Kitchen Case Study: Tips and Products that Can Bring Your Design to the Next Level

Designing a kitchen is a bit like solving a puzzle, eventually all the pieces come together and it all makes sense from both a visual as well as a functional perspective.  This new kitchen design in Wellington Florida is a great example of that. Today I'd like to share with you an inside peek at the process and how we got from drab to amazing in ten million easy steps.

I jest, it was really only eight million.  Here's where we began.  Check out these before images.  As you can see the old kitchen was outdated and just didn't work from a layout point of view.  The challenge we faced was to create something light, modern and very user friendly for my client who loves to cook for her family.

Befores

First Things First: Layout Challenges

Kitchens generally work a lot better without too many angles so although we were stuck with the exterior angled walls, we could straighten out that peninsula.  Then there was the island in the center.  All the angles were affecting the usable storage inside so I wanted to square that up too.  Next up was that oppressive soffit at the top!  It was like a heavy weight pushing down on the kitchen.  Removing it would allow taller cabinets and a much more open feeling.  The refrigerator was crowded next to the stove so I really wanted to relocate it if possible.  Last but not least, where the fridge used to be is our new focal point,  a modern hood and beautiful reflective glass tile.

The above plan shows how it all panned out.  We accomplished all of our objectives.  The soffit was removed, peninsula reshaped with the addition of a beverage center, the island became a baking center with no angles and storage for a mixer lift.  We extended the pantry wall and created the perfect home for a new refrigerator and combination wall and microwave ovens with convenient counter space in between.

Star Elements & The Power of Collaboration

I always say the best projects are great collaborations and that is exactly what we had here.  My client didn't think she knew what she wanted but she really did.  She gave me lots of feedback and clues as to what is most important to her and her family.  The result was an appliance package by Bosch including an induction cooktop, all wood white Shaker style cabinets by Holiday Kitchens and Brendan Donovan Furniture & Cabinet Co., an undermount Silgranit kitchen sink by Blanco and the Beale Touchless Kitchen Faucet by American Standard.  This was the first kitchen I've done using this particular faucet.  In exchange for the faucet, American Standard offered me the opportunity to participate in a really fun project called Style My Faucet.  Designers all over the country played too.  We had fun staging the Beale and got some great shots.  Flowers and veggies had already been beautifully featured so we did pasta! 

"The best advice I can give my clients is to invest in a quality faucet."

The Beale Touchless Kitchen Faucet was very easy to install,  the battery for the  Selectronic hands-free sensor is conveniently located below in the cabinet.  You can opt to leave it on manual mode too if you prefer.  Just slide the sensor door on the front and you can operate with a wave of your hand.  This is so nice to have when you're preparing things like raw chicken, right? I was also impressed with the Dock-Tite spray head docking system.  It feels really nice and secure.  I've seen faucets that dangle when they're not supposed too.  Yuck.  The best advice I can give to my clients is to invest in a quality faucet.  I will definitely be specifying the Beale again because I am impressed with not only the quality but also the sleek  styling that works so well with contemporary and transitional designs, just like this one.

There you have it.  It's a wrap.  Drop me a line  at artfulkitchensbyglo@gmail.com and let's get started on your kitchen!

 This is a sponsored blog post.  All editorial content is entirely my own opinions and perspectives.

A Quest for Efficiency Fuels Passion at TecnogasSUPERIORE

What is hot, sexy, Italian and soon to be gracing kitchens across America? No, it's not my husband ;) , it's TecnogasSUPERIORE.  I had the pleasure of meeting the new SUPERIORE line during my recent daytrip to Miami. The South Florida introduction of this new line of Italian dream appliances took place at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables Florida. Built by developer George Merrick in 1924, the Biltmore resembles the finest in classic Mediterranean architecture.  It remains the centerpiece of  Merrick’s vision of Coral Gables as an elegant, stately suburb, which he called “The City Beautiful.” Did I mention I was born there?Back to TecnogasSUPERIORE!  Manufactured strictly for the North American market, this line features optional panoramic windows, American sizing as well as a variety of cooking options including gas, induction and convection.  Founded in 1952, Tecnogas is the premiere manufacturer of ranges and matching hoods in Italy.Check out this early version (left ) of a gas range devised by the two young and inquisitive Contini brothers.  It's called a Mobilfornello, an unconventional device that brought together a cook top and a propane tank compartment.  We've come a long way since then but that very same enthusiasm can still be found today in CEO Antonio Di Tommaso who was on hand to introduce the product.  He speaks of his product with a twinkle of enthusiasm and his passion for what he does is very apparent.Gas has always been a preferred cooking method with chefs.  For some of us, there is no substitute for the regal flame, however you can't beat the efficiency of induction cooking.  It's the future.  TechnogasSUPERIORE knows that and they know that Americans love options!  Meet NEXT.  This contemporary series offers gas AND induction cooking surfaces for perfect versatility.  In addition to that, there is an option for  large viewing window so you don't have to open the oven to see what's going on with your turkey.  If you do open the oven you will also love the soft-close door feature.  This is a detail we have been including on cabinet doors and drawers for years and what a good idea it is for your oven too!TecnogasSUPERIORE ranges and hoods are made in Gualtieri, located in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, which also happens to be the heart of the Italian automotive industry.  Think Lamborghini, Ferrari, you get the picture, fine Italian detail and design.   For them, it was only natural for these elements to be incorporated into their products.  Cuisine and an enthusiasm for cooking are celebrated in this region of Italy. Since size counts when it comes to our ovens, you can find 6.7 cubic feet in their 36" ovens.  They call them "big gas ovens"! (say that quickly three times and you've got the right idea). A perfect blend of function with a distinctive Italian flair customized for American taste is what defines TecnogasSUPERIORE. The DECO series is for you if you want a punch of color in your kitchen.  Matte finishes include brown, red, cream and black with a variety of finishes available on the Deco-inspired knobs. All smart chefs know that when you have a range, adequate ventilation is a must.  TecnogasSUPERIORE has got you covered there too.Hoods to pair with all range styles  offer a 600 CFM capacity.  It isn't just about the looks, you see.TecnogasSUPERIORE is distributed throughout the US by Almo.  They have also established  a nationwide service network of partners trained as experts in their appliances.  Feel free to contact me for pricing and availability.  I say every kitchen has a "star".  If you love to cook in style, this could be yours!Update 11/13/15-  Tecnogas Superiore Ranges start at $3200 for 30” sizes, under $4500 for 36” and up to $10,000 for the Tri Fuel.  The line is available at fine appliance retailers on the east coast and will be available in early 2016 in the Central US and West Coast.

This New Sink is Definitely THE ONE

Organization and efficient use of space will make or break your kitchen. It all starts at the sink which, it may be argued, is the heart of your kitchen. Living in South Florida, I do my fair share of condo kitchens where space is a precious commodity. It’s not always practical to devote 36” (the standard) to a sink base cabinet when every inch counts.That is why I’m so pleased that my go-to sink manufacturer, Blanco, has introduced something very good in a small(er) package. It’s called Blanco ONE. These stainless steel single bowl sinks are not only sized right to fit in 30" or even 27” sink cabinets but they can be customized to the way you work.    They come in three sizes XL Single Bowl, Super Single Bowl  and Medium Bowl.  All are 9" deep which is a good thing when it comes time to insert that spaghetti pot.Perhaps the best thing of all is that you have lots of accessory options sold either as kits or a la carte.  They include grids, work stations, cutting boards, magnetic drain covers and sink caddies to hold that necessary evil, the sponge.Click here for more information about Blanco ONE.

FIVE NEW ALTERNATIVES TO STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES

As you know, I’m always on the prowl for the latest in the kitchen and bath industry.  You may have noticed all the articles lately about the decline of stainless steel as the “go to” finish for kitchen appliances.  Everyone from the Wall Street Journal to The Daily Beast  is touting the hunt for THE new finish that will supposedly unseat stainless.  Yes, stainless steel does have a reputation, and rightly so, for being fingerprint prone and hard to clean.Tip:  Never clean your stainless with any product containing ammonia or chloride.  For best results use mild soap and water and dry with a dry cloth.  For tougher jobs you can also use find stainless steel wipes at your local grocers.  Never use steel wool as it will scratch the finish.This said, there have been lots of improvements and attempts to address these issues with special coatings and claims of “finger print resistance”. True or not, we’re ready for a change and several major manufacturers are taking a stab at what will be the next big thing.  Personally, I think stainless will continue to be a predominant option but I also believe we’re going to continue to see many new choices.  Here is what 5 major players are doing:-G.E. Slate is one of my favorites.  I like it because it’s fresh and different yet not SO different that it will clash with existing stainless steel.  Brushed metal touch points can also tie a new appliance into the mix  in case you’re not in the market for a complete suite.  They also claim the Slate finish is fingerprint resistant and easy to clean.SubZero Wolf- The Mercedes Benz of appliance brands introduced the “Black Glass E Series Ovens” a year ago. Clearly not the best choice for households with children!  Built in ovens are available in 30” standard or flush inset application, the Black Glass model comes adorned with a black glass tubular handle and, wait for it, a COBALT BLUE interior!In addition  to the oven, Wolf also offers black glass trim kits for Warming Drawers and 30” Convection and Standard Microwaves. Glass may be print-prone but it’s also one of the easiest surfaces to clean. No word on if this finish has been popular enough for them to offer refrigerators in Black Glass.Whirlpool White Ice is hot.  It’s the new white.  I think in general, people are taking another look at white which is also hugely popular as a cabinet finish.  Just think how seamlessly it would integrate with white cabinetry. On the other hand a contrast highlights the best of both worlds.  I must spill the beans, however, White Ice isn’t really glass, it’s just metal that looks like it. If you want real glass Jenn-Air makes the “Floating Glass” collection & does offer a choice of white or black glass fronts to them. They no longer offer the contrasting stainless tubular handles however. The handles are now a euro curved powder coated finish (that won’t discolor like plastic)Last but not least, my fave appliance maker Bosch featured a line of UBER glass finished appliances  just a few months ago at IFA,   the world's leading trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances in Berlin.  This is strictly a European offering so far and I don’t believe we’ll be seeing it here anytime soon.  A kitchen designer can dream though.  Bosch has applied their good old German practicality and efficiency to create a seemingly indestructible and beautiful product. Here’s video filmed on location at IFA Check out this line up, also as seen at IFA this year in Berlin.  Can you imagine a purple refrigerator?  I hear they also deduct calories, just kidding...  

Elements Converge In Dream Kitchen

Another year is winding down.  We have been blessed  again with many interesting projects.  As we are in “finishing up mode” I thought I’d share with you one of the best of 2011.  This project was a true collaboration.  Our clients, a couple of sweet snowbirds from Chicago, were very hands on which made it fun to see this kitchen take shape.  The existing space was on the small side, the cabinets a little dated. Our assignment was to add a whole range of  state-of-the-art appliances and a clean unique contemporary feel that would flow into the existing family room.  Naturally storage and function were also of the utmost importance but the real challenge was in fitting it all in!!They chose a rich coffee bean stain for the cabinets to match existing cabinetry in the family room.  The cabinet fronts were not ordinary doors, no way.  Together, with our clients, we designed the Soldono and the Soldono Pacifica Doors just for this job.  The Soldono custom door features a cherry frame around a horizontal grained oak center panel all stained in a rich espresso color.  The center panel is beveled on one end with stainless steel grip strip inset on the frame.  No hardware sticking out in this kitchen! A select few of the upper cabinets sport the Soldono Pacifica custom door which received center panels in olive ash burl veneer for a huge shot of “unique”. Stainless steel serves as an accent finish and is found in the appliances and in the monster-multi-functional Hafele appliance garage.  Refrigerators are Subzero, ovens are by Gaggenau, cooktop is by Miele and the dishwasher drawers are by Fisher Paykel.  Thank you to Linda Roberts at House of Appliances for her guidance.   Counter tops are Caesarstone quartz by Stone Palace and the backsplash is painted glass by Florida Shower Door & Mirror, Inc. Clearly they do much more that shower doors!  Perhaps the "piece de resistance" however is the glass tile behind the hood.   It truly looks like water cascading down the wall behind the hood!  The sink is a Precision by Blanco and the glass theme is picked up again with the glass table.  You can find a listing of all the trades on the Local Resources page here at Kitchens for Living.

   

MY DESIGN PROCESS: A CASE STUDY

I write about a lot of varied things on this blog.   Today I'm going to open my  mind to you so you can step inside the creative (or whatever you want to call what goes on in there) process, as it pertains to cabinet design.  The thing about designing kitchens and baths is that it  doesn't  only require vision in the aesthetic sense but also in the functional sense.  We have to be creative in terms of the space constraints while being very aware of  function.

WHAT HAVE WE HERE? This is a nursery equipped to serve the nanny.  She's got an under the counter refrigerator to store bottles, baby food and wine whatever she wishes for herself.  In addition there is a small sink and a microwave.  There is also storage and counter top work space (underneath all the debris).  That's a lot of function packed into less that six lineal feet!  The lucky owners of this oceanfront abode are away for the summer, as is the custom in Palm Beach.MY ASSIGNMENTI have been asked to replace this set up but to keep the same foot print and function.  The cabinets are to be more in keeping for this  traditionally styled beach house.MY  OBSERVATIONSThe backsplash (area between counter and upper cabinets) is really high, about 22".  Not only does this mean less cabinet space but it's a bit of a stretch unless you're a very tall nanny.  In addition, there is nothing tying the upper cabinets to the lower cabinets and since they do not go wall to wall it looks as if the uppers are just hanging out, hovering over the base cabinets, not a great look.  In general the layout is off kilter.  The microwave requires a deeper cabinet and it sticks out unattractively on the left.WHERE DO I START?The appliances are old and will appear even older surrounded by new cabinets.  Remember that if you are investing in a new kitchen it's penny wise and pound foolish to try to build your new cabinets around your older appliances.   I will suggest that we replace the microwave with a small built-in model in stainless steel.   For this I know I must use a minimum of 24" out of the 70" I have available.  The refrigerator is important too.  This one is old and it's an odd size, about 19".  The new one will have to be 24" and I will reccommend that we build it in for a more custom look and to unify the small space.  These types of built-in panel- accepting- under- the- counter refrigerators are either 15" wide or 24" wide.  I certainly can't detract from the function by going smaller so I will give them more refrigerator space by going with 24" wide.  Now that I know what I'm doing with the appliances I will work the cabinet layout around that. Here's phase one showing the larger ref, a built-in micro and an attempt to even things up and connect the uppers to the bases but it's still not quite there yet.  I usually draw a free-hand sketch to work out my initial thoughts.  The final solution (I drew it using Chief Architect) is to use 42" upper side cabinets instead of the existing 30" uppers.  Then since the microwave needs a deeper cabinet (15"), I moved it to the middle and raised it up to create some design interest and to take advantage of the tall ceiling.  I made the side backsplashes 16" high with the center at 19".  I centered the 24" upper microwave over a 21" wide sink cabinet which allows the bigger refrigerator on the right and does not lessen the size of the existing drawers on the left.  I'll need a minimum of 3/4" panel to the right of the ref.  That makes a total of 24 3/4" with ref and panel.  I will duplicate that on the left making the 4 drawer cabinet 24 3/4" wide as well.  This allows the upper side cabinets to be equal at 23 1/4" each.  Last but not least, I am going to suggest using matching wood beadboard above the 4" backsplash to tie the uppers to the lowers and add a small crown moulding on the top to finish it off.

PRODUCTSHere are the goods and why I picked them:Kholer faucet K7342 in brushed nickel finish- It's a traditional faucet in a finish that will blend with the stainless steel of the microwave.  The height makes it user friendly yet it will fit perfectly in the space.

Kohler undermount entertainment sink K5848- I love the shape of this sink.  I double checked the size and it fits in our 21" wide cabinet.  It's a more updated undermount model but it's still cast iron.  I'm specifying Biscuit to go with the cabinets but I will also suggest a stainless option which would also work.

SHARP R1214OVER THE COUNTER MICROWAVE- This model fits into our 24" wide space.  It requires a 15" deep cabinet, check.  It has a light below and I happen to know that Sharp makes a kick-ass microwave.CABINETS BY HOLIDAY KITCHENS- flat panel with applied moulding. Finish, selected by designer, to be Snowdrift paint with Mink Wash.  I chose Holiday cabinets because we have some custom size requirements and I can order Holiday in fractional increments.  They also offer a wide array of finishes and door styles which is important in a higher end application.U-Line Under the counter refrigerator - This model offers an overlay trim kit option which will allow us to apply a door panel to match the cabinets.What do you think?  You see there's no mystery behind the magic of design.  Those are the steps in a nutshell.  I would love to walk you through the steps of your own potential magic.  It's really a lot of fun when it all comes together, kind of like solving a puzzle AND you get to continue to enjoy it everyday!