KITCHEN
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Composite Some modern sinks are made from a composite of granite and acrylic resin, and formed under a high compression to make them extremely durable and scratch-resistant. Pros: Composite sinks are nonporous, heat-resistant and hygienic. They’re available in a number of styles and finishes, and bring a uniform look to a contemporary kitchen. Cons: The hard surface of composite sinks is great for durability, but not so useful if you drop glassware on it. Also, if you’re looking for a natural material that forms a patina over time, a composite sink might not be the right choice for you.
Also, having things in three different parts of the kitchen should be absolutely avoided —it’s too confusing. If you don’t have enough storage room, look for space-savvy solutions, such as a set of freestanding shelves that will take up minimal floor space while giving you oodles of storage up the wall. Even the smallest of kitchens can be a dream to cook in if properly planned and organized.
If you don’t want to see the outlet, another option is to hide it behind a false drawer front, as seen in this photo.
Pop-up outlet. A pop-up outlet like the one shown in this photo will keep the sides of the waterfall counter clean, but the trade-off is that the top of the counter won’t be.
BOOK SHELVES AT END OF ISLAND
Take charge. Designer Tracey Stephens was tasked with creating a retro-style kitchen that features vintage furniture and checkerboard floors for a New Jersey family of four. But the requirements of the technology age were not lost on the design. The kitchen includes a drawer with a built-in charger, complete with regular and USB outlets. “It’s so nice not to have all of those devices out and dealing with cords all the time,” homeowner Jody Suden says.
Your choice of faucets can play a part in how much character you bring into your kitchen. If you want to be different, go for something besides the standard chrome finish. Copper faucets like these, or designs in black or brass, will bring a personal feel to your room.
Polished concrete forms an urbane platform for this softly colored loft kitchen from Jessica Helgerson Interior Design. The color of the gray floor repeats in the lighter gray kitchen counter and the darker gray of the mobile above the dining table.
One of the things researchers noticed is that people are looking for a simple place to hang a dishcloth. “Sometimes it was placed over the divider or faucet, sometimes on the edge of the sink, sometimes crumpled on the counter,” he says. “One of the features of the Strive is a dish towel rack that hangs off the sink divider.”
Kiel suggests really thinking about how you cook to determine what you need. Most accessories are add-on purchases, so considering your cooking style will help you determine if you need a built-in cutting board or a tray equipped with prep bowls that can double as servers (as seen on this Kohler Stages sink). Once you have thought it through, Kiel suggests purchasing the accessories when you purchase the sink. “All of them are made to fit specific sinks,” he says. “Buying the accessories when you buy the sink ensures you will have the perfect fit for your model.” (There are some generic products on the market, but achieving a tailored fit is tough.) Marbach says that checking out online sources and showrooms is a good way to educate yourself about the full array of add-on accessories available.
Easy-care surfaces. Marble counters are gorgeous, but they stain — and it’s not fun to be constantly reminding (read: nagging) others to wipe up spills immediately. Avoid tile, or if you must have tile, choose forgiving dark grout rather than white. Stainless steel, Corian and engineered quartz are great tough countertop materials; butcher block is great too, if you can embrace the inevitable scratches as part of the charm. Classic linoleum and Marmoleum floors are easy to maintain; wood is fairly easy too, although spills should be wiped up right away.
Install an oversize sink. Perfect for washing large pots and pans and filling vases (or even washing a small dog), an extra-deep and extra-wide sink also makes a strong design statement. The capacious size calls to mind farmhouses and cheerful country homes, and you can play up a big sink even more with an interesting material like the soapstone shown here.
SINK
In this Minneapolis kitchen by CliqStudios, sedate gray and white subway tile gives way to tiles in a creative pattern depicting cubes or pinwheels, depending on how your eyes see them. As the tiles approach the range hood, they get increasingly dark.
Interior design group Space Harmony chose a watery blue backsplash that looks like a painting to grace this Vancouver kitchen. In fact, the design is actually a custom PVC wallpaper behind protective glass. Flat white cabinets keep the attention on the backsplash.
Features: Illuminate your cooking area with 3 stylish LED strips Innovative 3 speed capacitive touch controls provide for unprecedented mastery of your kitchen environment RF remote control Tri-level lighting Optional ductless kit available Perimeter aspiration Stylish and beautiful stainless steel construction Product Technologies:Arc Wireless Remote: This wireless remote control uses capacitive touch controls to power on your hood, as well as control the fan speed, clock, and lighting. It is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and can be tucked neatly out of the way, giving maximum space on your countertop.Recirculating Range Hood (Optional): Recirculating range hoods require no external venting of air. Instead, air is pushed through a charcoal filtration system that removes pollutants before circulating it back into the home. The benefit of such a system is that household temperatures and humidity are easier to maintain, as the internal air never leaves the kitchen. A recirculating range hood is also generally far easier to install, as complex ventilation systems and vent pipe are not required.Specifications: Ceiling Height (Max): 108" Ceiling Height (Min): 84" CFM: 200...
This tropical kitchen takes advantage of good views and an open floor plan for frequent hosting of guests. The octagonal shaped island allows the homeowner to simultaneously cook and entertain in a teppanyaki style atmosphere. Guests are given a front-row seat to the action. A built-in, bamboo storage bench with matching table provides additional seating and a comfortable breakfast nook in the mornings.
FLAT COUNTER TOP
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