Europe Report III of IV: Shopping Florence

Shopping Florence (...oh, I know, somebody has to do it!)

The famed Duomo of Florence, with the Campanile Baptistry in the foreground.

artstore mandragora

A store not to be missed in Florence is the artstore mandragora (http://www.artstoremandragora.com/) located on the Piazza del Duomo.

Similar to the "museum stores" in the US, this is probably the best of the bunch next to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art store in Santa Barbara, CA, and the MOMA museum store in NYC.
Find great European Art and Literature books, Italian leather journals, Art Reproductions, as well as handmade Jewelery, Ceramics, Glass, and original Paintings and Drawings.

Finds at the artstore mandragora include this framed pastel picture by Enrico Fizialetti (born 1964) a student of Luciano Guarnieri and a graduate of the venerable Istituto per l'Arte e il Restauro Palazzo Spinelli in Florence. Price--a mere EUR € 400 (about $600 US). The piece was framed in an exquisite Italian frame that appeared to be vintage, and worth the price of the picture itself!

In consideration of purchasing this, or any picture, I would select this picture for its colors and its composition, and of course I love the frame. This piece may not be more valuable than what one would pay for it, but that's not the point. The point is if you like it, and you can afford it, then it is a very good picture at a very good price.
One of my favorite pictures in our personal collection was purchased in San Marco Square in Venice, Italy from one of the ever present artists. It's a conti pencil drawing of a reclining nude female in the style of Picasso. Granted it's no Picasso, but it's not just a copy, not to me. It's an artists heartfelt homage to Picasso, and it is wonderful. The piece is framed in gold leaf, floated on linen, and sits on the music ledge of our baby grand piano.

Do you think it looks more important than the $15 we paid for it eight years ago? You bet it does. It looks as good as any piece in our collection that costs thousands more, and I like it better than most anything else we own.
The point here is about having the confidence to choose art, and buy it, especially when your traveling whether domestically or abroad. In addition to the owning the piece, the interaction with the artist or the gallery is an important part of the memories and the enjoyment of owning a particular piece of art.

Ermenegildo Zegna - Agnona

A Great store located on the corner just a block from the Arno River. Huge selection of the latest Zegna Collections. My bag was lost by American Airlines, so immediately after I checked in at the hotel I headed over to the neighborhood Zegna store (as if every neighborhood has one!).

The store was just one convenient block from our hotel in

Florence.

The Italian Sultan of Cool: Ermenegildo Zegna

I bought a great sweater, a pair of pants, and a couple of shirts.
My bag arrived at 7:00 am, the next morning. Whew! I'm glad they didn't bring it to my hotel before I got to the Zegna Store. That was a close call!

Ermenegildo Zegna Via de' Tornabuoni, 3
Tel: 055 264254‎

UGO POGGI
Owned by the fourth generation of the Poggi family. This small shop features Italian Silver plate, Miran Lamps, And smaller antique accessories. Downstairs find a great collection of Silver serving pieces, both new and antique. Mind the narrow, steep stairs, and allow Mr. Poggi to go first so he can turn the lights on for you!
Ugo Poggi, Via Strozzi, 26r
Tel: 055.216741

The Straw Market

The Famed Straw Market in Florence, Italy, is located on the Piazza del Mercato Nuov, at the corner of Via Porta Rossa and Via Por Santa Maria.

Shopping the Straw Market is a must, if not just for the experience of learning to negotiate prices, Italian style.

The markets name belies the goods found there, the space is not located in a barn, but under a semi-enclosed beautiful, spacious loggia dating back to the 16th Century. Stalls are arranged cheek to jowl (pardon the pun considering the Bronze Boar--see below).

Find leather desk sets and boxes; Florentine gold-leaf trays, mirrors and boxes; tourist trinkets and umbrellas; leather belts and handbags; Pashmina shawls and printed silk scarves; embroidered linens. There is also a selection of traditional Italian pottery.

The Vendors there are some of the best negotiators I've seen in an open air, or flea market. Be forewarned, The Straw Market is anything but a flea market so be prepared to be pay the price for your treasures.

Florentines call this market Il Porcellino (Little Pig) due to the wild boar fountain located at the market’s south side. The statue, created in 1612 by Pietro Taccas, was cast from a marble Hellenistic original that is now housed in the Uffizi Gallery. Many tourists come to rub the pig’s well-polished snout and throw a coin in the fountain. It is believed that by doing so it insures a return trip to Florence.

Perhaps stopping by the good luck "Bronze Boar" will give you a leg up on negotiating with the markets Vendors, if not at least you'll reduce the weight of the change in your handbag or pants pockets.

Pictured: The famed Bronze Pig that brings one good luck!

Pictured: Racks of Italian leather belts at the Straw Market.
I found a Navy Blue, Paton leather faux alligator belt to go with some alligator trimmed Prada loafers that I had purchased back in LA in the fall. Since buying them, I have searched every designer boutique in Beverly Hills and no one had a navy belt of any kind, regardless of price.

Here I had a selection of various navy Blue faux exotic skins and leathers, and I paid only EUR € 18 (about $30 US). I'm still wearing a great looking faux alligator Gucci knock-off belt that I purchased at the Straw Market four years ago.

Straw Market hours: Every day from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm, except Sunday and public holidays.
and down the street...

and just down the street...

A beautiful store window display, filled with Italian ceramics caught our eye. There is always a place for Italian ceramics in the home, whether purely decorative or used as serving pieces.
I inquired as to the lead content, if any, and the shopkeeper didn't understand my question. I couldn't tell if the shopkeepers lack of knowledge was purposeful or not! who cares, they're gorgeous!
This is a photo I took with myself with a digital camera, and I was just thrilled with the result!

MERCATO DELLE "PULCI"

The famous FLEA MARKET of Florence is located in Piazza dei Ciompi and it's opens (every day from 9 am to 7.30 pm. If you're there on the last Sunday of every month, the market vastly increases in size with additional vendors, causing the market to spill out into the surrounding streets.

You can find furniture and "uniquities", prints, coins and jewellery. There are affordable treasures to be found amidst the bric-a-brac and antique books in the myriad cluttered stalls.

The Flower Market

The Flower Market, is located under the portico in Piazza della Repubblica (via Pellicceria).
Frequented by locals and tourist alike, find a huge selection of plants and flowers by local growers.

Flower Market Hours: Every Thursday morning, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

And...saving the best for last: Outlet Shopping...Italian Style!

In addition to boutique shopping in Florence, we spent a day in Tuscany going to the designer outlet mall.

Named The Mall (which was a little confusing since the word 'outlet' is not a part of the malls name), is located on the Europa 8, in Leccio, Reggello (Tel 055 8657775

Open: Mon - Sat 10 A.M.- 7 P.M. and Sun 3 P.M. - 7 P.M.).

Unassuming from the outside, you won't be disappointed as you'll find every designer you're looking for, including Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, Tods, Yves Saint Laurent, Loro Piana, Giorgio Armani, Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Versace, Ermenegildo Zegna, Perla, and Prada.

We drove the 45 minutes out in the country to find the mall with friends, but there is a regularly scheduled bus and train service that delivers shoppers right to the doors of the mall.

Pictured, is the inside of the simply designed interior, but chock full of merchandise, Prada Outlet Store.

And back to the City...

Back in Florence, for some last minute shopping before heading to Rome, no trip to Florence would be complete without a swing through the beautiful Ferragamo Flagship Store in the Palazzo Spini Feroni, on Via Tornabuoni n. 2.

A real treat is a visit to the Ferragamo Museum, located on the basement level of the Palazzo. The museum was opened to the public in 1995 by the Ferragamo family, in an effort to illustrate Ferragamo's artistic qualities and the important role he played in the history of shoe design and international fashion.

Pictured, the Ferragamo Flagship Store and Museum.

In addition to photographs, patents, sketches, books, magazines and wooden lasts of various famous feet, the museum boasts a collection of drawings of more than 10,000 shoe styles designed by Salvatore Ferragamo from the end of the 1920's, until his death in 1960.

Salvatore Ferragamo as a younger man, photographed with some of the famous "lasts" (forms) for a collection of shoes.
I googled the Ferragamo Museum when I got home, and here is an excerpt from the entry:

"Ferragamo convinced his brothers to move to California, first Santa Barbara then Hollywood. It was here that Ferragamo found success, initially opening a shop for repair and made-to-measure shoes, which soon became prized items among celebrities of the day, leading to a long period of designing footwear for the cinema. However, his thriving reputation as 'Shoemaker to the Stars' only partially satisfied him. He could not fathom why his shoes pleased the eye yet hurt the foot, so he proceeded to study anatomy at the University of Southern California. After spending 13 years in the U.S., Ferragamo returned to Italy in 1927, settling in Florence."
I knew he was a special fellow, and he's a fellow Santa Barbaran to boot (pardon the pun!).

Okay, its late and I'm tired from all of this shopping!

Goodnight Salvatore.

Goodnight Moon.

Stay tuned for the next installment of shopping (and touring) Europe!

Europe Report II of IV: Florence, Italy

More about Florence accommodations: How about having your own condo in the city center?

Prior to leaving for Italy, my friend Jenifer Smith, who owns Santa Barbara Magazine (sbmagazine.com) told me about another mutual friend who had recently purchased a condo in Florence. She described an incredible palazzo that had been converted into condos. Sounded right up my alley, so we made an appointment to see it, and it was worth every second of the tour. Turns out that our hotel (also a former palazzo) faced the project, the Palazzo Tornabuoni.

Palazzo Tornabuoni is an exclusive Private Residence Club, managed by the new also new and spectacularly reviewed Four Seasons, Firenze. Located in the heart of Florence, this 15th century Palazzo, which was once the home to Pope Leo XI and the powerful Medici family, is being meticulously restored to its original Renaissance-period splendor while incorporating modern comforts and conveniences. Upon completion, Palazzo Tornabuoni residence club members will enjoy the ultimate Florentine lifestyle, calling this historic palazzo home. Planned for up to 36 elegant studio, one, two and three-bedroom residences, depending of course whether or not Buyers snap up more than one unit to combine them. The more expensive the unit, the larger the square footage, the better the floor plan, and of course the better views. This place is so incredible and rare that I'd consider the maids quarters.

Renaissance Beauty

Palazzo Tornabuoni dates prior to the 15th century. Between 1466 and 1469 Giovanni Battista di Francesco Tornabuoni commissioned Renaissance architects to design and enlarge his family ancestral home to create Palazzo Tornabuoni. For centuries the Palazzo has been renowned for its grandeur, architecture, fresco's, statuary and its illustrious residents.

The renaissance painting above, is in the two story high Library of the Palazzo, which is a splendid common area for fellow owners to gather with a full bar and an upstairs Smoking Room.

The influential Tornabuoni and Corsi families, Pope Leo XI and the Medici, one of the most powerful families in the history of Europe, called Palazzo Tornabuoni home.

At left: The ceiling of Pope Leo XI's apartment, his personal residence prior to his election as Pope. Carved into the wood ceiling is his crest. He was a member of the powerful Medici family.

At right: The crest carved in stone above an exterior arch.

The Interior floor plans were overall somewhat odd. Of course the palazzo had been remodeled and expanded numerous times, having started as a typical tower house in the 1400's. Remnants of the original tower are viewed from several of the apartments. The palazzo now takes up an entire city block making the original foot print seem rather tiny.

The apartments are laden with incredible mouldings and architectural details from several different periods. Good floor plan or not, the apartments are completely luxurious, and are furnished in a refreshing eclectic style. Fortunately the developers didn't feel the need to create a theme park atmosphere of historic incontinence.

The collage of photos below were taken surreptitiously by me in between conversations with the projects Realtor. She didn't say that I couldn't take photos, and naturally I didn't ask if I could.

So how much? What does it take to buy into the palazzo life? Probably as much as you would think!

A one bedroom efficiency unit with no view, sold for $285,ooo US, which gives you four weeks use per year. Monthly dues are $1,100 per month . From there the sky's the limit. You can spend $3 mil plus, for the rights to four glorious weeks per year at the palazzo, with dues of up to $2,700 per month.

Though the developer didn't ask for it, should you find yourself in the marketplace for a palazzo in Florence, here is the contact info:

Tornabuoni S.R.L.

By Phone: 1 (866) 753 6667 Toll-free in USA and Canada
44 (08) 70 6098 555 in UK
39 (055) 268 966 in Italy

By Mail: Palazzo Tornabuoni

Via Tornabuoni 16

50123 Firenze

Ahhh...the good life! I loved every second of my palazzo experience. I was a potential addition to the long history of the Palazzo Tornabuoni, that is if I decided to afford it, and that in itself was fun to consider!

Good night moon

Europe Report I of IV: Florence, Italy

Ah...Firenza. I love Firenza!

And apparently many of my friends do as well. Whenever plans for the Christmas holidays were discussed, to which I would share that we were going to Italy for Christmas, and often the first question out of any ones mouth was, "Where are you going in Italy?"

"Florence", I'd answer.

To which they would respond, "Ah...I love Florence!"

And I do.

The purpose of the trip was to retrieve our daughter who had been attending a semester abroad program through the University of Arizona. I say 'attending' because I don't know if saying the word 'studying' would be the quite right word to describe her four months in Italy.

Oh sure she was bound to learn more about life, the world, culture, and more here than had she been sitting in her classes at the U of A, but school work isn't really the focus of these programs anyway, is it

No matter, my intent for her and her 'studies' abroad, the main point was giving her the opportunity to broaden herself, to experience life in another country, see the culture first hand, from her own home environment there, and not from the window of a first class hotel. I wanted her to be a participant in life there, and I think she got my money's worth.

I've got to recommend this to all students and to those of you who are parent's, that if you can by hook or crook: Go, or send your children, just do it! Mortgage the car, the house, the yacht...just do it, send them.

I was amazed at the change in the demeanor of my daughter, now a Junior in college. She seemed more informed, well spoken, and focused on current affairs rather than on fashion, though Fashion Design was the purpose and the focus of her studies there.

I liked her. I liked her a lot, and of course I love her to death!

I liked her new European inspired "eye". The difference in the things she pointed out, the news that she wanted to discuss, or watching her point out a display in a store window that was remarkable. We first saw it in her commentary, that which she attached to the pictures that she regularly uploaded to Snapfish (http://www.snapfish.com/). Sure there were photos of she and her new girl and guy friends on Pub crawls, over imbibing at a pizzeria or gelateria, but the photos and comments that struck me the most were the ones that featured history, architecture and art.

Our daughter toured us by some her favorite stores, both home furnishings and clothing stores (and a few other types!).

Above, Left: A favorite neighborhood Gelato store.
Above, Right: A major nuisance--the Italian motorino's: Loud and reckless.

Especially noteworthy was that of the famed Ferragamo clan, famous for their upscale footwear, and now making quite a name for themselves in the luxury hotel business, with their new hotel brand Lungarno Hotels (http://www.lungarnohotels.com/).

INTERIOR OF THE HOTEL LUNGARNO IN FLORENCE, ITALY.

Left: Living Room /Tea Room where you can also order from the hotel restaurants reduced Bar Menu.

Right: A guest Suite

These Ferragamo hotels launched the luxury boutique hotel craze in Florence and throughout Europe. The Hotel Lungarno is located on the Arno, not across the street from the Arno, but on the Arno, where it's terrace overhangs the water and is immediately adjacent to the Ponte Vecchio, there is no other location so magical in all of Florence.

This view of the Ponte Vecchio is from the terrace of the Hotel Lungarno.

Dark, waxed centuries old wood flooring was covered with deep burgundy carpets, multiple sofas and overstuffed chairs were upholstered in white linen with flat-flange trim instead of welting. The art was a series of carefully placed graphite and conte-pencil drawings trimmed in simple gold leaf frames. The other color comes from a beautiful collection of Blue & White Chinese porcelain from various dynastic rules, filled with simple flower arrangements overflowing with white flowers. I did not tour the hotel rooms, but I found the picture above on the Internet, which shows an overall traditional look, but notice how the furniture is carefully placed , with each item treated like a special object, as in the main floor Living room.

The original woodwork of this former "tower" home was whited out, as was the elaborate circular staircase that ran from the basement to the top floor of the tower, now the hotels 'panoramic suite'.

History tells us that at one time in Florence, there was a society that was more akin to 'keeping up with the Joneses', where upon each family would build their tower house taller than the last. Gee, just to think that one-ups-man-ship originated in Florence not in LA!

Not knowing just how fabulous these Ferragamo hotels really were until she took us to lunch there, our family has habitually stayed at the historic Helvetia-Bristol Hotel (www.LHW.com/Helvetia-Bristol-Hotel). Located across the street from the Palazzo Strozzi. It is a beautiful old world hotel, once a sumptuous pallazzo, that is never too crowded, and has a quiet and demure staff.

It's located just two blocks from the Arno, and one block from the Ferragamo Flagship store and company museum, D & G, Gucci, Pucci, Prada, Zegna, Missoni, and everything else Italian, and even Dior (a little French thrown in for good measure). Obviously fashion is the focus of most of the easily accessible shopping, with antiquing and home furnishings a bit more off the beaten path.

Now that we have the Hotel thing covered, we'll focus on the incredible shopping in our next report, Europe Report II of IV.

Good night moon.

TO DO…OR NOT TO DO? THAT IS THE QUESTION!

REMODELING...

Do I go for the hand chased, sand cast Pewter Door Hardware? What about Hand Planed Wood Floors?

Should I spring for a Stainless Steel Sub Zero refrigerator or the look-a-like from Frigidaire?

Kitchen Cabinets with solid wood fronts and boxes, or MDF fronts and boxes ?

What’s MDF you ask?

Too many questions?

It’s only the beginning. Each of the questions above can be expanded into several additional ones depending on the way you answer them.

Having been a Real Estate licensee, Owner of a Residential Real Estate Brokerage Company, and a residential real estate Developer for the past twenty-three years, my wife and I have personally remodeled, restyled and/or built twenty-eight homes in a period of twenty years.
I‘m continually astounded at the myriad choices that are available with which to appoint a home. The choices are multi-dimensional, i.e., my budget vs. return on investment.

Sounds more like a business deal, not a home.

Right?

Well, Kind of!

Consider this: Americans, on average, count the equity in their home as 60% of their net worth.

Hmmm.

As a REALTOR, I watched client after client overbuild their neighborhood, the land or the market, with them saying all along the way, “We’re not building this to re-sell, we’re building this to live in forever“.

Between one to three years later, I’d get a call saying, “you know Steve, we need to sell our house“, or “we want to sell our house so we can _____ “.
You may fill in the blank above with any of the following statements:
-Move into something smaller; the kids have left home; or something larger, we’re having another child; something closer to work; or closer to school.

Starting to make sense? Okay, then, let’s get to the point of this article. When working with a budget, and yes, everybody has a budget (some are just larger than others), looking at all of your options is a must.

Kitchens and Bath's are considered some of the most important factors in the decision making process for purchasing a home by today’s consumer. Making the right choice for your kitchen and bath could be the difference in selling or not selling your home.
For instance, consider the question regarding the Kitchen cabinets, above.
At first pass, there’s no question it, I would rather have solid wood cabinets. After all, its solid wood, what could be better than that?

Answer: MDF (Modified Density Fiberboard). How about the same look, the same or better durability, and about 1/3 less cost. Other facts about MDF:
-Some varieties are less expensive than many natural wood
-Some varieties are considered green*
-Isotropic (no grain), so no tendency to split, hence more efficient to prep and paint.
-Consistent in strength and size Flexible. Shapes well; can be used for a curved surface
-*Moisture-resistant variety is typically green (LEEDS citation needed).

I say this: If you’re going to have painted Kitchen cabinets, then you will likely never see another dollar for the value of your home if you choose MDF over wood cabinetry. The difference in cost between the two is about $15,000 for the average, to above average Kitchen. Still not convinced? Try solid wood.

Now, to paint or stain the cabinets? This one isn’t about cost, but about what people want. Plain stain is, well, plain stain. Today’s customer wants more. A custom multi-step finish, similar to that found on fine furniture is what is on their mind. Another is painting, but again, a multi-step painted finish is a must.

Recently we did a kitchen and decided to use flat, black lacquer to update the original cabinets. Quite frankly, it turned out so well that everyone assumed that we had replaced them. That made a lot of sense. (The photo at left is not from our Kitchen, it is used as an example of a flat-lacquered cabinet finish).

A Note on Lacquer: When I hear the word lacquer, I think of shiny Japanese dinnerware or decorative objects that is thickly painted with a shiny, high gloss finish. In fact, lacquer is available in many sheen's, including flat (no shine), mat, semi-gloss, and glossy.

Another cabinet idea in the same kitchen was the use of free standing cabinetry, similar to glass-front china cabinets, also lacquered flat black. The overall effect was that of a European kitchen, the kind made up largely of freestanding cabinets, which rarely matched one another. When you purchase an existing home in Europe, typically the kitchen cabinets and appliances are not included, only the proverbial kitchen sink (visualize a dark kitchen in a 17th c. Chateau; a single ray of light peaking through a small window, revealing the kitchen sink, alone, attached to the wall unsupported by cabinets).

Now what about the counter tops? Solid slab Granite or Marble, versus Granite or Marble tile?
Well, to me that’s a Gim’me.
If your budget allows for slab materials, then that’s the only way to go. Nothing says you skimped on a Kitchen project more than using tile-goods over slab-goods. The question is not only one of aesthetics, but of serviceability. No one wants to deal with the grout lines between the granite or marble tiles; they are too hard to keep clean.

Note: Granite slab counter tops are now available pre-cut in a number of sizes, shapes and colors, and are available at local home improvement stores. The cost is dramatically reduced because the tops are produced en mass, and are remarkably comparable in price to tile material.

What about other solid surface materials? You ask.

Well, yes, there are many others that are currently being used today. Lately, I’m seeing a lot of Caesar Stone being used.

Above: A sampling from the 40 color offerings from Caesar Stone include, from left to right: Apple Martini, Tequila Sunrise, and Sandalwood.

Caesar Stone is an engineered stone (the "stone" is composed of 93% quartz particles)
hat is supposed to be more dense than granite, and more stain proof, offers more flexibility in design for using shapes and curvilinear lines, and is offered in a multitude of colors (see above),
Like granite and marble, it can be polished, or honed (a matte or dull) finish. The cost of Caesar Stone is most comparable to that of granite, so I’m not convinced that I would use it or as to why someone would pick it over granite, an authentic natural material, especially in this “green age.”

Other solid surface material are Corian (too 1970’s); Limestone (too porous); Marble--viable but less dense than Granite; Formica (oh, pulleeze!); Soapstone--interesting, and we are definitely seeing more of it; Concrete-- (a real pain in the ba-juby!) is highly porous and easily cracks. Pluses include its flexibility in shape, texture, colors and finish options; Copper, lead over copper, and stainless steel counter tops were first popular in the 1920’s-30’s. We’ve begun seeing these metal materials employed in the Kitchen again, in the last several years, though not in a big way. We’ve mostly seen them used in conjunction with other counter top surface materials. For instance, as stainless steel counters flanking the stove and/or the kitchen sink, with Granite or Marble counters elsewhere; Butcher Block--considered difficult to sanitize, probably not a great choice--think germs.

Kitchen Counter Top Tip of The Day: Try a marble inset in a counter top, or on the kitchen island for rolling pastries.

Now, time for some jewelry. Hardware is the homes jewelry, and it runs the gamut when it comes to finish options. Some people match it to the appliance color, i.e. stainless steel appliances beget stainless steel hardware on the cabinets. A more daring soul might pick Pewter cabinet

hardware to go with stainless steel appliances.

Shown above, Cabinet pulls from Rocky Mountain Hardware, left to right:

Bamboo, Contemporary, Twig.

Hardware is sometimes found in a multi-step finish similar to that found on multi-step finished cabinets. All of the above create a monochromatic look. So, don’t let the tail wag the dog…the hardware should enhance the cabinets, not be the focal point. Other hardware finishes include: Oil Rubbed Bronze (time to move on); Bronze--okay as long as it isn’t done like a theme park (think twig-style handles in an Aspen House); Forged Steel--still good!; Copper-- coming on in a big way, in hardware, appliances, counter tops, you name it--expect to see it.

Now for appliances, the more difficult decisions. Stainless Steel reigns supreme as the “commercial Kitchen” look remains number one. We are starting to see some white kitchens again, as well as some brightly colored appliances (think the French ovens Le Cornue or Aga), and even some metallic numbers such as Vermilion Red and Champagne from G.E., (and I thought buying a car was tough!).

Shown Right, top: La Cornue Chateau 120

Commercial style appliances, no matter the color remain de rigueur. A recent ad in one of the local shelter magazines for Jenn Air appliances featured their new Oiled Bronze suite . I know seeing the word “Bronze” in the same sentence as the word “appliances” conjures up childhood memories of your parents old Bronze appliances, especially that Bronze refrigerator that just wouldn’t die, though all of the other appliances had been replaced with the then new, Harvest Gold. Thank God that Julia Child was then just an OSS Spy, and Martha Stewart hadn’t yet made her first cup of wassail, much less served a prison term, or to the therapist we might have gone sooner.
Shown Right: Jenn-Air 30" Built-In Microwave Oven

It seems that every appliance manufacturer is making the Commercial look.

Featured Right: Commercial Style refrigerator from True.

Featured Left: Sears Kenmore Elite Stainless Steel "counter depth" refrigerator.

From Sear’s Kenmore line to the real commercial refrigerators by True Mfg., they have all jumped on the commercial style wagon. Who would have thought that Sears would offer it’s Kenmore refrigerator, clad in Stainless Steel and sleekly styled, that would sell for almost $3,000? Sounds high for a Sears brand appliance, but it’s a bargain compared to the $9,000-$12,000 for a refrigerator from TRUE.

Now for the ovens: The trend starting in the late 1990's continues on. A freestanding commercial-type stove is still number one, gas fueled, the choice of the serious chef.

What's that you say?

You still haven't done a stainless steel commercial looking oven?

Tisk, tisk! You better hurry or you'll be looking at the new snazzy Bronze numbers.

Trend: Built-in Coffee Makers.

Built-in Coffee makers are expensive (about $2,200 on average), but we’re seeing these become almost standard features in upper-end homes.

Left and below: Coffee systems by Miele.

One of my favorite cartoons was The Jetsons (in the early 1960's), and I loved it when George Jetson would leave for work and everything was automated, including his cup of coffee just before he was whisked up the space tube to his garage.

No need to add a space tube (not yet any how) to your home remodeling plans, but making room for the built-in coffee maker is a real luxury if your budget allows.

Trend: Appliance Drawers, Dishwashers, Freezers and Refrigerators.

Benefit: It allows you to use the size you need, where need it.

Shown left: Fisher Paykel Dishwasher Drawers

Shown right: Sub Zero Refrigerator and Freezer Drawers.
Dishwasher drawers are sold individually. Some people install one dishwasher on each side of the sink, for instance. Likewise, the refrigerator and freezer drawers are sold separately. If you need only a drawer refrigerator in an area, then so be it. Or perhaps you need one drawer on one side of the room, and another on the other side of the room, knock yourself out!


Un-Trend: Trash Compactors are out as few manufacturers even make them anymore thanks to the popularity of our eco-conscious recycling.

Trend: Washers and Dryers are now being placed on matching risers (platforms), with a drawer. Who said that we need to keep bending over to load and unload the washer and dryer? And, who couldn’t use an extra drawer built into the space created by the riser? Shown at right: Sears Kenmore Steam/Washer/Dryer Combo

Appliance Tip of The Day: Raise the Dishwasher up form the floor on a riser, with drawer. The raised counter top can be used for the microwave, built-in or not, bringing it up to eye level, yet another improvement for appliance placement.

Note: Another trend is the addition of steam as an option on many washers and dryer combinations.

The kitchen sink has gotten a lot of action lately. Porcelain Farm House sinks (a single bowl, non- divided sink) remain popular, though the two-bowl stainless steel sink remains King (or Queen). We are also seeing a lot of the hand-hammered copper farmhouse sinks (see photo, left).

Special note about the picture at left: A "balloon shade" in the kitchen is a no-no, just as any fabric in a kitchen is not reccomended because of the absorption of kithcen smells, grease, water damage, you name it, its just a bad idea.

Now, the main point is about selecting a sink is to make certain that what ever sink you pick is deep, and that each of the bowls or sections are wide enough to hold the new, oversized, designer commercial style cookware that we just had to have.

The faucet "must have" is one that has a flexible arm (think the school cafeteria) where the spray head is suspended at about eye level. The flexibility allows for easy movement between the sink bowls and maneuvering in and around large pots. See photo at left.

Features Note: Make certain that the faucet you select has an option for both spray and steady stream of water flow.

Speaking of large pots, Pot Fillers positioned on the wall above the stove, or deck mounted still make a lot of sense. To cook pasta or make a pot of soup takes a large pot. When filled with liquid, you need to call a moving service to move the pot from the sink to the stove.

The Pot Filler will save your back and can be handy should you burn dinner (literally).

Shown left: Blanco 157-064-CR "Deck Mount" Pot Filler.

Note on Mounting: When placing the plumbing for a wall mount pot filler during the construction phase, make sure that you have allowed enough height so a tall stock pot will fit under the faucet.

Next, under-cabinet lighting, one of the greatest trends to hit the kitchen since hiring personal chefs. First we had gosh-awful fluorescent lighting. Then, we had those fabulous halogen, hockey-puck lights. Now, unfortunately, we are forced to consider LED lights (touted as “never change a bulb again”) for the ultimate green experience in under cabinet lighting (just thinking green, though, is still sometimes painful!). But alas, just when all hope for esthetics as we knew it was being thrown to the wind, comes low-voltage Xenon hockey puck lights! Hooray! Not as green as LED but they last twice as long as Halogen and operate at half the temperature. So, if you’re only “pale green“, you can start with Xenon.

Above, Under Counter Lighting Options: Left, Halogen Hockey Puck; Right, Xenon under counter light bar.

Kitchen Cabinet Lighting Tip of The Day: These same bulb and fixture choices are useful on the top of the cabinets as well when trying to remedy the effects of a dark kitchen. Lighting discretely placed above the cabinets reflects light off of the ceiling, thereby creating light on the ceiling, whereas downward aimed ceiling lighting mostly lights the floor and the top of the cabinet counter tops. Remember it is just as important to layer the lighting just as you would in a Library or Study.

Whew! Had enough? Then lets wrap this up.
Let’s have a look at a kitchen that uses some of the elements I’ve discussed in this article.

You want to see the Kitchen of the Year, as crowned by House Beautiful Magazine?
Go to: http://www.caesarstoneus.com/news/kitchen_of_the_year.cfm

Good Night Moon