Posts tagged ‘kitchen remodeling’

May 15

Which Counter Top Material is Right for You?

A richly veined granite counter top adds great texture to this classic kitchen… but it requires a regular maintenance schedule to stay looking beautiful. Project designed by Kristyn Bester.

Are you easygoing but stylish? Glamorous but fussy? Rough and tumble and ready to rumble? Your family’s personality has a huge impact on which counter top material will be right for your kitchen.

This unusual Icestone counter has beautiful little flecks of pearlescent shell and glass embedded in it. Project designed by Anne De Wolf.

With so many choices out there it can be hard to pin down what’s right for you.

This soapstone counter will develop a beautiful natural patina but needs to be oiled routinely to keep it looking its best. Project designed by Anne De Wolf.

Fortunately, we ran across this nifty quiz on Houzz that does a pretty great job of helping you identify the counter material that will be a perfect fit.

The thin, stainless steel counters on this breakfast nook are great for busy families: indestructible but still so stylish.

Take the quiz here and then let us know what your results were in the comments below!

This Caesarstone counter provides a crisp white counterpoint to the stylish black millwork on the windows.

For more design inspiration, feel free to join us at our Kitchens that Work Design Workshop on Wednesday, May 27th. Get the details and RSVP here.

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Oct 21

Making it Personal: 8 Ways to Add Personal Style Your Kitchen

At Arciform, we believe in designing kitchens that will fit the era and style of your home. But we also feel that your kitchen should really feel like YOU. How can you add special personal touches to your kitchen design that reflect your family’s unique style?

Here are 8 ways to add a pop of personality to your kitchen:

1. Colorful cabinets: Whatever style of cabinets you choose, painting them a vivid color can be a great way to make your kitchen uniquely yours. Here are some great examples of Arciform clients who used color to express themselves in their kitchen:

Vivid blue lower cabinets add personality to this Laurelhurst kitchen while Carrara marble counters and subway tile backsplash keep the overall vibe clean and classic. Design by Kristyn Bester.

This client was in love with their vintage tile counters, mesh door inserts and arched valance of their original 1940s kitchen. We exactly replicated those historic elements and then painted the cabinets apple green to honor her love of bold color. Design by Kristyn Bester.

2. Cabinet Door Inserts. Your recessed door panels do not have to be wood. Adding a perforated metal or glass insert to some doors adds a subtle but very special custom element.

For this kitchen design by Anne De Wolf, we inserted white perforated metal panels into this clients upper cabinet doors to create a cool texture. The simple color palette keeps the design from feeling busy or cluttered.

This client fell in love with a heavy gage mesh that was incorporated into her custom upper doors and her lower drawers. The lower drawers are used to store dog food and pet items, making the mesh a beautiful and practical way to allow airflow around these items. Design by Anne De Wolf.

3. Open shelving. One of the simplest ways to showcase your family’s obsessions is to incorporate open shelving into your kitchen plan.

This allows you to show off your favorite collections and change things up with the seasons. Your selection of shelving material and bracket style can add a decorative touch while still maintaining a neutral backdrop for your favorite things.

This Arciform client incorporated open shelving as a way to frame their fridge and display their favorite dishes. Behind these shelves, a custom divided lite window screens additional open pantry storage that tucks the useful but less pretty items in easy reach but just out of sight. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Simple narrow shelves with cool shelf brackets create a space to show off favorite ingredients and much used items. They also help to solve a tricky storage challenge in this long and narrow kitchen. Design by Anne De Wolf.

The shelves in this project were made of salvaged tropical hardwood that was used as spacer to transport pipes across oceans.The custom metal brackets are suspended from the ceiling and show off the client’s eclectic taste. Design by Anne De Wolf.

If your kitchen has the height for it, you can also create plate rail display space above the cabinets.

This Arciform project in a National Monument home integrated plate rails and display space around the entire perimeter of the room to help the client showcase their treasured Turkish pottery collection. Design by Anne De Wolf.

4. Lighting. Decorative lighting fixtures are a great way to showcase your distinct style. And since they are relatively easy and inexpensive to replace, you can update them over the years when you are ready for a fresh look.

This client supplements her decorative pendant lights with under cabinet lighting and a few discreet can lights so that she can enjoy the best of both worlds: beautiful fixtures and practical task lighting that puts light just where its needed. Design by Anne De Wolf.

This elegant fixture over the sink adds a ton of personality to a small kitchenette in this client’s daylight basement guest suite. Design by Kristyn Bester.

5. Hardware. Knobs, pulls and hinges are often called the “jewelry” of your design. Vintage knobs or custom pieces can be sourced to fit your exact taste. Keep in mind that your knobs and pulls don’t have to all match – you can mix it up to add interest to the space and if you find yourself wanting an update later, it is inexpensive and fun to change out your knobs for a fresh look.

You can also showcase your style in other kinds of hardware… from bottle openers to towel hooks.

Maybe a whimsical bottle opener is just the right touch. Or use a whole wall to showcase a collection!

6. Tile niches. With thousands of varieties, colors and patterns of tile out there, your back splash or stove niche can be a great place to add a personal touch to your kitchen design.

This Arciform client chose a subtle blue grey tile for their stove niche. The unusual curved medallion shape contrasts nicely with the clean and classic subway tile of the backsplash. Design by Chelly Wentworth.

This client incorporated some very cool painted tiles that were salvaged from the original kitchen into their new stove niche. Design by Anne De Wolf.

7. Custom windows. If your kitchen has one main window, consider making it a focal point with a custom shape or salvage stained glass element.

This Arciform client added a custom gothic arched casement window to her kitchen addition, creating an unusual and striking centerpiece to the kitchen design. A salvage stain glass accessory window adds color and vintage flair. Design by Anne De Wolf.

8. Flooring design. Another place you can have a bit of design fun is in the selection of your flooring pattern. From chevron patterns to inset tile elements and stain options there are a variety of ways to add subtle personal details to your kitchen floor.

The flooring in this kitchen features decorative inset wood pegs in a contrasting color that give the floor a “buttoned” look. Design by Chelly Wentworth.

Hex floor tile offers a wealth opportunities to incorporate a custom tile pattern. You can even have your family’s name or the year of the house inset into the tile pattern if you like. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Even simple marmoleum floors can add a bold graphic element, like the contrasting band of color used in this Arciform project. The design element also acts as an aging in place feature by making the transition between floor and cabinets easy to distinguish. Design by Chelly Wentworth.

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Oct 10

Period Kitchens: The ’50s and ’60s

The ’50s and 60’s kitchen was all about “modern conveniences” and new manufactured finishes that made the latest looks more affordable for a growing post-war family. The look was sleek, with minimal ornamentation and increasing use of wood veneers, laminates and manufactured finishes.

Full Overlay Cabinets. Cabinets doors completely concealed the face frame behind it.

This 1962 whole house remodel features a Mid-Century Modern inspired kitchen with full overlay doors and drawers, simple hardware and strong, simple shapes. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Slab Doors. Simple, flush un-ornamented doors were popular, creating clean lines and simple shapes.

This Saul Zaik home features full overlay slab doors in the kitchen with wood edged laminate counter tops. Lines were kept simple to keep the focus on the dramatic ceiling lines and large windows of this classic Mid-Century Modern home. Design by Brian Carleton, built by Arciform.

Wood Veneers. Manufactured finishes like wood veneers and laminates became very popular during this era, along with counter tops that sometimes came with contrasting or matching wood, metal or laminate edging.

This restored kitchen in the Alameda neigborhood integrated new cabinets alongside the existing cabinets. Exact replicas of the brass hardware were custom made for the kitchen and a new fridge was tucked behind panels that were designed to blend with the rest of the kitchen. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Would you like to refresh your kitchen’s sleek Mod style? Our designers can help you integrate modern conveniences while including style elements that fit the era of your home. Schedule a design consultation to begin planning your own perfect kitchen here.

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Oct 3

Client’s Eye View: Donna and Bill’s Compact and Classic Kitchen

Reversing the damage of a poorly considered ’80s remodel and packing a compact kitchen with storage without making the space feel cluttered were two important goals of this recently completed Arciform kitchen remodel. But don’t take our word for it. We recently interviewed the homeowners to get a “client’s eye view” of their kitchen renovation experience.

What were your goals for this renovation?

We had several goals. All were equally important to us. We badly needed an update of the large appliances. There were electrical needs. We had only 3 outlets and two overhead lights – one over the sink and one in the center of the room. The room looked like Macy’s kitchen department. With no storage for small appliances, the counter space was used for the toaster, the mixer, and so on. My spices were stored in 3 different places. We needed more counter space. The house was built in 1916, so we wanted the design to reflect the look of the rest of the house.

Here’s a peek at the kitchen before the remodel.

What were your concerns going into the remodeling process?

We chose Arciform after some thoughtful research. We hoped Arciform COULD DELIVER. We loved their ideas and their willingness to partner with us to make the kitchen happen. They did deliver.

What did you learn during the process?

The design is the key. Arciform worked with us to design every inch of the project. We revisited the design over and over. Arciform made what WE wanted and needed an essential part of the design process. As the design evolved, we learned about materials, costs and even construction.

What are your favorite elements of the completed kitchen and why?

I LOVE how it reflects the period in which the house was built. This makes it a better house.

The lighting is great! I can see when I cook. I have counter lighting as well as 4 ceiling lights.

Using small appliances isn’t a task anymore. There are outlets everywhere.

My spices are all in one drawer and easy to see.

Because I have an appliance barn, the Macy kitchen department look is gone, and I have lots more counter space.

The large appliances are “state of the art.” They are more efficient, more quiet, more dependable and really fun to use.

Tell us about your experience of working with Arciform.

Our working relationship with Arciform was great. From the estimate to the finished job, there were no surprises. I think their strong suit is communication. They stayed in touch by text and email, informing us of even small changes in the schedule. All the personnel are excellent people – smart, thoughtful and skilled. The workers all cleaned up after themselves.

It was a pleasure to help Donna & Bill get the kitchen they’ve always wanted. How can we help you meet your goals for your home? Get more details about our process and schedule a design consultation here.

Looking for more design inspiration for your kitchen? Join us for our Kitchens that Work Design Workshop on May 18th. Get the details and RSVP here by May 15th to attend FREE.

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Sep 16

Design Secrets: Which Kitchen Sink is Right for You?

A vintage farmhouse sink is a very cool way to add personality to your kitchen- but is it right for the style of your home and your family’s lifestyle? We interviewed Arciform Senior Designer Chelly Wentworth for some pro tips to help you choose the sink that’s right for you.

What are the most common styles of kitchen sinks that your clients request for their projects? What are the pros and cons for these common styles?

Undermount single bowl is the most common style requested by my clients.

This undermount single bowl sink avoids the lip of a top mount sink,
making the counters easier to keep clean.

It’s better for soaking larger pans and cookie sheets and has a cleaner installation.

Another common request is the farmhouse sink. It’s technically most appropriate for older home styles but people love them!

This apron front farmhouse sink adds to the classic feel of this kitchen in a 1909 home.

They are charming and recall a bygone era.

One advantage of the farmhouse sink is that sink cabinets can take a beating and farmhouse sinks provide protection. They are generally deep which makes them great for washing and filling taller pots. The roomy interiors help when cookie sheets and pans need soaking.

Do you have a favorite farmhouse sink?

When a project calls for a sleeker look I like stainless steel farmhouse sinks.

There are a variety of sink materials (stainless steel, porcelain, etc)- what are some pros and cons of these different materials?

Stainless Steel

Easy to clean, sleek style, variety of shapes, goes well with stainless steel appliances

This stainless steel sink includes a continuous steel counter and backsplash,
making it a very practical choice for this busy family.

Be aware that not all stainless steel sinks are created equal.

The sink needs to be a high grade of steel (18/10 or better) and be insulated for sound.

Also, keep in mind that stainless steel scratches easily and can dent.

This under-mount stainless steel sink was used for a contemporary Pearl District loft kitchen.

Cast Iron

This is a great traditional choice that includes a life time warranty by some manufacturers.

This basement guest suite uses am IronTones cast iron topmount sink from Kohler.

Cast iron sinks with enamel or porcelain coatings are available in many colors but a limited number of shapes.

Be aware that the coatings can chip and get stained but can usually be cleaned.

This very cool farmhouse pedestal leg sink features porcelain finish over cast iron with built in drainboards. It is from Strom Plumbing and its called Clarion.

Fireclay

This is a durable and non-porous material, making it resistant to stains and able to withstand high heat.

This historic property incorporated a fireclay apron front sink from Kohler to fit with the turn of the century style of the home.

Available in a wide range of colors and styles, fireclay can mimic a traditional cast iron look with added durability.

Just keep in mind that they can be uneven and water can pool in them because of their uneven surfaces.

Composites

Made from a mixture of granite stone dust and acrylic resins, composites come in dark colors that can help them blend in with darker counter materials.

This Silgranit under-mount sink is a grey granite composite material.
It was installed into our Portland Monthly Kitchen Makeover kitchen.

Harsh chemicals and high heat can damage some composite sinks, so be sure to select a sink that’s designed for high heat resistance.

You could also choose to have a sink carved out of a whole block of soapstone or other stone material, or to have one manufactured out of slabs of stone for a natural look.

This soapstone sink was assembled from stone slabs for a textured, very distinctive look.

You will have the same maintenance concerns with these materials in your sink as you would in your counter tops- granite can be porous and show stains, while soapstone looks best when oiled as part of a regular maintenance routine.

Is there a style of sink or sink material you tend to steer people away from? If so, why?

If they can’t live with scratches, I’ll steer them away from stainless steel.

If they are installing a dishwasher, I will often advise that a double bowl or asymmetrical sink is not necessary.

This double bowl asymmetrical stainless steel sink works well for an empty-nest couple who do not typically have a full load of dishes to do at one time. But a larger family (or a couple who loves to cook large pots of pasta) may prefer a deeper single bowl sink.

Do you have favorite or “go to” sink that you have used on multiple projects? What do you like about it?

Here are a few of my favorites:

Rohl Shaws Original for FarmHouse

Its ‘the original’ and I love the little logo

Kohler Cast Iron

I like these for undermount sinks.

Blanco Silgranit

Finally, for fireclay undermount sinks I like

Allia

What advice do you have for homeowners about selecting a sink style that will be right for their family’s needs?

I always ask homeowners to consider the following questions when deciding on a sink:

What style of sink would have been common during the era your home was built?
What style of sink are you most used to?
Who will be using the sink?
Do you do a lot of hand washing or do you primarily use the dishwasher?
What’s your cooking style? If you cook a lot of pasta you may need a deeper sink. Asian foods cooked with a hot wok may lead you towards a heat resistant material while a preference for lots of sauces might suggest a sink that is stain and acid resistant.
What’s your budget?

Sinks can range widely in price based on style and material. Your designer can help steer you towards choices that fit both your style and your budget.

Want to explore more ideas for designing your dream kitchen?

Join us October 8th for our Kitchen Confidential workshop for an evening of inspiration and insider tricks that will help you make your kitchen a pleasure to live and work in.

Get the details and RSVP here.

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Jan 28

Designer Profile: Meet Kristyn Bester

We’re delighted to announce that Arciform designer Kristyn Bester was recently promoted to Senior Designer.

Arciform owner Anne De Wolf shares that, “Kristyn is a great match for Arciform because her first focus is to serve the client’s needs well. She is always cool under pressure and well informed about cutting edge design techniques. Her design aesthetic is young and fresh and mixed with a keen eye for practical solutions. She’s a talented designer and we are delighted to promote her to Senior Designer with the company.”

We interviewed Kristyn to gather some insights into her design process and how she helps clients mix form and function to create a cohesive and personal whole.

1. When did you know you wanted to be an architectural designer? Tell us how you got inspired to do this work.

I spent a semester during college in Florence, studying fine art and graphic design. I was so frustrated sitting at a desk tweaking images on Photoshop when I knew one of the most glorious cities was sitting just outside. I may not have received very good grades that semester but it is when I truly discovered my passion for architecture. I spent hours at a time wandering the city and surrounding areas photographing the magnificent architectural landscapes that surrounded me. I changed majors the very first day of the next semester and I never looked back.

Here’s a look at some of the architecture Kristyn found inspiring in Florence…

2. Describe one of your favorite design projects. What were the challenges? What were some of the features that made it memorable?

I had the opportunity to design a major kitchen remodel for my parents’ 1925 Cape Code in West Moreland. The greatest challenge was creating a separation between our working relationship and our day to day relationship so that our conversations would not be overrun by remodel talk for three months. Our relationship was also the greatest advantage in the project because I was able to infuse details into their kitchen that made it uniquely personal to my parents. Knowing the ins and outs of how they use their kitchen, as well as the functions that were missing, allowed me to pinpoint the areas in need of the most improvement. My favorite features were a custom pullout butcher block counter for their simple eat-in dinners together, tripling the window area for a great view into their backyard and maximum light, and a dishwasher fitted with a cabinet panel for my mom who can’t stand fingerprints on stainless steel. If only we had done the same thing for the fridge!

3. Tell us what you consider the hallmarks of a well-designed project. How do you know when something is “right?”

I’m a believer in form AND function. I think the two should exist side by side to create both a beautiful and practical space. I like to identify problem areas from the beginning to solve the functionality aspect first, then I incorporate the details that make a space feel cohesive with the rest of the home, as well as personal to the homeowner.
When a space is “right” you can FEEL it. When I walk into my home at the end of every day I have an “ahhhh” feeling because the way that it reflects my life and my family makes me happy. That’s how I want my clients to feel when they walk into their new spaces.

4. What’s your working style? How do you like to work with a client?

There are no two clients that are alike. I think it’s important to be flexible and to listen each person’s learning style and incorporate that into the design experience. Everything from imagery to convey an idea, having finish samples to touch and feel, and explaining really technical details – these are all aspects of the design process that speak to different clients.
I also like to put myself in my clients’ shoes to try to experience their home from their perspective and identify with their needs. I may not have three young kids, be aging in place or run a business out of my home – but I am really good at pretending that I do!

5. What are the top 3 things on your “bucket list?”

1. To be a competitor on Survivor – yes, the TV show.

2. Someday I would like to live in a barn. I’m not sure when or where, but I would love to rescue one someday.
3. I have always wanted to learn the flying trapeze.

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Nov 6

Kitchen Makeover: Ready, Set, Launch!

Contracts are signed, designs are complete, and now it is time to for our Kitchen Makeover winners to get real about the fact that there is about to be a big hole where their kitchen used to be!

Before each construction project begins, Arciform Project Manager Scott Mumma (pictured, center right) likes to sit down with the designer, client services manager and the client to address some of their frequently asked questions about the remodeling process and how it will impact their daily lives.

For Makeover winners Darrick and Monica, the first question was about how they would handle their own daily routine with a hole where there kitchen used to be.

To address that, Scott recommends that the fridge, microwave and pantry essentials be moved to a nearby location out of the path of the construction team. Derek and Monica have elected to use a portion of their living room as their temporary kitchen. The team puts down floor coverings throughout the temporary kitchen area (and along every path from the entrance to the construction area) to protect the home from dust and damage during the renovation process.

Scott then introduces them to the Job Box, which includes a set of documents that will be used to track the progress of the job from beginning to end.

The job box includes reminders about lead safety techniques, checklists to ensure all necessary items have been completed at each critical stage of the project and a copy of the contract for reference by the client and the construction team as questions come up throughout the construction process.

One cool feature: The job box also contains weekly progress reports that give both managers and carpenters the opportunity to document issues, discoveries and concerns that may need to be addressed before the next week’s work begins.

Next Scott works with the client to determine how all waste material and chemicals will be handled during the demolition and construction phase.

Locations are identified for where trash and recycling materials will be stored and picked up (check out the orange dumpster in front of their entry stairs) and where paint equipment and other materials can be safely rinsed and cleaned at the end of the work day. Arciform routinely re-captures as much of the waste stream as possible, with each week’s debris sorted into re-useable, recyclable, compostable and burnable subcategories and returned to the Arciform shop for appropriate storage or disposal.

The last step is to identify what elements of the demolition will be the client’s responsibility before construction begins.

In this case, our contest winners have taken on the removal of the existing chimney stack and the demolition of the drywall from the wall that is being removed. You can see the results of that demo above.

Already, the whole space feels lighter and brighter!

From there, the project is off and running- literally. The whole team is looking forward to getting a great workout running up and down those entry stairs during the project.

Next Up: Surprise! Expecting the Unexpected During Construction

Explore More with these Previous Kitchen Makeover Posts:

Contract Revisions: The Devil in the Details

Design Phase

Meet the Makeover Winners

Announcing the Winner

Makeover Contest Finalists

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Thanks again to our Small Kitchen Makeover Contest Partners:

Jul 9

Small Kitchen Makeover: Design Phase

How does a designer take a bundle of hopes, wishes, obstacles and opportunities and turn it into a coherent plan that will accomplish both the desires of the client and the practical needs of the project?

For our small kitchen makeover winners, Arciform designer Chelly Wentworth developed her initial design proposal with 3 key goals in mind:

1. Open the kitchen up to the dining room to make the space feel larger.

2. Add storage wherever possible.

3. Integrate the clients’ preference for clean, modern lines with the vintage character of the home to create a timeless look.

To accomplish that goal, she began by creating a detailed plan of the existing kitchen (see above) to help visualize the challenges and options available in the space.

She also created a Pinterest board of style ideas to help illustrate and guide the design process.

(Carrara marble and white subway tile are combined with open shelving in this sample kitchen pinned by Chelly. The result is a crisp neutral palette that still has vintage character and adds storage space without the bulk and expense of upper cabinets.)

From here, Chelly created a set of elevations (drawings that illustrate the kitchen one wall at a time) of her proposed designs.

Here are a few of the design details Chelly incorporated into her initial design.

Illustration A. A mixed mosaic tile back splash in anthracite from Oregon Tile and Marble will cover the west wall, adding a subtle repeating pattern and cool grey tones to the kitchen. An existing obsolete chimney will be removed from the NW corner, opening up wall space for open shelving to display and store needed kitchen items.

Here’s what the mixed mosaic tile will look like:

To coordinate with the backsplash, George Morlan is providing a charcoal grey undermount sink with a very cool faucet. Take a look:

Illustration B. The existing wall separating the dining room and kitchen will be removed, to be replaced with a peninsula that will house a dual fuel slide-in range with a clear glass range hood provided by Standard TV and Appliance. The peninsula will include a small overhang for a breakfast bar on the dining room side. A pendant light from Schoolhouse Electric will create a visual connection between the kitchen and dining spaces and millwork for the opening surrounding the peninsula will be matched to the existing molding and built-ins in the dining room to create a cohesive look.

Here’s the sample range and hood options:

Illustration C. The removal of the north wall will open up room for a shallow spice cabinet to the left of the basement stairs, adding needed storage while keeping the new open feel of the space. A set of Julia Child-inspired wall mounted pot racks will allow them to keep their pots and pans close to hand.

Here’s a sample pegboard pot rack that will inspire the finished pot wall:

Illustration D. The south wall will be the primary place to add new cabinets. Chelly proposes Shaker-style full overlay cabinet doors and drawer fronts from Versatile Wood Products to add vintage character while keeping the lines clean and simple.

Here’s an example (on the right) of what Shaker-style full overlay cabinets look like:

For Darrick and Monica, the butcher block counter shown above would be replaced with honed grey Carrara marble counters that will be cut by Wall to Wall Stone Corp and installed by Classic Marmo.

In the pantry, an unusually narrow 33″ wide fridge has been found that will tuck into the small space and open freely.

BONUS! Darrick noticed that the back side of the pantry connects to an empty space below the stairs, allowing us to tuck the microwave into a built-in cavity that will add a lot of functionality without sacrificing any counter or shelf space.

So what do Darrick and Monica think of how the design is progressing so far?

Darrick writes,

“As far as the design so far- we were pretty much floored. You visualize some of the design concepts but seeing it in a 3-D rendering puts it in a completely different picture and makes it much more real.”

What changes are they considering to the initial design?

* changing the shelves colors to match the floors
* adding a wine fridge (because we oh so love wine)
* adding a trash compactor (to minimize on the mountain climbing for each trip to the trash can)
* taking out the door frame that leads into the fridge room (to make it much more open)

Darrick adds, “The experience so far has been great. It’s been a great learning experience as this is the first time we’ve gone through a remodel. We’re excited to keep forging forward and can’t wait for the great result.”

Check out the “before” pictures of our Small Kitchen project here.

Next week: Contract Revisions: The Devil in the Details

Follow the story with these additional Kitchen Makeover Posts:

Ready, Set, Launch!

Meet the Makeover Winners

Announcing the Winner

Makeover Contest Finalists

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Thanks again to our Small Kitchen Makeover Contest Partners:

May 6

From Pattern to Prep Station: Alternative Surfaces for Kitchen Islands

I love metal patterns! These are pieces of metal from which pattern pieces have been cut out – for car parts, for machine parts, you name it.

Imagine a piece of fabric after you’ve cut out a pattern for a shirt, for example. Now imagine it in metal. There you go – same thing as fabric! While I was working on my deck, my friend Shannon brought me a couple of these patterns for use as whatever. Shannon and his partner, Dennis, are car guys, and picked up the metal for me at the body shop they use. What great friends! Then the Arciform guys, artists that they are, turned the metal pattern pieces into part of my deck railing. They look fantastic.

One day Anne emailed me and asked how I would describe these pattern cutouts. She had a client who was looking for a cool kitchen island, and Anne had an idea for using the metal pattern pieces. I wrote back describing the pieces as per above, plus I attached some pictures from my deck.

Anne declined to use the photos, saying, Those photos would just confuse people. Thanks Anne!

But last week I ran across something that might help the situation. While at BBC Steel in Canby, I saw several large pieces of metal patterns. It was a sunny day, and I got some good photos. Perhaps these will help Anne illustrate her idea to clients?

I gotta say, if I were re-doing my kitchen now (I’m not, it’s done), and if I had room for an island (I don’t), I think I would use plywood for my island. I’ve been seeing all kinds of cool pics of plywood, like in this slide show in the NY Times. I would use the plywood for the island, and I would cover it with one of the metal pattern pieces. How insane would that be? I confess, I would probably try to do the same with all my kitchen cabinet doors as well, but Anne might put the brakes on that one. Stick in the mud.

Somebody please use this idea for a kitchen island! I’ll be jealous, but that’s OK.

About Nancy Ranchel

Nancy is an accountant who offsets the practicality of her day job with extravagant and outrageous remodeling projects, often involving massive amounts of scrap metal. In her free time she can be found dreaming up new ways to turn her house into an art installation, digging through scrap heaps, and contemplating a world without plastic. Check out Nancy’s blog here: www.replaceinpdx.com/

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Apr 25

2 Comments

And the Winner Is…

We are delighted to announce that the PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN and have selected Goose Hollow Kitchen as the winner of our Portland Monthly Small Kitchen Makeover Contest!

Collectively, you cast over 11,000 votes and 30,000 page views in support of our finalist kitchens. Thank you for your dedicated assistance in helping us make this extremely difficult choice.

We’re extremely excited to work with this family to illuminate the heart of their home on the outskirts of downtown Portland.

If only we could have offered this prize to every worthy finalist who tugged at our hearts and fired our imaginations throughout this process. We can’t quite do that, but our contestants can each look forward to receiving a thank you gift from Arciform that can help get them started down the path of a rejuvenated kitchen when they are ready.

In the mean time, what’s next for Goose Hollow Kitchen?

We’ll be coordinating with the winner to discuss her design goals and outline the scope of the project. And we’ll invite you all to join us every step of the way, with blog posts and behind the scenes photo galleries as we work with our contest co-sponsors to give them the small kitchen of their dreams!

Thanks to Versatile Wood Products, Standard TV and Appliance, Schoolhouse Electric, CZ Becker, Emerson Hardwoods, Oregon Tile and Marble, Classic Marmo, George Morlan Plumbing and of course Portland Monthly for making this project possible.

Thank YOU for lending your votes to help us choose the winner and thanks to everyone who participated.

We have big ideas for each and every one of your kitchens. We’ll be in touch 😉