THE BACK STORY

Ok so my gal pals took me to see the incredible Sex in the City 2 last weekend.  2010 finds Carrie cheating on fashion with furniture, and has she ever!  This extravagance extends to the kitchen.  Wow, what a backsplash!  Looks like I wasn't the only one to notice.  Google is full of commentary on the same. Your backsplash is a great place to create drama and visual interest. The best thing is that you can change one or add one any time!  Carrie and Big's backsplash lends drama with both the oval shape of the tiles and the glowing blue light.  It's a perfect backdrop and accent to the simple straight lined white cabinetry.  A little bit of blue heaven perhaps?

CONCEALED FUNCTIONALITY

                                                                          One of the top ten trends revealed from the 2010 NKBA Design Competition was reported to be the concept of the "concealed kitchen".  As the preference towards the open kitchen floorplan increases in popularity, so does the homeowner's desire to blend the heart of the home seamlessly into the surrounding living areas.  Think appliances that are fully integrated into surrounding cabinetry through the use of matching panels and cabinets that more closely resemble furniture. This refrigerator/freezer duo by Subzero sits flush with adjoining cabinets. Another homeowner chose to take advantage of dead space on the backside of her kitchen cabinets by adding almost invisible drawers.  The need for handles is eliminated by the use of  touch latches allowing the drawers to spring open with just a gentle push. Smooth transitions also make for greater harmony and a restful respite for hectic days outside the sanctuaries we call home sweet home.  Stay tuned as I reveal more top ten design trends for 2010 in upcoming posts.

5 WAYS TO CREATE A SEXY KITCHEN

The new sexy isn’t always sexual. In fact the Brits have coined the term “sex it up!” meaning to make something more interesting, attention grabbing or appealing. So, guess what? Now you can “sex up” your kitchen by updating and refreshing the look and function. Here are some tricks:

1) Roll outs Want easier access? Install shelves that roll out. These are great in the lower cabinets as well as in your pantry.

2) Open shelves can be extremely functional allowing you to view and easily grab and go.  I also love them for cookbooks and they break up the monontony of too many cabinet doors.

3) Color and texture  What's more seductive than color and texture?  Think sleek stainless steel paired with a rustic tumbled marble backsplash or a RED quartz counter top in the midst of a clean white kitchen.  

4) Dimmable light fixtures above your cabinets can create a subtle glow.  Add them under your upper cabinets and they double as task lighting when turned up. 

5) Art is One of my favorite additions to any kitchen.  It's a great way to personalize your kitchen and create visual interest.  (See my  3/18 post).

What are you passionate about in your kitchen? Dying to know and hoping you'll share.

SAVORING INDIA

Back when I started this Kitchens for Living blog I mentioned that occasionally we may venture into parts unknown, well this is one of those times.  If you know me you know that I have a not-so-secret love affair with India.  The only way I can attempt to describe it is in a series of words that will hopefully paint a picture with a sense of what I mean.  India is rich, poor, ancient, colorful, vibrant, heart wrenching, sensuous, brutal, intense, beautiful, sacred, succulent and unexpected.  I'm sure I've forgotten a few along the way.  One of the ways I like to remember my visit to India is in my kitchen.  My husband and I have become big fans of Indian cuisine.  Although far from experts, we love to dabble.  One of my fav books on the subject is Savoring India: Recipes and Reflections on Indian Cooking  by  Julie Sahni.  The amazing photos in this book truly capture the essence of what I discovered in this magical place.  The following recipe, found in this book,  has become a family favorite.  Here it is with my commentary.  Try it out and let me know how you like it,  but I promise you're gonna love it!      


Jheenga Masala (Shrimp in spiced cream sauce)
I serve with Basmati rice, naan (Indian flat bread) and chutney


1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
2 fresh hot green chiles such as serrano, thinly sliced (remove seeds if you don't want it too hot)
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garam masala (mixture of spices you can make yourself but I buy from Indian grocer)
1 teaspoon minced garlic 
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1lb medium shrimp raw (I buy peeled and deveined but also devein the bottom and I remove tails)
1/2 cup light cream (half and half)
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

These quantities are straight from the book but I tweak the amounts to taste.  I'm usually more liberal with the spices.  This is supposed to serve 6 but I think it's more like 4.  Comment and let me know how you like it.  What changes did you make?

BEST IN SHOW, KBIS 2010

The premiere annual ritual for those of us in the "biz" is the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) This year the show was held last month in our favorite mid-west metropolis, Chicago.  Each year certain trends, technologies and companies tend to stand out.  This is what we'll be hearing about in the world of Kitchen & Bath Design in months to come.  Here's the buzz, especially for you, from those in the know.


I think Jenn-Air stole the show with their new premium products.  Jenn-Air's intuitive double ovens (won most innovative product by KBB for 2009) and built-in refrigeration can meet the demands of buyers of other premium brands, not to mention, the new DUCT FREE downdraft cooktop, an item apartment and condo dwellers have long been waiting. 

Morton Block, CMKBD, IIDA

President Morton Block Associates

I noticed the emphasis on bevel and diamond shapes was more dominate this year. This was featured on: cabinetry doors, plumbing fixtures, hardware, mouldings, lighting fixtures and tile.

Joanna Menke

Millwork Sales & Design, CKD and Associate IIDA

Loved the Kohler Stages Sink (I love any sink with bells and whistles and this one has A LOT of bells and whistles).
As for trends, I noticed bits of bling and was pleased that it was done with subtlety and sophistication. Little hints of shimmer, crystals, etc on door knobs, cabinet hardware, faucets. A door knob by Hamilton Sinkler comes to mind, knobs and such by a beautiful Italian manufacturer whose name is escaping me.

Karen Swanson

The trend I seem to notice more this year was towards saving water and energy as well as more recycled products.

Randal G. Winter

President Randal G. Winter Construction

As a trend, I would have to respond not with a product but with an attitude. It seems many of the conference speakers as well as individuals I spoke with, were emphasizing 'seeing' from the viewpoint of the client. I like to think we have always put the them first, but apparently there is a very real need to educate the designers and contractors in the ways of the economically impacted buyer. The human factor prevails. 

Carl A. Smith III

One of my favorites, shown here,  was this nifty corner cabinet accessory by Korner King.  It allows full use of your corner not only lazy susans but drawers as well! 

To see all of the best of KBIS entries click this link.

http://www.kbis.com/show/best-of-kbis

THE KENNEDY GREEN HOUSE

For many years I have been pleased to work with cabinetry by Holiday Kitchens, Inc.  The Robin Wilson Home Custom Cabinetry by Holiday has been incorporated in the renovation of the private residence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The cabinets are featured in three spaces including the kitchen, kitchenette and main laundry room.  The Kennedy Green House includes maximum energy and water efficiency fixtures, low VOC paints, reclaimed building materials and durable goods with low impact on the environment and indoor quality.  Robin Wilson is a bright and innovative designer who I had the pleasure of meeting at last year's Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS).  She has written a book about the experience called Kennedy Green House: Designing an Eco-Healthy Home from the Foundation to the Furniture. If you're looking for some green alternatives Holiday Kitchens  is a great resource for cabinets! Click here to see a video about the project