The Designer Kitchentag:www.thedesignerkitchen.com,2009://12008-03-09T06:04:46ZThe appliances, furnishings, electronics and accessories that are on the on this designer's must have list for kitchens she is designing for famous celebrities and clients with excellent taste.Movable Type 3.31Selecting A Pot Filler Faucettag:www.thedesignerkitchen.com,2008://1.142008-02-10T14:33:15Z2008-03-09T06:04:46ZRelatively new on the market are the extra high pot filler faucets designed to provide more working room in the sink. As you select the right spout for your kitchen, consider your available space, the sink area and how you use your sink to prepare and clean up. The high arc or waterfall spouts provide more room to get big pots and extra hands in the sink.
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Relatively new on the market are the extra high pot filler faucets designed to provide more working room in the sink. As you select the right spout for your kitchen, consider your available space, the sink area and how you use your sink to prepare and clean up.
The high arc or waterfall spouts provide more room to get big pots and extra hands in the sink. If you're a big entertainer, and routinely have several large platters or big pans to accommodate during clean-up, choose a faucet that has a spout with higher reach.
And before making your final decision, make sure to consider your entire kitchen space. A very high pot filling faucet could easily overpower a kitchen with limited space.]]>
Beautiful Copper Farmhouse Sinkstag:www.thedesignerkitchen.com,2008://1.132008-02-10T14:23:36Z2008-02-10T14:28:37Zkitchen sink, farmhouse, farm house, kitchen designer, designing kitchen, choosing kitchen sink, best farmhouse sink, sink designs, sink choices, porcelain sink, marble sink, copper sink, apron front, apron-front
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The double bowl design of this marble farmhouse sink is hand carved from one solid block of Galala Beige Marble, which is beige marble with brown veins. It features carvings of grapes and ivy on the apron-front. The depth is a traditional 32", and is designed with a flexible flt top edge, so you can select whether under counter or drop in installation. This model is usually $999, but is currently available from Manhattan Design Studio for only $600.
Not only do I love porcelain farmhouse sinks for their distinctly simple beauty, but they are also incredibly durable and resist acid, alkali, scratches and cracks. This durability makes them one of the most practical choices in kitchen sink materials available.
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What Is Trivection And Does Your Kitchen Need It?tag:www.thedesignerkitchen.com,2007://1.112007-04-30T05:32:27Z2007-04-30T06:09:28ZMost of us are familiar with convection ovents, which use a fan to circulate the hot air in an oven and often have a special heating element that helps things cook faster at a lower temperature. Trivection is now appearing...
Trivection is now appearing on some GE models, and uses a blend of conventional, convection and microwave technologies to reduce your cooking times. So is this latest cooking technology something you should be considering in your next kitchen design?]]>
Watch Alton Brown demonstrate the GE Profile Trivection Oven and find out what he thinks about cooking with it - CLICK HERE. A new browser window will open with to play the video.
In combining the three different ways to cook in a complimentary fashion, the Trivection Oven let's you cook more efficiently, saving you time and money. For example, your cooking times are greatly reduced - cook a 22 lb turkey in 2 hours (4 hours in a traditional oven), coookies in 7 minutes (14 in traditional) and lasagna in 15 minutes (1 hour in traditional).
The Trivection Oven is available from GE in both their Profile and Monogram lines. You can get the GE Profile Trivection Oven in either a built-in double wall oven or built-in single oven option, or as a slide in electric range. It is available in the Monogram line as either the double wall or single wall oven.
The ovens all have the Auto Recipe Conversion, so you can use your favorite recipes in the Trivection oven. When you're speedcooking, you simply ente the cooking temperature and maximum cooking time you would usually use. The Auto Recipe conversion feature will automatically convert the traditional cook time into the right speedcooking time. The converted time displays on the control screen after you start the oven. The time can be up to 5 times faster than traditional baking based on food type.
More features we like:
- Speed Bake
- Speed Broil
- Certified Sabbath Mode
- Proof Mode, Warm Mode, Defrost Mode
- Delayed Start and Automatic Stop
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Induction Cooktopstag:www.thedesignerkitchen.com,2007://1.102007-04-30T00:32:11Z2007-04-30T02:51:20ZOne of the newest trends in kitchen design works even better than it looks! Induction cooktops speed up cooking times when compared with standard cooktops and ranges. Electricity passes through the magnetic elements under the cooktop's glass-covered surface, heating the...
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We really like the Kenmore Elite 42800 30 inch Electric Induction Cooktop, available for $1,620 at Sears.com for both it's reasonable cost and included features. It has four cooking zones, including a 10", an 8", a 7" and a 6" element, with each zone having 15 power settings to provide precise control. Features like Pan Detection and Pan Size Detection automatically sense propper cooking utensils and the appropriate size to heat; Hold Warm allows you to keep food at exactly the temperature you decide; and Power Boost, which provides a concentrated amount of power to heat faster than any conventional cooktop, all add to the great value.
Besides bringing 4 quarts of water up to boiling in record speed, the induction cooktops we tested remained relatively cool, with most of the heat going into the pan, and not the surrounding kitchen. Having this cooler cooktop surface will greatly reduce any burnt-on spills.
If you've ever accidently left on a burner, you'll appreciate how the induction element automatically turns off when a pot is removed, even if you forget to turn it off.
Costs have come down slightly since induction cooktops were introduced to the home consumer market a few years ago, however they still retail between $1,500 - $3,500.
Another thing to remember is that induction cooktops will require you to use cast iron, or enameled steel cookware. Some stainless steel cookware will work, however aluminum and copper will not. A quick and easy test is to see if a magnet will stick to it - if it does, it will work on your induction cooktop.
Beautiful Glass Kitchen Sinkstag:www.thedesignerkitchen.com,2007://1.92007-04-29T14:36:37Z2007-04-29T15:37:53ZOceana brings both the unique beauty of colored glass sinks and everyday practicality to your kitchen design. The "Hard Roc" glass sinks are made of a borosilicate formula, the same material used in Pyrex to make it extremely durable....
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Scratch Resistant
The hard roc glass used in Oceana glass vessel kitchen sinks is exceptionally resistant to abrasion and surface scratches. It is actually more scratch resistant than both stainless steel and porcelain.
Stain Resistant
Oceana hard roc glass is stain resistant, so you can use many household cleaners and expose them to non-fluorinated chemicals without having to worry about damaging their lustorous color and clear quality. These glass sinks, unlike traditional soda-lime glass sinks, will not become cloudy from household cleaners or absorb rust stains from hard water.
Temperature Resistant
Being able to withstand sudden temperature changes is critical when selecting glass vessel sinks for the kitchen. One minute you're draining boiling hot water from pasta, the next rinsing vegetables in cold water. The Oceana hard roc glass sinks will not crack or develop lines from quick hot and cold water changes - they can actually withstand repeated temperature changes between 0 degrees and 212 degrees without damange.
Oceana's glass sinks are available at many home supply stores, such as the Expo Design Centers. You can also find dealers offering the sinks by going to the Oceana official website and checking the dealer locator tool prominently featured on their site.]]>
The Best Indoor Grillstag:www.thedesignerkitchen.com,2007://1.82007-04-29T02:38:32Z2007-04-29T14:08:38ZCombine the convenience of grilling with the ease of cooking inside, in your kitchen with one of these great indoor grills. You can choose from open grills that operate like an outdoor grill, and contact grills, that allow you to...
Combine the convenience of grilling with the ease of cooking inside, in your kitchen with one of these great indoor grills. You can choose from open grills that operate like an outdoor grill, and contact grills, that allow you to grill on both sides at the same time.
We've taken a look at many of the models out there and narrowed the field to what we think are the best indoor grills for the money.
Open Face Grills
Open face grills give you a cooking experience like an outdoor grill, and the DeLonghi Indoor Grill being offered exclusively by Williams-Sonoma, brings the sizzling flavors of outdoor grilling into your kitchen.
DeLonghi makes a number of indoor grills, and this new model is powered by 1500 watts and features a striking stainless/composite shell and a clear glass lid. The nonstick cast-aluminum grates have embedded heating elements, enabling them to heat up quickly and evenly, then sustain the high temperatures required for effective grilling. The temperature control let's you choose between high-heat for searing and lower for controlled, slower grilling. The clear glass lid traps in heat and helps seal in the natural flavor and moisture.
This DeLonghi Indoor Grill model is very easy to keep clean - you can submerge the grates, body and lid for efficient cleaning. Available for $99.95 at Williams-Sonoma.
Contact Grills
Contact grills are two sided, enabling you grill on both sides at the same time.
Our favorite, the Cuisinart GR4 Indoor Grill - also called the Griddler - is available for about $90, making it one of the higher priced indoor grills, but the quality and features more than make up for a few extra dollars up front. It's a contact grill, but it can also be fully opened, giving you double the cooking surface to cook on - meat on one side, vegetables on the other.
The non-stick plates are reversable and removeable, making it super easy to clean, especially with the special included tool to clean the grill side. It has large drip cups so you don't have to worry about grease overflowing, but you will need to be careful of drips coming off the bottom of the lid when you lift it to remove your food. They are minimal, but could be messy depending on what you're cooking.
Heating is very even, and can even go up to 425* - one of the highest heating contact grills we've found! There are three knobs on the unit, one to turn on the griddle, one to turn on the grill and a temperature control. The temperature has a range from 200 - 425 degrees on the griddle and from warm to sear on the grill, so you can cook a variety of food at the same time.
One downside is that the Cuisinart GR4 is heavier than many of the contact grills, but that is primarily because of it's metal construction. It is also very sturdy, with a bottom made out of composite material that doesn't get hot, making it easy and safe to move on the countertop if necessary.
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Built-in Microwave Drawer From Sharptag:www.thedesignerkitchen.com,2007://1.72007-04-28T00:00:31Z2007-04-29T02:22:56ZIf you're redesigning your kitchen and looking for an alternate space to put your microwave other than over the oven or on the counter, now you have another option with the new Sharp KB6014L[S], the first built-in microwave drawer. A...
A one touch button on the Sharp Insight Pro KB-6014 opens the drawer so you can place food in from above. This innovative new applicance can hold up to a 9x13 inch dish and is designed to slide into a space under a counter or into a cabinet. It's exterior dimensions are 24x15x26 inches.
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The Insight Pro is available in black,white and stainless steel and offers 11 sensor-mode cooking settings, including the usual reheat, popcorn, baked potatoes and frozen entrees. This innovative model is slightly more expensive, at an average of $720 and is missing a few things, like a turntable, that you would expect it to have.
The microwave drawer has a large viewing window, along with a seamless handle and angled touch controls. The overall presentation is sleek and sophisticated, making it ideal for open plan kitchens and islands where it will blend in perfectly.
We think it's a super smart choice if you're remodeling your kitchen, and looking to gain some counter space. The 24" version fits easily into standard 24" cabinets without needing an additional kit. This eliminates custom installations and helps keep unnecessary clutter off of your countertops.
Granite Colorstag:www.thedesignerkitchen.com,2006://1.62006-10-28T02:58:18Z2006-10-28T03:17:50ZGranite comes in over 100 different colors and pattern variations. Each granite slab is uniquely different, but there is a general collection of colors that are known in the design industry....
Granite comes in over 100 different colors and pattern variations. Each granite slab is uniquely different, but there is a general collection of colors that are known in the design industry.
Academy
Black
Agate
Amarelo
Veneciano
American
Mahogany
Azalea
Baltic
Brown
Bianco
Romano
Black
Galaxy
Blue
Pearl
Brazil
Black
Cafe
Imperial
Caledonia
New
Caledonia
Canadian
Mist
Carnelian
Charcoal
Black
Chestnut
Brown Tan
Cold
Spring Black
Diamond
Pink
Emerald
Pearl
Impala
Black
<
Iridian
Ivory
Brown
Juparana
Columbo
Juparana
Persa
Juparana
Royal
Juparana
Santa Cecelia
Juparana
Vitorio
Juparana>
Kenoran
Sage
Lac
du Bonnet
Lake
Placid Blue
Lake
Superior Green
Luna
Pearl
Mesabi
Black
Mountain
Green
Nero
Black
Palladio
Paradiso
Radiant
Red
Rainbow
Robson
Rose
Rockville Beige
Rockville
White
Royal
Auburn
Royal
Ebony
S
Royal
Sable
Sapphire
Blue
Sierra
White
Silver
Sea Green
Sunset
Beige
Sunset
Red
Texas
Pearl
Texas
Pink
Texas
Red
Tropic
Brown
Tropical
Green
Tunas
Green
Verde
Butterfly
Verde Labrador
Verde
Sao Francisco
Violeta
Tropical
Violetta
Volga
Blue
White
Galaxy
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What To Know About Granite Countertopstag:www.thedesignerkitchen.com,2006://1.52006-10-27T21:26:23Z2006-10-28T02:58:54ZOne of main reasons to select granite as your countertop is the natural beauty of this solid surface material. Each slab is unique,with various colors, crystals, depth and "movement". Some slabs will appear almost solid in color, but as you...
One of main reasons to select granite as your countertop is the natural beauty of this solid surface material. Each slab is unique,with various colors, crystals, depth and "movement". Some slabs will appear almost solid in color, but as you look closer, you will begin to see the stone and crytal elements. The "movement" in a granite slab refers to the waves of colors that often appear.
The black and white granites that appear more solid work extremely well in kitchens with a modern, minimalistic or otherwise contemporary theme. The colorful varieties and slabs with
great movement and flow work well in more artistic or country kitchens, and can serve as a beautiful focal piece or statement in your new kitchen design.
Granite is made up of a variety of minerals, including quartz, silica and obsidian. Granite is an igneous rock, formed by molten magna which cooled and hardened under the earth's surface. The granite used for countertops is quarried from all over the world, including the US, Italy, Norway, China and India. And contrary to some perceptions, the lighter colored granite varieties are often more hard than the darker colors. This is because the hardest mineral commonly found in granite is quartz, which is often translucent, white or grey in color.
One of the factors in determining the cost of the granite installation you select will be the overall square footage. The backsplace and edge design you select will also affect costs. A round ed quarter-inch edge is standard, and as the edge designs get more elaborate, the costs increase.
If your kitchen design is large or the countertop layout a little complex, you will likely have a few seams in your granite installation. The seams will be strategically placed based on location and where the countertop requires support. Seams are filled will a colored epoxy that will blend into your granite choice and be virtually unnoticeable in a quality installation.
Granite countertops are understandably heavy. Weighing in at almost 30 pounds per square foot, you will need to confirm that the cabinets you have chosen can support the weight.
Choosing Granitetag:www.thedesignerkitchen.com,2006://1.42006-10-27T20:50:54Z2006-10-27T21:11:43ZGranite is one of the most popular countertop surfaces on the market today. People select it for it's natural beauty, and since each slab is different, every kitchen application is unique. Granite will never lose it's coloration, and will be...
Granite is one of the most popular countertop surfaces on the market today. People select it for it's natural beauty, and since each slab is different, every kitchen application is unique. Granite will never lose it's coloration, and will be as vibrant and stunning as the day it was first installed with very little maintenance.
While you should always treat your surfaces with care, granite is a less easy to damage in a kitchen environment. It is natural stone, and thus heat resistant. You can place dishes directly from the oven onto the counter without worrying about marring the surface or causing cracks. Anything short of direct heat from a flame or blowtorch will not affect your granite countertop.
Most granite will resist scratches, staining and cracks. A heavy object dropped onto your counter may chip the granite, but everyday use will not leave the marks they would on a solid surface countertop.
Use a soft cloth to clean up spills immediately. If you are concerned about bacteria on the surface of your granite countertop, wash the surface with an antibacteria soap. If you happen to spill an oil based liquid on your granite countertop, wipe it up immediately. If it is left, the oil may soak into your granite and cause a stain. Even then, the stain can often be lifted out of the granite by using a paste designed for the task.
The granite countertop you install today will be just as shiny years from now, with little maintenance required. Every 6 - 12 months apply a non-yellowing paste wax to preserve the brightness and luster. This takes only 15 minutes - so much less time than continually scrubbing a solid surface countertop to remove scratches acquired over the years.
You'll find that granite is competitively priced, and the only thing you'll need to get a quote is a sketch of your layout and basic dimensions. Decide on the type of edging you would like around the edge. Quarter-inch beveled and round edge designs are standard, while more complex edge designs, like an ogee or bull nose, will be more expensive.
Overall, you will find that granite countertops are more affordable than other high-end surfacing materials. When you compare them, we think you'll agree that granite is a great value for the natural beauty and resilience it delivers.
Kitchen Budgets - Where Does My Money Gotag:www.thedesignerkitchen.com,2006://1.32006-10-26T21:27:18Z2006-10-27T05:57:33ZThe products and materials you choose in your ktichen design will have the most significant impact on the final amount spent. If you are installing new cabinetry, it will typically account for at least half of your budget. The second...
The products and materials you choose in your ktichen design will have the most significant impact on the final amount spent. If you are installing new cabinetry, it will typically account for at least half of your budget. The second biggest line item cost will be installatin and labor costs associated with your new kitchen design, followed by appliances.
Appliances
The features you select, along with the style will have the greatest influence over cost fluctations. Stainless steel looks amazing, but is more expensive than a black or white coated finish.
Features to consider in a refrigerator, for instance, would be:
- an icemaker, filtered water
- french doors, freezer on bottom, no freezer, glass doors
- wire shelves vs glass shelves
- adjustable shelves
- number of drawers
- built-in, stand alone, integrated or undercounter
Cabinets
The price of your cabinetry will depend on the quality of the construction and the manufacturer you select. The materials you select, both in wood, finish, hinges and other hardware, and how the interior is finished out will also dramatically affect your total costs. Extras like interior storage accessories, custom designed units can also quickly elevate your costs. Once you determine the cabinets and number required for your kitchen, get a quote for installation.
Countertops
The most significant variable in counter design is the quality and type of material you choose. Laminate, solid surface, granite - and within each group are various levels of quality. If you have an extra wide island and are going with granite, the number of pieces the granite is split into - large slabs versus smaller partitions - will affect price, along with how elaborate the edge treatment is.
And if the layout configuration is a bit tricky, the installation costs will be appropriately higher.
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Getting Startedtag:www.thedesignerkitchen.com,2006://1.22006-10-26T18:34:44Z2006-10-26T21:22:34ZThe most important thing to do when beginning to redesign or design your kitchen is to make decisions. It's also the toughest part, because of the research you'll have to do regarding available options and pricing, along with planning for...
The most important thing to do when beginning to redesign or design your kitchen is to make decisions. It's also the toughest part, because of the research you'll have to do regarding available options and pricing, along with planning for your future needs.
We've put together some guidelines to help you get started on your kitchen design adventure!
Consider these very basic questions and answer them honestly:
- what style appeals to you
- what is your budget
- when do you want the project completed
- what items do you absolutely must have
- how extensive will your project be (often dependant upon budget and time)
Most kitchens have the same basic elements: appliances, cabinets, countertops, flooring, sinks and faucets. Inside your kitchen, you'll also have walls, a ceiling, doors, windows, etc. They all factor into your final result.
As a designer, my job is to help clients define their style and their wants and needs. Then we consider the available budget and time, along with any restrictions the actual space will convey onto the project.
I advise my clients to take into consideration the overall style of their home, and making the kitchen a complement to the overall flow of the home, rather than a great departure. We really spend a lot of time thinking about kitchen needs and habits - if the client loves to cook, if they don't but want a beautiful showcase, if there is a large family or if the client loves to entertain. An at-home gourmet will have dramatically different kitchen needs than a busy family of four more interested in efficiency and accessibility.
Once you have laid the groundwork of defining the style, budget and time, the fun starts! You should begin by selecting cabinetry first, as it will make the biggest impact in your new kitchen, and many decisions will be based on their style and color.
The next big selection will be your new appliances and where they will be situated. Once you have those two important choices out of the way, the remaining elements of the countertops, flooring, faucets and accessories should flow fairly smoothly. The best way to have a comfortable kitchen with an overall pleasing effect is to choose elements that complement each other, not that precisely match.
Basically, these are the steps you need to take get started, broken down into accomplishable small tasks.
Undermount vs. Self Rimming Sinkstag:www.thedesignerkitchen.com,2006://1.12006-10-25T23:43:00Z2006-10-26T00:41:00ZOne of the first choices you'll need to make when selecting a new sink is deciding if it will be mounted undercounter or if it will be self-rimming. There are pros and cons to both, and we will review them...
Self Rimming Sinks
The self rimming sinks are also called countertop sinks and come in a variety of sizes and hole configurations. Self rimming sinks are mounted from above and have an overall dimension that]]>
Undermount Sinks
Undermount sinks are also called undercounter sinks, and are installed from underneath the counter. The design can provide bold, modern look - especially when the same material is used for both the counter and the sink. Undermount sinks work well with solid surface countertops, like granite, stone or manmade materials.
Undercounter sinks may have some maintenance issues if the sealant begins to pull away or gap over time.]]>
Not only do I love porcelain farmhouse sinks for their distinctly simple beauty, but they are also incredibly durable and resist acid, alkali, scratches and cracks. This durability makes them one of the most practical choices in kitchen sink materials available.
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This DeLonghi Indoor Grill model is very easy to keep clean - you can submerge the grates, body and lid for efficient cleaning. Available for $99.95 at Williams-Sonoma.
The non-stick plates are reversable and removeable, making it super easy to clean, especially with the special included tool to clean the grill side. It has large drip cups so you don't have to worry about grease overflowing, but you will need to be careful of drips coming off the bottom of the lid when you lift it to remove your food. They are minimal, but could be messy depending on what you're cooking.
Heating is very even, and can even go up to 425* - one of the highest heating contact grills we've found! There are three knobs on the unit, one to turn on the griddle, one to turn on the grill and a temperature control. The temperature has a range from 200 - 425 degrees on the griddle and from warm to sear on the grill, so you can cook a variety of food at the same time.
One downside is that the Cuisinart GR4 is heavier than many of the contact grills, but that is primarily because of it's metal construction. It is also very sturdy, with a bottom made out of composite material that doesn't get hot, making it easy and safe to move on the countertop if necessary.
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