Electrolux is Cooking Up Some Philanthropy

Have you seen those new commercials with the young and beautiful Kelly Ripa buzzing around her kitchen, appeasing wee ones and preparing for adult guests while cooking on a new state-of-the-art-stove? Ripa is the mother of three small children, the Star of Regis and Kelly and a Soap Opera diva. The commercials showcase a glam kitchen with a glam star. However, despite the fact that most women don’t whiz around the kitchen in pumps and full make-up, the commercials resonate with most multi-tasking moms (OK that’s a major oxymoron).

The kitchen is central to all homes and good appliances make the job easier and more enjoyable. Electrolux is showcasing the popular star for the launch of their new North American premium kitchen appliance line showcasing appliances with European flair.

Ripa is shown cooking on a chic cook top that boils water in 90 seconds! Electrolux offers an energy efficient Induction Hybrid cook top in both 30 and 36 inch models. Induction heating is new and faster, more energy efficient and promises easier clean-up.

In addition to their new high-tech line, Electrolux is joining Ripa in supporting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. “Thousands of women and their families are affected each year. That’s why I am so grateful to Electrolux for stepping up and helping me to raise money and awareness to help support this important cause,” said Ripa. Together, America’s sweetheart and Electrolux are cooking up some philanthropy and that’s always delicious!.......Maureentheassistant

KBIS 2008 - In The Pantry!

I had this post all put together day before yesterday. A couple of days prior I downloaded a beta firefox3 that I read was stable, almost ready to be released (well, June) yadayada. Then, I noticed a very slow internet connection. Did I make the connection between the browser and the slow internet? Not until today when I decided to try explorer to see how that ran. Made an appointment with the ISP and everything for this Saturday! Sheesh! So, we're up and running again, nice and fast. Here we go...

Let me tell you, I WORKED that show, KBIS! Ok, so I couldn't stop snapping pictures with my new camera, truth be told, BUT, my intentions were noble...and so many things were so inspiring. So, let's look at what's new for inside our kitchen cabinets and pantries.

Here's a cool new mechanism thing to allow your doors to sit at any position and stay there. No worries about snapping up or down or whatever. It's by Hafele, who makes so many useful and modern products for the kitchen.

Also from Hafele, a pull down shelf to access those hard to reach, and possibly, heavy items from the upper shelves of your wall cabinets.

And, one more from Hafele, a chefs pantry pantry insert with a new finish for the shelves. From the Arena champagne collection. The shelves are coated with a special finish which causes items NOT to move around. It's a good thing. :)

From Knape & Vogt, would you rather reach in and use this in your corner cabinet...

 OR THIS.....

 

More organization tools tomorrow. Just wait till you see THESE....

Kitchens - Go Ahead and Vent!

At KBIS, I took a 1/2 day sort of refresher course on venting. There is not a whole lot new in venting concepts, but, it did reinforce and remind me of the "ick" factor, which I'll explain. 

Here's what's happening. First, our kitchen floor plans are more OPEN to other rooms. This means that pollutants from cooking have more opportunity to freely move about your home, hanging out in your furnishings, your artwork, your pillows, walls, flooring, you get the idea. Just as an fyi, grease from cooking turns into vapor and floats in the air as particles for as long as 72 hours!

ADD TO THAT, the tighter construction of newer homes, which can encourage mold growth and trap pollutants, and your health becomes at risk for allergies, asthma, lung disease, and who knows what else.  A very impressive ick factor, yes? AND, if that is not enough, indoor pollution is considered to rank within the top 5 environmental risks to the public, according to the EPA.

Hoods now do very cool things. They sense heat and turn on automatically. They sense cool temperatures and turn off automatically. They are much quieter than they used to be.  They operate via remote control. Some have hidden controls with a memory feature. They have a delayed shut down mode and a 24 hour anti pollution mode. Some hoods move up and down at the touch of a button to get out of your way, and some hoods move in and out. And, some are energy star rated. Hoods do amazing things these days. Look more deeply when you are in the market for a hood. It's substance, not only style!

More to the story are cfms, duct runs, turns, duct diameters, and other elements and information with which to design a proper venting system, but that is for another day. Today's purpose is twofold: 1) to get you aware of all that is floating in and around the kitchen after you cook and 2) to show you some new hoods (which you really, really, need!)

Please run your mouse over the image to see the brand names.

KBIS 2008 - Cool Finds

I took about 700 pictures at KBIS, that's right, well, closer to 800! OK, it was the new, fancy, camera that made me go crazily snapping on and on and on. Plus, I didn't want to miss a thing!

The show is fantastic...always. New products = fun, cool, interesting, plus, always, a slow shake of the head in wonder at what they thought of next! Here are some random, but notable, picks...

Ann Sacks tile, always gorgeous, introduces the Perennial series of tile, all, made in a small, Portland, Oregon, studio. This is custom mosaic tile, and I think it's amazing!

I'll tell you one thing that I kept saying to myself and the person who walked me around the Elkay booth...Elkay has stepped it up! I was continually impressed by the beautiful design and innovation at the products in the Elkay booth. Smart, modern, very nice. Here's a new pot filler.

Here was a lovely, new, sink by Kohler, called the Cordial. It's an "entertainment" sink, ready to hold a block of ice, or bottles of wine, a staging area for mixing drinks, all that good stuff. A cutting board is included, an ice mold (hmmm!) and a steel pouring tray. Makes cast iron look modern, doesn't it?

From Fisher & Paykel, a new refrigerator drawer. It's great to have a SINGLE refrigerator drawer. You don't always need a double. BUT, that's not all. It's not only a refrigerator drawer, it can be a freezer, a pantry (53 degrees) OR a wine storage unit. Just select the lock button to lock and unlock the temperature selections, decide what you need it for, and wa-laaa, the ultimate in flexible refrigeration!

And, here's a new oven from Smeg...a glossy, mirrored finished door. Looks to me like it is a 24" size, perfect for a second oven in a medium or small kitchen or in an apartment. It's new!

More analysis and images, tons more, soon. An hour after I returned home from the airport yesterday, I met with clients for several hours, so I'm a bit late out of the gate! Lots more to share...

Products For Kitchen Inspiration

Here are a few things, either new or cool, that I think are definitely worth noting.

First, take a look at this receptacle. Good for an island situation or other areas around the kitchen. It makes countertop receptacles possible. Not for every installation, but I can think of a few it would be perfect for, a long island, for one. This kitchen receptacle will do a good job being sealed off from liquid spills. By Doug Mockett & Company.

Look at these Harmony Wood tiles, by Anchor Bay Tile, aren't they cool? It's a real wood tile that is mounted with mesh, something your tile man will thank you for, that is, after he criticizes you for buying non ceramic tiles, of course. Just tell him they are made of wood from sustainable forests, and he'll feel better..we can dream. 

And, I really love this product, American Clay. It is a natural earth plaster, made of natural clays, a green product, recycled and reclaimed aggregates, and contributes to Leed points on your project. It is such a beautiful, sort of suede like finish for your walls, and again, it is healthy for your home. I'm seriously thinking of using it in my home this spring. In fact, someone is coming to my home today to take a look at my walls!

I also love the idea of a chalkboard wall, or section. My immediate thought is to do a post just on chalkboards in kitchens, and I may, but I also know that if I say, good idea, it won't happen for a month, so here's the idea now. I'm also seriously thinking of doing this in my kitchen too. The image is by booizzy. Here are a couple of other places for inspiration: Martha Stewart (but, of course) and Apartment Therapy (always.)

Random Kitchen Meanderings

I'm thinking random thoughts today, so I'll jump around and show you some things you need to see.

You need to see the post from Living Well in Westchester, about antique hardware! I mean, come on, how cool is that?  Mark has lots of good insight on all things home related.

Laurie Burke from Kitchen Design Notes has good information on small space kitchens. Laurie says she likes small kitchens. I do too. They're efficient, smart, and any designer worth his/her salt enjoys the unique challenge of trying to get every square inch of function out of a small kitchen!

Kelly from Kitchen Sync has insightful information on seating around countertops, what works, what may not, and WHY. Most important issues to resolve is real lifestyle behavior rather than assumed. Good ideas and solutions, take a look.

Ann from KitchAnn Style is showing new tile from Ann Sacks. Of course, you know it has to be gorgeous! These handmade tiles of glass give an old world look with modern character. I think they're just gorgeous. Good find!

Oh, did someone ask about my "Top Secret" project? If all the stars line up, it may be unveiled on the weekend of the 22nd. In the meantime, take a look at this. It is connected to the project. What does it have to do with kitchens? Everything!

New/Cool Kitchen Products!

It seems I'm seeing more and more natural, textural, and exotic themed products coming down the pike. With a mainstream eco friendly trend happening, I think we'll see some interesting product introductions in the months ahead, and I'll keep you informed, as spring is the season for the most new products coming to market. Take a look!

Stone Forest introduces a sink made of a black granite polished interior and rim with a natural front apron. The sinks are carved from a single block of stone. Each is unique, and color and texture will vary. The sinks will fit most 3.5" drain assemblies or disposals. Weight: is approx. 300 lbs. It's natural/organic and has non-toxic/low VOC.

The Mandalay Collection of knobs and pulls by Atlas Homewares brings the essence of Burma to you. The intricately woven design is reminiscent of the mastery created by Burmese artisans. Available in finishes of brushed nickel and venetian bronze, Mandalay round knobs are $7.90, square knobs, $9.90, pulls, $14.90, and large pulls, $18.90. Coordinate your appliances with Mandalay appliance pulls, new from Atlas.

Elkay introduces its new Gourmet egranite, a family of granite silica and acrylic resin-formed sinks that bring a granite-like luxury material into the kitchen. The egranite sink line features spacious compartments and a non porous surface, which prevents staining and reduces any absorption of bacteria or odors. Sinks are available in black, biscuit, and white.

Blogging For Kitchens

Here is some really great kitchen info found in some of my favorite blogs!

An interesting take on working appliances into surrounding storage comes from Materialicious. I can see these pieces in a small second home, a cabin or cottage, when you just need the basics, but you want some style, or, naturally, in an urban apartment setting. Cool!

From Janet at Remodelista, something brand new, a 36" wide horizontal access dishwasher from Smeg. I love to see new ways to do the same task, and the innovations just keep coming in recent years.

My friend, Kelly, from Kitchen Sync, talks about very practical issues regarding challenges in the remodeling process. We know there must be one or two, right?

And, starting the New Year off green, K+BB Green's Friday's links. An interesting selection it is, too.

Kitchen Faucet Trends

Take a look at this little piece on faucet trends from HGTV featuring "moi" as a contributor! I'm frequently asked for kitchen related information by writers from online and print media outlets, but this was my fabulous (lol!) deput on HGTV's website!

The author is the superb wordsmith, Leah Hennen, from More Ways To Waste Time, an interesting, and often provocative blog.

And, yes, I did notice at the last kitchen show in the spring, how faucets are becoming even more modern, wtih a sculptural sort of look. And, yes, the finishes, well, just take your pick, there are so many to choose from.

Gone are the days when you have to match the metal finishes throughout the kitchen (faucet, lighting fixtures, hardware, hinges, sink, and whatever else is a metal.) SO gone! Sure, keep a keen eye on what's happening with your metals in and around the kitchen, but you are set free to explore the world of finishes, and manufacturers who make faucets understand this trend toward personal expression.

Likewise, consider mixing modern faucets with a traditionally styled kitchen. There should be some sort of eclectic theme going on first, but, your faucet style surely contributes to your overall design "message."  A more utilitarian type faucet may be a better bridge aesthetically to blend with a traditional kitchen than a super sleek style. That's possible, but again, needs care and caution in selecting your materials to achieve an eclectic look that makes sense.

Kitchen Professional Range Love

Many kitchen ranges got a big workout this week. Remodelista has put together a nice collection of some hot (pun intended!) ranges for your viewing pleasure. Color is seen in this collection too. Can you live for 20 years or more with a lime green range?
Think twice about that one.

I've used cobalt blue, marroon and recently khaki (very nice) on Viking ranges in kitchens I've designed. There IS so much more out there than stainless. To warm up your kitchen a bit, reducing that stainless-steel-everywhere look, you may want to consider, if not a color-color, then think about cream, khaki, brown, neutrals available on ranges, having more staying power (and probably much better for home resale purposes) than a strong color.

This is not to discourage you from choosing color, if that's been your pro range dream. Then, embrace it! Just don't tire of it in five or ten years...that would be a bad thing.

The other great news about this neat collection is seen in the varying styles and configurations of these ranges. There is a whole lot more choices available now than the "typical" style professional range we're so used to. I enjoy seeing these creative alternatives. 

And, some of the prices are not much more, or even less, than we're used to. Can it be that there is life beyond Wolf, Dacor, Thermador and GE? Maybe they're the meat and potatoes, and these "alternative" ranges are the spices...

Kitchen Ventilation - Copper Hoods

I received this really cute email yesterday from an artisan who makes hand crafted copper hoods. Here it is:

"Hello, I am writing this letter in regards to a product I make that I think you might be interested in, Copper hood ranges, at the moment, I make them in my spare time but I would like to eventually make it a full time job, there a few different styles I can make and I attached a couple pictures.  By trade I am a welder and I learned how to make and design them while working for a company in Alberta Canada, I try to offer the the best possible price."

The fabricator said he works only with design professionals because there are so many critical dimensions involved into custom making a hood, including issues with shape and proportion. Pairing a hood with the proper ventilation appliance becomes a whole separate challenge as well, in terms of dimensions, cfms, ducting options, and more. Likewise, he prefers to communicate with a design professional on finishes, material properties, and all other details mentioned.

Design pros, contact me for further information.

 

 

New, Cool, Refrigerator From Fagor

Just got word that Fagor is introducing a 24" no frost refrigerator. To me, this is huge news, as I'm in the middle of looking for appliances to plan into my 7' x 7' NYC apartment kitchen. So, I'm doubly excited about this product! Let me tell you a few things about it.

It is 24 x 24 x 78 3/4, meaning that it is true cabinet depth, a huge plus for small kitchens (eyes upward in thanks.) It is a sleek, modern, design, and made of high end, and finger print resistant, stainless steel.  

More features include unbreakable glass trays and drawer fronts, and independent compartments with electronic regulation. The independent "multi fresh" and "double fresh" drawers allow for two unique environments within the refrigerator, great for keep vegetables crisp and meats and seafood at another level of moisture. 

According to Fagor, it is the healthiest refrigerator on the market. Equipped with a unique BIO filter, an antibacterial/odor eliminating filter with indicator keeps the refrigerator hygienic by retaining mold and bacteria from the circulating air. A protection cover disables such bacterial particles from settling and growing, allowing foods to remain fresh for longer periods of time. 

Even more features include fast cooling (automatically detects and adjust large food additions at once) and super freezing capabilities with a vacation setting, changing the refrigerator temperatove to 57F, preventing odor and bacteria, keeping the freezer at normal temp.

An open door alarm and beeper alarm with warning light indicate any sudden interruption of the cold chain. And, it is said to be less noisy due to one generator source for fridge and freezer. No word on energy star rating, they are currently performing the energy star tests, so that information is not complete.

The unit will be available December 2007. List price is $1699.  

Custom Kitchen Cabinetry - Draper DBS

I'm pleased, and very excited, to announce a new line of cabinetry that I have recently welcomed into my design practice. The cabinetry is Draper DBS, located in Perkasie, Pennsylvania, a region of Pennsylvania with a rich tradition of fine cabinet making.

I went to the factory a couple of months back. There is no direct highway to the factory. It's literally over the river and through the woods! One is forced to slow way down (not so easy for me) to go over the covered bridge, through the wonderful village called Frenchtown, up and over big, winding, hills, and to stop and buy a quart of fresh picked strawberries at the local farm. Slow down, I did. But, I happily digress.

I wanted a line of cabinetry for kitchens (and other rooms) that was different, even exciting, yes, I'd say exciting is a good word. I wanted a line rich with authenticity and character. A line with depth, in terms of fine craftsmanship and creative thinking. I found it. I'm very happy to have Desire To Inspire introduce this line on their blog today, and I will follow up with a few other, totally different, looks than what Desire To Inspire is showing today.

What makes me really excited about this line is two things:

First, as noted above, Draper DBS is a thinking company. I was told over and over that if I can imagine it, they will build it, and will do so gladly.  Typically, cabinet companies have their way of doing things. Some factories are willing to deviate from standards more than others. I only choose companies to work with who are willing to accommodate my and my clients' needs, and Draper DBS is one of those (few) companies who will accommodate me.

 
Second, they are a truly creative company. They do any style with aplomb. Modern, artsy, traditional, European farmhouse, cottage, anything. So, on to some examples here (trust me, you'll want to click on that link, above) and below, examples of more traditional styling. Wood species such as alder, butternut, mahogany, and others, (yes, others) create a welcome alternative to the usual pine, maple, oak, and cherry. Bill Draper, owner, having a dose of "hippy" in his past, just adds to the open and creative dialogue he enjoys having with the carefully selected designers who work with his cabinetry.

A little something from The Robb Report on Bill Draper.  

Before I forget, do you know what is one of the most wonderful things I found? The talented cabinetmakers can hand plane the doors, which creates an amazing, one of a kind, and highly authentic, look - see the image. They also have an aged, painted finish which consists of 14 layers of paint to get that great, old, layered paint finish. I don't know about you, but to me, considering this stylish cabinetry plus the rich, authentic, possibilities below, this is a WOW and gets me excited all over again!

Kitchen Tile Styles!

Here is a collection of diverse tile styles that I have become familiar with. I would urge you to look deeper into the links, as there are many wonderfully inspiring tiles quite UNLIKE these that you see here as representatives. Take a look!

The first tile is by a company called Vetro Mosaico.  Oddly, the text says it is tiles for showers, pools, and spas. I think they forgot about the kitchen! They offer a beautiful variety of colored glass, including the ability to do custom blends. They also show glass pebbles, which are very interesting, with an organic sort of look.

The next lovely tile product I'd like to show you is by Tilevera. Tilevera uses 500 master painters to create works of art, all of whom are trained in the heritage of Spain's Talavara region. The tiles are exquisitely deisgned and hand painted. You must look at this collection! 

And, last but not least, some really really (I can use that word twice, right?) truly artistic mosaic tiles and murals from Manet Tiles. Each piece is the result of the time and effort of skillful artisans who are committed to working the clay and natural stone into works of art. I show two here to showcase the diversity in their line. The work is just fantastic. If you are one who wants art in your kitchen, well, this is one great way to get it!

Decorative Kitchen Pot Racks & Lighting

A large catalog came in the mail yesterday and when I opened it I knew it was something special. It's a company called 2nd Ave. Design.  They have some really interesting products. They seem to move from Mediterranean rustic to Soho funk. Let me show you some of the things I thought you'd like to see. It's a cinch to coordinate various types of lighting, sconces, chandeliers, pendants, with the pot racks. I actually like to mix finishes, I think it's more interesting, and their finishes are beautiful.

 

And take a look at these finishes, great selection:

KBIS 2007 - Faucet Action!

Back to showing more KBIS items after a too long hiatus! Some companies bring press releases to KBIS on products they have introduced some months back, even as early as the fall of the year before, with KBIS taking place in the spring. As I go through the press kits, I'm not looking for the newest product release dates, although that's always fun and "now." But, with hundreds and thousands of products out in the marketplace, I won't NOT show a product because it's already been introduced some months back. If I think it's cool (thus "new/cool products" category) meaning either good value, good design, finish, or whatever strikes me about it, I'll show you. It may not be THE newest introduction or THE most modern/innovative styling. I just have to think there is something special about it. That's good enough!

So, I saw this Price Pfister faucet, and thought, wow, that's traditional, affordable, Price Pfister? I mean, I don't associate PF with fashion forward high end innovation. But, this faucet looks pretty awesome to me, and you can bet it's not going to cost $1,000 either. I think it's very good looking.

This "Ashfield" pull down ergonomic sprayhead includes an innovative ‘anti-splash’ spray volume control. This allows users to adjust spray volume to a desired pressure level between 20 and 100 percent. The sprayhead also lets homeowners toggle easily between spray and stream modes. Equipped with 360-degree swivel spouts that permit custom handle positioning, the Ashfield™ single-control, kitchen pull-down faucets incorporates a 75-inch nylon hose with ball swivel spray connection that allows for maximum flexibility. Plus, longer levers on the single-handle design provide users a better grip and improved access.

MGS Designs has some great looking contemporary faucets. The VelaD, new for 2007, has a sort of industrial look to it which I like. Crisp/flat edges but with curves. I'm crazy about the pull out spout.

MGS Designs is one of the only "true stainless steel" fixture manufacturers offering products in North America. An integral component of the MGS design philosophy is innovative functionality.

An interesting note, prior to assembly, each element is hand polished. No additional materials such as brass or sheet metal, thus 100% polished stainless steel or matte SS.  

Graff's new faucet introduction (among others) for 2007 is the very cool Oscar kitchen faucet. Two versions of this faucet are offered, one with the black trim, which is my personal favorite, and one without the black trim, called Steelnox. I love the black half circle holder under the control!

This faucet is constructed of solid brass and designed in a minimalist style for modern kitchens. It has a pull down spray/stream configuration. Another good thing, it carries a lifetime warranty on all mechanical aspects of the entire product line. Nice, right? 

Seen at KBIS - kitschy kitcheny kolors from SMEG

SMEG is a hugely popular appliance manufacturer in Europe. I know I see it all over Denmark, when I go there and visit the kitchen showrooms, so that's MY sharp eyed reporter's factoid!

SMEG is introducing its line of appliances in the USA now, after having received all the various certifications. The line, aesthetically is very interesting, and I mean that in the most positive way. They're bold, they're sexy, they're highly functional and stylish. And, they do not only show retro appliances, like this beautifully simplistic retro refrigerator we see here. They have many modern appliances in their line too, custom designed by an architect, as you will hear in my podcast.  Look to SMEG for BOTH modern and retro appliances. They will be introducing a refrigerator with a larger freezer section soon.

I know Scrappy Girl from Domino has a possible retro fridge fixation in her future kitchen plans. With Scrappy Girl in mind, I sought out a bit more information via my podcast. I'm glad I did...there's not too much information on the website!

Scrappy, I gotta tell you, though, I DID see another booth with colorful retro appliances, the only other booth I saw with them. I was looking from afar, taking a needed rest at the end of the second day, feet up, pointing weakly to that area, (all for the cause and dramatic effect) and then it left my mind and I inadvertently walked in another direction! Of course, I remembered much later what I missed. Maybe I'll find it in a press kit!

SMEG REFRIGERATOR INTERVIEW

KBIS 2007 - Cool Woven Copper Kitchen Backsplash

This display just stopped me in my tracks! I love anything woven, textural, hand crafted, and this look gives it all to me. By Frigo, it is woven copper with a fired, burnished finish to get that wonderful rainbow effect.

I'm not sure it's a look to go everywhere, it may be too strong, but at the very least, a great accent. I'm picturing it as the facing for a hood right now. Maybe the back of an island, that comes to me too. So many great places this product can be used.

And the best news is that the maintenance is to simply use warm water to wipe up spills and spots, no special process, cleaners, and so on. Good, right? 

The manner in which it was displayed on the show floor wasn't so great, as the image shows, but look past that and imagine the possibilities!

Kbis 2007 New Products - Siemens Appliances

Siemens is launching an entire new line of appliances in summer, 2007. This is a stunning and highly functional line of appliances, as I observed at KBIS in Las Vegas last week.  Take a look at images of the new line of appliances, and listen in to the podcast on Siemens. I loved what I saw! More information as it becomes available (hello, UPS, deliver the show press kits please??)

Siemens flikr images from the show floor

And, Siemen's podcast from the show floor: 

Siemen's Podcast

Kbis 2007 New Products - Perlick, Gaggenau, Blanco

Here are the first of my images of KBIS 2007! Images are from the Perlick, Gaggenau, Blanco, and Thermador booths. I have access to pretty pictures from press kits, but you know, sometimes I just like the "live from the floor" feeling of the images, so I'll include both types of images.

Also, in this first kbis 2007 flikr set is Thermador's fabulous booth. I'll talk more about Thermador's introductions soon, but for now, enjoy.

Now, hear a podcast of the new sink introductions from the Blanco booth, and follow along in the images included above. Any questions, let me know!

Just fyi, what happens at the show is that there is a press room, where most of the (smart) exhibitors put together a press kit, a folder with information on their new product introductions for members of the media. Then, we go around the room, pick out the press kits which interest us, put them in a box (in my case two large boxes) and send the boxes to our address. I'm not sure just when my boxes will arrive, I'm guessing Monday or Tuesday, so for this particular post, I don't have specific information to fill in on new product introductions, and some of the websites linked (shame shame) do not have their current press releases up either. So, when I get the press kits, I'll fill in the blanks so you know more specifically, what you were looking at in my flikr images. 

For now, enjoy the images, podcasts, and links! 

BLANCO PODCAST