Holiday Cooking

Holiday Cooking has everything to do with flexible kitchen design. Flexibility in kitchen design, as I define it, is having the foresight to plan adequately for multiple lifestyle scenarios such as holiday cooking...as simple as that. Foresight is security!

I do a lot of thinking and observing in and immediately around the borders of my kitchen, both as the action is happening and in later reflection. I am nearly always taking a fresh as well as an analytical look at what happens in my own kitchen. I'd like to share some thoughts about what happened in my kitchen over last weekend which was very revealing.

My husband and I hosted a dinner for our friends, just one other couple. I chose the menu, not for the number of pots and pans to be used, but for the food I wished to serve. Nothing unusual about that. I have a 36" gas cooktop in my kitchen which I inherited when I moved to this home a year ago.

A question: Is there anyone who feels that a 36" five burner cooktop is truly useful? If you find this cooktop useful, please comment, I'm waiting to be enlightened! Me, I'm convinced it's not useful beyond four burners and has few advantages over a 30" size cooktop...and this weekend was my final realization of that. The small extra space between the side burners is of little advantage. That said, it's a completely subjective statement, I know.

Needing numerous pieces of cooking equipment in the course of preparing the main course, I found myself stacking one pan on top of another as dishes needed to be removed from the heat and/or replaced with another pot since the surrounding countertop was only partially available. It felt like, and was, near chaos, as I think back.  It was the antithesis of enjoyable, and I love to cook.

This past weekend's cooking experience surely illustrated the importance of countertop space! But, in giving thought to how a kitchen can be, perhaps, more orderly and efficient during the cooking process, flexibility came to mind. One flexible solution? A portable induction cooktop. I'd like to share two good brand name portable induction cooktops with you. Let's also compare a few of the more important specs. 

Viking Portable Induction Cooker and Fagor's Portable Induction Cooktop

POWER:

• Viking: 1800 watts
• Fagor: 1300 watts

Comment:  Be aware that the watts of a typical induction burner on a cooktop is in the area of 3000. That said, even at 1800 watts, it may not be the best idea to keep a dish cooking on that level for extended periods, given the likelihood of a lack of exhaust ventilation where the portable cooktop is placed. Think about how much power you need...is it for low heat/simmering which could be very helpful, or to boil that pot of water, or both?

SIZE/WEIGHT: 

• Viking: 12"x15" 17 lbs
• Fagor: 12"x14" 7 lbs

 CONTROLS: 

• Viking: Knob with six power levels including simmer/infinite settings between levels
• Fagor: Touch Pad (with timer, counts down from 180 minutes) Has six power levels beginning at 190 degrees

Don't forget that cooking equipment used with induction cooktops will hold a normal household magnet as a test of its suitability. If it does not hold a magnet, it will not work with induction. Leave adequate space around a portable unit too so it does not overheat. Take a look to see if there is a particularly good spot in the kitchen that could be a designated "second cooking" area when your cooking is under pressure. Amazon has more portable induction cooktops for sale, but I know these two appliances as good, reliable, brands. 

Had I had a portable unit, I think I would have been very much more organized in the kitchen and felt more in control. Portable induction cooktops have a viable place in many kitchens truly offering the ultimate in flexible cooking. Being in control feels goooood.

First image from Fagor, second...Viking.

Holiday Kitchens

Decorating the kitchen for the holidays is often overlooked as we go about decorating the rest of our home (and we have many big and small holidays in December not the least of which is Underdog Day on December 17)! We're probably in the kitchen even more during this period of time (National Brownie Day is December 8th) so here are a variety of ideas - traditional, fresh, modern, green to add spirit to our kitchens.

Ten Ways To Add That Holiday Spirit 

1. Replace your collections and accessories around the kitchen to a single color theme for a unifying color story - sounds easy, and it is - all objects are one color. 

2. Change your collections and replace with objects of a common theme - a reindeer theme, a Hannukah star or dreidel theme, and so on. Watch the creeping clutter factor! Group similar shapes and forms for a simple, yet strong, impact. Or, one large item, with multiple small items grouped around. Or, alternating small and large pieces in a roughly 1/3 (small size height) related to an object that is an additional 2/3 taller in height along a line, makes an interesting pattern - short/tall/short/tall, etc.

3. Add decorative lights (disregard word "Christmas" on site-lots of different colors for various holiday themes). Lighting can go above wall cabinetry, under an island countertop, underneath a toekick, surrounding a window or a backsplash. Look for unique patterns to create with solar or led lights.

4. Bring in new linens in your holiday color - tea towels, placemats, table cloths, napkins. Replace seat cushions or add slipcovers

5. Gather large, downed, tall and thin branches, grouped together or used in singles. Position them standing up in corners of a room, as is, spray painted in your holiday color, adding lights and ornaments if desired, or just a single colored ribbon on various branches. Gather acorns and pine cones. Paint all or a few and use decoratively as ornaments, line up on a window sill or shelf for a lovely natural holiday effect. Save for next year. 

6. Place holiday ornaments in a glass or other large bowl in one or more places, small or large ornaments in small or large bowls, any way it looks right to you. So easy, so festive.

7. Make a string of ornaments - attach to ribbon (tied or glued on) and frame a window, follow a ceiling line, make vertical "stripes" on a single wall from floor to ceiling, create a concentric circular motif as a wall feature

8. Hang a number of single ornaments in any motif from the ceiling a short distance, up to approximately 8" long, surrounding a light fixture, in a freeform pattern, or another motif that attracts the eye

9. Add candles, candles, candles (with care and safety in mind!) Candles in one color throughout the home, different sized candles grouped together, candles surrounded by ornaments on a tray. The season for candles is here!

10. Bunch together 6-12 ornaments (may be similar or varying proportions and situated at different heights), tie together with ribbon and/or glue and hang in a doorway, below a lighting fixture, from the ceiling in a logical place, in the window for a modern, cheerful, jumble of color and form. 

Bonus Idea

AFTER the holidays (or instead to celebrate the coming winter solstice) use white in various ways to add reflecting light to your space, adding a bright feeling to lift the spirits and a true celebration of the winter season. Don't stop at the holidays! Images: top- CB2 catalog, middle- BoligLiv magazine, bottom- Martha Stewart.com

The Kitchen Table

The kitchen table. There is a certain kind of magic that happens around a table. The table becomes a catalyst, a force, that, surrounded by people with positive thoughts and love in their hearts, makes them ever more connected as the words fly about, laughter erupts, a meal ebbs and flows.

As I design my kitchens, I visualize this "future magic" at work and think in terms of ambiance and comfort. Second to the function of the kitchen? Never.

Beyond the Thanksgiving meal "event," as a host or a visiting guest these next days, don't miss the magic that is happening at the kitchen table. It appears at breakfast, while sharing a late night snack, or for all other reasons one gathers 'round the table.

This type of magic is real. I was fortunate to experience it last evening with loved ones crowded around the kitchen table. I hope you do too, and if you are so inclined, please share your thoughts with me.

It's Complicated - The Kitchen & Traditional Home

The movie, "It's Complicated" with Meryl Street, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, to be released December 25, is partially about (yes!) the renovation of a kitchen (as well as love and divorce). A sneak peek of the kitchen is in this month's Traditional Home Holiday 2009 edition.

Set designer John Hutman notes that the kitchen (pre renovation) has "individual style." He says "it's makeshift and funky." Set decorator Beth Rubino, who also designed the set for "Something's Gotta Give, " and Hutman both studied Tuscan, California, and French kitchens to find their inspiration for the type of kitchen Meryl Streep's character, a bakery owner, would feel most comfortable in. The curtained fronts and open shelving work this theme. Interestingly, lots of creams and beiges were used to enhance the tone of Streep's complexion! I can only speculate that orange and black accents add contrast and life, respectively. The lighting fixtures tie in the stainless appliances and add a cool/warm juxtaposition to the front area of the kitchen.

I'm SO happy that Meryl Street is renovating that kitchen. Yes, it's charming. But, beyond charm, the range is situated in a very unfortunate spot just next to the wall, the hood is positioned way too high and as a baker, I'd imagine Meryl may want a lower baking surface for ergonomic reasons. Next time Hollywood wants a movie about a kitchen renovation, I have some stories that I can submit which would surely get the green light. ;)

Here are additional images from Remodelista!

Kitchen Design Notes And Experiences

This post may sound self serving, and, well, it IS, and it is rare that I am quite this direct, but what I want to do is illustrate, specifically, why a client must continue to ask questions of his/her kitchen designer throughout the entire design process, even if you, the client, think it's a question not worth asking, or worse, assume that you instinctively know the answer!

Here is the crux of this post: a client, now immersed in the world of kitchens, sometimes, mostly, or nearly always, believes that he/she knows the (sole, and "right") solutions to the issues in his/her kitchen project, depending on the client, of course. You, the client, do the research and talk to lots of knowledgeable people. As a result, you may feel that it is not necessary to ask your kitchen designer some of your questions. It's only one question...you don't want to take the time to call, it's a minor issue, you feel you can figure it out yourself, your friend/mother/contractor/husband/wife knows as much or more than the kitchen designer, among other reasons.

That way of thinking is a very big mistake! 

Here are examples of some very casual questions that my clients have asked me, which could just as easily NOT have been asked.  I'm glad these questions were asked, or bad things could have happened! Others are examples of questions which were not asked...and bad things happened!

I'm considering cooktop A or cooktop B - which do you think looks better? My response: If you choose cooktop A, your cabinet will have to be reconfigured. At the time the question was asked, the factory could still change the cabinet configuration, but it could have been an enormous and costly problem once the cabinetry was delivered, should the wrong cooktop have been chosen without my knowledge. Enormous. Costly. Problem. Warranty issues too.

Just leave enough room, I'll select a refrigerator later. Air clearances on the sides, back, and top of NON built-in refrigerators vary. The refrigerator must be selected during the design process, all appliances must, otherwise the choice may have, again, an enormous impact on the cabinetry surrounding the refrigerator, your warranty, not to mention the hassle of having to send the appliance back, if it can be returned (you know, thrown out box and all!)

Here's what I bought, it's coming Tuesday: "A" brand cooktop and "B" brand downdraft. My response: These appliances cannot physically fit together inside the cabinet and will not work. It took me five minutes to figure out and the client didn't believe me for at least three days, putting his belief into the appliance salesman instead who sold him this combination. Had I not been told this purchase was made, the countertop templating would have been delayed, possibly by a few weeks and either the cooktop or downdraft would have had to be returned, or possibly both!

My interior designer is designing the hood: Is he/she aware of a) the cfm requirements for your cooktop/lifestyle issues b) ducting/duct path issues c) how to size a hood (width/depth/height off cooktop) d) a wide variety of stylistic sources to suit the kitchen's theme that a kitchen design professional deals with on a regular basis? Just asking!

Flooring Debacle: I was not consulted on the flooring on a kitchen project and observed that the rectilinear lines of the tile, which had another outside rectilinear shaped insert that connected to it, had no relationship whatsoever with the strong curves of the kitchen, including having no frame of reference or relationships to walls and doorways. It just. doesn't. work. Bad choice.

Paint Colors on walls and/or trim: Ah, a common issue! In most cases, it works out if I am not consulted. In some notable cases, it's a very sad (or I've seen it be a ridiculous looking) mistake. 

Cabinet/kitchen design: The client turns to a trusted allied professional who designs a kitchen every other year, if that, putting me into the position of a follower. I will do that; I am paid the same whether I lead or follow, but it's an unfortunate situation for the client's sake when they hire me and look toward others for advice on something that I do every day and have done for 20+ years. Thus, sometimes it's like watching a multiple car crash in slow motion. I express my opinion during the process in a professional and caring way. The client cannot "hear" me. It's ok for me...not so much for the client. 

My (whoever) is designing the tile for the backsplashes. My response: Great! True story: In two featured areas within a very expensive kitchen, any trained design professional would sadly shake their head at the obvious out of whack proportions of the (large/important) tile design that was done for my client. Out of whack can be creative or it can just look wrong. In my practice, several tile designs are planned and drawn to scale so balance and proportion can be analyzed with a critical eye...mine.

I will get my own corbels for under the hood. My response: Great! In one project of mine that was published, the corbels are out of proportion to an extreme as they relate to the hood...large hood, teeny tiny corbels. Looks silly, and sad. 

You know, sometimes I only supply the cabinetry, and sometimes I supply cabinetry, countertops, tile, lighting, flooring, and more, or any combination thereof. Often, I may also be asked to consult on color. Sometimes fees apply, depending on the scope of the consultations, if it will become a time factor, and most often, I do not charge anything if there are quick questions here and there throughout the project on products that I am not supplying. I'm happy to help. I want to know my clients' considered selections. It just makes sense to get your kitchen designer involved in every (yes, every) decision that has to do with your kitchen. What appears to be a small decision-if it has anything to do with balance, proportion, scale, contrast, texture, of your kitchen, or has to do with function (a minor detail) is not a small issue. It's a big issue! It may be a forever decision!

I care deeply about my clients' kitchens. I'm very far from a designer who needs control. Quite the opposite of having a controlling nature, I feel my role is to offer choices. Dear clients of kitchen designers everywhere...not to even ASK your kitchen designer a few questions about your selections, because you think you know what's best, is blasphemy unfortunate. I'm here to help, AND, I have a whole lot of information, experience, and designer's tips, tricks, and resources, to help you and to guide you!

Let me say it this way...we (most of us kitchen designers) know better than you do in regard to the discipline of kitchen design. We care (most of us) and you should at the very minimum, keep us in the loop. That's all, just keep us in the loop, KEEP asking questions....and listen. Not obey, just listen. Listen to the kitchen designer you hired with an open mind. Be aware of who you are influenced by and why. That's your power and your wisdom. For those of you who do not have a kitchen designer, you may want to go here. 

My goodness, do I wish I could go in my image files to illustrate some of these issues that I have mentioned!

Sears Appliances - Kenmore Too!

Yesterday, just outside of Chicago, I attended a multi-brand appliance event, hosted by Sears. It was quite an eye opening experience, as Sears appliances, quite honestly, have not been on the radar in my business. Exactly why I needed to get with the program increase my awareness, so I welcomed this opportunity.

First, my conclusions: Sears understands their appliance-purchasing customer and has responded with an on-target, modern, line-up of appliances as they completely rebrand the 60 year old Kenmore line.

They also understand that it is beneficial to interact more closely with their customer and we will be seeing more of that commitment, hopefully in the very near future in some very interesting ways. The Sears Blue Appliance Crew is Sears' answer to providing all of the assistance that today's VERY busy families need surrounding the purchase of an appliance. The numbers are showing that the Sears Blue Appliance Crew is addressing those needs. That's a good start!

One of the most interesting pieces that I came away with is that Sears management team "knows what they don't know" and they recognize kitchen designers as a group with a few valuable brain cells from whom Sears, and their treasured customers, can learn...but you knew THAT, didn't you? Kudos, props, high five and a fist bump!

I was impressed by the Heroes at Home a charitable initiative helping military service families.

One more headline: they have a female appliance designer who recently revamped the Kenmore laundry line to stunning (yes, stunning) results (I did not remember her name) and she exudes all passion, all art, all design (odd grammar, but it fits). Very impressive. 

So, without consulting my notes or other information for this post, I wanted to be guided by my takeaway thoughts at this moment. More on Sears' appliance news in a little while...can you say "20,000 btu gas burner?"

Kitchen Design Consulting - Long Island & Metro New York

Finally! Just what Long Island and metro New York needs: in-person, unbiased, professional kitchen design consulting services. Although the emphasis on the page talks about kitchen design phone consultations, local in-person consultations are available as well. My local area is all of Long Island, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as fits, regionally, into the "metro New York" region.

More information can be found in this post, introducing this service. 

My Kitchen Design Consulting service can be helpful if you:

• are stuck on any one, or several, specific design issues
• would like a general second opinion on your design
• need a visit to your jobsite prior to a cabinet order
• are a DIYer but see the value of a professional evaluation/overview
• are unsure about materials
• are unsure about style/theme/color
• need help with appliance selection
• need assistance with countertop issues (selection, durability, templates)
• have questions on a backsplash design
• need help with any other issue surrounding your kitchen design project

Travel beyond 15 miles (in one direction) is $50 per hour over that minimum distance.

Call me: 631.754.0464 or email me: susan @ susanserraassociates.com to make an appointment. I'm here for you!

Kitchen Design Consulting

I've been offering kitchen design consulting services informally and have not devoted a special page on my blog to this service until now. 

I am very pleased to formally introduce the One Hour Phone Consultation!

Call me about...well, anything related to your kitchen design project that is just not sitting right with you and for which you need a first OR a second opinion. 

I am happy to provide this kitchen design consulting service which can be invaluable to those who otherwise are at a loss as to what decision to make, be it in regard to products, design issues, style issues, or so many other issues that come up in the lengthy course of the kitchen remodeling process. 

I'm here for you!

When you do a kitchen once, maybe twice, I feel it is, in fact, a smart and responsible decision to seek advice from a professional...advice which can enhance your lifestyle in the kitchen, your enjoyment of your kitchen in an aesthetic or functional way, and provide "access" to a high end kitchen designer for a reasonable cost in the context of an overall kitchen budget.

Please call on me to work through your kitchen issues, whatever they may be. I'm looking forward to speaking with you personally!

Open Kitchen Floorplan Or Closed?

The results are in! Thank you for taking the survey! The topic of the kitchen floorplan survey was spur of the moment for me. I had just finished a marathon session designing my own kitchen (in a dreamlike state as it is at least a year or two off). Suddenly, grappling with issues and questions pertaining to a wide open (to the entire main floor) vs. a partially open floorplan, I thought it would be very interesting to hear what others thought...especially now. So, I put up a quick poll and noted it on Twitter.

Now, we are in, what many think, is a different time, a kitchen "evolution". Many of us are enjoying our homes in a renewed way. We're cooking more, entertaining more, we're together more, a mix of multi-generations coming together. We're becoming reacquainted with our homes and finding great comfort there. I'd written about how the kitchen was changing in the past 2 years prior to the "Great Recession" but that event put this trend on the fast track. We want to be together more. Therefore, more activities are taking place in the kitchen. Yes, even more than we've previously read about over the years in all the magazines. 

In the 80s and 90s, the walls suddenly came down between our kitchens and dining rooms or family rooms. That is why the island became the "must have" element in the kitchen. The kitchen became even more social. And, that trend continued. It's only increased in importance, as a social magnet, as the years went on. 

I predict that islands will become even bigger in terms of their size. I predict that little by little, our cabinetry will leave the perimeter walls, or at least one or two of the walls, and will become centered in the kitchen, where possible. I see a change. I think it's in the air, but still in the clouds a bit, perhaps. 

I think a lot about this topic, and I always have...where we are in our kitchens now, what we might want, how we live in them, contemplating the future.

So, on to the survey!

The survey had 150 responses, a good number. Next time I may keep it up longer. But, here's where it gets really interesting...

For a period of time on Twitter, I put out tweets with a link to the survey. Suddenly, I realized that I forgot to put the survey on my blog, but that was quite awhile after it had appeared on Twitter. I was very surprised at what happened next. 

The results from Twitter were markedly different from the results on my blog. I find that fascinating and here's why. On Twitter, I follow many designers, industry leaders, allied professionals and manufacturers of kitchen related products. THAT segment of the responses far and away responded to the survey from many to fewer responses in the order that the questions were asked. I did not capture those statistics because I did not expect this differing result, which was to come (afterward). Thus, far more responses on Twitter voted for a wide open, loft-like kitchen environment. 

Those who voted in the survey on the blog wanted their kitchens less open. I saw fast and consistent results in this pattern, as I monitored the survey.

Here are the original questions that were asked and the OVERALL percentages:

If you could choose, would you like the kitchen to be open to surrounding living areas or closed off?

• totally wide open to surrounding living areas, loft-like 25.5%

• open just to one living area 38%

• partially open kitchen (barriers, 1/2 walls) 27%

• closed off from all surrounding rooms 9.5%

These results tell me several things:

Forget about wanting to cook in private. We don't want to be isolated or need to be. That era is over for the vast majority of people.

Considering that there were more blog responses than Twitter responses (blog responses generally did not favor a loft-like kitchen) I think it's very interesting that the (overall) responses to the first question was as high as it was. We're moving toward wanting our spaces to be even more open. That's what that number of 25.5% tells me. I think it's impressive, and interesting.

The kitchen being partially open at 27% assumes that homeowners are comfortable being somewhat exposed to surrounding living areas. So, I'm thinking that if we put the first and second numbers together, they are sending a strong message toward designing the kitchen into an open floorplan. And, perhaps the 27% number represents those who currently have closed off kitchens, and are taking a small step visually toward a more open space, but not too open. But, I cannot be sure of this interpretation.

The difference in who the respondents are...professionals primarily in the design industry on Twitter vs. the general public, my readers, who responded to the blog survey, is also interesting. While at first, the difference in the voting results between the two groups was a surprise, I think the "Twitter effect" must underscore the comfort level of design/industry professionals in regard to, perhaps:

• wanting the eye to travel further in the space
• a desire to have freedom of movement
• a desire to unite several areas creatively under a common theme
• an understanding that a dwelling with multiple people in an open space can foster relationships in a positive way, invite togetherness, along with a physical ease of communication

And, I'm sure there are other issues that these respondents considered. 

In short, it tells me that the Twitter respondents have a unique vision. The response of the blog readers tells me that they increasingly wish to be in a mostly open space, most likely for some of the very same reasons just mentioned. 

I know I've gone on forever. Please tell me your thoughts about this topic!

Images: KLMDesign (1) and Boligmagasinet (2)

Random Kitchen Musings

Just a few little things...

PLEASE take this survey: Kitchen Floorplan: Open Or Closed? It's seemingly a simple question, but the results are fascinating as the votes are coming in. I'll share them with you shortly. Please cast your vote. It takes 10 seconds or less, and I'd love to know what you all want, or dream of, for your own kitchen design concept. UPDATE: SURVEY IS CLOSED

Please also go to my blogging buddy Renovation Therapy's blog...that is, if you'd like to win an Itouch Ipod! Again, it's fast, easy, and it could be yours! While you're at it, read a few posts...she's wickedly smart, insightful, funny, cool...not in that order, although the smart part is probably at the front of the line. I better quit while I'm ahead. 

Take a look at Natalie Blake's wall art...in the form of handmade tiles. These are not just any tiles. They are sculptural in their form, sensuous, with curves everywhere. Unulun tile gets its name from the undulating form of the tile. Rich, strong, colors. Grouped together as wall art, its three dimensional perspective delights and attracts the eye. In other words, they are, to me, amazing. I first saw this tile at the Architectural Digest show in New York and immediately asked to take photographs, and I couldn't stop. Enjoy!

More randomness...I'm beginning to play with my own kitchen design. This will be the fourth time I've designed a kitchen for myself/my family (I almost forgot about them.) I have no immediate plans to do the kitchen although it will need to be done at some point in the next couple of years, hopefully. But, I became inspired and am catching the bug to design my kitchen. I think it begins with an "o".....obsession!

Don't forget to take the survey!

What about you? Are you obsessed with your kitchen?

Woodworking Woes

Here's an email message I received:

From: Tracy

Subject: kitchen banquette

Message: My woodworker was supposed to make my kitchen banquette 17" high and it ended up being 18.5". Now with my 3" cushions, the seating comes in at 21.5". It looks attractive, but it's higher than I would have liked. I paid a decent buck for the custom banquette and cushions. What do you advise?

Tracy, there are multiple issues in this short email. 

First, does your woodworker acknowledge that there is a mistake? It's understandable that you did not measure it until he was done because, of course, you trust him. 

Second, I'm not sure that that 1 1/2" will make much of a difference. I mean, with these numbers, yes, the lower the better. But, I think it will still feel high. As a comparison, I normally (depending on the cushion) set the height of my banquettes somewhere between 14 and 15", usually around 14-14 1/2", anticipating a 4-5" thick cushion. For a 3" cushion, I'd probably size it somewhere around 15 1/2-16" high. 

Third, this matters if he is not acknowledging an error. Do you have documentation on how high the banquette was to be?

Fourth, if he does acknowledge that it was not accurately sized, and if you decided you wanted it lower than originally planned, ask him to make it lower. 

Fifth, are there any decorative panels on the face of the banquette?

Sixth, are there any other issues such as wallpaper or other moldings or the rear of the banquette if there is one, that is affected?

Those are my preliminary thoughts, knowing nothing more than what you've told me so far. I hope this works out for you. 

It's a rare client who will think to take a tape measure to woodwork that has been installed, nor is it their responsibility to do so. But, in a case like this, where the piece is finished, I do think Tracy deserves to get what she originally paid for, however it has to be worked out by the woodworker. What do you think?

The Kitchn - Fall Kitchen Cure

You know that saying, that a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client? I can relate, especially when I see the notice for the fall Kitchn Cure. I've meant to do this before, and I'd really like to get into it this time. I'm always open to learning from others...and new organizational concepts sound helpful, to say the least. They always have a plan for a happy and healthy kitchen! It's a great community effort, best of all. 

Sign up here! 

MY POSTS ON KITCHEN DESIGN AROUND THE WEB

I do a fair amount of writing for other wonderful blogs, and it's time that I gather together some recent posts I've done and put them all in one place in case you have missed them. Here we go:

DECORATI.COM

Fine Dining...In The Kitchen! 

White Kitchens - A Philosophy

A Few Of My Favorite Things

French Country Kitchens - The Next Frontier?

Wood Flooring For Kitchens

Pyrolave - Countertops On Fire!

Beyond The Bar - Inspiration From ICFF

KBIS Couture

THE KITCHN SERIES ON COLOR IN THE KITCHEN

Kitchen Design - Color For The Long Term

Modern Kitchen Design - A New Authenticity

White Kitchens - The Absence of Color

Color In The Kitchen...On The Cheap!

A Pinch Of Sugar Color

HOME WORKSHOP

Ten Budget Ideas To Update Your Kitchen

Enjoy! (A quiz will be given next Monday...bring two #2 pencils.)

Thermador Appliances - Stepping It Up

A couple of days ago I went to an event hosted by Thermador at their showroom in Dumbo, Brooklyn, which, if you haven't been to either the showroom or Dumbo, I can tell you that they are both great destinations (well, you can go to Dumbo without going to the showroom, but you can't go to the showroom without going to Dumbo...I'm confused!) I've included images of the showroom...it's in one of those great, old, waterfront factories, steps away from crazy views of the Brooklyn bridge. 

The event was to showcase a myriad of recent developments...in a couple of cases I'd call them details, but, details are everything, especially to a blogger who is also a kitchen designer. My work is all about the details. No detail is unimportant, I've always said. They build on one another. So, here they are. 

Thermador is reintroducing their star burner (developed 11 years ago by Thermador) by elevating its position on the cooking surface, providing increased btu power with low simmer ability, and a quick clean surface below. Flexible cooking/effortless cleanup. 

The combination of Thermador's Sensor Dome infrared sensor technology and the industry's most powerful induction element, at 4600 watts and an expandable 13" wide diameter triple zone element monitors the temperature inside the pan, cycling it on and off to maintain a precise temperature.

The introduction of a dishwasher is Thermador's entry into high performance dishwashing. A 3 step "Rackmatic System", chef tool drawer, hand wash cycle, extra dry, and a very sexy sapphire glow lighting system (interior blue lighting) among other notable features, make this a dishwasher which must be considered...this is a "finally" for Thermador, to have a strong dishwasher in their line. 

A new easy installation system for Thermador's stainless steel refrigerators is now here. Built in modular refrigeration can now come with framed and pre-assembled panels and trims which offer a speedy installation and a new finished design, once installed. The fully flush collection continues to offer a completely seamless installation and design. It's about design flexibility...one of those details which makes the difference in how your refrigeration system is visually experienced. 

I took a good shot of the Brooklyn bridge while I was going into the city after the event with my iphone...while driving (I couldn't resist) Enjoy!

c/o The Maidstone East Hampton - Scandinavian Design

c/o The Maidstone, located in bucolic East Hampton, is a Swedish design tour de force. For design addicts and design junkies, it is a destination, a lesson in color, in light, in an eclectic historical and modern Swedish design.

At the moment, this post was further down on my list of things to do, but as is true for all of my posts, they come when I am inspired, and I just cannot hold on to these images any longer, I need to share them!

Nadia Tostoy, design director of c/o The Maidstone, desired to create a "Scandinavian cozy" theme, a historical yet modern environment. Inspired by Josef Frank fabrics, color is a foundation of c/o The Maidstone and the turquoise walls in the entrance and beyond immediately reach out to welcome a guest. C/o The Maidstone was purchased by Swedish hotelier Jenny Ljungberg, who injected a Swedish free spirit into the previously typical Hamptons "rustic chic" traditional spaces. I have had the pleasure of staying at the previous Maidstone Inn numerous times and this time we stopped by for a wonderful, lingering, breakfast, and the word "wonderful" is probably understated. This was last Saturday.

As many of you know, I have a passion for Scandinavian design by connection to my own Danish heritage and visits throughout my life to my families' homes in Denmark and Norway, so this visit was eagerly anticipated. As all the guest rooms were booked, I did not have the opportunity to see any of them, but I will in the future. 

As I study the interiors with a critical eye, well, before that, let me say that my first impression was an incredibly positive WOW...gorgeous, exciting, beautiful! I WAS excited (and I certainly still am!) As I take time now to look at my images, as in any interior, the question comes to mind...does it look "designed" or does it look like a natural compilation of pieces, particularly in the sitting rooms? To me, it looks, for the most part, carefully coordinated. For me, the standard for the evolved look is the traditional English interior which always seem to give the feeling of each and every piece having been added at a different time, but it all just blends, all the "lite" eclecticism of it. There is much eclecticism here, but it seems much more controlled. A nitpik might be that I may have liked to have seen a bit less Josef Frank. Not less color, necessarily. 

All that said, there IS much to be said as well for a controlled design perspective in a space like this. Selecting a few prominent threads to play/work with such as color, Josef Frank's textiles, the shade of gray, as themes, create a flow which serves to connect many multiple seating areas and which in this case is very interesting. There is a free spirit running rampant within these design threads as seen in the art installations, gray sheepskin throws over crisp white traditional shelving, and more which, to my eye, break rules in a very positive way. 

The juxtaposition of the dark, dark gray wall color and the extreme white ceilings and walls is, to me, perfection, and note the shiny ceilings. The flooring provides warmth in a lighter tone and within those neutrals, color chaos reigns supreme. To my eye, the antique Swedish rag rugs (I own 3, buy them here and scroll down) play a very important part in bringing a slightly worn authenticity to the space. I may have liked to have seen a bit more of that concept, just a bit. The traditional elements of the furnishings are welcome and their sculptural lines add a sort of friendly feeling. In fact, the furnishings are filled with sculptural lines, often in bright colors, which add a whimsical, yet sophisticated, look. 

For more information on Scandinavian interior design, visit Avolli, and Willow Decor. Also do not miss Emmas Designblog and PurpleArea. 

The BIG question is, what sort of kitchen would you design if we were inspired by this interior?

For Part II on this theme, I'll give you my thoughts...in the meantime, tell me what sort of kitchen you see here, and I promise I won't be influenced!

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OR VIEW IT IN BIG BEAUTIFUL IMAGES IN THIS SLIDE SHOW

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New Kitchen Products

I'm a bit lax on telling you about some new (or if not new, then cool) products. Here are a few interesting ones.

But, first, within this section is a product which I was asked to personally review. My policy, like many bloggers, is and has been (the one other time that I reviewed a product) that if I like the product, I will review it. If not, I will not. And, I mean, I will not. I do not ask to review products. Example: There is a product which I was approached about and was subsequently sent to me at least 2 months ago, maybe 3 months. There is a small kit which I needed for a certain type of installation in order to review it in a way that makes sense to my lifestyle and I requested it initially. The product functions perfectly without it, I can experience the end result, but it is not how I would normally use the product. I'll review the product if the kit comes unless there is a compelling reason not to. A second example is a colleague of nearly 20 years who sent me her just published book and asked me to review it. I felt the book was poorly written, declined with a diplomatic yet honest assessment, and that relationship declined as well. I have obligations to no one within my industry.

I see nothing wrong with sharing my personal use experiences that are connected to reviewing an occasional product. If I'm extremely enthusiastic about it, that will show. If it's a nice, simple, product that is a generally pleasant experience to use, that will show too. There will be decibels of difference in enthusiasm, so to speak, in my reviews which will honestly reflect my personal experience with a product. Will I say anything negative about a product? Sure. If I dislike it overall, I do not see the purpose of using this platform to make that type of (negative) announcement. In that case, I'm going to assume that it may just not speak to my lifestyle needs/wants. I think this concept serves no ill purpose, whatsoever. In fact, I think it's a positive and helpful service to my readers for a variety of reasons. I hope you think so too.

 MGS T45-DF One spout, two waterways built in, three levers: hot, cold, filtered. Normally, one has an extra spout mounted for filtered water. Made of solid stainless steel, lead free (of course) and NSF certified, it is 100% non toxic. Their own design team has created the faucet, and many others, which MGS calls innovative functionality, with an emphasis on convenience and performance. I am one who likes simple lines. I think simple often = elegance, and I do think this is a very elegant faucet system.

 Studio Italia Design has introduced a MUST SEE lighting fixture. Why? It redefines the single flourescent ceiling fixture in a huge way. Here are their words: "The Inpiega by Italian Designer Marco Ferreri is available as a sconce, table lamp, floor lamp or suspended fixture. It calls for fluorescent lamping and offers both direct and indirect light. With an entirely modern shape with geometric lines, the inner side is available in white, while the outer side can be done in white or raw aluminum."

GelPro floor mats GelPro asked me if I was interested in using their product in my home, and I accepted. I had certainly heard of GelPro when they first introduced their product, maybe a couple of years ago, and I had mild interest, but not much more than that.

Having moved into our new (not newly constructed) home 9 months ago and living with a tile floor (which I never had before) it made a lot of sense to try it. FYI...I did not design my kitchen in the images...it's 20 years old, so a renovation is in my future, for sure! 

I came home after a short trip last week, and my husband had the GelPro mat in place. My initial reaction was WOW! It looked really great. Upscale, cool, designer-y, I was extremely impressed. You must take a look at all of the styles and colors. The selection is fantastic. I was a little nervous, because some of the images to my eye did not look that promising, but it was helpful to see both close up and far away shots, in fact, very helpful. Because of those shots, I decided I wanted something that looked like a visible pattern from a ways away. It was very tough to pick a color, the options are great, but I settled on the deep, rich brown, which I LOVE.

The sensation, once I stood on the mat, was truly a surprise. I did not expect the surface to be so soft, especially given the particularly busy pattern. It looked like, and I expected it to be, a semi-tough top surface, for wear purposes. It was not-it was soft. It's great on the feet, it's not too soft and not too hard. I'm sorry I didn't take a closer look at GelPro earlier. The mats come in special "designer sizes" as they are referred to. In fact, there are many different sizes. The performance and looks far exceeded my expectations, very much so. I'm happy to be able to report this.

Sub Zero UC-15I Ice Maker - Sub Zero introduces an ice maker. At 15" wide, incorporating the flush installation Sub Zero is famous for, this appliance can easily fit anywhere. It makes 50 lbs of ice in one day and stores up to 25 lbs. Best news yet, the ice is produced with filtered water, and the filter even tells you when it needs to be changed! Now, that's good thinking. The controls are electronic, the face is stainless steel, and there is led lighting. This ice maker is approved for outdoor use...see the site for further details. Literally....cool!