Reports from KBIS: What's new in sinks.

Reports from the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show 2009 tell of a shift towards design trends that show cleaner and simpler lines that not only look good but are easy to maintain.

Case in point: A fundamental shift in sink and drain design.


Look! Kim and Aggie would be proud. No seams for bacteria to hide.

Affluence Seamless Sink is putting a spotlight on the drain opening of the kitchen sink.
The problem with drains is that they become dirty, pit, or rust over time with use.

The affluence seamless sink is seamless and easy to keep clean. No more unsightly plumbers putty, silicone, or seams, just pure smooth stainless steel. No more seams to collect water and debris that breed bacteria and germs. Affluence™ looks nice over time, since the downturn is a smooth transition and all parts are made of 100% solid 304 stainless steel.


Be sure to see the video at www.seamlesssink.com to see the garbage disposal installation.

18 gauge sink. Sink and strainer are made out of 304 stainless steel. The disposal splash guard is removable for easy cleaning.

Seamless beauty.
For more information, visit Affluence Seamless Sink.

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MicroEdge Inset Sinks by Blanco

Blanco announces MicroEdge Inset Sinks.
MicroEdge inset sinks are engineered with ultra-fine 1- to 1.25-millimeter sink rims. The nine models--including variations of the 20-inch single bowl, the larger super single bowl, and the 1¾ bowl model--are made from 18-gauge, 304 series stainless steel with 18 percent chrome and 10 percent nickel content. The products have a satin polished finish that is easy to clean and resists water stains and calcium deposits, according to the manufacturer. 800-451-5782. www.blancoamerica.com.

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Are you game for a new grill?

Get ready to expose your dirty grill.
This just in:

DIRTY GRILLS GONE WILD' CONTEST TO GIVE ONE SLOPPY
BARBEQUER A NEW LEASE ON GRILLING
We'll find America's dirtiest griller and give them an Epicure 36” Outdoor Grill by Dacor

PHILADELPHIA – November 24, 2008 – Grill, baby, grill. And if your efforts result in a greasy, mucky mess, the "Dirty Grills Gone Wild” contest may offer you a sizzling new start.

The contest is seeking the grossest grill in America. Its owner will receive a new Dacor® Epicure® 36” Outdoor Grill and Grill Cart and a year's supply of Scott Shop Towels. To enter, contestants must submit a digital photo of their dirty grill by February 2, 2009 at www.dirtydirtygrills.com.

"Dacor changed the way people cook outside forever, with the introduction of the industry's first built-in halogen lighting on an outdoor grill in 2001,” said Steve Joseph, Vice President of Marketing at Dacor. "Today, we're focused on new standards of excellence, with a full line of appliances that feature brilliant style and performance details to heighten the cooking experience. With the same level of craftsmanship as our indoor cooking appliances, the Epicure Outdoor Grill is designed to provide superior cooking results, no matter if you are just grilling a few hot dogs or searing the finest cuts of steak.”

"As the makers of some of the most heavy-duty shop towels around, we're all about cleaning things up,” said Lauren Collier, an Associate Marketing Manager for the Kimberly-Clark Professional DIY Business. "We're looking to give one grubby griller a second chance, by awarding both a new grill and the cleanup tools to keep it that way.”

The contest is being promoted at barbeque competitions and football tailgate parties across the country, and will end the week after the Super Bowl. Organizers will also be shooting footage of grimy grills for a "Dirty Grills Gone Wild” video that will be posted on the contest web site as well as on other Internet sites.

Entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges, which includes Joey Mac's Smoke Stax, the award-winning grilling team of Joe (Joey Mac) McManus and Wayne Styck.

"The Dirtiest Grill in America” will be anointed in February 2009.

THE DETAILS OF OUTDOOR COOKING
The Epicure Outdoor Grills, available in 52” and 36” widths, feature brighter halogen lighting to illuminate the cooking surface so the barbecue can continue long after the sun goes down. A patent-pending, optional ceramic sear burner, placed inside the firebox, offers high intensity cooking for perfect searing.

Brilliant Illumina(TM) Burner Control Knobs glow blue when the grill is on, for increased safety and aesthetic appeal to indicate when a burner is in the "on” position and the redesigned premium canopy hood is lighter and more user-friendly.

Three U-shaped stainless steel burners operate at 20,000 BTU on grill models without the optional ceramic sear burner. Grills that include the ceramic sear burner will feature two high-output U-shaped stainless steel burners. An infrared ceramic rotisserie burner with a heavy-duty removable motor conveniently attaches to the grill when needed, providing limitless cooking options for the outdoor chef. For additional safety, Dacor's Perma-Flame(TM) technology will automatically reignite the burner flame in the event that it is extinguished unexpectedly.


About Dacor: Founded in 1965, Dacor is the innovator of the most stylish, luxury kitchen appliances that provide the optimum ownership experience for people who are passionate about the details of cooking. The company has introduced many industry firsts including an infrared ceramic gas broiler inside an electric Pure Convectionä self-cleaning oven, an outdoor grill with built-in halogen lights, and the world's only 30” dishwasher. Based in California, family-owned Dacor offers a complete line of luxury kitchen appliances that includes ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, refrigerators, dishwashers, warming drawers, microwaves, ventilation hoods, wine storage and outdoor appliances.

For more information on Dacor, its product line and local dealer locations, visit www.dacor.com, contact Customer Care at (800) 793-0093 or visit the Dacor Design & Culinary Centers in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago or San Francisco.

About Kimberly-Clark Professional: Kimberly-Clark Professional, located in Roswell, Ga., is one of four global business segments of Kimberly-Clark Corporation. The Kimberly-Clark Professional DIY business provides professional solutions for home improvement and car care projects to make fixing up and cleaning up fast, easy and efficient. For more information, visit www.kcdiy.com.

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Largest Storage Capacity in a French Door Refrigerator – 29 c. ft.

NEW SAMSUNG FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR

SAMSUNG’S NEW FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR TRANSFORMS A KITCHEN STAPLE INTO AN INTERACTIVE, DIGITAL LIFESTYLE CENTERPIECE

7” LCD Touch Screen Paired with 28.5 cu. ft. of Internal Space
Offers Consumers Easy Organization Inside and Out

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., Nov. 3, 2008 – Samsung Electronics America Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, announces the latest addition to its rapidly expanding kitchen suite of appliances with the RFG299 French Door Refrigerator. The new RFG299 French Door Refrigerator includes a convenient 7” LCD touch screen above the ice and water dispenser and delivers the industry’s largest internal storage at 28.5 cu. ft. in a standard footprint.

In recognizing the kitchen as the heart of the home, and reinforcing its commitment to develop innovative products that enhance consumer lifestyles, Samsung developed the LCD touch screen to give consumers easy access to calendars, schedules, showcase photos, nutrition facts, and unit conversions. A simple touch of the screen can control the refrigerator’s temperature or monitor the water filter status.

“Whether entertaining friends or preparing dinner with the family, Samsung understands the kitchen is the focal point in today’s modern home,” said James Politeski, vice president of Home Appliance Sales & Marketing. “The 7” LCD Touch Screen takes our already highly-regarded 28.5 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator to a new level of innovation all to make life a little easier for our customers.”

Samsung is able to achieve the RFG299 French Door Refrigerator’s larger interior capacity thanks to high-rate urethane insulation technology, which reduces the refrigerator walls from 2.04 inches to 1.38 inches, resulting in an extra 3.5 cubic feet, or 14%, more storage space for consumers. Amazingly, despite the extra space inside, the RFG299’s size on the outside remains the same for quality cooling without the need for a new kitchen layout.

Along with the breakthrough technical advancements, the RFG299 French Door Refrigerator features many sleek details that combine for an ideal refrigerator solution. The interior LED lighting is considerably brighter than lamp-based illumination. Samsung’s EZ-Open™ Handle effortlessly breaks the freezer seal, eliminating the need to strain when opening. And the exterior door handles, hidden hinges, and stainless finish add tasteful elegance to any kitchen.

The innovative Twin Cooling Plus™ System allows the main body of the refrigerator and freezer section to be cooled separately, ensuring odors from compartments do not mix and create ice cubes that taste like last night’s leftovers. The Twin Cooling Plus™ System offers professional-grade cooling to maximize and prolong freshness.

Samsung has recently been named by J.D. Power in the 2008 Home Appliance Study as the brand ranked highest in customer satisfaction for Side-by-Side/French Door Refrigerators. Samsung excelled in the areas of performance, ease of use, styling and feel, and operational features. This marked the fourth year in a row that Samsung has received a customer satisfaction award from J.D. Power for refrigerators.

The new Samsung RFG299 French Door Refrigerator is available in stainless steel at select Best Buy locations now. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com/homeappliances.

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Keep it simple with Stainless Steel

Looking for an edgier look? I love the sleek modern lines A-Line has in the product collection.
Here are some of my favorites.






Contact info@alinebyadvancetabco.com for more information.

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Beautiful sinks

More beautiful kitchen sinks.

Enjoy!

What strikes me the most about this sink and counter is the rustic appeal of the concrete against the glossy cast iron sink. A mix of materials-Beautiful.

The concrete countertops were cast in place and finished with an acrylic sealer and a special wax. To maintain the patina, they're rewaxed about every two months.

As seen in House Beautiful.

French country style with the farmhouse sink is the cleanup and storage area, where dishes are kept. House Beautiful.

Ann Sacks's Zeus sink with an antique copper patina is paired with Kohler's Vinnata faucet in Vibrant Brazen Bronze. From House Beautiful. Click here.

Bucks County Soapstone makes the old-fashioned farmhouse sink with a canted front and a little dip in the rim, as if it had worn down over the years. Perrin & Rowe faucet for Rohl.

Franke's Manor House apron-front sink in stainless steel puts an industrial spin on the country look. As seen in House Beautiful.

A duo with creative details. The Farmhouse sinks and Julia faucets are from Waterworks. The counter top is made of two 3/4 inch slabs of Calacatta Oro marble put together, for extra thickness, then topped with a third layer in back. As seen in House Beautiful.

French Country in Darien, Connecticut. Click here for House Beautiful article.

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Trends in Materials

I am being asked to speak at a seminar on Trends in Finish Materials for Kitchens and Baths.
Even though I have my own ideas I am more interested in hearing from you.
So, I thought I would pose the question to my blog buddies.

What are you interested in hearing about in finish materials for kitchens and baths?

• Do you want to hear more about back splash ideas and counter tops?
• Are you color challenged and looking for help coordinating floors, cabinets and counters?
• Do you want to hear about hard wood verses tile floors?
  
• Or, do you want to hear about alternate floor materials?
  

• Are you troubled with the terms and want to know more about them before you decide? Should you consider Stainless Steel, Vitreous China, Fire Clay, Cast Iron, Porcelain... how does one decide what is the best selection for your family?
  
• What finish selections are puzzling to you for your kitchen or bath remodel?
• Is cost playing a factor in what materials to choose?
  

I am interested in hearing what your questions are.
Thanks!
Laurie

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Small Space Kitchen Options

In a small kitchen, more than not, compromises have to be made.

Not all compromises are a bad idea. I love small space kitchens and they can be executed with charm and function.

The benefit of a small, but well designed kitchen, is that they can be efficient with fewer steps between the appliances, and fewer but well designed counter and cabinet storage space. The problem with small spaces if designed poorly; poor storage, lack of counter space, and inefficient appliances can send one through the loop trying to prepare a simple meal.

Photo from THS Sensational Space Saving Kitchens

Photo from THS Sensational Space Saving Kitchens

A client befuddled with her small space condo. kitchen, came to me for help. She said she is considering eliminating her dishwasher to gain much needed drawer space. You could do this if you do not use the dishwasher much but I think a dishwasher is good for resale value, so in a small space I have some other options for you to consider.

I have walked into many condominium kitchens and suffice it to say, many builders stick to the same cookie cutter and most decidedly ugly and awkward kitchen layout imaginable of: Narrow Pantry or no pantry, the 30" Range cornered between a refrigerator with a 39" x 12" deep cabinet above it, and one Blind Corner base, a 39" Sink Base , a 24" dishwasher and maybe one or two base cabinets 12" or 15". And in today's market, buying a condominium priced at exorbitant prices with these pathetic kitchens is highway robbery. There is no thought, no creativity in these kitchens, never the less, it is done time and time again. So let us look at what can be done.

So you say your kitchen storage is lacking in storage with blind corners, narrow drawers or not nearly enough drawers. Here are some design options that will expand your storage and still afford the luxury of having a dishwasher without compromising drawer space.

In this kitchen, designed by chef Michael Lomonaco, the plan for the 7-by-10 foot galley kitchen was simple: use every available space efficiently, without changing the basic layout. So he moved the sink faucet into the corner and the microwave to over the range—the only configuration changes he made—freeing up counter space for food prep. Photo from THS: A Chef's Small Kitchen

Let me preface, I do not recommend shrinking a dishwasher to 18" if you have proper base storage already in your kitchen. What is adequate base storage? Besides your sink base, a small kitchen equipped with at least a minimum of one bank of drawers 15" or larger for storing flat ware, dishtowels and small hand appliances, or bake ware.
Besides the sink base, at least one 21" or larger cabinet to store pots and pans with top drawer space for cooking utensils. A third drawer or cabinet with roll out trays would be optimal for additional storage needs. Photo credit: THS

No space to build out in your small kitchen? Consider using an 18" dishwasher in place of a 24" dishwasher to pick up another 6" of base storage. This makes a huge difference if your small kitchen has only one narrow bank of drawers. You can gain 3 sq ft of additional storage in a standard 24" deep base space. This makes a huge difference in terms of better storage capabilities.
An 18" dishwasher generally is adequate for 2 - 3 persons and can hold up to 6 or 8 standard place settings.

Bosch Special Application Dishwasher, srv53CO3UC measures 18" wide.
To accommodate large or oddly shaped dishes, RACKMATIC® allows you to raise or lower the premium upper rack at the touch of a lever (even when full), giving you up to 14" of space on the bottom or 10" on top. Features: QuickWash: allows you to wash six place settings in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for times when you need to wash a small load quickly.

Miele Slimline Series offers two models. Model G818SCVi Dishwasher is fully integrated with the control panel concealed at the top. Model G 832 SCi locates the control panel on the front.
Features of the Miele Slimline:

Upper basket features:
• Deep, height adjustable basket
• Fixed spiked inserts
• Two, single-section cup racks

Lower basket features:
• Hinged spiked insert
• Removable spiked insert

Standard feature in the slimline dishwashers have a device that measures the hardness of the water intake at every stage of the program and manipulates it, when necessary, with a salt additive that makes the water optimal for dishwashing.

The flat ware tray at the top frees up space for dinner ware or pots in the bottom rack.

The removable spikes are great for modifying the baskets.

Ge Monogram Model no. ZBD180GSS has easy to use controls- the mechanical dial turns easily to the desired wash cycle: heavy, normal, light, china/crystal and rinse. The racks are adjustable to accommodate for taller items. The silverware basket is located in the bottom basket.

GE Spacemaker Model #GSM1860JSS

The upper rack is completely removable. Pulls out completely to allow for washing large items.

China/Crystal selection — Protects delicate glassware and dishes by lowering the water temperature during the cycle

Pots and Pans Cycle — Scours off burned-on food with hot water and maximum water pressure

Frigidaire Model No FMB330RGC features

• 4 Wash Levels
• Adjustable Rinse Aid Dispenser w/ Indicator
• Convection Drying System
• Detergent Dispenser
• Leveling Legs
• Stainless Steel Interior
• 4-Level Direct Feed Wash System
• Space-Saving 18" Design
• UltraQuiet III™ Sound Insulation Package

Fisher & Paykel was the innovator of the dish washing drawer. Model No. DS605SS fits in a 24"W x 16"H space. It has a bevy of cycles: Heavy, Delicate, Fast, Normal, Rinse, Heavy Eco, Normal Eco, Delicate Eco, Fast Eco. A single dishwashing drawer accommodates long stemmed wine glasses, hold plates as large as 12", holds 6 place settings and has interchangeable racks.

Single

EZKleen Stainless Steel

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Dish towels and sponges

One day apart a reader and a client asked where is the best place to keep the dishtowel and dish sponge. Alrighty then, here is my opportunity to sound off about the topic.

Dish towels and sponges must be absolutely clean each time one is used. Because the average sponge can host 7 billion bacteria, (namely E. coli or Staphylococus aureus), you could be doing more harm than good during a counter wipe down.

Follow the advice of cleaning experts and keep your sponges as sanitary and effective as possible.

Get in the habit of disinfecting your cellulose sponge or dish cloth. An article from RealSimple.com, "How to Keep Sponges Germ-Free: Sponge basics and tips for microbe-management".
gives advice on this subject. "A damp, dirty sponge encourages bacteria growth. But it’s not enough to squeeze out the dishwater, says Richard Sparacio, cofounder of MaidPro, a nationwide housecleaning service. Once the soapy water has been released, rinse the sponge under hot water. Then press out the water (wringing will damage the fibers) and place the sponge on a rack, not under the sink. Allow it to dry fully before the next use.

A great tip, simply zap the sponge in the microwave for two minutes on high or run it through the dishwasher. Kim and Aggie, from the British TV series, "How Clean Is Your House?" recommended using a clean dish cloth soaked in hot, soapy water with a dash of bleach to keep them clean and bacteria free.

Where do I store my Dish Sponge?
The best thing for sponges, available in plastic or chrome with suction cups allows the sponge to have a home right in the sink bowl. Tuck it away from view by attaching it at the front of the bowl (nearest you). The sponge can drip dry in the sink and no one will be the wiser that it's there. The sponge should have a chance to dry between use to keep it clean and bacteria free. I toss my sponge at least once a week even though the recommendation is at least once a month. I detest sink tilt out trays because it is a dark dank place for microbes to incubate on your sponge. Don't neglect the suction cups. Keep them clean by scrubbing them with hot water and dish washing liquid, or pop it in the dishwasher once a week.

At Bed Bath and Beyond, my favorite is a little $6.99 item with suction cups. Here is the link: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/stylePage.asp?order_num=-1&RN=980

Since we are talking about sink organization, my favorite is from William Sonoma. I like their containers in these chrome containers. Very attractive. Although they need to make one for the dish washing liquid which sadly doesn't fit in this grouping.




This is very handy for scrubbers for a mere $12.00 but look how ironic? the picture shows the wet soapy sponge is homeless. Stick the suction cup sponge holder in the sink and you are all set! http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/sku8907651/index.cfm?pkey=chkgkit&ckey=hkgkit





At the container store: I found something interesting. http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=74098&PRODID=10019114
If you use both a dish cloth and a scrubbie sponge this is great for letting them dry out between use.






I had this one and chucked it afterwards. It gets goopy inside. Good looks at first, but not really. It says it is rustproof. Not! http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=74098&PRODID=72292







This combo is not practical. Unless you are very, very careful about keeping this bone dry, water collects in the sponge cup creating a perfect opportunity for the sponge to collect millions of bacteria. I do not recommend this. http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=74098&PRODID=72291

Where do I store my dishtowel?

I hang my working dishtowels on a tiered rack on the inside of my pantry door. They air dry and are out of site to keep my kitchen looking tidy. I use a clean dish towel everyday. One client even refuses to hang her towel. Tossing it in the laundry bag after every use she grabs for a fresh dish towel at every cooking session. And do not rehang a dirty towel, toss in the laundry bag and grab a fresh one. I recommend keeping freshly laundered dishtowels stay ready for work in a drawer near the sink. Use the tiered rack for keeping dishtowels and dish cloths out of site yet handy for work. This one is from Rev-A-Shelf # 563.


The worst place to keep a dishtowel is hanging off the range handle, the dishwasher handle or refrigerator handle. It is sloppy and unsightly. Buy a stack of dishcloths and dishtowels and change them often.

Before and after. Without the towels looks better.

This client keeps her sink tidy by keeping her tiered towel rack behind the sink door.

Cautionary note: do not hang wet dish rags near the door. The moisture and dark space is bad combination for bacteria growth and also moisture will ruin your cabinets. Lay your dish rag flat at the sink to air dry. Fold and hang dry towels in this space.

An alternate method for storing the dish towel, not wet dish cloths.
It is is more expensive and is planned with the design of the kitchen cabinet order.
The problem may be using 9" or 12" of valuable base cabinet real estate may make the "towel bar" cabinet impractical in a small kitchen.

An apron sink with the dish towel folded neatly over the sink is an alternate method.
Not recommended on sink bases with a standard wood or painted false front.
The moisture from the towel will ruin the stained or painted cabinet fronts.

This Rev-A-Shelf Base organizer with a stainless steel panel is a favorite of mine. These rubber coated hooks come in various configurations and are great for storage.
I would suggest the dish towel can be hung from a hook inside this stainless steel panel as well as extra paper towels, dish detergent, extra liquid soap, extra scrubbies.

Rev-A-Shelf makes this product in 3 sizes. 3", 6" and 12". I love this!

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