Kitchen Critique

There are many things about this picture that I like and there are some I dislike. I like the open feel and the contemporary hood.

I like the deep chocolate color on the walls although I think I might like it more as an accent color on the right wall with a different color on the back wall.

I like the tall pantry cabinets for their ample storage and sleek, hardware-free fronts.

I don’t like the low wall cabinets. As you can see by the picture only a few books will fit under them. I also dislike the white end panels on the base cabinets. I’d rather see the wall cabinets either hung higher or sitting all the countertop. I’d remove the white end panels and run the countertop over the sides to the floor. If the wall cabinets are to sit on the countertop prefer the countertop not to match the cabinets so closely. I think a white marble would look better.

The sole beam across the ceiling also bothers me. I don’t mind the white on white but I think the ceiling would be more interesting if faux beams were added to create a nice visual rhythm.

This kitchen would also probably be very dark at night. Additional lighting should be added at the sink and at least one prep area.

What do you think on the T-shape kitchen? I think it might make more sense if there were a table and chairs located on the right side to create an eat-in kitchen. They might have been removed for the photograph to show off the cabinetry. The corner of the sofa may have been moved into the frame to keep the space from looking too empty.

July 31, 2009

Magnetic Artwork

A while ago I wrote about how you can add some whimsy and color to your kitchen with the top-mount refrigerators from Amana. Now you can achieve new flair using your existing refrigerator with a magnetic artwork kit from Motifo

One pack of 1296 magnetic tiles contains six colour-coded designs for creating your own masterpiece or you can use the Motifo templates to make portraits of Audrey Hepburn, Muhammad Ali, Pink or Yoda to name a few.

A pack costs $79.95 from motifo.com, where you can also download the new design templates regularly added to the site.

Obviously you can use these anywhere they will stick. I think they could be used to liven up a plain steel entry door or bank of filing cabinets.

July 17, 2009

Twinflex Flexible Faucet

The Arwa Twinflex is a fun contemporary faucet with an innovative flexible spout system.

Zurich-based designer Florin Baeriswyl tops a sleek chrome base with a colorful spout that allows water to be directed where it is needed.

Inside the Twinflex a synthetic hose is encased within a metal hose, which in turn is sheathed with PVC that can be specified in orange, pigeon blue, beige-gray, or black. When the faucet is released the hose holds the position offering hands-free convenience.

The Twinflex has patented Trigon Technology that allows you to set a limit for maximum water temperature and set maximum flow rate for water conservation.

July 9, 2009

Kohler Crevasse Prep Sink

What do you do when you want a prep sink in your kitchen island but you don’t want to see a faucet rising out of the countertop?

By integrating the Kohler Crevasse Prep Sink into your design you can have a sleek countertop thanks to rinsing technology built into the sink.

The Crevasse Sink uses Cynchronus™ technology, which activates a strong rinsing action and the garbage disposal at the touch of a button. Food is whisked down the silicone baffle into the disposer with no need to touch it with your hands.

If you don’t need to run the garbage disposer there is a second option for a quick rinse.

The small stainless steel button uses Active Touch technology that is only activated by a human touch, eliminating the chance of accidental activation by a pot, pan or other item on the countertop.

I think it would be nice to see the option of a foot pedal/button for totally hands-free operation.