Jennifer Gilmer Style Maker Look Book & Designer Case Study: Award Winning Kitchen Design

Jennifer Gilmer’s Designer Notes

This kitchen design project is situated on the Atlantic coast, and, the house was built by the top real estate agent in that area. It was very important that her house has all of the features that her clients are looking for when they want to purchase their beach house. She wanted to have open spaces that took advantage of the beautiful view, yet, it had to be warm and cozy. She also wanted to have a unique cabinet design since she was tired of seeing the predictable “shaker” style cabinets in cherry that have been so popular for the last 10 years.

She saw in my showroom the door style that she wanted, a unique, sculpted door with an Asian flair. She also loved the walnut wood which is very rich and warm and different from any other kitchen she has seen. She loved the 2” thick Valley Gold marble in this display, and, even though it was risky as far as its maintenance, she was willing to take the risk. We decided to incorporate quite a bit of frosted glass in order to bring in the soft blue/green color of the ocean into her home. With the materials selected, we were ready to move on to designing her kitchen.

The Kitchen was open to the family room, and, did not have enough space for a table to be freestanding out in the space at all times. We had the challenge of getting a table that could seat at least 6 people in a space where we really didn’t have room. Also, the dining room is behind the range, and did not have a view of the ocean. The only windows in this room were on the side of the house, looking at the neighbor’s home. She shares her home only with her husband and their dog, so, she didn’t require a lot of refrigeration, so, we reconsidered the big side by side refrigerator which was in the original plan. She also liked the idea of hiding the oven and microwave since her kitchen was so open to the family room. Then, she wanted a pantry, however, the wall that was left for that had a window in it which cramped the pantry space. These were the design challenges for this space.

We decided to have a butcher block table made to match the walnut on the cabinets, and, it had to be a large one, 72” round. In order to have it fit in the space, we have it “attached” to the island most times, but, the casters make it possible to move it out when she has more company. Under the table and attached to the island is a built in booth which is automatic seating and allows for the table to not have to be pulled out too far when in use. We could not center the island in the room, so, instead, we centered this very large and beautiful table. The asymmetry that was created really complimented the mild Asian style of the kitchen!

To solve the closed off dining room, I recommended that we delete the walls on either side of the range and put “floating” shelves suspended by cables which would serve both the kitchen and the dining room both in function and style. This worked like a charm!

We eliminated the large refrigerator/freezer unit and instead, we used a built- in Sub-Zero refrigerator on the side closest to the sink and complimented that on the opposite side with a tall cabinet which houses the oven and microwave. This balanced and tidied up that elevation using some ingenuity so as to keep the space open and airy. The Sub-Zero freezer drawers are next to the refrigerator under the counter.

The pantry problem was resolved by incorporating the window inside it. By creating very large slider doors with frosted glass, the window added some beautiful natural light so as to have the pantry glow during the day. The soft/blue green color of the frosted glass is further complimented by the backsplash tile, a perfect combination.

About Jennifer Gilmer

Jennifer Gilmer, CKD, has been creating beautiful kitchens in the Washington, DC area and beyond for more than 20 years. Starting with a drafting job in a small kitchen design firm in McLean, Virginia, Jennifer soon realized she had an absolute passion for this creatively technical work. She also discovered an innate ability to understand the needs and personalities of her clients and to create spaces to compliment each individual. Her award-winning designs span the spectrum from classic and traditional to sleek and contemporary. She is committed to fulfilling her clients’ needs, doing it well and making the process as joyful as possible.

Jennifer is a native of the Washington, DC area. After her initial drafting job, Jennifer worked with legendary high-end kitchen designer Richard Tunis for eight years. She and a partner then opened Kitchen and Bath Studios, Inc. in Chevy Chase, Maryland in 1993. In 1998, she decided to launch her own firm — Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen and Bath, Ltd. Her vision has grown into a successful business, which includes a dedicated support staff who strive to provide the firm’s clients with detailed designs and exceptional service.

In 2009, Jennifer launched an online kitchen design studio, Kitchen Design Online (KDOL) that provides homeowners (both DIY and those working with contractors), architects and builders with a range of services from floor plans to detailed elevations to 3D perspective images.

Mark your calendars:  Jennifer’s design column “Kitchen Design Secrets Revealed” debuts on The Decorating Diva.com on Thursday, May 13th 2010. Jennifer’s first column will focus on kitchen island design.

Eco-Redefined: Home Decor & Design Trends 2010

ECO REDEFINED

Eco-Friendly takes on a new meaning; shifting from focused on the environment (ecological) to focus on the (eco)nomy. Concerns over climbing unemployment, massive debt, home foreclosures and the overall bleak economic forecast has homeowners looking to economically friendly solutions to their home decor and furnishings purchases. This new twist on “eco-friendly”  means seeking quality and value with an eye toward long-term savings and joy of ownership.

How Eco-Redefined Applies to Home

Small Touches of Luxe: Though constrained by current economic influences homeowners look to unique, luxury architecture, furnishings and decor for inspiration. Bringing home little forms of extravagant home products like luxury tile mosaics from industry leaders such as Trend Group or Bisazza.  This phenomenon is nothing new: Women have long been inspired by the luxe looks of the runways, being unable to afford a Chanel jacket or purse, but very much being able to carry the Chanel luxury brand in the form of polish, eye shadow or an alluring red lipstick, proving that a little luxe goes a long way.

Bisazza White Gold Mosaic “Still Morris” Folding Screen (Marco Braga).	Trend Group USA Wallpaper glass mosaic tiles from the “Virgin 1” collection  (an idea for an accent wall)

A full mosaic installation utilizing high-end, luxury tiles may be beyond some budgets today, but a smaller mosaic tile installation using those same tiles can be, realistically, within budget. Illustrated above are two examples of mosaic tile installations that add a sense of luxury and richness to a home’s interior.

Tampa based Kitchen Designer Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS shows readers how to create “Sensible Style: Small Makeovers, Big Impact”. One of those sensible style ideas is “Backsplash bling , allowing the homeowner to bring small, yet rich, luxurious decor accents into their kitchen design without breaking the bank.

Luxury For Less:   Bad housing economics have some homeowners shunning high-end ticketed appliances and turning their eyes to kitchen appliances with high-end looks, functionality and style – but with a price tag that will please the financially savvy homeowner. Samsung and Kenmore have kitchen appliances that have high-end appeal with down to earth prices. (Images: Kenmore Elite Stainless Black refrigerator and Samsung RSG257AARS refrigerator).

Home Decor & Design Trends Over The Years

See how design trends have strengthened, changed course or have been relegated to obscurity:

• Design Trends Report 2009
• Design Trends Report 2008
  

  Interior Design & Decor Trends 2010 Reports:

1. Eco-Redefined: Home Decor & Design Trends 2010
2. Sophisticated Glamour: Home Decor & Design Trends 2010
3. The Home Office:Home Decor & Design Trends 2010
4. Outdoor Living Room: Home Decor & Design Trends 2010
5. Universal Design: Home Decor & Design Trends 2010
6. Colorful Past: Home Decor & Design Trends 2010
7. Tech Decor: Home Decor & Design Trends 2010
8. Glimmer & Shimmer: Home Decor & Design Trends 2010
9. Zen-full Decor: Home Decor & Design Trends 2010
10. Passion for Fashion: Home Decor & Design Trends 2010

All images copyright of respective owners.

Hollywood Glam Black and White Kitchen Design

Jenn Air Art Deco inspired black and white kitchen.

Images copyright of respective companies.

Urban Sleek & Bronzed Kitchen Design

Jenn Air Contemporary Kitchen Design:  Oiled Bronze

Northland Refrigerator with Glass Door: Model 60SS-WG

The Northland 60” Refrigerator and Freezer side-by-side with full size glass door (refigerator side) featuring a roomy aluminum interior, wire freezer shelves, split door bins, clear crispers, glass shelves and daylight lighting is a serious refrigerator to meet the needs of the serious at-home chef – and it should at a price tag slightly over $13,000.   This professional level refrigerator rates high on the kitchen appliance lust-O-meter.

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource:   Northland

Related: Top 7 Refrigerators for 2009: Style and Technology Revolutionizing Refrigeration Systems

Sub-Zero Refrigerator & Freezer with Glass Door Model 648PROG

Sub-Zero side-by-side refrigerator and freezer system (model  648PROG –refrigerator and two refrigerated drawers & freezer and two drawers) features dual refrigeration  with three evaporators, 100% steel construction, LED interior lighting, digital controls and exterior temperature controls, filtered water and automatic ice maker, auto-close doors, door alarm, touch and glide crisper drawer with humidity control, adjustable and spill proof cantilevered glass shelves,and interchangeable drawer dividers (perfect for those who love organization). The Sub-Zero 648PROG is available as a  built-in or  free-standing configuration.

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource:   Sub-Zero

Related: Top 7 Refrigerators for 2009: Style and Technology Revolutionizing Refrigeration Systems

Sub-Zero Refrigerator & Freezer with Glass Door Model 648PROG

Sub-Zero side-by-side refrigerator and freezer system (model  648PROG –refrigerator and two refrigerated drawers & freezer and two drawers) features dual refrigeration  with three evaporators, 100% steel construction, LED interior lighting, digital controls and exterior temperature controls, filtered water and automatic ice maker, auto-close doors, door alarm, touch and glide crisper drawer with humidity control, adjustable and spill proof cantilevered glass shelves,and interchangeable drawer dividers (perfect for those who love organization). The Sub-Zero 648PROG is available as a  built-in or  free-standing configuration.

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource:   Sub-Zero

Related: Top 7 Refrigerators for 2009: Style and Technology Revolutionizing Refrigeration Systems

Fagor Black Art Refrigerator FCA-86 ART

The 24 inch wide  Fagor Black Art refrigerator and freezer (Model no. FCA-86 ART ) is an eco-friendly,chic refrigerator featuring: a reflective black exterior;  built-in anti-bacteria drum and bio-filter to keep food fresh and the refrigerator smelling fresh;  fast cooling systems; alarm notification system to alert of interruptions in the cold chain;  independent compartments with independent electronic regulation; an open door alarm; spill-proof, break-proof glass trays/shelves;reversible doors (makes configuring to fit your kitchen a dream); eco-friendly, ozone safe coolant  R134-A; and best of all the Fagor Black Art refrigerator comes with a side-by-side option that allows you to combine two Black Art refrigeration units with a union kit accessory.

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource:   Fagor America

Related: Top 7 Refrigerators for 2009: Style and Technology Revolutionizing Refrigeration Systems

Maytag MSD2578VEW Side-by-Side Refrigerator

The Energy Star qualified, 25 cubic ft. Maytag side-by-side refrigerator  with Fill-N-Chill™  (model MSD2578VEW ) has several innovative features: Measured Fill acts like a measuring cup, dispensing water in the perfect amount each time; Fill-N-Chill™ pours water and ice at the same time;  Beverage Chiller™ keeps drinks colder than the rest of the refrigerator; LCD display, tall fill fits pitchers and other tall containers; the Adjusti-Temp™ deli drawer keeps luncheon meats and other deli fare fresh and tasty;   and the Sealed FreshLock™ Crispers with Humidity Control keep vegetables, fruits and other produce fresh longer.

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource: Maytag

Related: Top 7 Refrigerators for 2009: Style and Technology Revolutionizing Refrigeration Systems

Jenn-Air Euro-Style Refrigerator/Freezer Drawer Model JUD248CCRS

Jenn-Air 24” wide refrigerator and freezer drawers are perfect for any kitchen, guest room, home office or entertaining room. The refrigerator drawers are also an excellent choice for those considering implementing Universal Design since the drawer styled refrigeration system makes access easier for those homeowners who have difficulty accessing standard height refrigerators and freezers.

The Jenn-Air refrigerator and freezer drawers are easily integrated into your existing kitchen space as they fit into a standard cabinet space. They have a large capacity and the refrigerator can accommodate tall items as well as provide abundant storage space. The freezer has an automatic  ice-making machine.

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource:  Jenn-Air

Related: Top 7 Refrigerators for 2009: Style and Technology Revolutionizing Refrigeration Systems