Kitchen Cabinet Guide » cabinets

Kitchen Backsplash Height

The Kitchen Designer — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:57:20 +0000

The height of the backsplash, the space between the countertop and the bottom of the wall cabinets, is often left as an afterthought by many kitchen designers and homeowners. It’s rare in my experience that the client expresses an opinion about the backsplash height. However, If the height of the backsplash is not considered carefully, comfort and function could very well be at risk and affect one’s lifestyle in the kitchen – for a very long time.

Below, a backsplash height calculated for a variety of issues: a concealed microwave, height of the client, function and display.

Just this morning, I received a question from a fellow kitchen designer. I wrote back an answer and realized that the answer was good information for a blog post.

Hi Susan,

In discussions with my design team I am questioning the distance between the counter top and the bottom of the wall cabinets. Two of my designers, who have over 75 + years of experience feel strongly that “custom design” should be a distance of 15” to maybe 16.5”

I, on the other hand , being 6’3” tall feel that anything less than 18” (or with a [...]

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Decorating For Christmas In The Kitchen!

The Kitchen Designer — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:46:22 +0000

I’ve been thinking quite a bit about decorating the kitchen for Christmas, and that does not mean that it has to be this big, ambitious, undertaking. Chances are you already have nearly all the “ornaments” that you need on hand to do the job.

Prior to decorating my own kitchen for Christmas (disclaimer, we moved to this home 3 years ago and have not yet renovated the kitchen so it’s definitely not “me”) I was a guest on Martha Stewart radio on Monday, December 2nd to talk about this very topic. So, let’s get on with the ideas!

Around the same time, I had a lovely offer from Balsam Hill, retailer of artificial Christmas trees to use some of their products in my home. Of course, since the kitchen is usually the poor step sister in terms of Christmas decorating, I thought it was a great topic to share. Here we go!

1. Frame a kitchen window with greens and twinkling lights – or a huge, oversized wreath!

2. Change out dining chair seat cushions, placements and other easily changeable [...]

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Sylvania LED Undercabinet Light with Motion Sensor Function

The Kitchen Designer — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:25:57 +0000

We have been using these LED puck lights in various places under our kitchen cabinets, and love the 3 states the puck lights have – on Bright – On Dim, and OFF. You wave your hand to toggle the light states, and they each contain a AA battery you can replace to keep them going. Also the lights use a magnet and self-adhesive tape to mount so there’s no drilling. YAY! Great alternative to powered lights you’ll leave on too long and take way more power to use.

At Sylvania LED Undercabinet Light with Motion Sensor Function

Hidden range hood – Airone Aida

The Kitchen Designer — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 02:56:38 +0000

The new Airone Aida can be discreetly hidden into you kitchen cabinets. What is more, a separate remote motor sits in the ducting, taking the noise away from the kitchen. Comes with two 20W dichroic spotlights, 4-speed soft touch electronic controls, auto shut off function and filter cleaning indicator. Available in 60cm and 90cm widths with several motors. Depending on the motor, top extraction rate varies from 800 to 2,000 m³/h. Airone.

Previously, Downdraft cooktop ventilation Integrated range hood

Reusing Kitchen Cabinets in a New Kitchen Design

The Kitchen Designer — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:45:58 +0000

BEFORE KITCHEN PLANReusing kitchen cabinets to create a new kitchen design is both a real challenge and extremely gratifying. I’ve done it, albeit in an experimental way in a previous personal kitchen. In my case, it was an opportunity to try out some design ideas and at the same time hold us over until we were ready for the big remodel down the road. Here is a reader’s question on the topic of reusing kitchen cabinetry:

“I read the article on reusing cabinets and there are some great tips there. You mention the fact that reusing cabinets in a new configuration can be difficult but didn’t elaborate further. That is exactly what I am trying to do but need some expert advice!

I am in desperate need of a new layout in our kitchen, but our cabinets are in great shape. I have played around with the design and think I have something that will work. I am not a “handy” person so I was hoping to get some pointers on what to look at to determine if the existing cabinets could still be recycled in the new layout.

Do you have any advice on what I [...]

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Aging in Place – Appliance Placement

The Kitchen Designer — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 05:52:23 +0000

If you are a retiree building a new home, you can plan your kitchen and laundry areas to accommodate your aging body. For those of us who plan to stay right where we are, some simple adjustments and purchases can make daily tasks easier.

So, let’s start with the easy ones, like the Washer & Dryer. Front loading models are very popular today, but bending over and getting inside for the very last sock can be a problem for those with mobility issues. Most brands, including Bosch, Whirlpool and Frigidaire make pedestals for all their newer models, and can retrofit them to older models.They range from 11″ to 17″, depending on the brand. The other solution is to pull the machines out, and have your contractor frame in a raised platform at just the right height for you, cover it with linoleum, and your washer and dryer will be much more accessible.

Another place to ‘right height’ appliances is in the kitchen. Here are more tips from HB Building and Design: One popular solution is a lowered cooktop with the controls on the front. If you have room to make this modification, and lower this part of the [...]

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Tresanti wine cabinets

The Kitchen Designer — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:57:30 +0000

Tresanti thermoelectric wine coolers come in classic, furniture styled wine cabinets that are crafted from the highest quality hardwood solids and hand-selected hardwood veneers. Tresanti uses a one-size, universal bolt throughout the entire wine cabinet and once assembled, these cabinets can be easily moved around your house. The elegant timeless design is also extremely durable and agile. Combined with modern wine cooling technology, your classic wine cabinet will last a lifetime delivering both aesthetics and excellent wine storage. As you can see many different designs and finishes are available, so contact Tresanti to discuss your options.

<img alt="tresanti-wine-cabinets-cortina.jpg" src="http://www.appliancist.com/tresanti-wine-cabinets-cortina.jpg" width="460" height="480" /

Vroom central vacuum – improved

The Kitchen Designer — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 06:47:51 +0000

The popular quick-clean Vroom has brand new features including garage-mount capability. Homeowners will experience the next generation of quick-clean convenience with H-P Products Vroom central vacuum accessory. With a sleek new appearance, convenient hose lock, vacuum power adjustment knob and new garage application, you will see the cleaning turn from tedious to easy with one stretch of the hose. The new Vroom offers a quick and easy way to clean those high-traffic areas in the house.

Vroom quick-clean vacuum accessory is the solution for everyday cleanups, storing up to 24 feet of hose in a 3-inch space-saving box design. Vroom is easy to use, turning on automatically when lifting the hose. Once the mess is clean, the hose easily retracts back into place for easy storage.

The new Vroom includes all the functionality of the original, but with additional features – a hose lock, vacuum power adjustment and use for the garage. The hose lock ensures the hose stays in place, while the vacuum power adjustment knob allows to dial down the suction. The Vroom can also be mounted from the garage ceiling with a unique hanging bracket [...]

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Napoleon Oasis modular islands

The Kitchen Designer — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 03:31:52 +0000

Excellent choice if you are looking for a custom outdoor kitchen, the very capable Napoleon Oasis modular islands will help you personalize the outdoor living space, fitting your lifestyle and budget. Developed with versatility in mind, the Napoleon Oasis modular island series cabinets can be assembled in virtually any combination to suit your individual outdoor needs, including refrigerator cabinet, full cabinets, garbage dispenser, paper towel and utility cabinets, and variety of drawer units. All cabinets are 35″ tall and 24″ deep with 4 leveling feet for easy adjustment for any surface. The Oasis outdoor modular island series can be assembled against a non-combustible wall of your home or as a stand alone island. Fits perfectly with Mirage and Prestige ll built-in heads.

Key features of Napoleon Oasis modular islands include, - customization to build a modular island to suit your individual needs - four island configurations, Oasis 100, 200, 300, 400 - quick adjustment leveling feet on each modular unit - knock outs for easy electrical and gas piping installations - stainless steel doors and drawers for longevity - endless design possibilities - powder coated galvanized steel [...]

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24-inch freezer by Perlick

The Kitchen Designer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:21:41 +0000

Stylish, quiet, powerful, and energy efficient, the new 24-inch freezer Perlick is ideal for your entertaining needs. All Perlick freezer cabinets come with forced-air ventilation, automatic hot gas defrost and company unique variable speed compressor. To ensure all of your entertaining requirements are met, the 24 inch freezer has vinyl coated racks for storing martini glasses and beer mugs as well as storage racks for vodka or other liquors. Key benefits include - fully integrated design for flush fit with kitchen cabinets - zero-clearance hinging for abutment with surrounding cabinetry - industry exclusive full-extension shelves and stainless steel interior - maintenance free automatic defrost cycle

- stainless steel can be converted to wood overlay from - optional door locks and interior digital display - 5.3 cubic feet capacity - freezer temperature range from -10°F to 10°F

You can customize Perlick 24-inch freezer with full-extension martini glass chiller rack and choose from stainless steel or wood overlay drawers. Previously, Perlick wine coolers.