Kitchens

So what do you do with Grandma’s dishes?  They are not selling for much on eBay or in consignment stores. You can think of creative ways to use them!  We combined the new rabbit dishes with Limoge dishes from the early 1900s for our holiday table.  There were only four rabbit plates but it is more interesting to do every other setting combined with the vintage pattern.  Combine all of your favorites for the table top and then edit if you get carried away.  Repetition of a specific color can pull together the table or room. Your table will be unique and one of a kind… and Grandma would be so happy!

It’s no longer the quick in and out that new appliances with delivery and a plug in used to be!  If the appliances involve wood panels then the cabinet maker typically has to make new ones.  If the sizes vary then additional detailing ensues with molding added, countertop materials ground off, etc.  In the kitchen pictured:

• we doubled the size of the island
• increased the cooktop to a more standard 36”
• designed wood detailing to conceal the hood above
• added quartzite countertops with better extensions in eating areas
• updated lighting in the kitchen, adjoining dining area and nearby great room.

The original plan had the kitchen at a right angle instead of angled from the sink.  The island could have been extended even further if this angle hadn’t created a tight corner.  In thirty five years of design, I have become very cautious about angling anything as it creates spacing issues.  This renovation did require my design and a general contractor.

The quartzite countertops (natural stone that is harder than granite) is light gray with a little peach to pick up the homeowner’s desire to leave the existing Mexican tile floors she loves.  The leftovers were used for oversized subway tile for the backsplash.  The size was determined by the fan width. There is always a direction indicated by the space!

Dreaming of a kitchen remodel? And you’re a serious cook? Maybe your caterers need extra space when you’re entertaining? A Wall Street Journal article recently discussed the appliances in three southern California homes. Let’s see which ones you need!

Whenever contemporary design surges to the forefront, another style with more warmth and texture is always soon to follow.  The growing popularity of urban farmhouse with a “Fixer Upper” feel gives the cushioned, sink-in-the-sofa feeling many want when they finish the day and relax with family.  Barn doors, living edge wooden tables, wooden ceilings and walls, stone details, exposed beams, farmhouse sinks and freestanding tubs all add value to your home. 

Contemporary or more traditional, the floor covering of choice is wood.  The pre-finished engineered woods have given stability to this popular option.  Wood grained porcelain tile is a lower priced option. 

Walls are light with either look.  Add personal touches of your favorite colors, photos, personal collections and either look extends your personal touch!

Cove it is!  Just to get our attention Sub Zero put the new Cove dishwasher in the pool on top of the W Hotel in Scottsdale and celebrated it!  Luckily it was May and it is a dry heat!  Great get-together and now your Sub-Zero Wolf package can include a dishwasher!  Made, of course, with the same standards that their other appliances have already established! 

Why does the Sub-Zero refrigerator cost more?  Because it has two compressors – one for the freezer and one for the refrigerator.  These appliances set the standard for luxury properties and are recognized by homeowners and home buyers alike.  Add Cove to your search for quality appliances!

Rev-A-Shelf has a soft close for heavy loads. These drawers keep the trash out of site and the base works with 35 qt. and 50 qt. containers.  A recycle, waste drawer has been a staple in the kitchens I have designed for over 15 years, so let’s make it one that isn’t seen!

When selecting new countertops you not only do you need to consider the look they will give your kitchen but also the upkeep and how they will function with your family. Right now light countertops are trending for example the white marbles are very popular, but they can stain very easily.  So if your family cooks in your kitchen a lot you may want to consider a countertop that is more durable and has less upkeep like Quartz.  Fit the design to your lifestyle not your lifestyle to the design!