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.

The most logical way to integrate a “feeding station” into a kitchen remodel, is to leave some floor space open between cabinets.

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.

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!!!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.