GRILLING & CHILLING

If you’re a hard core Floridian like me you know that we are enjoying the best weather of the year right now! Balmy evenings before the decent of the heat, humidity and bugs of summer beckon us to inquire “what’s cooking outside”? Well today the answer to that is A LOT! Outdoor cooking back in the day consisted of a basic charcoal grill and it was a project to coax those coals to just the right temperature. Outdoor kitchens have evolved from that primitive beginning and are quickly becoming a regular part of the outdoor living scene in our temperate climate. Here are some products to consider if you want to cook and entertain outside in your own little piece of paradise.

Outdoor grills can now be freestanding or built into surrounding cabinets just like an in door kitchen.Natural wood cabinets in marine grade woods and finishes stand up to the elements. Some man-made materials such as Starboard are also excellent choices for out door storage. This Kitchen by Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens features cabinet doors in oiled teak. The cabinet boxes are made of their trade marked solid marine-grade polymer Perma-Panel, which makes it weatherproof. An under counter refrigerator for drinks and condiments is handy and natural stone tops are functional sturdy and easy to clean.

Until next time you can find me in the backyard!

WHITE RULES!

One thing you can bet on is that there's always a home for white cabinets in Florida.  Here's a job I recently completed using cabinets by Holiday Kitchens.  After living with brown oak cabinets and pink laminate tops (see before photo in center), this client was looking to update and brighten his kitchen.  There were three main things that transformed it into a space that caters to this homeowner's specific needs.  First of all we partially removed the wall between the dining room and kitchen with a dramatic result.  We saved enough wall to use for cabinetry.  Corner cabinets both above and below now make full use of this hard-to-reach area.  This homeowner was so in love with his G.E.Advantium convection microwave oven, he wanted another one!  The solution was to incorporate a built-in version in his new pantry which is equipped with roll outs below and shelves and can racks above.  Last but not least we added a small peninsula which not only yields much needed extra storage and counter space but also serves to define the kitchen space which is otherwise open to the family room.  To see more click on the link in the upper right to visit our photo album on Flickr.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

BEDROOM TO OFFICE OASIS

This couple was looking to transform a spare bedroom into a comfortable inviting place to work at home.  A warm stain and glaze over maple with a high degree of attention to detail transformed this room into a delightful and functional retreat.  I think Brendan and Trevor have certainly worked their magic here!

ART IN THE KITCHEN?

If you’re looking for a way to personalize your kitchen  why not consider art?  Most of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen and the view is pretty much the same, refrigerator, stove, sink etc.  So where do we add our own unique signature?  The possibilities are numerous.  How about your backsplash, the area between your countertop and upper cabinets?  This is a project you can usually attempt without disrupting your cabinets or counter top.  For example I have a client who decided to tile the area.  She added art by inserting her own artwork in the form of handpainted tiles. 

If you are planning a new kitchen remember that sometimes less is more IF you have adequate storage you might consider leaving some open space for framed art. A single piece of art in a simple kitchen can become a compelling focal point. Not only does this save you money on cabinets but it allows you to change the look and theme of your kitchen when the spirit moves you.

Show off your collection, if you have one.  This homeowner was the proud collector of cookie jars so we designed a space to feature them.  But you could show Fiestaware or handmade pottery.

Colorful paint along with many handmade touches makes this kitchen pop with whimsy and a generally good to be alive vibe!  Photo courtesy of paula@pavelkadesign.com

These colorful handpainted African tiles add a unique touch. 

What creative touches have you used in your kitchen?  I would love to hear from you!  Leave comments.  Tomorrow I leave for New Orleans. I'm going to take lots of pictures and I'll see you when I get back!

WOOD TOPS IN THE KITCHEN?

As a kitchen designer I am frequently asked about the wisdom of installing wood countertops for food preparation. The warmth and natural appeal of wood tops can be both a focal point as well as a functional advantage for the heart of your home. Just as with anything else there are a few things to be aware of if you decide to go this route.

Many people wonder if wood surfaces are sanitary. Laminate and solid surfaces such as quartz and Corian, due to their non-porous nature, are considered safe for preparing meat or vegetables. Wood, because of its porosity is commonly thought to be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. However in the 1990s researchers discovered that wood naturally exhibits strong antibacterial properties. According to these studies, and to others that followed, bacterial populations disappear quickly and without help on wood surfaces, while on plastic surfaces they persist and actually multiply. In fact the term “butcher block”, another name for wood counter tops, was coined because in days past it was the popular choice for butchers! Although these bacteria resistant properties vary among wood species, wooden cutting surfaces are gaining popularity especially with the advent of the green movement.

In general wood countertops are more expensive than laminates. The price can vary widely depending on wood species, thickness, how the wood sections are arranged and which grain of wood is visible. Keep in mind that nicks or damages can always be repaired by resanding and resealing.

Some wood top fabricators will include a durable safe sealer finish or some prefer a natural mineral oil finish. A good countertop finish should retain the moisture of the wood and keep food residue and surface moisture out within reason.

You don’t have to install wood tops throughout your entire kitchen. Sometimes a wood top in just one area such as an island (as in the picture above courtesy of  Holiday Kitchens) is a popular choice creating a pleasing focal point and gathering spot for your family. Next post: Art in the Kitchen

SMALL SPACE BIG DESIGN IN PALM BEACH!

Have you ever wondered what you can do with a little bit of leftover space in your home?  This client had an L- shaped space approximately 7' X 8'.  This is not such a small space, you may say, however when the request is for an English Pub Bar it's not so much!  In addition, this home owner wanted the option of being able to see the large screened TV on the opposite wall of the adjacent family room.  My design solution was to use a lot of paneling and mouldings to create the proper feeling.  I paneled the back wall and inserted a large mirror which would reflect the  TV so that you could see it while sitting at the bar.  We added a bar sink in the corner which was easy as the kitchen sink, and therefore the plumbing,  was right on the other side of the wall.  We wanted an upper cabinet to store glasses but were unable to utilize the wall space to its left because of the kitchen pass through.  The solution was to add another mirror over the sink which gave us good balance and lightness in the midst of all the wood.  An ice maker, beverage refrigerator and built-in "kegerator" were also included.  I am pleased to say our clients are thrilled with the design, craftsmanship and function of their new English Pub Bar!  Next post: Wood You??