RED PLUS BLUE EQUALS PURPLE IN THE KITCHEN!

Modern Kitchen design by San Francisco Kitchen And Bath European Cabinets & Design Studios.

After a long election I’m sure you’re in the mood for something TOTALLY different.  Me too.  Congrats to the winners and may we mend our fences and make up with all the friends we temporarily (hopefully) blocked on Facebook.  As someone who is passionate about art, I am always looking at color and the effect it has on our environment.  As a nod to the red and the blue states today I’m showing what they can make together, purple! Is purple a viable color in the kitchen?  If you love it, here are some ways you can incorporate a little lavender, lilac, plum, fuscia or just plain ole purple whether you are conservative, transitional or uber modern.  If you hate it, at least it’s something completely different!    

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...  

BRING IN THE HOLIDAYS WITH SURROUNDINGS!

One of the nice things about the internet is the presence of on line magazines.  Of course, in my book, nothing could take the place of a nice fat, glossy, sensuous paper magazine. However, the on line versions are a nice addition to the mix.  Two of my favorites are Lonny and Surroundings.  Surroundings is published by fellow Blogger 19 member Linda Merrill.  She always does a great job of making the magazine not only pretty and visually inspiring but it's always filled with practical info as well.The holiday issue has just landed in my inbox.  Check it out and you will see my contribution to this issue on page 4!  Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers.  I am grateful for you!

KITCHEN BLING

A great way to combine art and function in the kitchen is through your cabinet hardware.  We think of it as jewelry, or bling, for your cabinets. Check out this assortment of  stunning handles by Glass Fancy, Art Glass Interior Design Elements.  Glass adds a water element as well as vibrant color to your kitchen or bath.  These particular handles are handmade fused glass created by a glass jewelry artist who segued into creating  cabinet hardware when contemplating ways to beautify her own kitchen.  The result was so successful she decided to add  knobs and pulls to her store selection.  The nice thing is that you don't have to use them on every single door and drawer, just a select few to create a focal point of interest.  Check out her Etsy store knobsandtiles

You can also find her at the following links:http://glassfancy.wordpress.comhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/GlassFancy/55206902579Thanks to my pal and jewelry artist Vicki of Skygypsy Studio for the heads-up!   

KITCHEN FAVORITES GUEST POST

Today’s guest post is from Susi, a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a must-shop resource for beautiful light fixtures.  Susi is sharing some favorite kitchens, from traditional to contemporary, cottage to penthouse. There is a wide range of styles, fixtures, cabinets, flooring and lighting in these kitchens. We hope you see something that will inspire you. What is your favorite kitchen?

Pinterest via

Love the greenhouse feeling to this kitchen. The cream cabinets and countertops blend seamlessly with the architecture. Pantry & appliances are tucked further back so they don’t disrupt the view.

Pinterest via

This cottage kitchen is one of our favorites because of the island that feels like a farmhouse table. Classic white subway tiles are classic for a reason…they’re timeless.

Apartment Therapy via

Small doesn’t mean unstylish. Love this eat-in-kitchen that is small on space but large on style. High gloss cabinets reflect the light to make the room feel bigger. The pendant light over the table adds a stylish touch.

Fresh Home via

Colored cabinets are not a new trend but we love the high gloss aqua on these metal cabinets. Everything feels sleek and polished in this contemporary kitchen.

House and Home via

Luxury finishes and quality materials make this kitchen a favorite. Dramatic dark cabinets and contemporary lighting make this kitchen feel sophisticated.

 

Abode Love via

This white kitchen is anything but sterile. Grey veined white marble, dark floors and punches of orange from the counter stools keep it lively. Love the kitchen pendant lights.

Shatter Boxx via

While many of our favorite kitchens are light and airy, we do love the drama of dark cabinets paired with dark floors. The island sink also makes this a fave, as does the professional range.

A Note on Design via

This contemporary farmhouse kitchen is a gorgeous blend of new and old. Love how the design incorporates the stone wall with contemporary cabinets and pendant lightsContent provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. If you like this post, be sure to stop by the Arcadian Lighting blog and let us know you saw us here!

MEXICAN MAGIC

Happy Cinco de Mayo. Today, the 5th of May, is the day to celebrate  Mexican culture and heritage.  It marks the date of a Mexican victory in a regional battle with the French in 1862.  However when I think of Mexico I think of Frida, bright splashes of color and real Mexican food, not the goop of melted cheese you find so often in "Mexican" restaurants.  Frida, of course, is surrealist Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, one of the most well known artists of the twentieth century.  She was  married to the famous muralist Diego Rivera.

 The movie Frida, starring Salma Hayek and Alfred Molina relates their tumultuous relationship as well as the revolutionary political climate and personal experiences that colored both their careers as artists. I love this movie because it is art. I doubt there is a single solitary frame in this film that cannot stand on its own as a work of art. The colors are amazing as are the scenes that morph from reality into artwork.One of my favorite scenes is Frida's tango portraying a seductive dance between Frida Kahlo and Tina Midotti (Italian photographer and fellow revolutionary) played in the movie by Salma and Ashley Judd. Watch the steamy scene here. Frida's kitchen was no less colorful than her life. Her house, La Casa Azul in Coyoacan Mexico, is open to the public. A visit is something I definitely need to add to the old bucket list.If you find yourself craving some Mexican culinary magic check out this cookbook filled with authentic Mexican recipes.I'm hoping you have Netflix so you can blend up some frozen margaritas, whip up some fresh guacamole,  sit back and enjoy Frida on this Cinco de Mayo. You're in for a treat!