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Sure it looks good but can the Retrowave microwave also make food? Yes it can. For $600 you can get a modern looking microwave that makes your cold plates hot, and your cool soup piping. The retro design is easy on the eyes, and the food it produces will have varying effects on your stomach. We do like the Popular Science meets kitchen of the 50s and we think you’ll enjoy the little feet that make it appear to hover on your countertops. Via Gizmodo
I had the pleasure of visiting Cosentino’s headquarters, the parent company of Silestone, in Spain about 6 weeks ago. We toured Barcelona, we dined, we traveled to Almeria, we learned – I was a part of a small group invited to have a well rounded introduction to two fantastic areas of Spain and to have a multi-layered understanding of Cosentino’s breadth of products. Of course, we all know Silestone as the original engineered stone material for kitchen countertops, a market focus the company has always had and which remains the centerpiece of Cosentino’s efforts. To that end, Silestone continues to introduce interesting, eco-friendly, and highly durable materials into the kitchen and bath marketplace. That’s a general, and brief, overview, with more details to come. But, I did want to start talking about this trip by showing you some great images of a kitchen that I toured, preserved from the early part of the 20th century. The apartment building in which the kitchen is situated was designed by the amazing Antoni Gaudi called Casa Mila. Below, the pretty incredible apartment building, designed by Antoni Gaudi…wow!
Below, images of the apartment. But first…I thought it [...]
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It does not take much time, once one delves into the black hole of even thinking about a kitchen renovation, that the thoughts become disorganized, to say the least, given all the parts, pieces, concepts, ideas, not to mention products that are part of a whole kitchen renovation. There is absolutely NO excuse in 2011 not to be organized when embarking on a kitchen renovation. There are many online management tools to keep track of every single detail. You can be organized in several ways: in a super simple task focused way where tasks are simpl written down and checked off tasks are attached to projects tasks are attached to tags and/or projects tasks are attached to tags, projects, and a calendar tasks are shared by others in the same program and those are just a few ways to think of the detail/task/organizing process for a kitchen renovation. If I told you how many free trials I’ve taken of task and project management programs, based online, I’d be embarrassed to tell you. The program I have kept coming back to over a couple of years, even though I needed to stray to find the greener grass, of which I never found…is [...]
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Pressed Tin Panels is a family run, Australian company that makes high end, pressed metal backsplash tiles from superior quality aluminum sheeting. In addition to backsplash tiles, they manufacture metal tiles and panels for ceilings, countertops and bathrooms as well as a full line of decorative and architectural components. There are more than 40 distinctive styles to choose from. Classic or modern design ideas or whatever else you are looking to accomplish with your metal backsplash, can be found at Pressed Tin Panels. Previously, Custom metal splashbacks.
This multi-tasking digital kitchen scale with a licensed iPod docking/charging station is compatible with all current iPods, and we’re hoping iPhones. We love multi-purpose kitchen appliances that save us room on our countertops, and we currently have both an iHome music player and kitchen scale that would collapse into this one unit and save us space. The Joy allows you to get results in pounds, fluid ounces, or grams; weighs dry and liquid ingredients in increments of .04 ounces / 1 gram. It also includes an add-and-weigh (tare) function; battery and overload indicators, and an automatic shut off to preserve battery. Via Red Ferret at Joy Electronic Kitchen Scale with iPod Station
We’re big Doctor Who fans here at Kitchen Contraptions, and we just found this cookie jar in the shape of the TARDIS that even makes authentic TARDIS sound effects to help you travel your cookies through time and space right into your belly. This is of course a must for Doctor Who fans who like cookies or just having a TARDIS on their countertops. At Doctor Who TARDIS Talking Cookie Jar
We love on instant hot water dispenser for tea and cleaning up tough dishes, but if you can’t plumb your kitchen for one this on demand hot water dispenser will get you half way. It heats 16 oz. of water faster than a microwave and auto shut off turns unit off immedialey after cycle is completed. The space saving design fits conveniently on countertops, desktops and more. At Sunbeam 6131 Hot Shot Hot Water Dispenser
All you need is a counter, projector, and a little math – and bam – touchscreen countertops in your kitchen according to new work and research at Intel. “There’s nothing absolutely special about the surface, and it doesn’t matter if your hands are dirty,” says Beverly Harrison, a senior research scientist at Intel. “Our algorithm and a camera set-up can create virtual islands everywhere” The project uses real-time 3-D object recognition to build a model of almost anything that’s placed on the counter and offer a a virtual, touchscreen-based menu. For instance, when you put a slab of meat on the counter or a green pepper, they are identified, and a virtual menu that includes recipes for both are shown. Via Gizmodo
[KBIS 2010 Review] Functional and sleek, Vynebar is a new vertical wine rack that offers trendy wine storage solution. The design is the trend for the next generation and the new Must Have for wine enthusiasts. Epitomizing form and function, the Vynebar small shape and simple installation make it the perfect accompaniment to any decor. Designed with a sleek, state of the art style, the Vynebar can easily be mounted in any home or business to display specially selected vintages. The new Vynebar vertical wine rack solves the ongoing consumer complaint of clutter on their countertops. By utilizing wasted wall space throughout the kitchen, the Vynebar keeps your countertops clear while displaying your wine selection. Customers, including residential and commercial, can not only choose the size of their design, but also browse a menu of 18 different colors and finishes and can include custom engraving creating a personalized, functional piece of art. The Vynebar is crafted using only the finest grade materials applying robotic precision to accomplish a one of a kind design. The wine rack anodized aluminum colors are created using a chemical bath that embeds the color within the metal itself leaving [...]
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Each has its advantages and disadvantages and it is worth spending some time researching the numerous options. Wood doors are covered in the next section due the the large number of combinations of styles and colors available. LaminateLaminate cabinet doors can have endless possibilities in color, texture and shine. You can go for a soft look with creamy colours and a matt finish, or, if you want to make a real statement, choose Italian-style with glossy fronts and bold colors. A great advantage of laminate cabinets is that they are virtually maintenance-free. Wood is a natural product and prone to changes in temperature and humidity and needs a lot of care, but laminate only needs to be wiped clean occasionally. Laminate doors suffer from a lot less wear and tear than laminate countertops and should stay looking good for a long time. GlassLarge expanses of wood or laminate in a kitchen can look good sometimes but if you want to break up the monotony, glass doors can be [...]
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Tip of the Day: When ordering appliances, carefully check the specs
Because Helaine W.’s new kitchen includes a bank of windows on the exterior wall, the plans called for an island vent hood—a wall-mounted hood with through-the-wall venting wouldn’t fit the design. What’s more, the hood had to be 24 inches deep or less so it wouldn’t overhang the counter. To find the right-size hood, Helaine, her kitchen designer, and a salesperson from a local appliance store searched the Web sites of several major manufacturers and found the Franke FDF 367 1XS 36-inch-wide island hood. The Franke site indicated a depth of a little more than 19 inches, ideal for the application. An order was placed for the unit. When the hood arrived four weeks later, the contractor notified Helaine that the Franke [...]
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Now I know why someone associated with House Beautiful yesterday said to me “We love bloggers!” This post will have taken me about 6 hours to produce by the time I’m finished. Why? It’s the images! I’m not even going to tell you how how many I took…but maybe I’m the worst editor, or maybe there are just WAY too many inspiring vignettes in this beauitful kitchen/living space. In either case, maybe I was a little obsessive. That’s ok, I surrender to it and you benefit. Ok, let’s talk about the kitchen. There’s A LOT going on in this kitchen, a lot to talk about. I think I’ll be organized about it. Yes, Susan, that’s a good concept. OVERALL DESIGN The kitchen design, by Robert Stilin in close collaboration with Ina Garten, was meant to replicate Ina’s East Hampton kitchen for House Beautiful’s Kitchen Of The Year 2009. The kitchen of the year can be viewed at Rockefeller Center (you can’t miss it) until July 24. (click here to continue reading ››)
Furniture and accessories add the finishing touches to your kitchen and help to enhance its overall effect. Buying new accessories is the easiest way to change the look of your kitchen. However, it is important not only to choose items that complement the style and feel of your kitchen but also ones that meet your needs. Appliances and accessories made of stainless steel are very popular right now, such as blenders and toasters, refrigerators and pro-style oven ranges. To get the all-steel look without the price, look for steel finished appliances and accessories. Kitchen seating and lighting is covered below. Also, there are some hints and tips on kitchen cleaning and suggestions on what to look out for when choosing a kitchen to make these tasks easier. Tools and gadgets are a personal choice and should reflect your personal taste. Kitchen SeatingWith many people spending significantly more time in their kitchens these days, this room has now become one of the most lived in rooms in the home. Seat Height SelectionChoosing the correct size stool or chair is very important as there are several seat heights available. Remember, stools and chairs usually come [...]
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Choosing flooring is a lot like choosing countertops. Which type you choose depends on the style of your kitchen, the amount of use it will get, and the price. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Vinyl, linoleum and carpet are the most comfortable underfoot. Laminate, vinyl and polyurethane-treated wood are the most durable. Stone and concrete look good and are also hard-wearing, but are also harder to clean. Decide whether you want to install flooring under your removable appliances or around them (whichever you choose, make sure you can roll them out for repairs). Talk to your designer about this. VinylThe most common kitchen flooring material, vinyl offers the best value and versatility. It is available in many patterns and colors, either inlaid, where the pattern and color runs through the material (most durable, works well in high traffic areas), or a with a surface-only printed design which is not as lasting. Make sure you buy the appropriate grade for the area it will be used in. It is easy to clean and is stain- and water-resistant. It comes in either sheet or tile form. Advantages: Nice ‘bouncy’ feel underfoot (dependent on thickness). [...]
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The cabinets may be the face of the kitchen but the countertops are where all the action happens. A countertop will have to cope with hot pots and pans, knives, dirt and therefore needs to be durable. So it is usually best to make your choice based on the performance of the material and ease of maintenance, as well as the sink mounting option. Notes on edge styles and backsplash options are given at the end of this page (click here). The countertop choices are listed below very roughly by price (least to most expensive). If you are replacing countertops measure the tops at the wall edge (not the front edge) and make a rough drawing when you go to the kitchen store to get a quote. Also measure the depth and indicate how the ends need to be finished, meaning whether there is a wall, an appliance or a walkway. Draw your plan from above, as if you were on the ceiling looking down. Laminate Tile Wood and Butcher Block Stainless Steel Corian, Avonite and Other Solid Surfaces Swanstone Granite Quartz Surfaces: Cambria, Zodiaq and [...]
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There are so many choices where cabinets are concerned, such as the door materials, style, color, frames, etc., and so much variation in price that the whole area can be confusing at times. Hopefully, this section should give you a good place to start. You may also want to consider the option of having your cabinets refaced. You will be surprised at the results you can achieve by doing this, and also how inexpensive it is, especially if you can find a good deal with a reputable company. Definitely check it out first, get some quotes and see if makes sense for you. There are plenty of good cabinet refacing advice sites out there. Cabinet Manufacturing ClassificationsThe first decision when selecting cabinets is whether to go for stock cabinets, semi-custom, custom units or frameless cabinets. All have their own advantages and disadvantages. There are the three basic classifications of cabinet manufacturing: Stock, Semi-Custom & Custom, and this can be further subdivided into Framed and Frameless. Pricing will vary depending on your layout, the manufacturer, wood, finish, door style and the interior accessories you select. StockLowest price range. Limited selection of door styles, woods [...]
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Your budget will normally dictate your choice of products but there are other considerations you need to take into account when working out how much your new kitchen is going to cost. Prices vary quite a lot, so the figures given below are just a guideline and, as always, shopping around is the best bet. But work out roughly how much money you want to spend and use this figure when talking to designers and contractors. Below are some guidelines for establishing a realistic budget. Budget GuidelinesFirst of all, if you limit your spending to 15% of your home’s value you should recoup 90% of the costs when you sell. Try to keep your investment relative to your homes worth, but at the same time make it worth your while by spending on the items that you really want. Second, figure your product costs to be 1/2 to 2/3 of the total remodel. Choose your appliances, cabinets, countertops, flooring and all other fixtures first. The remaining money will go towards installation and design. Third, if you become overwhelmed with selection choices hire a design consultant to help you. A designer can save you money [...]
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Photo: A counter top acts as a touchscreen display. Priya Ganapati/Wired.com
There are a number of options when choosing a cabinet material, some of the most popular are, wood, laminate, and metal.
You’re hearing it more and more…the kitchen is the new living room. The drum beat is getting louder. I think we were shocked by the financial 
