Innovations in Natural Stone

I attended an event at Galleria of Stone last night and was amazed with some of the natural stone that was on display.  Galleria of Stone has on display one of the most innovative granite products that I've seen in a while.  In a nutshell, fabricators overseas have the ability to etch a myriad of designs onto the face of any slab of granite.  There are approximately 72 different designs that they have come out with to this point in town.  Roughly 24 of these are on display.  The slabs come into the United States with the designs already etched onto the faces.  Stone is then fabricated here using the standard practices.  Here are some close up pictures of some of the different designs available.

Dramatic Kitchen Shines in this Mountain Retreat

Every once in a while, a project comes along that is really special.  Now, that's not to take away anything from any of my other remodels or new construction projects - but sometimes you are lucky enough to be part of a project in which all of the involved parties have an unquenchable thirst to build something that pushes our creative boundaries in the quest to provide a truly unique space.  This house, this kitchen is definitely one of these spaces, and it shows through in every room of the house.  I was hired by the interior designer on this project to provide the cabinetry design for this kitchen.  We started from scratch and built something that we had never done before.  I'm quite proud of the result. You'll notice that all of the cabinetry has a reflective surface in the door.  I had to work with our cabinet shop to create a new door that would accept both a bronze glass panel and a cherry veneer panel in the door.  It wasn't easy but we figured it out and the end result is beautiful!  The Sub Zero housing is encased in a floor to ceiling column that is cladded in a natural stone.  The housing itself had to be completely re-thought from our standard because of the door swings on the refrigerator, hence the 135 degree angles on the pilasters that anchor either end of the housing.  Above the fridge, we placed a piece of Lumix Quartz (same as countertops).  The result is a piece that mimics a work of art instead of an appliance.

If you are interested in working with any of the other professionals associated with this project (interior designer, architect, builder), please get in touch with me.

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Cherry Creek Loft - European Styled Kitchen and Bath

The Kitchen

I think that when most of us think of "modern" style, we tend to associate it with very cold spaces that are fun to look at, but seem fairly sterile and cold.  Contrarily, this space is definitely modern, but also feels warm.  I accomplished this feat by pairing high gloss custom color laminate wall cabinetry against a matte finish, dark cabinet below.  The dark cabinetry is actually a rift cut gray oak veneer with a custom stain on it.  Luxury appliances by Sub Zero and Wolf allow this sleek kitchen to perform at a very high level as a chef's preparation area.  I designed a custom cabinet to house a dishwasher about 12" off of the floor.  This higher placement makes using the appliance much easier.  The end result is a space that doubles as both a wonderful cooking haven and a entertaining space.

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The Master Bathroom

The master retreat - as I like to call it - is just that: a retreat from the stresses of daily life.  It's a very calming room when you step into it.  Subtle colors on cabinetry, tile, and countertops are a nice compliment to the cool blue metallic paint used on the walls.  A very nice place to start your day...or end it.

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Holiday News

I'm pleased to announce that we have completed work on the luxury loft residences, "The Flats", in Cherry Creek North.  I began work on this project in the Summer of 2011.  It's been a very long road to get to everything perfect, but we did it and I couldn't be happier with the results.  This past Wednesday, we had our photoshoot, getting shots of three of these beautiful units' kitchens and baths.  I can't wait to see the edited shots.  Next week, we will be shooting pictures of a project in Avon, CO.  The kitchen in this house is absolutely amazing! Regarding new projects - I am beginning design work on a kitchen remodel in Observatory Park in Southeast Denver.  Construction will probably begin sometime in February or March.  Updates to follow.

A luxury bath project in Bonnie Brae is coming to an end in about two weeks, (hopefully just before Christmas).  We'll be shooting this project as well and of course I'll update with the edited photos when complete.

Last but not least is a beautiful white traditional kitchen and master bathroom project in the Polo Club that should be complete by next week.

I hope you're having a great Christmas season.  I am so thankful to have worked with some truly wonderful clients this past year.  2012 has been a great year for us here at the design studio, and we're really excited about the prospects for 2013.

Cheers.

12' Solid Wood Island Countertop Anchors this Kitchen

This spectacular island countertop is solid cherry wood. It measures 2-1/2" thick x 140" length x 45" width.

There are several radius details along with arcs on both ends and custom cutout for the 36" gas rangetop and integrated downdraft.  Needless to say, I spent a lot of time designing this piece and spent more than a few restless nights worrying about the details of installation and integration to the island.  Fortunately, our shop did a fantastic job creating the top and it turned out stunning.

But enough about the island countertop.

The design of this kitchen evolved over time.  We began with a standard galley kitchen and decided to open up the kitchen into the main living room, which ended up being a great idea.  There is more than enough room for two chefs to work simultaneously here and not bump into each other.  The Sub Zero armoire is 9' tall and mirrors the height of the tall pantry / microwave cabinet on the opposite side of the room.[gallery columns="2" type="rectangular" ids="669,670,671,672"]

European Styling in the Heart of Cherry Creek

I knew this kitchen would turn out wonderful when I first met the client.  She was open to exploring the options available in new materials and was more than willing to "go that extra step" with the design that took it from great to amazing.  The tall and upper cabinetry is a high gloss gray laminate and the base cabinetry is a composite rift cut white oak veneer with a custom stain on it.  This was a difficult kitchen to plan for, as we had to order the cabinetry from two different manufacturers, yet make it look seamless.  I think we accomplished this feat to perfection. These photos were taken by yours truly so the quality isn't fantastic.  We plan to professionally shoot this project in about a month though, so I'll post those photos as soon as they're available!

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Cooking appliances:  Wolf induction cooktop, island hood, and oven/microwave.  Sub Zero refrigeration.  All integrated and all very sleek.  We raised the dishwasher in a custom cabinet to elevate it 12" higher than normal.  It is very easy to get into and out of.  That sort of configuration is not always doable and is based on the space available to us.  In this case, it worked perfectly - so why not??

The perimeter stone is quartz and the island is honed granite.  Stainless steel upstands and back-painted glass doors also add to the character.

Sanctuary

Here's a scouting shot from one of my recently completed bathroom projects.

New Projects

I'm excited to let everyone know about a few projects I have recently begun. First - I am designing a stunning, old-world style kitchen in Colorado Springs.  The clients purchased a turn of  the century historic home and are totally gutting it.  One of the most gratifying parts of this project is the fact that the clients are remodeling the home in the original style.  It's more of a restoration than a remodel.  I have almost completed design work for the kitchen.  Construction is underway but we will not begin the finishing of the space until after the holidays.

Second - A quintessential luxury bath in Bonnie Brae begins construction on November 12.  We are starting anew with this bathroom.  It will be a fantastic space when we complete it in our estimated 6 week construction schedule.  Elegant materials and a design that emphasizes simplicity and function will make this bathroom a very inviting space.

Third - Brand spanking new construction in Greenwood Village.  I have been working with this couple since the spring and we have finally worked through most of the layouts for the kitchen and six bathrooms.  I am moving on to material and color selections at this point and assisting with helping the future homeowners pick out the finishing touches to their new home.  The permit is in the final stages of approval and foundation should begin to be dug out soon.

Clean Traditional White Kitchen

These young clients preferred a throwback to traditional style when they decided to purchase and remodel an East Wash Park Bungalow.  From the very beginning, these clients were open to all sorts of ideas.  We eventually settled on a white kitchen with contrasting blue island.  The lighter colored flooring, neutral backslash, and carrera marble countertops all contribute to a very open and light feel.  Casual and refined; perfect for this growing family of four to eat dinners together or entertain guests. I teamed up with designer Megan Kane and the result is beautiful and functional.  Appliances are by Thermador: Integrated refrigeration and freezer columns, a 36" range, and built in microwave.  The bar area (not pictured) includes an ice maker and under counter beverage center.

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A Traditional Kitchen Remodel

The clients, in Centennial Colorado, were interested in garnering more prep space on the countertops, updating their look, and most importantly increasing the functionality of their kitchen.  It's a difficult space!  With multiple openings, and only one true wall to work against, it was definitely a challenge coming up with a design that would satisfy all of their needs.

The old kitchen was white, builder grade.  The induction cooktop was located on the island, and their previous peninsula, to the right of the sink was desk height and awkward.  There was a serious lack of preparation space.  By stealing space from a pantry and walkway into garage, we were able to add seating for 4 people comfortably, take the cooktop off of the island, and add much needed counterspace to the back wall.  One of the biggest structural changes we made was removing a stand alone coat closet in the middle of the house.  You can see the difference it makes in the before/after pictures below.

The backsplash tile is a 3 x 6" polished limestone that we found at Decorative Materials in the Denver Design Center.  I wrote about this tile here, and it ended up being the perfect compliment to the Typhoon Bordeaux granite.

The true star of the kitchen is the 2-1/2" thick butcher block top.  It's a combination of walnut and maple, end grain.  This top was painstakingly created in Pennsylvania and shipped to Colorado, where it sits atop a mobile island.  Yes, the island is movable.  We sourced low profile casters and installed them on the bottom of each island post.  The result is a space that is truly multi-functional and very friendly for two cooks.

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Crown Moulding Sketch

Here's a sketch of a crown moulding detail in a project I am working on.  This particular moulding has three steps to it.  The top rail of the cabinetry is extended to 6" total height, leaving 4.5" to apply S4S...Through application of three pieces of square edged moulding we are able to produce a four step crown. Best part about this detail is the stainless steel banding that we are adding to the whole moulding stack.  A piece of stainless steel, 1/8" thickness will be added after the mouldings are installed to give an added dimension to the cabinetry.

Butcher Block Island Countertop

Here's a quick preview of a finished project in Centennial.  We took a "builder special" kitchen that was previously all white and completely non-functional, and transformed the space into a rich and welcome space that easily slides between casual and formal. The 2-1/2" thick custom butcher block top is definitely the focal point of the kitchen.  The top was produced by Grothouse Lumber in Pennsylvania and arrived just yesterday.  This couple loves to cook and was focused on increasing the usable prep counter space in the kitchen.  We took the cook top out of the island and moved it to the peninsula in the new layout, leaving the island top as 100% prep space.  What's even cooler is that this island is on low profile casters.  It can be rolled to any location on the main floor.  When this couple entertains large groups, they will be able to roll the island off to the side and use it as a seperate buffet area - or it could serve as a mobile bar.  It's versatile and looks absolutely gorgeous with the new butcher block.

If you are thinking about incorporating wood tops into your kitchen or bath remodel, here are a couple pointers for choosing the right fit for your new space.

1.  Don't choose a wood top for a high use island unless you are aware that it will get little dings, scratches, and dents over time.  Wood tops are not stone.  They will dent.  Fortunately, these tops tend to look better the more beat up they get.

2.  Make sure to oil your wood top generously the first six months.  It will require food grade mineral oil.  Here is the use and care guide from Grothouse.

3.  Wood tops can make great accent pieces in any space; whether kitchen, bar, or bathroom.  In a bathroom - think about using a wood top at a make-up area for a little bit of a softer feel.  Bars are natural spaces to include wood tops - I mean - when was the last time you went to the pub and it was anything BUT wood?  Grothouse has a patent on a special finish called "Durata" that is completely impermeable to water and comes with a lifetime guarantee against water infiltration or spotting.

4.  You can build almost any shape or thickness out of wood, so there are very few design limitations with wooden tops.

Classic White Kitchen - Observatory Park, Denver

Believe it or not, I started working with this client in the summer of 2011, and today is March 27, 2012 - which means I've waited a long time to see this project come together - I think it's going to be worth the wait. This is new construction in the Observatory Park neighborhood of Denver.  The house would feel right at home in any cozy New England town (New Canaan?) , so we took great care to make sure the kitchen and other rooms (we are installing cabinetry in 11 rooms in this home) had the feel of an updated colonial classic that would fit right into any New England colonial.  The pure white paint in the kitchen makes the space really light and airy.  The floors will eventually be stained dark, so there will be a very dramatic contrast there between floor and cabinet.  This classic kitchen will really be fantastic when complete...

Here are a few installation pics of the kitchen.  I'll update when I have some better finished pictures.

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Kitchen Lighting Ideas

Kitchens and baths really need great lighting in order to be a success.  Don't make the mistake of leaving this detail out of your plans until it's too late.  So before you finalize everything in the planning stage, make sure that you have taken these three things into account: 1) Where and what type of GENERAL lighting do you want in the kitchen, i.e. - recessed cans, pendants, etc...

2) What type of TASK lighting do you need to perform your daily tasks such as meal preparation, coffee making, and cleaning?

3) What type of ACCENT lighting do you want, if any at all?  This can include interior cabinet lights, cove lighting, etc...

4) What kind of bulbs do you want to use?  Do you want halogen, xenon, LED, or flourescent undercabinet lights?  What kind of bulb do you want to use for your recessed can lights and fixtures?

GENERAL LIGHTING

The first thing to do is to gauge how much natural light from windows and skylights is available.  For instance, during the planning phase of my own kitchen remodel in the summer of 2011, we decided that there was just not enough natural light in the kitchen.  Our kitchen is situated in the northeast corner of the house (read: least amount of sunlight) and the two windows to the kitchen were shaded by the roof over our covered deck.  The first thing we did was add two skylights to the roof to increase the amount of natural light.  It was a bit costly up front, but as a result, we never have to turn our lights on during the day.  Over the life of our stay in this home, we think the energy savings from not running lights during the day will effectively pay for the two skylights.

DSC_0523

If your kitchen is really dark, considering adding a skylight, or even a window.

After gauging your natural light, determine how much general lighting you want.  It's best to have 4" or 5" recessed can lights spaced about 48" apart from one another over the countertops, and a few well placed recessed can lights in the center of the kitchen.  4" cans cost a little more than the standard contractor-grade 6" versions.  However, the smaller version definitely is a more pleasing aesthetic look.  Don't forget to plan where and how you want to switch them on and off.  If you have multiple entrances to the kitchen, you definitely want these lights to be switched at the main entry points using a three way switch. It's also a great idea to install a dimmer switch at one location so you have the option of lowering the light output.  There are no rules except one:  always try to center a can light (or hanging pendant) over the main sink.

Check out the difference a bigger window and removal of covered porch made in this kitchen.

TASK LIGHTING

This refers to the lighting that you use to perform daily tasks.  Cleaning, making meals, chopping broccoli, bathing your child in the sink...etc.  No matter how great your general lighting is, you'll definitely need some task lighting.  The most important is under-cabinet lighting.

VersaBars

I recently came across this light, which I think is great.  It throws off a ton of light and it's an LED, so it's really energy efficient and it will never emit any heat.   Traditionally, LED lights have been much more expensive than Xenon or Halogen.  However, just as with all technology, as the number of manufacturers has increased, production costs have come down.  This one is quite affordable and I have it specified for a large kitchen in Vail, which will install in June.

Place your undercabinet lights at the front of the cabinets, not at the back.  This will produce the best result and better distribute light on the counter surface.  Most undercabinet lights come in several different lengths, so you should be able to find one for most every cabinet width.

One important caveat to LED lighting: It's what you call "low voltage".  The 15amp circuit that feeds the undercabinet lights is not wired directly into the light.  Instead, a "driver" or "transformer" is needed to reduce the voltage prior to feeding the light.  It can be complicated, so it's best to just specify the type of light you want, and then hand it off to the electrician to figure out the rest of it.  There are several restrictions on length of cable used and number of lights allowed per driver.  A good lighting store should be able to sort you out.  Just don't expect to get answers to these questions from Home Depot or Lowe's (I really prefer Lowe's - much better don't you think?)

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ACCENT LIGHTING

greenier_stained_glass_sm

Accent lighting is what usually sets the great kitchens apart from the ones that are just "good".  It's a well placed fixture or an interior light behind a glass door that can really make a space pop.  For these types of applications, you're really not going for a light that is super bright...You're looking for something that just accents a desired space, such as the interior of a cabinet, or the space between crown moulding and a ceiling.

Think about whether or not your cabinetry will join to the ceiling, or if it will stop short of the ceiling.  If your crown moulding stops short of the ceiling, it might be a  nice idea to add some rope light on top of the cabinets for a cool ambient feel.

quartz

On the "way out there" spectrum, translucent stone is now also being back lit for really dramatic effects.  Check out this picture of a quartz countertop which has been backlit from beneath:  

Cherry Hills Kitchen Remodel

Located in Cherry Hills Village, CO - the homeowners, a working couple with two young kids, were intent on opening up the footprint of the kitchen and modernizing the home throughout.  A larger window was installed on the south facing exterior wall, and the old covered porch was removed, allowing for much more sunlight.  The flooring was changed to wood throughout the main level.  The new kitchen includes an island with seating for four, new appliances, lighting, granite, etc. and a very family-friendly footprint. The most dramatic improvement came from removing the wall cabinets that were suspended from the ceiling at the East end of the kitchen.  Before, they cut off the kitchen from the rest of the home...After removal of these cabinets, the island was extended to over 10 feet long, allowing for a much larger prep space, and an additional sink for prepping meals.

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Limestone Backsplash Tile

Found this little guy recently.  I think it'll make a pretty nice backsplash in the right project.  

Three Exciting Projects Beginning Soon...

Just as a couple of projects are coming to a close, a few are starting to begin... A kitchen remodel in Centennial is just about complete.  We've got a few finishing touches, including a 2-1/2" thick walnut and maple checkerboard butcher block top, that still need to be installed, but the kitchen is fully functional at this point.  The general contractor has done a fantastic job keeping to schedule, and we expect to be out of there before the end of the month.

A seperate kitchen remodel in Cherry Creek is just now beginning to take shape.  The granite and appliances are installed.  Hardware is going on soon, and the final steps to completion are just a few weeks away.  I can't wait to photograph the finished kitchen, completely staged - the transformation is amazing.

On to the new...more specifically new construction.  The Flats, in Cherry Creek North, a multi unit luxury loft development, is just about ready for kitchen and bath installation.  The framing, plumbing, and electrical is complete.  Flooring and drywall will be added in the next few weeks and then the real fun begins when we start to organize and manage the installation of six custom kitchens, six master bathrooms, six guest bathrooms, laundry rooms, butler's pantries - all simultaneously!

Another new construction project delivers next week.  One of the area's most respected builders is nearing installation phase on a new custom build in the Observatory Park neighborhood of Denver.  I have been collaborating with the client and builder since JULY of 2011 on this project and I'm so excited to finally see it come to fruition.

Last but not least is a gorgeous bungalow remodel in the Wash Park neighborhood of Denver - also delivering next week.  Talented designer Megan Kane, of M Street Denver, referred me to the homeowners to help them design and space plan the kitchen, bar, and bathrooms and specify the best cabinetry for their project.  Of course, I'll keep you posted with pictures of the project throughout the install.

Sorry, no pictures today!  Don't worry, I'll get some installation shots up soon.

Transitional Kitchen - ALMOST complete...

Here's a quick before and after kitchen shot.  Appliances and hardware are installing later today.  I'll post some better pictures after I the project is complete and I can stage it...I apologize for the picture quality of the shot I took this morning.  I took it with my phone and the light was terrible...

**UPDATE 3/9/2012 - Appliances are fully installed and look beautiful.  We'll be putting the finishing touches on the kitchen over the next few weeks.  Photos to follow.

Wow!

It's been a long time between posts.  Almost 7 months to be exact....but I promise it's not because I'm lazy.  It's because I'm busier than I've ever been!  I'm happy to say that my wife and I had a baby girl, Charlotte, in August.  She's almost six months old now and doing great.  It has definitely been a life changing event and she's a pure joy to have in our lives. At the same time we've been learning how to be parents, I've been fortunate enough to have been chosen to provide new kitchens and baths for several exciting projects, including some new construction, one multi unit project, and two amazing remodels in seperate parts of town here.  I guess my main point here is that while I have been quiet on my blog,  it has not been quiet in work or personal life.

I PROMISE to post some great pics of the completed projects once we get them installed.  I'll do my best to get some install pics of projects going in too.

What is Induction Cooking?

InductionWhat does it mean, and how does it boil water faster, and more efficiently than gas or electric burners?

Will your current set of pots and pans work with a new induction cooktop and how can you be sure?

Why should you consider induction cooking for your kitchen?

I know.  It's strange.  It's a little different way of thinking about cooking.  For those of us that can let go of our preconceived biases regarding gas burners and how they outshine and outburn everything else, induction might be a perfect fit for our kitchens.

How Does Induction Work?

 Induction occurs when heat is "induced" into a piece of cookware by an electromagnetic field.  The "element" is a high frequency electromagnetic unit that is situated underneath the ceramic or glass cooktop surface.  (see the picture to the left- It's the coils!)  Induction uses sophisticated electronics in the element to generate electromagnetism.  This magnetic field is very strong.  When a piece of magnetic material - such as a frying pan - is placed on top of the cooking surface, the magnetic field is transferred to the pan.  This magnetism agitates the molecules at the very core of the pan's makeup and they begin to shake and vibrate very quickly, producing friction.

Have you ever pulled your hands too quickly along a rope and gotten a burn?  That's friction.  The heat that is released (and burns your hands) is the same type of heat that the induction cooktop uses to cook that bacon you've been salivating over all morning.

Here's the main thing to take away:  induction cooking transforms your piece of cookware (a frying pan, for example) into the actual cooking surface.

Yeah, it Sounds Great, but How Does it Perform?

There are three aspects to this.  How fast does an induction cooktop heat up?  How controllable are the temperatures?  How about energy efficiency?

Let's start with energy efficiency.  Hands down, induction is simply the most energy efficient way to cook that exists today.

On average, induction cooking is 85-90% energy efficient.  That means that about90% of the energy produced is actually delivered to the source.  Gas, on the other hand is only 40% efficient!  Most of the heat generated is lost between the time the flame is turned on and the point at which heat is delivered.  Induction is TWICE as efficient as gas when it comes to energy delivery.  WOW.

How about controllability??

Well let me tell you.  It's just as easy to control an induction cooktop's heat as it is gas or electric.  I don't have any statistics to show you, but I can say from experience that it is very easy to control the heat source.  You can still simmer your Gramma's sauce all day without burning the pot.

I've Heard About Induction's Ability to Boil Water Quickly, but Exactly How Fast is it??

It's not just boiling water.  The example of how fast it takes to boil water is just the easiest visual for most of us.  So how fast is it?

The following times are based on the time to bring to boil 2 QUARTS of water

Induction: 4m 45s

Gas: 8m 18s

Electric: 9m 50s

Induction is just about twice as fast as the next best option.  I think this is pretty self explanatory, so I won't go into more detail about it.

Will My Pots and Pans Work with an Induction Cooktop?

There has been a lot of backlash against induction because of a misconceived notion that your current set of pots and pans will not work with it.  That may be a little bit true, but for the most part, it is not.  It is also a widely held belief that you need to spend hundreds and hundreds of your hard earned dollars on a new set of "induction-ready" pots and pans.  That also, is not true.

How can you determine if your pots and pans will work with an induction cooktop?  Simple.  Take a magnet and place it on the bottom of your cookware.  If it sticks, your pot will work.  If not, then you need to go shopping.

Don't be conned into paying an arm and a leg for an expensive set of cookware if you don't really want to.  There are plenty of induction ready cookware sets available at places such as Costco that won't burn a hole in your pocket.  As with anything though, you get what you pay for.  Many cheaper pots and pans have "hot spots" or non-ergonomically designed handles.  These may work with an induction cooktop, but you may not get optimum performance out of them.