Kitchen Design

If you are in a rut where your small kitchen design is concerned then you it is important that you remember that strategize on what you can fit into it and where. The most important things to consider when remodeling a small kitchen is that do you have sufficient storage space, what kind of appliances can you include and good lighting.The best storage solution that you could include in your small

For those that are serious about the way the kitchen looks like, Snaidero has a few ideas to choose from. With a modern design and features a combination of stainless steel and LED lighting, the Venus kitchen uses a Solid Surface top to make the countertop. It has plenty of storage and though simple, it’s really eye-catching. The Skyline kitchen is a bit different, with an ergonomically ad

For many people, the focal point of any house is the kitchen. In this light, it is no surprise that the kitchen is one of the most popular choices for a remodel. The first step in a kitchen remodel is the design plan, and it is also the most important. Your Kitchen Design Resources Kitchen plans [...]

by: David BusterHaving a good layout for your kitchen is important, because the kitchen should be an efficient and pleasant area in which to prepare meals and do related tasks. Understanding the kitchen work triangle concept and the basic kitchen layouts is a valuable starting point for having a good kitchen design that you like.The kitchen work triangle consists of the distance between the sink,

by: Guy Morris It has often been said that the heart of the home is the kitchen. If that is really true, then why is it that some kitchen designs just don’t seem to support more than one cook or... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

I came across this picture of a kitchen, again, in Veranda magazine, designed by Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz. I immediately liked it. This kitchen goes more under the heading of "highly stylized" rather than "highly personal". More "showcase", less "high end catalog". And, that said, it's a viable look. Glam meets function meets texture. There was no other image

In the traditional days, people did not give any importance to the kitchen area, with the change in time things have changed. Now much focus is given in building a modern kitchen in every home. if a person wants to renovate or redesign his cooking area then he has to keep in mind other people also. Essential part is played by these kitchen appliance and equipment. Without a well built kitchen there is no meaning in entertaining your guests and family members. One place which will make your work very simply is Toronto appliances; this place will help you in selecting the right appliances for your kitchen area. Any person who loves cooking let that be a homeowner or a chef will not be able to perform his work properly till he has a well designed kitchen. From my experience, all my friends

Everyone would like to have their dream kitchen, but the reality is usually much different to this; most homeowners are naturally worried about the financial aspect of this type of project. Kitchen remodeling costs are always likely to be an obstacle to getting the dream kitchen you have always wanted. A fully equipped kitchen with that old world feel using lots of real wood and marble and effective use of lighting with masses of storage space may be something that stays a dream. We are all faced with having to carry out work on a budget but this is no reason why you can't have something reasonably close to what you would ideally like. The best way to achieve your remodeling dream is to plan carefully looking at each stage to assess where money can be saved, and who knows, your ideal kitch

Compost Bucket: Kitchen Design - 2 1/3 gal. (Kitchen)By Garden Plastics Buy new: $12.95$8.95 Customer Rating: First tagged “kitchen” by Barbara G Customer tags: compost pail, kitchen More: continued here [...]

Doing a kitchen renovation Melbourne? These are factors you must consider. More: continued here

Kitchen design and interior design more generally is continually evolving, 2008 will be no different with changes in the way we use and decorate our kitchens. Worktops sink units and cabinets are all set to change with wider use of curving, more organic forms. The organic feeling continues in terms of materials with a move [...]

Kitchens have evolved a lot over the years. Once found only in the rear of the house, today's kitchen design takes the kitchen out the background. The challenge for kitchen design is in creating a more open-faced kitchen, that is part of a dining area, a family room or a great room. In deciding on how to design your kitchen, you must take into consideration such things as: will your kitchen have an island? Will it be of a modern or traditional design? What kinds of appliances will you need for your new kitchen design? What kind of lighting design?1. Kitchen as 'Great Room' Whether you are redesigning an existing kitchen or planning a new kitchen in a new home there are some design considerations to keep in mind, such as including in an island or peninsula as part of the kitchen design. The

Luxury Kitchen Cabinets and Kitchen DesignIf you thought that luxury kitchen cabinets are only the privilege of the rich and elite, then you are wrong. You too can have a cost effective solution for a designer kitchen complete with luxury kitchen cabinets.Luxury kitchen cabinets do not necessarily mean the cabinets that adorn the house of celebrities. It can mean quality functioning cabinets that have the necessary amount of aesthetic appeal. It should be in sync with the rest of the kitchen design and also with the décor of the home. With the right amount of planning, you too can have a kitchen that looks as good as the one that you see in designer catalogues.The plan- This is the first step towards a proper functioning and good looking kitchen. Draw out a plan and make sure that you put

Slate tiles are very efficient when used in the kitchen since these are very durable and does a great job of camouflaging dirt and other messes in the area. There are so many textures and tones to choose from that will perfectly match your taste and style. Learn how to choose the right slate tiles for your kitchen as well as some installation tips. Slate tiles provide a very nice, warm and comfortable atmosphere with their earth-colored hues since they come from natural rocks. They may come in black, gray, brown, beige, red, blue, green, purple and many others at varying shades. You may choose solid color slate tiles all across your kitchen floor or go country or European style with multicolored ones that have shades of gold and brown over black or dark blue.There are also several shapes t

Grace's kitchen project is, I guess, 2/3 done at this point. Here was the plan.  I think it was a few days before I left for Denmark in August, Grace didn't feel comfortable with the plan (the cabinets had already been ordered) so I told her to come by my office and let's figure it out.  I came up with an alternative plan after our meeting and Grace was happy. This entire general design reflect's Grace's desire to have continuous countertops everywhere, yet to keep things interesting over and under the counters. She wanted a sort of country/Tuscan feel, yet with modern conveniences. This type of style was what we were after. FAST FORWARD TO LAST WEEKAfter mulling it over for some weeks, Grace decided to make a big change. She decided she didn't love the entire upper section

Featured by www.OwnHomeStyle.com By James Mahoney Today’s modern kitchen serves as a family hub of household activity and entertaining. They are now well lit, open places. The kitchen’s size and design should address your family’s lifestyle and how your kitchen is used for cooking, eating and entertaining. Since the kitchen is called on to fill more roles than any other room in the house they have had to increase in size as well. Today’s kitchen design challenge is in creating an open-faced kitchen - one that’s part of a dining area, family room or so-called great room. Both the function and style of the modern kitchen play important roles when tackling a kitchen design or renovation project. If you’re remodeling an existing kitchen or planning a kitchen addition or a new home, here is some current kitchen design trends to keep in mind. One of the more recent trends in modern kitchen design ideas is to make the kitchen part of a ‘great room&rs

by: Guy Morris It has often been said that the heart of the home is the kitchen. If that is really true, then why is it that some kitchen designs just don’t seem to support more than one cook or... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Coming soon...an honest, green, kitchen. A stunningly simple, organic, yet adaptable, point of view. Solid wood. Solid design.  Available in the New York area (for the first time), in the first quarter of 08 from...me! (more details soon!)  

What a weekend! On Saturday, I dragged my husband to go to a seminar on green kitchen design in Princeton, New Jersey, Miele's headquarters. Let me tell you, their headquarters are absolutely gorgeous. Modern, colorful, beautifully designed. What a treat. The seminar was filled with great information, which I have to gather together and make several posts of shortly. Very informative and will report back shortly. The seminar was over at about 1:30, and we began the drive back toward Long Island, over the beautiful Verrazano Bridge. When we were in the sort of beachy Brooklyn area on the Belt Parkway, I said, you know, part of me feels like driving to the Hamptons. My husband said, "let's go!" Crazy kids that we are, we did just that...into the remains of a hurricane which came fairly close to Long Island, resulting in wind and rain...very cozy, if not fun to drive in!We stopped at a few great shops, and by this time it was around 4:30. I was immediately inspired! The first

We've all heard that, and if you haven't, you will, that materials for green kitchens can be more expensive than non green materials. So, what, then, for those who need to be on a budget, I'm talking a bona fide small budget, and you want to be green, and you also want a wonderful kitchen? Here are options! I recently wrote about my kitchen, but in this context, it's a different story! Do what I did First, let me clarify that our intent with our own kitchen was not necessarily to be "green." Our intent was to be resourceful.  At the time we did this, the green drumbeat was yet to be heard in a significant way. We needed a new kitchen, had some expensive family events coming up, and could not also do the "dream" kitchen, so, we chose to be resourceful and budget oriented. I clearly remember saying these words to myself, as I contemplated our lack of a budget: "You're a designer, design something!" Looking back, I cannot believe all of the green ki

So, I've been writing this blog for almost eight months now and I've only touched the tip of the iceberg. I've enjoyed much positive feedback. I want this blog to have substance, not just pretty pictures, and I want to share my thoughts with you on the broad and often complex topic of kitchen design and being a kitchen designer. At this point, I'd like to pause and hear from you! Tell me what you think, I want to know! If you have more then one answer, please comment too! Update: I'm watching what you want, thank you for the feedback! More emphasis on kitchen images to come. I'm relieved you like the Scandinavian kitchens...just wait till you see what I have to show you! More of what you are asking for, keep voting... Survey - Take Our Poll

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 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 Denmar

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 coun

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

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 kn

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, Shingl

I received my copy of Better Homes & Gardens, which is sent to me automatically since I'm subscribed to Decorating Inspiration, a good resource by the way, and I saw a major featured kitchen in this issue that was also on display at KBIS. I had taken photos of this kitchen, which are the top three, below. This issue is out now with lots of other images and information on this kitchen. It is the August issue. The real point I want to make about this kitchen is to encourage my readers to consider its style. My sense, which I hope I can communite effectively, is that this is one of a "type" of kitchen style, that, is just that, about (kitchen) style alone. It's not about history, architecture, or about one's unique personality being reflected in the kitchen design. It's simply all about how to style a kitchen, end of story.  It's the kind of thing that I know it when I see it! I've seen it many times before, and to me, it is a distinctive look, this all encompassi

You've all heard of the work triange in regard to kitchen design. There is so much to discuss regarding kitchen design, and I've already discussed many topics on this blog, but have not yet touched on this most well known of topics, the work triangle.I've recently been asked some questions by an editor about the work triangle for future publication in a shelter magazine, so it got me thinking. I'll tell you my thoughts on this topic. And, I'll try very, very hard to keep it interesting! That Was ThenIn the old days, oh, up to as recently as 5 years back, kitchen design was straight forward. The work triangle served the vast majority of America very well for decades! Why? Because our choices were limited. The key ingredient in keeping kitchen design on the straight and narrow, in my mind, was standard(ized) appliances. A societal component contributed to kitchen design maintaining the status quo as well...that is, the singular definition of "what is a family?" There was r

I sold a kitchen to my client, Grace, today. We've been working together since January. Lots of stops and starts, beginning with Asian design and ending up with a Tuscan themed design! Here are a few very simplistic images of what we're planning. They have not been embellished with wall and backsplash details, they are just simple line drawings. I'd like to point a few things out to you.FloorplanSee the orange dots? That delineates, or transitions, the working part of the kitchen from the dining/furniture area of the kitchen. This is by design so that there is a frame of reference across the width of the room, and the length for that matter. Grace wanted an expanded work area, and she also wanted to interact with her guests, AND, she needed to seat five people within the space. See the large window parallel to the table? It's a very large window, and very low, so the cooktop had to veer off at that angle, which actually works quite well. I don't love the configuration of the

I've added a new category, "Kitchen Design Details". Sometimes, I'll come across a useful piece of information, or am reminded by a detail from an image that I feel might be important to pass on, so I thought I'd create this new category.It's funny how this happens. Today, I saw an image in the hot, new, building and design site, PointClickHome. I immediately honed in on the built in banquette. First, let me say, this is a beautiful image, isn't it? It is a lovely representation of a rectiliniar design.What I want to highlight in this image is the height of the banquette, nothing else. When planning a banquette, consider the following:What is your table height?Will you want a cushion on the top of the banquette?How comfortable will you want the banquette to be? If you want super comfort, then think in terms of THICK cushions, sofa-like, as much as 4-5" thick, and watch the firmess of the cushions as the cushions dimension will then compress easily or not, chang

So, I've been real busy since KBIS, and I took so many pictures and brought back so much information that I have more to share with you! The "Idea Center", which is either three or four full, real, kitchens, produced on the KBIS site in a wonderful, huge area, was, as usual, well, wonderful! Meredith Corp., produces these kitchens, each from a particular magazine, and each has a specific theme. It is a trends spotting experience also! In this case, trends that I am spotting are:a soft contemporary stylingwalls of tile or stonerustic featuresan eclectic lookmini version of a work stations conceptcomfortable feelinglarge, multi-functional sinkFrom the press release: Midwest Living's kitchen at KBIS, "Back to Basics" is a relaxing weekend retreat, with its ‘back-to-nature’ kitchen and bath space. Pairing the Heartland’s agricultural heritage with contemporary cabinetry and appliances, the converted barn is designed to relax and enhance the weekend g

After some time spent thinking and planning, I'd like to announce a new line of services to a whole new group of clients - those who find me online! I am pleased to introduce kitchen consultation services.This is an issue that I've been thinking about for some time, and for which I see a real need. There are so many reasons that one might want to reach out and get much needed short term advice from a professional kitchen designer. Oddly, in my industry, this service is extremely hard to find, and practically nonexistent...until now.Step by Step It's my personal philosophy in life to take large issues in steps, where possible, and stay flexible. To take one step at a time, reevaluate, then another step, reassess, and so on. For those who may not be able to commit the resources necessary to hire a kitchen design professional, let alone one with certification and recognition in the kitchen and bath world, or who would like to get started more slowly, especially considering a designer

Here is a list off the top of my head of the trends that I observed at KBIS. Since I am at the airport now (3 hour delay, let's add that to the mishaps below post) with my power cord packed (why did I do that?) I am unable right now to work with my images. Nevertheless, here is what I observed as coming on strong for kitchens '07 and beyond. I will take some of these one by one and expand on them in the days ahead, with images and notes. Here's what's happening! trough sinks - long, narrow, multi use sinks....secondary sinksorganically shaped sinks - maybe long and curvy, seeing even moresinks with multiple functions - more than ever, more accessories, flexibilitybrown metals - a rainbow of brown metals from mid to dark colorsblack - Black is HUGE...more to followdark colors - meaning dark wood finishes in cabinetrytile walls - strong trend for wall coveringslight countertops - sandy, earthy, subtle, casualthicker counters - anything from 2" to 7"!green - meaning eco frie

I eagerly anticipated watching a cooking demonstration today at the Turbo Chef booth. Charlie Trotter, famed chef, cooked a 4 course meal, with courses taking from 45 seconds to cook, to 6 minutes, in the Turbo Chef oven. I tasted a wonderful artichoke salad (I should have kept the menu!) Charlie Trotter is a true believer in the Turbo Chef. For 2007, Turbo Chef is launching a single 30" oven. It will make designing in Turbo Chef ovens just a little bit easier. I had the opportunity to speak with Charlie Trotter after the demonstration about his own, personal, kitchen. Check back to see images from today's demonstration. Here's what he says:

The March issue of Metropolis (mysteriously just received today) has a wonderful feature on "Total Access", three European kitchen companies, dedicating their modern design expertise to universal kitchen design, very aesthetically appealing, very cool. Metropolis talks about 16% of the European population already being over 65!    The kitchens included in this entry are Snaidero (top/center images) and Valcucine. Up to now, universal design was virtually an after thought design-wise.  To me, it looks as if universal design thinking for kitchen ergonomics and aesthetics is clearly ahead of the curve. There is more to learn in this feature article. Better get your copy now, it's almost April!  

There’s lots of room for multiple cooks in this kitchen A lot of design goes into a kitchen. While some are intuitive, the National Kitchen and Bath Association standardizes the minimum distances. Instead of going through a whole list, here’s a few of the more important design areas: 1. The Work Triangle consists of the cooktop, refridgerator, and the sink. There are the “work horses” of your kitchen, so we minimize excessive movement and give you a good flow. 2. Walkway Clearance matters when you have an island or a peninsula in an enclosed space — aim for at least 36″. In higher traffic areas, or with multiple cooks, that number bumps up to 42″+. 3. Appliances, such as the microwave, should be placed in high traffic areas. You don’t want to have to walk all the way across the kitchen just to use the microwave for two minutes.

A look at the resurgence of solid wood worktops and cabinets in kitchen design over industrial materials such as steel and chrome.

Re-modelling your kitchen is one of the more interesting projects that you can carry out within the house Choosing what design to go for can be a bit daunting as generally re-modelling a kitchen can be quite expensive and can be quite high pressure