You had me at first tap.

I fell in love with Pilar.

What is so special about her, you ask?
She is very smart.
Don't pass her by without a second look. Her beauty comes from within.
An absolute innovator in knowing how to save energy and water.
She knows how to handle messy situations in a snap.
She is sensitive to those with special needs.
So intuitive, she knows what I need.
Talk about smart? She has turned her love of diamonds into a technology, envied by all.
And, her magnetic personality will never let you down.

"She's-a-beautiful", (repeat and must say with an Italian accent for emphasis)
"She's-ah-be-yew-tee-ful!"...
Faucet!

Yes, a faucet!
Men are always referring to their sports cars using the pronoun, "she", so why not show the same reverence for a beautifully designed faucet that is smart as a whip. An affordable electronic faucet with incredibly smart features at an attractive price. Unrivaled at this price point.



Pilar Smart Faucet Facts:

• Specs: 10 5/8" reach and a 54" long hose makes this faucet an excellent option for larger sinks. 13 7/8" high swing spout.
  
• 2 or 3 hole sink applications.
• Pull down wand operates in an aerated or spray mode via a two function toggle control.
• Flow Rate: 2.2 gpm.
• One-piece InnoFlex® waterways with PEX-C tubing make DIAMOND Seal Technology faucets simple to install.
  
• ADA compliant. Users with special needs will find the Touch₂O™ Technology very easy to use and compliant with the American Disabilities Act.
  
• Diamond Seal Technology. Delta's exclusive DIAMOND Seal Technology uses a valve with a tough diamond coating to bring you a faucet built to last up to 5 million uses – plus it keeps water inside the faucet out of contact with potential metal contaminants. Leak free, longer lasting, lead free, and less hassle.
  
• Touch₂O™ Technology. The intuitive tap technology enables you to turn the faucet on and off with just a touch — anywhere on the faucet’s body or handle.
  So, when hands are messy during meal prep or clean-up, Touch₂O™ Technology helps reduce the spread of germs and bacteria — simply touch the faucet body with your wrist or forearm.
  Touch₂O™ Technology can also help you conserve water. As you prepare food or wash up in the sink, just tap the Touch₂O™ faucet to keep water from running when you don’t need it. Then just touch it again to start the water flowing again.
  
• 
  MagnaTite™ docking keeps the kitchen pull-down spray wand firmly in place with a powerful integrated magnet, so it stays docked when not in use.
  The pull-down spray wand comes free with a gentle tug and gives you total flexibility. The hose extends and retracts without friction points, fed by gravity. The toggle button on most wands featuring MagnaTite allows you to switch between aerated spray and stream modes.
  As you raise the wand to dock it, the magnet embedded in the spout pulls the wand precisely into place. So unlike other pull-downs that tend to droop over time, MagnaTite keeps your pull-down faucet looking picture perfect.
  
• Touch-Clean® soft, rubber nubbins that allow you to easily wipe away calcium and lime build-up with the touch of a finger.

54" hose for greater reach for tall vases or stock pots.

Two function toggle means hands free aerated spray mode.
Pilar understands the difference between a touch and a grasp.

Reduce the spread of cross contamination of germs or bacteria with Smart Touch₂O™.
Leak free, longer lasting, lead free, and less hassle.
Once inside the faucet, water is not in contact with potential metal contaminants.
Pilar works well in a traditional or contemporary space.

For more video details, visit Delta.com
or click on the links below.
Pilar Pull Down
Diamond Seal Technology
How to Install a Pilar

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My Top Ten List: No 9

Lets take a quick trip to Kitchen and Residential Design where Paul Anater puts a spotlight on a "trey chic" outlet, sans cover made by Bocci. View the pics and video link too. File this under eye candy!

Bocci has produced a sleek new outlet that challenges the traditional outlet. It is UL approved and available for drywall or millwork applications. Check with your local jurisdiction to be sure the building department will approve.

Limitations: it will not work with a tile backsplash.

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The News on Lighting

A new LED recessed can light made by LLF is finally here. Last week I was treated to a show of new lighting products available for kitchen and bath remodels and I am very happy to report I am very impressed at the capability of the LLF product. Peggy Deras, at Kitchen Exchange, has written a very informative article on the new LLF LED can light and I would encourage my readers to follow the link to the article. LED Recessed Lights are Here- REALLY HERE!!!

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Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker

Jamie Oliver has a brilliant invention that may convince you to give up your mortar & pestle. If anything, it is a fun way to shake away your aggressions. The ceramic ball does all the work crushing, grinding and bruising the contents, releasing amazing aromas and zingy flavours. You can also add liquids like oil and cream to create delicious dressings and marinades.
http://www.flavourshaker.co.uk/watch/
Love this!

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File under: Good ideas

Self professed gadget queen and lover of good ideas: here is another one.

A great finishing touch for under a sink. Embossed and polished aluminum sheet with rubber trim custom sized just for your sink cabinet. Available through Doug Mockett.

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Pot Fillers

A reader asks: could you please discuss what to put behind a range--pot filler versus shelf, or can anyone have it all?

What is the most important item in a kitchen? Water! I have a real penchant for convincing clients to add a second sink in a kitchen. During the preparation of a meal, the main sink needs to be dedicated to clean up chores. It gets mighty challenging to fill pots, wash vegetables, drain pasta when you have only one sink and it is occupied. Adding a second water source is a luxury to a kitchen, but one item on my checklist I would ask for when planning a new kitchen.

Another handy water source in a kitchen is a pot filler. It can be a dangerous proposition taking a hot stock pot full of water over to the main sink if its full of dirty dishes. If I had my option to install a pot filler or a second sink, I would take the second sink over a pot filler in a second. I prefer having a second sink close to my range for preparing food, rinsing vegetables, draining hot water from the pasta pot and leaving the main sink for clean up. But pot fillers are a bonus to splurge on and handy unto themselves. There are drawbacks too, so plan carefully.

The question is where do you locate a wall mount pot filler?
Considerations:

1. What are the heights of your largest stock pots?
2. With a range top, consider that the grates will raise the pot up even further.
3. Will your range have a stainless shelf attached at the back?
   
4. Watch clearances of the folding elbow of the pot filler. There are two heights to a pot filler. The height of the spout is higher than the part coming out of the wall.
5. Locate the pot filler off center to accommodate the swing.
6. Make sure the water pressure is adequate to fill a pot of water.
7. Consider a Deck Mount Pot Filler as an alternative.
   

Kohler HiRise Kitchen Faucet. Notice the second sink next to the cook top. Ideal set up!

Everpure Pot Filler brings hi-flow filtered water to you right at the cooktop.

Wall mount pot filler off set for stainless shelf.

Kohler Pro Sink: The best of both. Never have to drain a hot pot of water again!

For more information visit the following link.
Kohler Pro Sinks

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I would love to have a Butcher Block but...

...I am afraid of the maintenance. So say many clients who love the look but not the maintenance. Well, the truth about wood is that periodic maintenance is required. But the benefits soon out weigh the drawbacks if you are a cook.

Personal Chef Sally Cameron selected butcher block as a key element designed into her island.

"I wanted a big chopping block because it gives me a lot of work space. My large (57-by-18-inch) cutting board is made of end-cut, solid black walnut from a company called Spekva. We had the bottom routed out so it would drop in a stay in place, yet I can lift it out to turn it around to spread the wear, or have it sanded if needed in a few years. All I do is oil it once a week. It takes a lot of abuse."

For full article and design info, click on OC Register Link here.
For a full walk thru of Chef Sally's kitchen, click on the Video link.

A dark wood butcher block island acts as a counterbalance to the classic white cabinetry and dark stained wide plank wood floors.

Wood radiates warmth and is an ideal surface not only for chopping, but also as a dining surface. What better place to rest your hands on while enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning. Sure beats the chill of granite!

A good tip before you order your butcher block is to know the difference in finishes available for your wood top. The one shown in this picture has a lacquer finish and should never be used for chopping. Also key words to watch for: semi-gloss and varnique will be a tip off to watch out for. A penetrating oil finish is what you need if you want to chop on your wood top.


Additional tips from Boos Blocks in selecting your wood top:

SELECTION OF FINISH

John Boos & Co. offers two unique finishes. One is perfect for your application.

Penetrating Oil: If you wish to use your butcher block top as a cutting surface, this is the only finish to purchase. Just like cutting boards and butcher blocks, the natural wood surface is protected by oil, which is actually absorbed into the fibers. It is advisable to periodically re-oil your butcher block tops to preserve their beauty and durability. If, after heavy usage, you wish to remove cut marks, just sand off the top and re-oil. It will look like new.

Varnique: This beautiful semi-gloss finish is virtually maintenance free. It is impervious to most household chemicals. Cleans up easily with mild soap and water. The fine furniture look makes it the choice for kitchen island bars and eating counters. Cuts into the finish should be resealed immediately to prevent the exposed wood from absorbing moisture. John Boos EZ-DO a wipe on poly gel is recommended for use.

A smart idea in leveled work surfaces. Chopping Block surface installed 30" - 32".

Conceptual Design of an Unfitted Boos Block set at one of an island.

For small space design consider a smaller butcher block that can be routed into the counter top and easy to remove for cleaning. Photo courtesy of http://www.smallbone.co.uk/























Clever installation shown here. The Peninsula is wrapped on the seating side with wood counters and is expertly seamed into the granite on the sink side.

Butcher Block can add whimsy to your kitchen too!
This is Maple Hardwood and Wenge Checker Board.
Photo courtesy of http://www.craft-art.com

Craft-Art’s eight new green counter top offerings: wood reclaimed from old barns, mills, river bottoms, swamps and even pickle vats. Species include quarter-sawn antique heart pine (shown here), sinker cypress, antique white oak, pickle vat redwood, barn red oak, barn white oak, American chestnut and tobacco barn beech.

THE AVERAGE PERSON CAN LENGTHEN THE LIFE OF A MEAT BLOCK 5-10 YEARS THROUGH OBSERVING THE FOLLOWING RULES IN ITS CARE.

Periodically (once every several weeks, depending upon the use and household conditions), apply an even coat of mineral oil or Boos Mystery Oil to the work surface of your butcher block. Sponge on with a rag!

1. DO NOT allow moisture of any type to stand on the block for long periods of time. Don't let fresh, wet meats lay on the block longer than necessary. Brine, water and blood contain much moisture, which soaks into the wood, causing the block to expand, the wood to soften, and affects the strength, of the glued joints.

2. Use a good steel scraper or spatula several times a day, as necessary, to keep the cutting surface clean and sanitary. Do not use a steel brush on the cutting surface of your block.

3. DO NOT cut fish or fowl on the work surface of your butcher block, unless you have thoroughly followed the instructions in step #1...as the moisture barrier must be intact prior to cutting any type of fish, seafood, or fowl on the work surface of your butcher block. ALWAYS CLEAN THE BLOCK THOROUGHLY AFTER CUTTING FISH OR FOWL ON THE WORK SURFACE.

4. Be sure NEVER to cut continuously in the same place on the top of your block. Distribute your cutting over the entire work surface so that it will wear evenly. DON'T use a razor-edged cleaver. It will chip or splinter the wood and produce soft spots. Your cleaver should have dull sharpened edge for best results.

5. NEVER wash your block with harsh detergents of any type. DON'T wash your butcher's tools on your block.

6. At the conclusion of a day's work preparing meat or food on your butcher block, scraping the block will remove 75% of the moisture. After scraping, immediately dry thoroughly with an absorbent towel. This assures an odorless, clean cutting surface for the next day, and prevents premature quick deterioration of the work surface.

7. Maintain the same bevel on the edge of your block, as it had when you bought it. This prevents splitting or chipping of outside boards.

8. Your block, should be turned over periodically to allow even usage to both work surfaces.

Note: Butcher Block cutting boards are not dishwasher compatible.

Resources:
SPEKVA
BUTCHER BLOCK SPECIALIST
BUTCHER BLOCK COMPANY
BOOS BLOCKS
CRAFT ART

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Gotta Have It, Installment # 3

What a brilliant idea. Must share this idea from a Blog named: Unclutterer. Unclutterer is the blog about getting and staying organized. "A place for everything, and everything in its place" is it's gospel.
In the interest of safety, I would want the opening from the top, a hinged flip top stair lid. If one wanted these drawers as shown here, be sure to think in terms of safety. I would specify magnetic catches, or earthquake latches to prevent a drawer from opening forward on its own and tripping the unsuspecting user. With many stairs equipped with center stingers, a single drawer may not be an option but two drawers can be installed in place of one. This would be great for retrofitting the last two stairs.

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Gotta Have It!. Installment # 2

The shapes of Elkay's prep sinks really appeal to me for a secondary sink. Shape, width, depth, off set drain placement, shaped cutting board. A little bit surgical looking, a little bit panning for gold. Fun to look at and very functional shapes. I can see myself chopping and rinsing my veggies with abandon!

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Gotta have it!

This morning I sloshed coffee all over the carpet as I made my way, bleary eyed, up the stair case at 6:00am. I cursed the fact that I do not have one of these as I cleaned up my coffee stains off the carpet.

To quote Ferris Bueller,

"It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

Brew Express
I am a self professed coffee snob. The best cup of coffee is the first cup! Add convenience into the mix with a built in water line, and all that is missing is my Butler James to serve me a cup!

The revolutionary new design of the Brew Express blends style, performance and convenience into an easy-to-use appliance that makes brewing coffee and hot beverages a pleasure instead of a burden. And because the Brew Express installs into the wall and hooks directly to your water supply, it also fits right into your life. You'll gain counter space and enjoy perfectly brewed coffee. All without spilling a drop of water. For more information, see Brew Express.

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