THE BEST OF KBIS

Our annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show known as KBIS  was held last month in Las Vegas.  I’m hearing that attendance was much improved over the anemic showing of the last couple years.  This show is traditionally where new products and design trends for the kitchen and bath are introduced to the world at large.  Here are some of my new faves from the show!

The signature look of Borholm Kitchens was a timely refreshing addition to KBIS

Simple Scandanavian inspired detailing sets this line apart.

One of the most exciting debuts this year is  Bornholm Cabinets,  conceived of and created by fellow blogger Susan Serra and her daughter.     They are a couple of smart cookies who know what’s both hot now as well as basic and unique enough to be timeless.  The line is Scandanavian inspired but American made.  Simple yet elegant and designed to blend into and enhance any environment.  I think we’ll be seeing more of this.  You can see more here.

I also love this beautiful bit of black.

Yes it’s a toilet!  When it comes to commodes the Japanese have definitely got it going on and this example is no exception.   We all know what a "smart" phone is, well meet the "smart" toilet!  The REGIO by Inax  features a sound system, heated seat, double power deodorizing, automatic seat and flushing, and dual nozzle bidet. Geez, what more could you want?  Oh, yeah it’s also environmentally responsible. Check it out here

Here’s a new fun way to add a little glow to that backsplash area between your cabinets and counter top.



The °eluma RGB DecoSplash illuminated backsplash is the first fully customizeable color changing LED backsplash.  You can change your color as you change your mood from fuschia to lime green!  This LED light is dimmable and you even have your choice of decorative inserts.  Find out more here.

Dark rich wood finishes continue to be a popular choice.  I just love the Asian vibe (of course!) of this kitchen by Wellborn Cabinets.

Click here to see the rest of The Best of KBIS!

SANCTUARY IS ASIAN, ARCHITECTURAL & AWESOME!

So here I am.  It's another hump day.  I'm checking the email under the delusion that I will catch up with my inbox when BAMMM I get this awesome press release from Ad-Maven Lori Dolnick of Frank Advertising.  Wowser!   I LOVE this new cabinet hardware collection, Sanctuary,  by Top Knobs, Inc.  It's modern, Asian, architectural and everything I long for (almost).   You can see the whole line and download a catalogue of your very own here.  Just one question, where can I get that door?   Isn't it stunning?  I'm going to have to put Brendan to work on it.  It looks like a must have for our new showroom.

DO YOU WANT A DIRTY KITCHEN?

The advent of the internet has allowed us to trade influences with other cultures at lightening speed.  Many of today's western designs borrow aspects of the Zen aesthetic incorporating organic materials, clean lines and a natural color pallette.  The ancient practice of Feng Shui goes beyond aesthetics addressing the importance of function as well. 

Recently I  uncovered a little known Asian concept known as "the dirty kitchen".  How un-American, you may say.  Maybe not.  A dirty kitchen is basically a smaller kitchen separated from your main kitchen. It is usually behind closed doors.  Sometimes, in an older home, we call this a Butler's Pantry which essentially is the same thing and can be highly functional if you have a small space adjacent to your kitchen.  Or maybe not so small, as in this photo of the White House Butler's Kitchen circa 1920!  I guess it is American afterall.

A dirty kitchen can be used for food preparation, secondary storage and for staging when entertaining.  It’s also a good idea  to have a second sink and even a dishwasher (as in this photo by ABCDDesign.com) or extra refrigeration in your dirty kitchen.  During a party, this secondary space comes in handy if you have an open kitchen. Guests can socialize and eat hors d’oeuvres in and around the main kitchen while the real work goes on behind the scenes- in the dirty kitchen!

Thank you to my bright and beautiful daughter, Sabrina for researching this post!

DO YOU WANT A DIRTY KITCHEN?

The advent of the internet has allowed us to trade influences with other cultures at lightening speed.  Many of today's western designs borrow aspects of the Zen aesthetic incorporating organic materials, clean lines and a natural color pallette.  The ancient practice of Feng Shui goes beyond aesthetics addressing the importance of function as well. 

Recently I  uncovered a little known Asian concept known as "the dirty kitchen".  How un-American, you may say.  Maybe not.  A dirty kitchen is basically a smaller kitchen separated from your main kitchen. It is usually behind closed doors.  Sometimes, in an older home, we call this a Butler's Pantry which essentially is the same thing and can be highly functional if you have a small space adjacent to your kitchen.  Or maybe not so small, as in this photo of the White House Butler's Kitchen circa 1920!  I guess it is American afterall.

A dirty kitchen can be used for food preparation, secondary storage and for staging when entertaining.  It’s also a good idea  to have a second sink and even a dishwasher (as in this photo by ABCDDesign.com) or extra refrigeration in your dirty kitchen.  During a party, this secondary space comes in handy if you have an open kitchen. Guests can socialize and eat hors d’oeuvres in and around the main kitchen while the real work goes on behind the scenes- in the dirty kitchen!

Thank you to my bright and beautiful daughter, Sabrina for researching this post!