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Kitchens for the 21st Century

Kitchen Style

Whether you long for a kitchen with a nostalgic look or you are drawn to those straighter clean lines that typify a contemporary style or an eclectic in-between style, there are now kitchen products galore that can provide you with the look and functions that you desire.

Perhaps you prefer a classic look with touches of old world charm and elegance, or a charming cozy country farm look with all the modern conveniences that reflect the appeal of another era. Consider a retro look of the 1940 s and 1950 s with an updated look and feel.

Many Texans with large homes in rural or semi rural areas opt for the large open rustic appeal of the southwest style. Also, as people today travel more, international influences can come into play and an element of style from other countries may be desired.

In renovation projects or new home construction, designers are now able to specify or provide all the latest and most up-to-date products for any style kitchen.

The New White Kitchen

Inspired by the clean lines and the vaguely contemporary retro-feel, American Classic evokes a creamy white kitchen, which often features painted, flat panel cabinets, soapstone, marble or granite countertops; and glossy white subway tile on the backsplash. This look pulls together well with stainless steel appliances. It s loosely called a grandma kitchen where there are more drawers than doors and there are bigger upper cabinets. It s very clean without a lot of detail. It s a classic.

Timeless Granite Countertops

Granite can offer the best quality because it lasts forever and resists heat stains and scratches. These countertops will not go out of style because they are nature s colors. Granite is often the most expensive material in a kitchen redo. It is best to start a kitchen project by finding the granite that you really love, and working other materials and colors around it. Granite has such a depth to it, that no one can copy the beauty of it. Granite is 98% quartz-one of the hardest materials on this planet.

As for maintenance, all you need to do is use soap and water. Cooks can slice foods on granite without a cutting board. Granite is not stain-proof, but if properly sealed, the likelihood of staining is practically nonexistent.

For counter cleanliness and concerns about bacteria contamination, granite is superb. A recent study by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management, a St. Paul, Minnesota based organization that develops educational materials and research, determined that granite (or stainless steel) are the way to go for countertops. Dr. O. Peter Snyder Jr. who conducted the study says; We hope our research will help consumers make healthy decisions when selecting a countertop surface for their kitchens

Granite is volcanic rock, forged under immense heat and pressure, the resulting crystals. Colors and patterns seen in slabs of granite are a wonder to behold. Granite comes in almost infinite variety of colors and patterns. The entire slab should be seen in advance. Brazil is currently the largest supplier of granite in the world, at least 19,000 tons a year. For centuries, Italy was the leading supplier of marble and granite but it has been surpassed by Brazil.

Brown, golds and yellow are popular colors in granite today. People are opting for granite with swirls, veining and patterns called movement in the stone. Simply beautiful-granite is forever.

Kitchen Flooring
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When selecting kitchen flooring, it is important to choose a product that is both attractive and strong. Kitchen flooring can accent the counters, cabinets and appliances; but it must be practical for the everyday wear and tear like spills and heavy traffic. Choosing the right material is essential when it comes to kitchen flooring. Consider the beauty and durability of tile or stone or the warmth of hardwood.

While making this decision, keep in mind that by making the right decision, a quality kitchen floor can retain its beauty and last a lifetime.

Hardwood flooring is a popular choice in kitchen flooring. The wood look is very popular with consumers due to its ability to add warmth and beauty, while being functional. Because of the smoothness of texture and durability of finishes inherent in wood, they shine in the kitchen for handling spills. The only downside to hardwood flooring is the maintenance. Scratches can require some refinishing costs.

The most permanent type of kitchen flooring is stone. Of the more popular stone flooring options are limestone, porcelain tile, slate, and travertine. A stone floor will look stunning and timeless in the kitchen.

Vinyl laminate is a good idea for those who are working with a lower budget. Laminate kitchen flooring resembles hardwood or stone while offering the easy maintenance of vinyl. Vinyl laminate is composed of plastic laminate adhered to fiberboard or particleboard. It has been popular in Europe for decades.

Light or neutral tones emphasize the impression of light and space while darker shades offer warmth and intimacy. Even the finish on a floor contributes to this effect, higher gloss adds to feeling of spaciousness, white subdued matte finish can have the opposite effect. Stronger color may be wonderful in a smaller space but it may be too strong in a larger space. Use these insights to help you select the right floor for your new kitchen.

Going With The Flow- Sinks and Faucets

When making sink and faucet choices for a new kitchen, you will discover that new options are springing up by the minute.

"Selecting The Right Sink"
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The sink is the busiest spot in the kitchen. Nearly every task begins or ends in its embrace, so choosing the right one for the way it will be used and the way it will look may be one of the most important decisions made when planning a kitchen.

The newest looks in sinks are those that compliment the latest trends in kitchen design namely the commercial or professional look and the traditional old world styling. These are two design trends that continue to run parallel to one another, closely followed by the nostalgia of country.

Stainless steel is more popular than ever. The stainless steel sink is the perfect compliment to the professional kitchen that boasts stainless steel appliances. Easy care is a big plus.

The quality of a stainless steel sink is measured by gauge. (The higher the number, the lower the quality), the amount of chromium and nickel it contains (the more the better) and the sound control employed (the more padding or coating the quieter) Tile, granite and solid surface counters allow under mount sink installation for easy clean up just push the wet and the mess right into the sink with no lip or edge to collect debris or water. Laser embossing is available from some manufacturers to relieve the too commercial look for use in more traditional settings.

"Solid Surfacing"

Having shot to stardom in the 1980 s this material now comes in colors and patterns that mimic stone. It can be seamlessly joined to itself. It takes integral, under mount or self-riming sinks. Small cuts and marks will buff out. It has however, been losing popularity to its strong competitor- granite. These materials were first used for easier care custom counter tops. Sinks of solid surface materials have attained a close second in preference among consumers for upscale kitchens.

These wonderful man made composite materials present a quiet, easy to clean surface that is stain and scratch resistant. Solids surface sinks also allow for either surface or under mount applications and can be fabricated to create a completely smooth transition from a solid surface top with no discernible ridge or line where they are joined.

"Porcelain Sinks"

Porcelain is still the number one choice for many consumers. There is nothing to compare with the gleaming surface of a quality porcelain sink. Surprisingly durable, porcelain or cast iron sinks are available in bolder colors and more shades than any other material. Available in either under mount or surface mount style, porcelain sinks are available in every imaginable style and with a wide variety of functional options and features.

"Enamel Sinks"

This is a less expensive alternative than others, except the most inexpensive stainless steel. Enamel sinks are less durable. Available in several colors and configurations, enamel sinks do require more careful maintenance. A good quality enamel sink may be expected to last for several years with loving care. Abrasive cleaners are not recommended.

Other materials used today are soapstone, a natural mineral substance. It is easy to care for, available in several color ranges (no two are alike) and in some of the most now styles like the extra deep farm sinks with wide apron fronts. Copper or brass usually are familiar as bar or veggie sinks. These metals are sometimes chosen for kitchens planned in the old world style or for a gourmet appearance.

Kitchen Appliances
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The biggest change in appliances in recent years has been a move to specialty and high-end appliances. This strong niche has been building for several years for stainless steel refrigerators, stainless steel dishwashers and pro-style residential ranges with large stainless hoods.

For those not interested in stainless steel, there s a move to integrated appliances.

For a long time, we've had built-in appliances but now with the integrated look, it's impossible to tell that an appliance is not a cabinet that you have to design around the fridge and the dishwasher; you don't have the sticking out into the room.

In cook tops the manufactures have done a good job on the high end with temperature cooking innovations and are now coming out with improved temperature cooking for sauces and chocolates. Their extra-low systems allow the burner to cycle on and off. You can have a product on the range for 10 hours and it will never boil over.

People want gas cooktops and ranges because of the look. This has been standard in the north but is now catching on in the south. Consumers like the nostalgic look of gas ranges and gas cooks better than electric ribbons because it gives you more control over the flames so you can cook delicate sauces. Consumers also want convection ovens because they cook faster and more evenly and keep in moisture better than conventional ovens.

"Best Kitchen Appliances"

The top appliance brands that are creating gourmet kitchens are Sub-Zero, Viking, Dacor JennAir, Wolf Appliance and GE Monogram. Please click on the images below to visit the manufacturer's website.

"Sub-Zero Refrigeration"

Sub-Zero Refrigeration and Wine Coolers are the leading manufacturer of built-in refrigeration and freezer units for residential use. The Sub-Zero line includes refrigerators, freezers, icemakers and wine storage. Great kitchens are built around Sub-Zero's

"Wolf Appliances"

Wolf Appliances-range, ovens cooktops. A Wolf built-in oven, cook top, range or grille is an appealing invitation to cook. A cook top can be customized precisely for your preferred cooking style. Choose four, six or eight.burners. Add a French top. Infrared griddle or infrared charbroiler, or a combination thereof. Underneath two full size convection ovens you can have an infrared broiler that cooks.

Wolf Warming Drawers offer superior airflow and large capacity. From a design perspective, you have four choices for the drawer front. Choose from the Classic Stainless steel look or the premium finishes of Platinum or Carbon Stainless steel. Also new and now available is the integrated drawer front, which allows for a custom wood panel.

The Wolf dual fuel range offers standard dual stacked surface burners. The large electric oven features the Wolf exclusive dual convection system that delivers even temperature and airflow throughout. Its two convection fans and four heating elements give the user convenience and superior control over eight different cooking modes. Brilliant halogen lights illuminate the beautiful blue oven interior.

"About Viking"

Viking manufacturers and markets the industry s finest professional kitchen appliances for the home. Viking was the originator of the Professional segment of major appliances in the USA, introducing the first commercial type range for home use in 1987.

The company offers two distinctive, complete lines of ultra premium appliances, including cooler ventilation, kitchen clean- up and refrigeration, as well as outdoor products to extend the Viking kitchen to the pool or patio.

"AGA Ranges"

The classic 4-oven Aga cooker is the flagship of the Aga line. Based on a proven design of more than 70 years, the 4-oven Aga provides a truly unique and rewarding cooking experience.

With 4 radiant-heat ovens, two hotplates, warming plate, and optional gas cook top, this Aga has unmatched flexibility and cooking capabilities. It's a true culinary thoroughbred. For those who want to add a conventional gas cooktop, we have a gas 2-burner option.

"Dacor"

Dacor appliances include an impressive array of industry firsts. Features like an infrared gas broiler inside an electric system for even heat distribution, a Butterfly Bake Element for an extraordinary traditional bake, and extra large Dacro Greats that simplify cooking with large pots and pans are examples of upscale performance driven kitchen appliances by Dacor.

Dacor s new over the-range microwave hood features an interactive touch display screen with more than 60 automatic settings. Dacor has combined the microwave and ventilation hood functions for the first time in its product offering, complementing its extensive offering of high-end appliances.

"The GE Monogram Collection"

This can be the ultimate inspiration for an outstanding kitchen design. These appliances offer the best in both American and European styles with choices and design options that allow you to customize your kitchen to make it your own. Choose from a range of colors and finishes, custom door panels that contrast with or complement cabinetry, custom door handles and other hardware, as well as a large selection of product sizes and configurations.

Only Monogram offers the depth and breadth of design choices to go beyond customization, to personalization. According to Professional Builder magazine, America s new homebuilders have made GE brand appliances their number one choice in every major appliance category.

"Jenn Air - A Clean And Classy Look"

Jenn-Air relaunched the majority of its appliances lines with a simpler, streamlined look. Jenn Air is a brand in the family of Maytag appliances. From downdraft cooktops, wall ovens, Pro-Style ranges to dishwashers and refrigerators, Jenn Air offers a full line of built in kitchen appliances. Jenn Air s full line of kitchen appliances enhances the style and performance of any kitchen.

From Pro-Style to sleek, the line of built in appliances is in step with the design tastes of high-end consumers. In addition, advanced cooking functions include quick bread proofing in convection ovens. Jenn Air has a new line of entertaining essentials, such as warming drawers, built-in ice makers, wine refrigerators and convenience ovens desired by avid home entertainers.

Evolving Cabinetry

Traditional

A new style of kitchen cabinetry is evolving and making cabinet manufacturers take notice: transitional style. A transitional type of style is absolutely going to be the most popular style in the near future . The transitional style is a blending of contemporary and traditional styles. The transitional style has been created in large part by those who are part of Generation X, Now in their 30 s, the Xers are starting to spend money, which means cabinet designers are creating new and unique looks through the combination of different styles, species and finishes.

Transitional

People from the X generation are now starting to come into their own money. They want to stay with the traditional type of look, but they want it cleaned up and simplified, and that would classify as a transitional style. Transitional cabinetry not only gives people from the x generation their own style, but also it gives them the essence of what their parents want as well.

Contemporary

Contemporary style incorporates clean lines, functionality and clean colors, while traditional cabinetry often features square raised panel doors and medium to dark finish tones. Raised panel styles are still very popular while the cathedral style is declining in popularity. Shaker style doors are also very popular.

Mission

Mission style cabinet doors have limited profiling in its full overlay design and incorporates flat panels and straight lines. Mission doors fit the transitional look because they carry a sense of nostalgia, and at the same time have clean lines which gives them the feel of contemporary.

Country

Astoundingly clean and elegant...

Country Style celebrates the simplicity, utility and variety of countryside dwellings, from humble farmsteads, camps and cottages to more imposing Georgian and Federal houses. Balancing this sensibility are the newer values of ease, comfort and personal expression.

"Cabinet Finishes"

The use of medium tones and darker wood species is on the rise signifying a slight drop in the use of lighter, more natural tones. As an overall industry trend, the medium (toffe or Caramel) colored maples are really taking off right now. It gives warmth and yet you still have a fairly nondescript wood grain and it can fit a lot of different style. There is also an increase in dark brown (chocolate) maples coming through. Darker woods are coming on strong. Mixing cabinetry color is also a trend. A dark island may be used with medium toned cabinets.

When it comes to species, cherry is always a favorite, along with maple, hickory and oak. Hickory appeals to those favoring rustic looks. Maple has been very strong for some years but oak has held its own and now there s renewed interest in oak. Cherry always does well. It is a classic. Mission style doors in maple and cherry are two species that offer a clean wood grain look.

Lighter colored cherries, like a cider color, are gaining ground. People like to see the natural wood under the stain, and cherry has a very natural wood-tone to it. Another new look is a bisque colored laminated cabinetry to complement appliance manufacturers new
Color-bisque.

"Moldings, Trim And Other Design Features And Trends"

When it comes to solid wood moldings, maple is probably today s hottest species with rope, beaded, egg and dart and dentil being the most popular styles.

Concealed cabinet hinges, full extension drawer guides, adjustable full depth shelves that can accommodate charger sized plates, slide out trays, pullout spice racks, pull out tray dividers, drawer organizers, rollout wastebaskets and other functional accessories all go into designing today's kitchens.

Features To Be Considered In A New Kitchen

Appliances

Specialty Items