a wide variety of things. Potential posts go in and out of my head, topics, images, and then time goes by. But, before any MORE time goes by, I want to do some show and tell. I hope you're all enjoying the summer. Please say hi! And, yes, I'm still watching le Tour every day! Everyone is skinny over there, they all need to eat a little something.

 THIS image propelled me into action right now. Come on, how absolutely "feel good" is this image? I found it at the kitchn, always good for wonderfully random good stuff. Really, the kitchn is so much more than recipes, it's very well rounded. Come to think of it, I've been meaning to add some food related info to the blog, after all, without food, what's a kitchen??

And, THESE IMAGES by Habitually Chic, are really fantastic. Showing open shelving in a kitchen, I love how it has caused such a great discussion. It seems one either loves them or could NEVER live with them. I've done posts on open shelves and have lived with open shelves. I love them, they work for me!

French Country Kitchens - Tour de France Inspiration!

As you may remember if you've been a reader for some time, I LOVE the Tour de France!

I never paid much attention to the Tour until our son took up cycling in a very serious way, with dreams of riding in le Tour himself one day. That particular dream has been replaced now, but it was very much alive for a few years. And so it goes.

But, watching the Tour is now a fixture in our home. It's a beautiful sport, one of the most beautiful, I think. Combined with the incredible scenery, the colorful jerseys, the huge pieces of artwork in the farm fields as tributes to the tour, and the magnificent look of the peloton, not to mention the aerial views, I recommend it highly. it's on the channel Versus for the next 3 weeks until the triumphant entrance into Paris.

SO, in the spirit of the Tour and the beautiful tour of the French countryside, let's look at some kitchens. I think we can learn many things from looking at authentic French kitchens.

We get out of our comfort zone

We see new ways of looking at color and texture

We see new ways at looking at form and function

At other times during the Tour, I'll add more images of French kitchens, both modern, farm country kitchens, and formal, elegant kitchens as well.

And, tell me what your likes, dislikes, opinions on these kitchens. Have fun!! Want to rent a French chateau? Images are from Just France.

Kitchen Design - Less Is More

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??

Kitchen Flooring II - Still Light Colored

I've been meaning to show you this picture of another light floor. I simply love the feel of the light floor and the light cabinetry.

I like the horizontal dark element of the counters and I like the "important" or strong, feeling of the island in wood. 

The island, to my eye, does not overpower the other light colored elements. The reason it looks balanced to me is that there is so much MORE light colored elements in the room, balanced with just a few areas of the dark color. In other words, it makes sense proportionately in regard to color and tone balance. 

I also think this image goes a long way toward being serene, don't you? It has great interest, yet it is easy on the eyes and looks very spacious. The light floor, walls, and cabinetry, and understated backsplash, go a long way to achieve this quiet elegance. 

The floor...I think this type of floor, being quite textured, is fine in terms of being "busy enough" so you don't see every crumb immediately (unless you bake a lot of brownies.) The recent popularity of super dark wood floors is no better for spots, dings, dust, and so on. The best floor is a medium tone. But, to me, something REALLY speaks to me about a light floor. And, yes, for me, it would have to be textured. I'll have one, one day, in some form. This floor is limestone by Walker Zanger. Yes, limestone needs sealing and nervous care. I'm usually a conservative type, so I do not recommend it.

As seen in the June issue of Veranda.

What do you think of this combination of tones?

Attention NYC Kitchen Remodelers

This Old House is coming to New York City...get your submissions in by July 4! They're looking for an historic home and a dynamic family. I nearly messed it up and said historic family and dynamic home! This Old House NYC

Anyone from New York City who has a fabulous kitchen renovation? HGTV is looking to shoot a commercial on Monday, the 7th of July! Email me your info and I'll pass it on.

Over The Range Microwave - My Love/Hate Relationship

It's funny...I looked through my project images, and I think I knew right away that I didn't have an image of a project I'd designed with an over-the-range microwave. I may have used this type of microwave a handful of times, possibly many, in builder projects I've done, but, I've always had a huge bias against them...and I bought one yesterday!

Let me just make it simple and do a pros and cons evaluation:

PROS

1. A space saving appliance. For an apartment-sized kitchen, it's no less than a God-send.

(I honestly cannot think of another "pro" to the over-the-range microwave...geez.)

CONS

1. It is typically situated at an uncomfortable height. If one is short in height, or a child, it can be difficult to reach in and out.

2. Along with #1, of course, comes the possibility of danger, first, if the container becomes hot, and one is taking it out at this uncomfortable height, but also, if there are items cooking on the stove and one reaches for the microwave. Take care!

3. If the microwave cannot be ducted out, the fan is nearly useless, as it becomes a recirculating fan.

4. Most microwaves are approximately 12" deep, which only cover the rear two burners if the ducted fan is turned on.

5.  The typical 300 cfm fan capacity is a poor performer in terms of ventilating power.

6. Due to the height of the microwave, very tall pots pose a problem in cooking comfortably, including being able to see the contents of the pot.

I mentioned the reasons that I bought one of these in this post. It's definitely a love/hate thing, I'm sure, for many of us.  Image is from GE, which has a whole lot of choices in microwaves. Kelli, in a comment from the original post mentioned, asked, "What's the alternative?"

ALTERNATIVES

1. Do you REALLY use a microwave, do you really need one? A good question to ask, in general. 

2. Can you find any other space to build in a microwave? If built in, remember, you must have a trim kit for proper ventilation around the appliance.

3. Can you simply place the microwave (perhaps a small one) on the countertop?

4. Check out GE's Trivection range...not a microwave, but a speedy oven, with microwave technology inside.

5. Perhaps a microwave drawer?

6. Are you rich? Buy a TurboChef.

Much of this discussion depends on if the kitchen is being designed from scratch, or, simply, as in my case, a space is open, and now that space will be filled again with this type of microwave. I can deal with this solution for now.

Microwave Must See

Have you seen this LG microwave, below? It came out last year. I did not cover it in this blog, and I rarely have a need for over-the-range microwaves in my design practice, until now, for myself!

You may have read about my apartment kitchen remodel.  Well, to get you up to speed, quickly, while some improvements continue to be done, we're putting the bulk of the renovation on hold for now. The basic issue is that we are undecided on what should drive certain important decisions...resale or personal wants and needs. Plus, since our son will be staying there for at least a couple of more years while in college, there is not an urgency to do the renovation.

SO...in the course of having to remove the existing over-the-range microwave this weekend, due to its extreme venting inefficiency and age, we stopped at Best Buy to pick up another one, a 400cfm model by Samsung, since we were told by our super we could duct it through the existing path in the ceiling. We found most new models were 300 cfms.

BUT, while in Best Buy, all of a sudden, we saw this LG microwave and immediately had a WOW reaction. It's very sexy, it's a few inches deeper than normal, it's taller, which we needed, and best of all, it has a 470 cfm fan, which was very impressive. Our son and his girlfriend cook up a STORM  in our NYC apartment, nearly every night, and the gunk of small airborne particles that settle all over the apartment is not a pretty sight. So, THIS appliance seems to fit what we need for now.

As I've said before, I'm not a fan of the over-the-range microwave in general, for several reasons, but, in this case, the spot is open for it, so we'll fill it. This is the most powerful over-the-range microwave cfm rating I know of, which leads to healthier living in an open kitchen!

I LOVE the lift up door, the cfm capacity, the depth to better cover the burners, and the very cool look!

Viking Range Color - What To Do?

Here's a question from Maryann:

"We are remodeling our kitchen.  The look we're going for is whitewashed custom cabinets with chocolate glaze and a large black  island.  We planned on stainless steel appliances - 42" fridge and 48" viking range.  We were considering the 48" white viking range - would that color work in this kitchen or would a white range be better suited in another style kitchen?"

Maryann

Maryann, right off the bat, it sounds to me like you will be dealing with two different whites...a bright white (if that is what you are referring to) for the Viking, and a glazed white cabinet color, which will be somewhere in the ivory/cream family.

I'd be very careful when mixing whites. Some whites have a pink cast, some a green, some, a yellow, for example. It is critical that you see the actual Viking color samples alongside of your cabinet color, preferrably in your own home during different times of the day and lighting conditions. Pay attention to the tones.

I'll tell you what you may consider. Check out the Oyster Gray. I've used it before. It's deep enough to be enough of a contrast with your cabinets, but only you will be able to tell if the tones work well or not. It's a great neutral shade.

I will also tell you that a lesser used, but beautiful combination IS using white and cream colors together. You may want to carefully think through using white and cream elsewhere in the room as well so that it is viewed as a theme of sorts, rather than one item white and one item cream. Done well, I actually really love this look.

I hope this was helpful!

I'm (Kitchen) Floored!! (Again!)

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 spots are not so offensive.
• In my opinion, it is, at once, modern and elegant.
• The light reflecting work of a light floor contributes to well being, especially in the winter months 
• A light floor helps reduce the need for artificial lighting, a good green solution.

What do you think of light floors? Me, I'm crazy about them! If I didn't have red oak in my kitchen/family room area, I'd definitely bleach it, but it comes up pink. MAYBE, I'll paint them. Here you go, what do you think of light flooring?