SENSIBLE STYLE – TIPS INSPIRED BY WRITING MY FIRST BOOK

My first book, New Kitchen Ideas That Work, (Taunton Press, 2012) is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.com and will hit store shelves the first week of December. (You know all of those kitchen books at the front of your neighborhood Home Depot and Lowe’s store? Mine will be among them!) 

New Kitchen Ideas That Work - Look for it at a Home Depot or Lowe's near you
(Photo:  Taunton Press)

Here are some Sensible Style tips that you can find handsomely illustrated and explained in this full-sized, full-color volume. 

Layout enhancements 

It’s much more affordable to improve an existing layout than it is to change it entirely. Moving vents, electrical and plumbing often require permits, demolition and skilled trades persons. You can increase your storage potential, improve your appliance performance and update your style, all while keeping everything in its current place.     

• Increase your storage potential with cabinet accessories and backsplash organizers.
• Update your style with new hardware, refacing, paint and lights, all while keeping everything in its current place. 

A backsplash organizer adds storage without remodeling
(Photo: IKEA)

Fixture enhancements 

Do you have a builder grade kitchen sink and faucet? These are fairly easy to upgrade, unless your sink is under-mounted in stone tops. As so many older homes still have laminate counters, there’s a good chance you have those, too, and can easily upgrade your fixtures. 

• Improve your prep and clean-up efficiency with a modular, accessory-equipped sink. 
• Add convenience and reduce germ spread with a hands-free, sensor faucet. Multiple spray functions improve its usability, too. 

Enhance your clean-up zone with a hands-free faucet
(Photo: Moen)

Appliance enhancements 

Everyone wants performance appliances, but you probably don’t have the space for a 48 inch pro range. The good news is, you don’t need one to get better cooking capability. 

• Add another oven to your kitchen with a microwave that does more than reheat and defrost; it brings convection, warming and speed cook features to your home.
• Replace an inefficient radiant cooktop with an induction model. It will give you professional class performance with amazingly easy clean up and improved safety. 

Improve cooking performance with an induction cooktop
(Photo:  Bosch)

More enhancements 

New Kitchen Ideas That Work covers the entire kitchen, from ceiling light fixtures to flooring options. Here are some additional Sensible Style tips to consider for your home.

• Replace outdated incandescent track lights with LED-equipped versions for better style and energy savings. 
• Replace a worn, stained rug with an outdoor-rated version that will freshen the kitchen’s style and be a breeze to clean. 

Add style and low maintenance with an outdoor-friendly rug
(Photo:  Ballard Designs)

I'm proud to share that my first book has 224 pages of Sensible Style-inspired tips, 370 photos and 14 case studies of real kitchen projects around the country to educate and inspire you.

Molten Gold - Mad for Plaid

I love patterns in decor: Animal prints, florals, stripes, paisleys, checks and, of course, plaids. My own home is full of patterned elements, but it’s rare that I get to design them into client projects. 

This is not because my clientele is resistant, but because you seldom find patterns in the kind of built-in elements I typically specify. 

Well, that just changed. Big time.  Thank you, Sara Baldwin and New Ravenna Mosaics. (New Ravenna happens to be one of my favorite tile companies, too, so their latest release was a double-header for me!) 

McIntyre by New Ravenna

About the Collection 

Sara’s new Plaid and Gingham Collection is comprised of five classic designs -- Rory, Hamish, Bonnie, Conner, and McIntyre -- all inspired by her Scottish ancestors and rendered in jewel glass and natural stone mosaics. 

Each of the five designs was created by hand-cutting and assembling the individual pieces into mosaics. They are then customized for every installation. 

Rory by New Ravenna

Hamish by New Ravenna

About the Tile 

After being assembled, the tessarae, (individual pieces), are held together with clear tape. The mosaic is cut like a jigsaw puzzle with each section numbered. When it arrives at the destination, the tile setter applies it to the surface and then grouts it in place. This creates a seamless design, one of the hallmarks of a mosaic. In glass, the mosaics can be used for any interior vertical surface application. In stone, the mosaics can be applied to floors and walls, indoors or out. 

Bonnie by New Ravenna

About Sara Baldwin and New Ravenna Mosaics 

The mosaics are hand-crafted in Virginia, where Sara grew up, established her company and trained a team of more than 100 artisans in the ancient art of mosaic. In the process, she has provided job training, economic development and employment in her local community. 

More than 200 Sara Baldwin designs can be found in tile showrooms throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Dubai. More than likely, one or more of those designs will find their way into my next “forever” home, too. 

Named for the epicenter of Italian-Byzantine tile work, New Ravenna Mosaics are sold through exclusive designer showrooms across the country and internationally. The company also provides design services and on-site installation supervision. 

Hamish by New Ravenna

The Facts 

Specifications: On website 

Web site:  www.newravenna.com 

Price: 

Starts at... 
Connor Glass: $58/SF 
Hamish Glass $ 104/SF 
McIntyre Stone: $86 SF 
Rory Glass: $ 91 SF 
Bonnie Glass: $48 SF 
Bonnie stone: $55 SF

Four Favorite Design Books

My bookcase is loaded with books about design, remodeling and architecture.  The first one I ever picked up -- before I was even a designer -- is still tops on that list.  In no particular order, these are my recommendations for starting your design library.  I hope you'll add my first book, New Kitchen Ideas That Work, (Taunton Press), when it publishes in December.

FYI, you can click on any of the book photos and buy them on Amazon.com today.  Each purchase helps support this blog.

Not So Big House
Sarah Susanka
Taunton Press

This book was published in the heyday of the McMansion.  I love, and share, the author's philosophy on building smarter, not larger.  It's even more relevant today than it was when it first came out about 14 years ago.  Build what you need and build it as well as possible.  Amen!

PreFabulous
Sheri Koones
Taunton Press

I came across this wonderful book when I was researching a piece for the Tampa Tribune about five years ago.  I had seen some fabulous prefab homes at the International Builder Show and was impressed with the huge strides in quality and style.  This book shows why prefabs are worth considering and what's possible.

Kelly's Kitchen Sync
Kelly Morisseau
Springline Media

Yes, Kelly is a friend of mine and a fellow Blogger 19 member.  She's also a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer and a really sharp writer.  This is a must read before embarking on a kitchen remodel.  

Pottery Barn Bathrooms
Judith Nasatir
Oxmoor House

I'm a long-time devotee of PB style and this book is just pure eye candy for me.  I have to confess, I don't spend much time reading it; I pick it up for the pictures.  Quite frankly, it's my Playboy design porn!

Four Favorite Sensible Style Kitchen Solutions

Thanks for stopping by during my month-long Gold Notes' Fourth Anniversary celebration.  This is Kitchen Week.  


I believe that kitchens should be practical as well as pretty. They should make sense for how you and your household functions, not how someone on television or in a magazine does. They should fit into your home like they were “born” there if, in fact, you’re remodeling the one that was. I also believe they should fit the value of your home and neighborhood standards, so you don’t put a $100,000 kitchen into a $200,000 condo. These are my Sensible Style design principles and the solutions I recommend to my clients and readers generally come from that philosophy. 


As a professional kitchen and bath designer these past eight years – and a blogger for four – I’ve come across a myriad solutions I think are great for a wide range of kitchens. Here are my four favorite Sensible Style solutions: 


Engineered Stone Countertops 


This is my favorite widely-available material for kitchen countertops.  (Porcelain slab is my latest, but it's not yet widely available in the US yet.  Look for that to change in the next couple of years.)  Engineered stone, aka quartz and sold under brand names like Zodiaq, Cambria, Silestone, et al, is durable, low maintenance, warrantied, versatile and attractive. You can go contemporary with solid styles that look like concrete, or traditional with recently-improved styles that look like marble and granite. Its main limitation is that it can’t go outside if you’re also creating an outdoor kitchen. Not a big deal, but worth mentioning. 

Engineered stone goes contemporary
(Photo: Silestone)

Rectified Porcelain Tile 


Like engineered stone counters, porcelain tile is durable, versatile and low maintenance. The rectified versions have minimal grout lines, reducing maintenance even further. This makes them practical for both flooring and backsplashes. They can also go traditional or contemporary, depending on the style you choose. The only disadvantage is their hardness underfoot, which can create foot, back, hip and leg strain, as well as fatigue. A cushioned task mat can alleviate that issue. 

Porcelain tile looks and wears wonderfully in hard-working  kitchens
(Photo:  Ceramics of Italy)

Hands-free Faucets 


Kitchen faucets work harder than any other in your home, and are likeliest to spread the most germs. Having a model that’s hands-free means fewer winter colds and less chicken grease to clean up. They’re available in traditional, transitional and contemporary styles. Choose the one that works best for your home and budget. 

A hands-free faucet adds style and convenience
(Photo:  Moen)

Induction 

I love induction cooking. Not only is it faster than even pro gas, it’s safer to use and more energy efficient. Chefs across Europe have been using induction for years. I’m very glad it’s catching on here. My very first blog post [], way back in July 2008, was on induction. Since then, there has been an increasing array of offerings in this category, from economical freestanding ranges to the new state-of-the art Thermador Freedom Induction Cooktop.

Induction is the smartest cooking technology on the market today
(Photo:  Thermador)

Four Favorite Adaptable Kitchen Design Use Tips – Pat Caulfield of The Core of the Kitchen Blog

Welcome to Kitchen Week on Gold Notes! Pat Caulfield, AKBD, CAPS, author of The "Core" of the Kitchen blog, shares her own from-the-field take on aging in place and accessible design today. This is an area I’ve long been interested in and frequently incorporate into my own projects. Pat’s ideas are brilliant and I’m happy to be able to share them with you as part of Gold Notes’ month-long Fourth Anniversary celebration.

***

At the NeoCon Convention in Chicago this year the focus was on ergonomic design in the workplace. While the term “ergonomic” has been replaced by “adaptability,” there is no question that comfort and ease of use will be in vogue for many years to come. As buying power bends to the Boomers, aging in place and ease of use move front and center in design, especially in the kitchen. Here are just four of my faves from a recent remodel.


Dishwasher dilemma


The open door of a standard dishwasher is approximately 10” off the floor, making loading it like toe touches. This is fine if your back is still supple. By incorporating two dishwasher drawers to the left and right of the main sink, the reach can be greatly reduced, giving your aching back a break.

A pair of dishwashers at an ergonomic height meet this kitchen's clean-up needs

Morning Joe goes ergonomic 

While a built-in coffee maker is a caffeinated dream for some, using lift doors in what was once called an appliance garage transforms this formerly cumbersome space. Hafele offers a streamlined unit complete with a stabilizing bar for a sweet lift. The Strato system allows the door to stop when you let it go – i.e., no flyaways and minimal effort keep everything in its place quietly and comfortably.

A lift door makes an appliance garage more accessible and stylish

Paper towel trick 

By removing a drawer front and bringing up the back wall of the drawer interior, a convenient storage solution becomes highly functional. Routing out the internal sides of the cabinet and installing a spring-loaded holder gave the paper towels a permanent home – right where everyone can easily reach them.

Clever paper towel holder means no one has to lean across a deep countertop ever again

Pet Adaptability


Even our canine companions have aches and pains. In this space a dog-friendly dinner bar was designed to include a self-filling water trough. Bowls are elevated off the floor to a comfortable height of 6” for two large dogs. And yes, I did measure their reach! Dog food was stored to the right in covered bins using a smooth pull-out glide, making it easy for the homeowner to open and close. Toys stored in an open basket kept them from being underfoot and easy to trip over, another human aging in place strategy. 

Even the pet feeder is ergonomic -- and great-looking!

More Images


Here are some more photos of this handsome kitchen Pat designed for one of her clients.  I love 'em so had to share them with you, too!

Photos:  All provided by Pat Caulfield, AKBD, CAPS.


*** 


Pat Caulfield, AKBD, CAPS is an Independent Design Consultant working in the fields of kitchen and bath, residential construction, project management, space planning, cabinet manufacturing and custom cabinet design for more than 15 years. 

Four Favorite American Originals - Roberta Kravette

Roberta Kravette is one of the leading American kitchen and bath designers, a LEED AP and a lovely lady, to boot!  We met at an industry reception following the 2011 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. I was delighted when she offered to share a guest post for Gold Notes' Fourth Anniversary celebration, and her topic fit right into All-American Week! Like Roberta, I love art and really enjoyed her finds.


*** 


For me one of the most important parts of a kitchen project is the fabulous or funny, moving or magnificent piece of art placed as the centerpiece of a carefully thought out design. Even in a tiny space the right piece immediately defines the personality and atmosphere of the home. 


My favorites are original, one-of-a-kind works pertaining to the four things I am passionate about: Glass, wood, environmentally responsible design and cooking. I’ve been known to stalk craft fairs and off-the-beaten-track studios to find pieces that tell a story. Here are some of my favorites. 


Nick Leonoff

I love it! Especially the carved and layered art glass produced in France from about 1875 to 1910. I have a few very precious pieces and never thought that I would come upon a modern master of this delicate art. Nick Leonoff is that modern master. He blows layered bubbles of colored glass in his Brooklyn, NY studio then delicately carves the cooled shapes with diamond wheels. The result is a textured miracle of color and brilliance.   Don’t miss his mouth-blown pumpkins and magnificent glass pendant shades too. 

Urban2

Eric Pesso


Wood is unmatched for warmth in a home. Eric Pesso  is a computer programmer, holds a Masters in Science and loves geometry, math and symmetry. He credits this immersion in math and science as the inspiration for his sculpture. He literally gives new life to dead trees he finds in parks and yards. Look closely. Every work is created from one piece of wood carved in a continuous, unbroken line -- no patching, no gluing, no nails, screws or dowels. 


I could stare for hours …and…well…did one Sunday afternoon when I found him at the Brooklyn Crafts fair. 

Two Discs

Ken Orton


Are they photos or are they paintings?  The first time I saw Ken Orton’s oil paintings at the Lincoln Center Crafts Fair I was sure that they were super-huge photographs. His mason jars and bottles sit in a “window” catching sun light and teasing the viewer with hints of flowers, barns, and trees reflected in the glass. They are utterly amazing. His whisky bottles make me laugh. Talking to Ken with his lyrical English country accent and fabulous white beard, blue eyes twinkling you get the feeling that this man enjoyed preparing some of those bottles for painting! 

McDonald

John Burnmeister


Ever wonder what retired custom cabinet makers do when they ship the final kitchen or in this case custom bar? John Burnmeister looked down – literally and found… Marilyn…and Mr. Fox…and oh yes Kirby. Marilyn is rather flirty and she was born shoes first from wood blocks from his cabinet shop, next came her beauty mark. Mr. Fox is rather a serious fellow dressed in a still projector. I laughed out loud when I met the dreadlock-sporting hipster Kirby. John said he was crossing the street in Maryland when he saw Kirby’s green eyes lying on the asphalt following him, his chicken feeder torso came later. 

Marilyn and Fox

Final Thought


OK, maybe these “folks” do not create ordinary kitchen/dining room art, but they will keep family and guests smiling - a nice indicator of a successful design project.

Four Favorite American Design Ideals

Tomorrow, our nation celebrates its 236th birthday and the ideals of freedom and democracy on which the United States of America were founded. Happy Birthday, USA! 


This whole month, I’m celebrating Gold Notes’ fourth birthday. Today marks its 202th post. For my Independence Day-inspired Four Favorites, I thought I’d honor those American ideals that elevate kitchen and bath design. 


Innovation 


The Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights were two of the most innovative documents ever created for the governance of people. They were liberating and inspiring. Innovation continues to liberate and inspire. Microwave ovens and dishwashers have added dramatically to the convenience of kitchen work. The development of induction cooktops and application-rich smart phones and tablets take innovation even further. 

Amana debuts the first microwave oven
Photo Courtesy of Southwest Museum of Engineering, Communications and Computation

Quality 


Made in America has always meant well-constructed products designed to last a lifetime. It still does, and this provides a valuable counterpoint to flimsy imports that offer style but no substance. You see these imports imitating American designs on discount shelves and web sites everywhere. There’s no savings in buying something you’ll have to pay to remove and replace in a year or two when it fails. 

High quality Waterstone Faucets are made in America
Photo Courtesy of  Waterstone

Individuality 


The rugged individual has always been an American archetype. Symbolized by the cowboy above all, it’s this celebration of one person’s ability to define his or her own destiny that has become the embodiment of our freedom. 


This individualism has inspired the founding of companies like Vent-A-Hood, Apple Computer, Sub-Zero Wolf, Thermador, Viking, GE and so many others that have enriched our homes and lives. Their founders believed there was a home on the range for their idea. They were right. 

Vent-A-Hood invented the kitchen ventilation hood
Photo Courtesy of  Vent-A-Hood

Compassion 


Americans are a compassionate people. We’ve donated millions to tsunami relief in Asia, earthquake relief in Haiti and hurricane and tornado support to our own neighbors. Our military leads medical missions around the world and the Peace Corps continues its invaluable work abroad. 


When Katrina hit New Orleans and the surrounding area, I was working for The Home Depot as a Tampa, FL-based kitchen designer. I was so proud of our company for getting supplies into the hurricane-ravaged area when FEMA couldn’t, and for sending teams to the affected areas to help out. They also paid employees for food replacements when they went without power and lost the contents of their refrigerators and freezers. I will always remember that about my former employer. 

Home Depot volunteers getting ready to help tornado survivors in Joplin, MO
Photo Courtesy of The Home Depot

Happy Fourth of July, Gold Notes readers!

Four Favorite Products I Can't Specify Down South - Nick Lovelady of Cupboards

I first met Nick Lovelady, kitchen designer and blogger extraordinaire on Twitter through his hilarious, tongue-in-cheek @cupboards tweets.  We actually met in person for the first time at last year's Kitchen & Bath Industry Show and saw each other again a few weeks ago at a Bosch-Blanco blogger event.  Nick is another Blogger 19 buddy, one of the 2.0 folks, as I call them, who went to Brizo's Fashion Week program after we OGs (original gangsters!) attended in February 2010.  


I couldn't resist asking this adorable 'Bama boy to write about Four Favorite Products he can't specify in the South and was absolutely tickled when he said yes.  Nick gets it when I share that my Central Florida clientele considered Shaker modern.  I'm thrilled to have his wit and wisdom as my second Four Favorites guest poster this week.   Here you go, y'all!
 

*** 

Big thanks to Jamie for asking me to chime in on some design aspects that we just don’t see that much in the rather rural Southern United States. Historically, kitchen design in the South has been largely traditional. Designers who have a flare for the ultra-modern, (which we’ll talk about), and lots of color and funky elements may not find an eager group of potential clients down in our neck of the woods. BUT that doesn’t mean that we don’t like that stuff! Here are four kitchen elements I’d love to specify sometime soon in the South. 


Super Modern Cabinetry


In all of my years of kitchen design, I’ve completed ONE slab door kitchen and have one in the hopper right now. Both were still very traditional and matte. I want some gloss! 

Photo from Home Dsgn: Interior Design and Inspirational Homes 

Glass Counters


Glass counters completely mesmorize me. Maybe I’m distracted by shiny things. Glass counters have come a long way in recent years and have now become a viable option for both counter and backsplash material. My customers typically think it’s too modern and are apprehensive to take the plunge. 

Photo from ThinkGlass

Black Cabinets


This one is a bit perplexing. Black cabinets can fit in easily to the typical traditional styling of many Southern homes. Black has become a neutral and allows homeowners TONS of options when it comes to accessories and other kitchen elements. 

Photo from Apartment Therapy

Wild Ventilation  


Why not have the vent hood be the conversation piece in the kitchen… Better yet, it’s like art! I love the wild curves and colors available in ventilation right now, (especially those from Best, like shown).  In addition to being pretty awesome looking, they function exceptionally well. 

Photo from Best 

So there you have it, a quick round of products I’d love to see gain some momentum here in the heart of Dixie. 

Thanks again, Jamie, for letting me sit in! 

Molten Gold – Subway Stop

I’ve always liked the simplicity and casual style of subway tile.  In fact, I specified it for a spread that will be featured in Kitchen and Bath Ideas’ November/December issue. Had I seen this handsome Workshop by McIntyre rustic glazed brick collection from clé when I was planning it, this would have been that kitchen’s backsplash instead. Next time… 


So, what do I like about this offering? For one, it’s easy care and durable, both high on my Sensible Style priority list. Second, it’s got a ton of character while maintaining the simple appeal of subway tile. Glazed brick tile is not fussy, getting its good looks from soft edges, deep finishes and lots of texture, (like the bricks that inspired it). It’s handcrafted without being kitsch. And it’s made in the USA, not overseas. (Woo hoo for buying American!) 

About the Tile 


The process of creating this collection’s rustic brick tiles starts with the clay. It is mined in California (where I live and work) and purposefully left in a raw state. This allows metallic particles to bleed through the glaze, causing charming speckles, dimples and bubbles. The two-and-a-half inch by eight inch brick cladding is extruded in a long column of clay and then sliced into half-inch tiles with a wire apparatus, similar to harp strings. Dried and then fired up to 2400 degrees (F), the glazes are hand-sprayed, resulting in their slight variations. Workshop brick subway tile can be used indoors and out, (though is intended mainly for wall, rather than heavy traffic floor, applications), and has been fully tested by the Brick Institute of America for freeze thaw temperatures. 

About the Collection 


When working on a NYC Subway project, McIntyre Tile developed several hundred glazes attempting to match the original tile that had been weathering underground for 100 years. This led to the Workshop Series Liberty and New California collections, available exclusively on clé. Liberty is glazed in a palette of matte and glossy industrial whites, blacks and grays with cherry red added for drama. New California takes its visual cue from a cool mid-century rainbow of dark moss, oatmeal, rusts and tans. A cobalt blue pops against the vintage Neutra-inspired palette. 

About McIntyre Tile 


McIntyre Tile has been making tile in Northern California since 1972. The company’s inspiration comes from the love of ceramics, glaze chemistry, color and the desire to contribute to the vision of design professionals. 




About clé 


clé (pronounced, appropriately, like clay), is a new online gallery of artisanal tile from around the world. The power of the Internet creates wide distribution opportunities for these small, artistic pieces, often made in limited production from tiny studios. There is no minimum order when buying tile from clé. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case with some of clé’s competitors; now you have a new small quantity resource. (Tell them Jamie from Gold Notes sent you!) 




The Facts 


Specifications:  On website

Web site:  cletile.com


Price: $16.50 Per Square Foot/No Minimums

KBIS 2012 - Best of Show Coverage

I didn't get to Chicago this year for NKBA's annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.  (Can't get to everything!) That doesn't mean you miss out on KBIS coverage.  No way!


Every year, an expert panel names Best of KBIS Awards for the most innovative products at the event.  There is also a People's Choice award.  I just emailed that winner to a kitchen client for whom it might be perfect.  I'll likely specify it in numerous projects.  


These are the 2012 winners I'd rate as "Molten Gold" candidates:

Best of Show 

Segmented Cooktop: Gas/Griddle/Induction 
Bertazzoni 

Press Release Copy:  Bertazzoni sets the new standard in surface cooking flexibility with its new Design Series Segmented cooktops. Housed in a sleek and sophisticated low-profile stainless steel frame, these new 36” cooktops are available in six combinations of gas, electric griddle and induction to perfectly match your own style of cooking. 


Molten Gold Perspective: Here's something for everyone: a cooktop that delivers the best of everything in one 36" cooktop. It offers performance and flexibility, as you can choose the combination that works best for your cooking need. Brava, Bertazzoni! 

Best Green Product 

MotionSense Faucets 
Moen 

Press Release Copy: MotionSense™ from Moen provides an intuitive, hands-free kitchen faucet experience that responds to users’ simple hand movements to activate water flow. There are three ways to turn on faucets with MotionSense: The Wave Sensor at the top of the faucet, the Ready Sensor near the base of the faucet that identifies when an object is placed beneath the spout, and the handle on the side of the faucet offers traditional manual operation. 


Molten Gold Perspective: I love hands-free faucets for their water-savings, reduction of germ spread and convenience. When you've got a pot or a pet to wash, you may not have a free hand. I'm glad to see another brand introduce hands-free capability to the kitchen! 

People’s Choice Award 

U-Socket Wall Outlet with Built-in USB Ports 
FastMac 

Press Release Copy: U-Socket is an AC receptacle with built-in USB ports that can power any device that is capable of being charged via USB, including iPods, iPhones and iPads. Designed to replace a traditional wall outlet, U-Socket eliminates the clutter of AC Adapters that stick out & take up space. Enjoy the convenience of a charger built right into the wall! U-Socket is also eco-friendly thanks to its 5-star energy efficient design that auto-senses wattage and only outputs full power if something is connected to it.  

Molten Gold Perspective: This is definitely a product I see myself specifying in numerous upcoming kitchen and bath projects. Just about all of my clients have smart phones and tablets. This innovative outlet handles both, and has a sensor to reduce wasted energy aka vampire drain.  FYI, it will also charge your Kindle, digital camera or gaming device, as long as they have USB ports.

Rest of the Best

You can find out about the rest of the winning products on the KBIS 2012 site.  There are some great goods on there from some of the best in our business.  

Food for Thought #7 - Just because you can, doesn't mean you should

I find myself using this line fairly often, so I thought I’d share my perspective on its importance to your kitchen or bath update.


Project scope

It’s not uncommon to find enthusiastic homeowners ready to rip down walls and shake up their entire home to get the kitchen or bath of their dreams. Web sites, TV shows and magazines all encourage consumerist fantasies that cost tens of thousands more than makes sense for your home and neighborhood, often in styles and layouts that won’t mesh with your existing architecture.

The most egregious example that comes to my mind was a couple building a new Florida home at the height of the boom. The wife brought me a picture of a lovely cottage-style kitchen with handsome wall cabinets rising from the countertops surrounding the main sink. “Your sink is on an island,” I pointed out. “This is designed for a sink wall.”

“My builder will create a support frame,” she replied. It didn’t matter that this frame would look absurd in the middle of her kitchen and defeat the openness that an island generally offers. She could get it done so she was going to make her husband and builder crazy doing it. Just because you can make something work, doesn’t mean you should!

Another common example is squeezing an island into a kitchen too small to accommodate one. I’ve had clients insist on including an island that will barely allow for 36-inch clearances, even though I’ve suggested that their space limitations will make the island more of a negative than a positive. Someone convinced them that a kitchen had to have one and darned if they weren’t going to! Just because you can squeeze something in, doesn’t mean you should!

Don't try to squeeze an island where it won't fit!
(Photo: Jamie Goldberg Kitchen and Bath Design, LLC)

Budget-busting

This happened more during the boom years than it does today, thank goodness, but over-spending on your remodel rarely makes sense. Your budget might handle the extra funds just fine. You might be totally committed to having a $40,000-plus La Cornue Range but does this really make sense for your home and your neighborhood?

• If a particular item doesn’t make Sensible Style for your home, but you’ve dreamed about it for decades and not including it will come as a great personal sacrifice, OK.
• If you’re a professional caterer who works out of your home kitchen and need certain equipment, OK.
• If you run a spa business at home and having a spa-level shower is a corporate necessity, OK.

Otherwise, put your money to better use, please! Just because you can afford it, doesn’t mean you should!

This gorgeous range isn't a Sensible Style choice for every kitchen
(Photo: La Cornue)

Care and feeding of your new kitchen

I always advise clients to use trivets and cutting boards on their new stone tops. Yes, they are heat resistant but you can still damage them with a pot straight off the burner. “I’ve put hot pots on my granite tops for 20 years,” declared one homeowner.” I shook my head sadly and repeated my recommendation of using a trivet. About a week after she got her new Absolute Black granite tops, she scorched a deep ring into the section next to her range. She couldn’t remove this mark. The fabricator came back to her home. They couldn’t remove the burn either. A lovely bowl sits on top of it today. Just because you can probably get away with doing something when absolutely necessary, doesn’t mean you should do it all the time.

Stone tops are durable, but they are not indestructible!
(Photo: Jamie Goldberg Kitchen and Bath Design, LLC)

Bottom line

Choose professionals in line with your lifestyle and project type and listen to their advice. Yes, it will still be your kitchen or bath. Yes, you can still have what you want. But be smart about it, please!