Kitchen Design: Basic Guidelines

There’s nothing worse when concentrating on cooking a meal for your family or friends than having to also battle a poor kitchen design. Doors that bang into one another, cramped prep and counter space, inadequate storage and lighting along with a mile walk between the refrigerator and cooking area can make a homeowner swear off cooking all together. When considering a new kitchen design, whether you intend to totally gut your existing space, or just do some cosmetic remodeling and upgrading, keep in mind some general guidelines. First, don’t enter into a kitchen (or bath) remodel without some expert guidance. A kitchen design company staffed with a certified kitchen designer (CKD) can assist you in developing a workable layout and help you stay focused and on budget while also allowing you creative input. They may also handle the production phase of your kitchen design project, an added bonus, supplying the subcontractors, pulling permits, and overseeing all the detail driven phases of the installation. Second, keeping your overall design sense and the style of your home in mind, below are some basic guidelines gathered from the National Kitchen & Bath Association:

· Door entries should not interfere with appliances, and appliance doors should not interfere with each other.
· The work triangle of your new kitchen design should not have a major traffic pattern crossing through it, (in kitchen design speak, a work triangle is the area between the three major work areas of the kitchen: stove, sink, refrigerator).
· When incorporating an island with seating, if traffic passes behind someone seated at the island, make sure there is enough space for traffic to pass.
· An uninterrupted area of countertop (at least 36” w x 24” d) for food preparation must be incorporated near a sink.
· The primary dishwasher must be located within 36” of the leading edge of a sink.
· Do not place the cooking surface under an operable window and a fire extinguisher should be near the exit of the kitchen.
· Corner cabinets should include some sort of functional storage apparatus.

Obviously there are more guidelines to consider when designing a good, functional kitchen, such as ventilation, lighting, and proper space planning. A certified kitchen designer will be well versed in all of the safety and design requirements that make for of a smart and stylish kitchen. They will also be up-to-date on the latest trends and materials. With the proper kitchen design, cooking for a crew or a few will be an enjoyable experience that carries over into the food you serve and your overall entertaining experience.

Plans for the 2009 Kitchen Tour are Ramping Up!

Kitchen + Bath Design + Construction is excited to announce that plans for the 2009 “Friends Helping Friends” Kitchen Tour, to benefit neonatal care at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, are ramping up! Several eager West Hartford homeowners are enthusiastic about participating on this year’s tour, which will center around gourmet fare. KBDC is working on recruiting local chefs to demonstrate their skills while putting these kitchens to work, showing off their functionality as well as their beauty. This year’s tour will be held, rain or shine, on Saturday, October 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the tour. Circle the date on your calendar and gather some friends. Advance registrations may be made now by visiting the Saint Francis Hospital Website at:
http://www.saintfrancisdoctors.com/stfrancisfoundation/Kitchen_Tour.asp
The “Friends Helping Friends” Kitchen Tour is self-guided. ”Tourists” are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, and can expect to complete the tour in 2-4 hours. Kitchen + Bath Design + Construction staff will be stationed at each home to answer your questions. For more information, please contact Allison Harkins, Kitchen Tour Coordinator, at 860-953-1101.

Happy Earth Day-Go Green!

Kitchen Remodeling Earth day 2009: Below are practices, products and ideas for your green remodel.

Appliances:
· Replace older appliances with new energy efficient (Energy Star rated) appliances.
· Vent range hoods to the outdoors.

Countertops:
· Recycled/reclaimed wood/wood products: Minimally processed, natural material. Look for Forest Stewardship Council-certified, salvaged or reclaimed wood.
· Recycled glass: Look for locally manufactured tiles, preferably post-consumer. Large tiles reduce the number of grout joints. Use for backsplash, may not be practical for countertops.
· Engineered Stone (Zodiac, Silestone): Not truly green, but highly durable, hygienic and repels stains, mold and mildew.
· Solid Surface (Avonite, Corian): Easy maintenance, durable
· Ceramic tile: made from clay. Look for locally manufactured tiles with high-recycled content (glass, ceramic). Avoid lead-based glazes.
· Laminate: Green laminates are made from recycled plastic, nontoxic glues and formaldehyde-free substrate.
· Stainless Steel: Use salvaged metal or high-recycled content. Attach to substrate with mechanical fasteners.
· Stone: (soapstone, granite, marble) Natural resource, durable. Look for domestically mined and fabricated. Salvaged stone is available.
· Concrete: Simple mixture but uses large amounts of energy for transport.

Flooring:
· Cork: renewable resource made from the bark of the cork oak.
· Bamboo: fast-growing grass that can be harvested selectively.
· Hardwood: look for Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood. Avoid laminated products. Utilize reclaimed wood.
· Linoleum: Look for “natural linoleum” made from linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, tree resins, ground limestone and pigments.
· Stone: Natural substance/durable. Look for locally mined and fabricated stone that does not have to be sealed.
· Tile: Durable. Look for locally manufactured tiles with recycled content.

Cabinets:
· If you must install cabinets that use particleboard or Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) be sure to look for Formaldehyde-free products or have exposed areas sealed with a low or no VOC paint or sealer.
· Some manufacturers are now using Wheatboard or other panels made from straw, wheat, and soybeans to make materials similar to plywood.
· Use Reclaimed wood.
· Cabinets that use thermofoil and laminates can have the volatile organic compounds sealed in the substrate.

Plumbing Fixtures:
· Install low flow water faucets.
· Install on-demand hot water circulation pump.
· Insulate hot water pipes.
· Dual flush toilets or waterless urinals

Lighting:
· Take advantage of passive solar heating and natural light by installing windows and skylights.
· Install compact fluorescent light bulbs and/or LED Lights. LED lights save money on electricity using only 2-10 watts and are long lasting, with a bulb life of up to 30-40,000 hours. They also simulate natural daylight and are cool running.
· Install task lighting which illuminates specific food preparation, cooking and clean-up areas so you don’t need to light the entire kitchen. Have these wired on separate switches to save further energy.
· Install dimmers and/or occupancy sensors.

So What Are Those Letters At The End Of My Name And Why Should You Care?

CKD? CBD? What do those letters mean? Sometimes I think that they stand for “Crazy Kitchen Designer”, or “Cracked Bath Designer” but in reality they stand for Certified Kitchen Designer and Certified Bath Designer respectively. These designations have been earned through the National Kitchen & Bath Association and are the result of my many years of experience in the industry (over 25) along with 60 hours of professional development, a 4-year degree in design, client and professional recommendations and passing a long and grueling exam, (remember the SATs?). So why is this important for you to know? Primarily because in this time when the remodeling industry is experiencing such dramatic shifts and downturns, many builders and contractors are turning to kitchen and bath remodeling to help pick up the slack where other work may have dropped off. Homeowners should be aware that though a contractor may have good references and do great general work, designing a kitchen or bath is a specialized area. Choosing a designer with this certification ensures that you have chosen someone with in depth knowledge of these particular design areas and their skills and knowledge have been tested and evaluated by an independent organization. Once certified, a designer with these credentials must meet annual recertification requirements such as continuing education credits and taking part in industry conferences and other programs. As a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer, I keep up on the latest trends, materials, and techniques. It also shows that I have gone the extra step and set myself away from the rest of the remodeling pack. This is a demanding field, and by hiring a certified designer you are demanding the very best for your remodeling project.

Soapstone

Answers to the most common questions

Q: What is soapstone?
A: Soapstone (steatite) is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock found in various places around the world. A process called steatization changes the minerals in the rock into talc and dolomite (magnesium carbonate). The soft talc mineral gives soapstone its smooth feel and the carbonate mineral provides its strength and integrity.

Q: What size slabs does soapstone come in?
A: There was a time when soapstone blocks were cut smaller to avoid veins. Since seams in soapstone countertops are invisible, this is not a problem. As the popularity of other stones in the market place has grown, soapstone has been forced to quarry larger blocks. Larger slabs may contain some quartz veins, but this only adds to its beauty.

Q: Will any soapstone work in my kitchen?
A: there are two basic varieties of soapstone, artistic and architectural. Artistic soapstone has a high talc content making it very soft and it is used mainly for carving. Architectural soapstone contains a lower percentage of talc and is used for sinks, countertops, floors and other architectural elements.

Q: What is the color palette available?
A: Basically one color. Soapstone may have a blue tint, sometimes green, but it is basically gray with flecks and veins of lighter quartz interspersed. Soapstone turns to a darker charcoal color with age, use and normal care, which includes treating with mineral oil.

Q: Does soapstone have other uses?
A: Yes, other uses include tabletops, benches, shower stalls, bathtubs, fireplace surrounds, fireboxes, windowsills, lintels, planters, and soaking tubs.

Q: What qualities make it kitchen friendly?
A: Soapstone adjusts easily to heat. Setting a hot pan or dish will not do damage to your counter. It is also non-porous so that products that traditionally stain do not penetrate the surface. Other surfaces such as granite have to be repeatedly sealed to prevent liquids from staining them. Soapstone is chemically neutral so acids like lemon or tomato juice do not affect it. Neither do the alkali’s that are found in some household cleaners.

Q: Why is oiling soapstone recommended?
A: Soapstone is non-porous so nothing will penetrate it. When liquid is spilled or applied to the surface, the stone darkens and will lighten as the liquid is removed or evaporates. In order to avoid an inconsistent color or tone, it is recommended that mineral oil be applied to the surface. FDA approved food grade mineral oil will not go rancid and has no odor or taste. In most cases a thin layer is applied and allowed to dry overnight.

Q: How often should I oil my soapstone?
A: It is recommended that the soapstone be oiled weekly for the first month, then twice a month for the next three months. After that, a monthly oiling, or less, depending on use. There is no right or wrong time to oil. Kitchens that get more use will require less oil in high traffic areas since moisture is being naturally replaced.

Q: Can I cut or chop on it?
A: No surface, stone or otherwise, will withstand daily beatings from a knife or cleaver. However, fine surface scratches can be hidden with a reapplication of mineral oil, or you can let them be. They actually add to the patina of the stone over time. Deeper scratches can be removed by lightly sanding with 80 grit sandpaper (80 grit is the finish of the stone). Soft, pressure and circular strokes should be used letting the paper do the work. Be careful though, in most cases a scratch is no more than displacement of mineral oil and will disappear when oil is reapplied.

Q: What country does soapstone come from?
A: Soapstone is found throughout the world in relatively minor deposits ranging from small rocks to wide seams, boulders and other deposits. It is found in the Appalachian range from Maine to Georgia with significant deposits in Vermont and Virginia. Finland and Brazil are the largest international producers of soapstone.

Q: Will soapstone wear over time?
A: Soapstone will wear, softening the edges and accumulating some nicks, scratches and dents over time. It does not wear thin and it certainly doesn’t wash away. Most scratches are just a displacement of mineral oil. If deeper scratches occur, they can be removed with light sanding if desired but often left alone they tend to add to the stone’s patina.

Q: Why isn’t soapstone as popular as granite?
A: Probably due to its relative rarity and limited supply. Because it is unlike most other architectural minerals, soapstone has not been quarried or marketed by large companies and has not been sold through traditional stone distribution channels.

Q: What are the disadvantages of soapstone?

A: Soapstone is basically only available in one color. It will age to a darker, almost black charcoal finish. It requires some maintenance such as periodic oiling to maintain a consistent appearance. Soapstone is softer and tends to get fine scratches. These are easily removed in most cases by reapplying mineral oil.

Q: Is soapstone a “green product”?
A: Soapstone is accepted by many “green” minded designers, builders and homeowners due to its earth-friendly qualities. Soapstone is quarried in an open pit, thus, the land is refilled with soil, allowing grass and trees to reclaim the land. It is chemical free, needs no sealer and is used in its natural state. Because it is non-porous, only mild soap and water is needed for clean up, mineral oil, also a natural food safe product, is used to enhance it.

Make Plans Now to Attend our 2009 Kitchen Tour!

Plans are underway now for our SEVENTH annual "Friends Helping Friends" Kitchen Tour to benefit neonatal care at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. This year’s tour will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will coincide with National Kitchen and Bath Month. Come and tour some beautiful kitchen projects in West Hartford, ask questions of the KBDC design staff and benefit a worthy cause. All ticket sale proceeds from the day will benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Saint Francis Hospital, providing the most sophisticated care available for newborns. Tickets may be reserved now by going to: www.saintfrancisdoctors.com/stfrancisfoundation/Kitchen_Tour2007.asp
For more information, please call Allison Harkins at KBDC, 860-953-1101 or email Allison@kbdconsultants.com.

Downsizing Your Home: making do with less

Many people are facing the question of whether to downsize from a long held family home into a smaller, more manageable home or to move into an active adult community. What often gets overlooked in the decision making process are the potential problems associated with selling a home that has not been updated. A home with a kitchen or bathroom(s) 20 or so more years old will lose market appeal and may sell for a lesser price. In additon to these rooms being aesthetically dated, they may not function within the needs of a modern family's life style. Competing with new homes that have up-to-date and innovative kitchen & bath features (plus the obvious of being entirely brand new) may be a real problem.

Some things to consider:

• Clean up. Get the toothbrush out and start scrubbing. Particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, a fresh, clean space will appear less outdated and more inviting.
• Do Nothing. Be prepared to negotiate based upon the condition of the rooms. Remember that an average kitchen remodeling project in the state of CT is $45,000 and a complete bathroom remodel starts at $20,000. Savvy buyers will use these numbers to negotiate your asking price. The benefit of "doing nothing" is that you aren't investing any additional money in the property. Since what you might do may not be to the liking of a potential buyer, that money would be wasted. Set a realistic price and leave the remodeling up to the new homeowner.
• Perform a "facelift". "Neutralizing" is the real estate agent's favorite recommendation. Delete dated, worn wall coverings. A fresh coat of neutral paint will add a sense of spaciousness and freshness. Replace old appliances in bad condition with inexpensive but clean, functional pieces. Existing countertops are OK unless they are very worn. If you do replace the countertops, expensive stone or solid surface tops may not help to sell your home. Unless you have a wonderful kitchen-good cabinets, efficient layout, sufficient storage-you won't get your money back and it's not an inexpensive option. If your sale date is far enough into the future, you could consider remodeling for your own benefit as well as for resale. Select moderate, neutral materials that will hold up to short term usage. Consider a plan that is less extravagant in design and material choices, but be certain the quality of both material and labor is exceptional. There is nothing worse than spending money on a badly executed remodeling project. In fact, it could detract from the sale of your home. We don't recommend new cabinet fronts. It is a relativley expensive option that does not address the functionality of the cabinets or the room.
• Stay put and remodel. Update the home with all the newest conveniences and stylistic improvements. Pay attention to issues related to "aging in place', designing to accommodate our changing needs as an aging population. For example, create a first floor bedroom suite. Many people select this option in order to stay in a home they are attacted to, a neighborhood they are comfortable in, and because they find the quality of new housing doesn't match what they have in their older homes.