A Kitchen With A Happy Ending!

This was my client's vision.Today we wrapped up some final details in this new kitchen.  The client was going for a Mediterranean vibe, elegant but at the same time warm and inviting.  She loves to entertain so the kitchen had to be a focal point for her guests and it had to tell the story of her vision.  All these bells and whistles can really run up the price of your cabinets but we were able strike a good deal with Kith Cabinets.  Here's what she had.  We knew we could improve the function, incorporating her appliance wish list in the style she was dreaming of.  An added challenge was that we had to incorporate the existing floor because it had to stay.  She selected white painted cabinets with a warm brown glaze which really worked well.Here's the planWe were able to include a range by Viking, a Dacor microwave drawer, a beautiful Silgranit sink by Blanco, and some really nifty accessories including a mixer lift which she uses to store her juicer.  We devoted one roll out in the pantry to be used as a charging station and a place to throw the mail so the lovely counter can remain clutter free.  Notice that we also incorporated some gentle curvy shapes with the counter top and the wood hood.This pantry has the charging station as well as racks on the doors for can storage.2013-01-23 09.42.18

IMG_7653That FAB box on the counter is a nifty gift for our client, gourmet salts that magnetically attach to pull out next to range.  They are something like this.IMG_5935This client had a clear direction from day one which really helped keep the project on track.  This very traditional design comes with a maximum of detail and I'm happy to say we have left a very happy couple to enjoy years of romantic dinners in their new kitchen.Design was a collaboration between the client and myself.  Cabinets by Kith Kitchens, counter tops by Stone Palace, appliances by House of Appliances and installation by Brendan Donovan Furniture & Cabinet Co.  See local resources for more info and contact details.

CABINET STYLE 101

One of the myriad decisions you'll have to make when considering new kitchen cabinets is STYLE.  What do you say when your kitchen professional poses the question, what style are you?  There are, of course, many but we can safely narrow it down to three categories.  The first one is known as TRADITIONAL.  Anything Old World, Country, French Country or Tuscan would come under that category.  You know you're traditional when cabinet doors are ornate with lots of finish detail and moulding.  Because of this, a classic or traditional look is usually the most expensive to create.  The second category is CONTEMPORARY.  This style is usually very simple and streamlined with not a lot of detail.  This type of kitchen gets its beauty from the materials used.  For example a beautiful wood grain or color.  If you are careful about the materials used this can by your most inexpensive option.  Remember less can be more.  The third style is TRANSITIONAL.  A lot of us come under this category which could also be described as eclectic. The popular Shaker door is a good example of this.  It can be either modern or traditional looking depending on the hardware you select and the rest of the finishes in the kitchen.  If you're interested in resale value this is the way to go as it will appeal to the majority. Now can you identify the style of kitchen in these three photos from Holiday Kitchens?