Save the Date: Professional Designers Host 4th Annual Tour of Kitchens

Ventura County, CA (October 18, 2009)- While the weather is "hot, hot, hot" in September, mark your calendars in October when balmy temperatures return that make living here in Southern California so desirable. A perfect time to attend the 4th Annual Tour of Kitchens to be held on Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 10 am to 5 pm, organized by the local chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. The Tour of Kitchens will be twice as fun in 2009 because we're going to double our territory. This year will be TWO tours- One in Santa Clarita Valley and the other in Ventura County.

So how does one experience a home tour? Ronni Fryman, Chairperson of this year’s tour advises, “I always like to gather my favorite pals into a carpool to make a day of it. We start at one house and work our way through each and every one – stopping for a nice lunch in the middle. We always have a vote at the end of the day for which home was our favorite, which one we could move right into and which had the most innovative features.” Other people may enjoy meeting the designers, artists and contractors who planned and built the projects. “I guarantee everyone will walk away with several new ideas that they will want to incorporate into their own homes.” Unlike reading a magazine for ideas, the best part about attending our tour is you will see architectural styles that are likely to be similar to your home.

The Tour of Kitchens’ projects may be reviewed on the NKBA-ccv website and tickets for
the event may also be ordered online. Tickets are $20 for advance sales and $25 on the day of
the tour. For more information, please go to www.NKBAccv.org.

The Tour of Kitchens is a charitable event benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County and Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children's Cancer. The 2009 tour will be held on Sunday, October 18 from 10 am to 5 pm.

About the National Kitchen & Bath Association
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for more than 45 years. With over 40,000 members and growing, the NKBA owns the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS®). The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry. For more information, visit www.NKBA.org

###

Read more...

Subtlety: The Master in Design

I love detail. Who doesn't.

Detail, well crafted can exude an enormous amount of interesting features without becoming overwhelming. The beauty of detail is found in the subtlety of design and the ability to interpret regional influences.

A master at quiet detail is Doug Durbin, award winning designer, and co-founder with brother John Durbin, of NuHaus Kitchen and Bath Design. His ability of layering wood species in a space is absolutely striking but never loud. So subtle are the transitions, similar to a painting, there is a nuance you may not observe upon first viewing. Return again, and a new detail will present itself that you hadn't noticed before. To me, that is the inspiration of good design.

SubZero has an excellent video series featuring award winning projects with a commentary from client, designer and design commentary from leaders in the kitchen and bath design world.
Please visit SubZero.com/trade/tradevideos.aspx to visit Doug Durbin's featured video.

Read more...

Isaac Mizrahi in the Kitchen at Epicurious.com

I have to tell you, I cracked up and giggled most of the way as Isaac gives us a tour of his kitchen. His frenetic energy is the equivalent to a double shot of espresso. Check out the video link at the side bar on the left or visit http://video.epicurious.com/.

Lessons learned from Isaac:
We can all learn to live with a little dirt.

Secrets kept:
The contents of his refrigerator.

Favorite features in his kitchen:
His commercial faucet, his enamel white cabinets, the prep sink, his white Le Creuset cookware and home made mint chip ice cream.

Really a fun and creative man, definitely one you would want at a dinner party. Isaac shows that style does not mean we have to break the bank. Splurge where it's worth the investment, (the appliances and cabinets), and spend a little less in easy care changeable dinner ware and accessories that can change easily as the mood or holiday dictates.

###

Read more...

This weeks featured celebrity kitchen: Colin Cowie

Last week we toured Moby's compact kitchen and discovered his favorite appliance: the microwave. A kitchen space that works well for a musician who spends most of his life traveling.

This week we take a tour to Colin Cowie's kitchen through the web link at Epicurious. http://video.epicurious.com. Colin's kitchen is the epitome of a well defined kitchen space, perfect for entertaining. Notice the grey stained oak cabinets. Very sophisticated.
Enjoy the tour. For more tours visit www.Epicurious.com or click on the side bar link.

Read more...

Fresh perspectives.

What's in a kitchen tour?

This weekend, the Central Coast and Valleys Chapter of the NKBA held it's third annual Kitchen Tour. What is better than an interactive tour? See the kitchens, talk to the designers, open the drawers, get a chance to see the latest innovations in cabinets, appliances and advancements in eco-friendly products. It is a once a year opportunity that beats any visit to a showroom or looking at a magazine. Walking through a newly remodeled kitchen is a sensory experience.

A live demonstration from the EasyCleanHome team was on hand at Home # 6 on the Tour, my client's own kitchen. The science behind the nanotechnology demonstration is the coolest thing to watch. It is not really a "new" product, it has been tested and used in aerospace, defense and motor sports. A non toxic, non staining coating that bonds with the surface, providing a anti-microbial, super-hydrophobic surface. A product that repels water, contaminates have nowhere to absorb into, what can be better than that for easy maintenance? What a better idea than to use this technology on residential surfaces such as granite, stone, stainless steel and glass.

The NKBA Tour of Kitchens was held in nine homes throughout Ventura County varying in style from 1950's California Ranch to 1980's tract homes. The following photos are the entries from myself and my associate Liz Tiffin from Westside Remodeling.
Enjoy viewing the transformation!

BEFORE

AFTER

Kitchen shown above was treated with Easy Clean/ Green Life Coatings.
The stainless steel sparkles. Finger Prints wipe right off the stainless.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

What's really great is to watch the expression of surprise in the neighbor's faces, standing in the kitchen looking at the transformation, maybe thinking what "could be" for their kitchen. This is a Morrison Ranch Tract Home. From Tract to Terrific!

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Read more...

Ceilings Need Attention Too.

Many times the ceiling is the overlooked surface in kitchen remodeling.
Here are some lovely examples of designing with the 5th "wall" in mind.
If you are graced with 10' plus ceilings, there are more options available. But, if you live in a two story home with standard 8' ceilings, take heart, there are still options available for you.

This space designed by one of my favorite designers, Patricia Gray, shows off a floating ceiling. What a fabulous technique.

Another view into the work of Patricia Gray. The wood tones adds warmth to the otherwise glistening reflective space with nearly floor to ceiling spans of windows.


In this rambling California Ranch with cathedral ceilings, rough hewn beams (the very top left of the photo), were added to ceilings. Additional accent lighting above the cabinets sends the accent lighting upwards. The focus directs your attention up.

A two story home, although the ceilings are standard height, this vintage inspired kitchen plays up the molding detail, wrapping around the angled details. This kitchen, designed by my associate, Liz Tiffen, will be on the Tour of Kitchens, October 19th. For tickets and more information about the Tour please visit www.NKBAccv.org.

For many of us who have had the 1970's recessed 4 x 8 fluorescent light tubes covered with plastic panels, an interesting update to the ceiling is the use of coved drywall finished with crown molding accenting the inside perimeter. Additional recessed can lights can be run inside this recessed area or as shown here, pendant lights and accent lighting behind the molding.

In Southern California, our older Spanish style homes, Art Deco or Craftsman style homes built in the 20's and 30's had great detail included: coved, art deco tray or beamed ceilings . If you are lucky to have a home with good bone structure to start with, lucky you.

If not, there are so many lovely styles to select from, it's a shame to neglect the ceiling.

Here are some more examples of great ceilings.

From ValeyTinWorks.com

A barrel ceiling by Capital Improvements, in Dallas Texas. (In Texas where they really do everything big).

From Euro Builders, Texas

From the Vaughn Group, Dallas, Texas.

From the Traver Group, Texas.
And of course, I cannot end this series of ceiling details without showing the lovely, over the top (literally) faux painted sky ceiling. This one feels like a trellis above with the vines trailing down onto the wall. This one is just faux you.

I have been holding onto this photo forever. I think the kitchen is charming.
This is from YesterTec. A furniture company that specializes in amazing workstations hidden in armoire designed furniture.

Read more...

Kitchen Inspiration

Ever wonder what's new in Kitchen Design? Wouldn't you like to know where the future of kitchen design is headed? Take a detour to view a video log documentary web series for a glimpse into the future of kitchen design.
www.kitcheninspiration.com.

Designers interviewed include:

• James Drake - Client list, including Madonna and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, is literal the designer to the “who's who” of entertainment and politics.
• Michael McDonough - The original trailblazer behind the green movement was recently part of the PBS Green Building "e2" series narrated by Brad Pitt.
• Plus many other experts in design and construction who lend their views on kitchen design.
• And what say you? Do you agree or disagree? What is your opinion?

For local inspiration visit an NKBA Kitchen Tour.

• A Kitchen Tour sponsored by the National Kitchen and Bath Association is your up close and personal opportunity to see the latest trends and innovations.
• The Central Coast and Valleys chapter will be hosting their third annual Tour of Kitchens on Sunday, October 19^th in honor of National Kitchen and Bath month. The self-guided journey takes visitors through 9 recently-remodeled homes in Ventura County that epitomize the state of the art of kitchen design. This fundraising event benefits HomeAid of Los Angeles and Ventura, a charity that builds homes for the temporarily homeless. To buy tickets on line go to www.nkbaccv.org/hometour/tickets.html

Read more...

October is National Kitchen and Bath Month

Ventura County, CA (October 19, 2008) – October is National Kitchen and Bath Month. In its honor, the Central Coast and Valleys chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is hosting their 3rd annual Tour of Kitchens. This self-guided tour features 9 homes that have been recently remodeled in Ventura, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills. The tour will occur on Sunday, October 19, 2008 from 10 am to 5 pm.

This year’s tour will be the largest to date and will feature kitchens that vary in square footage, but are huge in their level of detail. “This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in seeing the latest trends in kitchen design as they appear in an actual home,” states Ronni Fryman, Chairperson of this year’s tour. “The designers who created each space will be present to answer questions and show the “before” pictures of the projects. I urge anyone interested in interior design to visit the tour – whether you’re planning on remodeling in the future or not.”

9 Homes on the Tour: A Sneak Preview
1. Surf’s Up, Ventura: Interior walls were removed from a 1950s tract home that was remodeled to create a gathering space that has easy access to the outdoors. Dad’s love of the ocean is very evident with its surfboard-influenced countertop.

2. Traditionally Yours, Ventura: The kitchen, laundry room, family room and formal dining rooms were all remodeled in a look that’s casual yet elegant.

3. On the Edge, Ventura: Currently featured in two national magazines, this remodeled 1950s kitchen features an interesting mix of textures and patterns to create a young and hip contemporary kitchen. Be sure to check out the remodeled “man cave” of a garage too!

4. Leaping Lizards, Camarillo: A cottage-influenced remodel chock-full of personality … and items with lizard motifs. You’ll be allowed to conduct your own lizard hunt in the kitchen and the master suite.

5. Taste of Tuscany, Camarillo: A Santa Rosa Valley home that showcases not only a delightful Tuscan kitchen, but a sumptuous master suite remodel as well.

6. Details, Details, Thousand Oaks: While drop-dead gorgeous at first glance, be sure to open up the cabinets to discover the real beauty of this kitchen: a plethora of innovative storage solutions.

7. Designer Perfect, Westlake Village: This home exudes refined elegance with its delicate mix of materials. Your eye will find delight at everything it comes upon in this traditional abode.

8. French ooh-la-la Kitchen, Westlake Village: Take a side trip to France and experience this home’s warm touches, including an amazing French range.

9. Vintage Elegance, Agoura Hills: While beautiful finishes enhance the kitchen and the family room’s wine bar, custom features such as a mantle-style hood, built-in bookcases and a furniture-style island transform this home from tract to terrific.


The Tour of Kitchens’ projects may be reviewed on the NKBA-CCV’s website this year and tickets for the event may also be ordered online. Tickets are $20 for advance sales and $25 on the day of the tour. For more information, please go to www.NKBAccv.org.
A portion of the proceeds from the tour will benefit HomeAid of Los Angeles/Ventura.

Since 1989, HomeAid has provided housing for more than 73,000 temporarily homeless individuals. Through the generosity of builders and their trade partners, HomeAid builds multi-unit housing for this population, and then donates the housing to charities such as Boys Hope/Girls Hope, Mercy House, Salvation Army and others to operate. These charities provide social services that enable residents to move beyond their temporary situation and transform their lives.

About HomeAid
The Los Angles/Ventura chapter of HomeAid is best-known for their Project Playhouse. Builders donate elaborate playhouses for an exhibit at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks (which will run from September 13 through October 19 this year). The playhouses are open for a tour before they are auctioned off to the highest bidder. For more information, visit www.HomeAidlaven.org.

About the National Kitchen & Bath Association
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for more than 45 years. With over 40,000 members and growing, the NKBA owns the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS). The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry. For more information, visit www.NKBA.org.

*****Attention Journalists:
High-resolution images exclusively for editorial use are available. Contact Ronni Fryman at RFryman@KitchenPlacesVentura.com for a disc or to provide FTP site information. Designers and homeowners are also available for interviews.

###

Read more...

Kitchen Sociology and Home Tours

Yesterday I took my Mom out to the Pasadena Highlands Home Tour in Pasadena, CA.
Home Tours are a lot of fun, a chance for homeowners to show off their flair for home keeping and their remodeling savvy and a chance for the general public at large to take a peek at how others keep a home, what taste they have and of course taking note of ideas they can use for their own homes.

We had a great time touring through other people's homes and laughing with a little guilt that that we have a lot of organizing to do before we would dare let anyone tour our own homes. We fell in love with the color schemes, the architecture, the gorgeous tree lined streets. And finally, we gained a new appreciation for our circa 1980's tract homes. Albeit, our newer homes can never compare to the charm of the historic Pasadena homes, we have to content ourselves with the fact that our cookie cutter tract homes have bigger closets and wider hallways. As they say, the grass is always greener on the other side until you get there. So yes, we will have to wait for our trees to grow to full maturity and yes we will have to add the details in to get the good bone structure the builders omitted, we are still house proud for what we do have and love touring others homes for planning what we want to add to our homes.


The homes on tour, in the historic Highlands neighborhood in Pasadena draw from a diverse style of architecture in the neighborhood. What is clearly self evident in the Highlands neighborhood is the dedication each homeowner displays to the craftsmanship of the home. The dedication in restoring the homes to their original beauty and also the care taken to make certain that any addition to the home is in keeping with the original style.

Society has a natural inclination to know about Home Keeping. There have been thousands of books written on the Home, on Kitchen Design, on Entertaining, and on Home Keeping. There are entire television networks devoted to the subject of the Home.

What is it that makes the Home a popular topic? The answer is simple. We are interested in making our houses a home. We naturally want to know how other families keep a home and in particular, the kitchen is always a popular topic. The kitchen, the heart of the home, is where we nourish body, mind and soul. The kitchen is where many pinnacle events take place in our lives. The kitchen is not just about food preparation and meals. We share stories with family at the kitchen table. We celebrate, we mourn, we play cards, we doodle while on the phone, we pay the bills, we help with homework, we wrap gifts, we fold clothes, we make grocery lists and plan major events from our kitchen table. No matter what your lifestyle, we live a majority of our lives in the kitchen.

Many people are looking for solutions on how to keep a better kitchen in the same space where major renovations are not an option. Not everyone has the opportunity to have large scale exhibition style kitchens.

So here it is, a compilation of new sources on real living kitchens from real people just like yourself. Have fun and have a peek into other's living kitchens. Enjoy! This is Kitchen Sociology at it's best.

By the way, Electrolux is looking for 90 homeowners throughout Europe to be included in the Electrolux Kitchen Stars photo exhibition, an online gallery and a book. What a fun idea! A chance to have you and your kitchen immortalized forever. Why you may ask? Electrolux is gearing up for celebrating it's 90th anniversary in 2009.

This is Cristian, at the Electrolux Blog.

Electrolux is spreading the word to our American audience. No doubt we have all caught the cute Kelly Rippa commercials showing off the glamorous side of Electrolux appliances. But that is not all. I love Electrolux's idea of making you the superstar! “Consumer Insight forms the basis of all product creation and development at Electrolux. We go into peoples home and study how they live and interact with their appliances. In this way we understand how lifestyles, eating habits and design preferences reflect how consumers select and uses our products” says Ulrich Gartner, Vice-President Communications at Electrolux.
Gartner continues, “For many consumers the kitchen is a dynamic area: efficient and functional during the week; welcoming and entertaining at the weekend. The kitchen has also become the hub of the home, a place where we eat, sleep, work, and even make love. To celebrate our history, we want to celebrate our consumers and their kitchens – what better way than to have
them tells us about their kitchen star moments?”

How to become a Kitchen Star? Send a photograph of yourself in your kitchen with a short description of a “kitchen star moment” – perhaps a perfectly cooked meal on a date, or when
you redecorated your kitchen, gave birth on the kitchen floor, proposed to your wife at the breakfast table, or just cooked that very special meal for a very special person. The selected 90 Kitchen Stars will all receive the iconic Electrolux ErgoRapido in addition to being featured in the online gallery, the photo exhibition as well as the book and any other material developed
around the Electrolux anniversary celebrations. To become an Electrolux Kitchen Star or to find out more information about the competition, please go to www.kitchenstars.net


Below are more kitchens homeowners have submitted on line at different web sites. I prefer the pictures where people and pets appear in them. They don't appear so cold. Don't be afraid to appear in your pictures.

The following pictures and additional information can be found at
Apartment Therapy Home Tours.

The New Kitchen Paradigm: The Open Kitchen: Inspirational open space kitchen in California. For full article go to Apartment Therapy

For more information: visit The Eichler Network

For more information visit Home Galleries at the Garden Web.

Read more...