{idea notebook} Open Kitchen Shelving: accessible and fabulous

Ah... the sun has started to shine over the Midwest again, and the windows are peeking open ever-so slightly to let the fresh, spring breeze flow through all of our musty, winter rooms. Funny how this warmer weather brings new energy with it, a second wind to get up a do something... In my case, it has lead me back to my "to-do list" and the project that has been lingering since we purchased the house... the kitchen cupboards. I hate them. Period. They are boring, plain oak wood that make absolutely no sense with my home's decor and open floor plan. I am dying to recreate my space with a mix of white cabinets, open shelving and gorgeous Anthropologie hardware. Think airy, cheerful and feminine...a place where I can hang my apron and showcase my latte bowls. Why not? They're fabulous! Not to mention, I love how open shelving & cabinets instantly make your kitchen look larger and keeps everyday items accessible. So here's to getting re-inspired! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!


*Photography via Fresh Home Ideas

THE ELECTROLUX ICON PROFESSIONAL SERIES

Photo from the official Electrolux ICON website at www.electroluxicon.com.

Check out the Electrolux ICON Professional Series of Home Appliances...
With a fabulous selection of cooktops, wall ovens, ranges, warmer drawers, ventilation, microwaves, dishwashers, refrigeration, wine storage, ice makers and compactors, you'll find everything you need to make your dream kitchen a reality!

Electrolux ICON Professional E48DF76EPS -- 48" Pro-Style Dual-Fuel Range with 6 Sealed Burners & Third Element European Convection System: Stainless Steel

Electrolux ICON Professional E23CS78HPS -- 22.6 cu. ft. Counter-Depth Side by Side Refrigerator with PureAdvantage Filtration Systems, Custom-Design Full-Depth Glass Shelves and Smooth-Glide Full-Extension Drawers

Electrolux ICON Professional EDW7505HPS -- Fully Integrated Dishwasher with 5 Wash Cycles, Nylon-Coated Racks, 24 Hours Delay Start, Versatile Racking System, Optional Custom Panels and UltraQuiet Plus Sound Insulation Package

Electrolux ICON Professional E30MC75JPS -- 30" Combination Wall Oven with 4.2 cu. ft. True Convection Oven, 1.5 cu. ft. Microwave, Wave-Touch Control Panel, Custom-Set Auto Cook, Smooth-Glide Racks, CustomConvect3 and Self-Clean

Electrolux ICON Professional E24WC75HPS -- 24" Under-Counter Wine Cooler with 48-Bottle Capacity, 7 Smooth-Glide Maple Trimmed Racks, Theatre-Style Lighting, Acoustic Alarms and Fully Integrated Control Panel

Electrolux ICON Professional E30WD75GPS -- 30" Warming Drawer with 1.6 cu. ft. Capacity, Humidity Control, Smooth-Glide Full-Extension Drawer and Stainless Steel Interior

For more information on these, and other beautiful new kitchen appliances, please visit AJ Madison at www.ajmadison.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

SHINGLE STYLE MASTER RENOVATION BY OLIVER COPE ARCHITECT & MAYFAIR CONSTRUCTION

This addition / renovation by Oliver Cope Architect and Mayfair Construction is truly exceptional.  The architect and builder transformed the house from a generic, though lovely, colonial into this exceptional shingle-style home.


Check out a photo of the house in its original state.  While it was a lovely white colonial, it was a bit bland.

But after Oliver Cope and Mayfair Construction completed the project, the architecture is exceptional.

The "new" home feels like it's been there forever; it seems like it has a history, as if it existed on that site for perhaps a hundred years in its current state.

The different shapes and rooflines add interest to the home.  The design also make the structure feel more intimate, which is not easy to accomplish with a house this size.

The rear exterior: The covered porches face the water.  The back of the home is just as beautiful and interesting as the facade.

A gorgeous kitchen, with painted white cabinetry, marble countertops and wide-plank hardwood floors.  Notice the curve of the woodwork on the island, the shape sort of mimics the arches.  And that sweet dog looks awfully happy in this gorgeous house!

I like this a lot -- it's a breakfast / keeping room, overlooking the water.  Again, we see the arches repeated, this time in the built-in cabinetry that surrounds the fireplace.

And here we have two photos of the library.  Of course the woodwork is fabulous, but my favorite aspect is the shape of the room and the ceiling, which adds a sense of drama.  The architect or architectural team responsible for the project created an elegant home with a sense of history, and the talented craftsmen at Mayfair Construction, who carried out Oliver Cope's vision, certainly deserve kudos, as well.

For more information, please visit:

• Oliver Cope Architect 
• Mayfair Construction

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.