Sacramento Kitchen Design Blog
A Blog About Kitchen & Bath Design, Remodeling and This & That in Sacramento – by MrsNicolette
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Touch-Open Cabinets; Blum’s Servo-Drive for any Cabinet
January 6, 2012
Taking the touch-latch even further, Blum has re-invented ServoDrive for use in cabinet access. Servo Drive is an advanced motion control motor. What that means for the kitchen, a great hands-free way to access storage. Most people are familiar with the soft-close drawer system that is built into the drawer slide that catches the drawer before closing to pull the drawer in without noise. Servo Drive by Blum, takes it one step further. If you haven’t seen Blum’s ServoDrive video with their catchy theme song, don’t worry, I will spare you. But do watch this.
As you can see in the video, a touch of the face of the drawer, and it opens. This also works for wall lift cabinets. Such as the Blum Aventos hinge, which can open up in 4 different configurations.
Blum Lift Stay
Blum Lift Up
Blum Up and Over
Blum Bi-fold Lift
These types of door operation are mainly seen in more contemporary kitchens, but because they open up instead of side to side, they can be a bit difficult to grab the handle to close.
I recently ran into this situation on one of my kitchen jobs that required the Bi-fold lift door. We used the bi-fold lift door because we had clearance constraints due to an oversized hood. But when we opened the Bi-fold lift it was too difficult for my client to close. So here was our Servo-Drive solution (the video is taken from YouTube):
With the touch of a button on the bottom of the cabinet, the door comes down. VOILA!
Servo-Drive requires a power source, transformer, and a sharp installer. As my Blum Rep says, “it’s not cheap”, but it can certainly be useful in certain situations, especially the trash cabinet.
Doggy Spots
December 14, 2011 — 1 Comment
Most dog owners are like me, I keep the doggy dishes in the kitchen where everyone can kick them over. It is always a challenge to find a place where the food and water dishes are available to the dog, but not in the way of its owners, and is also convenient to refill and clean. I am seeing more and more requests to accommodate our little paw-footed friends in kitchen and bath design and beyond. And a challenge it is. Thanks to Houzz.com we can see examples of how designers are designing with Fido in mind.
The most logical way to integrate a “feeding station” into a kitchen remodel, is to leave some floor space open between cabinets.
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Or if you have some empty wall space underneath stairs or near a closet, you can build a niche into the wall.
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For our larger and older canine friends, a little boost in elevation is more comfortable. You can build-in a toekick underneath the dish, to lift the dishes a few inches, which is helpful when cleaning floors.
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In the image below, the designer has lifted the dishes and installed a solid surface under the dishes for easy clean-up.
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If your dog is like mine, he likes to hang-out in the kitchen and wait for scraps. Some homeowners have gone as far as having a doggie lounge built-in to their space (so they can relax while they wait for appetizers). This kitchen features a window seat for the dog.
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Or build a covered bed so you still have a surface on top. This photo shows a bed that is built into a buffet area.
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Another trend for dog lovers is to build-in a dog washing station in the Mudroom or Laundry. A small, tub / shower with a pull-down shower head at a comfortable height for owners, can be ultra convenient and less stress on the doggies.
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Another fun way to integrate a sleeping area is to create an indoor dog house within the walls of the space.
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The dog house below is also a tunnel to the outdoors. It doubles as a dog house and doggie door.
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Its clear that homeowners will go the mile to establish comfort in our homes for our pets, because they are truly part of the family.
The Large Kitchen Island
October 14, 2011
As a kitchen designer, my goal is to design a kitchen with style and functionality. In terms of kitchen islands, the bigger the better, right? Mmmm, not always. Whenever I see a design with a huge island, I always wonder how (and who) cleans the center? Large islands create great work stations because they offer so much surface area, but an island over 60″ one way can be difficult to reach, and who wants to get a step stool to clean a countertop? Here are some tricks that us kitchen designers use to make large islands work, and stay pretty.
1). Use different levels or heights to create display platforms for the center, end or portion of the island. It is always nice when a large island has a bit of visual interest with a raised cabinet or countertop surface in its center or on a side, these can be used to place fresh flowers, a potted plant, fresh fruits, you name it.
2). Design raised or lowered eating areas that help define an island and break up the surface area. This is a very easy and functional way to divide an island. You can also use a combination of #3 and #4 within your eating area.
3). Insert curves, angles and different shapes to create interest and definition. A curved end or angled edge can be interesting and create movement and rhythm within the space.
4). Use a combination of different materials to suggest different uses for each material. Butcher block with granite, quartz or marble, can create a cutting or baking area among your work stations.
Whatever space or challenges you face with your kitchen, use an island to create your kitchens character and personality, and if you have a large island use it in a large way!
Made in the U.S.A.
September 21, 2011
With so many reasons to buy American made products, it seems crazy that more businesses are not selling more American made items. From baby toys to cars, Americans want to support their country, while carrying the peace of mind that these products are built under stringent regulations and conditions.
Recently, I had a wonderful couple in my showroom that insisted on buying American. Great! We offer many wonderful home products that are made here. Here are some that I love!
Crystal Cabinets, made in good old Minnesota. A family owned business since 1947, these craftsmen are the best at premium cabinetry and fine furniture, or should I say craftswomen. Many of the employees making the cabinetry are women. Crystal treats every order as a custom art project, going as far as laying out all products to make sure they match. You can be assured that your purchase from Crystal is supporting its local community while you receive a superior product!
Crystal Factory Tour
Cambria Countertops
Cambria Quartz Surfaces. The ONLY quartz company made in the USA. Also a family owned company, and also made in Minnesota. Cambria prides themselves in making quartz products to mimic natural stone. My readers already know that I prefer quartz over granite, and with Cambria’s colors, you will find the natural veining of granite. Check them out!
Enkeboll Designs, Fine Architectural Woodcarvings. Over 50 years experience in woodcarving for the Kitchen, Bath or anywhere in your home. These carvings are produced in California using North American hardwoods and sustainable practices. For a classical or traditional elements, Enkeboll provides numerous unique options for the home. And for the more modern home, Enkeboll introduces their new Tribeca Collection to inspire a cleaner and more contemporary aesthetic.
Enkeboll at KBIS 2011
Renewal by Andersen
Renewal by Andersen. Custom built windows and patio doors used for replacements to fit existing dimensions and finishes. While the Anderson Corporation is now global, they started out a small Wisconsin company in the early 1900′s. Renewal by Anderson is made in Minnesota since 1995, but draws on Andersen’s reputation for quality and durability as well as beauty.
Raw Urth Designs. Hand Forged Range Hoods, Countertops, Backsplashes, Shelving, and Fireplace surrounds. Based in Colorado, this husband and wife team began designing items for their own home, and a company was born. The design and craftsmanship are impeccable! Raw Urth’s got it going on! With finishes from Copper, Zinc, Bronze and Steel, with different patinas and treatments offered, I could go wild choosing one of these for a client! One thing is for sure, any product from this company will become a focal point!
Raw Urth Hood
Raw Urth Hood
One should feel very patriotic putting any of these products made in the USA in their homes. It is way of saying thank you to fellow American employees and to ensure you receive premium products. Go USA!!!
FP Ceramic & Gas
September 15, 2011 — 2 Comments
No, I am not talking about the tall soda I drank for lunch, but rather a new and genius product from Fisher Paykel. Before the dish drawer came out in 2004, there were few Americans who had heard of Fisher Paykel. Now, with some of its manufacturing plants in the U.S., and energy saving product innovations, Fisher Paykel is now a recognized appliance brand.
Recently, a client has specified they HAVE TO HAVE the Fisher Paykel cooling drawer. When I found out it was an entire 36″ wide and will take an entire base cabinet, I thought, we’ll have to find something smaller because this kitchen was small and tight. Wow, was the client disappointed with my response. ”It does so many things” says my client, “I can’t settle for anything less!”
When I did my research about this cooling drawer, I learned that it is in fact, an all-in-one unit, a wine chiller, crisper drawer, beverage cooler, and it even has a setting for a pantry. And how can you argue with an Australian accent? Here is how it works;
Oh yes, back to my point… I am also thoroughly impressed with the newest release of the Ceramic & Gas cooktop that utilizes an easily cleanable glass surface with the ideal cooking medium of gas.
While this cooktop only has 3 burners within the 36″ unit, it is evenly spaced to accommodate everyday cooking. And lets face it, who uses 4 or 5 burners simultaneously? This video illustrates how this unique product works,
I can guarantee that either of these products work their way into your kitchen remodel, they will be your new favorite appliance.
Anti Fatigue Mats, Thank You!
August 31, 2011 — 5 Comments
Does kitchen work tire you out? Since my son was born, we decided to enforce a “No shoes in the house” rule, that in turn, has created some pain in my kitchen. With bare feet, dishes and kitchen work has become very tiring and painful for my back and feet.
I had been seeing the memory foam mats for the bathroom, and thought to get one for the kitchen, but it would be hard to clean. So I began searching for an easily clean-able kitchen mat that would relieve my pain.
At last, I purchased an Anti Fatigue mat for my kitchen sink. Not only is it extremely comfortable on the feet, but it wipes clean, and it is attractive. It is the Gel Pro Basketweave in Truffle.
Gel Pro- Basketweave Truffle
I couldn’t believe how this gave me more energy to clean and work… please don’t tell my husband! I can’t believe I had lived without it for all these years. I offered one to my mother, and I am recommending it to all my clients and friends.
The Gel Pro is designed with a shock-absorbing gel core that relieves pressure from your back, feet and joints. It is available in 45 colors and 10 patterns. Amazing!
Gel Pro Mat Assortment
I have also found other brands that offer Anti fatigue mats, such as the Wellness Mat, who boast that their spongy material will never lose their bounce. And they too offer attractive colors and patterns.
Wellness Mat
I highly recommend the Gel Pro as an Anti fatigue mat, it worked wonders for me!
My Knob Obsession and Etsy Finds
August 10, 2011
I love knobs, pulls, drop pulls, bar pulls, backplates and anything applied to cabinetry. It never occurred to me to look on Etsy to find cabinet hardware, but when I did, I fell in love. All Etsy items are handmade, so finding cabinet hardware, some to die for, and some very strange, was a very exciting discovery. Made from blown glass to antlers, these knobs are sure to spark interest of your next cabinet installation.
Bird Skull Knobs in Antique Bronze- Billyblue22
Bird Skull on Cabinet Door
Vintage Map Knobs by Ksickles
Antler drop pulls by Antlerstuff
Glass knobs by Knobsandmore
Hand Painted Wise Owl Knobs by Dreamscapedesigns
Hand Stamped Knobs by Vintagesky
Hand Stamped Knob by Vintagesky
Clay Knobs by Gloryworks
Acorn Hand Carved Walnut & Cedar Knobs by Kunkelandsons
Grace and Blunder
July 26, 2011 — 3 Comments
I try everyday to use Grace – defined as elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action.
But sometimes I trip and fall over my own feet, or over those of a larger and fatter obstacle, THAT is defined as awkward, lacking skill or dexterity. This can happen to many designers at some point. Look at these embarrassing design blunders:
Shadow cast by the Sun, the Architect missed that one!
This is a waste of a urinal, or maybe it is a game?
The Palm Springs residence is a present day DIY nightmare!
All Designers can agree that THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS, so we have to cover our bases, check twice, three times or more, and make sure we think of every possible situation before we install two urinals adjacent to each other, or order plush pink velvet upholstery.
I have had my fair share of learning by error, so TODAY I use not only Grace, BUT the philosophy of experience and wisdom, the totality of the cognitions given by perception; all that is perceived, understood, and remembered.
Intuition, as a woman, IS a direct perception of truth, fact, etc., independent of any reasoning process; immediate apprehension.
That is why women, can always get back up…
Stronger
Faster
Wiser
How does this relate to design? Because design is THAT woman, constantly getting better and wiser. BAD DESIGN is only an immature version of a GOOD DESIGN. Yes? And that fat critical foot is only meant to make a better product for the future.
Thanks to Google for supplying lots of images of BAD DESIGNS!
Wuhoo for Bamboo Two
July 25, 2011
We have done Bamboo kitchen cabinets here in Sacramento. I have seen Bamboo countertops, and of course flooring, but check out these products using Bamboo, I am impressed! And they will not break the bank either. The vessel sink is around $300-$400, and the Apron Front runs about $900-ish.
Bamboo Vessel Sink by Lenova
Apron Front Sink by Lenova
I will find a kitchen to use you in, Apron Front sink. Maybe in the White Shaker kitchen that I measured today in Curtis Park, Sacramento. You would look quite nice in a 1920′s Bungalow, we shall see…
Backsplash Subway Tiles by Anchor Bay Tile
Subway Tiles used as Baseboard - Anchor Bay Tile
Attache Case Made of Bamboo by Totally Bamboo
Let’s not even get started about Bamboo fiber clothing… I much prefer seeing the wood grain.
Top Knobs Passport Collection Coming Soon…
July 20, 2011 — 1 Comment
I am all about using cabinet hardware to create depth and interest in kitchen and bath spaces. I love what Top Knobs has been releasing in the recent years, and their new Passport Collection is nothing less than impressive. Released at KBIS 2011, the Passport Collection is scheduled to hit showrooms any day now. Inspiration for the collection come from destinations such as the Great Wall of China, Australia’s Sydney Opera House, London’s Tower Bridge, the ancient Egyptian city of Luxor, Africa’s Victoria Falls and Rome’s romantic Trevi Fountain. They can be used to carry a theme or to dress up simple styled furniture or kitchen.
