THE BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN SERIES #1: KITCHENS BY DEANE

As per their website, "Kitchens by Deane has designed countless rooms in Connecticut, Westchester, and New York City," and the firm often handles projects for many of their clients' second homes in states such as Massachusetts and Florida.

The first firm in our spotlight is Kitchens by Deane, with showrooms in Stamford and New Canaan, Connecticut.  They first came across our radar when they won the regional award in the 2008/2009 Sub-Zero/Wolf Kitchen Design Contest.  We've posted a screenshot of their award-winning design as well as an additional photo from Moffly Media; however, we encourage you to visit the Kitchens by Deane website to view more of their impressive portfolio.

The first design features exquisite woodwork.  Some of our favorite features: Gorgeous painted white cabinetry, a center island with rich wooden countertops and glass pendant lamps, beautiful hardwood floors, glass-front cabinets, which add interest to the kitchen design...

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

Photo from the Sub-Zero/Wolf Kitchen Design Gallery -- 2008/2009 Regional Award Winner -- Kitchens by Deane

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

Photo from Moffly Media Website - Beautiful white cabinetry, slate floors, carrara marble and wooden countertops. 

The company's outstanding work has been featured in numerous publications, including Traditional Home Magazine, Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, House Beautiful, Westchester Cottages & Gardens, atHome Magazine and Better Homes & Gardens.

Visit their website to see more of their work.  For your convenience, we have provided direct links below:

• View the Kitchen Portfolio
• Library / Media Rooms
• Baths
• Wardrobes / Custom Closet Design
• Other work, such as custom pantries, bars, children's study centers, home organization centers, etc.

For those who live in the Fairfield County area, you can also take cooking classes at the Kitchens by Deane showrooms.  Julia Deane runs the classes and even offers private cooking parties.  

If you'd like to purchase a gift certificate to attend a class, we've provided a link here.  This also happens to be a fantastic holiday gift -- especially for men who tend to wait until the last minute to shop for their wives!

For more information, please visit:

Kitchens by Deane

Stamford Showroom
1267 East Main Street
Stamford, CT 06902
Phone: 203-327-7008
Fax: 203-975-1949

New Canaan Showroom
189 Elm Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
Phone: 203-972-8836
Fax: 203-972-8893

Culinary Works

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

ROBERT A. M. STERN: House at Blue Water Hill (2007)

Have you seen the House at Blue Water Hill (2007) by Robert A. M. Stern?  If you haven't, it is truly magnificent (which should come as no surprise since Mr. Stern designed it).  I've posted a few screenshots below, but you can visit RAMSA.com for more photos...

Look at how the home is situated.  The blue hydrangeas complement the facade... 

An inviting outdoor living area, featuring terraces, porches, pool, etc.

The view, the woodwork, the fireplace, the sense of intimacy -- need I say more?

And speaking of a view... 

A breakfast room adjoins the kitchen (with pale painted blue cabinetry. 

The staircase.... 

The entrance hall... A truly spectacular home!

BOSTON DESIGN GUIDE

Check out the Boston Design Guide.  Even if you don't live in Boston or the surrounding area, it's a great source of ideas and inspiration. This is an indispensable resource for the architecture and interior design obsessed -- and the photography is magnificent!
I've posted some screenshots below, but you really have to visit the website.  You'll find the best architects, interior designers, landscape architects, kitchen contractors, etc.  Believe me, you will find yourself bookmarking this site!

A Glimpse into Christopher Peacock's Own Kitchen Courtesy of Traditional Home Magazine...

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.

"New Old House" Kitchens by Barbara Herr...

I decided to highlight some of my favorite kitchen sources today.  We'll start with 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 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...

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.

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...

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.

COUNTRY CLUB HOMES, INC.: 2009 HOBI Award Winner

Country Club Homes of Wilton, Connecticut appeared on our radar in September 2009, when East Coast Home and Design Magazine featured one of their recent projects, a magnificent Shingle Style home.  A few photos from their website are posted below.  For more information, visit their website at www.countryclubhomesinc.com or flip through the September 2009 digital issue of East Coast Home and Design Magazine (see the article entitled, "Family Style" on pages 64 through 75).

Lovely Colonial Home by Country Club Homes, Inc. of Wilton, Connecticut -- 2009 HOBI Award-Winning Builder

Exquisitely detailed banquette area in kitchen...

Inviting porch by Country Club Homes -- beautiful outdoor living area, hanging lanterns, stone floor

For more information, please contact:

Country Club Homes, Inc.

462 Danbury Road

Wilton, CT 06897

Tel.  203.762.0550

Fax  203.762.7933

info@countryclubhomesinc.com

Looking for Design Advice and Inspiration? Try Point-Click-Home

Point Click Home (www.pointclickhome.com) is a great place to search for design advice, resources and inspiration.  Our favorite tool is the room finder (see photo below), which allows you to select a room type and style so you can narrow down your search results.

Incredible Craftsmanship at 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.