As promised, by yours truly, may I present this year's Subzero Wolf Traditional Kitchen Design winner, Vasi Ypsilantis of The Breakfast Room Ltd., Manhasset, New York. I find it interesting that both contemporary (see last post) and traditional winners used the color blue and incorporated dark stained wood into their designs even though they are at opposite ends of the design spectrum. Notice how the architectural detail in the ceiling is repeated with the hood. This kitchen has a very authentic turn of the century appeal. In traditional styling it is all about the attention to detail.
WINNING WITH CONTEMPORARY
Every year high end appliance manufacturer Subzero Wolf sponsor a kitchen design contest. This year's winner is Jose Eduardo Calma of Lor Calma & Partners, Makati City, Phillipines. I must confess I LOVE this! The juxtaposition of materials and calm yet sublime use of color puts me in a Zen state of mind. Well done, Jose! If traditional styling is more your cup of tea, stay tuned. My next post will show you the winner in the traditional category. Photo is courtesy of Subzero Wolf.
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!
One of the hallmarks of a successful business in today's maket- place is the ability to diversify. With that in mind, I take you from our
usual hangout, the kitchen, and into the bedroom. One of our clients is the owner of this fabulous antique headboard. It is made out of beech wood with lots of ornate carving and hand woven wicker. Brendan estimates its age is at least one hundred years.
So what is the problem, you say? The challenge is she wants to move up from a queen to a king sized bed. Not a dilemma at all for Brendan and Trevor, our magicians in the shop. They simply designed an attractive extension on either side. When they're finished the entire piece will be refinished so that the extensions will be undetectable. Now you can call it fit for a king!
WHAT'S IN THE SHOP?
It's sunset, just about time for happy hour. You're sailing down the intra-coastal on a yacht headed toward relaxation. Ever wonder what keeps those wine glasses from falling for the next big wave? Well here it is. Brendan and Trevor whipped up this nifty holder for wine and cocktail glasses at the request of a local yacht captain. It was crafted out of natural cherry to fit into this available niche located in the yacht's bar. Cheers!
TRADITIONAL & FUNCTIONAL TRANSFORMATION
This homeowner was originally interested in refacing their existing cabinets (photo with tired white cabinets). However when they decided that for just a little more they could improve the function of their kitchen and get all new cabinetry, they were sold! The new River Run cabinets are traditional raised panel with applied moulding in birch wood with a stain and glaze. We added spice pull outs on either side of the cooktop and transformed a little used desk area into a functional and attractive nook! Click on our Flickr photo album for more about this great kitchen remodel.
CABINET STYLE 101
One of the myriad decisions you'll have to make when considering new kitchen cabinets is STYLE. What do you say when your kitchen professional poses the question, what style are you? There are, of course, many but we can safely narrow it down to three categories. The first one is known as TRADITIONAL. Anything Old World, Country, French Country or Tuscan would come under that category. You know you're traditional when cabinet doors are ornate with lots of finish detail and moulding. Because of this, a classic or traditional look is usually the most expensive to create. The second category is CONTEMPORARY. This style is usually very simple and streamlined with not a lot of detail. This type of kitchen gets its beauty from the materials used. For example a beautiful wood grain or color. If you are careful about the materials used this can by your most inexpensive option. Remember less can be more. The third style is TRANSITIONAL. A lot of us come under this category which could also be described as eclectic. The popular Shaker door is a good example of this. It can be either modern or traditional looking depending on the hardware you select and the rest of the finishes in the kitchen. If you're interested in resale value this is the way to go as it will appeal to the majority. Now can you identify the style of kitchen in these three photos from Holiday Kitchens?















