Thursday, April 23, 2009

Eisenberg Quoted Again

Once again I have been interviewed and quoted by one of the leading Kitchen & Bath Industry trade Publications. The article , "A Proper Place" , was published in the April edition of Kitchen and Bath Design News . The article focuses on the leading trends in storage and organizing systems for the kitchen and bath.

http://license.icopyright.net/user/viewFreeUse.act?fuid=MzI2OTU3MA==

Friday, April 17, 2009

What's new in wood countertops? Part 3 of 3

Brooks Custom
December 16, 2008


Bring a handcrafted look to the kitchen with Brooks Custom wood countertops. Offering a wide-plank look in a variety of wood species, the pieces are hand-rubbed in a marine oil finish to create a lasting durable surface. Pictured is a teak countertop, which will gain a darker, deeper tone over time. The company also fabricates metal, concrete, and glass countertops.

Printed with permission http://www.kbbonline.com

Blog posts are for informational purposes and are not an endorsement of any manufacturer.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

What's new in wood countertops? Part 2 of 3

John Boos & Co.

December 16, 2008


John Boos & Co. has expanded its Metropolitan Designer series to include two new kitchen islands. The Cherry Metro Oasis and Cherry Metro Center islands offer clean lines and a geometric look. Both pieces feature northern hard rock maple or solid American cherry tops with stainless-steel bases. The islands can be used as an additional workspace in the kitchen or a place to gather when paired with bar stools.

Printed with permission www.kbbonline.com



Blog posts are for informational purposes and are not an endorsement of any manufacturer.

Monday, April 13, 2009

What's New In Wood Countertops

My next 3 blog posts will be about different manufacturers of wood countertops. There are links to each company website within the article. All of the information is used with permission of www.kbbonline.com


Elmwood Reclaimed Timber
December 16, 2008 www.kbbonline.com

Made of wood gathered from old buildings, barns and rural structures that pre-date the 1930s, Elmwood Reclaimed Timber's countertops have a one-of-a-kind look. The company offers a variety of looks from traditional to rustic to Tuscan/Old World that are designed to complement any décor. To achieve a particular look, the countertops can be antiqued, wire-brushed, hand-planed and hand-hewn.


****Blog posts are for informational purposes only and are not an endorsement of any one company.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

My 1st Investment House Is Ready for Sale!!!!

A little off the Kitchen topic but I am so excited that the renovations on my first investment property are finally finished. Being in the construction industry for almost 30 years you would think I would be prepared for delays and surprises. As the owner I wanted this done yesterday! The surprises are all corrected and the delays are over and the "little house on Miles" is ready to become someone's home.

It is the perfect starter home for a single or couple. It is near Johns Hopkins University (JHU). For any of my "Kosher" readers it is within the new JHU "Eruv". It would be perfect for student or faculity. This is also a great property for an investor.

For more information: http://www.ffdassociates.com/2620milesave.html

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

New Survey Finds Energy, Not Water, Drives Appliance Purchases

Findings dispel myths about eco-awareness between genders.
By: Nigel F. Maynard for Builder on line newsletter from Hanley Wood Publications

March 29, 2009


Appliance giant Whirlpool Corp. recently released survey results concluding that most consumer respondents—84%—consider energy efficiency to be the most important factor in their appliance purchases, beating out water and time savings.
The survey also found that 72% of respondents actively look for the Energy Star label when making their appliance purchasing decisions, the Benton Harbor, Mich.-based company says.


Monday, April 06, 2009

The Condo Conundrum

This is a great article I found on the Kitchen/Bath Business site.


One more way of keeping my consumer reader on top of what the industry experts are thinking.





How to maximize style and efficiency in a condo's compact kitchen
By Ellen Sturm NizMarch 19, 2009


As aging Baby Boomers and new families look for affordable, easy-to-maintain homes and perks like private community swimming pools, condo living is becoming more and more popular nationwide. With all the benefits of condo living, however, there are also some restrictions—especially when it comes to remodeling. Space is often limited and plumbing is fixed. Plus, condo dwellers have to consider their neighbors, both in terms of common walls and the hours when construction noise is acceptable.


Award-winning designer Susan Serra, CKD, owner of Susan Serra Associates, Inc. in Northport, NY, is blogging (on TheKitchenDesigner.org) about her experiences renovating her Manhattan pied-à-terre. K+BB caught up with Serra to ask her about the unique experience of remodeling a condo kitchen, both from her professional and personal experience.




Q: What makes designing a kitchen for a condo different than designing one for a house?


A: Designing a condo kitchen must appeal to the mainstream with a transitional theme, as opposed to a personal style or a specific theme. The kitchen must at once appear to be attractive and functional.


Q: What are the biggest challenges of designing a kitchen for a condo?


A: Not wasting space, such as around the refrigerator, is important, as is designing in adequate counter space. Appliance location that makes sense is critical. Paying attention to movement and traffic flow is first and foremost.


Q: How do you solve those challenges?


A: A false wall behind an island or peninsula can direct a sink vent to a better location. Simple styling, such as recessed or flat doors, as opposed to raised panel, will help the space flow. Avoid the use of bold colors and instead use a monochromatic or other soft color scheme to make the space appear to be larger. Beware of an island being an obstacle with insufficient aisles surrounding it.


Q: How do you maintain value for resale?


A: I'm biased. My product, Hansen [Serra is the U.S. distributor for Hansen kitchen and bath furniture], is eco-friendly, made of solid wood and will last for decades. It gets better as it ages. As a result, value is maintained for the condo owner and building owner as units turn over.


Q: Do you have to be concerned with "over remodeling" your condo as compared to other units in the same building or community?


A: Generally speaking, those who appreciate—key word—quality will respond to quality with interest. However, the geographic location of the condo will also determine just how much costly materials translate into interested buyers.

Saturday, April 04, 2009

Live Design Class In Baltimore

On Friday April 17 and 24 - I will be presenting "The Kitchen Conundrum" at Beth's DIY workshop in Baltimore, MD. Here is your chance to make your kitchen work for you. During the first class you will learn the basic principles of kitchen design. You will then go home and draw a kitchen design using these principles and your ideas of what you want. The second time you meet one on one with Joan for a half hour to go over your design and ask questions. For more information about me visit www.mykitchenlady.com . The cost for the class and consult is $100. It would also be a good idea to purchase her kitchen planner on line so that you can learn how to measure your kitchen before class and come to class with some measurements in hand. CDs of the kitchen planner will be available at the class.

To register click this link:
http://www.bethsdiyworkshop.com

Friday, April 03, 2009

Marble Institute of America Launches Consumer Safety Program

Marble Institute of America's Home Approved Stone program, a national stone safety-testing program designed to keep consumers updated on the safety of granite countertops for home use.


For the full story:

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

New Tall Dishwasher Drawer Announced by Fisher & Paykel

In the April 1, 2009 newsletter Fisher & Paykel announcer the improved version of their one of a kind Dishwasher.

With over a decade of DishDrawer® manufacturing, we introduce the latest addition by Fisher & Paykel to revolutionize your kitchen; DishDrawer® Tall. This next generation in dishwashing has a taller top drawer so you can now fit up to 13" plates and platters with ease. Adjustable racks on the side of the drawer and folding tines ensure complete versatility and adaptability of the drawer to your needs. Follow this up with a range of wash programs and independently operated drawers and you have the ultimate kitchen clean up companion.
For more information on DishDrawer® Tall, please visit: http://www.fisherpaykel.com/dishwashing/

Dishwasher When Installed Is Not Practical !

I'm not certain how many places don't have built-in dishwashers these days but I am certain there mus be some and this could be a lifesaver.


Kitchen/Bath Business Magazine Update
January 19, 2009


Ideal for singles, couples or a secondary residence, Danby's countertop dishwasher offers full-size power in a compact design. The 17-in.-high dishwasher can fit between the countertop and cabinetry, features four wash cycles, a durable stainless-steel interior and can fit four place settings. A quick connect system eliminates the need for direct plumbing and its low water consumption of 2.3 gallons during a normal cycle makes it an environmentally friendly choice.








For more info: