Celebrated Chef Christopher Gross has designed the most stunning kitchen at the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix, Arizona! Recently while enjoying Happy Hour with friends, Chef Gross gave us a tour of his renovated kitchen. The large rectangular layout in blue is gorgeous and provides many workstations for various tasks to be completed during the bustling process of gourmet meal preparation. The adjoining dining area complete with chandelier and steel framed doors to the balcony creates an intimate backdrop for wine tasting. Underway is the new exclusive dining area with Camelback and adjoining mountain views. Weddings, special occasions, date night… this combination is the best!
Kitchens
Litchfield Park Townhouse Renovation
The building contractor and his wife have done their past two homes in contemporary style so the new trend is their comfort zone! The total re-design of major appliances in the past ten years has made it possible to have a kitchen that blends seamlessly with the overall design instead looking like “the kitchen.” We applied all of the newest technology to this space. Working with Steve Johnson, formerly with Pogenpohl and now Ergersman Cabinets, for the third time with this receptive couple allowed fast decisions made with confidence that the end result would be appreciated by all!
As with any remodeling project, we first confirmed the bearing walls (it extends to the ceiling on the right side of the island). Leaving only that wall intact, the original wall between the kitchen and dining room was removed as well as the closet and the wall separating the dining room from the living room. The focal point in the kitchen now is the beautiful mosaic above the invisible black cooktop with a black granite countertop. The lighting adds a new look rather than typical pendants (Sonneman’s Suspenders). Appliances with wood panels blend with the cabinetry. The couple cooks and spend evenings sharing meals with the television on.
The dining and living areas are in the same place, just open to the kitchen. The old beehive fireplace was easily updated to a more contemporary look with a black granite hearth and a smooth surface.
The bath was also transformed with a walk-in shower. The wood cabinets throughout were matched to the porcelain flooring tiles. New cabinetry and lighting completed the look. Barn doors transition from the master bedroom. A refreshing change!
So what do you do with Grandma’s china?!
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!
Do You Need To Update Your Built-in Appliances?
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?
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!
Contemporary or Urban Farmhouse?
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!
Sub-Zero Wolf Introduces Their First Dishwasher!
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!
Best Option for Kitchen Countertops
These are examples of light countertop materials that are available in quartz (man made composite) to quartzite (natural and perhaps the most expensive). Granite is still the most widely used surface but quartz (composites) gives you the option of a surface that is as hard as granite without additional upkeep. If you’re going black then quartz or granite can be used but I would opt for natural and go granite!
