Dependent French Door Oven

Almost two years ago I wrote about the French door oven from BlueStar Range. For it’s new 2009 collection, the 30″ and 36″ have an updated look and dependent French doors. “Now when you open the left door on the 30” and 36” ovens, the right door will open simultaneously. This is an incredibly useful feature in commercial kitchens as it allows you to use your left hand to open the doors and your free hand to place food in the oven – we’ve now brought the same concept to the home chef,” says Mike Trapp, BlueStar’s Vice President of Operations.

“You can avoid reaching over a hot oven door since the French doors open easily with a simple pull. And for people with disabilities, a French door oven set lower to the ground allows easy access to the oven.” says Trapp. Removing the hazard of leaning over a hot oven door also makes it easier for mothers who have little helpers. (I remember my Grandmother having a fit when I was young and wanted to bake my grandfather a Birthday cake.)

Additional product features include convection oven cooking, a full extension oven rack, a heat assist element for quick start-ups, and 3,000 BTU of additional power. The wall ovens operate on either gas or liquid propane.

Customers can order the ovens in 190 different colors, at no extra charge. Custom colors are also available.

If you are not sure which color to choose, check out the series on GOLDNOTES about color for insight and inspiration or consult with Rachel from Hue Consulting and Maria from Colour Me Happy.

Retail prices range from approximately $2,520 to $8,732.

Single Wall Oven

“It is not the form that dictates the color, but the color that brings out the form.” -Hans Hofmann

June 25, 2009

The Next Kitchen Trend

With consumers favoring more stream-lined Kitchen Designs,
look for manufacturers to start offering more appliances and
electronics in modular sizes.

This picture from the Electrolux Pan-European Design family
shows how the manufacturer has unified it’s brand by sizing it’s
LCD television to integrate with built-in appliances. The
television housing matches not only in size but also in finish.

While it is unlikely that a designer will ever be able to combine different manufacturers and be able to get the finishes to match; I do look forward to seeing the various combinations larger manufacturers will start to offer.

May 15, 2009

Calyx Hidden Kitchen

Italian furniture manufacturer Dada has partnered with Armani Casa on a new collaboration called the Calyx Kitchen.

Armani plays up the purity of design with large doors concealing the work areas, bar and desk area of the Calyx kitchen.

The cabinetry is made from wood veneer with glass and woven metal. The doors and the cabinetry interior are finished in the designer’s iconic Greige color. The shelves and drawer interiors are in a dark green finish.

The new kitchen concept was displayed at the Salone del Mobile in April and production should start soon.

April 26, 2009

Real Housewives Redo

Traditional Home has an on-line spread showing the home of Jill Zarin, of Real Housewives of NYC fame. The new color choices are fresh. I love the dining room’s new light and bright feel.

The kitchen cabinets were painted white with wallpaper used on the flat panels of the upper cabinets. The flooring and countertops were not changed. Mirrored backsplash helps to open up the tight space. You can see the whole spread with before photos here.