The Transitional Kitchen

Dine By Design

The transitional kitchen is all about a mix between modern and traditional looks. It’s a wonderful opportunity for homeowners to choose the elements they love, without being locked in to one particular style.

Before Photo

Recently, Ray met with a couple who were looking to update their kitchen. They really enjoyed the seminar that our Chief Cabinet Officer gave at the Home Show last year. (Include link to that blog article). Ray noticed from the start that these homeowners were engaged in and excited about the design process.

The homeowners had been looking to create a kitchen that would have a refined, yet modern country feel. After visiting their home for measurements, Ray knew what needed to be done. He removed the raised breakfast bar which made the space feel much more open. Knowing that the couple wanted a white kitchen, his suggestion for Nordic White on Bridgeport was the obvious winner. The cabinetry would also include framed drawer fronts and be topped with a soapstone countertop.

Lastly, there was one special detail Ray added to this transitional kitchen. He completely custom designed a decorative hood for over the oven area.

Bravo Ray for combining so many stunning elements in this kitchen. Not only was the client thrilled with the renovation, but the customized touches truly enhanced the overall kitchen design!

-Laura

Design Durability and Bathroom Beauty

The balance between durability and efficiency with comfort and beauty is the ultimate goal of bathroom design. Homeowners are looking for a reliable space to withstand time and use, which is, at the same time, the safe haven they need to escape everyday life. In years past the options were minimal, however, today there are tons of choices when designing the ultimate multi-functional bathroom.

Bathroom designers and suppliers are producing more diverse products. The industry is constantly improving and refining the manufacturing processes and materials without forgoing style. Every fixture has endured some change for the modern bathroom. Wooden bathroom furniture can now withstand the steam-filled rigors of daily life. By pre-treating the furniture with a moisture resistant coating, you enhance the performance and durability of the product. Manufacturers have been using higher quality materials, such as acrylic and resin, for tubs and showers that retain heat. These products are also easier to clean and are stain/scratch resistant. Lastly, improved technology provides better control of water temperature flow rate for faucets and shower heads.

With 60% of water usage taking place in the bathroom, it’s important for manufacturers to discover ways to reduce the home’s impact on the environment, and also your utility bill. To reduce water consumption, dual flush toilets and ceramic disc technology hare two great developments. Also cabinet manufacturers, including Wood-Mode, have become industry leaders in developing greener products and processes for the home.

The modern bathroom isn’t financially out of reach as you may think. You can certainly find the special products you desire to design a space without forgoing reliability and durability.

Saratoga’s Best Master Bathroom

As most of you already know, we had the privilege to work with our friends at Witt Construction for the Saratoga Showcase of Homes. We worked on the home located at 61 Granite Street and provided the Brookhaven cabinetry in several rooms of the home, including the kitchen and three bathrooms. Not only did the home win the “Realtor’s Choice for Luxury Home,” but also “Best Luxury Master Bathroom”!!

The winning master bathroom, was created with his and hers vanities separated by a middle bookcase and TV cabinet. Our designer Anna wanted to create a spa like feel with rich, dark cherry cabinets. However, she wanted the cabinetry to be simple and compliment the light Carrera marble and soothing colors. At the client’s request, storage was a must. Anna designed the vanity with a large center bank of drawers which resembled a Victorian apothecary.

For the powder room, we created a rustic piece that was like an antique washstand. By using a black distressed finish that was similar to the kitchen island, we were able to tie the rooms together. However, CCW wanted the piece to also stand on its own in the home so a different door style and furniture details were used. The white vessel sink really pops off the color of the black countertop. It continues to enhance the rustic feel in the room as it relates more to a wash basin than to a standard sink.

Lastly, the second master bathroom on the second floor had to be equally stunning. As you enter the bathroom, we planned for two vanities, each on either side of the door. The vanity on the right was to be used as the main sink and faucet area, while the one to the left provided the perfect amount of space to sit or apply makeup. The home had beautiful heart pine floors on the first floor, so we incorporated Heartwood Maple cabinetry into the vanities. We felt this would be a great option to continue with the rustic theme throughout the home. It also added a warm feel with lots of color variation.

Remember there’s still time to tour the home as the showcase runs this Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm each day and also the following weekend at the same times.  Be sure to check back on our blog next week as we share the details of the kitchen!

-Laura

A Design Upgrade for the Classic White Kitchen

It was June 2011 when the Elarios walked into our CCW showroom. One was a professional photographer and the other a floral designer. They met with our designer Ray and said they wanted a “classic white kitchen.” Those three little words have been mentioned by so many people over the years that Ray has lost count. However, as a few months passed, the Elarios began to expand their vision and Ray saw that they were looking for something quite dynamic.

Ray visited their home and everyone agreed that the kitchen needed a cleaner palette that would reflect the light and the seasons through the expansive windows overlooking the stunning property. Keeping things light and airy, maple wood cabinets with a Nordic white finish were installed. The recessed doors added to the clean beauty of the design that manages to avoid distraction.

For the kitchen island, four solid wood turned legs and wainscot panels anchored the space and provided plenty of seating for a host of sous chefs!

Because the couple had a love for cooking and entertaining, we knew that Sub-Zero would offer superb and functional appliances for their kitchen. The Sub-Zero bottom freezer refrigerator, Sub-Zero under counter drawer refrigerator and the Wolf range with char grill and ventilation hood were beautiful additions!

No kitchen is complete without the details! Ray recommended a subway tile backsplash and exposed stainless steel that would elegantly reflect the changing light throughout the day. Lastly, 15 mullion glass doors were included to complete this modern kitchen.

Ray, as I watched you design this kitchen, I knew you were creating something special! You took a basic request for a classic white kitchen and turned the project into an exciting and fresh space. Bravo!

-Laura

Vintage Farmhouse

The Hinrichsens, a family of four and a pet dog named Cleo, were in need of a kitchen renovation. The kitchen in their old farmhouse had become a bit claustrophobic and was far too modern for their vintage home. The previous remodel had been completed 10-15 years prior. With experience in historical preservation and a love of antique style homes, Anna was thrilled to work with the family to design their dream kitchen.

When renovating older homes, you have to work within a certain frame of dimensions. In this particular project, the ceilings were very low at 88”H and the structural beams on the ceiling were 6”H. This would mean that the wall cabinets could only be 28”H. We decided to create an “unfitted” kitchen with three different door styles and finishes. The island and the refrigerator area would each look like pieces of furniture that were added to the kitchen over time. The island looks like an old loved and used Shaker table, while the refrigerator and pantry look like an old built-in closet or cupboard. For the main kitchen wall and base cabinets, Anna recommended a soft white washed finish called Vintage Country Linen to make the space feel larger and more airy. The inset cabinetry door style, Madison Raised, was selected to match the detail of the wainscot panel already underneath each window. Each piece of hardware – from the exposed barrel hinges, to the cup pulls that look like they had once been painted but time and use had worn most of it off, to the HL hinges and entry door handles on the refrigerator – were carefully selected to help recreate a vintage look in the kitchen, with a blend of American country that the Hinrichsens desired.

Since the ceiling height came to 88″, it would be difficult to find an integrated built-in refrigerator that accepts custom door panels. Fortunately, we discovered the French door Liebherr refrigerator. The pantry was matched to the refrigerator exactly, which meant a custom overall height, special sized drawers, and an oversized upper door. We used a custom 6”W beadboard on the side of the unit which would have been common on an old built-in cabinet from the 1800s. We then repeated the 6”W beadboard on the backsplash of the L-shaped kitchen to add continuity.

The clients knew that they needed a large family-sized microwave in the kitchen, so it became a challenge to find a location that would make sense functionally and aesthetically in the space. The solution was to create a hutch next to the new windows. The microwave was located in the center of the kitchen so it could be easily accessed, and mounted at the perfect height to be easily used.

To complete the vintage look, Anna included many details that would compliment the kitchen. She noticed the original ceiling beams had a small bead on the bottom of each side of the beam and used that as the main repeated detail throughout the kitchen. It was incorporated around the frame of each inset door and drawer, the bead board backsplash, and the bead along the bottom of the crown moulding mounting board at the tops of the wall cabinets. The main kitchen counters were topped with a gorgeous waxed soapstone highlighted by the large white farm sink and the cross handled gooseneck faucet.

Lastly, every kitchen needs a stunning focal point…in this kitchen, a large walnut edge grain butcherblock island countertop! The worn edges of the distressed black island cabinets pick up on the rich wood color, making the table style island the centerpiece that a farmhouse kitchen deserves.

Anna, this may be one of my favorite kitchens you have designed. The level of craftsmanship, detail and creativity in this renovation is just spectacular! Go Anna!

-Laura

The Beauty Behind the Bathroom Vanity

Back in October 2011, the Molinari’s stopped into out CCW showroom to discuss vanity cabinets. They had been considering a bathroom renovation for a while and were looking for a more modern feel for their space. Our designer Ray was more than thrilled to show them several designs.

Each of the Molinari’s wanted something different for the bathroom vanity. While Cynthia preferred shallower drawers, John wanted deeper drawers. Ray designed the happy compromise with deep drawers in the main sink area and shallow drawers in the dressing area. To achieve a unique, airy and modern look, Ray suggested that the cabinets should float by removing the bases and adding lighting under the cabinetry.

In addition to the bathroom vanity, there was also an American Standard EverClean Air Bath. The EverClean Air Bath is a luxurious air massage system with an antimicrobial additive that prevents the growth of mold and mildew in pipes. The bathtub looked beautiful mounted underneath their granite platform which was surrounded by custom made Brookhaven wainscot panels. It also went well with the lights Ray had installed beneath the cabinets enhancing the bathroom’s ambiance. Another design choice the Molinari’s selected was to have the bathroom cabinets at the standard kitchen cabinet height, providing more storage space.

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From the modern airy style to wainscot panels, bravo Ray for designing this luxurious bathroom!

-Laura

Anna’s Favorite Things for the Kitchen

You may not know it, but our designer Anna has a background in historic preservation. With each of her designs, she mixes that background with her passion of the fine arts. Together, she designs a space that is truly spectacular. Below, see what a few of Anna’s favorite things are in the kitchen.

La Cornue French Cooker Range

If you ever want to perfect Boeuf Bourguignon, this is the one range you will want. La Cornue is an unrivaled French range that is still only produced to order, and is individually hand-made with patience and pride. With only a few hundred produced a year, you’ll appreciate the quality use of cast iron, steel, solid brass, nickel and enamel used to build longevity into the range. You’ll also love the charm and the power of these gorgeous and luxurious French ranges.

Light and Dark Cabinetry

Many of today’s kitchens have homeowners selecting a mix of both white and dark colors within the space. For Anna, she recommends to incorporate dark islands, furniture pieces and accents into your white cabinet design. The white cabinets create an elegant and clean feel while the dark woods are rich and traditional.

Large Kitchen Windows

The use of sunlight in the kitchen is as essential as the refrigerator. Incorporate huge windows that will flood the room with light. Also, a huge window will allow the space to open up and not feel confined.

Chippendale Mullion Glass Inserts

The use of glass door cabinets in kitchens makes a space feel more open and spacious. They also reflect the light within the room while adding a bit of luxury and style. If using glass doors in your kitchen design, incorporate Chippendale style mullions. These mullion glass inserts provide a sense of 19th century furniture and a classic timeless feel. For a slightly less formal version, keep the windows divided with a basic “X” mullion.

Statuario Marble Backsplash

There’s nothing more decadent that having a solid marble backsplash behind oven ranges. Keep the look luxurious and frame within a large mantel hood. What Anna loves about Statuario marble is the gorgeous striking vein pattern that becomes an instant focal point.

Don’t miss tomorrow’s article to see what Amy recommends for the bathroom!

-Laura

100 Ideas for Your Home

It feels like yesterday I started writing our blog to share with homeowners the latest in design trends and renovation ideas. Today, I am thrilled to be writing our 100th post! To celebrate, our design team has gathered a list of 100 ideas to refresh the interior of your home.

1) Varied Cabinet Styles in the Kitchen
2) Earth Tones
3) Vessel Sinks
4) Porcelain Tiles
5) Maple Cabinets
6) Kitchen Hutch
7) Wesaunard Towel Warmer and Radiator
8) Stainless Steel Appliances
9) Recharge and Move Forward with Tangerine Tango
10) Tilt-Out Bins

Store your favorite fruits and vegetables in this attractive and functional cabinet. These can be built into any space in your kitchen.

11) Built-In Wine Storage
12) His-and-Her Bathroom Vanity
13) Robern M Series TViD Medicine Cabinet with Integrated TV
14) Engineered Wood Floors
15) Wall and Ceiling Mouldings
16) Clear Countertop Surfaces
17) Ceiling Spotlights
18) Radiant Floor Heating
19) Eco-Friendly Cabinets
20) Floating Shelves

For an open airy feel, a floating shelf makes it easy to reach items in the kitchen. From pots and pans to canisters, you can store practically anything on floating shelves. I recommend mixing floating shelves with your closed-in cabinets to diversify the look in your kitchen.

21) Kohler HiRise Wall-Mount Kitchen Pot Filler
22) Ceramic Tile
23) Butler’s Pantry
24) Wood-Mode Roll-Out Trays
25) Freestanding Kitchen Hutch
26) Modern Traditional Style Kitchens
27) Granite Countertops
28) Energy Efficient Appliances
29) Attractive Cabinet Hardware
30) Banquettes

When it comes to seating in the kitchen, create an intimate feel with a banquette. Over the past year, we have noticed that these cozy booths are becoming a favorite with homeowners. They are a great option that helps to accommodate a large number of people and allow increased room for the dining area within the space. Another real plus, you can have built-in storage in the cabinetry configuration.

31) KitchenAid’s Double-Drawer Dishwasher
32) Brown Tone Cabinetry
33) Task Lights
34) Single Hole Faucets
35) Multiple Stain Finishes in the Kitchen
36) Spacious Master Bathrooms
37) Recycled Countertop
38) Pull-Out Pantry
39) Built-In Microwave Cabinet
40) Victoria and Albert Shropshire Slipper Tub

With more homeowners choosing to separate the shower and the bath, add a little elegance to your space with a slipper tub. For a classic look, you’ll enjoy the Victoria and Albert Shropshire Slipper Tub. This model is ergonomically comfortable with its compact dimensions making it great for smaller bathrooms, too!

41) Space Saving Bathrooms
42) Walnut Wood
43) Sub-Zero Built-In Refrigerator and Freezer
44) Folding Area and Hanging Rod in Laundry Room
45) High-Gloss Cabinetry
46) Open Vanities
47) Pedestal Sinks
48) Vinyl Wood Flooring
49) Sub-Zero PRO 48 Refrigeration
50) Tiles Kitchen Backsplash

Most backsplashes for the kitchen are designed through intricate tile patterns. Tile comes in a variety of materials, shapes, sizes and colors that can be arranged to create a multitude of designs to fit your personality and space.

51) Vivid Colors in the Kitchen
52) Heartland Dual Fuel Range
53) Moen Destiny Hands-Free Faucet
54) Garden Bay Windows
55) Bead Board Kitchen Backsplash
56) Cork
57) Long Linear Tiles in the Bathroom
58) Thermique Towel Warmer
59) Quartz Countertops
60) Coffered Ceilings

Homeowners are getting creative and are requesting intriguing details for their kitchen ceilings. The coffer design is basically a sunken panel in the shape of a square, rectangle, or octagon. Most kitchens typically consist of wooden beams that criss-cross the ceiling. This original design clearly has some staying power since it dates back to the early Renaissance.

61) Porcelain Tile Planks
62) Wood-Mode Pull-Out Chopping Block
63) Cabinet Inset Panels
64) Moen’s 90 Degree Stainless Faucet
65) Resin
66) Eco-friendly Devices
67) Windows for Natural Lighting
68) Open Shelving
69) Perrin and Rowe Edwardian Faucet in Polished Nickel
70) Decorative Light Fixtures

Introduce a beautiful chandelier above your kitchen island that lights the room with it’s decorative design. It’s a wonderful modern or classic option for your kitchen.

71) LED Light Bulbs
72) Imitation Quartz Countertops
73) Kohler DTV II Custom Shower Interface
74) Glass Kitchen Cabinets
75) Wall Decor
76) Modern Kitchen Furniture
77) Soapstone Countertop
78) Widespread Faucets
79) Evit Vetro Tile
80) Bay Windows

Bay windows are a great option that can help bring in extra sunlight with windows projecting outward from the main walls of the home. They are also very inviting and can provide extra storage and interior space if needed.

81) Wood-Mode and Brookhaven Cabinetry
82) Glass Kitchen Backsplash
83) Gramercy Double Metal Washstand
84) White and Black Kitchens
85) Minimalism in the Bathroom
86) Windows and Natural Light
87) Bamboo
88) Wolf Dual Fuel Ranges
89) Appliance Garage
90) Custom Cabinets

Why go to Home Depot and get a standard cabinet when you could have a customized kitchen to fit your needs. Having the freedom to design what you want in your home will make you feel so comfortable in your space. Also, there may be unusual spaces that need special attention to find that perfect fit.

91) Blue, Green and Violet Paint Colors
92) Walnut Toilet Seat
93) Wall-Mount Sinks
94) Framed Openings to Kitchens
95) Granite Kitchen Backsplash
96) Long and Vertical Showers
97) Belle Foret Pot Filler Faucet
98) Reclaimed Wood Flooring
99) Box Bay Windows
100) Wood Paneled Appliances

Some homeowners are now opting to hide their appliances beneath wood panels that match their kitchen cabinets. By keeping appliances out of sight, the kitchen has a more streamline look that provides a minimalistic feel.

Thank you for taking the time to experience CCW’s talented and dedicated team of designers who continue to bring their energy, creativity and passion into your home. We hope our favorite interior design options inspired you to reinvigorate your home.

-Laura

Designing a Green Kitchen

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is a space that requires a lot of money, energy, and time to function for everyday living. To keep up with the busy lifestyle of today’s family, it is wise for homeowners to introduce eco-friendly appliances and products that help the environment. If you are considering a green kitchen design, take a look at what we recommend to update your space.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Technology has evolved in the kitchen allowing homeowners to save on their energy bills and be eco-friendly. As the only appliance to run 24/7, update your refrigerator to an energy efficient model. You could also install an induction cooktop which is 73% more energy efficient than gas.

Recycled Countertop

Top off your cabinetry with a countertop that’s made from recycled content. With a wide range of styles, you can choose from muted colors with paper-based products to bright and visually interesting terrazzo patterns made from recycled glass and epoxy. Also, bamboo is a great option since its a fast growth substitute for wood that is renewable.

LED Light Bulbs

Illuminate your kitchen with light bulbs that provide higher-quality light and use less energy than others. LED bulbs are an ideal solution for environmentally friendly and cost-conscious homeowners. Plus LEDs live approximately 100,000 hours, which means they’ll last for years.

Eco-Friendly Cabinets

Need to update your kitchen cabinets? Consider brands, like Wood-Mode, that have received certification in the Environmental Stewardship Program by the Kitchen Manufacturer’s Association. Our line of Wood-Mode cabinets are manufactured with the use of environmentally friendly materials and processes.

-Laura

The Modern Traditional Kitchen

When it comes to renovating a kitchen, some homeowners may be torn on which style to choose. Some enjoy a modern kitchen for its wide range of sexy and sleek elements. However, some homeowners prefer a traditional kitchen that can feel classic, cozy, and warm. Today, it has never been easier to blend modern and traditional looks to reinvent the heart of your home.

For more than a year, the “modern traditional” look has been on the rise. It generally incorporates two cabinet colors; often one is white and the other is either black or a dark rich wood. Many designers like to use sleek modern cabinets either in a flat slab door style or a simple recessed panel, and pair it with highly decorative mouldings or carved architectural elements.

You can continue to make this style work in your home through lighting. The lighting should revolve around neutral tones like silver metals, white shades, or hanging crystals. If you really want to bring personality into the kitchen, hang a giant traditional crystal chandelier over the island. You can then use other spaces to install geometric modern hanging pendants.

The main trick to designing a modern traditional kitchen is to keep the colors neutral in shades of white, black, and brown. The effect will be classic, chic, and sophisticated; and surprisingly comfortable and soothing considering two of the most different design styles will be combined in one space!

-Laura