Kitchen Dining Inspiration via Restaurant Interiors?

Knowing Design*Sponge has a love for restaurant interior design, I offered to snap a few shots of restaurants while in Denmark. Here's the result of passing by fantastic restaurants, during two weeks of strolling through Copenhagen and beyond.

See the whole slide show of my images via Design*Sponge.  

Now, down to the issue...can one get inspiration for one's home from restaurants? Of course! How many times have you gone to a hotel or other public area, including restaurants and been inspired by the colors, textures, or other interesting or beautiful feature of a public space? It's a fantastic source, truth be told, of inspiration. Keep your camera handy, snap what "speaks to you" and save it in your file of ideas. The interpretation of the design can shift from larger proportions to smaller in most cases. No, you won't have 50 tables in your own dining area, but if you are observant of the interior design, and are open to it, these areas can be a valuable resource of ideas. Remove the white table cloths, and you have a great kitchen dining spot which can be tweaked to be more or less formal as you need.

This image, below, is a room for a larger party in the restaurant. Both images are from the restaurant, Madklubben.  Thanks for the mention, d*s!

 

A White Kitchen by Susan Serra, CKD - Published by Better Homes and Gardens

I arrived home last night from my vacation to see one of my favorite recent kitchens I've designed, finally, in print! The feature just came out in the September issue of Better Homes and Gardens. It's in a section called "Better By Design."

I designed this kitchen a variety of different ways for the client, in an extensive design process, and in the end, the client decided not to change the existing location of windows, doorways, and appliances. BUT, that was only the start of the story. Maintaining these same locations, I wanted there to be a renewed excitement and importance to the kitchen design, but, based on good design principles, rather than easy, but, uninspired "runs" of cabinetry as you can see in the "before" pictures. I also wanted to "lighten up" the area above the refrigerator, which was achieved. A much more spacious feel on that side of the kitchen than before.

Other Ideas Which Didn't Make It:

Some of my ideas were not implemented that I would have liked, but I have to remind myself, it's not my kitchen! I had recommended that the rear wall, rather than subway tile, be some sort of subtle stone, a slab material, although the end result looks great. I also did not want to connect the cabinetry on each side of the range to each wall. I thought it would look interesting to be open, a bit unfitted. Then, I suggested open shelves with the wall showing behind, and no toekick. In the end, the client wanted a more "connected" look, but we did maintain the open shelving below, which makes it.  

New Ideas 

New design ideas were developed and explored, based on the proportion and scale of the space as well as taking into consideration the architecture and style of the home. I also created a personal style interpretation for the client, which bridges the concepts of tradition, a nautical feel, a bit of a "commercial" look, and some real beauty included in the mix too. Please see all of the images in the gallery.

 

Kitchen Design Diversity

I think I'm fortunate to have a fair amount of diversity in my extended family. As I end my trip to Copenhagen, it occurs to me just how important it is to design kitchens suited to the needs of the users. In my own extended family, I have these diverse personal situations, all of whom work in their kitchens in different ways for different reasons.

• Daughter/son-in-law in an apartment in an urban setting, concerned with healthy living and healthy cooking, with demanding jobs, and then, early evening, exercise routines, speed and efficiency in the kitchen being the goal, and leisurely cooking as recreation,
  

• Son, 21, and girlfriend, moving in together soon, who both cook up a storm nearly every night, with a health conscious and multi cultural focus due to their different cultural/ethnic backgrounds and green philosophies, (without a time concern, as I can attest to, having a recent meal with them at nearly 11 pm)
  

• A cousin and her (yes, her) wife (legally married in Denmark) who are expecting twins sons soon, sharing domestic responsibilities, as all married couples do, in a countryside setting by the sea, with one spouse working, the other not,
  

• My 93 year old uncle, living alone, preparing traditional Danish meals and also hosting weekly get togethers at his apartment, the apartment he has had for, oh, maybe 60 years or so,

• Another cousin and her husband, empty nesters, and retired, moving back and forth between an urban apartment and summer house in Denmark, with interesting food storage issues to solve,
  

• Another cousin's busy working life with two young children and a husband (the traditional "subjects" for all previously held kitchen design ideas) with the woman's mother as frequent helper and occasional chef,
  

• A recently widowed aunt, who lived a long life, preparing from-scratch meals for two, now, for one,

• A male cousin, single, 30s, in a new urban apartment, with a new kitchen, planning his kitchen HIS way,
  

• A male, 22, single, student, who owns an apartment and lives with rent paying roomates, but plans to live there a long time, later with a girlfriend, and just planning a kitchen now,

• Me and my husband, nearly empty nesters, soon to be spending more time in our city apartment, redefining "home" as well as our cooking habits.
  

 
Designers need to understand that there is no longer one family "model," but many, and oftentimes multi-cultural, multi-generational, perhaps a non traditional lifestyle, and sometimes all of these mixed together. It is imperative that each personal situation be dissected to uncover the needs for function and aesthetics which are unique to he/she/them alone. I do believe the time has arrived where both homeowners and designers are understanding the wide realm of new design possibilities that can be tailored to one's unique way of living in the kitchen.

Are you planning a kitchen? Look more deeply into your/your family's personal needs. Take time to do that. Don't settle for standard, typical, or one size fits all. Ask for , look for, plan for, personal design solutions.

Vive la difference! 

Kitchens Are Love

Oh, I have so much to share with you in the days and weeks ahead (and months!) We're here, in Copenhagen, nearly two weeks, and leaving to go back home Thursday morning. Our suitcases are packed, as tomorrow will be filled with two different family outings, maybe one more quick stop at a kitchen showroom, and somehow we have to pack the two paintings I bought!

Copenhagen is truly one of the design capitals of the world. To have two weeks to observe great design in shops, in public spaces, and in private homes, has been a constant source of education, enjoyment, and privilege. I've also been inspired by learning new ways of thinking about protecting our natural resources and changing the way we live in small ways. Danes are famous for subtle, but pointed, humor, and perhaps you will see this characteristic in this special exhibit I will show you on thinking green, which is taking place at the Danish Design Center. Coming soon.

So, having been in six of my family's kitchens this time around (that, not being all of them) and spending a lifetime of seeing these relatives only every few years, I can tell you that it struck me more than ever that our kitchens are a conduit to so much more than food, but to family togetherness, to sharing, to love. Kitchens are so incredibly important, wherever they are in the world and regardless of whoever is planning a meal for someone else, or for one's own nourishment as well. It's all good, isn't it?

The image is of my cousin, Lis, showing me the smoked herring we will have for dinner!

Luxury Kitchens on thestreet.com

I thought I'd share with you an article that just came out that I was interviewed for...take a look, it's on TheStreet.com. My son, 21, is a huge fan of Jim Cramer, so this adds points for me with him. Points for me? I think it should be the other way around.

Take a look and stay in the loop! 

Luxury Kitchens on TheStreet.com.

Kitchen Dreams in Copenhagen!

Oh, to be without the internet! It's been, what, 6 days, without the use of my computer, which was, let's say, an interesting experience! I'm glad to say I didn't freak out about it, I've been busy doing wonderful vacation things, here in Copenhagen, visiting with family, and taking so many pictures, it's just crazy. Yet, I've got to say, with my computer now connected, I feel, well, almost giddy! Thanks to Linda for putting in the post I sent to her, and to my friend Peggy from kitchen-exchange, who almost pinch hit a post for me. I can't put up images just yet, but hope to soon. In the interim, I have learned to type fast on the iphone, as I have been doing since I arrived last week (hold it with the left hand, and type with the second and third fingers)!

Copenhagen is always fantastic to see. Just yesterday I started my trek into kitchen showrooms, featuring Scandinavian kitchen manufacturers, and have many more to see. As you might expect, the designs are mostly sleek and highly functional. I've asked permission to take photos in the showrooms and will show you lots of fresh, new, design ideas upon my return (or sooner). It is part of my mission in this blog, to introduce the (at least the U.S.) world to Scandinavian kitchen design. Many, at least in the U.S., are familiar with German and Italian kitchen design, but, there is much to be said about Scandinavian kitchen design as well, which we shall see as a result of this trip!

Catch up with you later! 

Lost in Copenhagen!

Hello kitchen fans! This is Linda from ::Surroundings::! Susan is away in wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen without an Internet connection for the last four days! Tomorrow may be the day she gets connected so cross your fingers.

In the meantime  susan tells me that she is living right across the street from a very cool kitchen showroom and is anxious to tell us all about the kitchen design scene in Copenhagen..always a city of world class design.

She said that we won't believe the kitchen she's staying in...for starters a real brick floor with full thickness (not a veneer) and it has the open shelving she's talked about in previous posts!

Let's hope she's back on line soon! Oh, to be without an internet connection!

Kitchen Design Notes - What I'm Working On Now

Aside from going stark raving crazy, getting ready to go on my vacation to Denmark, otherwise known by my family as the Motherland, I thought I'd share with you a few projects that I'm working on. If you recognize yourself here, dear clients, not to worry, your names and addresses will never be sold to third parties.   ;-)

It's what keeps me going...the unique-ness of people. I absolutely love discovering, and helping to transform, my clients' lifestyles in that most important environment...one's home. Here's a peek at some random details and observations, and perhaps, goals, of four in the collection of projects I'm working on.

The R Family: This kitchen will be first and foremost a Kosher kitchen. A very large kitchen, it is open to the family room, with a focus on views of the park-like rear yard as well. We will have a very large cooking area, and I think we will be exploring a huge hood, perhaps something sort of built in, like the idea of some of these French country kitchens, if I can get away with it...another inspiration is the hood in this kitchen by Mark Cutler, very oversized, and oftentimes, oversized just works.

Another R Family: This family is planning an ambitious addition and whole house transformation from the existing sleek contemporary architectural style to a Country French Chateaux! How interesting is that!  We'll be working on designing-in unfitted pieces, open shelving, and interesting proportions. Several family members are hearing impaired, so we will also focus on design issues for acoustic purposes.

The M Family:  A family of a lovely couple and their precious furry friends, the M's are building a house in the forests of the Berkshire mountains in Massachusetts. Yes, I'm commuting from New York for this project! The home is situated with a view of distant mountains. The kitchen will have a closed off adjacent scullery nearby  (a pantry/clean up area), and a long wall of bookshelves in the hallway just beyond. The style will be possibly something classic, perhaps a mix of white and wood, we'll see. I finally got my way and designed in, what will be a fantastic banquette (soft, super cushy) area!

The S Family: How about a beach house? The exterior wall is all window area, the view is of egrets and beautiful bay views. The style is casual, the husband, a chef, the kids, budding chefs as well. The mom, grateful eater! This is a home for entertaining all summer. A surfboard leans against one wall, the antique table is a very long and a strong element, and so the kitchen, wide open to the living and dining areas, will be part utilitarian, part beachside food shack!

I'll surely show you images as progress moves along!  

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 Remodeling Project Management and Technology

I love technology, I always have. I'm not an expert, but I have a natural curiosity for many technological things...gadgets first and foremost, software, any sort of productivity tool. I think of these tools not only as time saving but as fun, and fun is always good, especially when you're in the kitchen remodeling business, or even worse, UNDERGOING a kitchen remodeling! So, I'd like to share a few productivity tools that I'm using that you could find useful too, I'm sure.

Backpack -  You're a homeowner and you're doing a kitchen renovation. With backpack, also called backpackit, you have pages in which you can put information, accessible to you anywhere/anytime, since it's web based, and it's all in one convenient spot. So, you may want a page for your kitchen cabinetry, a page for your countertops, a page for your sink, your faucet, even a page for your designer and contractor. Well, I can think of a whole lot of "pages" you'd need during the course of a remodel. It's the web's answer to a spiral bound notebook.

Here's what you put on the pages. You'll put in notes, lists (with lovely little boxes next to them to check off tasks), make tags for search purposes (a huge plus), use a calendar, set reminders, and let's not forget, upload images!! And, here's the best part...you can make it completely private, open it to specific people, or have it public for the world to see. I'm wild about it. I have the super mega upgraded service and I'm paying $9 a month! 37 signals, makers of this service, also offer other amazing services, of which I use a few, such as basecamp.

If you wouldn't mind, please use this code in the Referrer Code field if you sign up: BP2956J - many thanks!

Cell Tell - It's "voice notes" and it works with backpack, above. This service is nuts. I'm sorry I can't be more elegant than that. Picture this: I'm at a granite yard. The slab my client and I love has a long reference number along the side of it. We may want that slab. Here's what I do. I speed dial a number on my phone, I say the reference number of the granite, which yard we're at, where it is in the yard, and I hang up. Two minutes later, the voice note is sitting on my designated backpack page. No hunting for the salesperson, no hunting for pen and paper, only to have to keep track of the paper, no taking forever to type it into my pda. Oh, by the way.....the service is FREE.

And, guess what else? It couldn't be easier. No voice menus, no other entries to make! You a) speed dial b) hear your name c) speak d) hang up. It's a beautiful thing.  

SilmulScribe -  If the above service is nuts, this is beyond nuts. Again, picture this. You're someplace where you can't really take the time to access your phone messages, or are otherwise preoccupied. OR, too, like me, your cell phone doesn't ring in your home or office because you're in a bad cell area, doesn't matter if it's sitting right next to you. SimulScribe will translate cell phone calls into text and will then email the text message to you! For me, it's amazing, whether I'm in my office, working on my computer, and I get a cell phone call (which will show up as a text message in my in box a few minutes later) or I'm out and about and can't take a call, but CAN quickly skim a message on my pda, this service solves a whole host of problems. For the hearing impaired, it could be a great tool. I'm wild about it. It's $10 a month for 40 messages.

When I'm out of the office , I can forward my office calls to my cell phone number, which will then email me the text messages of these calls, and I can read/view them on my pda.  The trick is to remember to do that before I leave the office!

iPhone -  I love it. I'll tell you just ONE reason why, out of many. The calendar is a joy to use, but the best part is that you get TWO alerts, or reminders, for an appointment. So, you're my client, and we have an appointment at Friday at 2 pm. Set one alert for some time on Thursday, as a general reminder, and set the second alert for two hours before our appointment on Friday, or any other handy combination of dual alerts. I don't know about you, but I'm busy, and even with a calendar, I could really use that second reminder.

SnagIt - And, last but DEFINITELY not least, I'm all OVER this little piece of software! A client who used my consultation services turned me on to SnagIt. Whether you are making notes on an image, a word document, an advertisement, any piece of anything, this software allows you to create notes right on the "capture" and convert it to a variety of formats, including a jpg or pdf document. You can also "capture" just a section of a document or image to save in a file and then make notes on it. Oh, I'm not explaining this very well, but, please take my word for it and go look at it! This image is an actual "capture" that I marked up for a client.

And, wait till you hear this...there's this little 1/8"-1/4" x 2" blue line that sits up at the top of my monitor that is just waiting for my mouse to touch it, I don't even have to click on it, just run the mouse on top of it, and it springs into action, to capture what I need captured, always at the ready.

Now it's your turn! What great productivity tools do you use?? 

(I promise...pretty kitchen pictures are coming back shortly...and wait till you see what pictures I'm going to put up next!) 

UPDATE:  How about one more very cool tool? I also signed up for Jott. Jott does the holy grail...it takes YOUR calls or messages and emails you (if it's a note to yourself) the text AND the original voice mail! So, I'm at a jobsite and the installer tells me to order 6' more crown molding. I speed dial Jott, say "order 6' more crown molding for the Smith job" and when I get back to the office, the email is there with text PLUS the original voice recording. Jott also works with group contacts, where you can Jott a message by your cell phone, to say, 6 people, saying you'll be late to the meeting. No more separate phone calls! Oh, it's FREE.

Right now I have signed up for both Cell Tell and Jott, and have them both speed dialed into my phone. I'll use them both and see which one I go toward more...the one where one designated "page" of backpack serves as a (good) dumping ground for these random on-the-fly notes, to later move the items into my personal to do list page or business to do list page, or Jott, which emails me text, and I like text, but, which could get lost in the black hole of the emaildom inbox. It's all about productivity and the ease of it!

OMG, I'm going to have a backpack page for each client! I've found the holy grail (I think I've found a couple here today!)

Kitchen Design Whine

I'm going to take a minute and whine (yes, I'd safely put this under the category of whining) but along with whining there's the lesson behind it (ok, my motherly instincts are also at work here, I see) and so, I will make this brief, but instructive.

So that I don't trash any particular allied professional, as I must say, from the architect to the helper who sweeps the jobsite clean every day, and everyone in between, including myself, we all have our day in the sun where we can screw up on a (hopefully, teeny tiny) part of a client's project. However, with luck and concentration, those times are few and far between, IF we follow this advice below regarding email communication.

It is important for the unnamed (above) to do a few simple things in an effort to make a project progress in a timely and responsible way. This advice absolutely goes for clients too (you have responsibilities too!)

 
1. If an email is received with specific information in it, read it...carefully. Don't just ignore it. Look at attachments with specific information in them as well, (which, if pointed out-means something is important) and deal with the information on a timely basis. If this is not done, things may get messy later on.

2. Don't skim emails, as information will be vastly diluted, forgotten, and of course, not even seen in the skimming process. Again, slow down. Did I say slow down?

3. Don't make excuses that you could not keep track of the information in two emails because another person was involved with forwarding them, yadayadayada. This borders on insulting.

4. Consider all pieces of information from all parties connected to the project as being important to hear. Do not judge "importance" until you have absorbed the information at hand...premature judgment of non importance is risky.

5. It's the recipient's responsibility to reply, get answers back, etc. Don't be one to have others chase you down for information. That's not cool. 

That's all. Had an email with critical information been read in a timely way, a month would not have gone by, which, at this moment, has now put a big, fat, snag in a project. Color me annoyed at this moment. It will pass, as it all does. It's not cancer, (perspective is always important) but I get nuts about the above stuff. The devil resides in the details! And, yes, my turn will come, with another situation, but I'm not sure I'll be ranting about it!

Have a nice day...and read your emails!!  ;-) 

Kitchen Remodeling - Do I Hire An Engineer Or Architect?

One of my kitchen remodeling projects in Nassau County, Long Island, has a structural issue. An engineer, who I use on occasion, went to my client's home yesterday morning. The client had also called in another engineer, previously, just to evaluate more than one engineer.

Yesterday was my engineer's third visit. The first was to survey some structural issues, at which time he explained which areas he needed access to, so that he could see the structure in the ceiling. We were planning to open a doorway into a family room and there was some funky beam work in the lower height family room, just beyond the kitchen, ending with a column hidden inside a wall. I needed a doorway in that wall widened.

We had part of the ceiling removed so that it was accessible to the engineer, at which time, he returned, and saw what he needed to see. I like this engineer. He's a thoughtful sort of person. He runs ideas out loud, listens to our ideas as well, and the collaboration just works so well. He's also very conservative. He's a stickler for details. All that, and a pleasant person too. He stayed about 2 hours for each visit, going upstairs, downstairs, basement, garage, and outside. I like that.

$250 for each visit so far. I think that's reasonable, considering the length of time he stayed, when one wants the house to remain standing, don't you?

Today he went back again, a third time, as the client had decided to go ahead and have him draw plans for the new ceiling/beam work. He called me after, to tell me he saw one other detail that he did not see before. I'm glad he returned! He will charge $750 to draw the beam details for the contractor to follow. He'll be in touch with the contractor as the work progresses. 

What about calling in a contractor? Contractors are good and very knowledgeable, as they deal with structure every day (well, often, anyway). When I'm noodling around with a client's home, however, I go for the professional with the state license, an architect or engineer. 

What I think I may do next is, perhaps, get a second opinion on the structural plan, once it is designed. Why not? I'm a cautious kind of person, perhaps to a fault. I take my responsibility seriously, referring an engineer to a homeowner. I will probably pay for this second opinion myself, and also, risk alarming the client just a bit by yet another engineer's visit. But, I'm a bit obsessive that way, when it is not my area of expertise. It's a $220,000 renovation, I think another $250 is not a big deal. Probably totally unnecessary, no doubt, and that's ok. The engineer is licensed and will put the proper seal on the drawings, a critical piece of information to be aware of.

Engineer Or Architect? 

You may call on either an engineer or an architect to design small and/or simple structural work in your home, which is what we are speaking about here.

An architect is, by definition, also focused on the design of a home in a larger way, so the point of view may be slightly different. If the work is straight forward, with little design impact, an engineer could suffice. A (fancy) architect may charge more than an engineer, but as in any business, operation costs vary, so I would not assume that. Me, I just like the fact that an engineer is concerned with only one aspect of a residence, structure, so my first call is usually to an engineer, unless there are design issues I'd like to collaborate on, then it's an architect, hands down. These have been real pieces of my thought process connected to a real project that I thought might be interesting to share with you!

Here is some great advice on how to hire an engineer or architect. Coming from California, earthquake territory, it is especially good, and very clear, advice. From earthquakecountry.info. Please take a look! It is the most important part of this post. The website also mentions the Structural Engineers Association. Please, also, be aware of the American Institute of Architects.

A Long Island Kitchen Designer

Well, that's me, of course, a Long Island kitchen designer! My market/territory/areas served are the Long Island and New York metro area and beyond as demanded!

We know that, so?

What I'd like to talk about today is that the kitchen design "look" of Long Island, for the most part, reflects its well established suburban roots. Long Island being situated in the Northeast, close to New England, surrounded by history, naturally evokes tradition in many aspects of suburban life, creating a Long Island kitchen design point of view.

The majority of the architecture on Long Island is based in tradition, as are most furnishings seen in the homes here, as well as traditional landscaping, artwork, accessories, and other areas of home design.

I'm yawning already, what's the point?? 

Don't be so impatient! Here's the point! Most of my clients are in lock step with their physical, regional, surroundings as opposed to who they are, what styles appeal to them, where their interests lie whether recreational, via their heritage, personal interests, or "other." The home is Georgian, therefore, the kitchen is traditional, is often the conventional wisdom.

The point, as discussed regarding Long Island kitchen design, as an example, can be made for other regions of the country as well. The southwest, with its tex-mex point of view, southern California, a similar style of architecture and design, the often sleek, modern kitchen design of New York City and other urban areas, the warm woodsy soft contemporary look of the Pacific Northwest, the sleek, white kitchens of Florida, and other micro-themed regional areas. Point being, most regions have their "look." Actually, some areas on Long Island are more inclined to modern styling, other areas to formal styling, and still others to white, traditional kitchen design.

Set me free! 

First, be aware, be very aware! Be aware that you may indeed have an automatic reaction to what is the "right" way to design your kitchen either a) based on your region/history and/or b) based on the architecture of your home. 

Can you put a modern aesthetic into the log cabin lake house? A resounding YES. Mid century in a Victorian? Why not? You get the idea. The trick is to understand combining elements such as line, color, texture, mass and form. You will ultimately be creating a composition.

If you are unsure of how to proceed with this sometimes tricky aesthetic, please invest in the services of an interior designer for surrounding rooms and a kitchen designer who understands electic style for the kitchen so that you have a common thread among your spaces. Soon I will talk more about eclectic style, but first, one needs a germ of a thought, to begin to go against the grain, and here that is. Just call me the trouble making Long Island Kitchen Designer!

Desire To Inspire is a great resource to discover your secret eclectic self! Purple Area has some great examples of eclectic styles throughout the home, and also take a look at my category, Scandinavian Kitchens for inspiring eclecticity! (New word!) Although a Long Island kitchen designer, many design languages are spoken here on this blog!

Kitchen Design Miscellania

A few items of interest have been noticed today, and I'd like to share them with you!

First, I'm happy to have been asked to contribute to the blog, freshome, in the form of a piece I wrote on how to start the kitchen design process.  Freshome happens to be a very popular blog, covering a very wide variety of topics devoted to the home. There are inspiring, new, ideas, practical products talked up, tips, and lots more. Really, it's surprisingly comprehensive and covers the entire home. Dig a little deep, and you'll see what I mean. I just love tips, anyway, the more the better. So, take a look!

It's interesting that corporations are beginning to get into social networking (in connection with their products, at least in the kitchen and bath industry, something new), creating new environments for their customers to talk to one another about specific products and to learn more about the products including tips and how-tos, to allow a richer product experience, which, you know, really does make sense. Here are two new communities I'd like to share with you. I like forward thinking companies, and I REALLY like that they are taking a risk to actually bring their customers out in the public to chat with one another.

First, take a look at the GE Advantium community. I just love how it's designed. Fresh, clean, thankfully easy to navigate. Love how the recipes are categorized in different ways. Give it a little time, the community will build. It's a very complete environment with easy access to manuals, accessories, and so on. I poked around quite a bit. It's also the type of appliance where it is great to see how others use it to its potential.
 

Next, is a new community from Moen. I'll insert what I was sent, which says it better than I could:

 "Faucet-maker Moen Incorporated debuted the 2007 Show Us Your Style kitchen and bathroom remodeling contest today, showusyourstyle.com. DIYers everywhere can submit their remodeling stories and photos for a chance to win $500 every two weeks. (my words: YAY!!) Last year, the site proved to be very popular with homeowners as an excellent place to get ideas. What happens is, if you have a project to share, you just write your story, upload your photos and we update the site every two weeks with all the content. One of the neat things is, you can sort through all the entries by different criteria, like cost."

Scandinavian Kitchens - Open Shelving Ideas

Something I already knew, which was confirmed at KBIS in May...open shelving is HOT! It adds that warm touch, anyway it's done. Although, there IS an art to the arrangement of objects on open shelving, very much so. I designed my own kitchen (meant to be temporary, and here it is 4 years later) with lots of open shelving of various types to allow me to be surrounded by my collections. FYI, in the first image of my kitchen, the objects (all mine) were artfully arranged by the stylist on site when my kitchen was shot for publication last year, so I can't take credit for that! But, I digress.

Let's call today's journal entry, Scandinavian Wednesday, rather than Monday (late again) and take a look at how the Scandinavians "do" open shelving. They're very good at arrangements, the shelves themselves, and creating a look and feel of real warmth. Today we'll look at traditional shelves and arrangements in the kitchen.

It's not really difficult to put items on a shelf, but one may want to think in terms of "layering" the shelf. Put something behind, perhaps a plate, platter, or a piece of artwork, then something of a different color or texture in front of that, or monochromatic items if that look is pleasing. Books stacked sideways is always lovely, and a piece on top of the books, and so on. For me, it takes some time arranging until I'm happy with the look. There is volume, color, texture, proportion and balance to consider. Sometimes there are happy accidents, other times, it has taken precious time.

Next week (if I remember!) we'll look at shelving in modern kitchens.

Images are from left to right from the top down as follows: First, from lantligt, second, from boligmagasinet, third from sol-solstad, fourth, from Karna.sprayblogg, fifth, from Savannah-beach, sixth, from Masan Shabby Chic, and last but not least, from min lilla veranda.

Oh, I hate when I forget a detail, that's why it's also good for my subscribers to come to the blog to see if I've added something...take a look at the entire Scandinavian Kitchens category for more inspiring open shelving ideas! Heck, look at all the kitchens on the blog!  :-) 

10 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Kitchen Designer

Sometimes you just need a quick guide, a "how to" to get the ball rolling. Follow these tips and you'll be on your way to choosing the kitchen designer that is right for you. It's that easy.

You need to be organized and focused in order to make a reasoned evaluation. It's easy to be seduced by, well, so many things you encounter in a design studio or showroom, everything is so beautiful! But, don't mold yourself to the product, and be "stuck with" the design firm. Find a talented designer who you feel you can work well with and whom you respect. Good Great design work will follow, but first, ask these questions...

What do you think are good questions to ask? I would love to know!

1. How many design solutions (plans) do you provide? Hint: Three or more is what you are looking for. With one or two plans designed, the vision is most likely narrow and subjective on the part of the designer. You need to see the possibilities for your space. Otherwise, it's "coulda shoulda woulda."
   
2. How long does the process take? Two weeks? Four Weeks? According to your (the client's) timetable? This lets you know the timing expectations of the designer for the design process from start to completion. It also will tell you if this timing "fits" for you. You may also want to find out if the firm has a "policy" on changes during the design process.
   
3. May I see work samples? It is useful to see both images of completed projects as well as proposed designs. Oftentimes the bulk of a design firm's clientele may be of one "style" or another, depending upon the region, although the designer may have proposed alternative design solutions in an effort to move beyond the typical, and this would be very interesting to see, as it shows creativity. I have more "alternative" design ideas in my client files that my clients were too afraid to consider as the concepts were not "safe." 
4. How do you keep up with new ideas, products, industry advancements? Does the designer ever leave the office? Does he/she go to kitchen and bath shows, seminars, conventions? Interior design shows? Subscribe to kitchen and bath industry publications? Have a library of design books? Read interior design blogs? There are many ways to keep pace with the ever changing kitchen and bath world, but it is important that this is done.
5. How long have you been designing kitchens? Just a minor detail...something you will want to know! In this business, experience is a good thing, provided #4, above is in place.
   
6. Do you have any special accomplishments that I should know about? Accomplishments within the industry show involvement, motivation, interest, and recognition, all important to have as part of one's resume/career highlights.
   
7. How mobile are you?  Is the designer available for jobsite meetings, even (occasionally) on short notice? Can meetings take place at your home, or only at the design studio/showroom? This last question should not be a dealbreaker...unless it is for you. Any availability via cell phone or pda? Mobility is a good thing. For me, I'll email 24/7 during off hours, but the phone takes a break from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning.
8. Will you give me cost alternatives or just one single cost at the end of the design process? Assuming you have already received an estimate (a separate issue) will the designer tell you during the process where there may be costly design decisions and make an effort to suggest lower cost options? I provide my clients with a limited "chinese menu" of items at the end of the process, when presenting the final cost, to illustrate where particularly large cost items are seen in the plan, and offer substitutions. If a hood costs $10,000, which recently occurred, you may want to be aware of that cost! What's the cost procedure? And, what is the payment schedule?
   
9. How do you handle the labor? Can I use my favorite plumber and electrician? Do I need to purchase the labor through your company? Will you provide me with more than one contractor for estimating purposes? You should have freedom of choice here. That said, a team approach is a good way to proceed.
   
10. What will be your role after the sale of the cabinetry? Does the designer hand off the project to someone else in the firm? If so, you may want to meet the project manager. How often will you see a presence from the firm during installation?

 
And the bonus question: What if something goes wrong? What are the policies of the firm? What issues are likely and unlikely to arise during the project in the firm's experience? Who is responsible for what, when, and why? This is such a large question, it bears a separate post, however, the germ of the issue is presented. Think of your own difficult scenarios and ask questions. Look for a reasoned response, service focused.

Sure, there are other questions you need to ask, which I will cover at another time. These came to the forefront, covering a balanced criteria of design, money, and logistics issues. I recommend that you actually write down a list of questions and go in with those questions at hand and start the interview process!

No Running In The Kitchen - I've Been Tagged!

OK, here we go, I've been tagged by the fabulous (and I do mean fabulous) Linda from Surroundings.  Let me take a moment, comply, and totally excite you with details about me...

Four jobs I have had or currently have in my life:
1. demonstrator of cuisinarts
2. chef in a small Italian restaurant, including pizza maker
3. mom of 3
4. designer of cabinetry for kitchens, baths, built-ins, custom furniture

Four countries I have been to:
1. Denmark
2. Spain
3. Sweden
4. Norway

Four places I’d rather be right now:
1. Copenhagen
2. Martha's Vineyard
3. My apartment - Upper West Side, NYC
4. Bornholm, an island in Denmark

Four foods I like to eat:
1. Frikadeller (Danish meatballs)
2. mint chocolate chip ice cream
3. sushi
4. bread from Cassis restaurant

I'm tagging:

Old Friend, Peggy - Kitchen Exchange 

New Colleague, Ann - KitchAnn Style

New Blogging Friend - Patricia Gray

New Dad, Mark - Living Well in Westchester

Kitchen Design - Fresh Traditional

As I mentioned in my last post, I was away this past weekend. We went to visit good friends at this amazing (and I don't use that word lightly) place. I went to Thousand Island Park on Wellesley Island, located on the St. Lawrence main shipping channel in upstate New York.

 
This description from www.thousandislands.com talks about the island we stayed at better than I can:  "The charm of Thousand Island Park derives from many things: its splendid setting, its sense of detachment, and its special social history, but not the least from its delightful buildings. The Thousand Island Park Historic District is a unique collection of late 19th and early 20th century structures, and the only surviving example of the late 19th-century summer religious colonies found in the Thousand Islands region. The architecture of the buildings derives its characteristics from the prominent styles of the 19th century: Queen Anne, Eastlake, Stick style, Shingle style and later Bungalow. A more precise architectural description of the cottages in the Park may be found in the Thousand Park Landmark Society office. This is a 19th century town, which has changed very little from a century ago. There is a strong sense of community here and the happy quality of the buildings in the Park is a natural expression of the people who built them and continue to use them."

 

I felt as if I stepped back in time. The yards all blend into one another. There is one main, central, grassy commons area with an outdoor pavilion for community events situated at the waterfront. This place is about community, and as noted above, the architecture is just rich in its Victorian spendor and charm. The community is on the National Register of Historic Places because of its many Victorian houses. It is a place of simple pleasures, as our hosts described.

Designing The Kitchen - Purist or Not?

How would you design a kitchen in these homes? So far, I have seen a few. Our hosts, just having renovated their kitchen, chose a style totally appropriate to the architecture of the home. It just fits. Beadboard cabinet doors in white, original woodwork all around the kitchen, original windows stayed with the wonderful wavy glass. It feels right.

I think it bears mentioning that one can stay true to the historic nature of a home, design a kitchen in a traditional manner, but use a fresh interpretation of materials such as slate countertops, or wood tops for that matter, an apron sink, perhaps in concrete or a matte fireclay, wide plank floors, in their natural or bleached coloring, among many other opportunities for a new point of view. Think fresh, think natural, think simple, just....think, and the ideas will begin to flow, I promise!

Oh, take a look (trust me, it's worth it) at these flikr photos of 1000 island homes, and dream of an island of your own. I know I do... 

Paris Kitchen Design and Le Desastreaux Tour de France

As the cyclists in Le Tour de France make their way to Paris, a much smaller group than first started in London 3 weeks ago, but we won't go down THAT road, it is still time for celebration. Why? Because it ends in Paris, after all! The cyclists will be making their numerous rounds on the Champs Elysses this Sunday, to the delight of huge, cheering, crowds, always an incredibly beautiful sight. If you haven't seen the ending of le Tour de France, you've just got to!

So, where will you be? Perhaps you have rented an apartment in Paris for the event! Will you be spotted sipping a glass of champagne, or going to the markets for fresh baguettes and fabulous food? Perhaps you will create your own celebration in your luxury Paris apartment kitchen as you gaze upon the chaos below. One can dream of Paris kitchens...oui?

Au Revoir....away for the weekend (thank goodness for the DVR-le Tour is recorded!) Here is your source for luxury Paris apartments at which these beautiful images reside!

 

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!