Show Stopping Dining Tables: Vintage to Modern

Naturally, I focus a lot on the kitchen including cabinetry and all the other components but one way to really personalize your heart of the home and give it a fresh look is with your dining table.   More and more we are seeing open kitchens that incorporate dining rooms. If you are on a budget and are opting for stock cabinets which can be rather limited in materials and design the perfect dining table choice could be your answer.  Even if your styling is more contemporary a lovely vintage dining table can make for a unique focal point.Dining tables can and, in my opinion, should lend contrast to your kitchen in some way especially if you have an open floor plan. Let me share with you a few tips on how to select the right size, shape and style for your dining table or breakfast table.

dining table for ten modern natural wood table mid century modern dining chairs with upholstery in blue white wainscot panels on wall light gray faux finishes

Size Matters

First things first, it has to fit and you'll need enough space to move around your dining table with ease.  This means that if there is a wall behind a chair you'll need a minimum of  36" to move in and out comfortably.  42" clear on all sides is preferable. One seat requires about 24" in width so that will determine how many chairs you can fit.  How wide the chair itself also makes a difference and, of course, armless is best if you're looking to maximize seating.  Tight quarters nearly always work best with round tables and if you have a bar I suggest stools with an adjustable height option so they can double as extra dining table chairs if necessary.

round glass top dining table with natural wood base and woven rattan dining chairs natural wood console mid century modern style

The Look & Feel

Once you have the size just right you'll want to select a style that will take it from table to show stopper.  The trick is in contrast.  Dining tables should stand out from the surroundings but it's also lovely if there is at least one element that ties it to the room.  For example, in the photo above, the table base is a different color stain and the chairs are entirely different but its the beautiful wood grain that makes it work.  This room is all about the organic color palette, natural materials, and clean modern lines. All together this ensemble says Mid Century magic!

Farmhouse Charm

This modern farmhouse look is huge at the moment. Below the deep rich finish of the top contrasts and stands out but look how perfectly it works in the room. Note also how the beautiful glass globes on the light fixtures repeat the shape of the turned legs on the table and bench.  The bench look goes right along with the farmhouse style and is great for maximizing seating.

Baluster turned leg dining table by James + James white legs with dark wood top matching bench seat and dining chairs white shiplap on wall glass globe pendant lights

Elegant Coastal

This elegant coastal design by Amy Tyndale features a wood stained dining table. The contrasting white chairs tie the dining area to the kitchen and trim molding.  Also check out the repeating curvy X motif in the chairs, light fixtures and candle holders on the table.  It's the details that come together to create one amazing design statement.

amy tyndale design coastal dining room with natural wood dining table, white dining chairs, traditional cabinets with glass doors wine coolers built-in coffee maker large white pendant lights with chrome accents wood floor

Do you have a dining table dilemma? Please do share!! Email me at Gloria@ArtfulKitchens.net and I just might feature your question and share my ideas for you right here at Artful Kitchens.  Cheers!

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When Nakturnal offered to sponsor me to dish on dining rooms it was a natural fit! I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. All content and images reflect my own personal viewpoint.

5 Elements of an Artful Kitchen

Summer projects are underway in South Florida!  In fact, it's the height of the busy season for most design professionals here.

I don't have to tell you that a new kitchen is a big investment, in fact the kitchen is the most expensive renovation you're ever likely to undertake. It stands to reason that you'd want a kitchen that is tailor-made for you whether you can afford custom or not. This is what we're all about at Artful Kitchens.

The concept of an "artful kitchen" has many different facets.  It is not just about budget or the amount of space you have but the skill you employ using what is available to you. Here are five tips to consider along with some visual inspiration featuring products I saw this year at the Kitchen & Bath Industry (KBIS) trade show in Las Vegas. Implement these with style and confidence and you will be the proud owner of an artful kitchen!

1. Flawless Function

I'm all about artistic expression but a major part of creativity in the kitchen comes from devising flawless function. This quality is not something you see but something you can experience if artfully accomplished.  When I say function, I mean work centers comprised of cooking, clean up and food prep areas.

Those are the basics but you could have more such as a beverage center (think coffee, tea, wine), a computer station or a baking center.  If you have a two-cook kitchen, your layout should be designed so that any one of the major functions can be performed without anyone getting underfoot.

Following the guidelines set by the NKBA is a must to make sure all clearances are adequate. Sometimes we don't have a lot of choice about where to locate our sink or appliances but we can organize our utensils, dishes, pots and food items in a more efficient way.  Don't forget the more flawlessly your kitchen functions the safer it is. You don't have to be an expert at this, just think about how you use your kitchen so that you will be a good collaborator when it comes time to work with a professional.

2. Personalization

This is, without a doubt, the biggest movement in the design world.  An artful kitchen is your own personal statement customized to the way you live.  It could be a steam oven because healthy eating is your passion or it could be a lovely furniture piece with glass doors to display your grandmother's china. Include the colors you love.  Even though you must be mindful of your budget (everyone has one), strive to retain the essence of what you see as your dream kitchen.

3. Harmony

Harmony is one of the principles of design and a must for your kitchen.  Whenever I design a two-toned kitchen I like to ensure that different finishes and details are carried through the space to create a cohesive whole.  It's about how the floor relates to the cabinets and  how the cabinet hardware relates to the faucet. You get the picture!  It does not mean that everything has to match perfectly, it means elements should relate to and complement each other. It also does not mean that every element has to be perfectly symmetrical.  In fact, consider this permission NOT to be! I find that the best rule of thumb is to follow the architecture and style of the home you're in.  If, for example, the kitchen window is way off center you should work with that not against it.  Never force solutions by sacrificing function.

4. Focal Point

Every piece of great artwork has a focal point.  It is the "star of the show", so to speak.  In a kitchen it can be a sculptural range hood, a granite counter with big bold movement or actually a piece of art! It is the item that makes you say WOW when you enter the kitchen.  Just remember less is more here.  One great focal point is probably enough.  Too much and the statement gets lost. Less is definitely more.

5. Texture

The element of texture involves at least two of our senses, touch and sight.  The textures you are likely to come across include the glossy finishes popular in contemporary design, prominent wood grains which can be traditional or modern and smooth honed surfaces that are more matte.  A flat slab cabinet door is a great choice if you plan to use a wood with a lot of pattern and graining.  In this case the material is the decorative element of the cabinet.  On the other hand, if you are traditional and you are using white cabinets you can select a door with some molding or detail.  Also let the wild patterns either be on your cabinets or on your counter, both would be busy and distracting.

This is only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.  There are many more tricks and methods to create an artful kitchen. What are yours?  Please keep in touch and contact me. Whether you need a quick consult or a full design layout I can help in person or virtually.

I'm located in the West Palm Beach area, so if you're local I can also help you shop for your kitchen products.

Glass Reflects History and Looks to the Future

The thing I love about glass is that it constantly reinvents itself and that is the secret to staying viable in all economies. Glass has been around thousands of years,  first found in the Mesopotamia region, it’s main component is silica. It’s been so useful throughout history because it is so versatile in its uses.  By nature it is sterile and non pourous which makes it an excellent choice for holding food and beverages.

Modern Kitchen by Los Angeles Architects & Designers Griffin Enright Architects

It can also be molded into almost any shape. Its transparency allowed us to have the first windows offering light and at the same time protection from the elements.

   The international design movement of the early 2oth century gave us architecture featuring large unbroken expanses of glass.  A quintessential example is Philip Johnson's Glass House and who could forget the 90s phenomenon, glass block! Corning Glassworks , an American company founded in 1851 continues to explore cutting edge uses for glass.  You can visit the Corning Museum of Glass where over 40,000 objects representing 3500 years of glass and glass making from Egyptian to 20th century are on display. But if you can’t make it to Corning NY, check out this timeline available on their very slick website. The following video produced by Corning shows some amazing cutting edge technology featuring, you guessed it, glass!  This is not a new video, apparently made in 2011, but it looks pretty futuristic to me just the same.  Note the kitchen and bath applications! Last but certainly not least, here is a sight we’re going to be seeing more of in the coming years, Google Glass. Do you agree?  Weigh in now!

The Rest of the "Hot Pepper" Kitchen Story

Happy new year peeps! Back at the drawing board this week after a nice holiday break. I got a lot of annoying little things done AND spend a little time in the studio but that's another story. Last post I told you about my dream kitchen. I don't know about you but I'm still dreaming and that was just enough to pique my interest. The lovely Shannon Pepper of Shannon Pepper Design in New Zealand, YES, New Zealand (who knew they were rocking such awesome design down under?)  shared some of her musings with me:

Modern Kitchen by Auckland Kitchen & Bath Designers shannon pepper design

 KFL:  What parameters were you given before designing this kitchen?Shannon:  The kitchen needed to be very functional for a busy family of 5. The kitchen is very much centralised in the home so it also needed to be very " good looking " for better words. There needed to be space to tuck things away like appliances etc to keep the space tidy.KFL: What was the biggest challenge of the project?Shannon:  Hmmm, I'm not sure there were any real challenges in this project as the client was very easy to deal with and realistic.  The space was very proportional and easy to plan. I say that but originally, in the plans from the architect, there was a window on the hob (stove) wall which we were trying to work around. After much thought  the client decided that since the space would only look out onto a hedge and wouldn't  offer much light  we opted to remove the window and add under cabinet lights to keep the space light.

Modern Kitchen by Auckland Kitchen & Bath Designers shannon pepper design

 KFL:  Is there anything you'd have done differently if you could?Shannon: Not really,  I love this kitchen and loved working with this client.KFL:  Can you describe they type of client you were designing for? Shannon:  The clients were both doctors and they have 3 children under 12. The family is busy with extra activities after school for the children and wanted a space that was functional and easy to maintain.KFL: What brand of cabinets did you use?Shannon:  The cabinetry used is a Dezignatek vinyl wrapped (known here as thermofoil)  product. The colour is white gloss and the profile of the doors and drawers is Milan. This product is great for giving you a painted finish look but without the chipping and scratching possibilities of paint.Not only is this a dream kitchen but it sounds like it was an all-around dream job too.  Check out Shannon's website for more pics of her beautiful projects. 

Tip #5: To Glass or Not To Glass?

Of course I always welcome questions from inquiring minds but today we’ll cover the final fifth question of the top five I get from my clients.  They want to know, “can I have glass doors on my cabinets if I’m not exactly tidy”?  I say YES!!  I love the look of glass doors on cabinets and there are so many different choices.  I even think that glass doors on food cabinets can be interesting and very "Parisian bistro looking".  I know most of you won’t go that far but for your dish storage they’re great.  You can see what’s where and score a little visual interest at the same time. Still not comfortable? You don’t have to go clear.  There are lots of patterned or frosted (acid etched) glass that “hide a little”.  If you’re traditional you might like the look of seeded glass whereas acid etched is definitely more contemporary. 

Eclectic Kitchen but mostly traditional with seeded glass (no mullions)

Contemporary Kitchen by Westfield General Contractors Michael Robert Construction    Be aware, mullions may not line up with shelves.  Use tempered glass for lower doors.  In this case it works as glass doors reflect the window and the French doors.

Mullions? What are these things? They are the little strips of wood that divide the glass opening.  This treatment is usually more traditional.  I usually prefer no mullions.  If you’re going for glass, go all the way.  Mullions can be visually busy and conflict with the shelves inside the cabinet if they don’t line up with the horizontal members.Mullions can get creative too.  For example the X shape will give you a design detail reminiscent of a British Colonial Bermuda style. 

Kitchen by Weston Kitchen & Bath Designers Drum Hill Designs,LLC

Adding a glass door to your cabinet can be a little more expensive because we typically have to finish the interior of the cabinet to match the outside and that is an upcharge for most cabinet manufacturers.  One or two shouldn't break the bank however.Glass doors are best added to upper cabinets for safety reasons.  You can add them to a lower cabinet but just remember to spend the extra money for tempered glass.Starting next month I will be answering more consumer questions over at  The Sun Sentinel.  Send me yours and you may get a reply in print!

WALKER ZANGER WOWS NKBA MEETING!

One week ago I had the pleasure of attending the first South Florida Chapter NKBA meeting of 2013.  I was fired up by motivational speaker  Dawnna St. Louis   and her presentation about how to give your clients what they really want.    I’m looking forward to more great events this year and to working with the enthusiastic board on the communications committee.Not only was it fun to get together once again with all my old kitchen friends but the beautiful venue was an added treat.We met at the amazing Walker Zanger showroom in Coconut Creek Florida.  Walker Zanger is filled with designer eye candy!  As soon as I walked in I felt an irresistible desire to explore every nook and cranny.  Then I decided, if I were to do that, why not nab a tour guide?  I found just that in Branch Manager, Drew Rust.He explained that Walker Zanger has been around about 61 years beginning as a maker of marble tops  evolving into a chain (15 ) of designer showrooms offering all types of tile and stone slabs from around the world.  Their products can be seen at the Bellagio in Las Vegas as among many other notable locations.  The showroom featured beautiful examples of glass, marble and all the usual materials we’re used to seeing tiles made out of.  So I asked him, “what’s new”? He promptly introduced me to the AnTeak Collection which is, you guessed it, tile made out of teak!  It’s new, gorgeous and can be used in both flooring and wall applications.  In addition to this they are working on a surface treatment that will allow it to be used on shower walls! The offerings at WZ are upscale to be sure but the nice thing is that often a little goes a long way.  Consider a border or an accent tile and you could get a lot of bang for the buck.  Sometimes less is more.  Speaking of budgets, WZ does offer some more affordable options as little as 2.50 per square foot. Hours are Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30.  You are welcome to have a look around but bring your designer if you want to seal the deal.  I'm sure Showroom Manager Deanna Dolfi would be happy to show you around!