GREEN WILL COLOR 2013

It's official.  The "color gods" have spoken.   Who are these "color gods"?  They would be an organization known as Pantone.  Pantone, Inc. is the authority on color, provider of color systems and leading technology for accurate communication of color. The market leader in color has officially named Emerald THE color for the year 2013.  When I think of emerald a number of things come to mind including:  my birthstone, mermaids, deep sea, summer AND  then I think about all the other greens and how we use them in our interior environments.  One thing I love about green is that it brings outside in.  As Pantone notes here it represents regeneration, healing and unity.Just for fun I thought I'd share with you some of my fave Houzz.com ideabook finds containing the color green. 

This is another kind of green that I love.  It almost makes me want to wash clothes. 

These green marble tops definitely bring the lovely outside in. Hints of brown tie in the warm wood cabinets. 

White cabinets are the rage and what better way to highlight them but with a clever shade of green on the walls? 

Here's the same color palette, warm wood and green marble.  As you can see, it works equally well whether the theme is contemporary or traditional. 

This is a totally different green, almost grey suggesting elegance and refinement.  So whether your taste runs to emerald or chartreuse, green is a great option.  In fact there are two other greens on the hit parade for 2013, Tender Shoots and Grayed Jade.  You can see the complete Pantone Color Report for Spring 2013 here.

 

5 STEPS TO A MINDFUL KITCHEN REMODEL

One of my favorite magazines, Cooking Light, contains a very interesting article that I love this month.  It’s about something called “mindful eating”.  I agree that we, as a culture, me included, eat way too much because we don’t do it mindfully.  Simply put it just means that if you make yourself 100% present and focused at the task at hand (eating) during mealtime you will enjoy your food more and you won’t feel the need to eat as much.  I happen to believe that you can easily carry this concept over to the kitchen design and remodel process.  These days when we are trying to get the most out of every dollar we want to know that every aspect of the complicated process of remodeling a kitchen has been well thought out.  Here are five ways you can do it.  

 1) Don’t be in a rush-  When you impose a drop dead date such as Thanksgiving or Christmas you will be more likely to rush your choices.  This is a complicated process and it needs to be planned out properly and executed in a certain order.  Collect your thoughts and ideas beforehand.  This should included concept photos, and ideas for products.  In this day of social media there is no excuse not to do the research.  It will allow your professional partners to do an even better job for you.  
 2)     Work with someone you feel good about-  I don’t care how knowledgeable your designer, or salesperson seems, if they don’t feel right for you, you’ll probably save much aggravation by partnering with someone you feel is your ally and can see your own unique vision.  Many designers are adept at working in a variety of styles.  However, if you love sleek, modern, minimal designs don’t select a designer who’s work is typically very traditional.  They’ll probably be able to help you but it not with the insight, enthusiasm and access to products as someone who specializes in your style.                3) Prepare for the downtime- Always insist on a schedule for your project.  This is NOT to say it won’t have to be tweaked from time to time but it’s always best to have a starting point.  It helps keep all the players on the same page. A big part of this is to plan how you’re going to get by when you’re without a kitchen.  Where are you going to put the refrigerator?  Do you have convenient place to put your microwave?  How close is your temporary set up to a sink?  Keep most used cups and utensils easy to access.                           4)   Pick your battles- Everyone has a budget and  most of us  can’t have it all.  That said, there are usually a couple of areas in which a judicious splurge can make all the difference.  One biggie is springing for a counter depth model refrigerator which is nearly flush with your counter top.  This makes a big difference in a small space. Although they’re more expensive they’re still a lot less than the super high end true built-in models.   5)   Don’t rush to judgement- If you are living on site during your remodel, resist the impulse to go into a seizure over every nick or crooked drawer front.  Again, it’s a process with a million details and steps.  At this point you should be trusting (if you did step 2) your professionals to do what they do.  Typically all doors and drawer fronts will be aligned before your installation is finished.  It is also typical practice for you and your designer to get together on a punch out list so all concerns, including touch ups are addressed before completion.If you have a question about your kitchen design or remodel I’d love to hear from you!

RED PLUS BLUE EQUALS PURPLE IN THE KITCHEN!

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...  

DAY 2 BOSCH BLANCO BLOGGER RETREAT

So where were we?  Ah yes, day 2 of my latest great adventure.  Friday, after an impressive little breakfast spread, we settled in for a guided tour of the new BSH Experience and Design Center and yes it WAS quite an experience.  We were outfitted in our very own custom and official looking lab coats (my first).  A camera crew toured with our group so someday I expect a film or two to make its appearance.Our first stop was THE WALLS (excellent use of hallway space, I might add).  These walls illustrate through shadow boxes, the details of materials, engineering and quality control that go into a Bosch appliance.  Each appliance undergoes not 25, not 250 but 2500 checks before being sent out into the world.  Yes, your new dishwasher may have a couple water spots and that's why.  The Bosch design philosophy is inspired by German industrial designer Dieter Ram's 10 principles of design .  They are in good company.    Apple Inc. is also one of the few companies designing products according to his principles.DESIGNED FOR LIFENext on the hit parade was Designed for Life-an Interactive Design Workshop.  My group worked with a member of the industrial design team to design a range.  We looked at things like how it could work for people that have limited mobility, are visually impaired (just had to remove my spectacles) or victims of advanced pregnancy.It was a real eye opener and I actually did come up with some ideas.  Here are my notes.  From sketches and notes the design team takes it to 3D imaging on the computer where they will tweak until its ready for the prototype stage.

 LISTEN TO THE SILENCEFrom vision to hearing, the next experience was all about my favorite Bosch product, the quintessential dishwasher.  Bosch makes the quietest dishwasher in the industry rated at 39 decibels.  I know this to be a fact from personal experience.  I've been squirted a time or two from opening the door when I wasn't aware that it was running (probably didn't have my glasses on).  They have solved that problem.  In new models a red laser dot shines on the floor when the dishwasher is running.  You can't miss it, even sans glasses.  In addition to the silence these dishwashers are rated the most water and energy efficient.  They are quite proud to have placed in Consumer Reports latest top ten in five categories including number one in value.  Speaking of value, you will spend anywhere from $549-$1,999 for a Bosch dishwasher.  The nice thing is that whether you opt for high end or entry level you don't have to sacrifice efficiency or silence.  The differences are in the interior bells and whistles. FIX AND FEAST!Time for lunch and a great opportunity to test drive all the Bosch appliances and Blanco plumbing fixtures .  Under the guidance of company chef, Kyle Jacobi, we collectively prepared a feast including fish tacos, stuffe chili rellenos, bacon wrapped shrimp, Spanish rice and more!WHAT'S COOKING?After lunch it was time to learn about induction cooking and convection ovens.  If you're not cooking on induction now, you will be in about ten years.  I'm not kidding.  Even the glass top electric range will go the way of those coil burner types we used to use.  Remember those?  The cool thing is you cannot burn yourself.  The heat only happens when the burner comes in contract with the bottom of the pan.  It uses a lot less power too!Convection ovens have been around a long time but I learned a couple of things about them too.  True convection, as featured in Bosch ovens, has its own separate heating element.  Then there is something called "Speed Convect".  What that means is no preheating.  Zero to 350 in no time at all!  We finished the BSH Experience in some really comfy chairs learning about the Forces that Drive Innovation presented by Tim Maicher, Director of Marketing at Blanco America.  I loved that he expressed that there is an emotional as well as technical component to kitchen design.  I have always held that belief.THE LAST HURRAH!The final event of this two day adventure was dinner at The Cannery in Newport Beach.  Here I got another glimpse of the water but for the first time the sky turned gray. (Guess it was sad we were leaving).That's it!  I have a lot more to share about new products at Blanco along with my random musings on stuff.  I hope you enjoyed your personal virtual tour.  I'll be loading lots more photos to the On the Road with Kitchens for Living Flickr album.  I'll let you know when they're up.  Ciao for now!  

KITCHEN MOVING TIPS

One subject we have not delved into at KFL is the dreaded MOVE.  Yes, moving pretty much sucks.  Even if you’re fortunate enough to be “movin’ on up”, the actual moving process is not fun.  In particular, moving the contents of your kitchen can be a real “kitchen nightmare”.  Jeremy, one of my readers from “down-under” just happens to work for a removalist in Sydney that specializes in just such an endeavor and has generously offered to share with us his professional expertise.  It’s always an excellent idea to hire an expert if you can but here are some invaluable tips you can put to use if you are a DIY mover.  Here’s Jeremy!Your kitchen contains some of the most fragile and difficult to handle things.  Whether it’s your new dinner set or a collection of rare glass bowls, you need to pay extra attention packing the contents of your kitchen when relocating to a new home.  Items such as large serving platters as well as little forks and spoons all need to be wrapped with utter care, particularly if you are moving a great distance.Before you begin to pack make a list of the things you really don’t want to carry to your new home.  Improvise ideas for getting rid of them well ahead of moving.  You could have a garage sale or donate to the needy.  If an item has seen better days it could make more sense to get rid of it and then replace it after the move. If you are too busy to find the time for packing, a professional moving company can come to the rescue.If you are doing it without a professional help, here are a few tips for packing the contents of your kitchen. Make an inventoryCreating an inventory is the first step towards packing your kitchenware successfully, with minimal or no harm. Review everything in your cabinets and drawers, like utensils, containers and cutlery. Make a list of all the items you decide to carry to your new abode. Remember to consider the weight if it is a factor in your moving expenses, for example if you are moving overseas.Packing kitchen devicesWhile packing electrical appliances such as coffee makers, juicers or blenders, it is better to pack them in their original cartons if you have them. Clean and dry these items thoroughly before packing as any spillage or residue left can make for an unpleasant surprise at the other end.  Disassembling  the appliances can make packing easier an help prevent breakage.Packing food itemsYou can pack dried and canned foods if you are traveling a short distance  but make sure to check their expiration dates, prior to packing. Avoid carrying sauces and liquids that may break open on the way to your new home and spoil rest of the things.Packing dishesThere are special cartons available for packing  fragile items such as dishes, glasses and other breakables.   Bubble wrap these items carefully. The trick is to fill up all the empty space in your box with newspaper or any other filler to prevent breakage.Label, label, labelTowards the end of the process it becomes tempting to throw it all in a box but you’ll save a lot of time and confusion on the other end it you pack like items together and always label the boxes with general content description and room location.If you are moving overseas, look for a trustworthy removal company to help you.  Different countries have varying guidelines you may be unaware of.About the Author:Jeremy is a longtime associate of Aussie Man Removals in Sydney, Austrailia which specializes in helping to select the best service provider for a safe and hassle-free move.