An Outdoor Kitchen Goes Environmental and Edible!

Contributed by Lori Dolnick


What happens when 28 talented and creative high-end designers come together? A masterpiece is created. Plain and simple.

The Pasadena Showcase House, a non-profit organization based in California chooses a home for an indoor, and outdoor makeover every year and the results are well, pretty amazing. The transformation process from basic and plain interiors to an incredible & stylish home complete with a stunning outdoor garden area, takes about 8 months to plan and finish.  The process not only involves time, hard work and passion but also the creative talents of these selected designers who have a special insight into what will “click” with the kind of space and materials they have to work with.

This year the team turned a private home owned by the American Red Cross into a dream house capturing the attention of almost 40 thousand visitors who helped raised money through the entrance fee for The American Red Cross.

(before)

The brains behind the outdoor kitchen design is Jan Ledgard, certified kitchen designer, owner and designer of Yorkshire Kitchens, Inc.  who conceptualized and designed the entire outdoor kitchen space for The Pasadena Showcase Home.

LD: How did you get involved in the Showcase House this year?

JL: Well, I just happened to tag along with a couple of other designers this year for the Designers’ Peek Day and just casually mentioned to someone that I did outdoor kitchens and well, the rest I guess is history!! LOL!

What I really wanted to do was to create an area that could be used for weddings, parties, etc but at the same time create a space that virtually anyone could look at no matter what their budget or space is and say “I could do this in my yard!”

LD: Where did the inspiration for the design come from?

JL: The idea for the space was that it would be a complete outdoor kitchen and kitchen garden. Everything planted was either edible or medicinal with a just a few exceptions. All the products we used were either recycled or recyclable or at least environmentally friendly. Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens supplied the cabinetry and appliances and I used as many local products and suppliers as possible including local lumber yard, local garden nurseries, etc.

LD: What was the most challenging in terms of trying to create a fun but useful place?

JL: I wanted to create something that was fun and exciting, yet functional. Keeping in mind ways for families and friends to entertain and at the same time being able to enjoy some private time - which is why I added the Martini sink so you can just relax in your own yard sipping away on a Martini.

We build a deck for ultimate family dinners and a bar for those special social nights with friends or neighbors. It’s very cool because the deck is built over the roots of a Liquid Amber tree that adds a natural shade canopy. I also designed the retractable awning - each panel pulls on and off separately using a very low energy “pole” so you just hook the pole in a ring and pull!

I also finished off the space bringing all the elements of the wood and glass together using recycled glass as accents in all the candle holders, teak on the hand rail, natural stones and crystals (a passion of mine) were dotted around the entire space and a couple of whimsical elements, like the “moon gazing hares,” were also added.

LD: Sounds like you had the “Go Green” effect in mind when planning the space.

JL: I did actually. The planters are all edible, herbal or medicinal including tomatoes, grape vines, etc. We added small planters around the space to show people how they could have an herb garden in a small space – and it is visually appealing as well.

LD:  Well, you did an amazing job this year. Any idea of what visitors can expect next year?

JD: Not sure yet. We’re still trying to rest up from the last one!!

Photos courtesy Pasadena Showcase House 2010.



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An Outdoor Kitchen Goes Environmental and Edible!

Contributed by Lori Dolnick


What happens when 28 talented and creative high-end designers come together? A masterpiece is created. Plain and simple.

The Pasadena Showcase House, a non-profit organization based in California chooses a home for an indoor, and outdoor makeover every year and the results are well, pretty amazing. The transformation process from basic and plain interiors to an incredible & stylish home complete with a stunning outdoor garden area, takes about 8 months to plan and finish.  The process not only involves time, hard work and passion but also the creative talents of these selected designers who have a special insight into what will “click” with the kind of space and materials they have to work with.

This year the team turned a private home owned by the American Red Cross into a dream house capturing the attention of almost 40 thousand visitors who helped raised money through the entrance fee for The American Red Cross.

(before)

The brains behind the outdoor kitchen design is Jan Ledgard, certified kitchen designer, owner and designer of Yorkshire Kitchens, Inc.  who conceptualized and designed the entire outdoor kitchen space for The Pasadena Showcase Home.

LD: How did you get involved in the Showcase House this year?

JL: Well, I just happened to tag along with a couple of other designers this year for the Designers’ Peek Day and just casually mentioned to someone that I did outdoor kitchens and well, the rest I guess is history!! LOL!

What I really wanted to do was to create an area that could be used for weddings, parties, etc but at the same time create a space that virtually anyone could look at no matter what their budget or space is and say “I could do this in my yard!”

LD: Where did the inspiration for the design come from?

JL: The idea for the space was that it would be a complete outdoor kitchen and kitchen garden. Everything planted was either edible or medicinal with a just a few exceptions. All the products we used were either recycled or recyclable or at least environmentally friendly. Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens supplied the cabinetry and appliances and I used as many local products and suppliers as possible including local lumber yard, local garden nurseries, etc.

LD: What was the most challenging in terms of trying to create a fun but useful place?

JL: I wanted to create something that was fun and exciting, yet functional. Keeping in mind ways for families and friends to entertain and at the same time being able to enjoy some private time - which is why I added the Martini sink so you can just relax in your own yard sipping away on a Martini.

We build a deck for ultimate family dinners and a bar for those special social nights with friends or neighbors. It’s very cool because the deck is built over the roots of a Liquid Amber tree that adds a natural shade canopy. I also designed the retractable awning - each panel pulls on and off separately using a very low energy “pole” so you just hook the pole in a ring and pull!

I also finished off the space bringing all the elements of the wood and glass together using recycled glass as accents in all the candle holders, teak on the hand rail, natural stones and crystals (a passion of mine) were dotted around the entire space and a couple of whimsical elements, like the “moon gazing hares,” were also added.

LD: Sounds like you had the “Go Green” effect in mind when planning the space.

JL: I did actually. The planters are all edible, herbal or medicinal including tomatoes, grape vines, etc. We added small planters around the space to show people how they could have an herb garden in a small space – and it is visually appealing as well.

LD:  Well, you did an amazing job this year. Any idea of what visitors can expect next year?

JD: Not sure yet. We’re still trying to rest up from the last one!!

Photos courtesy Pasadena Showcase House 2010.



See all Lori's posts here.


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What’s Cooking in Contemporary Design: Hot Products from the 2010 Kitchen & Bath Show

Contributed by Lori Dolnick


Contemporary style was well represented at this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Chicago. Beyond each manufacturer’s desire to cover their bases between traditional, transitional and contemporary lines – I am seeing strong offerings in the modern arena. One theory… while our worlds are hectic and complex outside the home - we crave simple, classic lines inside – the uncluttered sophistication of everything in its place. It’s why white is still one of the most popular cabinet colors right now. And why storage is so vital to design. It’s not the newness of the product that defines what makes it great modern design. It’s the staying power… the “rightness” of design and quality that makes it a lasting element in the home. Here are some of the hottest contemporary finds at this year’s KBIS:

BLANCO LEVOS

LEVOS by BLANCO is an iconic faucet design. Utterly unique – LEVOS offers zero radius edges alongside soft arching curves. The juxtaposition of hard and soft edges not only make a bold design statement in the kitchen, they also harmonize with both modern and transitional elements.

Top Knobs Ultra Contemporary

Top Knobs Ultra Contemporary Collections is a mix of cabinet hardware styles with strong Asian influences and stunning minimalist lines. Available in four finishes, Top Knobs Ultra Contemporary Collection will be available this summer. I love the free online sample program that lets you order knobs ahead of time to check finish and fit!

Novellini Cristal

Master baths seem so crowded when you dump that compulsory giant soaking tub in the corner. But I imagine that if the bathing vessel were clear – and the design beautiful – that the tub would become a focal point. Novellini Cristal offers an edgy, futuristic design that leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination. .

Mustang Red In2ition by Alsons® Corporation

In2ition is a 5-spray shower system (you have to say system because it’s a hand held shower head ingeniously slipped inside a stationary head that delivers a wide spa-like spray). When I saw it demonstrated – I was dog tired from a full day on the trade show floor and just wanted to climb in and get a massage spray right there. And who doesn’t like red! Even though it comes in other finishes.

Bamboo by Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens

Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens is one of the few – if only companies – I know of that offers a sleek, warm outdoor kitchen environment. Who says an outdoor kitchen has to be all stainless steel. Bamboo is green, natural and looks great outside. Get closer to nature by being kind to it. Custom or pre-finished options are available and you can design right online.



See all Lori's posts here.


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What’s Cooking in Contemporary Design: Hot Products from the 2010 Kitchen & Bath Show

Contributed by Lori Dolnick


Contemporary style was well represented at this year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Chicago. Beyond each manufacturer’s desire to cover their bases between traditional, transitional and contemporary lines – I am seeing strong offerings in the modern arena. One theory… while our worlds are hectic and complex outside the home - we crave simple, classic lines inside – the uncluttered sophistication of everything in its place. It’s why white is still one of the most popular cabinet colors right now. And why storage is so vital to design. It’s not the newness of the product that defines what makes it great modern design. It’s the staying power… the “rightness” of design and quality that makes it a lasting element in the home. Here are some of the hottest contemporary finds at this year’s KBIS:

BLANCO LEVOS

LEVOS by BLANCO is an iconic faucet design. Utterly unique – LEVOS offers zero radius edges alongside soft arching curves. The juxtaposition of hard and soft edges not only make a bold design statement in the kitchen, they also harmonize with both modern and transitional elements.

Top Knobs Ultra Contemporary

Top Knobs Ultra Contemporary Collections is a mix of cabinet hardware styles with strong Asian influences and stunning minimalist lines. Available in four finishes, Top Knobs Ultra Contemporary Collection will be available this summer. I love the free online sample program that lets you order knobs ahead of time to check finish and fit!

Novellini Cristal

Master baths seem so crowded when you dump that compulsory giant soaking tub in the corner. But I imagine that if the bathing vessel were clear – and the design beautiful – that the tub would become a focal point. Novellini Cristal offers an edgy, futuristic design that leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination. .

Mustang Red In2ition by Alsons® Corporation

In2ition is a 5-spray shower system (you have to say system because it’s a hand held shower head ingeniously slipped inside a stationary head that delivers a wide spa-like spray). When I saw it demonstrated – I was dog tired from a full day on the trade show floor and just wanted to climb in and get a massage spray right there. And who doesn’t like red! Even though it comes in other finishes.

Bamboo by Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens

Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens is one of the few – if only companies – I know of that offers a sleek, warm outdoor kitchen environment. Who says an outdoor kitchen has to be all stainless steel. Bamboo is green, natural and looks great outside. Get closer to nature by being kind to it. Custom or pre-finished options are available and you can design right online.



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Bargain Hunting: Getting the look (and quality) for less

Contributed by Lori Dolnick

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, Chicago, IL

One of the big themes we saw at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show this year was predominant use of the word VALUE. Value is different from CHEAP. Value is about something that perhaps lasts longer. Or provides better performance. Value is what happens when a product delivers more than expected for what you are paying. Today’s homeowners are on the hunt for VALUE. We see from the statistics that the look of today’s kitchen is changing. Less ornamental – more modern themes. More work done within an existing footprint versus blowing out walls and expanding the square footage - so every inch counts. Today’s Homeowner is remodeling for numero uno. It’s their home – since selling is not really an option. It’s no longer about return on investment – it’s about personalization and comfort.

So what were the big VALUES at the show?

The LINUS designer faucet from BLANCO starting at $425. Hundreds of dollars less for European made quality and a knock out style.

Aspen cabinet hardware from TopKnobs starting from $8 a knob. Half the price of competitive brands for solid bronze with a sealed finish that will last. Lifetime warrantee. Free sample program for consumers and designers.

One of the hidden treasures at the show was New River Semi Custom Cabinetry. All the features you’d pay more for in custom cabinets like soft close drawers but at a lower price. And believe me – I wish my cabinets had this stuff. And I paid a lot more per square foot for less quality. It’s worthwhile to seek out semi custom cabinet showrooms.

GE’s new hybrid GeoSpring water heater can save you $320 a year in energy. Of course it costs @ $1,500 but the payback would be in under 5 years. Assuming this lasts on average 10-15 years (per DOE), you are getting far more for your investment dollar in energy savings.

StoneSkin is an interesting product for Remodelers or DIY’ers. It’s real stone – but in a peel-and-stick format. Ultra thin and lightweight – it goes on other tiles or over dry wall. (Not saying this might be a permanent fix vs. real tile installed by a professional… but certainly worthwhile to try for the cost. And it beats the look of drywall. Really, drywall is terrible for work areas as it dents and stains.)

Contributed by Lori Dolnick


See all Lori's posts here.


 Subscribe to ::Surroundings::

Bargain Hunting: Getting the look (and quality) for less

Contributed by Lori Dolnick

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, Chicago, IL

One of the big themes we saw at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show this year was predominant use of the word VALUE. Value is different from CHEAP. Value is about something that perhaps lasts longer. Or provides better performance. Value is what happens when a product delivers more than expected for what you are paying. Today’s homeowners are on the hunt for VALUE. We see from the statistics that the look of today’s kitchen is changing. Less ornamental – more modern themes. More work done within an existing footprint versus blowing out walls and expanding the square footage - so every inch counts. Today’s Homeowner is remodeling for numero uno. It’s their home – since selling is not really an option. It’s no longer about return on investment – it’s about personalization and comfort.

So what were the big VALUES at the show?

The LINUS designer faucet from BLANCO starting at $425. Hundreds of dollars less for European made quality and a knock out style.

Aspen cabinet hardware from TopKnobs starting from $8 a knob. Half the price of competitive brands for solid bronze with a sealed finish that will last. Lifetime warrantee. Free sample program for consumers and designers.

One of the hidden treasures at the show was New River Semi Custom Cabinetry. All the features you’d pay more for in custom cabinets like soft close drawers but at a lower price. And believe me – I wish my cabinets had this stuff. And I paid a lot more per square foot for less quality. It’s worthwhile to seek out semi custom cabinet showrooms.

GE’s new hybrid GeoSpring water heater can save you $320 a year in energy. Of course it costs @ $1,500 but the payback would be in under 5 years. Assuming this lasts on average 10-15 years (per DOE), you are getting far more for your investment dollar in energy savings.

StoneSkin is an interesting product for Remodelers or DIY’ers. It’s real stone – but in a peel-and-stick format. Ultra thin and lightweight – it goes on other tiles or over dry wall. (Not saying this might be a permanent fix vs. real tile installed by a professional… but certainly worthwhile to try for the cost. And it beats the look of drywall. Really, drywall is terrible for work areas as it dents and stains.)

Contributed by Lori Dolnick


See all Lori's posts here.


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What do designers look for in a sink or faucet?

Contributed by Lori Dolnick

To the average homeowner – a sink or faucet may look like – well – just a sink or faucet. But there’s so much more to know. Here are a few quick tips from real kitchen design experts on what they look for when selecting a sink or faucet and what’s important.


Outstanding Trend Point: While you expect designers to go for “look” first, they really came out strong for durability, quality and material as the most important considerations. “Pay More!” seemed to be nearly an anthem. Trust the designers to know – they are the ones who get to replace lesser products that don’t last.

The kitchen sink below is a BLANCO and was used in a recent project by Cheryl Kees Clendenon, owner/designer In Detail Kitchen and Bath, Pensacola, Florida

1. The Sink Fits The Project
“I want the sink to fit the project. I do not have a one-size-fits-all sink in mind when I design,” says Cheryl Kees Clendenon, owner/designer In Detail Kitchen and Bath, Pensacola, Florida. Cheryl likes the deeper 10” or more sinks. “I can tell you what I think is a ridiculous size, the sinks where you have the tiny bowl on one side that is quite shallow. I think this is nuts because people put their disposal on the shallow small side,” comments Clendenon.

2. Accessories
According to designers, like Cheryl Kees Clendenon, sink grids for protecting stainless are a must!!

3. Pay a little more
“As far as product selections go, I think you truly get what you pay for when it comes to faucets,” states Nick Bajzek, The Product Guy (product editor for Professional Builder, Professional Remodeler and Custom Builder magazines). Spend a little extra and go for a higher-end model, one with a quality cartridge. You generally won’t have to worry about leaks or wearing out the knobs like you would with a cheap faucet.”

4. Material Matters
“What I look for when I’m specifying a sink is the material,” states Paul Anater, blogger and designer at http://www.kitchenandresidentialdesign.com/. “I have a strong preference for stainless steel, so that’s where I go first. Once I have a client sold on stainless I look for a single bowl, large sink. If I have the budget, I spec flat-bottomed sinks because I think they look better. If I can’t afford a flat bottom, I then look for the heaviest gauge steel I can find that will fit into my budget. Once I have my sink options narrowed down, I then look for other features such as accessories. Brand name doesn’t figure into it nearly as much as quality and I never shop by price. I set a budget for my clients and then we go find the best we can find in that budget. BLANCO rises to the top in many cases I’m pleased to report.”

5. Durability Now! Painless Later.
“When I’m asked to consult on which kitchen sink a client should choose I usually suggest they go for excellent durability and great looks,” says Gerry Snapke of CadKitchenPlans.com. “It’s no secret that the drop in sink has been out of favor in the kitchen for many years now. Under mount sinks and farmhouse apron fronts make up the bulk of styles popular with consumers and they look great. But consider what replacing one of these sinks involves. If it’s an under mount style replacement is difficult without replacing or at least doing major damage to the existing countertop. Farmhouse sinks pose a similar replacement challenge and often times involve cabinet modification as well. Bottom line here… pick a sink that you know will last for many years and avoid the pain of replacement costs.”

Contributed by Lori Dolnick


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