A RECAP OF SOME OF OUR FAVORITE KITCHENS...

In case you missed these posts, we're giving you a recap of some of our favorite kitchens!

 

 

 

IF YOU'RE RENOVATING OR RESTORING AN OLD HOUSE, TAKE A LOOK AT BARBARA HERR KITCHENS OF MARIETTA, PENNSYLVANIA...

For anyone restoring a period home, perhaps a farmhouse, or building a "new old house," especially with early American / Colonial influences, you'll really love her work.  You can find out more information, and view more of her portfolio at www.barbaraherrkitchens.com.

I love the ceiling beams and countertops and the backsplash, which appear to be soapstone.  I also love the slate floors.  While hardwood floors are beautiful, there's no question that slate is easier to clean and much more durable, especially with pets and kids!

This kitchen is so spacious -- and the windows let in so much light.  I also love the dark panes of the windows against the creamy white cabinetry and walls...

An Early American Kitchen: For those who are interested in the concept of the "keeping room" within the kitchen, this is fantastic.  The fireplace adds such warmth to the room...

This is another beautiful example of an updated farmhouse kitchen.  I love the glass storage / display cabinet on the right, which looks like a piece of fine furniture.

Farmhouse, Early American, Colonial Kitchen: Again, the glass display cabinet and the wall of windows, which let in so much light.  Here she uses some warmer tones.  Notice the stone wall...

Farmhouse, Early American, Colonial Kitchen:Notice the colonial colors and the fireplace in this kitchen, which really make it feel authentic.  If you're restoring a period home or building a "new old house," a design like the one above really creates a sense of place.

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INCREDIBLE CRAFTSMANSHIP BY FROST CABINETS...

We found out about Frost Cabinets when we stumbled upon the website of the Minneapolis-based David Heide Design Studio, whose work was featured in Period Homes Magazine (see "Preservation in Practice").

The craftsmen at Frost Cabinets are truly talented.  We posted a sampling of their work below; however, you can check out their complete online portfolio by visiting their website at www.frostcabinets.com.

Look at the clean lines of this classic kitchen by Frost Cabinets.  Notice how warm the room feels, even with white cabinetry.  The gray tile backsplash, dark granite countertops, and rich hardwood floors complete the room...

If you're restoring or building a home with craftsman / American Arts & Crafts elements, look at this kitchen, with its dark wooden cabinetry; it coordinates beautifully with the period woodwork in this gorgeous home...

Another view of this craftsman / American Arts & Crafts kitchen -- look at the breakfast room with its built-in cabinetry and notice the fireplace and the woodwork in the adjoining room -- probably the dining room.  Look how beautifully the woodwork and cabinetry in the kitchen blends with the architectural details throughout the rest of the lovingly restored home... 

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TWO CLASSIC KITCHENS BY THE VENERABLE ROBERT A. M. STERN

The House at Blue Water Hill (2007) by Robert A. M. Stern Architects features this classic kitchen, with sky blue painted cabinetry, glass front doors, white subway tiled backsplash, carrara marble countertops, a spacious island with plenty of seating, intimate breakfast room, and my favorite detail -- the picture window above the kitchen sink.  Look at that magnificent view...

Classic kitchen by Robert A. M. Stern Architects -- from The House at Blue Water Hill (2007).  Notice the pale blue painted cabinetry, the intimacy of the adjoining breakfast room and the spectacular view framed by the large picture window above the kitchen sink.

From the House on Lake Michigan by Robert A. M. Stern (2007)...

A classic white kitchen from Robert A. M. Stern's House on Lake Michigan.  If you haven't seen the home, click here to view it at Robert A. M. Stern Architects website -- www.ramsa.com.  We love the wooden box beam ceilings...

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 HUDSON VALLEY FARMHOUSE KITCHEN BY G. P. SCHAFER ARCHITECTS, PLLC

The kitchen of an incredible Hudson Valley Farmhouse designed by architect Gil Schafer....

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SUN-FILLED KITCHEN BY BROOKS AND FALOTICO...

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A KITCHEN CONSERVATORY IN HISTORIC GEORGETOWN...

Washingtonian.com featured this Georgetown kitchen, which is enclosed in an incredible conservatory. Architect: Kevin Pruiett of David Jones Architects; Interior Designer: David Herchik; Contractor: Mauck Zantzinger & Associates.

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SUB-ZERO AWARD WINNING KITCHEN BY INES LOMBARDI OF OSBORNE CABINETS...

Check out this amazing kitchen by Ines Lombardi of Osborne Cabinets & Millwork in Houston, Texas. Ms. Lombardi won a regional award in the Sub-Zero/Wolf design competition for her spectacular work.

$2500 Off On Your Sub-Zero and Wolf Dream Kitchen. Ends 9/31/11

Notice the subtle color painted inside the cabinetry, which really highlight the serving pieces and glassware on display.

$2500 Off On Your Sub-Zero and Wolf Dream Kitchen. Ends 9/31/11

Another view of this stunning kitchen.  Notice the cabinetry panels on the kitchen island.

Visit Osborne Cabinets & Millwork to see more of this company's exceptional portfolio.

For more information:

Osborne Cabinets & Millwork, Inc.

Houston Design Center

7026 Old Katy Road, Suite 293

Houston, TX 77024

(713) 802-0092

$2500 Off On Your Sub-Zero and Wolf Dream Kitchen. Ends 9/31/11

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CHRISTOPHER PEACOCK'S OWN KITCHEN...

At TraditionalHome.com, you can get a glimpse into the kitchen of the illustrious Christopher Peacock.  Who wouldn't want to see what the leading kitchen designer has created in his own home?

I've posted a few photos below, but be sure to check out the entire article at Traditional Home Magazine's website. 

It comes as no surprise that Christopher Peacock's own kitchen features the white cabinetry, marble countertops, gleaming hardwood floors and clean lines, which are, after all, the trademarks of his work...

I love the chalkboard on one of the refrigerator panels.  Not only is it practical, but it really adds interest to the room.  And the variation of the marble / tile behind the stove is fantastic!

Here's a closer look at the backsplash...

A beautiful display cabinet is practical for storage, yet it resembles a piece of fine furniture.  Even the adorable little dog seems to love his kitchen!

For more information regarding Mr. Peacock, visit the Christopher Peacock Home website at peacockcabinetry.com.

THE BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN SERIES #2: INES LOMBARDI OF OSBORNE CABINETS & MILLWORK IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

Check out this amazing kitchen by Ines Lombardi of Osborne Cabinets & Millwork in Houston, Texas. Ms. Lombardi won a regional award in the Sub-Zero/Wolf design competition for her spectacular work.

$2500 Off On Your Sub-Zero and Wolf Dream Kitchen. Ends 9/31/11

Notice the subtle color painted inside the cabinetry, which really highlight the serving pieces and glassware on display.

What we love about this kitchen:

• The creamy white cabinetry, high ceiling and wooden beams, which add warmth to the room
• The copper pendant lighting above the kitchen island, which complements the cookware prominently displayed against the tiled wall
• The great wall space around the cooking area -- the entire wall is tiled and Ms. Lombardi chose not to install upper cabinets in this section of the room
• The mix of countertop materials: stainless steel, marble, and even dark wooden countertops
• The kitchen island with its beautiful slab of polished marble and rich, dark wood
• The separate stainless steel refrigerator and freezer units by Sub-Zero Appliances
• The entire wall of glass front cabinetry -- the contrast of the exterior cabinetry and the painted interior -- a lovely sea-green, which really draws the eye to the serving pieces on display
• The slate floors -- a very practical alternative to hardwood, which can scratch all too easily
• The stainless steel range hood against the tiled wall

$2500 Off On Your Sub-Zero and Wolf Dream Kitchen. Ends 9/31/11

Another view of this stunning kitchen.  Notice the cabinetry panels on the kitchen island.

Visit Osborne Cabinets & Millwork to see more of this company's exceptional portfolio.


For more information:
Osborne Cabinets & Millwork, Inc.
Houston Design Center
7026 Old Katy Road, Suite 293
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 802-0092

$2500 Off On Your Sub-Zero and Wolf Dream Kitchen. Ends 9/31/11

Windermere on the Lake: Luxury "Green" Living in Fairfield County, CT

About Windermere on the Lake
Today, we’re featuring Windermere on the Lake, a luxury “green” community of twenty-four homes, set on seventy-four park-like acres in North Stamford (Fairfield County, Connecticut).  This private, gated-community, which has caught the attention of numerous publications, including EcoHome Magazine, Connecticut Cottages and Gardens, and even CNN, “provides secure and maintenance-free living, resort-style amenities, environmental stewardship and the tranquility of a classic village.”

Cumbria House at Windermere on the Lake, designed by Bartels-Pagliaro Architects (BPA).

NRDC Residential, a division of National Realty & Development Corp., selected top-notch talent to assist them in executing their vision.  The homes, designed by award-winning Bartels-Pagliaro Architects (BPA), were inspired by the work of C. F. A. Voysey and the English Arts & Crafts movement.  “BPA’s attention to place, space, light, scale and natural materials results in design unity with the environment and a Windermere lifestyle of warmth, comfort and integrity with the land.”

Evening view of Cumbria House, designed by Bartels-Pagliaro Architects (BPA).

Interior designer, Karen Houghton, created “comfortable, sophisticated, and natural interiors,” that complement the clean lines of the architecture; and the gardens, by noted landscape architect, Simon Johnson, are “an imaginative and contemporary reworking of the English Arts & Crafts idiom, using local materials and a range of plants suited to the climate and soil of New England.”

Interior design by Karen Houghton.  The exposed wooden beams of the ceiling add warmth to the light-filled room. 

The entry hall with its dramatic staircase.

Floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room.  Interior design by Karen Houghton.

The ultimate chef's kitchen -- bespoke cabinetry by Christopher Peacock Cabinetry, carrara marble countertops, stainless steel top-of-the-line appliances

Another view of the Christopher Peacock kitchen at Windermere on the Lake 

The carrara marble island countertop, built-in cabinetry and kitchen pantry.

Luxury Amenities
Windermere on the Lake is truly a luxury community, which caters to its residents’ needs:
“Convenience enhances all aspects of Windermere life, from owner services at the gatehouse to professionally maintained grounds. The resort-style community includes a swimming pool, tennis court, clubhouse with fitness room, walking trail, and lakefront fishing dock. And (the) gated, village-like setting ensures security and comfort.”

Residents can enjoy the resort-style amenities, which include a swimming pool, tennis court, and clubhouse with fitness room.

Residents and their guests enter the community via the Gatehouse, which provides homeowners with security and privacy.

The Homes
The light-filled homes have been carefully sited to “provide sweeping lake, woodland, or meadow views.”  They feature porches, stone walls and cedar roofs, and are luxuriously appointed; standard amenities include: “bespoke cabinetry, Waterworks fixtures, hardwood floors, masonry fireplaces, sports-equipment rooms, Marvin Windows, acoustic insulation and a comprehensive security system.”

Luxurious marble bathroom with Waterworks fixtures and bespoke cabinetry.

Options include the ability to incorporate an “elevator, wine cellar, home theater, exercise room, balconies, his/hers offices, steam shower, radiant heat, cedar closets, custom library and ground floor bedroom suites.”

Homeowners have the option of designing their home to include a state-of-the-art home theater.

Homeowners can also work with Simon Johnson to create custom English-country gardens, outdoor entertainment areas, and individual swimming pools (although residents also have access to the community swimming pool, clubhouse and tennis courts).

"Renowned English landscape architect Simon Johnson has developed the Robinson, Mawson, and Triggs garden options, which range in design from simple to elaborate (includes a lap pool) and can be customized for each owner."

Gardens by noted landscape architect Simon Johns

Gardens by noted landscape architect Simon Johnson.

“Green by Design”
The homes are “green by design,” and feature a wide-range of standard ‘green’ features, such as “Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified flooring, EnergyStar rated Marvin windows, EnergyStar rated appliances, energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems, high performance AprilAire filtration, low-VOC paints and carpets, water conserving fixtures. In addition, all of the lumber used in the construction is certified sustainable under Weyerhaeuser's ILEVEL program. Owners at Windermere will also have a wide range of ‘green’ options, which include: geothermal heating and cooling, polyurethane foam insulation, drought tolerant plantings, rainwater harvesting systems.”

Living in Harmony with Nature: Windermere’s Extensive Environmental Planning
While Windermere’s architecture and design is certainly striking, these elements are further enhanced by the community’s serene setting, where “native wildlife (is encouraged) to thrive, with wildflower and butterfly plantings, bluebird nesting boxes, and a log-crib habitat structure for fish in one of (the community’s) picturesque ponds.”

Windermere’s “Habitat Management Plan includes wetland restoration and preservation features that naturally improve water quality and prevent erosion. Buffer zones of enriched topsoil, ferns, and other plantings protect specific habitats. Where necessary, invasive plants are removed and replaced with native species that promote the long-term health of the environment.”

Residents can enjoy such activities as canoeing; fishing at the lakefront dock; jogging or hiking along the community trails; or simply taking a leisurely stroll through the park-like setting.

For More Information
For more information, you can visit the Windermere by the Lake website at www.windermereonthelake.com.  Potential buyers can contact Susan Smith of William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty to arrange a private tour.

Resources
Susan Smith
William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty
203.979.2629 (mobile)
203.322.1688 (office)
susan.smith@sothebysrealty.com

Windermere on the Lake
191 Erskine Road
Stamford, CT 06903
203.322.0055
www.windermereonthelake.com‎