retro kitchens - Nostalgia or Shredder Material? #8

Today is a special day. At The Parrish Museum in Southampton, New York, there currently is running an exhibition on Raymond Loewy, the most prominent industrial designer of the 20th Century. Raymond Loewy designed everything from cars to silverware to broiler ovens during his five decades of work.  The 1950s proved to be a period of great interest in the kitchen for Raymond Loewy as he designed many useful products for both efficiency and his new, modern, aesthetic. The "Raymond Loewy: Designs for a Consumer Culture" exhibition includes today's talk at the Museum, at which I, along with several other speakers, will speak on American kitchens today. My topic will be "Comfort in the Kitchen." The exhibition is ongoing through May 27.

I will also be talking about design blogs! If you were at this event, please add your comments to this post. Tell us about the exhibit, what you learned, how you feel about kitchens, your kitchen, etc. Whatever you'd like to add, I'd love to hear from you! And, if you are new to blogging, don't forget to visit the sidebar to your right where you will discover my favorite blogs you will surely want to visit.

So, for today's kitchens, rather than the typical 60s-70s kitchens I show, let's go to the 50s! And, take a look, once again, at these kitchens from the totally fab blog, Fabulon.

I will update this post after I know I have survived my talk and tell you about the day.  

UPDATE: It was a great day...lots of interesting information from Alice Ross  who talked about the history of cooking, bringing along lots of antique, amazing, equipment, including many antique cooking "gadgets" which was fun to see. I ended up not really following my notes and just talking away about how to create a comfortable kitchen, and how I see trends forming where the individual will become more confident in their kitchen design than ever before, with a professional to guide, thanks to having so many choices available and seeing the many different ways, online, that people are designing and decorating their kitchens. I see a renewed confidence coming down the road. It really was a privilege to be a part of this program, and I thank the Parrish Museum for inviting me. The Museum itself is a wonderful building...see image below.

Green Kitchens - My First Post About The Subject

Up to this point in this blog, (although the major color is green on this page) I have not addressed designing green kitchens, creating a green kitchen life within whatever kitchen you have now, and green kitchen design issues overall. I am a person, in general, who is open to new ways of thinking, always, and this issue must be addressed.

While I am not a treehugger, I do hear the drum beat about the importance of taking care of our planet, our natural resources, and doing our part. At this point, I am probably more "Lite Green", as I have heard the term used, describing those who incorporate some form of green living into their lives, where they can. That would probably be me.

I've consciously cut down on electrical usage, recycle, bought up lots of flourescent bulbs, admittedly not for everywhere in the home, and try to be aware of my energy usage. Sometimes I am forgetful. My husband is even more on board with this than I am. My idealistic son is involved in this movement in a very big way, having made real lifestyle changes, and of course, telling us how we have (while not using the term he used) screwed up the planet and now he has to pay for it. He's mostly right, isn't he...

Some months ago, I began to ask my clients, as well as having inserted a small section about green kitchen design on my website, if they are interested in green products for their kitchens, and if so, we WILL go down that road. Most clients say they are not, but if there is an interesting product that appeals to them aesthetically, and IF it has proven durability, that is actually a huge issue I am hearing, then it's something they would like to hear about.

This journal entry is an open call to manufacturers to send me samples of your green products as I'd love to evaluate green products in person as opposed to just reading about them. I will have that opportunity at the KBIS show in Las Vegas in May to take a look at what's new and green and will report back. However, a quick look, or a read about a product doesn't give me much to go on. I do need to take a closer look if I am to go down that road with my clients and with my readers.

But, the paradox remains, and here's the thing...with many new types of materials and products coming out under the green umbrella, when one does a kitchen, at ANY cost, whether it is $50,000, complete with construction, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, or up to $200,000++ which many of my clients do, it is fair for all of my clients to want to know...will this product last? Is this finish durable? Having read of some green products not wearing well after having been in the marketplace for a few years, this becomes a very real concern for me, one who recommends products to those who are doing a, possibly, once in a lifetime project.  I take this issue very seriously.

 
In any case, I wanted to put down some preliminary thoughts on the subject as a first post, so you know where I stand on this issue. I am sure I will be showing you products that I come across, as looking interesting. More than that, I cannot guarantee (meaning promises on how long something will last or how durable it might be). I hope, when I go to KBIS in May, in Las Vegas (no, I'm not telling you what I'm doing there after the show ends every day, you know what they say...) I will find that the market has matured somewhat and that there will be more reliable information and time tested information on green products of all types for the kitchen. As cabinetry is the largest expense for a kitchen, at least for my clients, this is an area which concerns me in a big way. Countertops equally, as they REALLY tell the story in the short term in regard to durability. I look forward to becoming familiar with more and more green kitchen products.

So, this is where I fall out on this issue. It's important, I'm very interested, but also cautious as with any new product. Soon, I'll be collecting green websites and blogs for a separate category of links on green kitchen design in my sidebar. I welcome open discussions on this issue as well, plus, any information my readers wish to give to me.

This post was actually precipitated by an article I found in Oregon's Register Guard website. I also found some excellent green kitchen tips from The Jaded Vegetarian, at Green Living, and at the Green Home Guide for starters. I just subscribed to their newsletter. Update: I see you also need to go to my friend Peggy's blog, as she has good stuff on green kitchens: kitchen-exchange.

Images taken by me in Central Park! 

10 things I want For my kitchen

I like lists. Although I'm not the most orderly person around, occasionally I'll get my act together, find a yellow pad (I feel more responsible when I write on a yellow pad) and make a list (usually it's about bills to pay!) but it could be anything. I found this topic floating around the blogs, "10 Things I want For My Kitchen". I'll dream, any chance I can get for a moment, so here are my answers.  The good thing is that I actually had some trouble with making my list. I like my kitchen! I won't tag anyone, but I'd love to see your list, and here's mine:

1. Gaggenau's oven with a built in rotisserie
2. Wood countertops - not sure which type...mahogany, walnut, teak
3. Refrigerator drawers
4. Very light colored rustic wood floor
5. the sofa at my kitchen dining area recovered
6. great speakers for music
7. easier way to control music from the kitchen
   
8. a fantastic juicer
   
9. white walls
10. new cabinetry!

Here are some of the blogs who made lists of kitchen wishes: delicious asian food, food-fusion, mykitch3n, m3rni3.

Meanwhile, I can think of a few other things that I could easily enjoy in the kitchen like this pendant from Design Public.

 

How about this dinnerware from Hatch? Wouldn't it look great in these black and white kitchens? 

And, last but not least, these boxes. I'm not sure what I'd use it for, but I know it will come in handy for something...Maybe potatoes and onions in baskets? The stock pot? Linens? I'd find a use, I'm sure. 

What about you? What do you want in your kitchen? 

Really Simple Solutions For Your Kitchen Pantry

Sometimes, I know I need simple, basic, advice. Do this and here's why. Point by point, there is advice that makes sense in an effort to organize the pantry.

 

As a kitchen designer, I typically think through how my clients will use their kitchen, especially the cooking utensils, small appliances, and so on. There are multiple factors which will determine where your pantry items are stored.  You may want to take inventory of not only where your specific activities are in the kitchen, but the frequency of use of the items you need at those locations, having a direct relationship to where the items will be stored most effectively, all having to do with accessibility.

In my own kitchen, sometimes I do prep work around the main sink and sometimes the prep work takes place at the cooktop area. For that reason, I have multiple measuring spoons, cups, and other utensils, so that there is convenience in each work area. If there is a second sink, you may want to have strainers at each location. Convenience and efficiency does not need to be complicated, but it does need to be thought through in terms of visualizing where, how, and why you use all the many, many items in your kitchen.

 

march toward kbis...new product introductions

Here is a sneak peek at new products being shown at KBIS...

Delta's newest kitchen faucet: The Allora

"What makes the Allora stand out is the completely new magnetic closure that joins the pull-down spray to the body of the faucet. Now, consumers can enjoy the convenience of a pull-down spray, without the extra step of twisting and locking the spray head into place because the magnetic closure engages the spray head and wand in a snap."

 
Me, I think that's neat. Another one of those thing that make you say, why didn't they think of that before?? -susan 

EVERPURE....S.Pelligrino, watch your back!

"Everpure unveils the latest in home water filtration with the launch of its Carbonated Chiller. Join us for an exclusive tour of this industry-first, and experience a delicious Italian soda the way it was meant to taste: with crisp, clean Everpure-filtered carbonated water. "

That's my cue to stop by the booth at KBIS and check it out, which I will be sure to do. -susan

The Padova, BYOM (Bring Your Own Materials) a customizable hood

"A new concept from Fu-Tung Cheng is designed to be customized with the materials of the homeowner’s choice. So whether they prefer mosaic tiles, ribbed glass, or the many possibilities Italian Marmorino plaster, a homeowner can work with their own designer or one of Zephyr’s seasoned designers to make Padova a signature addition to any home. Specifications: Size: 42”, 48”, 54” Internal blowers: 600 cfm External blower: 1000 cfm"

I like the idea of being able to create a transitional piece like this...adding materials, particularly in the more warm or rustic areas, which would add a very exciting eclectic element to this sculptural, thoroughly modern, hood. Imagine barn wood veneer? Why not? Antiqued copper or zink, so many possibilities.  -susan

Scandinavian Kitchens - shades of gray

I tried to break out of black and white Scandinavian kitchens, but I'll tell you one thing, it's not easy! There is more black than I realized lurking in Scandinavian kitchen designs I am coming across.

Black is very interesting in kitchens...sometimes you hardly know it's there. It is a neutral and it makes a statement, but sometimes it comes on like the strong, yet silent type of statement, sort of like Leonardo DiCaprio...don't you just wonder what's going on behind those eyes (and those eyebrows?) I know I do. Moving on...

Many of us are familiar with a classic light to medium blue gray color, found more in Swedish kitchens than in Danish kitchens, for example. Why gray? Isn't the air cold enough to be also reminded with a cool color? I wonder about that. Doing some quick research does not reveal answers. I'll need to get on this trail. 

The light gray kitchen and dining area is from Vakre Hjem & Interior. The white kitchen, from Interior Magasinet, as well as the top image. The rustic wood and white kitchen, from Bo Bedre.

Enjoy!

 

The top light gray kitchen, is very subtly eclectic in style. Notice the lighting fixture above the table. While a classic design, by Poulsen, and designed many decades ago, it is a contemporary feel. The cabinetry, to me, seems a beautifully simplistic country style, yet, with modern overtones, which complement the lighting fixture. The expanse of wall in a singular color, with little ornamentation can also be interpreted in a simplistic modern way as well as simple country. I suppose in the end, we seem to be looking at a modern country look. Do you agree?

Oh, before I go, again, here are some wonderful Scandinavian blogs...I hope the authors will comment on what they see makes their kitchens so special! Take a look at Dreamhouse, a white kitchen in the latest post, and Annas hus pa landet, with a list of blogs to make you procrastinate all afternoon! OK, and one more, Sara vill fara.

New York City's Latest "Triple mint" Kitchens at 15 CPW

There is an apartment building, hmmm, can it even be called an "apartment building"? I think not. Perhaps I should use the word "residential tower", at New York City's fabulous upper west side address, 15 Central Park West, nearing completion in the months ahead.

For the benefit of my readers outside of New York City, unfamiliar with  this famous street, Central Park West is arguably New York City's most architecturally renowned residential street, having been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The residential buildings along Central Park West are grand, having been developed and built shortly before the depression, during a positive building era of "let's party till it's 1929". The new residential building at 15 CPW, is designed by Robert A. M. Stern and developed by Arthur and William L. Zeckendorf (brothers).

The celebs who have already bought into the residences are:

• sting
• denzel
• jeff gordon, nascar
• norman lear
• one half of the google duo
  
• and of course, hedge fund managers and Goldman Sachs big shots

My source, a little birdie, inside the building, told me of a sighting of Oprah and Gail, both in hard hats, touring the space. Read more about this building at Triplemint, at Curbed, and at the building's own website, 15 CPW.

Now to the kitchen in the model residence.  Which brings up a very interesting question. How do you design a kitchen for the residential model in this building? The kitchen was designed by Robert A. M. Stern, the building's architect. The state of current kitchen design styling must play a part in some way, along with the need to be sympathetic to the architecture.

It makes me wonder, going 5 years back, with all the columns, corbels, and pilasters seen in every kitchen, if that sort of decorative detailing would have been the style of choice. After all, who would even go down that road to have a 1920s kitchen designed? You couldn't. It was a small, non descript utilitarian space, a kitchen in the 1920s.

15 CPW is certainly a grand building, and can handle a grand kitchen, with much decorative detail. Yet, I see the architect used restraint. And, I also see, the design is right out of the movie, "Something's Got To Give", which launched a huge movement to a traditional style kitchen that used to be called Shaker, and is now, what I refer to as a "butler's pantry" kitchen, a style popular still today with my clients, several years later, in fact, gaining momentum as a fresh definition of traditional kitchen design and styling.

I would have had a different design interpretation, had I designed the kitchen for this model in this impressive building. I would have added more interest in the form of simple, elegant, millwork detailing here and there around the cabinetry, yet still maintaining restraint, which would not break the bank (if anyone cared about the bank). I might also have recessed the cabinets above the cooktop 2 1/2 inches, to more easily define this area as a focal point, albeit a soft one. I would have put two pieces of hardware on the long drawers, probably used different hardware, and most likely, bring the cabinetry to the ceiling, and I would have had a conversation with the pantry. Other ideas are floating around as well, all simple, but appropriate and elegant enhancements.

White cabinetry seems to have been used to capture and reflect light, as this room is all about light. And, the green marble, probably from Vermont, of course, reflects the beauty of Central Park, just beyond, as does the wood floor. The kitchen materials and colors are as closely related to the view beyond as it can be.

Sadly, I was not called on to design this kitchen, but I AM available to those in the list above!

 

Technorati Tags: new york real estate "upper west side" nyc real estate

The State of The Kitchen Designer Blog

I'd like to say a few thank yous!

I started this blog on kitchens and kitchen remodeling, in very early February, as an experiment in another "voice" to my local kitchen design business website. I very quickly LOVED blogging, as I have always also been a writer of sorts!

What I did not expect to find via blogging, was the wide open welcome I received from the blogging design community. My very new blog, untested, unknown, has been welcomed in a way that has surprised me, from early on, and I am very touched, and also grateful for the opportunity to run with this great pack of design bloggers! You rock!

Thank you to those who have acknowledged my blog in one way or another. I am very proud to be associated with you.

Special thanks to the following bloggers:

 
decor8, for making me "blog of the week" last week - how awesome!

ShakaDoo, where I am a guest author in Shak In Style and Shak Hammer, in this very innovative blogging concept, one of a kind for sure.

Design Talk, where I answer questions on kitchen design, thank you, it's a lot of fun and very enjoyable all around! An excellent blog.

Hatch, who just featured me the other day, and another great gal with a great blog, attached to a store which has beautiful and useful things.

Apartment Therapy, who has put me in Slinks to my utter shock and amazement

Charles and Hudson, who will be doing a Q&A with me shortly and I am so proud to be associated with this blog 

Desire to Inspire, who very early on included me on their inspiring blog, thanks ladies

the happy living blog - the first blog who featured me, much to my shock, where I very loudly gasped and sat bolt upright when I saw a post about my blog! I felt like I was on the 6:00 news!

And, an extra special thanks to my friend, Peggy, CKD, CID, at kitchen-exchange, who inspired me to dust off my blog that I had started, but not published, last December.

Please also take time to make a visit to the blogs listed on my sidebar. I enjoy reading all of those blogs, and the ones who are asterisked (*) have supported this blog in a special way, and I encourage a visit to those particular blogs(*), where you will find very creative and beautiful things.