Designer's Wish List - Kitchen

Ever wonder what designers choose for their own homes? Here's a sneak preview of what I plan to incorporate into my next place -- and why.

I plan on buying a small house or condo in sore need of updating, so that I can put my own stamp on it. After all, why pay for a prior homeowner's choices?

You'll notice that my selections are very Sensible Style-oriented. That's because I'm all about no-fuss, easy living. I'll also share with you right now that I'm not a serious cook, (so no six-burner pro range). I was told on a long-ago date, "That's not cooking, it's reheating." I found out later that the line came from Sex and the City, but it applies just as aptly to me as it did to Carrie Bradshaw!


Now you're cooking

I would love to have an induction range. They're energy-efficient and easy maintenance. Plus, their non-flame, non-heat magnetic cooking source makes it tougher to set your place on fire! Right now, the choices are extremely limited and quite pricey. If money were no object, this is probably the model I'd choose.


I like the fact that this Viking range is a slide-in style, so that the controls are up-front and there's no bulky panel blocking my planned decorative backsplash. I also like that it has a convection oven. For someone who doesn't love to cook, getting food out of the oven faster is a nice plus.

I'll probably look for a clean-lined, very simple stainless hood to pull all the cooking aromas out of the kitchen.

I'll also seek a built-in microwave oven, rather than an over-the-range style, if space allows. I think I'd probably starve without one!


Storage style

For the past six years, we've had a large but basic kitchen that I'm looking forward to leaving behind. We added drawer organizers to corral silverware, utility knives and assorted utensils, and tray dividers in a uselessly narrow unit, but the center stiles in most of the base builder cabinets made roll-out trays impractical.

My next kitchen will have every storage accessory imaginable. Every top drawer, save one for potholders, will have organizers. Every pan drawer will have at least one divider for lid storage. Any base cabinet that isn't all drawers will have double roll-outs, pull-out shelves, tray dividers or a lazy susan. There will be roll-out trays in a pantry conveniently located next to the refrigerator. (My current kitchen has the pantry and fridge at opposite ends of the room.) I will probably do all glass-front uppers, too, to make a small kitchen look larger. I'll paint the insides to match the planned soft blue walls and show off new white dishes!

I anticipate that my next kitchen will be much smaller than my current one. That's perfectly OK with me. I'll likely use the backsplash for a stylish and convenient spice and utensil storage system. Here's one I like from the uber-affordable Ikea:


You may remember this Grundtal system from my second Sensible Style posting.

My current kitchen is cherry with a spice stain. While I still like it, my next place will have painted white maple cabinets. It's a timeless look that I've long loved. Like my current kitchen, I'll probably go for simply-styled recessed panels again.



Here's a door style and finish I particularly like, from the incredible CWP Cabinetry line. Their standard construction includes soft-close doors as well as full-extension soft-close drawers, and mitered corners for a true furniture look.


Counter intelligence

You probably know what I'm going to write next, right? You've seen me enthuse over the past year about quartz countertops. Nothing short of bankruptcy will keep me from putting solid black quartz tops in my next kitchen -- most likely with a matte finish. (Maintaining polished black stone is like maintaining a polished black car!)

Nothing combines durability and ease of maintenance the way quartz does. And nothing looks better (and more timeless) on white cabinets, in my opinion, than black tops.


Here's an example of the combo, featuring Silestone's Black Anubis. I dare you to distinguish it from Absolute Black granite! (Except when you don't have to polish or seal it!) I'd opt for a simpler eased or demi-bullnose edge to coordinate with my simpler cabinet style. Currently, this color isn't available in a matte finish... Maybe by the time I'm ready???


Shedding light

Chances are, I'll be pulling some ugly flourescent box out of the middle of a dropped ceiling. If there's a peninsula in my next kitchen, I'll add a couple of decorative pendants above it.


I like this Schoolhouse Pendant from Restoration Hardware quite a bit. If there's room for a fixture above my kitchen sink, I'd opt for the semi-flushmount version of this same light.

I'll also put in some recessed ceiling cans in place of that flourescent box, and LED lights below my wall cabinets for targeted task lighting.


Other appliances

I haven't chosen a refrigerator yet, but I don't need anything very large. The configuration will be influenced by clearances in front of the refrigerator. I've gotten accustomed to a side-by-side with ice and water through the door and may repeat that in the next place. It's so simple to grab a glass of iced water without reaching into a freezer! I do know that I definitely want a countertop-depth model, maybe even a paneled built-in.



I've been coveting the Bosch Integra 800 Plus dishwasher, shown here, since I saw it in New York last June. It's got a built-in water softener for spot-free glasses and a top rack that can hold silverware overflow. It's also one of the quietest and most water-efficient on the market. All of Bosch's dishwashers (and clothes washers) feature AquaStop, their anti-leak system. This will be potentially beneficial to my planned wood floors!

If space allows, I'd also like to have a wine captain. They come as narrow as 15 inches, perfect for a small kitchen. U-Line's Echelon, shown above, even offers three temperature zones in that small size!


Backsplash style

I love decorative tile backsplashes and plan to incorporate one into my next kitchen. It will come right down to the counter, rather than stopping four inches above at a stone splash. (That's too choppy looking for my taste.)

Being somewhat eclectic, I'm open to a traditional or contemporary splash. Here are a couple of traditional styles I like from Walker Zanger.


I like how this Ceramica Alhambra series updates the traditional subway tile look. I'd choose colors that coordinate with my planned blue walls and a darker grout that won't show evidence of last night's pasta primavera.


I also like the traditional diamonds in this Cote d'Or splash.


Here's a contemporary splash that I really like from Ann Sacks. This Heath tile showcases the three-dimensional trend that I'm enjoying lately. Its pattern comes from shape, rather than color, which adds an interesting element to a room, without being distracting.


This 12-inch by 12-inch mesh-mounted glass tile is available in stock at Lowe's for only $2.98 a tile. It's so affordable, I could update a fireplace surround with it, if I'm lucky enough to have one in the next room. Plus, I could return any overage I don't need, since it's a stock, rather than special order, item. I think it could make a very pretty companion to white cabinets and black tops and add some brightness to the space.


Things are looking down

I love wood floors in kitchens, especially dark, distressed, wide plank versions.


This client I worked with on her new construction home shared that preference, as you can see here. Like her, I'd carry the same flooring through the adjacent rooms to create a warm flow to the space. Unifying the flooring in all your public areas makes the space feel larger, crucial for smaller homes.


Fixture fancy

I've been living with a low-grade, stainless builder sink these past six years, waiting to replace it when I upgraded my countertops, a change that never happened as the Florida housing market tumbled. Boy, do I look forward to having a better one next time around! I've got a few different ideas of what I want. Here's a sampling:


A classic apron front Shaw Sink by Rohl wouldn't look out of place in my planned transitional kitchen. They're a durable option, but keeping the white super bright might be a bit more work than I'd enjoy.


This Verity model from Kohler delivers apron front style with an updated twist. I like the fact that it's 18-gauge stainless, which is better quality and easier maintenance than most builders offer. If I went this route, I'd opt to panel the adjacent dishwasher... A little bit of stainless goes a long way!


An undermount sink is a practical choice, especially in Blanco's super-durable, easy-maintenance Silgranit material. You can practically throw carving knives at it without damaging the finish. I like its array of convenience accessories, too, and its matte look.


What would a kitchen sink be without a great faucet? I've long admired the traditional styling of Kohler's Vinnata and I like the convenience of a pull-down spray. I've yet to find a new model I like as much, though I keep looking!


Final thoughts

So this is what I have in mind for my next kitchen. It's not necessarily what I'd specify for my clients, as each has his or her own personal style. I'm not one of those designers who has a "trademark" element that shows up in every project. If a JG kitchen or bath has a signature, it's styling and functionality tailored to that client. That's my definition of Sensible Style.

Sensible Style: Small Kitchens, Big Splurges

Sensible Style launched in July to answer your questions about how to get the most out of your kitchen. …But what if your kitchen is totally teeny-tiny? Consider yourself lucky. Kitchens like these give you the opportunity to splurge on higher-end products, even on a smaller budget. While it’s more challenging to squeeze the storage and work space you need into tighter kitchens, it’s much, much easier to add style without breaking the bank.

Let’s take a look at making your small kitchen live large, stylistically-speaking.


Custom Cabinetry

In a medium or large kitchen, custom cabinetry can be a tremendous expense. In a small kitchen, this expense is far less, since there are fewer cabinets to order and install. So the benefits start to outweigh the costs. These benefits typically include:

• Soft-close, full-extension drawers and roll-out trays to maximize storage usability
• Soft-close doors for quieter operation
• Custom widths that increase storage capacity and reduce unsightly fillers
• Exposed furniture-style ends
• Deluxe joinery
• Superior, multi-step, hand-applied finishes
• Lifetime warranties on construction and finish

This small kitchen features Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry’s Brookhaven series

Performance Countertops

Regular readers of this blog know that I’m a big proponent of engineered stone countertops. They offer the heat and scratch-resistance of granite, but with a non-porous, stain-resistant finish that never needs sealing. Sensible Style is all about easy maintenance and these tops, often called quartz, offer that feature. They also offer a manufacturer’s warranty, which I consider an added benefit. The only drawback to these engineered tops has been their cost. Typically higher than granite, they are a large expense in a large space. For those clients with smaller kitchens – and less counter space – they move into the affordable range.

Engineered stone countertops like this one from Zodiaq offer easy maintenance, stain resistance, durability and a manufacturer’s warranty

Backsplash Bling

Backsplashes offer a phenomenal, high-visibility way of adding style to your kitchen. And with less square footage to work with, you can splurge on designer tile without breaking the bank. To create a Sensible Style-oriented focal point, be sure that the look and colors of your new backsplash integrate well with the overall feel of your kitchen.

Backsplashes add a style note to your kitchen. Shown here is Cappricio in Tasmania Green by Ann Sacks

Heavenly Hardware

Fewer cabinets also means fewer knobs and pulls. That means you can splurge on great-looking hardware without burning through your budget. Use knobs or standard-spread (3 to 4 inch) pulls to introduce some creativity into your kitchen. If you tire of them later, (or want to take them with you when you move), it will be easier to replace them with something else down the line.

Make a design statement with your cabinet hardware. This installation showcases styles by Soko

Finer Faucets and Fixtures

Sinks and faucets are often selected later in the design process and so they may be subject to harsher budget cutting. Smaller kitchens with their smaller budgets give you the chance to get higher-end items in this category.

If you’re going to undermount a stainless steel sink in stone tops, you’re going to want a better quality fixture as they’re very difficult to replace later on. Look for an 18-gauge or 16-gauge model. (The builder-grade stainless sink you once had and detested was likely a 20 or 21; the lower the number, the better the quality.) Other great sink options include durable, easy-maintenance granite and fireclay.

Faucets can be stylish as well as functional, and a terrific splurge opportunity. Look for added-value features like integral filtration, sensors, coordinating soap dispensers, hot water dispensers and high-arc pull-outs for easier pot cleaning.

Silgranit Performa Sink by Blanco offers durability, easy maintenance and optional clean-up accessories

Upgraded Appliances

The larger kitchens I design often have two dishwashers, 48" or 60"-built-in refrigerators, double ovens, warming drawers, along with specialty cookers like steam ovens and convection microwaves, wine captains and ice makers. Simply stated: Small kitchens don't! A typical condo or cottage kitchen will have a range or cooktop with single oven below it, 30" to 36" fridge, single dishwasher and, maybe, a built-in or overe-the-range microwave. The bad news is, your wine and ice need to fend for themselves. The good news is, with the shorter appliance list and smaller appliance sizes, you can afford higher-end selections.

Here are some ideas to consider:

• Select a microwave oven that also includes convection cooking and warming capability, to combine three appliances into one efficient unit.
• If you're not a serious, volume chef, consider a 24" range, rather than the standard 30" model. This will give you more storage and counter space. If you occasionally like to delve into cooking, you can shop for a portable induction cooktop burner that can be stored when you're not using it.
• If your household is very small, consider an 18", rather than standard 24" dishwasher for the same space and countertop enhancing purpose.
• Consider a French door refrigerator, rather than a side-by-side or single door model. The French door will maximize your fresh food storage capacity, (and handle catering trays, which a 36" side-by-side won't do). Its narrower door swing also works better in tighter spaces.

French Door refrigerators, like this countertop-depth freestanding model from GE Monogram, can be ideal for small kitchens

Luxe Lighting

Your smaller kitchen needn't feel like a cave. Enhanced lighting will give it the illusion of greater size, while improving your ability to work in the space. You can opt for a luxurious ceiling fixture, as you'll likely need just one, rather than two to four to top large double islands. You can also go for high-quality LED lights below your wall cabinets to illuminate your counter tops. They are pricier, but you'll need fewer of them, and they may outlast your stay in the home. You can also look for the types of LED lights that install just below countertops to illuminate drawers, and those that go into deep, dark base cabinets to make it easier to find your stored items.

Small kitchens typically call for just one dramatic ceiling light, rather than multiples. This one from Rejuvenation

Elegant Embellishments

Another advantage of small kitchens with fewer cabinets is that you can opt for some of the luxuries that would be far pricier in a large kitchen. These include stacked moldings to the ceiling, glazes, distressed finishes, decorative glass inserts and corbel-style bar supports for traditional kitchens. Small contemporary kitchens can take advantage of exotic woods, stainless accent pieces, and premium lacquer finishes.

The stacked molding, fluting, and furnished cabinetry ends would have been much pricier in a larger kitchen. I designed this one for a client's island getaway home

Final Thoughts

I expect that my next kitchen will be much smaller than my current one, as I anticipate downsizing in the next year. With some clever planning, I know I can overcome the storage shortcomings. And I'm actually looking forward to the design opportunities described here! (Look for a future series on the remaking of a designer's own kitchen!)



Visit the Sensible Style box on the right column for links to all the posts in this ongoing series.

Kosher Kitchens - Why they may be the Greatest Shown on Earth

I'm not the P.T. Barnum of blogging, kitchen design or Jewish dietary laws. But when you're called upon to double storage, clean-up and food preservation capability to meet Kosher requirements, you've got to be pretty darned strategic in your design plan.

That results in a kitchen that uses every inch of its space wisely and well, and some of the industry's latest appliance innovations. And, heck, isn't that good faith design for everyone!


Kosher Basics

The requirement of separating meat and dairy products is the Kosher tenet that has the greatest impact on kitchen planning, as it requires not only separate clean-up and storage of these food groups, but separate dishes, utensils and cookware to prepare them. You can see how this calls for smarter, if not increased, storage capacity.

There are many other facets of this ancient dietary code, including the use of separate materials altogether for the annual observance of Passover, and not working on the Sabbath, which translates to not cooking from Friday evening until Saturday evening in Kosher homes. All of them have an impact on kitchen planning for observant households.


Pots and Pans Storage

Every kitchen design starts with a plan, which includes appliances that meet the homeowners' wants and needs, and storage to accommodate their foodstuffs, food preparation equipment and clean-up gear. As I mentioned above, Kosher kitchens need double capacity storage to accommodate two sets of pots, pans, cooking and eating utensils.

To achieve this, I'm going to ensure that every base cabinet has dual roll-out trays. Substituting a roll-out for a typical cabinet's center half-shelf increases each cabinet's storage by close to 25 percent. Four base cabinets with double roll-outs, then, can accommodate eight standard bases' worth of pots and pans in the same floor space, (without doubling the cabinet cost or moving a single wall). This takes care of the separate pots and pans issues.

Roll-out Trays from Omega Cabinetry

Silverware Storage

Not all cabinet drawers are equal. Some - like Kraftmaid's - are taller than others, which not only makes for friendlier ladle and sandwich bag storage, but can accommodate a two-tiered silverware divider. I'm going to incorporate at least two sets of tiered dividers, one for meat utensils and one for the dairy set, to store the doubled capacity needed for my kosher clients. The larger, bottom tier, will hold their regular forks, knives and spoons. The smaller, upper tier will hold meat- or dairy-specific serving utensils. (Non-Kosher homeowners who have two different sets of serving utensils or extra hostess sets, will appreciate this increased storage, as well.)

Harmony Storage Solution
Wood Tiered Cutlery Divider from Kraftmaid

Cooking Utensil Storage

If the cooktop or range fronts a wall, two separate backsplash organizers can accommodate larger utensils for meat and dairy preparation on either side of the cooking surface. (I'm not a fan of organizers directly behind the burners, as it's easy to imagine someone getting burned in the process of reaching above a hot pot to get something hanging there.) If the homeowner prefers, separate crocks or drawers with tiered organizers can hold these utensils instead, but this takes up valuable counter or drawer space. Backsplashes tend to be under-developed kitchen real estate.


Plate Storage

Kosher kitchens have two sets of plates for every day use, one dedicated to dairy meals, one to meat meals. Most of today's open plan kitchens have fewer wall cabinets, the traditional storage spot for dishes and cups. My suggestion for overcoming this dual challenge in a Kosher kitchen is deep drawers with divider systems for dishware. One pan drawer cabinet with its standard upper drawer - equipped with the tiered utensil caddy mentioned above - and its two tall lower drawers can be a dedicated meat serveware cabinet. Its twin will be the dedicated dairy serveware cabinet.

Large Drawer Peg System from Rev-A-Shelf

This approach has an additional benefit for some clients: It allows their children to take on the dishwasher unloading chore without climbing on counter tops to reach upper cabinets.


Clean-up Needs

As you might suspect, Kosher kitchens call for separate cleaning of meat and dairy serveware and cookware. Not every home can accommodate two full-sized dishwashers. The double dishwasher drawer fits this situation neatly. It fits in the same 24" space as a standard model, but can separate loads by meal type. If the kitchen has extra space, two 18" or 24" dishwashers can be helpful. I would plan a dedicated serveware cabinet next to each for maximum efficiency - i.e., meat dishwasher next to meat cabinet and dairy dishwasher next to dairy cabinet.

GE Monogram 18" Integrated Dishwasher

Some Kosher homeowners require separate sinks; others don't, according to their interpretation of Kashrut, (Kosher doctrine). If a homeowner wants dual sinks, but doesn't want to greatly extend plumbing lines (and plumbing costs), to remodel an existing kitchen in their new home, side by side single sinks can minimize the added cost. If space and budget allow, a second completely separate sink is an extraordinary convenience for a busy kitchen.

I would consider creating separate meat and dairy zones for the Kosher kitchen, each with its own sink, dishwasher and serveware storage, if space allows. This zoned approach will be a time- and step-saver for the Kosher homeowner. It also melds beautifully with the dual island configuration popular in many larger new kitchens.


Cold Food Storage

Fresh and frozen food storage are where Kosher kitchens require extraordinarily increased flexibility, if not capacity. Two recent appliance innovations make the meat-dairy separation easier in this respect.

One is the column. These are individual built-in, full-height refrigerator and freezer units that typically range from 18" to 30" wide. Someone could, of course, have two completely separate refrigerator/freezer appliances in the same kitchen, but this will probably create more freezer storage than is typically desired. The greater need for many households - including the Kosher home - is for fresh food capacity. Choosing fridge and freezer sizes that match the homeowner's specific shopping patterns are ideal. (A non-Kosher homeowner who hunts would find extra freezer storage for boar and venison to be more useful, and could do a wider freezer column than, say, the owner of a home-based day care center who needs a wider fridge for juice, milk and fruit.)

Gaggenau Refrigerator and Wine Columns

The other innovation that helps the Kosher homeowner is point-of-use refrigeration. These under-countertop models come in single drawer, double-drawer and full-height versions. They can be dedicated to meat or dairy, as needed.

Taking this concept a mile farther is Fisher & Paykel. Its innovative CoolDrawer debuted at the 2008 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show and serves as either a refrigerator or freezer, depending on the homeowner's changing needs. That's right: For Thanksgiving, it can be an extra freezer for your turkey and pies. For Fourth of July it can be a refrigerator holding your picnic treats. For Passover, it can store your Seder meal. How flexible can you get!

Fisher & Paykel's CoolDrawer

Point-of-use refrigeration in general is handy for most households. It can add a drink station near the family room, or a vegetable crisper in an island. It can help out in a game room, morning kitchen or even a garage.


Cooking and Reheating

Kosher homeowners don't cook on the Sabbath, following one of the other tenets of Judaic observance. To meet their families' desire for a hot meal on Saturday, they can employ the convenience of a warming drawer. This allows them to cook before sundown on Friday and warm the food for breakfast, lunch or dinner the next day. How convenient this appliance is for families with divergent work, school and extra-curricular schedules, too. There are many ranges with warming drawers, even microwaves with warming capability, or they can be installed as a separate appliance.


"Kosher" Countertops

Kosher homeowners who select granite, marble or wood countertops subject those them to a complex "Kashering" process. Quartz (aka engineered stone) countertops do not undergo this process. Nor do they require the sealing or maintenance that granite and wood tops entail. For this reason, I recommend them to seniors who want an easy lifestyle or parents of active children who need the convenience.

Cambria Quartz Countertops are UMKosher-certified

Sabbath Settings

There is a very extensive set of appliance guidelines relating to Sabbath modes for appliances that don't apply to non-Kosher kitchens. The best source of information on this topic is the Star-K web site. The site offers extensive information for the Kosher homeowner, and a "Kosher for the Clueless but Curious" guidebook.


Kosher for Passover

Passover involves additional rituals that Kosher homeowners observe. Among them are an extra set of dishes and glasses. Since they're only used during the annual Passover observance, I recommend storing them outside the key kitchen work areas. I suggest the same storage principle for non-Kosher homeowners with small appliances and serveware they use only infrequently. Find a location convenient to the kitchen, but not in this everyday work zone.

Built-ins, like these from Fieldstone Cabinetry,
create ideal storage for occasional use kitchen items

Final Thoughts

When I was growing up in New York City, I used to see ads on TV for Levy's rye bread. Their tag line was, "You don't have to be Jewish to love Levy's." If this blog posting had a tag line of its own, that would be pretty close! So... Happy Passover. Happy Easter. And so very happy to be enjoying life as a designer of kitchens and baths for everyone!


Coming Soon on Gold Notes:

4/22 Green Design for Earth Day
5/5 First reports from the 2009 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show

TREND WATCH 2009: THE YEAR AHEAD

What does 2009 hold in store for American homeowners? What trends will we embrace? What products will we bring into our homes this year?

While I don’t have a crystal ball, I’ve been tracking my own projects and prospective clients and asking colleagues for their predictions. Here’s what I think we can look forward to in this intriguing new year…

I don’t think we’ll see the housing market rebound for a while, so most folks will be staying put. That being said, they’re going to continue being interested in improving their living spaces. Three or four years ago, that meant a lot of flash and keeping up with the Joneses. I think – no, I hope – that the consumption for its own sake trend has passed. While people still want luxurious touches and high performance appliances, they want them more for what the comforts, durability and specific features they add to their daily lives, rather than just for the brand appeal. What people are asking for now are:

Time savers – like storage organizers, low-maintenance countertops and multi-tasking appliances that add hours to one's day and simplicity to one's life will be increasingly in demand this year. Last year was tough for many Americans, and taught us what's truly important -- time spent with the people we love, giving back to the communities that nurture us and being grateful for what we have. Products that help us pull together and serve a quick neighborhood pot luck will sell faster than ones that need endless buffing.

CaesarStone quartz top in new 4330 Deep Gray... Skimpy maintenance, super style

Spaces that work for how people really live, not how a magazine says they should will influence how we remodel our homes and select or build new ones.

Kitchens will continue to be the home's gathering space, with more and more functionality, and exert even more pull over the spaces around them. Landing zones in or near the kitchen will continue to be created for cel phones, backpacks, briefcases, iPods, mail and all the other stuff we carry in and out.

Televisions will move into the kitchen more and more, as the family spends more time there and wants to keep up with the world. Televisions will also move into more master baths, as that space continues its evolution into true master retreats.

This CWP custom kitchen features space for homework and home work

Water and energy savings, and the accompanying utility bill reductions, will become factors in more and more remodeling (and building) projects. Some clients will be motivated by the financial rewards, others by the global considerations, many by both.

LED lighting will find its way into even more fixtures, from its current strengths in under-cabinet and recessed ceiling lighting, to contemporary pendants, sconces and chandeliers.

More code restrictions on water use will lead to more tankless water heater and dual flush toilet sales. Plumbing manufacturers will continue working on ways to couple the spa shower and tub experience they love marketing with the water savings our communities demand.

Dual flush toilets, like Kohler's new Persuade model, save water, without sacrificing style

Better, healthier materials, not just better-looking ones. Many clients remodeling today have already updated a bath or kitchen in the past five years and don't relish going through the process more than absolutely necessary. They plan on staying in their homes indefinitely, and are asking about products that will last a long time. Many also have health concerns about a family member with asthma or cancer, and want products in their home that won't create a hazardous indoor environment.

This contemporary Neil Kelly custom kitchen is friendly for your family's environment... And the planet's

More personalization and comfort at home will be important to more and more clients this year, as they seek to make their house a personal refuge from a harsh world. They'll build in materials and accents from travels they've enjoyed and mementos of people close to them. "Rooms to go" will give way to rooms to grow together in.

This Pottery Barn new for 2009 Marin sofa invites relaxation in five fabric grades and about 50 colors and patterns

Upgrades that allow them to age gracefully, safely and successfully in their own homes and communities. AARP reports that 90 percent of Americans want to stay put as they age, rather than relocate to an assisted living or nursing home facility. Clients in their 40s, 50s and 60s will be looking for ways to make their existing residences work for them into their 70s, 80s and beyond.

Companies like Moen, Kohler, Kraftmaid and others with mass market appeal are planning for this demographic with more stylish and accessible-oriented products. Look for this trend to continue in 2009 and accelerate in future years as the economy rebounds.

The slide-bar shower head, grab bar and bench from a bath I redesigned for a
50-something couple will take them comfortably into their senior years

I believe that people will continue to add style, functionality and comfort to their homes in 2009, and spend some of their happiest hours there.

Happy New Year.

ISLAND FEVER III - STYLING YOUR ISLE

'Tis the season of decking halls, lighting menorahs and Auld Lang Syne. Why not add styling a kitchen island to the traditions list? If you're putting one 'under your tree' this season, make sure it does your home proud!

I'm often asked, "Does my island need to be the same as my other cabinets?" It doesn't. But it needs to look like it belongs in the same space. Here are a few cabinetry dos and don'ts on achieving this effect:


DO...

* Match the island's door style to the other "peripheral" cabinets. If you've always loved bead board style doors, an island is a great spot to add them, (as a little bead board goes a long, long way!), but match the rails and stiles, (the door's "frame") to the peripheral cabinets in terms of size and shape.



* Use the same door style if it's available in a different wood - e.g., stained cherry peripherals and painted maple island; white peripherals and stained maple island.

* Consider using the same style and wood species, but in a colorful stain. For example, your peripheral cabinets are a golden oak; choose a moss stain for the island.



* Match the knobs or pulls on the island with those on the surrounding cabinets. If the same finish works on both, go that direction. Otherwise, find the same style in a finish that looks better on the island's coloration.


DON'T...

* Use an island to change your kitchen's style. It will just look out of place.

* Add elements to an island that look out of place with the rest of the kitchen - e.g., fluted columns, steel legs or grape corbels that don't tie into anything else in the room.



* Try to pair new cabinets of an almost - but not exact - finish. It will probably look a bit "off kilter," especially if one is real wood and the other laminate.

Here are some countertop dos and don'ts to consider, as well:


DO...

* Feel free to use a different countertop material or color on your island, especially if you're upgrading. This is your kitchen's focal point, and a great place to add a style statement and material improvement to your kitchen.



* Coordinate the color of the island top to another element in the room. For instance, cherry tops on a painted black or white island will look great with cherry peripheral cabinets topped with granite.

* Factor in the pattern of the peripheral tops when choosing your island's counter. If the peripherals are topped by a granite with flowing movement, choose a quieter, more solid-colored material for the island - perhaps a quartz or concrete.

* Consider your lifestyle when choosing a hard-working top for a busy island. If you're a busy, low-maintenance gal, choose a low-maintenance top. If you're a gourmet guy with sleek style, know that absolute black polished granite is going to compete for attention with your Beemer.


DON'T...

* Go overboard on countertop drama. Too many focal points equal no focal points, just eyestrain. If you've got one strong style point on the peripheral tops, go quieter on the island.



* Overlook the island's function when choosing your tops, or the material's essential properties when considering that function. For example, let's say you opted for an entertaining center island and equipped it with a wine captain. Understand that at some point in its life, a glass of red wine or a Bloody Mary will either spill or leave a ring on that counter. If you were inspired by your honeymoon in France and opted for creamy marble tops, please remember how darkened and mellowed those café tops were and don't cry over spilled guilt.

* Blow your budget on island cabinetry and be forced to settle for tops you wouldn't otherwise choose. Save up for a time when you can afford what you want in both, along with qualified, professional installation.



* Don't choose your countertop fabricator from a flyer left on your windshield, or because someone is offering the lowest price in town. Ask for recommendations from friends or a designer, builder or contractor you respect.

Don't miss Island Fever I - Sizing up your options or Island Fever II - Equipping the dream if you're new to this blog.


PHOTO NOTES

In order of section, top to bottom:

CABINETRY DO (Green islands) - This kitchen works because the beadboard style on the peripheral cabinets ties into the reeded legs on the island and the cream and green coordinate beautifully. Matching stone tops unify the look. Bertch Cabinets.

CABINETRY DO (Blue island) - The island's blue relates beautifully wtih the blue tiles in the backsplash, and shares a door style with the white maple surrounding the room. The wood top provides a rich accent. Craft-Art Wood Countertops.

CABINETRY DON'T (Black island) - This kitchen avoids being a "don't" by matching the island's heavy legs with the pair flanking the range. The door style on the black island also matches the surrounding cabinets. Crystal Cabinets.

COUNTERTOP DO (Glass-topped island) - The island is clearly the focal point in this kitchen, with its curved lines and glass top. The island's curve mirrors the pantry and soffit curves and the glass top becomes the stand-out star. Bertch Cabinets.

COUNTERTOP DON'T (Maple island) - This island's white top whispers, rather than shouts, and its whiteness coordinates with the backsplash tile. The effect is clean, modern and pulled-together. Kraftmaid Cabinetry.

COUNTERTOP DON'T (Black island) - This homeowner -- a client of mine -- wanted practical but stylish-looking tops. She opted for quartz by Cambria and got both. Cambria and Jamie Goldberg Kitchen and Bath Design, LLC.

ISLAND FEVER II - EQUIPPING THE DREAM

Aruba. Bermuda. Barbados. Microwaves and wine chillers. Wait, what??? Yes, it's island season, that time of year when your thoughts turn to holiday entertaining and holiday escapes.

Maybe you're looking for an escape from an over-crowded kitchen, too. Will adding an island provide an idyll for this hardest-working room in your house? Let's consider the possibility.

Last week, you read ISLAND FEVER I: SIZING UP YOUR OPTIONS, and determined that you can make an island work and that you're going to make the investment. You also determined how you want that space to function. After proper sizing, function planning is the most important aspect to making an island pay off for you.


AGAIN, ASK YOURSELF WHY

In Island Fever I, I mentioned the following reasons for adding an island to your kitchen:

* Increase your kitchen storage
* Add an additional work zone
* Add a specialty function - e.g., baking center
* Facilitate a Kosher lifestyle
* Add an entertaining center

Read no further before you decide what role your island will play in your kitchen improvement. Any one of them is fine - you can even come up with something else on your own - you just need to define its job before you proceed.




INCREASE YOUR KITCHEN STORAGE

If increasing your storage capacity is your primary goal, determine what will "live" in that space and how best to access it. For example:

* Your existing drawers are overflowing: A trio of four-drawer banks, each with built-in organizers, tame the clutter.

* You just got married and need room for your beloved's cast iron skillet collection, your Calphalon set and your wedding registry's All-Clad: You opt for base cabinets with roll-out trays in each, and a ceiling-mounted pot rack for the ones you use most often.

* You got a juicer to get healthy and need space to store it, along with all the fruits and vegetables you're going to blend: One base cabinet with a built-in knife holder drawer and roll-out trays for the juicer's accessories, one with a lift for the heavy juicer itself and a dual drawer under-counter refrigerator for the fruits and vegetables you'll be juicing.


ADD AN ADDITIONAL WORK ZONE

What tasks does that work zone need to perform. Will it cook? Clean up? Prepare meals? Re-heat? A well-equipped work zone will encompass strategic appliances, appropriate counter top material and well-appointed storage, (as shown in the juice-making example, above). Here are two examples:

* Your island clean up station has a deep sink, garbage disposal and pull-out faucet, a dishwasher and pull out dual trash bins for garbage and recycling. The cabinet holding the sink has a rack for your cleaning supplies. A narrow, open cabinet next to that features a pull-out rack for your dish towels. If space allows, you also have a divided, deep drawer bank for your Tupperware collection, so that left-overs can be conveniently gathered and sealed.



* Your island cooking station is equipped with an induction cooktop, countertop-mounted pot filler, convection-steam oven, (my December '08 Gold Nugget Award winner), ceiling-mounted ventilation hood and warming drawer - everything you need to get dinner on the table, at whatever time everyone eats. It also includes a base cabinet with top drawer organizer and roll-out trays to keep your cooking essentials at hand.


Both of these work stations feature quartz countertops for durability and easy maintenance. Despite their well-respected heat resistance, you keep a trivet nearby for hot pots and pans if all of your induction burners are occupied.


ADD A SPECIALTY FUNCTION

These are always fun to plan, because they cater to the homeowner's passions and bring together the client's inspirations and designer's knowledge in a true partnership. Here are two examples:

* The island baking center has a convection-steam oven, base mixer stand cabinet, tray base for cookie sheets and three-drawer base with top drawer organizers to separate measuring spoons from whisks and whisks from spatulas and dividers below to hold your measuring cups, mixing bowls and other baking favorites. You also opted for a non-porous, engineered stone countertop for rolling your dough and easy clean-up afterward.

* The entertaining center features U-Line's ice maker/fridge/freezer, which I featured in my Multi-Taskers posting last summer, and a dual-zone wine captain. It also includes a bar sink and a three-drawer bank for accessories like wine charms, corkscrews and bottle openers (above) and deep divided drawers for non-refrigerated bottles below. If desired, shallow storage on the back allows for a raised standing bar and spot for serveware. If seating is preferred, factor in serveware storage in a more accessible spot. A decorative glass top, like those from ThinkGlass, offers a splashy focal point for an entertainment center island. It also offers easy clean-up. Handsome focal point alternatives could be wood or concrete. Unlike glass slab, both require some maintenance to preserve their integrity and beauty.




STYLE NOTES

An island gives you a great opportunity to upgrade your kitchen and even add some much-needed style to a dated space. However, since the island and the rest of your appliances and cabinetry share the same visual space, you're best served by coordinating looks, not clashing.



Here are a few tips for the most common builder kitchens I've encountered:

* Let's say your kitchen has golden oak cabinets, dark green laminate countertops, dark tan floor tiles and black appliances. Your island can feature dark green or black painted cabinets and paneled appliances in a similar door style. The dark green cabinets would look great with black tops, and vice versa. Select hardware for your island and add it to the cabinets on the periphery. If the island features a prep sink, choose a bar faucet and a companion main faucet to replace your existing one.

* Let's say your kitchen has white laminate cabinets, white appliances and a light, flecked laminate countertop. Your floors are a beige tile. Choose one of the accent colors in the laminate flecked top, (e.g., light blue or light green) and opt for painted cabinets in that color. Choose a light, solid-color top and paneled appliances.

* Let's say your kitchen has faux walnut cabinets, almond appliances, beige tile tops and floors. If your budget doesn't allow for tearing it all out, replace all your appliances with stainless ones to add some brightness; choose painted black island cabinets to tie into the darker tones in the walnut-grained ones surrounding it, (and coordinate with future replacements), and opt for a solid-toned cream-colored slab countertop. Update all the hardware and faucets with stainless, as well, for more shine. A nifty - extremely durable - sink to consider is one of Blanco's Silgranit models in its handsome Café Brown. It'll tie in with your existing brown cabinets and remind you of how far you've come when you finally replace them!


FINAL THOUGHTS

Adding an installed island to your kitchen is likely to invoke local code issues. Be sure to engage a local professional to ensure that your island is properly wired, plumbed, equipped, sized and planned. This will provide you and future homeowners with a safe, enjoyable addition to your home.


PHOTO NOTES

AGAIN, ASK YOURSELF WHY: This island really cooks. It features a hood, oven, cooktop and Brookhaven semi-custom cabinetry from Wood-Mode, featured on the company's web site.

ISLAND CLEAN-UP STATION: This large island that I co-designed for a local family features a dishwasher, trash center, sink and convenient storage for baggies, tin foil, Tupperware, etc.

ISLAND COOKING STATION: This island features a Miele DA424 hood that elevates when not in use, preserving views and conversation sight lines for the cook.

THE ENTERTAINING CENTER: This island features a bar sink, a full suite of entertaining-friendly appliances and a strikingly-beautiful ThinkGlass countertop, shown on the company's web site.

STYLE NOTES: Your island doesn't have to match the rest of your kitchen, but it should coordinate. Here's a beautiful example featuring Dynasty by Omega semi-custom cabinets from the manufacturer's web site.