Kelly’s Kitchen Sync by Kelly Morisseau

Several years ago I decided to give my kitchen a facelift and set about: pulling magazine pages for inspiration; visiting kitchen and bath showrooms to talk to designers about cabinets, counters and plumbing fixtures; reading how-to do kitchen remodel books from cover to cover; and walking the appliance aisles at the big box stores all with the intention of creating my dream kitchen on my own. How hard could it be? I loved DIY and design, and had been decorating the homes of others for quite a few years so I didn’t give it a second thought. I would undertake the kitchen facelift project on my own.

A few months into my project my enthusiasm waned as I learned that kitchen design is a whole different beast. I got through the project but I suffered needlessly. One of my biggest frustrations was the day the refrigerator was delivered. I had worked closely with the appliance store to make sure the refrigerator would fit perfectly in the niche left behind by the late 80s era refrigerator the previous owner had installed. I measured, measured, measured, so imagine my surprise when this expensive refrigerator refused to fit where it was supposed to based on the wall, cabinet and counter measurements and the appliance specifications. My frustration turned to absolute dread when the delivery guys said to me, after trying to shimmy the refrigerator for 30 minutes, “We have another delivery and as much as we want to help you out here, we can’t. Got to go.” They left me with a refrigerator which was slightly angled in place because the top cabinet jutted out less than 1/16th of an inch. Enough to prevent the refrigerator from sliding in snuggly right under it – and the problem wasn’t with the cabinet and counter measurements; no, the refrigerator specs on paper were off by a bit coupled with a less than level floor and a slightly less than square wall-all of which led to the fitting problem. The nightmare scenario then ensued. I had to go to my husband and ask him for help. After some discussion we agreed that we’d keep the refrigerator. I really wanted it and didn’t want to send it back. So we removed the upper cabinets forsaking valuable storage space in the process.

How I wish I had my friend Kelly Morrisseau’s handy guidebook “Kelly’s Kitchen Sync: Insider kitchen design and remodeling tips from an award-winning kitchen expert.” back then. Kelly is a second-generation kitchen designer who lives and breathes kitchen design and remodeling. It’s her passion; one that she has generously shared with readers of her blog, Kitchen Sync. She gleefully answers questions on all things kitchen design with a perfect balance of charming wit, and top notch expertise. Her newly released book expands on the topic of kitchen remodeling and design and offers up loads of tips, advice and recommendations delivered in a warm and conversational tone – just like having Kelly right alongside you! 

I adore Kelly’s take on writing this book, as she shares not only the tips from her successful projects, but she opens up and shares about several design challenges she encountered and how she approached the problems and delivered to the homeowner the kitchen of their dreams.  In the following passage, Kelly details a design challenge: fitting a refrigerator into an angled corner:

Refrigerators are deeper than all other appliances, up to a maximum of 34” deep with handle. Even the “built-in” refrigerators still protrude further than 24” deep once we allow for the electrical plug and counters and side panels.  How the doors swing also determine whether they’ll pinch against a corner.

The last refrigerator I placed next to a lazy susan, I allowed 15” of swing space to the adjacent counter. The design was hindered by the kitchen door to the garage, which wouldn’t allow us any more movement away from the corner. So I designed with the understanding that according to the appliance specifications, 14” of clearance width to the corner was sufficient.

Except it wasn’t and the specifications were incomplete. Any time the door swung wider than 135 degrees, it hit against the counter and eventually had to be redesigned.

When you design the refrigerator next to the corner, ask how wide you will be swinging the door open before you make your final decision…and allow more than what the specifications say.

Kelly also goes beyond offering her design expertise in this book. She discusses some of the leading appliance and cabinetry trends in the kitchen design industry which I think makes this book even that much more useful to homeowners. For example she shares why she thinks Induction cooking ranges will overtake gas ranges over the next few years. Those little industry insights peppered throughout the book will give homeowners the additional information that they won’t necessarily find at the design showrooms or big box appliance or cabinetry stores where they only show you what’s available now. Which is fine if your project is a near-term endeavor and/or you don’t necessarily care about technological or design innovations. But if your project is slated for a few years out, and you do want to buy the most technologically advanced designs, then it’s imperative that you know where the kitchen design industry (appliances, cabinetry, surfaces, etc) is headed.

“Kelly’s Kitchen Sync” is a wonderful guide book that covers kitchen remodeling from inspiration to designing to purchasing to completion while offering homeowners fantastic and insightful tips to help them avoid many of the pitfalls often associated with remodeling.

Where to buy:

Kelly’s Kitchen Sync on Amazon

Contact:

• Kitchen Sync Blog
• Kitchen Sync on Twitter
• Kelly Morisseau {Kitchen Sync Book} on Facebook

Surreal Sustainable Kitchen by IKEA: SURREALISTIKA Sculpture

“SURREALISTIKA” is IKEA’s artistic homage to their futuristic vision- one that gracefully intertwines design, usability and sustainability- for the one room in our home, the kitchen, where creativity, inspiration, and the joys of home life and family are centered.

Bringing fantasy and imagination to life, the [SURREALISTIKA] sculpture incorporates the natural beauty of the Silver Birch tree intertwined with elements of an everyday kitchen. It depicts a surreal vision of the future when environmental concerns will be ever more at the core of kitchen design.

Kitchen & Bath Details That Make A Splash

ABOUT JAMIE GOLDBERG

Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS is an NKBA-certified kitchen and bath designer and a freelance design journalist. Her articles have appeared in Signature Kitchens & Baths Magazine, Fine Homebuilding, BobVila.com, KitchenBathIdeas.com and many others.  She is also a regular contributor to Kitchens.com, where her Sensible Style blog appears each month. 

Jamie currently lives and works in San Diego, California, where she writes her own Gold Notes blog and serves as the Design & Marketing Director for Italian Kitchen Design and Distribution, an importer of quality European cabinetry, based in the San Diego suburb of Escondido.

DESIGN IS IN THE DETAILS

Last month we looked at hardware. This segment focuses on those last little details that sometimes go unfunded or get overlooked.  Think about the last time you walked into a darling powder room, only to notice plastic clips on the mirror or an ugly white switch plate cover.

Try to imagine this spa bath with plastic towel holders! How would they look with the elegant tile and sleek faucets?

Bathroom designed by Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS

Talk about a letdown!  Design is in the details.   So this edition of Details focuses on finishing touches. These are easy ways to upgrade your home without a major remodel.

WHAT DOES YOUR MIRROR TELL YOU?

We look at them every morning when we comb our hair, but when was the last time you really looked at yours? Are the edges chipped or rusting?  Does your mirror lack a frame?  Mirrors glued to the wall are tricky and hazardous to remove, but can be framed for a richer look.  Clip-on mirrors or builder grade medicine cabinet mirrors can be more easily replaced.  For a couple of hundred dollars or less, you can give your bathroom a much, much better look!

Pottery Barn‘s Kensington Mirror creates an instant bathroom upgrade.

Check out more mirror upgrades on Gold Notes.

FAST, EASY and STYLISH KITCHEN & BATH ACCESSORY UPGRADES

Chances are, your home has some permanently-installed accessories in one or more room that are taking away from their appeal.  Examples include dime store kitchen paper towel holders, plastic flush levers on your toilets, plastic towel bars in your bathroom and builder basic switch plate covers.  These are easy DIY upgrade opportunities on their own, and should be factored into any larger remodel plans you’re making. 

Flush out ugly tank levers with coordinating versions, like this Brantford model from Moen.

Check out more accessory upgrades on Gold Notes.

SHOW YOUR DECOR

This is the easiest, most affordable, no tools or handyman required, update you can make to a kitchen or bath.  If your canisters or drinking glasses are looking dated, visit your favorite home goods store or web site for an instant upgrade.  They tend to be smaller, lower cost items, so changing out every few years isn’t a budget buster.  (Donate your old set to a charity, please!)  They’re also a great way to add color, texture and a new style component to your space.  

Give your bath modern, international flair with Jonathan Adler‘s Berlin accessories

See more countertop accessories on Gold Notes.

COUNTER TOP REVOLUTION

What is your toaster or coffee maker saying about your kitchen?  I’m tired… I’m old… I’m bargain basement?  Countertop appliances are also easy upgrades, albeit a little more expensive.  The first principle of countertop appliances, however, is to store the ones you don’t use daily.  The only appliances that should sit on your counters are those that are part of your morning or dinner routine.  If the food processor or stand mixer only gets used once a month or so, it doesn’t need to take up room on your countertops.  For those essentials you do use daily, consider models that add functionality and style to your kitchen.   

Give your kitchen coffee bar style and flexibility with this Cuisinart Coffee on Demand system at Williams Sonoma.

See more countertop appliances on Gold Notes.

This is the last installment of a five-part, first week of the month series with The Decorating Diva. Each edition focuses on a single room detail that can make a huge difference in the success of that space’s style.

Enjoy the entire Details series!

• Details #1 – The Lighting Edition
• Details #2 – The Faucet Edition
• Details #3 – Fabrics and Fibers
• Details #4 – The Hardware Edition
• Details #5 – Finishing Touches

10 Big Kitchen Ideas for Small Kitchen Remodels & Designs

Big Design Ideas for a Small Kitchen

Small kitchens can be quite the design or remodeling challenge, but with just a few kitchen design ideas such as those that I’ve outlined below you can visually and physically open up your small-sized kitchen to make it seem larger while at the same time optimizing your kitchen layout and cabinet storage space.

1. Take down a wall to open up the kitchen to the dining room or family room.  There is no need to push the kitchen out into the adjoining room, just simply taking the wall down and putting in a peninsula of base cabinets and countertop will make the kitchen seem much larger.
2. Add some floating shelves above this peninsula where dishes, serving bowls and platters can be stored would be a good idea to make up for the wall cabinet space that is lost by taking down the wall.
3. Use of a pot rack can conserve precious storage space in large base cabinets.
4. Reduce the depth of cabinets so that they can fit in tighter spaces, like behind doors or next to windows.
5. Explore sinking cabinets into walls where it’s possible in order to get some additional storage.  Make sure that the cabinets have layered storage such as spice racks or canned storage on the backs of the doors.
6. Order extra shelves which allow for more storage since typically there is much wasted space in cabinets due to too much space between shelves.
7. Using smaller, European appliances can help, for instance, a 24″ under counter oven that has a rotisserie in it from corner to corner for cooking a large turkey will save a lot of room.
8. Any size cook top can go above this oven with a little design innovation with the cabinets.  For the hood, you can use a combination microwave and hood which doesn’t always look the best, but certainly conserves space.
9. Smaller built in refrigerators are a great idea too, and, you can separate the refrigerator from the freezer by using under counter freezer drawers.  This will allow enough refrigeration space without taking up too much counter space.
10. Dishwashers can also be found in 18″ wide and based on the design of the racks, they can accommodate a lot of dishes and glasses.

To further help you visualize the transformation of a petite kitchen using some of the above design ideas, I’ve  included my design notes and some photos of my personal kitchen remodeling project – in which I transformed a not so large kitchen space into a fully functional, visually pleasing and much larger looking kitchen. My kitchen was an addition to the house which has floor to ceiling sliding glass doors in the family room side.  In the kitchen, I opted to not have any windows with the exception of the clear story windows above the pantry.  To be able to obtain the design, it was necessary to not have windows in the kitchen (not a good view on that side of the house as well). 

To make up for the lack of natural light in the kitchen, I added back painted full glass panels on the backsplash.  The color is a light yellow/green, so, when the hood and under cabinet lights are turned on, the entire backsplash glows!  In order to get outlets on the backsplash, I added a fairly high, about 9″ backsplash of the honed black absolute granite in which the black outlets were installed.

The island also has the same black granite, but, it’s also surrounded with wenge butcher block.  A sliding butcher block board can slide over the sink to increase counter space when needed.

The custom hood lines up with the ceiling beams and is very wide and spacious to accommodate the 36″ gas cooktop, deep fryer and grill/griddle.

The pantries not only store food but they also house the steam/convection oven and microwave.  When in use, the doors bi-fold and slide back so that the entire space can be opened and left open during food preparation.  Putting the counter inside this pantry allows me to store and use some countertop appliances in there as well.

My kitchen isn’t a really large one, yet, it stores all I need and functions beautifully.  A small to medium sized kitchen is all that one needs, and, they are more functional since it isn’t necessary to cover a lot of ground when preparing dinner and when cleaning up!

RELATED KITCHEN DESIGN ARTICLES

• Contemporary, Eco-Friendly Kitchen Design by Jennifer Gilmer
• Georgetown Kitchen Design Remodel by Jennifer Gilmer
• Jennifer Gilmer’s Clever Design Transforms a Trouble Space into a Spacious Contemporary Kitchen
• Jennifer Gilmer Style Maker Look Book & Designer Case Study: Award Winning Kitchen Design
• Small Kitchen Transformations: 7 Easy Kitchen Design Ideas for Big Impact

Clever Design Transforms a Trouble Space into a Spacious Contemporary Kitchen

Having designed thousands of kitchens has given award winning kitchen designer Jennifer Gilmer the insight and experience to tackle even the most daunting of kitchen design projects. Jennifer describes the design challenges and the solutions she and her design team used to create an amazing kitchen from what had previously been an awkward space (after photo shown below).

Jennifer Gilmer: The existing kitchen in this project was all wrong for the space.  It was jammed in the far corner where the breakfast table is now and a run of cabinets were on the left wall.  The table was placed where the box bay is now.  With those high cathedral ceilings, the entire existing space was totally out of proportion.  We decided that the best way to rearrange the kitchen was to move it to the center of the room, make a larger window with a box bay and to move the table at the end of the kitchen.

Downdraft cook top, cabinets and island.

Box bay, cabinets, sink and island.

Jennifer Gilmer:  The kitchen was not quite wide enough for the island, so, by putting in the box bay, it allowed us to push the cabinetry into that space giving just enough room for the island.  In order to get enough wall cabinets, we placed the downdraft cook top in front of the large window, this way, we could run the wall cabinets right over the main sink (if the cook top was on that wall, we’d have to raise the cabinets up too high).  Since getting to the cook top from the main sink was blocked by the island, the solution to this was to place a smaller prep sink on the island near the cook top. 

On the main sink wall, we needed to place the refrigerator, but, a large 36" one would have taken up too much space.  To resolve this, we used a 27" wide Sub Zero all refrigerator and then on the opposite side, we put under counter Sub Zero freezer drawers. 

Jennifer Gilmer:  In order to get pantry space, we placed a pantry above the freezer drawers which matched in appearance the all refrigerator.  To eliminate that awkward space above the wall cabinet which occurs because of the cathedral ceilings, we put laminated glass wall cabinets there with angled backs which raised the cabinet height to be more in proportion with the high ceilings.  The lighting inside these cabinets helps to create a nice ambiance. 

For the general space, we widened the doorway going into the kitchen from the foyer and filled in part of the cathedral ceilings in both the foyer and the kitchen which made the kitchen space more open, yet, more in proportion.  Lighting had to be dealt with since recessed lights would have been fairly ineffective, so, we used cable lighting to span the large ceiling spaces.

About Jennifer Gilmer

Jennifer Gilmer, CKD, is nationally renowned for her work in kitchen design. Over the past 25 years, Gilmer has designed more than 1,000 custom kitchens. Her award-winning designs span the spectrum from classic and traditional to sleek and contemporary.

She has won more than 15 national design awards for her work including the 2009 “Pinnacle of Design Award” from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), which is awarded to the designer of the year’s best overall design. She also swept two other categories.

Gilmer founded Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath in 2007. She previously was co-owner of Kitchen & Bath Studios in Chevy Chase, Maryland and also worked for 8 years with designer Richard Tunis.

In 2009, she launched KitchenDesignOnLine.net to serve a void in the marketplace – bridging the gap between high-end showrooms and the big box retailer. The online studio helps the homeowner, builder or architect achieve the best design by providing a full range of services, from floor plans and detailed elevations to 3D perspective images. With KDOL, a homeowner can get a custom design from a certified kitchen designer in two weeks for well under $1,000.

Her design and remodeling awards include: 2009 Southern Living Home Award – first place kitchen, 2009 “Pinnacle of Design” award  from NKBA, First place for Small Kitchens (2009, NKBA), First place for Medium Kitchens (2009, NKBA), Remodeling Design Award (2009, Remodeling), First place Regional Winner (2008, Sub Zero/Wolf Design),  First Place Classic Kitchen (2008, Washington Spaces), First Place Contemporary Kitchen (2008, Washington Spaces), First Place Medium Kitchens (2007, NKBA), Second Place Small Kitchens (2006, NKBA), and First Place Medium Kitchens (2003, NKBA).

She and her work have been featured in media that include Veranda, The Washington Post, HGTV, Women’s Day Kitchens & Baths, Southern Living, Remodeling, Home & Design, Washington Spaces, and Kitchen Trends.

All images copyright of respective owners.

Georgetown Kitchen Design Remodel by Jennifer Gilmer

According to Jennifer Gilmer, award winning kitchen designer and principal of Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath in Chevy Chase, Maryland, “designing a kitchen [in Georgetown] can be a challenge due to a lack of space or poor original overall floor plans.”  A quick look at the redesigned kitchen (photos below) one can see that Jennifer was up to the design challenge posed by the long and narrow kitchen space of this classic Georgetown row house.

Jennifer’s client required that the new kitchen accommodate some typical kitchen appliances (range, microwave, refrigerator) as well as “a second oven, ice machine, wine cooler, prep sink, large hood, eating area and a desk.” Her client also wanted the option to close off the kitchen from the dining room yet keep the kitchen feeling light and open.

Jennifer details her design process for us:

Jennifer optimized the narrow space adding a writing desk at the far end of the kitchen and a built-in eating area that easily accommodates seating for three.	Jennifer’s design allowed artificial and natural light to flow throughout the kitchen via the addition of a tall, narrow pass through (by the sink) and a large window looking out to the client’s garden.

Jennifer Gilmer:  We left a tall narrow pass through to the left of the sink in order to maintain a more open feel and to allow light to come through.  The existing window was too small because this is where a lot of light comes in (a precious commodity in a row house) and because it overlooks her patio and garden.  We replaced this window with a much wider and taller three paneled casement where the main sink is centered.  Where there was a door which interfered with the kitchen design, we put a narrower window in, and, it’s near this window that we placed the built in eating area, large enough to accommodate three chairs.

Jennifer added pocket doors from the kitchen to dining room. Creating an open airy kitchen while allowing the client to close off the kitchen, if so desired.	The pullout pantry optimizes space while providing additional functionality. Adjacent to the pantry is the Sub Zero refrigerator.	To the right of the refrigerator and pull-out pantry is the client’s writing desk.

Jennifer Gilmer:  The space still needed some work by building a wall to separate the living room and dining room from the kitchen, but, in order to keep it feeling open, the doorway from the kitchen to the dining room had to remain wide and high.  Because she [the client] wanted to have the option of closing off the kitchen from the dining room, we added large pocket doors in that wall (a classic design element in Georgetown row houses).

On the opposite wall when coming into the kitchen, to the right is a built in "hutch" for additional storage and to serve the dining room.  We placed her desk in the corner and then to the left of this, the Sub Zero refrigerator, combined with a narrow pullout pantry looks like an old fashioned armoire which is easily viewed from the dining room.

Built-in microwave and stove.	Focal point created by centered range & hood.

Jennifer Gilmer: The ice machine is just to the left of the refrigerator, making it easy to get ice when preparing a beverage, and, the wine cooler and small sink is there too in order to create a wet bar when needed.  At the other end of this wall, we combined the oven cabinet and microwave with some open shelves and appliance garage for her toaster.

Finally, the range and hood are centered between the refrigerator and the oven cabinets for a gorgeous focal point complimented by carved wood and open areas for display items.  An antique fireplace summer cover was used under the hood to add more character and to blend with the carvings.  Three cabinet finishes were used to add interest and intrigue and we found the perfect granite countertop to blend it all together.

About Jennifer Gilmer

Jennifer Gilmer, CKD, is an award-winning expert on kitchen design. She has won more than 15 national awards for her work including this year’s “Pinnacle of Design” award for the best overall design in 2009 and swept two other categories from the National Kitchen & Bath Association. She has created designs for more than 1,000 kitchens in styles that range from classic to contemporary.

Her work has been featured on TLC, in The Washington Post, Veranda, Trends, Washington Spaces, Home & Design, Southern Living, Remodeling and more.  She is the principal of Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath in Chevy Chase, Maryland and in 2009 launched KitchenDesignOnLine.net to bridge the gap between high-end showrooms and home improvement stores.

All images copyright of respective owners.

Contemporary, Eco-Friendly Kitchen Design by Jennifer Gilmer

Jennifer Gilmer, renowned kitchen designer and 2009 National Kitchen and Bath design winner, designed the stunning, Zen-like 276 square foot Bethesda, Maryland contemporary styled,eco-friendly kitchen pictured above.  Jennifer’s kitchen “Green” design focused on the usage of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials ranging from the custom mixed stain to the cabinetry. 

The Columbia Forest Products’ PureBond hardwood plywood used in this kitchen design project is manufactured utilizing:

… a formaldehyde-free adhesive derived from food-grade soy flour and a wet strength resin used in printed currency and milk cartons. This proprietary assembly system, known as PureBond®, is non-toxic and cost-competitive with urea formaldehyde based plywood products. There is absolutely no added urea formaldehyde in the adhesive or the components. (source Columbia Forest Products)

Jennifer used ML Campbell’s Aqualente finish which is a:

GREENGUARD Certified, low VOC, non-yellowing, self-sealing, easy sanding, pre-catalyzed water borne clear coating for interior wood surfaces. Agualente lacquer is based on breakthrough European resin technology that produces no hazardous off-gassing during cure. Its new technology provides trouble-free application as well as a beautiful appearance, mirroring its solvent-based counterpart. (source ML Campbell)

The other Green kitchen design products and services used for this project:

• The solid wood is domestic black walnut.
• The stain was custom mixed, using AFM  Safecoat DuroStain.
• The cabinet’s were created by cabinetmakers – Andrew Daum / Victory Woodworking of Canaan, New Hampshire.

About Jennifer Gilmer

Jennifer Gilmer, CKD, is an award-winning expert on kitchen design. She has won more than 15 national awards for her work including this year’s “Pinnacle of Design” award for the best overall design in 2009 and swept two other categories from the National Kitchen & Bath Association. She has created designs for more than 1,000 kitchens in styles that range from classic to contemporary. 

Her work has been featured on TLC, in The Washington Post, Veranda, Trends, Washington Spaces, Home & Design, Southern Living, Remodeling and more.  She is the principal of Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath in Chevy Chase, Maryland and in 2009 launched KitchenDesignOnLine.net to bridge the gap between high-end showrooms and home improvement stores.

In the 2007 Solar Decathlon competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Gilmer served as a mentor to LEAFHouse, which placed second in the world. The Solar Decathlon is an unparalleled biannual competition of 20 university student teams to design, build, and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered net zero energy home. In 2007, the “LEAFHouse” team from the University of Maryland placed first among the 17 U.S. teams and in 2009 received an Washingtonian/AIA Award for Distinctive Architecture.

All images copyright of respective owners.

Modern Cottage Chic Kitchen Design from Studio Becker

Studio Becker has created a charming cottage style kitchen with just the right mix of modern design influences. We love the gorgeous blue European styled cabinetry, the adorable blue and white floor tiles and the wire-framed kitchen dining chairs.

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource: Studio Becker

Mia Cuciana Kitchen Inspires European Efficiency

Mia Cucina exemplifies the very best in modern kitchen design. The European style kitchen design shown above maximizes efficiency and style. We especially love the circular island replete with range, range hood, and sink and prep area. Smart design that makes cooking and clean up a pleasure.

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource: MiaCucina

Small Kitchen Problem – Futuristic Kitchen Solution: Circle Kitchen

As a diehard foodie, I can’t ever imagine having anything other than a huge, gourmet kitchen, but if kitchen space is an issue, then the  Circle® kitchen,  a Red Dot Design 2006 award winner, may just be the space-saving kitchen solution you are seeking.

The Circle® revolving kitchen is a high-tech compact kitchen that makes the most of a small kitchen space. The Circle kitchen contains all the kitchen appliances one expects: range, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, sink with waste bin and range hood. As for cabinet space, the Circle kitchen has you covered there also with intelligently designed kitchen storage space.

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource: Clever Kitchen