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.
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.
The Art of Ceramics: Innovations with Tile of Spain
Last week Artful Kitchens hit the road again for a mini-trip to my hometown, Miami. I was excited to re-connect with some of the great people I met earlier this year on my visit to the Cevisama tradeshow (if you missed that, you can read about it here) with Tile of Spain. I was not disappointed!
Ceramic Solutions-Innovations Pushing Boundaries of Design was held at the Miami Center for Architecture & Design, presented by Tile of Spain. Several of the big Spanish tile companies were also on hand showing their wares and I'm happy to report that their innovative products are readily available to us here in South Florida and other parts of the US.
The big "takeaway" of the evening, besides seeing my peeps, was hearing Dr. Martin Bechthold, Professor, Harvard GSD, talk tile from a historical and architectural point of view. Clay has been used in the arts since ancient times and ceramic tile has a long history as a covering, or finish material. Now new technologies are utilizing ceramic tile architecturally and structurally!
Next up was Tile of Spain Consultant Ryan Fasan who gave us an overview of the latest tile trends along with solid knowledge that is so useful in helping me to educate clients on the best products. 
The sleek thin look of large format porcelain for counter tops is a current favorite of mine. Can you blame me? Consider it as an option if you're looking for a contemporary Euro vibe in your kitchen.
Breakthroughs in digital ink jet printing on tile allow for infinite possibilities. Tile can also be used to cool or heat your home due to their thermo dynamic properties.
It's just like Tile of Spain to round out the experience with a literal taste of Spain! We enjoyed tapas, a traditional paella and Spanish wine.
Tile of Spain is the international brand representing 125 ceramic tile manufacturers belonging to the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer's Association (ASCER).
Eva Hesse: The Artist and The Kitchen
THE ARTISTThe biggest trend in design today is "personalization", the late painter and sculptor Eva Hesse spoke of personalization before many of us were even born! She was speaking in terms of her art when she said,"It just seems to me that "personal" in art, if really pushed, is the most valued quality & what I want so much to find in & for myself."
Eva Hesse, succumbed to a brain tumor in 1970 at the age of 34. Although she only produced art for 10 years, from 1960 to 1970, she is known for her pioneering work in latex, fiberglass and plastic. She was part of an art movement in the 1960s known as postminimalism. Hesse was among the first artists of the 1960s to experiment with the fluidity of the organic shapes of nature. She used modern materials to portray organic forms including grid patterns and repetition. These themes were often found in minimalism, but Hesse typically made her works by hand while her contemporaries were using machines. This practice introduced a human element into her art.
A new documentary about her life was released earlier this year and premiered at The Whitney Museum in New York City back in May. I can't wait to see it! Below is a clip."Eva Hesse" feature doc Intro from Tracing the Rope on Vimeo.THE KITCHENI wonder what Eva's kitchen would look like. I could find no photo to give me clues but when I think of Eva I think of organic elements, natural finishes, bold shapes and even a touch of the absurd, which she loved! Here are some kitchens evocative of Eva.
Asian Kitchen- This style frequently features natural elements. Kitchen by Seattle General Contractors Gaspar's Construction
On my morning walks, whenever I pass this spot I always look up and think of Eva.
The Perfectly Practical Microwave Drawer
Every designer has a trademark. One of mine definitely is the microwave drawer. Why? It's safe, easy to use and very unobtrusive. Yes, a microwave drawer will cost you a bit more than the over-the-range type but it's oh so worth it!
A little known fact is that all microwave drawers happen to be made by Sharp. Don't tell anyone I told you but whether you're springing for Wolf or Dacor they all come from the same place. The only difference is the exteriors which are made to match the collections by various brands.
Microwave drawers come in 24" or 30" wide and are built into a base or tall cabinet. An island can also be the perfect location. Typically you end up with a nice big drawer below which is perfect for storing microwavable cookware.
The ergonomics of lifting on to the counter top, out of a drawer, as opposed to reaching 4 1/2 feet up over a hot burner to access the contents is so much more safe and efficient.
I would rather look at this instead of a microwave any day.
There are so many details involved in designing a new kitchen and bringing it to reality, so when it comes to budget you have to pick your battles. If space allows, the microwave drawer is a great investment and the safest option for any age.
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.
The New Wall Unit
If you have a twenty year old TV wall unit, chances are it’s a “beast”! It wasn’t that long ago that TVs were nearly as deep as refrigerators and you needed three burly guys to carry one upstairs. In other words, it may be time for a new entertainment center to go with your new streamlined TV. Check out the following tips for sourcing a wall unit that is perfect for you.
SizeThe depth of your entertainment center used to be dictated by your TV. The good news is you can reduce what was probably 24” deep down to a skinny 12” and and find youself with a whole extra foot of space in the room! Cool, yeah? If you prefer the base to be a bit deeper than the upper section, 15” on bottom and 12” on top works well. You may want to do this especially if you are going to leave your TV on a stand. Just check you TV specs to make sure the stand fits.To wall or not to wall If your room is not very big you may want to go wall to wall with your entertainment center. Just make sure you have enough space on the side walls to accommodate the depth. It’s also okay not to go all the way up the the ceiling. The benefits of this option are price, more of a “furniture” look and not having to interrupt your room crown.Remember the wiresA back panel behind your TV can lend a cohesive look as well as being a great way to hide unsightly wires.
The perfect finishLast but not least consider that a painted finish, with no glaze in a standard satin sheen will be the most cost effective way to go and it will allow your unit to blend right into the surrounding woodwork, just like you added water and it grew there!
If you’re after a true furniture look you can invest in a stain finish on Maple, Cherry or any number of woods. This will be more expensive but you can still save a bit by leaving off the glaze. Remember the the trend is towards simplification and clean lines. Plus when you have a wood grain that should be the decorative element allowing you to use a very simple door style. If you are looking to design your own entertainment center, send me your ideas and I can help you make them happen!