Design Envy

A chef's kitchen

2011-08-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

Moving into a new home or condo can sometimes be quite an adjustment

For this client, this kitchen below (the BEFORE) was just not going to work

By opening up the wall in between the original kitchen and dining room, the space automatically visually increased

Redoing the layout of EVERYTHING (where appliances went, the cabinetry floorplan) and adding new floors created a whole new fantastic space

These clients LOVE to cook and entertain and this was the best design for their wants

As you can see, only part of the drywall soffits were removed but incorporating that into the design from phase 1, we were able to create a design that is still visually pleasing

Love the granite backsplash and the french door refrigerator

Cabinetry used in this kitchen was from my "Quality Cabinet" line; Maple Quincy in Dulce on island, and Sussex Thermofoil in White.

By arching the back side of the island's granite, we created an illusion of a deeper island

This kitchen is perfect for entertaining and still allows for plenty of storage

The island boasts deep drawers for pots/pans, space for spices, trays, cutting boards-all which is perfectly located by the cooking source

In addition to their kitchen, are four baths done in "Quality Cabinetry" below

Small but mighty design

2011-04-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

Tinsie tiny but no compromise on function or style!

This Huntington Woods remodel was an adorable space to work on.

I used "Medallion Silverline" cabinetry in the Lancaster style, painted Maple-Divinity finish

A large wood hood that kisses the ceiling draws your eye up creating a larger visual space

I love the client's choice of plated pottery to display on the mantel

Don't be fooled, this darling hood has some serious power!

BEAUTIFUL Quartz counter tops are a great alternative to granite or marble and are VERY durable

Isn't this color and pattern amazing?!

I love the sea glass blue subway glass tile with this misted gray Quartz tops...so serene and calming

Classic Bin pulls on drawer head adds detail while flatter knobs on doors are perfect for grabbing

As a fellow cooking enthusiast, I love my client's choice of a BIG bold range and 2nd oven next to it!

Not the best picture but you can see all the cooking glory that must happen in this kitchen

For all the Men out there...yes, look at this TV.

For all the Ladies, it folds up and away when done with use :)

Very practical, I would have it permanently set on FoodTV or Cooking Channel (or..CNN..er..I mean Bravo)

Even though small in width, these glass uppers offer a visual break in cabinetry for display of glassware

6" is all it takes for 6 bottles of wine...hmm, seems one bottle was enjoyed :)

This cabinet is over the refrigerator and out of children's reach

I am a big fan of paneling a dishwasher.
Easier to keep clean and just keeps such a fluid look going with cabinetry

Opening it up reveals it's true identity of indeed a quiet DW

What is more inviting than a beautiful farmer's sink, and set on an arched toe for a further furniture look

And now, for some interior goodies:

We wanted to hide an inexpensive microwave, inside the upper cabinet, so I increased the depth to a 15" depth to accommodate this unit.

A blind corner cabinet.

The pie shelf swivels out and behind it are two more rollouts that pull forward, utlizing all dead space!

Even 3" spaces can be utilized

Tiny spice pullouts that actually hold a lot

Now, if you are thinking "My kitchen is too small to do anything amazing" I hope you see the great possibilities!

Island for 5...or more!

2011-04-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

This Huntington Woods Remodel was a total blast to work on for this family

The cabinetry I designed with here is Quality's Manchester Maple in Dulce stain

Isn't this just a perfect island for a family?

The island is approximately 39" wide by 128" long!!!

Allows for seating of 5

Yes, FIVE!

The family tells me not only do they enjoy their new kitchen but the island has become a gathering place for cooking together, doing crafts and still leaves plenty of space for Mom/Dad to work/cook uninterrupted.

These stool adjust in height to reach the island height of 36" high

Here is a "BEFORE"

And the "AFTER" of that same wall

We embraced the two smaller windows by lifting them higher off the ground so we could run cabinetry underneath and using the wall space as our cooktop focal point.

The family loves their induction cooktop

By running cabinetry and tile up to the ceiling, it makes their 8 ft ceiling appear much taller

Wait..is the main sink not facing a window?!

Yes...people, it's ok...you can do that and have it look appropriate and work beautifully

We embraced it by creating an interesting wall of balanced upper cabinetry, lifting the glass cabinet above the sink up to allow for comfort while at the sink.

Function wise, it's perfect

By pairing tall verticals, such as the Refrigerator by the double oven/micro keeps from breaking up countertop space AND allows for quick reheating of meals

My client LOVED her kitchen aid top oven/micro/toaster unit with full size oven below

A small 'veggie' sink equipped with a garbage disposal makes prep help a breeze

We special ordered 6 pullouts for this client to meet their needs of organizing smaller items in their pantry

Snack storage at the end of the island is easy for children to reach and help themselves

It's easy to keep Kosher with proper space and organization

Double Trash/Rec pullout

***

the "BEFORE"

"AFTER"

***

In addition to the kitchen, we converted an old pantry closet into a family room desk area.

It's multi purpose of crafting, homework, bill paying, emailing, etc suites any family well

All installation and remodel work was done by Gordy Oliva

Cabinetry designed and provided by Kristen with Midwest Cabinet & Counter

Royal Oak Remodel

2011-02-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

A darling redesign, in Royal Oak, Michigan

However, in the beginning...this little kitchen was poorly laid out, dark and cluttered.

See Before's below

And back to the lovely "After's"

Opening up your space allows a smaller original kitchen size to grow.

It proves great for entertaining and well as increasing storage

This bar area, offers over 5 feet of length in storage, as well as a place to set up 3-4 stools for seating

The use of a diagonal sink allows the cook to peek out in different directions during clean up or prep

Keeping the cabinetry light helps with lifting the space

Balance is important to design as it is to function.

Having prep space on either side of cooking areas is key to a happy environment.

A perfect visual work triangle below between sink, refrigerator, and stove

I am a HUGE fan of exposed brick. It add such character to many of these older homes

Very inviting, don't you think?

Cabinetry for this design, was done in my affordable line of "Quality Cabinets"

All construction was done by Randy Travis of local "RAMTRA home value Improvements"

Peeking through the window...

2011-01-18T10:19:00.000-08:00

Aren't you curious how other people live?

What their homes look like on the inside?
I always am, especially during travels.

In this kitchen below, my sister who lives in Cape Town, South Africa, was on a job site photographing and I am lucky enough to be able to share this kitchen design with you.

It's simple, clean contemporary beauty works so well

At first glance, I LOVE how the Quartz countertops 'spill' over the sides of the cabinetry, and onto the floor

I love COFFEE so anything that hints a warm freshly brewed cup makes me smile and feel wrapped in a cozy hug of hospitality.

I also love the use of smaller appliances here.

Encourages more fresh buying a little more frequently

Gorgeous upper cabinetry that allows the sun's light peek through the glass fronts and backs

Great use of opaque glass so the light comes through but the details of what is stored, stays mysterious

This mix of stainless and the warm chocolate tones of cabinetry are beautifully balanced.

I also enjoy a display of favorite cookbooks. The use of the open back, into the next room, creates more of a bar look here which works very well

Interesting sink, isn't it?!

A prep side, a small scrape bowl and a larger prep sink built into the Quartz counters.

Looks like the cook top has a burner for high heat, a wok perhaps? Yum

Sometimes having your cooking source so close to your sink can actually work really well.

I would allow maybe a little more space of countertop in between...

The absence of hardware creates a clean look.

One concern when doing that, is it will wear down your cabinetry finish when you pull/grab at the same location time after time. Especially mid-prep if your hands are wet, or 'saucy'

Looks-wise, it's beautiful, but function may not be the best for you and your family. Something to think about

Quartz countertops are a great resource for tops. Many of them included recycled products with the stone, such as glass, porcelain, etc.

Thanks for the sneak peek!

Embracing appliances-Part I

2011-01-11T13:41:00.000-08:00

Appliances offer so many important roles in great kitchen design

From speedy cooking, providing chilled storage for perishable goods, creating a great cup of coffee, cleaning our dishes and so much more.

It can prove to be a challenge to balance the metal to the wood in certain designs but my motto is, "Pick the dream appliances and I'll make it work in the design"

This kitchen below was a challenge in the fact of within two walls, there were EIGHT difference appliances

A refrigerator, a microwave, an oven, a warming drawer, a coffee machine, a hood vent, a range, and a dishwasher...lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

By hiding the hood vent within a beautiful wood hood, and paneling the large refrigerator, it balanced out the wood to stainless ratio quite nicely. The micro, oven, warming drawer, coffee machine and range are all left in the steel they should be in. Meant to be wiped down, glossy and HOT working away.

I love this coffee machine that my clients have and think it has already paid for itself...something to consider if you are an avid drinker. A $3 Latte daily adds up! In one year, you can save and pay for this delightful little machine.

Below shows the large, beautiful island to seat a family of six comfortably. To keep the island 'quiet' with little change, I recommended paneling the Dishwasher so it blends with the rest of the cabinetry. Another perk to paneling is the dishwasher is touched/handled so much that often the stainless steel looks constantly messy with drip marks and fingerprints.

What appliance would you love to incorporate?

Which would you like to panel and have it visually disappear but still function daily for you?

Master Bath fit for a Hotel

2010-12-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

This lovely master bath was such a pleasure to design!

Located in one of Royal Oak's beautiful historic homes of the Hendrie nieghborhood

Believe it or not, every part of this cabinetry design was from my afforable production line, "Quality Cabinets." Designing outside the box and using materials in non conventional ways is how I achieved this look for my clients.

Behind the mirrors, cabinetry and lighting is actually an old chimney that we had to work around.

Having the lighting above lends to the perfect bath for prepping in.

Dual function is one of my personal favorite design elements when creating a space.

Below, the cabinetry offers storage inside for makeup, medicine, toothpaste, etc., while on the outside boasts a beautiful beveled mirror.

The center which is in front of the hidden chimney offers the perfect large mirror, framed in by cabinetry

An ideal Master Bath, has a "HIS" and "HER" station.....wouldn't you agree?

By keeping with the tone of the home's age, we wanted this design to be a modern convience but still speak of the 1920's. The existing tile was kept so I worked the design around that. I love how the black borders the vanity space below

Double panels on the exposed sides hid the fact that an unsightly chimney is behind

The marble top is the perfect light companion to the dark Dulce stain of the cabinetry

One of my favorite baths to date!

Does your bath make you smile?

Hello Gorgeous!

2010-10-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of this kitchen below

Soft white cabinetry accented with the pale green island and hood and even better, the cabinetry door style is classic and timeless.

The only changes I would have made is I would have chosen a different glass door style, on either side of hood, and opted to use a matching door style on island, instead of the beadboard...what are your thoughts?

I do like the re-introduction of the desk in the kitchen space, when possible.

It makes the space dual function as a desk/buffet and is a great spot to have the children work on homework, while parents can prep dinner or a snack.

To view what other finishes are available in this "FLETCHER" door style, click HERE

Gorgeous handles for your cabinetry

2010-10-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

I stumbled on this pull today and thought, what an amazing piece of hardware for cabinetry.

Like a piece of jewelry, one or two of these pulls, is all you would want to create a stunning look.

I can see this installed on a beautiful powder room cabinet

If interested in this lovely handle, click HERE

Fall treats

2010-10-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

Ginger Pumpkin Waffles

Ingredients

1 1/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
2 teaspoon(s) ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon(s) cinnamon
1/4 cup(s) finely chopped crystallized ginger
2 large eggs
3/4 cup(s) buttermilk
1/2 cup(s) canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup(s) sugar
3/4 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
3 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Directions

-Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Remove 2 tablespoons of the flour mixture and toss with crystallized ginger in a small bowl. Set aside.
-Whisk eggs, buttermilk, pumpkin, sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Combine with flour mixture. Stir in butter and fold in reserved crystallized-ginger mixture. Do not overmix.
-Heat a waffle iron and make waffles, using about 1/2 cup batter per each one. Keep warm in 200°F oven, if desired.

Photo and recipe by CountryLiving.com

thank you!

I think of a cozier room to snuggle into with these homemade waffles and nibble while watching the fall colors display their glory

Cabinetry in this room was done in "Medallion's Rushmore"

Electrolux welcomes you to the future

2010-09-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

All I can say is WOW........ I can't wait for some of these models to be a reality and use in real designs

Which is your favorite?
To hear this video's audio properly, you may have to scroll down to the right hand side, and pause the blog music

Northern Beauty

2010-08-19T10:41:00.000-07:00

Returning from my vacation in Up North Michigan, I drew inspiration from images below.

Muted taupe tones of the powder soft sand, with sharp punches of greenery poking through.

Calming blues and greens from the beautiful Lake Michigan's water

Bright orange, pinks and reds demanding attention from the amazing sunsets

Looking at this kitchen, from "Medallion Cabinetry" it's rustic appeal would fit in perfectly for a cottage or home up north. Or for that matter, any home that wants that warm feeling of natural wood accents.

Just gorgeous

Rebates for Michiganders

2010-07-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

Everyone is watching what they spend and that includes many design projects that I work on as well.

I stumble upon many cool websites that offer great savings and at www.appliancerebate.com you can learn about which aggregates cash back offers from manufacturers and other sources in our Metro Detroit area.

You may get hundreds of dollars back from trading in your old refrigerator or dishwasher and purchasing a new energy efficient one.

That is a win/win situation for you, the environment and for your design project!

Click HERE to view what appliances qualify and for what rebate amounts

You can own this beautiful beast and get money back!

Using forgotten space

2010-07-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

With remodeling season in high boom, think about the spaces in your home that are being forgotten.

Around your fireplace could be an example.

In this home, we took their blank wall and low, simple fireplace and used the entire space for storage and wow factor.

This fireplace surround was designed for my clients whose goals were; more storage space, creating a beautiful focal point in the room, hide stereo and TV/DVR/DVD components, while embracing the era of their Grosse Pointe home.

Below is the beautiful finished product done with "Quality Cabinets" cabinetry and within their budget.

The door style used was the Quincy 5

Little details, like the arched top valance, the fluted sides, the french furniture feet below, is what makes this piece look more like furniture and less like pre-fab cabinetry.

Who doesn't need drawers...LOTS of drawers!

I love how the deep red tones of the cabinetry work so well with their marble counter top selection, and the gorgeous tile that surrounds the fireplace area.

Come Fall and Winter time, this room will be so amazingly cozy!

Fireplace Unit Remodel

2010-05-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

This Fireplace unit was done in our custom cabinetry, to match the existing kitchen cabinets and update their living room, while giving a better function to the space overall.

Don't be leery of mixing contemporary elements, such as these vertical lifts, in any design. They create great storage and provide a beautiful visual impact. The frosted glass chosen allows for a 'lighter' look in the design, while still being able to mask the items stored in the cabinetry.

Love vertical lifts!

The thick custom mantle and shelves create an elongated look, adding balance to the room

The warm tone of this Maple wood works so well with the beautiful mix of colors within the brick

When choosing hardware, don't forget about using unique materials. We did a combination of frosted glass with satin nickel to tie in the frosted glass of the vertical lift cabinets. Just beautiful!

So, here is the "BEFORE"

The wall unit was done in a glossy laminate that had tones of pinks, beige but that wasn't the only issue. The main issue was the homeowners wanted to not only update their design, but update their TV and other equipment. This whole design has a bit of a "LOW" feel.

And now the "AFTER" which allowed the beautiful flat screen TV to enter the design.

The other components (DVR, DVD, etc) are hidden behind the doors in the lower section of the bookcase

The warm tones of the cabinetry, not only match their existing kitchen seen from this living room, but warms the space with wood elegance.

Adding the tall bookcase also lifts the whole room visually making it appear larger

"Before" this R2D2 hovering unit with the outdated bulky TV...

Is replaced with an elegant bookcase showcasing artwork, family photos and houses their equipment below.

The drawer is a great addition for extra remote controls, TV guides/manuals, etc.

Putting cabinetry in different parts of your home allows for great storage, beauty and better function!

Apple iPod touch 32 GB (3rd Generation) NEWEST MODEL

KBIS 2010

2010-04-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

Oh Chicago- to me, is the best city to grow up in.

I love going back home and especially when I can attend the amazing KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) located in the heart of Chi-town, that took place last weekend.

So many great design products- so I'm going to share a few with you

Located in the Masco cabinetry booth (which by the way, is one of my lines that I design with-Quality Cabinets) was Australian Chef Curtis Stone who was doing a shrimp scampi cooking demo.

He had quite the crowd around him and lots of smiling ladies. Curtis has such a charming personality and his recipes are darn delicious too! He is a big fan of using food as nature intended and cooking healthy

Go Curtis Go!

I thought the chalkboard was a charming idea and added child like warmth to a seriously stainless steel area

I was totally smitten for this Fisher & Paykel cooktop shown above and below.

At first glance it appears to be an electric cooking surface which generally doesn't grab my attention. HOWEVER, upon further investigation, the GAS cooking element pops up when the button is activated!

For clean freaks, this is your cooktop! For small spaces, this doubles as extra flat countertop, and for Mom/Dads this is one of the most child safe tops I've seen with locks so they can't enable the Gas burners.

Love it and it comes in many great sizes, perfect for smaller spaces or to add as a second cooking zone for serious cooks

So new, it's not even on their website yet, sigh.

Undercounter 36" wide oven by Fisher & Paykel, sleek and perfect for a second oven

Fisher & Paykel's new Dishwasher drawer in a 36" wide size. Gorgeous!

To me, this below, was my "MUST HAVE" of the show.

Fisher & Paykel's Cool Drawer was exactly that...so cool! It is a 3ft refrigerator drawer that can be multi functional-from refrigerator to crisper, to freezer function if you so choose, to a wine cooler. To give up 3ft of cabinetry storage, to me, the appliance must be a work horse, and this truly is. I am in LOVE!

Jenn-Air has really made a strong comeback with their appliance design, in my opinion. This fully integrated refrigerator is shown in their "Floating Glass Black" and is quite striking. You can reach inside, grab a quick snack and swipe on some lipgloss before heading out the door, with this mirror finish

Then I wandered into one of my always favorite sections of the show, KOHLER

They had an executive chef working in one of their multi tasking sinks that had a cutting board cut perfectly to fit for chopping or even gaining extra countertop space

Yes people, the old brass is coming back in the form of a new gold and in this case, shown in the Matte finish

The Karbon faucet for the bath

A lovely Kohler entertainment sink. The matching cutting board acts as extra countertop space for when prepping or how lovely would a fruit and cheese tray look on that as a casual setting while the family gathers around?

Here is their Karbon faucet for the kitchen, shown in their new brushed and polished gold finish that I'm loving! The Karbon is so fun to shape in different artistic positions-it's a great architectural piece.

Amazing shower doors by Fleurco that slide, so chic

An artistic vent hood in a mod lit glass and bronze finish

Walking by this island caught my attention and no, it wasn't because I had tired feet. I thought it was a small lovely island that would so well for many families. I loved the idea of sitting casually around the sink/island and how it was integrated with the cabinetry. I would not recommend white cushions however! ;)

I wanted to show this double oven design idea for those that are used to seeing a tower cabinet that has the ovens one over each other. This is a nice alternative and allows for a more unique use of space

I loved how this design used a shallow 6" cabinet for broom storage. What a great idea for the side of a large pantry!

Boos butcher blocks shown in the many wonderful finishes they offer and wood species. We offer any of these tops that make for beautiful and inviting countertops that dual function for those that seriously cook

KBIS 2010 was an incredible show and Chicago didn't disappoint with fantastic spring weather.

The new trends that are coming out this year are sure to impress...this was truly just a sneak peek!

Remodeling for an ADA design

2010-03-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes simplicity can mean great design and great design should always mean great function.

Take this simple shaker style cherry kitchen below.

Clean square lines, calming colors and seemingly modest.

However, once you settle in and take notice you may find that this kitchen is ADA compliant, meaning it allows usable space within the kitchen for wheelchair access and encourages participation.

For example, below the cooktop; the cabinet doors open up and pocket back within the space to allow for chair space

Shown again here at the sink area, the doors will pocket back within the cabinet.

Notice how the backs of the cabinetry also protect the client's legs from any heat sources

Island prepping

At first glance you may think, "oh what a nice, simple kitchen" but sometimes the most modest kitchens can perform the best

Major kudos to the builder Johnson Building Company who made the "BEFORE" below, turn into a better functioning kitchen for a well deserved client.

If you are looking to change your space to welcome a family member who may be living in a wheelchair, or simply 'aging in place', contact the specialists like Johnson Building Company, who know how to help.

A Clawson remodel steps out of the 70's with style

2010-02-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

Designing a remodel may be one of my favorites!

In the past few years, there has been little new construction happening in Metro Detroit. Remodeling has been full effect and I'm so happy to be a strong part of it. There is something so great about taking a perfectly good older home, and giving it a present of a 'design-lift' if you will. Well deserved for people that are choosing to stay in their homes and enjoy the time within it.

This Clawson remodel was done for personal friends of mine.

We used "Quality Cabinets" to stay within their budget and design wants.

This cabinet that rests on their countertop serves as a storage work horse. Deep enough for small appliances or for food storage.

By keeping cabinetry symetrical in their design, balances out the micro hood

Many of my clients have corner sink cabinets. This particular design works well when you have to windows (like below) butting into each other in the corner. By using a single bowl, deeper sink you won't feel comprised on size.

In staying with the discussion of corner sinks. It is SO important, no critical, to have the Dishwasher then backed off from the corner sink cabinet enough to allow for the Dishwasher to be opened without trapping the person in the corner. For all those 'DIY'ers' it always pays to consult with a designer BEFORE starting your project.

In many Metro Detroit homes, you may see this, off the kitchen, pantry area. We took off the original doors and replaced it with matching cabinetry doors for a finished look.

For small spaces, even 6" in width can prove to be a storage solution. These apothecary drawers could also be removed completely for if the home owners chose to store wine. You can mix and match that look by keeping some drawers in and some out for a couple bottles of wine or even olive oils. For now, they function as small drawers perfect for tiny items.

Deeper storage like below, provides for additional food/product storage and can create a more 'built-in' look for above the Ref area. Rollouts in a deep pantry (like below) provide an easy solution for staying organized.

Nothing beats full extension dovetail drawer construction like below

Rollouts provide storage solutions- say "NO more!" to having to dig out what it is your cabinetry

Now for some up close details-The chosen granite below was Millenium Cream and look at the beautiful amounts of natural quartz in their stone.

I love the monochromatic tones of white/greys in this Sussex White door style with the granite and grey slate flooring

White ceramic subway tile in a glossy finish

Up close of their hardware selection

And below is the "After" shot

vs the "BEFORE"...buh bye!

Clean and Classic Kitchen

2010-01-29T09:02:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite kitchens of 2009!

I love the classic mix of color tones in the clean shaker style cabinetry door. To me, this kitchen just invites you into it's space...begging to be the center of any good party, or family meal.

This kitchen was done in our "Medallion Silverline" in the Maple Lancaster Door by mixing Maple Gingersnap stain with Maple Divinity white painted. Just lovely!

Tall and shallow pantry areas are a true work horse of the kitchen. Who doesn't love storage! It's a great place for extra serving dishes, food goods, etc, the possibilities are endless.

I love the simple single sink with this tremendous depth to it.

Dishwasher drawers are so great for people that want to clean a load without having to wait to completely fill up the entire unit. Each drawer runs independent. Great for empty-nesters, small families, or Moms with endless baby bottles!

Here is another pantry area that is tall and slender but deep for storage.

So in this deep storage application, having full extension pullout drawers makes organization so much simpler.

Detailed photo of the double stacked crown I designed for their kitchen.

Up close of the Maple Gingersnap stain with a beautiful mid tone Granite

Up close photo of the backsplash done in a basketweave pattern. Gorgeous!

I couldn't resist snapping a quick photo of my client's two adorable Beagles. Look at those eyes!

This kitchen was entirely designed in our semi-custom line of "Medallion" using their affordable cabinetry line of Silverline.

Yes, I said, affordable!

Design can and should still look amazing while still keeping it within your budget.

**So, here is the BEFORE:

and ahhhh, the AFTER:

Chocolate finish in Master Bath

2010-01-25T16:38:00.000-08:00

This Master Bath was done in our "Quality Cabinets" line-Hancock Maple in the beautiful dark chocolate finish of "Dulce." Being we were short on storage, we opted for vertical storage seen in the tall cabinet to the right of the sink.

Wrapping the toe in base moulding gives the feeling of a more furniture finish

By having the tall cabinet a few inches deeper, it lends for a perfect end for the granite top to die into the side.

Below was the original concept done in CAD 20/20

More of this client's home to come...

Welcome 2010!

2010-01-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND WELCOME TO 2010!

I thought I would start this year off by featuring photos from HGTV's Dream Home 2010 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

So inspirational!

Subway tile is so popular and I am a huge fan of having my clients run their tile up, up, up to the ceiling when the design calls for it. The sea glass hued subway shown below, captures your eye in the perfect way.

Shown here is something I aim for in my designs. Keeping cooking appliances like 2nd Oven, Micro and Warming Drawer all together in a tower cabinet. Keeps you organized as a home chef and keeps the stainless steel in fewer locations, keeping your kitchen from looking too commercial and cold.

I want to call your attention to the center appliance; WOLF's Microwave drawer that allows the constant question of 'where to put the microwave." I love it here and it's actually quite larger than you think, and probably double the size of your 'over the range micro hood' which measure at approximately 9" interior height vs this at 14"...I personally can't wait to design with this product.

I am loving calming color tones of teals and turquoise this year..it's my color inspiration for 2010! Not to mention I do love cooking in my Le Creuset...perhaps I need one in Turquoise now shown below?

Beautifully done kitchen in my opinion! I love the mixed tones of the medium cherry wood mixed in with the darker 10' long island. I also think the use of simple, clean lines of the cabinetry will give this kitchen many years of timeless style.

Here is the true heartbeat of all homes...the mudroom/recycle center!

If you are lucky enough to have a spare room near the kitchen, this is what you need to do with it. I LOVE designing the new recycle rooms that offer storage for garbage, recycles (cans, glass, paper, etc) and have storage for the larger pantry items we all have. It keeps the clutter out of your kitchen.

Here is the lovely butler's pantry!

Small but strong with use and storage and function! With a couple of minor changes, this could be someones full kitchen and what a beauty it would be.

The use of Oak applied in a lighter stain and in a horizontal grain application gives it a warm contemporary look.

Shown below is Delta's new faucet, Touch 2 o that turns on by tapping the neck of the faucet. A great idea for those that frequently have messy cook's hands.

Cabinetry, like below, can be designed to look more like furniture. In this case, the decor makes the cabinetry look like a credenza while it still houses two refrigerator drawers and a wine cooler.

Now below is where I personally found the most inspriation! This beautiful home office. Many of us (myself included) work out of a home office. It should be a space that is purely dedicated to work, creativity, organization and appeal! I think this room captured it beautifully and I know, I'll be taking some design ideas and applying it to my own space.

For more beautiful photos and inspirational ideas for your home, visit HGTV's Dream home 2010 here and if you need professional cabinetry design help, please contact me at kristenshellenbarger@gmail.com

Youtube while microwaving your lunch?

2009-12-14T15:49:00.000-08:00

Yes, it could be true. The creative minds behind the CastOven are seeking a way to make that concept true. What a clever idea, although myself I don't stand around the microwave waiting for the task to complete...but maybe now I would?

Whether this appliance comes to our real life kitchens or not, it's a fun concept worthy of posting. I am a huge fan of someone coming out with a microwave that can be paneled with cabinetry, so until that happens or until I invent that in my spare time (ha!), I think a youtube video will do.

Happy zapping!

Small but mighty!

2009-12-02T06:35:00.001-08:00

Isn't cooking more fun when you actually have the space to properly prep and give food and family recipes, the attention it deserves?

Below is an island designed with "Medallion's" cabinetry and fitted with a John Boos wood chopping block. The best part of this design, is that this island could literally fit in 90% of all kitchens. It's not large, but what it lacks in size it quickly makes up in function. Can't you see this little beauty in your home? Think about it next time you are grunting about how little counter top space you have....and get this island in your home, in any color and any design!

Below is an insanely delicious sounding recipe from my new friends at "Beyond the Shaker" a local Michigan gourmet salt company. I can't wait to try this out, and thought you may enjoy it too! Many thanks to the guys at "Beyond the Shaker" for sharing this! I am a huge fan of their Truffle wet salt!

www.beyondtheshaker.com

Melange of Truffled Asparagus

For this recipe you really need to trust us as the result is absolutely phenomenal. Better yet, this is very easy to prepare and the presentation adds playful fun to any meal. This flavor combination is proof that experimentation in the kitchen by even the hobby-chef can yield unbelievable results. Eggs, truffle and salt are a gorgeous trio, but add asparagus and you have a side dish that will knock the socks off anyone that tries it.

COOKWARE YOU WILL NEED

One large pot
A non-stick skillet
A heat resistant spatula
A large bowl of ice water

INGREDIENTS

1 heaping tablespoon of Truffle Wet Salt
1/2 pound of green asparagus
2 extra large eggs
A dollop of butter (you know what we mean)
Cracked pepper

DIRECTIONS

Wash your asparagus and trim off the thickest part of the stalk so that each piece of asparagus is of relatively uniform length.
Boil unsalted water (I know, insane, but you will understand why in a moment) in the large pot making sure your large bowl of ice water is closely standing-by. Add the asparagus stalks to the boiling water and watch until they become deep green (about 1-2 minutes at the most).
Promptly transfer the asparagus to the awaiting ice bath to stop the cooking and seal in the color and crunchy texture of the blanched stalks.
Remove the stalks from the ice bath and individually dry them with paper towel. Place them lengthwise on two small white plates and smear on top a generous amount of the Truffle Wet Salt.
Add butter to your skillet and place on medium heat. The goal here is to make two perfect sunny-side eggs that have very runny centers. If you can cook two eggs at once in the skillet, go for it. The key is to give each egg plenty of room, so the larger the skillet, the better. Crack open the eggs and let them cook until the whites turn solid but take care to keep the yolks uncooked and runny.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Presentation is part of the fun with this dish that serves two, so gently place each egg on top of the asparagus and add a little cracked pepper over it. When serving, instruct your guests to break the yolk over the asparagus and truffle salt to let the flavors combine right before eating. You will be amazed at the glorious melding of flavor components. For a fun and spicy twist, add some of our Hot Habanero Blend to the outside edge of the plates, or use Tabasco as an alternative.

Casual seating with grand appeal

2009-12-01T14:31:00.001-08:00

This beautiful photo is from our "Medallion Cabinetry" line.

I find the casual comfort of the bench seating so appealing, and simply love the storage of the symetrical hutches that flank it.

Personally, I adore this Islander color and the orange pillows and rattan accents just pop off of it. I think every house should have a room, or section, that has an ocean feel to it.

It brings such calmness in.

If you like this look, call for a design consultation to see how it will fit in your home!

Giving Thanks

2009-11-19T14:42:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving, is my personal favorite holiday!

I love the no-gift-giving pressure, quality family time, the madness of sales, and of course- the food!

It's such a warm, cozy time of year filled with smiles.

Looking through my "Medallion cabinetry" photography on their website, I thought I would post this lovely kitchen.

I think it looks quite ready for Thanksgiving, don't you? I know I would enjoy prepping my family's recipes in here.

The different tones of mixed woods throughout the space, create such warmth.

Below is a table setting I saw online created by Ina Garten. I thought it would be so beautiful for Thanksgiving. It's quite feasible to do and find all the items needed while shopping for your Tday food list.
An odd cluster of orange/salmon hued tulips, plates of clementines, highlighted by the pumpkin hued napkins...beautiful.

This is my personal favorite wine that I think accompanies the Turkey-day dishes extraordinarily well. It's a Zinfandel by Ravenswood and as a shopping fyi, I've often seen it available at Trader Joe's. It's extra delish with brussel sprouts...yes, I love brussel sprouts.

So speaking of that, here is a delicious recipe from Ina Garten, of Food Network!

Hope you enjoy, I pasted it as recipe card for easy printing!

Or here is the link : BRUSSEL SPROUTS mmmm

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
1999, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, All rights reserved
Prep Time:
10 min
Inactive Prep Time:
hr min
Cook Time:
40 min
Level:
Easy
Serves:
6 servings
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
3 tablespoons good olive oil
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut off the brown ends of the Brussels sprouts and pull off any yellow outer leaves. Mix them in a bowl with
the olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour them on a sheet pan and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until crisp on the
outside and tender on the inside. Shake the pan from time to time to brown the sprouts evenly. Sprinkle with
more kosher salt ( I like these salty like French fries), and serve immediately.
Copyright 2009 Television Food Network G.P., All Rights Reserved
Here's to enjoying this special time of year!