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!

Architect + Kitchen Designer - Matching Up Dimensions

I had a curious day yesterday...it actually started last week when I received a second drawing in the mail from an architect for a project I am involved in.

It is my practice, in a renovation situation, to take an architect's plans as soon as I receive them, and to check the architect's dimensions against the dimensions that I have taken. This is very important, to discover errors on my part or on an architect's part. It exposes questions, good questions, which must be answered sooner than later!

I had already done this once for this project, and as revisions were made to the project, was set to do it again. I need to set aside a few hours to "justify" these dimensions.

Long Story Short

The architect's plan was filled with errors (this image is not the plan in question.)

I respect architects. I really do. They go through enormous training to become a licensed practitioner, responsible for safety, first and foremost, and usually, their work results in a highly accurate set of plans. Quite honestly, it is very rare that I find more than minor differences of dimensions in the process of checking, yet, the dimensions must be checked and always are...just in case! The errors in this case were many, strange, and very worrisome.

The thing is, it's not enough to uncover the errors, which I spent two hours with my clients doing (there were that many), and included taking out the tape measure, together (which is never done!), double checking existing dimensions in the home, where we had our meeting, and then comparing them with the architect's plan. What happens next, especially if there are many errors, is that a client can begin to lose confidence concerning any given line that is drawn on the plans, and to also question structural issues too. Loss of confidence is not a good thing.

I had this meeting last night, and the architect and contractor met with the clients today. I don't know what the outcome was, but I'm sure glad I wasn't there. I feel very badly for these clients. They are very busy people, lovely people as well, I like them very very much, and they simply don't deserve this. All that, and the process has taken a ridiculous amount of time as well.

I think what happened here was that the architect "farmed out" the work to a CAD drafter, who had no knowledge of this project and made many assumptions. Then, well, the architect did not check the drafter's work. 

When the revised plans come, again, to me, you'll see me with my scale ruler all over again!

The Lesson 

So, what can we learn here if you are a consumer thinking of doing a renovation? I suppose the first order of defense would be to make sure that your designer checks your architect's drawings for dimensional accuracy. Make sure that happens. And be a pest and ask if the professionals who do drawings can measure twice (I measure 3-4 times and always end up tweaking). Do your part to buy a scale ruler, check the plans yourself here and there, and speak about accuracy in dimensions to your hired professionals. No, you shouldn't have to do any of this, that's right. But, it may be a good idea...

What would have happened if assumptions of accuracy were made, easy to do, and this extension and interior renovation got built, and all of a sudden cabinets are ordered and the space is different?

That's a bloody nightmare.

Kitchen Accessories - Scandinavian Style!

I think it's time to trick out the Scandinavian kitchens that we're loving every Monday (ok, it's Tuesday, skipped right over Monday)! As innovative as the Scandinavians are with their design and decor with such a rich history to draw from, that innovation and great design has also historically reached over into housewares in a very big way over many decades. It seems there has always been some item that's been hot, a "must have." Even recently, we've seen a large introduction of Danish crafts in the MoMA store, and others just devoted to Scandinavian housewares. Here are a few bright and fun items that reflect the Scandinavian point of view.

First, look at this dish pattern from Scandinavian Details. From the site: Kristina Runske, founder of Scandinavian Details,returns home to Scandinavia several times each year to connect with emerging designers and trends. Her commitment to bring you superior craftsmanship matched with leading-edge technology and environmentally-friendly materials can be seen in each of the products she personally selects for this thoughtful collection of clean, clever, contemporary objects for modern living.

 

All right, I admit it. I selected this next piece for several reasons...yes, I love the background, but more than that, look at that wonderful turquoise. And, ok, I'll also admit that turquoise has been my favorite color for decades! So, there you go. But, it is such an elegant, simple, and useful piece from Tivoli Home. From the site: We are a couple of Danes who love to share our passion for good design from Scandinavia.

The store is located in the Dumbo section of Brooklyn, such a delightful area, worth a trip.

 
And, next, I found this great site, Fjorn Scandinavian. From the site: Envisioning a collection that was both elegant and soothing to the senses, Sigurd and Ann sought out the most beautiful Swedish table linens, the softest and warmest hand made woolens, lovable children's things, cozy, colorful blankets and sweaters in an array of great designs, and tableware that reflects the Scandinavian Good Life.

Take a look at this beautiful table runner. I love table runners, and I don't even use them enough. I grew up with table runners, as it is a common Scandinavian part of the table. 

OK, here's a kitchen you can use them in! Some kitchen inspiration....

 

All these companies have wonderful products and contribute in a big way to the entire fresh, organic, Scandinavian look. Enjoy!