Kitchen Retrospective

House Beautiful is running a series called 30 Days of Kitchens on their website.

Here’s one from the 1960s that reminds me of the kitchen I grew up with.

We didn’t have a large enough kitchen for an island or separate ovens. We had the hi-lo oven in black, harvest gold and eventually bisque. Thinking back, it appears my mother was tough on ovens.

We had postform countertops and wallpaper with gold flecks in them which were most popular at the time. The floor was vinyl and the kitchen phone had the extra long cord that was standard for any busy family.

I do think that HB missed the mark on some of the kitchens they featured or rather didn’t feature.

I always think of pickled maple when I think of an 80’s style kitchen.

The appliances in this photo are newer but the wood edge countertop is spot-on. Face-framed cabinets were still very popular as frameless cabinets had not yet taken over.

The non-flush cabinet ends were also typical. It wasn’t until the 90s and the popularity of frameless cabinets did manufacturers start offering flush ends on framed cabinets.

In the 90’s Accoutrements became the buzzword in kitchen design.

People were running away from the 80’s contemporary design that was too cold and sterile. Clients demanded ornamental moldings and carved onlays.

Kitchens were also becoming larger with taller ceilings. Designers started mixing finishes and woods in kitchens

Terms such as unfitted and furniture-style became popular adjectives.

It will be interesting to see which kitchen styles will be remembered for this decade. I’m sure exotic veneers will be featured. I think we might also see kitchens with Asian influences featured. What do you think will be remembered?

July 4, 2008

Hot Dogs and the 4th of July

Happy 4th of July Everybody!

Grilling hot dogs on the 4thof July always makes me think of hanging out with friends and family around the pool or running through sprinklers. Here’s some gadgets that will let you have hot dogs any time of the year.

The Hot Diggity Dogger is a toaster with holes for the wieners and the buns. It only makes two dogs at a time.

Another toaster design places a rotisserie on top of a toaster oven. The Party Maker Oven Hot Dog Griller Rotisserie Oven/Toaster is a rediculously long name but a good space saver.

Want some eggs to go with your wieners? The 4-in-1 Hot Dog Makercan steam wieners (and corn), boil eggs, warm buns and make popcorn. I’m guessing the popcorn is air-popped but I’d rather cook mine the old fashioned way over the stove with oil.

If you prefer your wiener be cooked the way it’s done at the ballpark then you’ll surely like the Hot Dog Rotisserie by Giles and Posner. The hot rollers can warm up the wieners and keep them warm for seconds or thirds.

The Hot Dog Maker Truck won’t heat buns but it will cook more wieners on it’s stainless steel rollers in style. The Waring Hot Dog Griller has 4 non-stick rollers and a dishwasher safe lid. It will cook 6 wieners at a time in 8 minutes. It’s more stylish and twice the price of the Emson Hot Dog Express with stainless steel rollers.

If all of this seems like child’s play to you then you may like this Hot Dog Steamer and Bun Warmer from Star. This commercial cooker will hold 170 wieners but only 18 buns.

Star also makes Broil-O-Dogs Hot Dog Broiler and Bun Warmer. 18 hot dogs are basted on the stainless steel wheel while 12 buns are warmed.

I like this Tabletop Steamer from FMA. It’s much less expensive than the Star cookers and it will simultaneous cook 30 wieners and 50 buns

June 16, 2008

Murano Glass Hood

Futuro Futuro has some of the most striking range hoods on the market. The Murano Collection features tempered glass panels internally lit for a dramatic effect. The body is made of stainless steel with 4-speed electronic controls. The grease filter is removable for easy cleaning in the dishwasher and the blower is only 3.2 sones. Choices include island or wall mount and vented or recirculating with a carbon filter. Futuro Futuro hoods are made in Italy and come with a 3 year warranty.

January 29, 2008

LG Asthma & Allergy Friendly Washing Machine

LG Electronics has launched the first washing machine proven to reduce allergens. The laundry cycle, called Allergiene, is a new feature on the LG SteamWasher.

LG’s allergen-reduction cycle reduces allergens, including common triggers such as dust mites and pet dander, on fabrics by more than 95%. It is the first washing machine to be certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), an independent non-profit foundation that helps consumers and patients with asthma and allergic diseases.

This new application of LG’s TrueSteam technology will provide relief to the 20% of Americans who have chronic conditions and work continuously to keep common household allergens at bay.

The SteamWasher’s large capacity makes it ideal for large items such as comforters, rugs, curtains and dog beds.

Many people are already aware of LG Electronics’ SteamDryer. Together, this pair offers unmatched functionality in freshening clothes without any wear and tear.