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!

BEAUTY IS SKIN DEEP ON NEW VENEER DOORS

What should we call this door?

 

Brendan has done it again!  One of our favorite clients has been exploring exotic wood veneers as a way to add unique beauty to their new dream kitchen. (See previous post about wood veneers here).  They chose Olive Ash  Burl veneer and here are the doors we've come up with.  The first is a dark stained cherry frame around a natural Olive Ash Burl veneer center panel.

Up close look at the burl center panel

 

The swirls of the burl are stunning.  They stimulate the imagination.  With every glance a new shape emerges.  Maybe this would be a good tool for psychlogists! Keep in mind that a little goes a long way here.   I probably wouldn't use these for every single door in your kitchen.  Use them as a focal point.  Not only will it have just the right amount of impact but you'll save money by mixing it up with a basic.

Door #2. Any ideas?

The second door is slab-styled with a dark stained Olive Ash Burl veneer face.  The edge banding is a smooth dark stained cherry to match.  They are going to become part of our standard offering here at Brendan Donovan Furniture & Cabinet Co. and shall be named!  Any good ideas?  I'm open to suggestions.  Oh and by the way, this veneer comes from various parts of Europe, in case that influences your decision.

Don't forget to check out the Tip of the Day at Blanco by Design as we count down to Earth Day.  You can find mine featured today!

SHOW SOME SKIN IN YOUR KITCHEN

Wenge wood, as shown in this Holiday Kitchen, is a popular veneer choice. Photo by Divine Kitchens LLC MA

Don't get excited. Skins are what we sometimes call  wood veneers, or super thin sheets of material used to cover cabinet doors or panels instead of using solid wood.  As clean lines and contemporary styling continues to increase in popularity, surfaces themselves become the ornamentation and focal interest in a kitchen.  The use of interesting wood grain veneers  which are both beautiful and unique, is an excellent  way to make a simple slab door stand out.

A wide assortment of available options. Photo credit apartmenttherapy.com

Olive Ash Burl Veneer in its natural state. A little goes a long way.

Many of my clients are surprised to learn that this is can actually be a more expensive option compared to a solid wood door.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  One is that these veneers, or skins, are often made from exotic wood and secondly this can be a labor intensive process, thus the increased cost.  The advantage being you can "control" the wood grain, so to speak, creating patterns that match up with each other.  So if the unexpected randomness of natural wood grain makes your pits sweat this could be a good alternative for you.

Another option if exotic wood veneers are too rich for your blood is something called "engineered wood veneers".  These are man made skins that replicate the exotics using not-so-exotic woods. The material cost is a lot less and in many cases it's hard to tell the difference.

Brendan Donovan's Sapele Mahogany door with Rosewood veneer panel

If you still love more traditional styling, veneers can still be useful for you.  A traditional 5 piece door benenfits greatly from a center panel that is veneer rather than solid wood.  The reason is that the veneer is applied to a dense MDF substrate that will not expand and contract the way solid wood does, thus the center panel will not ever swell cracking open the seams or shrink resulting in a lose rattling center panel.

One of my favorite traditional doors made here at Brendan Donovan Furniture & Cabinet Co. is this Sapele Mahogany door with a Rosewood veneer center panel.

Another way to get the look without blowing your budget is to mix it up.  Just use the veneer on, for example, your upper cabinet doors.  The more intricate the graining the stronger the statement.  In other words, a little goes a long way.  Too much and it becomes busy and you lose the concept of focal point.

Vanity featuring same door by Brendan Donovan Furniture & Cabinet Co.

If your kitchen design involves round radius shapes it's going to involve wood veneer which can be bent and moulded to conform as needed.  Another beautiful effect can be achieved through the use of marketry, or inlay.  In researching this post I came across the amazing work of Juli Morsella.  Talk about adding a little art to your kitchen!  In addition, Juli is committed to using reclaimed woods, eco-friendly materials and she donates 10% of her earnings to environmental causes.

African art inspired these marquetry doors by Juli Morsella.

More marquetry lovliness from Juli Morsella

If you're interested in using wood veneers (or not) for your kitchen I would love to hear from you!  Congrats to Amy Parrag of Eye See Pretty.  She is the winner of the Orgaline drawer organizer giveaway!

THE TRADITIONAL WINNER

As promised, by yours truly, may I present this year's Subzero Wolf Traditional Kitchen Design winner,  Vasi Ypsilantis of The Breakfast Room Ltd., Manhasset, New York.  I find it interesting that both contemporary (see last post) and traditional winners used the color blue and incorporated dark stained wood into their designs even though they are at opposite ends of the design spectrum.  Notice how the architectural detail in the ceiling is repeated with the hood.  This kitchen has a very authentic turn of the century appeal.  In traditional styling it is all about the attention to detail.

THE TRADITIONAL WINNER

As promised, by yours truly, may I present this year's Subzero Wolf Traditional Kitchen Design winner,  Vasi Ypsilantis of The Breakfast Room Ltd., Manhasset, New York.  I find it interesting that both contemporary (see last post) and traditional winners used the color blue and incorporated dark stained wood into their designs even though they are at opposite ends of the design spectrum.  Notice how the architectural detail in the ceiling is repeated with the hood.  This kitchen has a very authentic turn of the century appeal.  In traditional styling it is all about the attention to detail.

WINNING WITH CONTEMPORARY

Every year high end appliance manufacturer Subzero Wolf sponsor a kitchen design contest.  This year's winner is Jose Eduardo Calma of Lor Calma & Partners, Makati City, Phillipines.  I must confess I LOVE this!  The juxtaposition of materials and calm yet sublime use of color puts me in a Zen state of mind.  Well done, Jose!  If traditional styling is more your cup of tea, stay tuned.  My next post will show you the winner in the traditional category. Photo is courtesy of Subzero Wolf.  

WINNING WITH CONTEMPORARY

Every year high end appliance manufacturer Subzero Wolf sponsor a kitchen design contest.  This year's winner is Jose Eduardo Calma of Lor Calma & Partners, Makati City, Phillipines.  I must confess I LOVE this!  The juxtaposition of materials and calm yet sublime use of color puts me in a Zen state of mind.  Well done, Jose!  If traditional styling is more your cup of tea, stay tuned.  My next post will show you the winner in the traditional category. Photo is courtesy of Subzero Wolf.