KBIS Product Sightings

Here are more (and no quick 1-2-3 roundup for me-too much to show you) truly fabulous finds that I'd like to share with you.

And, for the uninitiated...here's how I handle the products from KBIS. I'm not in a rush. Over several weeks' time, maybe months, I'll be bringing you products that I have found at KBIS that need to be noticed. Some will be newly introduced, some will already be in a product line for some time but deserve to be brought to the forefront. It is not only new products that should be mentioned!

First up is Texas Lightsmith, a little booth way at the end of the convention center in no man's land (that's where many of the best exhibitors are, scrunched together in a bunch of aisles).

Texas Lightsmith manufacturers lots of things - sinks, hoods, metal panels for cabinet door inserts, lighting, and more. I loved this display for apron sinks, but I'm sure these patterns can be used for other purposes.

Being a bit more of a modern girl myself, I particularly like the third up from the bottom.

Kohler's new stunning (I've been using that word quite a bit during this show) finish, Vibrant Moderne Gold, really took my breath away. You can find it on a variety of products, even on the very sexy Karbon faucet.

Blanco, one of my favorite "no brainer" sink recommendations, has just come out with Silgranite II. What you are looking at in the image is a Blanco representative simply wiping off the metal shavings from the fork that I used to try to sratch (VERY hard) the surface. The material already had one whole day of people taking out their frustrations ahead of me. I saw zero wear. Get this sink.

It's funny because my husband and I also talked about a motorized flat panel TV lift...and there it was at KBIS by Hafele! It holds up to a 27" tv and disappears via remote control. Our use for something like that was going to be in our otherwise lovely breakfast room which my husband, anyway (I don't care) wanted this type of mechanism, which would take the tv up into the attic.

First Product Roundup at Kbis 09

There are always neat discoveries to make at KBIS, always. Without further ado, take a look at some images of some wonderful new finds. These are the first of a bunch of products I'm going to share with you, outside of products I've already showcased on Twitter: 

Distressed copper hood by J.Tribble below:

Terra Aqua, fabulous sinks, below:

Look at these appliance handles by Vincenza, below: 

New to the industry! Lansen sinks flush edge with solid surface material, below:

KBIS 09 Impressions

Just back from KBIS and I'd like to share a few impressions. I've gone to KBIS for 18 or 19 years (I'll assume 18) which gives me an interesting perspective.

My first observation was "hmmm", when I asked the hotel clerk at the Omni, across from the Atlanta convention center, on Friday, if I could add a night if we wanted and he said, sure, they have rooms available. I thought that was odd for that hotel in that location to have rooms available.

My first stop on Saturday was the press room. Here, I was very surprised at what I saw. There were many empty boxes (freestanding shelving with square openings on both sides for press kits.) There were far fewer press kits than at previous shows. Strikingly so.

The difference was felt on the show floor too. Far fewer attendees. Perhaps by close to half. Far fewer exhibitors. No question. The exhibits were smaller. There were fewer events, cooking demonstrations, fewer fabulous exhibits. The whole show was a huge step backward, at least in regard to glamour and excitement, which, after all is fun to be around. The high energy in the air was gone. It felt like a Monday morning rather than a Saturday night! It was a vastly different show than last year or any recent year.

I think the party's over. I think one must take one's medicine, keep a stiff upper lip, carry on and all that.

That was my next feeling after absorbing the contrast of last year vs. this year. So what? This year's show should be considered an anomaly, and that's ok.

The companies who were not there made the right decision for their company, since I'm sure finances were the reason they were not at the show. That's being responsible, and hopefully, when they recover, they will again come to KBIS in a stronger position all around, having cut the fat from their expenses, product lines, whatever. That's a good thing.

It's also good for the companies who exhibited at the show. With less people at the show, there was more time to form relationships and explain their products, which probably meant a better show than in years past. And, it was easier to get their products noticed by attendees and media.

It also made the show much more manageable for attendees. I certainly did not see a shortage of innovation or creativity, and I'll talk more about that this week.

But, I sure did miss the "glam" part of KBIS. Such a pity...

American - Scandinavian Kitchens?

It struck me with this latest collection of Scandinavian kitchens from the fantastic Scandinavian magazine, Vakrehjem & Interior, that elements of some of these images looked very American to my eye.

I'd like to offer some comments on these images. Here we go...

These first two images are castle-like kitchens, sort of down in the musty kitchen we go! I do not see those images as typically American necessarily. It's a bit of a mishmosh to me, this kitchen. I am not a fan of the modern chairs mixed with the traditional chairs, maybe it's just that style of modern or traditional. There are areas of this kitchen that are very charming, but I think its charm lies in the collection of pieces rather than the design of the space per se. That said, anytime one can have authentic beams like those beams in one's home, it's a gift. 

Some of these lower images look very close to American kitchens, and what I am seeing here is the shaker door style that is so popular in the U.S. Add in the beadboard, and I think we are in New England. 

Certain differences illustrate Scandinavian design. The wide use of white in the lower images is very typical. White, white, white. Note that the white continues on the door/window casings and some furniture pieces as well. Or, conversely, sometimes we see the abundant use of natural wood elements, such as ceilings and walls clad in distressed wood.

Platters on open shelves or other fine pieces are often seen on open shelves in Scandinavian country kitchens. Modern touches are too, and in the case of the white kitchen, it doesn't matter that the kitchen is 90% country in its theme, somehow, a modern touch seems never to be out of place and is freely included. I do not have a historical reference on the "X" design seen in the doors, but that motif is generally seen as a Swedish design element.

Splashes of color in the white Scandinavian kitchen are widely enjoyed, which we see in the collection of accessories on the tall shelf over the windows. 

I love sharing my Scandinavian kitchen finds with you. I hope you enjoy them too.

KBIS Sneak Peeks

It's that time of year and it's coming on so fast. I'm going to KBIS, as I do every year, and I can't wait! With thousands of products exhibited, and new technology, new trends and updated classics on display, it's a must see for me.

Shortly before the show, there are often some sneak peaks of new products, so here are a few.

WAC Lighting - I've used WAC lighting for years and years. They just make life simple, clean, easy, elegant, and so on. I don't get complaints from the electricians on the job, and the clients love the light. NOW WAC has LED light bars (love their light bars) and button lights (otherwise known as hockey puck lights). They also have invisiled tape lights for accent lighting. It's all just what you need. A real endorsement.

Eldorado Stone Gemstone Walls - Stunning transformations with stone. New walls are the VinoWall, ArtWall & CandleWall. Read their Sustainable Solutions for Leed Requirements brochure. Documented LEED categories where a project can earn LEED points.

Next is Baarz Decorative Hardware - This is a company that, from my view, offers hardware that looks different, fun, casual, earthy, or formal, for that matter. I've always said that hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen. It's funny...it's the choice that my clients put off as long as they can because you just have to wrap your head around all the choices available...like wallpaper or paint, tons of choices. I did not see a green statement on their website...would like to see that.

Stainless Living - Stainless Steel makes a statement, or any metal for that matter. There is something strong about it, to me. Stainless Living manufacturers deeply textured metals for many applications. They also manufacture stainless steel countertops as well. 

Haier America- Haier introduces their eco-friendly small refrigerator line with the 2.8 cf NuCool model. A brand new technology achieves temperatures as low as 37 degrees, not previously possible with refrigerant models. It is ultra quiet and available at Target. 

Just a few sneak peaks. More product news to come!

Do You Serve Dinner?

A funny thing happened last night at our house around dinner time. My husband called me for dinner (of course I was in my office staring at my monitor).

I go upstairs to the kitchen and what do I see but my husband making a plate for himself of the foods we are having for dinner. What was different about that scene was that he was doing it sort of buffet style, and the dishes that held the main food items were on the kitchen countertop.

I stopped and cried "I can't believe you're doing that! Why have we not done this before now?!" He didn't have an answer. So, we filled our plates and walked over to sit in the family room area and had our dinner. I went on and on about it for another few minutes (was he listening?) I was thrilled!

Have you yawned at this piece yet? In our case, our kids are grown and up until last night (mostly) we've walked all the dishes, serving dishes, beverages, condiments, yadayada to the table and then walked all of these things back to the kitchen after dinner.

Is it a chore to do that? Well, not really, but doing a buffet style dinner seems SO much easier, convenient, time saving, and just less laborious "feeling." When the kids were growing up, we always ate dinner at the table with all the accompanying stuff. But, now with the two of us (our son still living with us doesn't often eat with us) why not make it easier??

I was so excited at this new way of streamlining the process, I called my daughter and told her about this light bulb moment enthusiastically, to which she replied, "We do that all the time for dinner" (she and her husband.)

A bigger issue might be...it is important to anticipate this dinner time behavior and consider designing a kitchen around it. A good question to ask...

What about you? Dinner on the table or buffet style? My vote at this point in my life is buffet, baby!

Around the Kitchen Interwebs

Let's see what's happening with kitchen topics around the web.

A partner in crime, Kelly, is talking about product finishes, always something guaranteed to drive homeowners nutty. Do you blend? Match? How far afield do you/can you go? Kelly gives her usual sage advice!

Met Home's Kitchen and Bath Sourcebook shows quite a few inspirational products for nearly anyone's dream kitchen or bath. I especially like their sharp-eyed pick of the Fisher Paykel dishwasher in the taller version for the big plates that so many of us have.

There's a pretty sexy sink in their slideshow too. Worth a look.

This site has really blossomed in recent months. It sure stimulates the senses!

Another partner in the kitchen design business, Laurie, from Kitchen Design Notes, is informing her readers about Dacor's new energy saving refrigerator. It's a huge 36" refrigerator and is even Energy Star rated, so no guilt there!

And in The Appliancist, all you need to do is scroll in wonder at all their fantastic finds...

Beautiful Kitchens

Yesterday's post was a first course. Today is the entree!

It is always a pleasure of mine to show you Scandinavian kitchens, as you may know. The reason is that I think the Scandinavians have a very, very special gift for combining their modern design point of view, which seems to be in the collective DNA, (always with some exceptions) with historic surroundings or smaller traditional elements. They do it well, very well. 

If you can, go through this slide show slowly. Examine the parts and pieces of each kitchen design. Think about what you like and what you do not like. 

Some of these kitchens speak to me in a strong way, others do not speak to me at all. I do know one thing....I need about 6 houses to express myself in all my kitchen design "moods".

If you click on "notes" you will see my comments. What speaks to you and why?

The Kitchn Cure Is Coming

I'm a huge fan of the kitchn, Apartment Therapy's sister site on all things cooking and many things kitchen related. Apartment Therapy does their 8 Step Home Cure every spring, but the kitchn focuses just on, well, the kitchen, a space certainly worthy of singular introspection and periodic hair pulling sessions!

With the kitchen being ground zero for the need to physically nourish one several times a day in some cases (except for those who use the kitchen counter to place the take out food or pick up keys on their way to eat out) issues such as organization, storage, work habits and so on are worth taking a fresh look at now and then. 

In their effort to go back to basics, as the kitchn often does in a satisfying way, I wanted to give the kitchn cure a special shout out. Ok, the truth is, too, that I adore reading all the colorful comments on kitchen angst!

Sleek Scandinavian Kitchens!

OK, it's Friday, I'm feeling good, and I want to show you some modern kitchens from my latest Scandinavian magazine collection! I've now accumulated maybe 4 or 5 subscriptions of my fave Scandinavian magazines (and don't ask me the cost of a subscription, I don't want to remember, and don't tell my husband!)

I absolutely think there are things to learn by looking outside our normal kitchen bubble, to see what else is happening in kitchen design. Let's see what we can learn, dissect, and have fun with today, and also admire. These images are from the very chic magazine Rum Interior Design.

Below: Love the simplicity, the boldness, the white foundation. I also LOVE the artwork, as many of you may know.

Below: You know, I'm noticing more doors and windows with black trim for some reason, and I like it. Liking the skinny windows here.

Below: Interesting! Sure breaks up the mundane gray everywhere and creates more importance and weight to the upper section of the kitchen. And it's fun, and fun is always good in my book.

Below: I really like this one because there is a great juxtaposition of the profuse green landscape and the modern interior. Not to mention the artfully displayed accessories. Look at that!

Below: Now, this is not normally my style, but I could move into this space! I love white, I love texture, and I love windows. I'm good. 

Below: And, who can't smile at this one?? I sure am! We have white, we have major whimsy going on, and a modern point of view...mostly. Love. 

And you? What do you like/not like??

Want To Sell Your House? Clean The Kitchen!

My new Twitter buddy, Julia, from hooked on houses, has a post today on images that a realtor takes for a home listing. This struck a chord with me, having just bought and sold a house (not in that order!) And, having gone nuts over staging, tweaking images...and cleaning.

In my months of house hunting recently, I cannot tell you how much an unkempt kitchen was a total turnoff. It didn't even have to be a dirty kitchen (that's a definite turnoff.) But, even a slightly messy kitchen was...distracting, yes, that's the word. Distracting in a negative way is a negative thing (oh, how profound.)

Every realtor will tell you that a house, these days, needs an edge to be noticed. The house has to stand out among its competition. The chances of standing out greatly diminish if a home is in disarray, especially if the competition in the same price range shines...literally. The kitchen and bathrooms are viewed as utilitarian spaces, where cleanliness is important. That's sort of an undercurrent in one's mind, I think, when one visualizes oneself cooking and living in the kitchen. Therefore, it should be a clean slate, devoid of clutter and mess. 

In addition to the tips I previously mentioned on getting your kitchen ready for resale, in which I mentioned cleaning, I'd like to go a bit further... 

LIST OF THINGS TO CLEAN IN THE KITCHEN:

• floor
• window glass
• window trim-oftentimes it's just a wipe with a rag. If the trim needs to be painted, paint it!
• baseboard molding - clean or paint it
• cabinets - clean your cabinets and all their cracks and crevices on the outside
• cabinets - clean your cabinets on the inside as well
• joints - such as at the floor and the cabinet toekick molding, the baseboard molding and the floor, anyplace where grime accumulates
• walls - does your kitchen need a fresh coat of paint?
• dust all surfaces, shelving, decorative items, and so on
• clean the garbage pails - take them outside and hose them down/clean them
• clean out toaster/toaster oven
• clean/wipe down all countertop appliances. Move them from their places and clean all around them.

GET OUT YOUR TOOTHBRUSH AND CLEAN THE...

• sink(s)
• refrigerator
• dishwasher
• microwave - there are numerous solutions, but it's a must-do
• backsplash
• cooktop and especially grill
• vent hood

Basically...clean everything. Wipe down everything. Dust everything. Leave time before showings and open houses to do it again and again and again, as the showings present themselves. 

I promise you your house will have much more of an edge than it did before. I know how important this is...I just sold my home in a very tough market. Tough, because my home's price bracket was completely stagnant - lower priced homes were selling to first time home buyers and much higher homes were selling, although a bit less so. But, the middle/upper priced homes were, and are still, simply not moving in my area. Fortunately, ours did! And, every time we had a showing or an open house, we all pitched in and strived for near perfect cleanliness (and not because we enjoyed doing it.)

I think that helped immensely, and I remember how I reacted as I looked at potential homes for our family. Here is a link to eco-friendly cleaning supplies. 

Apartment Therapy Kitchen Features

It seems that I've come across a variety of kitchen features on Apartment Therapy as well as the kitchn so I'll point out a few kitchen related links for your brief reading enjoyment.

First, on AT, take a look at this post in the New York version. Brick, a fireplace, big TV, open kitchen (I love an open kitchen.)

Here, in the LA version, is a discussion on TV's in the kitchen. (Me, I like 'em big.) This comment: "It's a great concept... especially for dysfunctional families" I would call classic AT (but then, I'm from the New York area so I like snarky!)

Not to be outdone, the San Francisco version of AT shows 10, count 'em 10, galley kitchens!

On the main AT page, here's an unusual island (I don't love it but it's interesting to see.)

More galley kitchen love on AT's DC page right here with lots of images.

In Boston, a discussion on where to put the microwave (above the fridge?)

And, the kitchn has a bunch of images on pot racks along with frequent random kitchen design features. Also, an interesting post on recession eating and cooking.

So, that's the roundup on AT's mother and sister sites (or whatever they're called.) Have fun!

Classic Kitchen Design In A NYC Apartment

Here is a treat (at least for me!) I'm not allowed to talk much about my kids (although I have SO much to talk about, trust me) so, I say very little. Much to my surprise, after a casual question to my daughter on Saturday, asking if I could shoot pictures of her kitchen (with her in it) for my blog, when we would visit later that day, she said "OK, only if you remember to bring in the candle we left behind last weekend." Yay! I made sure to remember the candle.

If I am the Queen of our family, my daughter is surely the princess (2 sons come after her) and NOW, as you may notice, we are all eagerly awaiting a BABY princess in a few months! Does life get any better?

My daughter and son in law are renting a great apartment on the upper west side of Manhattan, close to Central Park. It's in a quiet residential neighborhood and the building is one of those old, grand, buildings. The entire apartment was renovated beautifully before they moved in, including the kitchen.

It was a beautiful renovation of the kitchen. Custom cabinetry, fit to perfection. Appliances include a fabulous Sub Zero refrigerator (I told my daughter she's too young to have a Sub Zero), a Miele dishwasher (likewise) and higher end GE cooking appliances.

I'm not sure what material the countertop is. Maybe some sort of soapstone, although it does not appear to be affected by food substances. The lighting is fantastic and presents a vintage design statement, as do the multiple glass cabinets. And, what about that floor!? The kitchen has the flavor of a retro but classic New York City apartment, with modern conveniences. The pull out narrow pantry is just so useful.

My daughter loves to cook. She always cooks with fresh ingredients, and the wonderful gourmet markets in the area offer culinary inspiration, so we always look forward to being invited to dinner! Last night was black bean and cheese enchiladas, fresh guac (as we call it) and yellow rice.

And, I can tell you too that, no matter the size of the space, everyone ends up in the kitchen! My husband and my son and his girlfriend spent the evening with us too. So nice!

Note to daughter: Thanks for letting me shoot the kitchen! Love you!

7 Paths To Selecting Your Kitchen Cabinet Finish

"Hi Susan: A quick question if I may- with an open log cabin kitchen, wood floors, and a wood ceiling with beams, what color cabinets would you suggest? The wood is a light color on the walls and ceiling. Thank you, Patty"

Hi Patty (hand waving!)

First, I never see ONE answer to a question like this. Instead, I prefer to drive my clients crazy with six (or more) additional questions of my own to help them get focused! The method to my madness is as follows and represents off the top of my head questions as a response to this "quick" question.

• The wood may be light, but how much light is there in the kitchen, either via windows or lighting? Could the room use help with reflected light from a large block of (light) cabinetry?

• What are the colors/theme in the surrounding rooms? Is there any trend of wood finishes or colors that you will be seeing that you may want to blend or coordinate with, in the kitchen?

• Do you like contrast or do you prefer colors to be soft and flow within the space?

• If you are interested in, say, an opaque white, are you aware that, especially if children are in the picture, your cabinetry will look worn far more quickly than if you had other colors/finishes?

• Are you going after a certain theme? Tailored, rustic, formal, modern, transitional, zen, other? That could give you a clue. Do you want to contrast the rustic framework of your log cabin with another theme to create an eclectic look? Perfectly acceptable. Note your other furnishings as a guide.

• Could you be open to alternative colors that you normally do not see such as a soft khaki, an oyster grey, grey/blue, a light mushroom color, sort of a cool/warm soft contrast? Speaking of cool/warm, be aware of this color differentiation in the context of the overall color scheme as well as what's happening beyond the kitchen. 

• You also may want to consider what finishes you want your countertops and appliances to be. These choices will also send a message about the total look of the kitchen. Likewise, the backsplash to a lesser extent.

• What size is the room? Color/finish of cabinetry plays a role in space perception along with my first item to consider, above, lighting. I feel if the room is small but very well lit (very) perhaps with a light countertop and walls, then dark tones in the cabinetry are fine to use. Of course, a mix of light shades in a small room will allow the space to flow and not appear choppy/busy, something to seriously consider in a small space (choppy/busy).

So, unfortunately, I have no answer for you, only additional questions which should definitely put you on the path to focus and insight! Only you know these answers and it should take a little time to consider the various issues involved in selecting just ONE finish. No pressure or anything! I just can't make the decision for you.

Is a Kitchen Design Trend Always A Trend?

I received an email from Jenney and this is what she is asking:

"I am buying a new house. I am planning to have the kitchen counter in white and cabinets in dark brown, but I am afraid the trend will go out of style. what do you think? what is the most classic color for the kitchen?"

What strikes me is that you are calling it a trend. I don't see white countertops and dark brown cabinetry as a trend, at least not a strong trend, possibly a mini trend. But, more importantly, I feel this combination of colors can be considered classic.

The finishes you are talking about are neutrals, even the dark brown. It is a natural finish for cabinetry, and if the rest of the kitchen is designed and decorated in a classic way, as opposed to integrating all the latest design ideas from magazines, catalogs and web home design sites, then you're safe. You needn't worry about your kitchen being pigeon-holed as a trend.

As far as what is the most classic color, of course, white is classic. Most brown wood stains in the medium to dark tones are classic, and some medium to light tones in wood stains. Remember the pickled maple light stains in the 80s and 90s? They were a strong trend, very strong. But, I see that having been a trend partially because those pickled maple/oak colors were an unnatural color for the wood. If these are the colors you like, take note of the above advice, and I'd say, go for it!

Comments?

TRENDY:

MODERN CLASSIC:

Simple Kitchens

All right, all right, I admit it. If you've been following me on Twitter, I will admit to being just slightly obsessed with it. I think I'm over my initial obsession, but I do think that it is the perfect supplement to this blog! The problem, as with everything, is balance! But, throwing out those random thoughts and pieces of information on Twitter works hand in glove with the more expansive blog posts that I do. So, for expanded discussions, obviously, this is the place, right here. For random musings and piecemeal information, follow me on Twitter!

Today on Twitter, I'm compelled to share my thoughts on social kitchen design tips, so here is the search page for those tips.

I was contacted by a designer, Danielle Mac Innes, from Ireland, who asked me if I'd like to see her work. Of course, I'd love to see what's happening in Ireland! Following are just a few images, but I think they are interesting. I like the restraint used. The look is simple but with a great, and simple, use of color. Diane's company is Fuse Interiors.