Kitchen Organization & Shelves

How about some color on those kitchen shelves?
I’ve always loved seeing how others organize their
homes - in particular the kitchen. If you plan to
have open shelving in your kitchen, you know that
it needs to always be somewhat organized. I love the
pops of colors by mugs brought on by mugs and
dishware.

A monochromatic color scheme will always
work as well - especially when it’s all whites
and creams. You can’t really go wrong when
using a monochromatic theme.

I absolutely love how the shiny dark floors
contrast with the rest of the bright kitchen.
I’m a huge fan of FireKing, so I think the
Jadeite on the shelves are just perfect.

Even if you have a small pantry such as the one
above, you can still organize it in an aesthetic way
using uniform bottles and containers. The clock and
chalkboard really completes the classic look.

White ceramics and glassware will always
go with a white farmhouse sink.

Now this kitchen has no shortage of storage and
cabinets. The green backed shelves are a nice
touch - as well as the hardware on the cabinets.
Labeled containers always have that nostalgic
and vintage feel to it - giving character to any
space.

Here’s another example where something as simple as
putting some color onto the back of shelves can really
make a difference.

Not everything has to be uniform to create
an aesthetically pleasing space, this pantry
has very different items in it but they are
spaced out and arranged just right on the
shelves so as not to seem too crowded or
cluttered.

I’ve always loved some glass for the facing of top
cabinets. It just makes the space seam airier and
more open.

Now here’s a colorful space.

A modern take on a traditional look complete with beaded
boards on the back of the cabinets. It’s quite lovely.

This kitchen has mixture of closed and open cabinetry.
What is your kitchen organization like?

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Visit the original post at: Alkemie

Modern by Design Showhouse III: Level Two

There always seems to be great design in the Bedrooms of a Showhouse, and the Modern by Design Showhouse was no different. From the top of the stairs, I caught some bold stripes in one of the rooms. Naturally a curious person, I had to check it out first thing. It turned out to be the “Boy’s Room” designed by Warhol Denied and vintage orange floor lamp from Coup D’Etat. The rug is from Pottery Barn….so put that on your list of “do-able” interior design!

I love this French industrial iron cabinet from Epoca. The way everything works together here: the dark green wall paper stripe (Kneedler Faucher), the texture of the rug, The orange light fixtures, the graphic wall art, and one-of-a-kind finds like this cabinet takes an artistic eye, and a bold confidence. Martha Angus has these attributes in spades.

The bathroom design is by Philip Parton who worked with Martha to create a space that works perfectly with the bedroom. Note the inexpensive black chicken wire floor tile is grouted with red grout. Nice and inexpensive way to jazz it up! I love how he painted the whole space red, ceiling included and how the mirror works so well with the bedroom art.

Martha Angus studied at the Ecole Des Beaux Arts and Carnegie Mellon, going on to do projects for Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani and the Lauder family. She brings a fine arts approach to her work mixing modern and antique with finesse and style.

The Library was designed by Nicole Hollis. (You may remember Nicole from the last San Francisco Showhouse I posted. She had done the First and Second Floor Hallways.) How she found the time to do two spectacular Showhouse designs back to back I cannot imagine! She has boundless energy and imagination to spare.

The Library is modern and chic, just like Nicole, and is full of “groovy” accents like the yellow 8-track tape player, and Jonathan Adler’s Luciana vase.

Nicole sourced the “Como” goatskin area rug from The Rug Company and customized the ceiling fixture from Jason Miller Studio. The custom white shutters are a brilliant answer to treat these windows above the fireplace mantle.

This room has a sort of “James Bond” allure and a “Groovy Baby” chic factor that had me smiling . It was quite the hang out at the Showhouse Gala. People didn’t want to leave…so the party just kept getting bigger in here until it was wall to wall people.

Nice work Nicole. Very nice!

The Guest Room was designed by Dowling Kimm Studios. Julie Dowling and Lorissa Kimm joined forces in 2001 after both having had stints at Princeton earning degrees in Architecture and both having worked in the offices of Michael Graves.

They have put together a soothing retreat here focusing on comfort and the arts. A serene palette and organically modern furniture set the tone for rest and relaxation.

We made it to the Master Bedroom after much “oohhing and aahhing”, and met up with designer Gary Hutton for even more. Gary was amazing. He had such interesting stories behind each and every design choice that we were glued to the room. We were literally asked to move along to the next room so the next press group could come through. I won’t be able to recount all of the stories, but here are a few of them.

We entered the space along a narrow hallway that most people would just hang art on and call it a day. But Gary has a mind that reaches beyond us mere mortals. See all the “dots” on the wall? (Well, actually Swarovski “pearls”) Kind of an interesting random placement. Very artistic and all. But then Gary told us they represent all of the seismic activity throughout North America. You can see Mexico there by his right hand.

Gary Hutton, Designer

Gary was such a great host in his space. He created much of the furniture and sounded like he was having the best time doing everything. This chair is one of his designs. I like the contrast between the slick metal and the textured flower petal fabric.. The fabric used for the drapery panels is made from 100% recycled soda bottles and was VERY affordable! It looks just like felted wool.

The Master Bedroom was sleek and modern, but very comfortable as well. The “wow” factor came in with the Artemide light fixture that slowly changed colors. I caught it on it’s pink cycle. When turned off, it looks like silver mylar.

Notice the nightstands: See the very well-known Frank Geary cardboard nesting tables on the right? Originally Gary had intended to use matching night tables. But another set could not be found in time.

Here is where chutzpah in a a designer really pays off. Gary decided to make his own cardboard table. And the story doesn’t stop there. He told us that he came in the room when the workmen were still touching up paint, and one of them was standing on his creation paint brush in hand(the glass top had not been added yet). The workman had understandably thought it was a pile of trash. (We were laughing so hard at Gary’s telling of the story, I think we scared off a couple of people.)

Gary designed the desk in the study, and you can just make out the size twelve Lucite stiletto’s under it. Another story there.

The art photograph is called “High Fashion Crime Scene”, one of a series by Melanie Pullen. If only she hadn’t been wearing those Prada pumps, she might have made it to the phone in time.

Mr. Hutton also designed the Master Bath using Walker Zanger floor tile (gorgeous, no?), Kohler glass vessel sinks and WoodMode Cabinets. Sleek and sophisticated.

Gary created a custom screen to divide the bath from the toilet area. Quite handsome I think. Go on….look a little closer….

HAHAhaha! SOoo CLEAN and modern ….and it smells good too! Now do you understand why we had a hard time leaving?

Gary Hutton and Ivory Soap

Next up: Top Level with the Jay Jeffers and his “Sophisticated Fun”, a Min Day Bathroom, and gardens by Surfacedesign and styled by Throwing Rock Studio.

Visit the original post at: katiedid

Green, Rustic and Romantic Backyard Spaces

In the meantime, we’ve been having some great weather in

San Francisco the last few days. The weather has inspired me

to do more posts on outdoor living and backyard spaces.

The space above is rustic, charming and romantic. Can

you just see the space at night lit up with lanterns and

candles?

I think some of the most romantic things about

Paris are its wide boulevards, gorgeous architecture,

cafes and of course little romantic vignettes like this

little balcony overlooking the street. One doesn’t always

need a lot of space to make special little place.

When I was young, I loved tree houses. Who am I kidding?

I still love them. Wouldn’t it be dreamy to have a tree house

like this in your backyard? Complete with drapes and a bed.

I love it.

This is such a relaxing porch by the sea. I

could totally lounge here with a book all day.

If you don’t have a porch but a courtyard instead,

it can definitely serve a similar function and space.

An inviting place where you might have tea or prune

your plants.

Talk about a fresh and romantic space for dining.

Here’s the same space without the canopy

between the trees.

Nothing like a white table setting with

candle light for romantic ambience.

I love the idea of putting sconces on the trees.

The pink table cloth really adds color to this space. I love

all of the plants and the cute chairs as well. Looks like a

wonderful place to have a summer meal.

The Natural Shade Garden

The green and romantic spaces above led me to

think about shade gardens. There are certain

plants that grow wonderfully in the shade and

make for very pretty gardens. I’ve picked out

3 books on Shade Gardening if any f you are

interested.

Shady Retreats: 20 Plans for Colorful,

Private Spaces in Your Backyard

Making the Most of Shade

Hope you are all having a

wonderful summer thus far.

Photos from We Heart It,

House Beautiful, AhParis and more.

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Visit the original post at: Alkemie

Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse: Bottoms Up!

Erin Martin

I have been promising to get photos up for the Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse produced by Metropolitan Home Magazine,so let’s get started! There was so much talent here that I had a hard time decided exactly where to start…..so I am starting from the Bottom floor and working may way up to the top. There are Four Floors in all, not uncommon in the Pacific Heights area of San Francisco.

The tone of the Lower Level was set by the very talented Erin Martin of Martin Interiors. Erin’s studio and showroom are located in the picturesque town of St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Her aesthetic reflects that casually sophisticated feeling of the California wine country.

I had such a fun time chatting with Erin, and to describe her in a word, she is a KICK! Irreverent and hilarious, Erin’s clients must just have a blast working with her. I took Erin’s picture in an iron swing she designed and had fabricated by Ferrous Studios, Inc. It reminds me of a giant firewood caddy….that impression reinforced by the stack of firewood in the background.

Erin travels the world to find unique pieces and inspiration for her spaces, and her creativity really shines here. Note the quote by Plato burned into the reclaimed paneling on the wall above this cozy daybed….art, pure and simple. She used linen slipcovers that look like hopsacking on the custom sofa: casual and comfortable.

The coffee table, another work of art, was created by a partnership between Erin, who created the concept, Brian Kennedy of The Freedom of Craft, who created the metal work and Delicate Cutters (m.mcguinness@mac.com) who crafted the leather top. Stunning! The area rug is from Sloan Miyasato

This mood-setting ball ottoman and cozy slippers reinforce the fantasy of a cabin in the woods….just the place to get away from a day of dragon slaying in the big city. We really could have hung out here all day.

But ……on to the other rooms we had to go! Erin was also asked to design the hallway which she outfitted with this striking light fixture from Circa Lighting, Venetian Plaster Walls and horse bust available through her own showroom.

One of the most jaw-dropping rooms in the showhouse was this Powder Room, also by Erin Martin. It caused quite a stir and a traffic back-up during the Opening Night Gala! But where else can you mount a HUGE water buffalo head above a Powder Room Vanity but a designer showhouse? That is what a showhouse is FOR after all: pushing design envelopes and creating that quintessential “stir”. “Shake it up”, I say!

The croc skin tile on floor walls and ceiling (love!) are by Walker Zanger. Vanity is by Kohler.

After tearing ourselves away from the Powder Room (and there were several trips back to show the husbands later that night at the Gala….the look of hilarity on there faces…priceless!)….we found the Au Pair’s bedroom.

Erin brought in a beautiful Indonesian four poster and covered it with soft wool blankets and a knit throw with leather tassels. The embroidered Swan pillow is a Martin design and the fabric wall hanging depicts a white peacock.

I loved the unique wing back chair and Moroccan accent table in a little nook in this room. Available through the Martin Showroom.

Erin also designed the Bathroom off of the Au Pair Bedroom using Walker Zanger tile, Circa Lighting and Kohler fixtures. Erin’s attention to detail is truly amazing……….I mean…..just LOOK at that gorgeous floor tile!! (Hehehe).

Erin Martin captures a style that is comfortable, sophisticated, and perhaps most importantly, FUN! Definitely not serious, unless you are talking serious laughter, we had a hard time leaving.

You will also have a lot of fun spending a day at the Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse. The Showhouse runs through July 12 and you can find out all of the details here. I hope you get a chance to see it! The designers really “bring it” with their creativity and truly push the design envelope. They get you thinking. And THAT is what a successful Showhouse is all about!

Visit the original post at: katiedid

Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse II: Going Up!

When we entered the Modern by Design 2009 Showhouse, we were greeted by a fresh, yet classic, Foyer designed by Greg Stewart and David Oldroyd of the esteemed design firm, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy Associates. The simple concrete spheres and classic Saarinen table contrast beautifully with the dark hardwood floors. And you can do no wrong in my eyes when you use olive branches on an entry table.

The soft grey walls were plastered with a lime and marble aggregate to provide an aged look in contrast to the slicker modern furniture. I love the pop of the pink fabrics and peonies with that hazy grey. Love the Madeline Weinrib Ikat Pillows and vintage zinc architectural drafting forms.

I loved the joyful serenity in this room. Can those two adjectives be found in the same space? Clearly. In this shot you can really see how the furniture rises up out of the floor covering. This space is really an experiment with furniture and their qualities as sculptural forms. Even if this is “not your thing” the playfulness is something you have to appreciate.

Greg was so nice to talk with me about the space. I was just fascinated about how they constructed the furniture. He and David designed it all and had Plant Architectural Woodwork fabricate it from reclaimed plywood from a former jobsite. They then had Eco Vinyl Flooring from Lonseal laid over it all. So cool!

The Dining Room was our next stop where we had the chance to meet the designer Jiun Ho. Jiun is a well respected designer, as well as a furniture and lighting designer. The JIUN HO Collection includes furniture, lighting by Boyd and area rugs.

The Dining Room boasts Dining Table and Chair designs by Jiun. The insert “fabric” in the backs of the chairs is really a custom cowhide design pieced together by Kyle Bunting Rugs. Just another example of why Jiun is such a creative force.

Jiun Ho also selected light fixtures from the Jonathon Browning Studios, Inc. and placed them in an unexpected way: He put four fixtures in the corners of the room instead of one larger fixture in the center. They seem like modern adaptations of Asian paper lanterns.

Jiun layered cowhides on the floor in alternating black and brown colors creating a larger rounded shape for the room. Juin also applied dark stained sandblasted wood paneling to two opposing sides of the room which added so much depth and warmth. It is all of these details that takes a room from ordinary to extraordinary.

Jiun Ho

The Family Room and Kitchen were the creations of the stellar Steve Miller. When I met Steve, he exuded such an upbeat force. I can see why he is such a success. Steve worked with furniture maker Ted Boerner in the design of the custom sectional and swivel chair. There was much thought put into the sofa and how people would sit in it: whether to watch TV or to look out onto the patio outside. You can see that the chaise portion is made so one can sit either way. Oh! And I love the Vivienne Westwood Pillows from The Rug Company on the sofa!

Steve worked with WoodMode Cabinets in the design of the media and fireplace wall. Modern and functional, warm and stylish, I think it captures the young spirit of an active family that might live here.

The kitchen was also done by Steve Miller, and there is alot to love here. The backsplash tile is a mosaic by Walker Zanger, who has just been putting out the most beautiful stuff lately. The counters are Caesarstone, and Cabinets by WoodMode. Steve used traditional styled cabinets around the perimeter and a more contemporary style for the island. An interesting, and successful combination I think. Love the light fixtures by Circa Lighting as well. And the McGuire stools! I would not have thought they were from McGuire….they are freshening up their line!

Next up: Level Two!

Visit the original post at: katiedid

Kitchen Design Expert: Susan Serra, CKD

Susan Serra is a CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer), CAPS  (Certified Aging in Place Specialist), USGBC (United States Green Building Council) member and NKBA. Susan is an award winning designer and the principal of Susan Serra Associates, Inc.,  for nearly 20 years. Her design work is widely published in online and print shelter publications and she is a frequent source for the media on kitchen design issues. Susan’s blog “The Kitchen Designer” is the most read blog authored by a professional kitchen designer. Susan represents Hansen Kitchen, purveyors of eco-friendly functional kitchen furniture. Contact Information: Susan Serra CKD, CAPS Susan Serra Associates, Inc Email: susan(at)susanserraassociates.com Web: Susan Serra Associates, Inc Twitter: @susanserrackd Blog: The Kitchen Designer

What do you see as the top Kitchen and Bath design trends  for 2009?

I think there are both behavioral trends to watch for that are significant as well as fashion trends that we enjoy looking for. I do see fashion trends, in general, trending down (so to speak) in significance as confidence in one’s personal aesthetic grows. This confidence is a direct result of the consumers’ access to and interaction in a world of kitchen design online, as blogs and design communities have grown. My top three behavioral trends for 2009 are:

The Sustainable Kitchen – Green design makes sense on so many levels. Who among us, does not wish to be more healthy if one can simply make certain choices in products, or to be more practical in other green ways? A new back to basics/practical mentality is currently coinciding with a renewed, and enhanced desire to exist in a green home environment. As more green products enter the design mainstream, it is much easier to interpret one’s design vision via a great selection of green products. There are several common threads connecting the green movement and the Aging-In-Place movement, another strong behavioral trend. Both trends include a desire for materials with longevity, for example.

Comfort/Open Floor plans – I have previously noted that comfort in the kitchen was an emerging trend prior to the financial crisis, and perhaps it was a natural evolution which coincides with consumers’ overall design confidence that I noted above as well as being a result of the fearsome financial crisis. I do feel the kitchen as a viable living area is taking a major step forward this year. More activities are taking place in the kitchen, multi-generations are together more, and I feel the desire for more social connectedness is being felt very strongly at this moment. As a result, the kitchen is being designed in a less obvious utilitarian way than previously, in many (not all) cases. Examples are larger "living room like" windows, fireplaces, larger TVs, less cabinetry in general, more soft furnishings, accent lighting such as sconces, "living room" artwork, neutral colors and a transition to surrounding spaces that is more seamless.

2009 Kitchen Design Elements – Clearly, buying a kitchen today is very much about quality and value over the long term which now translates into basics and classics in terms of color and design. Cleaner lines in kitchen design are apparent, even in kitchens with a traditional design. The foundation of the kitchen, flooring, walls, and cabinetry, is a study in neutrals. White is ever classic, and wood finishes are darker, more serious, more transitional to surrounding spaces beyond the kitchen. Engineered stone with its often quiet patterns is on the upswing for countertops. Tile is either natural/earthy textured or more high tech/vibrant colored. In a high design look, countertops often blend in color with wall surfaces. Appliances are ever more built-in with more sizes available for design flexibility and are strong on energy efficiency. Today’s homeowner understands decorative "layers" in the kitchen and are looking more closely at the big picture of the kitchen and how it relates to beyond the kitchen.

At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show this year, many sophisticated, innovative new appliances and  products were unveiled.  How do you see the increase in smart kitchen and bath appliances making life easier for homeowners?

Smart appliances can absolutely enhance our lives, giving us a little bit more efficiency, even luxury, on a daily basis. From mirrors that hide a TV screen, as seen in the incredible Seura product, to ventilation hoods that periodically clean the air in the kitchen and sense heat, automatically turning on the hood, to "scrubbing" air clean in a refrigerator, to advanced sensor cooking features, appliances are very exciting right now. Appliances are doing two significant jobs – they are saving energy and helping to make our lives more efficient. Taking the guess work out of cooking processes and the use of ventilation is welcome relief for the busy cook.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

I have always been open to fresh ideas and new thinking on kitchen design. I have always been a collector of design magazines from around the globe in search of an alternative point of view. One of my strongest design inspirations comes from Scandinavian design. Scandinavians have an innate knowledge and gift for the creative, yet simple, juxtaposition of old and new, so prevalent in their environment. Their design philosophy is based in the belief that function determines design in the most simple, obvious, and most attractive way possible…perfect inspiration for today’s focus on Universal and Aging-In-Place design. To that end, Danish Architect Knud Kapper, a specialist in kitchen design, inspires me. Connected to this design philosophy, the individual lives of my clients inspire me to create original design solutions that feel right to them, make sense, and speak to them aesthetically at a high level. If they "feel it" in a meaningful and positive way, we’re in a good place.

What advice would you give to homeowners considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel?

Where do I begin!? Here is the best advice I can give. Write up a list of questions to use to interview professional kitchen/bath designers. Have that list of questions in front of you at each interview. Listen and talk equally. Do not talk more than listen in your interviews. In my blog I’ve done a post on specific questions to ask a designer. Selecting a designer is the single most important choice you will make and adequate time should be allowed for this initial process to evolve naturally and fruitfully. Consider not only the answers, helpful for comparison, but the connection you feel to the designer, his/her enthusiasm for your project, important factors as well. Understand that people, processes, and products are not perfect. If you choose the right professional, you will receive "near perfect."

Tell us about your favorite kitchen and/or bathroom design project.

I don’t want to be coy, but I honestly do not have a favorite. My work reflects my clients’ needs, and if they are happy and satisfied with their new kitchens, often after an extensive design process with multitudes of design and product choices, then I’m happy! I think, if pressed, however, the one I am most excited about, coincidentally, is one I am working on now. This client was brave enough NOT to use one long wall in the kitchen, logically for cabinetry, but instead, to follow one lone plan (as part of a number of other more traditional plans I presented) which situates a huge island as the main kitchen (cooktop and sink therein.) Supplementary cabinetry and tall appliances are on two 5′ short walls on either end of the space. This is a social kitchen. There are countless lifestyle scenarios for social interaction in this kitchen. I am a strong advocate for the benefits of designing a more social kitchen, and I cannot be more pleased that my client chose this plan. As a result, there is increased function as well, especially for multiple chefs/assistants.

In your personal kitchen or bath – what is the product(s) that you can’t imagine living without?

I just moved a few months ago, and I must say I seriously miss my wine refrigerator! My husband and I enjoy a glass of wine when cooking and dining most evenings. When I redo the kitchen in this new home we are in, I know that appliance will be included. Now that I think of it, I also miss my Gaggenau grill from my other kitchen. We grilled constantly.

Imagine designing your dream kitchen or bath.  What style would it be? What products would you use ?

There is no question that my next kitchen will be a walnut Hansen kitchen. The simple elegance of this freestanding collection of functional kitchen furniture speaks to me. The eco-friendly materials and finish are made to last decades. I like that. This is kitchen furniture which will transition beautifully with my surrounding spaces. The style could be categorized in several ways…organic modernism, a warm modern, a natural kitchen environment, a "living room kitchen" all express the feeling I’m looking for. I think I would use the 27" Sub Zero separate refrigerator/freezers. I love the aesthetic of Gaggenau ovens and cooktops. My default dishwasher is usually a Miele, and I will search for a wine refrigerator for sure! Countertops…very possibly walnut. Lighting may be ceiling pendants by Le Klint. I will not have upper wall cabinets, but I may have a pantry in an adjoining space. I will include art in the kitchen. And, a sofa as part of the kitchen dining table, which I’ve done for a number of years. It’s heaven.

Green design is an important consideration for many homeowners.  Do you have advice for homeowners who want to "green" their kitchen or bathroom?

My most important piece of advice is to sample new products and finishes, such as countertops as one example. What you are looking to achieve is the combination of both green materials AND longevity in those green materials. Green materials without longevity are not green. Look to also design a healthy kitchen – one that is easy to clean and cleans the air via helpful appliances. Select energy star appliances. Use energy efficient lighting, LED or CFL. Consult a design professional to determine the positive or negative impact on home heating issues when increasing the size of your windows. Greening your kitchen feels good. You are doing good on many levels.

We’d like to thank Susan Serra, CKD, CAPS of Susan Serra Associates, Inc for generously sharing her expertise and design advice.

Related: Kitchen and Bath Design Experts Talk Design Trends 2009

Visit the original post at: The Decorating Diva

Kitchen and Bath Design Expert: Matthew Quinn

As one of the leading experts in kitchen design, Matthew Quinn has worked around the world to provide his clients with original, memorable kitchens and baths. Function is amply addressed, but so are aesthetics and comfort. Through his projects, often brought to him by the world’s top architects and interior designers. Matthew is the principal of the Atlanta-based Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio and the founder of the Matthew Quinn Collection, a new showroom concept in luxury kitchen, bath, and architectural hardware. Matthew’s timeless work has been featured in a multitude of publications and the recipient of numerous design awards. Contact Information: Matthew Quinn Matthew Quinn Collection 349 Peachtree Hills Avenue ADAC WEST/SUITE B5A Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 974-3560 matthew@matthewquinncollection.com

What do you see as the top Kitchen and Bath design trends for 2009?

Trends include the resurgence of brass finishes, the mass customization of bath products that will integrate into any décor, and the continuing streamlining of traditional design to something similar to the Art Déco movement.

At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show this year, many sophisticated, innovative new appliances and products were unveiled. How do you see the increase in smart kitchen and bath appliances making life easier for homeowners?

Time is the key to making life easier. If these new appliances are easy to operate and can save time; then they will gain in popularity. The trend of operating your appliances remotely with your I-phone is not something I see as helpful or realistic.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Hotels, travel, dreams and doodling.

What advice would you give to homeowners considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel?

Hire a design professional and spend twice as much on lighting as you have budgeted.

Tell us about your favorite kitchen and/or bathroom design project.

My favorite always involves a homeowner that hated cooking and through the design and installation process of their kitchen, becomes inspired and passionate about cooking and now entertains frequently.

In your personal kitchen or bath – what is the product or products that you can’t imagine living without?

I cant imagine living without warming drawers, SubZero refrigerators, radiant heated tile floors, and a great big bathtub.

Imagine designing your dream kitchen or bath. What style would it be? What products would you use ?

I am installing it right now in a penthouse apartment. It is very modern with lots of greys, browns and blues and a mixture of sleek glass and tile finishes mixed with wonderful textures in stone, fabric, wood and animal wallpapers.

Green design is an important consideration for many homeowners. Do you have advice for homeowners who want to "green" their kitchen or bathroom?

I think there are lots of selections for new ³green² products but I think lots of people forget about the power of recycling and repurposing already used products. Recently we used old broken marble countertops from a candy store and repurposed them as an amazing floor in a kitchen.

We’d like to thank Matthew Quinn of the Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio and the Matthew Quinn Collection for generously sharing his expertise and design advice.

Related: Kitchen and Bath Design Experts Talk Design Trends 2009 ,

Visit the original post at: The Decorating Diva

Kitchen and Bath Design Expert: Susan Palmer

Susan Palmer, CKD, CBD, owner of Susan Palmer Designs, has been designing award-winning custom kitchens & baths for more than 25 years. When Susan approaches a new design project, she does not impose a specific “style” of design, rather, she looks to each project for inspiration. As she states, ”I am merely the vehicle to achieve the client’s dream — the final signature belongs to them.” Blending her history and experience as a "Kama’aina" by way of Texas, her design aesthetic has developed through living and traveling through Japan, the far east, Europe, as well as the continental U.S. before settling down in Honolulu in the early 1980’s. Susan has been a recipient of many industry awards including the NKBA Aloha Chapter “Hohanohano” Best of the Best Award, Building Industry Association BIA Merit Awards, NKBA Aloha Chapter Phil Zweedyk Award, as well as serving as a guest lecturer at Chaminade University and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In recent years, Susan has served as a judge for BIA as well as NKBA award competitions. Susan has also previously held the offices of vice president, programs chairwoman, as well as president of the Aloha Chapter of the NKBA. Her projects have been published in numerous magazines and publications both locally and nationally. In addition to her CKD & CBD certifications, she also has a degree in Interior Design. Contact Information Susan Palmer, CKD, CBD Susan Palmer Designs, Inc. The Shops at Dole Cannery 650 Iwilei Rd. #195 Honolulu, HI 96817 808) 599-7606 Email: info@susanpalmerdesigns.com Web: Susan Palmer Designs, Inc Blog: Susan Palmer Designs Blog twitter: @susanpalmer

What do you see as the top Kitchen and Bath design trends for 2009?

• Metal finishes like oil rubbed bronze, platinum, and weathered or distressed nickel finishes in fixtures for both the kitchen and the bath.
• Horizontal grains for modern kitchens and baths in woods such as White Oak and Teak.
• Traditional kitchens are moving more towards rustic clear finishes on woods like Knotty Cherry, paired with interesting toe kicks and furniture style legs and details.
• In general I expect to see more ethnic or vintage materials and techniques revived and used in modern applications, such as mosaics that utilize stained glass in abstract styling or regional textiles from Africa used in poly-resin architectural panels.

At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show this year, many sophisticated,  innovative new appliances and  products were unveiled.  How do you see the increase in smart kitchen and bath appliances making life easier for homeowners?

We all lead increasingly hectic lives with very little free time, so appliances that cook smarter and clean quickly with low maintenance will give homeowners more time to spend with their families. 

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

The client — listening to the client when they tell me their dreams and desires for their new kitchen or bath, and seeing the way they live helps me to find the inspiration to create the perfect design for them. Each client is different and the design evolves based on their personality, lifestyle, and stage of life.

What advice would you give to homeowners considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel?

Don’t skimp on the quality of your materials – purchase as much quality as you can afford and determine what your priorities are by working with a design professional. You can always get inexpensive decorations, but make sure the cabinetry, counters and other essential materials are of a high quality so that you maximize the investment and enjoyment for the many years to come.

Tell us about your favorite kitchen and/or bathroom design project.

Probably one of my most favorite kitchen remodels was for a second time around client. The client and her husband had purchased a new home after selling the home that I had remodeled with them years earlier. I knew the client very well and liked the views of her new home, but the kitchen was shockingly bad. The cabinets did not even have doors! Instead, the contents were hidden with ratty little curtains and the floor and the ceiling were covered in dark decaying cork. Because I knew she loved to cook, and I knew the styles she preferred, it was a lot of fun to use new products not available during the previous remodel. 

In your personal kitchen or bath – what is the product(s) that you can’t imagine living without?

Soap dispensers at the kitchen sink and hand showers for the bath make cleaning so efficient, I could not imagine living without either of these things!

Imagine designing your dream kitchen or bath.  What style would it be? What products would you use?

Depends on what day it is! There are so many products and styles that I am constantly surrounded by, it’s hard to pick just one that I love. Having said that, if I were to narrow down some of my favorite items to include in my dream kitchen they would be: the Miele coffee system, a sink by Julien, a faucet by Dornbracht, Wood-Mode cabinets, wood floors, an island with a prep sink, a warming drawer, a La Cornue range, and a Miele refrigerator.

Green design is an important consideration for many homeowners.  Do you have advice for homeowners who want to "green" their kitchen or bathroom?

Get rid of appliances and fixtures now that are old and outdated — replace them all with the newer energy efficient models. It may sound counter-intuitive, but it really does not make sense to replace items as they break with new models if your goal is energy efficiency and green living.

We’d like to thank Susan Palmer, CKD, CBD of Susan Palmer Designs, Inc for generously sharing her expertise and design advice.

Related: Kitchen and Bath Design Experts Talk Design Trends 2009

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FREE!!!!

Dontcha just love that word? Sometimes there are things that are free that you take just because they are free. It may not be something you really want or need. Like the free mini boxes of cereal that come in the mail. Then there are the free things you seek out, like the free food samples at Costco. You know what I mean. You can make a meal out of those enchilada and potroast samples. Sometimes I wait for there to be a free gift with the “purchase of $30 or more” at the make-up counter. (I have more beach bags and make-up pouches than you can imagine).

But there is another catagory. Things that you would love to have, but they are just not in the budget right now. But you keep looking at them in the magazines wondering if you could maybe swing it.

Here’s one of those kind of freebies!

Merida Meridian is having a FREE RUG CONTEST . They are giving away a different rug every month! And the more who enter, the longer they can keep doing this. This month they are giving away a 5×8 Malabay Bark Abaca Area Rug like the one pictured in the photo above. (And speaking of the photo…maybe there will be free give-away of this HOUSE! Those newell posts!One can dream….that’s free too.)

So I’d thought I’d pass along the goodness. Here is the link to the Contest Page.

Good Luck!!!

(And the Modern by Design Showhouse Pictures are on their way!!!!)

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Kitchen and Bath Design Expert: Jamie Goldberg

Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS is an NKBA-certified, independent kitchen and bath designer in Tampa, Fl. She is also a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, helping clients remain safe and comfortable in their own homes before and beyond retirement. Jamie writes regularly about design and remodeling for numerous magazines and web sites, and also publishes her own weekly blog, Gold Notes: Nuggets from the World of Residential Design. CONTACT INFORMATION: Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS Site: Jamie Goldberg Kitchen and Bath Design LLC Blog: Gold Notes: Nuggets from the Word of Residential Design Twitter: @JTGoldberg Contact: (813) 810-0467 or jamie@jgkitchens.com

What do you see as the top Kitchen and Bath design trends for 2009?

• I’m seeing warmer and softer "comfort" finishes and lines, contrasted with previous years’ sharp edges and bright, shiny chrome.
• There’s an increasing focus on water and energy savings, as well as an overall acknowledgement of the economy’s impact on the American homeowner with new, value-oriented lines.
• One trend that continues to grow — and will until the next baby boom, I’m sure — is Aging in Place. At this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, there were more products than ever that acknowledge the graying of society with increased accessibility and convenience. It also plays out in the integration of grab bars into designer bathroom suites, but by no means is limited to that arena.

At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show this year, many sophisticated, innovative new appliances and products were unveiled. How do you see the increase in smart kitchen and bath appliances making life easier for homeowners?

Any innovation that saves people time is perfectly in tune with our frenetic lives. We’re working harder than ever in our jobs and careers, and want our free time to be as unencumbered as possible. If an oven can speed dinner to the table, that’s a plus. If a washing machine can make the laundry chore quicker, well, that’s an appliance most homeowners would want to own.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Everywhere! I’m a voracious magazine reader and web surfer. I also get inspired when I travel and shop. It’s rare when I come back from a trip without a new idea for a project I’m working on.

What advice would you give to homeowners considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel?

To paraphrase the carpenters’ maxim, plan first, purchase second. A great kitchen or bath starts with a great plan. And great plans come from professionals with knowledge and experience. The fees that you pay for such expertise are offset by the savings you’ll reap in avoiding expensive mistakes and frustration. I’m naturally biased toward the National Kitchen & Bath Association (nkba.org) as the source for such professionals, as kitchens and baths are our full-time focus.

Tell us about your favorite kitchen and/or bathroom design project.

They’re all my favorite when I’m working on them! Two that particularly stand out are a stroke victim’s master bath, which I helped make much more accessible for him, as well as more attractive, and an island home that had been flattened by Hurricane Charley, that I had the great pleasure of helping redesign.

In your personal kitchen or bath – what is the product or products that you can’t imagine living without?

I greatly enjoy my master bath’s built-in shower bench and hand-held massaging shower head. If I were staying in my home more than another two years, I’d totally redo the kitchen!

Imagine designing your dream kitchen or bath. What style would it be? What products would you use ?

My dream kitchen, unlike my current one, will most definitely be zoned for efficient cooking, prep and clean-up with point-of-use appliances, two islands and a second sink. It will also be more open to the dining room.

Aesthetically, I love the look of painted white, shaker-style cabinets with black honed-finish quartz countertops and a wide plank, reclaimed wood floor. It’s a timeless look that fits with the casual style I embrace at home.

I’d have to have LED under-cabinet lights, a designer-sized GelPro mat to make holiday meal prep more comfortable, and tons of cabinet convenience accessories like in-drawer organizers, roll-out trays and pull-outs.

My husband is our family chef, so he gets to choose the kind of cooking appliances he wants to use, though I’d definitely want him to try out an induction cooktop and convection and steam ovens. (What a fun shopping trip that will be.) Whatever cooking surface he selects, there will have to be a top-notch, super-quiet range hood insert to go with it!

Green design is an important consideration for many homeowners. Do you have advice for homeowners who want to "green" their kitchen or bathroom?

Decide what’s really important to you and build those values into your remodel. For some, it will be using materials that don’t pollute your indoor environment. For others, it will be sourcing locally-made and re-used materials. Many homeowners want to save money by lowering their energy and water bills. That’s green, too. There are many different approaches and different price points. It’s essential to prioritize. Ultimately, the "greenest" solution is designing a kitchen or bath that will sustain you for as long as you remain in that home.

We’d like to thank Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS of Jamie Goldberg Kitchen and Bath Design LLC for generously sharing her expertise and design advice.

Related: Kitchen and Bath Design Experts Talk Design Trends 2009 , Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS on  Aging in Place and Universal Design for Kitchen & Bath

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