Royal Oak Remodel

A darling redesign, in Royal Oak, Michigan

However, in the beginning...this little kitchen was poorly laid out, dark and cluttered.

See Before's below

And back to the lovely "After's"

 Opening up your space allows a smaller original kitchen size to grow.

It proves great for entertaining and well as increasing storage

 This bar area, offers over 5 feet of length in storage, as well as a place to set up 3-4 stools for seating

 The use of a diagonal sink allows the cook to peek out in different directions during clean up or prep

 Keeping the cabinetry light helps with lifting the space

Balance is important to design as it is to function.

Having prep space on either side of cooking areas is key to a happy environment.

 A perfect visual work triangle below between sink, refrigerator, and stove

 I am a HUGE fan of exposed brick.  It add such character to many of these older homes

 Very inviting, don't you think?

Cabinetry for this design, was done in my affordable line of "Quality Cabinets"

All construction was done by Randy Travis of local "RAMTRA home value Improvements"

Embracing appliances-Part I

Appliances offer so many important roles in great kitchen design

From speedy cooking, providing chilled storage for perishable goods, creating a great cup of coffee, cleaning our dishes and so much more.

It can prove to be a challenge to balance the metal to the wood in certain designs but my motto is, "Pick the dream appliances and I'll make it work in the design"

This kitchen below was a challenge in the fact of within two walls, there were EIGHT difference appliances

A refrigerator, a microwave, an oven, a warming drawer, a coffee machine, a hood vent, a range, and a dishwasher...lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

 By hiding the hood vent within a beautiful wood hood, and paneling the large refrigerator, it balanced out the wood to stainless ratio quite nicely.  The micro, oven, warming drawer, coffee machine and range are all left in the steel they should be in.  Meant to be wiped down, glossy and HOT working away.

I love this coffee machine that my clients have and think it has already paid for itself...something to consider if you are an avid drinker.  A $3 Latte daily adds up!  In one year, you can save and pay for this delightful little machine.

Below shows the large, beautiful island to seat a family of six comfortably.  To keep the island 'quiet' with little change, I recommended paneling the Dishwasher so it blends with the rest of the cabinetry.  Another perk to paneling is the dishwasher is touched/handled so much that often the stainless steel looks constantly messy with drip marks and fingerprints.

What appliance would you love to incorporate? 

Which would you like to panel and have it visually disappear but still function daily for you?

KBIS 2010

Oh Chicago- to me, is the best city to grow up in.

I love going back home and especially when I can attend the amazing KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) located in the heart of Chi-town, that took place last weekend.

So many great design products- so I'm going to share a few with you

Located in the Masco cabinetry booth (which by the way, is one of my lines that I design with-Quality Cabinets) was Australian Chef Curtis Stone who was doing a shrimp scampi cooking demo.

  He had quite the crowd around him and lots of smiling ladies.  Curtis has such a charming personality and his recipes are darn delicious too!  He is a big fan of using food as nature intended and cooking healthy

Go Curtis Go!

I thought the chalkboard was a charming idea and added child like warmth to a seriously stainless steel area

I was totally smitten for this Fisher & Paykel cooktop shown above and below.

 At first glance it appears to be an electric cooking surface which generally doesn't grab my attention. HOWEVER, upon further investigation, the GAS cooking element pops up when the button is activated! 

For clean freaks, this is your cooktop!  For small spaces, this doubles as extra flat countertop, and for Mom/Dads this is one of the most child safe tops I've seen with locks so they can't enable the Gas burners.

Love it and it comes in many great sizes, perfect for smaller spaces or to add as a second cooking zone for serious cooks

So new, it's not even on their website yet, sigh.

Undercounter 36" wide oven by Fisher & Paykel, sleek and perfect for a second oven

Fisher & Paykel's new Dishwasher drawer in a 36" wide size.  Gorgeous!

 To me, this below, was my "MUST HAVE" of the show.

Fisher & Paykel's Cool Drawer was exactly that...so cool! It is a 3ft refrigerator drawer that can be multi functional-from refrigerator to crisper, to freezer function if you so choose, to a wine cooler.  To give up 3ft of cabinetry storage, to me, the appliance must be a work horse, and this truly is.  I am in LOVE!

Jenn-Air has really made a strong comeback with their appliance design, in my opinion. This fully integrated refrigerator is shown in their "Floating Glass Black" and is quite striking.  You can reach inside, grab a quick snack and swipe on some lipgloss before heading out the door, with this mirror finish

Then I wandered into one of my always favorite sections of the show, KOHLER

They had an executive chef working in one of their multi tasking sinks that had a cutting board cut perfectly to fit for chopping or even gaining extra countertop space

Yes people, the old brass is coming back in the form of a new gold and in this case, shown in the Matte finish

The Karbon faucet for the bath

A lovely Kohler entertainment sink.  The matching cutting board acts as extra countertop space for when prepping or how lovely would a fruit and cheese tray look on that as a casual setting while the family gathers around?

Here is their Karbon faucet for the kitchen, shown in their new brushed and polished gold finish that I'm loving!  The Karbon is so fun to shape in different artistic positions-it's a great architectural piece.

Amazing shower doors by Fleurco that slide, so chic

An artistic vent hood in a mod lit glass and bronze finish

Walking by this island caught my attention and no, it wasn't because I had tired feet.  I thought it was a small lovely island that would so well for many families.  I loved the idea of sitting casually around the sink/island and how it was integrated with the cabinetry.  I would not recommend white cushions however! ;)

I wanted to show this double oven design idea for those that are used to seeing a tower cabinet that has the ovens one over each other.  This is a nice alternative and allows for a more unique use of space

I loved how this design used a shallow 6" cabinet for broom storage.  What a great idea for the side of a large pantry!

Boos butcher blocks shown in the many wonderful finishes they offer and wood species.  We offer any of these tops that make for beautiful and inviting countertops that dual function for those that seriously cook

KBIS 2010 was an incredible show and Chicago didn't disappoint with fantastic spring weather.

The new trends that are coming out this year are sure to impress...this was truly just a sneak peek!

Small but mighty!

Isn't cooking more fun when you actually have the space to properly prep and give food and family recipes, the attention it deserves?

Below is an island designed with "Medallion's" cabinetry and fitted with a John Boos wood chopping block. The best part of this design, is that this island could literally fit in 90% of all kitchens. It's not large, but what it lacks in size it quickly makes up in function. Can't you see this little beauty in your home? Think about it next time you are grunting about how little counter top space you have....and get this island in your home, in any color and any design!

Below is an insanely delicious sounding recipe from my new friends at "Beyond the Shaker" a local Michigan gourmet salt company. I can't wait to try this out, and thought you may enjoy it too! Many thanks to the guys at "Beyond the Shaker" for sharing this! I am a huge fan of their Truffle wet salt!

www.beyondtheshaker.com

Melange of Truffled Asparagus

For this recipe you really need to trust us as the result is absolutely phenomenal. Better yet, this is very easy to prepare and the presentation adds playful fun to any meal. This flavor combination is proof that experimentation in the kitchen by even the hobby-chef can yield unbelievable results. Eggs, truffle and salt are a gorgeous trio, but add asparagus and you have a side dish that will knock the socks off anyone that tries it.

COOKWARE YOU WILL NEED

• One large pot
• A non-stick skillet
• A heat resistant spatula
• A large bowl of ice water

INGREDIENTS

• 1 heaping tablespoon of Truffle Wet Salt
• 1/2 pound of green asparagus
• 2 extra large eggs
• A dollop of butter (you know what we mean)
• Cracked pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Wash your asparagus and trim off the thickest part of the stalk so that each piece of asparagus is of relatively uniform length.
2. Boil unsalted water (I know, insane, but you will understand why in a moment) in the large pot making sure your large bowl of ice water is closely standing-by. Add the asparagus stalks to the boiling water and watch until they become deep green (about 1-2 minutes at the most).
3. Promptly transfer the asparagus to the awaiting ice bath to stop the cooking and seal in the color and crunchy texture of the blanched stalks.
4. Remove the stalks from the ice bath and individually dry them with paper towel. Place them lengthwise on two small white plates and smear on top a generous amount of the Truffle Wet Salt.
5. Add butter to your skillet and place on medium heat. The goal here is to make two perfect sunny-side eggs that have very runny centers. If you can cook two eggs at once in the skillet, go for it. The key is to give each egg plenty of room, so the larger the skillet, the better. Crack open the eggs and let them cook until the whites turn solid but take care to keep the yolks uncooked and runny.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Presentation is part of the fun with this dish that serves two, so gently place each egg on top of the asparagus and add a little cracked pepper over it. When serving, instruct your guests to break the yolk over the asparagus and truffle salt to let the flavors combine right before eating. You will be amazed at the glorious melding of flavor components. For a fun and spicy twist, add some of our Hot Habanero Blend to the outside edge of the plates, or use Tabasco as an alternative.

Copyright 2009 Beyond the Shaker, LLC
www.beyondtheshaker.com

Casual seating with grand appeal

This beautiful photo is from our "Medallion Cabinetry" line.

I find the casual comfort of the bench seating so appealing, and simply love the storage of the symetrical hutches that flank it.

Personally, I adore this Islander color and the orange pillows and rattan accents just pop off of it. I think every house should have a room, or section, that has an ocean feel to it.

It brings such calmness in.

If you like this look, call for a design consultation to see how it will fit in your home!

Legs and Feet

When thinking of your kitchen design, feet may not come to mind.

Well, maybe it should...

When they come in these beautiful forms, you may reconsider. Both Quality Cabinets and Medallion Cabinetry offer many varieties of feet, legs, posts to be used in furniture type applications for your kitchen or bath, or any room design with cabinetry.

Bun feet

Post leg detail

Turned leg detail

Symphony foot

And many, many, maaaaannny more available!!

NYC Kitchen of the Year by "House Beautiful"

As a kitchen designer, and a general home enthusiast, I am always sooo curious as to how do people live? One of my favorite places to visit is NYC and I often find myself trying to sneak a peek into the lovely brownstones to see what kind of kitchen they have? In the latest issue of "House Beautiful" we have a photographic tour inside the replicated kitchen/home of foodie TV chef, Ina Garten of "Barefoot Contessa."

I thought I would post this to see if this inspired any of you. Her kitchen (the one below is on shown in NYC, but her actual kitchen is in the Hamptons) is simple, timeless, organized and extremely functional.

Ina and her husband, Jeffrey arrive in NYC

Ina's kitchen, beautiful white painted beadboard cabinetry that fades back and allows her food to take center stage.

However, behind closed doors...er drawers, are function and organization. The cabinetry door detail doesn't have to speak volumes but the inside should.

Keeping items on open shelves allows for an easy everyday use and what better way for heirloom pieces to close at hand to use for dinner, or to just admire daily and remember fond memories.

Like many homes are remodeling towards, the trend of having the kitchen open and connecting into dining rooms, family/living rooms is shown beautifully here. How great to be able to sit and nibble on breakfast just steps away from your kitchen and your fireplace?

To see a video on Ina's thoughts of color in the kitchen, click here