[GOOD] DESIGN IS IN THE DETAILS

Its been a while since I've posted a thought/opinion piece on kitchen and bath design.  There are a ton of things that make a kitchen or bath space look like a designer had some input, and similarly there are details that are easy to miss without the help of an expert.  Obviously I couldn't possibly cover everything, but here's a look at a few small details that can really set your space apart--things that are easy to miss if you don't know what to ask for.

CORNER DETAILS & STONE COUNTERTOPS
When it comes to countertops, there are a ton of options for thickness, edge profiles, etc.  If you're doing stone, the most budget-friendly thickness is a 3cm (approx 1 1/4"), and while you generally know to select an edge profile (eased, ogee, bullnose, etc.), its the corners that I find often get overlooked.  I found out a few years ago from a fabricator I was working with that if the client/designer/homeowner didn't specifically ask for a certain corner profile, they automatically defaulted to a radius like this one (on the corners of the island):

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Or even more rounded, like this one:

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I would be sick if I ended up with something this pronounced without knowing about it, and I should clarify by saying that most stone fabricators don't take the risk and do want you to specify what type of corner roundness you want.  When in doubt though, I always ask, and my preference is to go with nice crisp corners like these:

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These corners match the pencil/eased edge on the countertops themselves, and keep the look sharp, clean and simple.  A small detail that goes a long way.

FRAMELESS CABINETS WITH APPLIED END PANELS
When it comes to cabinetry, the sky is the limit when it comes to detailing and design.  There are different types of cabinet construction--face frame, frameless, inset--and particular sets of details that apply to each one.  Frameless cabinetry offers a clean look, and can lend itself to many different aesthetics, from contemporary to transitional.  An often-overlooked detail to keep in mind with frameless cabinetry is how the ends of each cabinet run will be finished off.  While an exposed cabinet end will always be finished, adding an end panel incorporates an elevated level of detail. An excellent example of what I'm talking about:

The Woodshop of Avon

You can see the end panels, which are flush with the cabinet doors, to the left of the cooktop, as well as on either side of the window.  This element is also repeated on the hood surround.  As I mentioned, the ends of the cabinets could have just been stained to match the rest of the cabinetry, but the applied panel detail is an expert touch.

Here's another great illustration--you can see it clearly since the end panels contrast with the rest of the cabinets:

Sarah Richardson Design

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A great up-close example of how applied end panels--even if they are plain--add that nice finishing touch.

Conversely, here is a kitchen (my own) where end panels have not been added.  I did them on the base cabinets as a detail that would sit slightly proud of the doors, but didn't repeat this on the uppers--you can see it on the wall cabinets flanking the hood.  I'll admit that this was a rookie mistake, and while I don't hate the look, if I did it over I would definitely add them in.

CORNER CABINET SOLUTIONS
We've all seen these:

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Not a terrible use of space, but having that hinged door flapping around against adjacent cabinets would drive me nuts.  Plus, these types of lazy susan units require a set of full height doors in the corner, which interrupts the line that a nice row of top drawers creates.  Isn't this much better:

The Woodshop of Avon

Definitely a more "designerly" look, and I can't say enough about the improved space and function.  Corner drawers take advantage of the diagonal depth in that space, and are built much deeper than standard depth drawers.  Plus, they just have a more custom "fitted" appearance than a typical lazy susan cabinet.  I try and use these in my designs whenever there's an awkward corner to deal with, but its funny that people are so used to 50+ years of lazy susans that some are resistant to the benefits of a new thing.

That's what I've got for now.  Nothing earth-shattering, or even really new.  This detail stuff has all been out there for years, but easy to miss if you're not looking in the right places.  And its helpful to look, because in many cases it is these details that can really make a difference.  Happy kitchen planning!

Oh My Goodness.......I WON!!!

I have some great news to share this week!  Remember this kitchen?  I blogged about it here.  It is one of my favorite projects and transformations to date, and my clients were/are simply fabulous and so much fun to work with.

Well, back in July, I entered this project in a Minnesota state-wide design competition, sponsored by Midwest Home magazine, and the National Kitchen and Bath Association.  The entry process is detailed, and the designs are meticulously judged on design, overall transformation, aesthetic, and attention to NKBA design standards and guidelines.  After we submit entries, we get to sit in anxious anticipation until mid-September when there is a big awards gala, and we find out if we won (or didn't win) in front of a large gathering of our contemporaries in the design industry.  Kind of nerve-wracking.  So last week, I got all dressed up, enjoyed a fancy dinner and presentation and waited until they got around to announcing the winners.

There are three categories for kitchens--small, medium and large.  This kitchen, although it lives quite large and comfortable, is actually considered "small" in terms of square footage.  I sat on the edge of my seat, and as they called the second place winner, I thought "oh well, maybe next year."  Then, my photo popped up on the screen, next to a photo of this kitchen, and in a moment of disbelief I realized that I'd won first place!!

Its a great feeling to be validated for your hard work, and I'm excited for my clients, and even more elated that this project will be part of a feature in Midwest Home Magazine next month.

Thanks for sharing in my good news!

Client Work: A Beautiful Finish!

I posted here about free-standing islands and a sneak peek on one I designed for some clients recently.  I stopped by the other day to check on progress and see the newly installed countertops.  Here's what the island looked like in progress:

And here are a few quick shots I took with my phone to show the finished product:

The countertops are Cambria's Whitecliff, and I think they're stunning.  If I could have a do-over in my own kitchen I would definitely use this product.  For one, its the cleanest, most true "white" solid surface out there, and its dead sexy.  Crisp and modern, but can work in a more classic setting as well.

Cambria

On that note, lets take a minute and have a conversation about solid surface products.  Cambria, Caesarstone and Hanstone are a just a few of the manufacturers of this type of product, which essentially is a man-made surface that incorporates natural quartz, resin, pigment, and some other "top secret" ingredients.  I know this because I've toured the plant where they make Cambria {fascinating}, and there are several areas we're not allowed to see because of their top-secret-ness.  Anyways, I heard recently that solid surface products, particularly Cambria, are becoming so popular that in certain parts of the country they're more in demand than granite.  I think its near impossible to truly replicate the beauty and movement found in natural stone, but Cambria has a great offering of interesting patterns and colors that can be an alternate to granite or marble, if you're looking for something different that's really durable.

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Quartz products bring to the table incredible stain, scratch and heat resistance, which makes them a top choice in many applications.  Cambria is completely non-porous, which means it can't trap germs, and the potential for bacteria growth is greatly reduced.  And no, I'm not a spokesperson for the product, I've just used it in several applications and like it a lot :)

All that said though, I still think that there is no true substitute for natural stone, and if you're looking for quartz to give you the exact look and feel and deliciousness of true marble, you'll be disappointed and sad.  There are great marble alternates, like Cambria Torquay, and if you like it and can appreciate it for what it is (and what its not), you'll be happy with your choice.  Or you could have the best of both worlds, like my client and I did in this kitchen:

Its a mix of Cambria Fieldstone on the perimeter cabinets, and a luxurious Calcutta Gold marble on the island.  A great way to incorporate durability and beauty within the same space.

So what do you think?  Do you see quartz products taking the lead over granite and/or marble in your area?  Or is natural stone still where its at?

When Is Granite the Right Choice?

Granite has gotten a bad rap, at least in my neck of the design industry.  For years, it was a top choice when it came to stone surfaces, and because everyone had to have it, I think it got undeserved reverence and distinction.  Homeowners expect that any house they look at buying would have stainless appliances and granite countertops as "standard", which I think is hilarious because nine times out of ten the granite installed to sell these homes is hideous, and the "stainless" appliances aren't even real stainless steel.  What was once a pricey upgrade has become too commonplace, and now the overkill, as well as the availability of inexpensive and unattractive types of granite has made it a lesser choice.

(the granite isn't the only problem with this bathroom, but it's definitely a contributing factor.  Yikes.)

I'm mostly sick of seeing granite, and no longer recommend it to clients who are doing new kitchens or baths.  However, all that negative stuff said, there is such beauty in natural materials, and I do believe that granite is still the right choice in certain applications.

1  CONSIDER THE AGE OF THE HOME
The age and aesthetic of the home can (and often should) dictate many of the design decisions, especially when it comes to materials.  Since granite has gained most of its popularity since the mid-90's, it looks out of place to slap a heavily figured or speckled slab in a 20's or 30's era home.  That said, it can often be the right thing to add to a 90's era/early 2000's oak or cherry kitchen because these spaces were often built in the time period when granite was popular.  A perfect example of this is my parent's kitchen, where they recently replaced their builder-grade laminate with granite, and installed a backsplash where there previously had just been painted sheetrock.  Their kitchen is the classic early 2000's red oak, and naturally it has yellowed over time to a golden tone.

The space was an excellent candidate for granite, because my parents still love the oak, and keep their home in immaculate condition, so the kitchen looks like new.  I wish I could keep my house in the shape my mom keeps hers......maybe someday I'll uncover the "neat and organized" gene that's hiding deep within :)  Also, many types of granite have golden, caramel and butterscotch veining, which tie in with the tones in oak, coordinating the look and making it intentional.

The backsplash looks quite greenish in these photos, but in reality has a nice neutral golden tone that compliments the granite perfectly.  We found this beautiful glass/ceramic crackle tile, and did it full height in all areas with a liner bar running about five inches up.  This was intentional because we had to add a short side splash at the walls on either end of the countertops, and the liner caps off the unfinished top edge of the tile, continuing through for a seamless transition.

2  CONSIDER THE VISUAL TEXTURE IN THE REST OF THE ROOM
Granite can be the perfect choice when it compliments and adds to other visually textural elements in the rest of the room.  If done incorrectly this can look like chaos, but when executed properly, the patterning and interest in a granite surface can add richness and harmony.

Stonewood LLC

The lighter tones and delicate veining seen here are a beautiful compliment to the stone hood surround and backsplash.  Additionally, they compliment the rich grain pattern in the wood cabinetry.

Innovative Surfaces

This exotic looking granite is perfect with the depth, color and texture of that copper sink.  It also is a complimentary element to the glazed and distressed cabinetry, and gives a jumping point for the color of the oil rubbed bronze fixtures and hardware.

3  CREATE A BEAUTIFUL JUXTAPOSITION OF ELEMENTS
With granite often used in more traditional applications, its easy to overlook its place in a more modern and streamlined interior:

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I'm not 100% sure if that gorgeous wrapped island countertop is granite (it could be marble), but it adds the perfect amount of texture to contrast with the other sleeker elements in the space.  I also love how it references the wood countertops and flooring, using those elements as inspiration for the rich caramel color. 

I LOVE this kitchen, and if anyone knows who designed it and where I can see more images, please let me know!  There couldn't have been a more perfect choice than a heavily patterned granite for that full height backsplash.  It makes all of the other elements in the kitchen stand out even more, and brings such prominence and importance to that end of the kitchen.  What a great way to draw the eye into this amazing gathering space.

4  REMEMBER THAT GRANITE IS A UNIQUE AND PERSONAL CHOICE
The patterning and veining found in many types of granite is so unique that I think its almost impossible to think that the next set of homeowners will have the same taste as yours.  If you are in your forever house, and want the finishes personalized to your taste, granite is a great choice.  If you are looking at resale anytime in the future, think of a heavily patterned granite the same as you'd think of a bold floral sofa--probably not going to suit the tastes of the next owners.  Consider a more neutral countertop option, because you can take that floral sofa with you, but the granite will be inherited by the next owners.

Better Homes & Gardens

5  GO FOR GRANITE AS A GREAT NEUTRAL
I've talked mostly about the heavily colored and patterned granite types, but beyond those there are a couple that are real stand outs when it comes to creating a more neutral scheme.

Kitchenlab

This kitchen is beautifully done, and it would have been easy to default to the ever-popular Carrara marble as a countertop choice.  Instead, they've used something similar to Kashmir White, and I think it adds quiet texture and interest--not to mention better stain resistance than marble.  Because the granite choice is so neutral and complimentary to the rest of the finishes it would likely appeal to a wide variety of homeowners.

Wm.F.Holland

Finally, I love the contrast that a honed black granite gives to white cabinets, and chose this material in my own kitchen.  The honed (matte) finish takes the edge off, and is easy to maintain.  Be warned about seeing every little crumb and spec of dust though......I've learned this firsthand!

So after pulling this post together, I'm much more calm and less hateful toward granite.  Seeing it done properly, and knowing that this beautiful natural material has its place opens up a world of possibility.  Maybe I'll use it in my next client project.  Or at least consider it :)

What To Do if Your Kitchen Isn't White

There is definitely a trend toward "the white kitchen" that doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon.  Its crisp, its classic, and adds freshness and brightness.  Almost 100% of my clients these days are asking for some version of white cabinetry for their kitchens (and baths, and built ins, etc.), and I'll admit that white is my preference as well.  But what if you don't have a white kitchen, and don't have plans for a complete overhaul right now?  Or what if the period/aesthetic of your home doesn't call for white cabinetry?  What if you simply want to buck the trend and move toward something a little different?  Are there other options?  Of course.

 The Woodshop of Avon

Scenario 1:  Ugly wood cabinets that just aren't cutting it for you.  If this is where you're at, and a major renovation isn't in the plans, painting your cabinetry is the easiest route.  While paint that's applied to existing cabinetry on site isn't going to give you as durable a finish as a finish applied at the cabinet manufacturer's (I won't get into the scientific specifics of this in this post :)), you should still consider hiring a professional.  The investment in professional services will ensure greater durability in the long run.  Keep in mind though that if you have cabinets with a pronounced grain pattern (like oak), it will still be visible even when painted.  The overall aesthetic improvement may be worth it anyways though.

 Anne Turner

Traci Zeller (click here for an amazing before & after)

Canadian House & Home

Scenario 2:  Wood cabinets that you want to keep, but a kitchen that needs to be refreshed in order to look more current.  There are a million-and-one houses in this country that were built in the last five years and contain builder-basic oak or maple cabinetry.  Maybe you're living in one of these, or maybe you moved into an older home with a lovely wood kitchen that you enjoy.  Whatever the case, there are ways to upgrade a wood kitchen that's not calling for a major renovation.  There are just a few guidelines to keep in mind.  First, I think its always smart to embrace what you have and work with it, not against it.  There's nothing worse than a wood kitchen that looks like its trying to be a white kitchen. If you're keeping your wood cabinets, keep the tone of them in mind when choosing new countertops, flooring and backsplash tile.  Generally, creams and warmer tones complement wood cabinetry much better than stark white subway tile and white Carrara marble.  Consider a simple backsplash tile (one that doesn't fight with the grain of your wood) in a creamy off-white or natural stone like crema marfil.  If marble countertops are your thing, consider Calacatta Gold instead of the cooler gray veining found in Carrara and Venetino marble.  

Pinterest

The backsplash pictured above is far from "simple" but I think its perfect because it picks up on the tones in the wood, and adds an element of incredible visual texture.  It works because the grain in the wood isn't too dramatic.  Also notice the warmth in those marble countertops--they beautifully tie the cabinets to backsplash.  This photo makes me want a wood kitchen!

I also like Cambria quartz surfaces in wood kitchens because of the variety of tones (many of them on the warmer side) found in their patterns.  For a period home, soapstone is a beautiful choice, and looks wonderful with white and wood cabinetry alike.

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Scenario 3:  Its time to renovate, you've decided you want a wood kitchen but don't know what species or finish to choose.  Many homeowners know the "look" they like when they see it, but have a hard time pinpointing the details of what makes that look so appealing.  Clients who come to me asking for wood cabinetry will often be able to point to the color tones in certain wood species that appeal to them, but have no idea why or which species to choose.  Here's my take on a few of the woods that are current right now.

Rift cut oak - Oak has almost become a bad word in recent years due to its massive overuse in 80's, 90's, and early 2000's home construction.  People who ask me for wood species recommendations always say "anything but oak".  This is too bad, considering that there are so many ways to do oak beautifully.  My response is to always pull samples of rift cut oak, particularly white rift cut oak, to show the massive difference (and beauty) found in this cut and species.  

House Beautiful

You can see immediately in this kitchen (done in white rift cut oak) that the grain is tighter, more uniform, and the color of the wood tends to be more neutral and beige as opposed to red or golden.  This photo almost makes the cabinetry look like there was a wash of stain applied to the oak, but even if it was left natural, this species looks fantastic.  And that amount of marble in a kitchen could make anything look good, right?

Bates Corkern Studio

Bates Corkern Studio

There are so many things that are breathtaking about the above kitchen.  It was featured in House Beautifiul in November 2011, and I love that the white oak has a patina to it.  I'm not sure what their process was, whether they limed the oak, or added a type of white wash, but the result is gorgeous, and almost timeless in the way that it is so uniquely done.  Convinced that oak isn't all that bad?  I have a few custom pieces in my home made from rift cut oak with a weathered grey stain.  I love them, and one of these days I'll get around to posting about those projects!  If you are leaning toward a rift cut oak, it is a great choice in terms of its rigidity and dimensional stability as well.  

Cherry - As for other wood species in cabinetry, I'm still seeing a lot of cherry, as well as quite a bit of walnut.  The key with these woods is to keep them natural instead of going crazy with different stain colors.  Cherry is a beautiful choice in period homes, and will darken and amber with age.  I've found that cherry cabinetry that has been stained in reddish tones has dated itself very quickly (a trend that is going away, but has been around for over ten years), but left in its original state, retains a classic appeal that stands the test of time.

The Woodshop of Avon

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Walnut - Walnut has a gorgeous natural grain, and kept in its natural state will allow this to show through.  I do find that darker stained walnut keeps its appeal longer than stained cherry though, due to its brown (not red) undertones that blend well with changing trends in interior design.  It also is a great accent wood that can bring warmth and character to an otherwise monochromatic kitchen.

Inview Interior Design

I blogged about this kitchen project here, and think its a great example of how wood can be used to warm up and add character to a white kitchen.  Again, the key to keeping this look crisp and classic is maintaining the natural color of the wood, as well as knowing where to incorporate it.

House Beautiful

Venegas & Company 

Here, vertical grain slab-style walnut doors work beautifully against the more traditional paneled and painted doors.  The mix of materials in this kitchen is what makes it so interesting.

Scenario 4:  Its time to renovate, you're open to a painted kitchen, or a wood kitchen, but have no idea which direction to go.  With so many beautiful things to choose from, and an array of inspiring projects that showcase all types of kitchen cabinetry, it can be hard to commit to one or the other.  My best suggestion of where to start when trying to narrow it down is to look at your lifestyle, and listen to your home.  Painted cabinetry (especially white) takes a great deal more care and attention to keep it looking crisp and clean.  Plus, all painted finishes are not created equally, and you will need to do your research (and be prepared to pay the price) to find a quality cabinet shop who understands the science behind creating a durable finish.  Even then, if you think the kids and the dog are going to wreak havoc on a white space, maybe wood is a better choice for you.

Listening to your home can be one of the best indicators when deciding which route to go.  Generally speaking, many period homes, lake home retreats, and also many mid-century style homes call for the warmth of a wood kitchen.  Additionally, if you're craving the cozy feeling that wood can convey, as well as the craftsmanship and attention to detail that can be showcased using wood, this may be the direction to go.

Albertsson Hansen Architecture

The Woodshop of Avon

David Heide Design Studio

And with wood kitchen cabinetry, sometimes you can't get too much of a good thing, and "going big or going home" is definitely the way to go.  I'll leave you (and this lengthy post!), with some gorgeous images that showcase a unique mix of materials.  I'm especially intrigued with how rough and rustic the cabinetry is, and how well it pairs with cleaner elements in the space.  I love how they committed to this look--there's definitely no question that the homeowners here were after a wood kitchen!

Richard Bubnowski

Richard Bubnowski

Client Work: A New Kitchen Beautiful

One of the things I love about my job as a kitchen designer is the ability (and honor) I've had to work with many talented designers and architects in the industry.  The company I work for is unique in that we're a design studio with trained and certified interior designers and kitchen designers, but we also represent a completely custom cabinet shop.  Often, homeowners will come to us to design a space for them from scratch, and ideally, we'll have the opportunity to follow the project through to completion and build/install the cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and all of the other wonderful elements that go into creating a unique and custom space.  Sometimes though, designers and architects will approach us with a space that they've already designed for their own clients, and ask for our guidance in sorting out all of the cabinetry details, and then furnishing that piece of their project.  In many cases for designers, its hard to relinquish control of a project and jump on the bandwagon of another professional's vision.  In the case of this project, however, it was such a privilege for me to work with a talented individual to help her kitchen design come to life, and I learned so much by being a part of this collaboration.  Rena Feldman of Inview Interior Design came to me with a set of plans that were designed to take this space:

 And transform it into this:

From the beginning, I enjoyed working with Rena.  Her talent and good design sense were immediately evident as she completely re-imagined the space and created a truly functional and gorgeous kitchen for a busy family of four.  It is really the focal point of the entire home--a 1930's two-story with some unique original features.

While there are many well-designed new features in the space, two elements strike me as particularly successful in making it really stand out.  The first is the use of symmetry and horizontal line throughout the room.  A range wall is a great opportunity to create a focal point and it makes a bold statement here, flanked by well-proportioned upper cabinets and anchored by the fridge and wall ovens on either end.  Additionally, there is a strong horizontal line around the top of the room--seen as the small-scale glass cabinet doors transition into horizontal flip up doors above the fridge and ovens, and then as they are followed through on the television cabinet.  This element looks planned (because it was--very carefully!), and small details like this make the design look intentional.

The second element that I love in this kitchen is the mix of materials.  This stands out to me as a beautiful feature because of how well executed it is, using just the right amount of wood tones with the white cabinetry.  I've seen this done poorly in so many kitchens, because often people choose a mish-mash of woods and finishes because they think it will enhance the design.  In this case, however, the ratios work wonderfully, with the walnut playing to the tones in the floor, and the painted finish adding just the right amount of contrast to make the whole thing pop.  This feature alone is proof that hiring a designer can ensure  that you'll get everything you love into your space--in the correct and most pleasing proportion.

Overall, I'm so proud to say that I played a part in helping to make this gorgeous design become a reality.  As I mentioned, it was such a privilege to work with Rena on the project, and it was her hard work and attention to detail that pulled this together for her clients.  I'm hopeful that they will enjoy a quality and well-designed kitchen for years to come.

To see more of Inview Interior Design's beautiful rooms, click here (you won't be disappointed!).