Posts tagged ‘kitchen renovation’

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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Mar 18

Client’s Eye View: Finding the Perfect Range for Your Kitchen

If you love to cook, selecting the perfect oven & stovetop for your kitchen can be the most important decision you make. Recently Arciform client Linda Schmidt’s quest for the perfect range took her all the way to Woodinville, Wa. We interviewed her to get a client’s eye view of her experience.

What are your goals for your new range? How will it be an improvement over your current stove?

Currently we have a glass stove top which was present when we purchased the house. We hate it. It’s impossible to keep clean, and, given that it’s electric, I don’t think it cooks that well. It takes forever to heat up a large pot of water if I am making a big batch of chicken soup. We have a wall oven which works okay, but I find that I am often in need of two ovens as I bake a lot, particularly around the holidays. Our new range will replace both the stovetop and wall range, making better use of the limited space in our kitchen. Although the new range won’t be large (approximately 40” wide), it will come with dual electric ovens (each of which can cook a 26 lb turkey!) and 5 gas burners, one of which is 18,000 BTU – this should allow me to heat up a big pot of soup in a jiffy. From an aesthetic standpoint, the new range will be far more attractive than what we currently have.

You went to Seattle to check out a range you were excited about. What was it that drew you to that particular model?

Woodinville, WA to be exact! I saw this range featured in one of the design/home décor magazines I receive. I loved the timeless and classic look of it. It’s not trendy. The other important draw was that it comes in 24 different colors! With respect to the particular model that we selected, given that our kitchen space is not large, we were limited to a range less than 44” in width. What I liked best about this model is that it comes with two equal-sized ovens so the overall look is balanced. My eye was immediately drawn to it when I saw it. My husband also liked this model best.

What did you learn while you were there? How has it impacted your thinking about which range you’ll select?

I learned a lot. I had already done a fair amount of on-line research about the different ranges out there as well as about LaCanche. I even found some internet threads where people write about their experience with a LaCanche range. Going to the showroom allowed me to see, up close, the different models, learn more about their features, the accessories that come with the range, optional accessories such as griddles and grill plates, and other important things about the ordering process, warranty, service and parts. I also learned that LaCanche ranges are entirely mechanical – no computer chips or anything like that – so if something goes wrong, it is likely because a part has worn out. Learning about the different oven options led me to select the particular model I did. Prior to visiting the showroom, I wasn’t sure which model to select because it wasn’t entirely clear to me from reading through their brochure which oven arrangement would best suit our needs.

What challenges did you identify with the model you checked out?

Lead and shipping time! Each range is built to order in France. Because the demand for this brand has increased significantly over the last year, we were told that there is at least a 10 week lead time after our order is placed. Add an additional 4 -10 weeks for delivery, depending on whether you select air or sea freight, and you are looking at 5 months before the range arrives if you select with the most cost effective shipping option.

What’s your next step? Does the search continue?

My next step is to decide on a color (I’ve narrowed it down to two) and then order. I’ve done enough research on-line and by visiting other showrooms to know that no other brand appeals to me as much in terms of appearance, functionality, and cost. This range is surprisingly well-priced. It’s less expensive than some American brands and is definitely better priced than LaCornue.

What advice do you have for others getting started on the appliance selection process?

Do your research. I did a lot of research on-line. From there, I identified several brands which appealed to me aesthetically and came in colors I was considering as I knew that I did not want stainless steel. It then came down to whether the brand/model offered a double oven. From there, price and value were the ultimate determining factors. Definitely visit a showroom of the range(s) you are considering. We learned a lot from spending just over an hour at the LaCanche showroom. Visiting the showroom also made me feel much more confident in this purchase.

Exploring a possible kitchen renovation? Join us May 18th, 2015 for an inspirational design workshop. Get the details and RSVP here.

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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 10

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Period Perfect Kitchen: the 1940s

If you have a 1940s house, it most likely falls into one of two categories: Pre-War or Post-War.

The 1940s pre-War kitchen borrowed from the ’30s with its cheerful prints and focus on white, sanitary spaces.

The post-War kitchen benefited from the huge influx of returning soldiers who got married and set up housekeeping . It also shows early signs of the manufactured product boom that was to come in the ’50s.

This kitchen designed by Kristyn Bester showcases the bright colors and decorative glass knobs that came into vogue in the ’40s. The mesh panel doors are exact replicas of their 1940s originals. The scalloped apron above the stove is also a replica of the original, showcasing some of the charming details common in the era.

Bright colors: Cabinets, walls and counter tops were often in cheery, vivid contrasting colors… a departure from all white cabinets and counters of the sanitation-obsessed ’20s.

This kitchen designed by Anne De Wolf showcases the bright colors, half overlay cabinets and visible hinges typical of the era.

Mixture of full-inset and half-overlay cabinets: A common cabinet style for the era was the “half-overlay” style, where the cabinet doors and drawer fronts would overlap the frame of the cabinet slightly while still showing a strip of the front of the cabinet (like in the kitchen above). This style would usually make use of the ball tip hinge which was installed to be visible on the exterior of the cabinet.

Below you see an example of the “full-inset” cabinet doors that were also common during the period. This style would feature cabinet doors that were designed to fit exactly inside the cabinet opening and appear flush with the cabinet face frame when closed.

The contrasting inset tile on this counter top are a good example of the ’40s kitchen’s deco inflected style choices. Design by Kristyn Bester.

Tile counters: Decorative tile counters and backdrops are seen during the forties, often with strongly graphic patterns and pops of color.

Enameled appliances: Enameled metal appliances continue to be popular in the ’40s and would often feature the bold colors favored during the era.

Bakelite drawer and door pulls: The deco influence of the ’40s is most clearly seen in the prevalence of bakelite drawer pulls that often had an art deco design element.

Printed linoleum floors: Another way pattern and charm were added to the 1940s kitchen was through the use of printed linoleum floors. Some patterns were simple faux stonework while others would incoporate a graphic motif.

Would you like to renew your kitchen’s 1940s charm? 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 8

Period Perfect Kitchen: 1920-1930

If your home was built between 1920 and 1930, the original kitchen may have had some of the features below.

Mix of full inset and half-overlay door and drawer styles. While still simple, the addition of half-overlay doors and drawer styles added character.

This 1929 kitchen has the original tile counters and a mix of full inset and half-overlay doors and drawers. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Tile counters. Tile countertops were affordable, durable and could add style to the kitchen.

This 1931 kitchen has tile counters that replicate the hexaganal design typical of the period. Design by Kristyn Bester.

Deco details. Fitting with the glamour of the era, there were often deco details found in the kitchen.

Deco details in a 1929 kitchen. Design by Anne De Wolf.

Freestanding appliances. There was typically an oven, sink and if you were lucky enough, a stand alone fridge.

Freestanding fridge and range in this 1931 kitchen. Design by Kristyn Bester.

Would you like to revitalize your kitchen’s original deco details? 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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Aug 15

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Kitchen Confidential: 5 Hidden Conveniences for Your Kitchen

(Small appliances tucked elegantly out of sight? Yes, please!)

Sometimes, the thing you love most about your kitchen is completely invisible to the casual guest in your home. These little conveniences can help make your kitchen a pleasure to live and work in.

Here are 5 Hidden Conveniences to Consider for Your Kitchen Project

1. Build In Space for Breakfast… and Business.

(This kitchen and its cleverly convenient nook was designed by Arciform owner and Senior Designer Anne De Wolf.)

This small pantry area reclaimed space off of our client’s kitchen, adding storage and allowing the main kitchen to feel more open. Once the built in cabinets were added, however, the remaining footprint was small and the client still needed space for a work desk and a breakfast area.

The solution: A laptop desk that cleverly slides out from the work station (above left) and a breakfast bar that drops down to tuck out of the walkway when not in use (below).

2. Electrify Your Island.

(This kitchen renovation was for the historic Barnes Mansion, which is featured as the “Haunted Mansion” in Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Quimby books. The kitchen was designed by Arciform owner and senior designer Anne De Wolf.)

This client’s Historic Register home needed a kitchen island that would fit the elegant and timeless aesthetic of the rest of the space. She also needed to be able to plug her mixer and other small appliances in without dragging a cord across the large kitchen.

The solution: A custom built island with turned legs that creates a furniture-like look AND cleverly hides the cords for the electric outlet inside a hollow leg.

3. Tuck Trays (and Technology) into Your Toe Kicks.

(These custom cabinets were designed by Arciform Senior Designer Chelly Wentworth and are being built by our sister company Versatile Wood Products for use on a kitchen project being completed this summer.)

Make every inch of your custom kitchen work a bit harder by installing drawers into your toe kicks. This recessed portion of the cabinet by the floor is often wasted space, but a shallow drawer tucked into your toe kick is a great place to store cookie sheets and platters (or even the good silverware.)

Or take it a step further (if you’ll forgive the pun) and invest in one of these very cool Scalimera toe kick step stools that automatically pop out and unfold themselves when you kick them. You can check out a video of these nifty little numbers in action here.

(We’ll be installing one of these into the toe kick of another Historic Register home designed by Ellis Lawrence that is currently undergoing a kitchen renovation designed by Arciform Senior Designer Kristyn Bester.)

4. Slip Spices into a Secret Cabinet.

(Arciform Senior Designer Chelly Wentworth helped our Kitchen Makeover winners transform their kitchen from dingy and difficult to uncluttered and utterly charming.)

The biggest design challenge faced in the design for our Portland Monthly Kitchen Makeover winner was how to tuck in storage wherever we could into a kitchen with a very small footprint and very limited cabinet space. The lower cabinets were in great shape and had orignial 1930s era mesh inset cabinet doors with charming vintage hardware. How could we help this couple keep the charming elements of their current kitchen and add easy access to their spices and cooking oils without cluttering up their extremely limited counter space?

The solution: Carve out pockets of space to the left and right of their range for cookie sheet storage and a pull out spice rack that tucks back behind a narrow door when not in use. Salvage butterfly hinges were found to match the charming details on the rest of the cabinets to make the secret spice drawer feel like it was always there.

Or tuck your spices into a neatly organized drawer with a spice rack insert:

5. Hide the Pantry in Plain Sight.

(This kitchen renovation is part of a whole house remodel designed by Arciform owner and Senior Designer Anne De Wolf.)

This kitchen renovation in a Sellwood Victorian was designed to be a simple space that opened directly onto the family’s main living space. The main kitchen footprint would be small, efficient and open, with no upper cabinets to store typical serving items and pantry essentials. How would this busy family of four fit their day to day groceries into the space?

The solution: A bit of unused space adjacent to the downstairs powder room was converted into a pantry. Dishes and attractive serving items are displayed on open shelving and backed by custom built divided lite windows that create an old fashioned small town grocery store feeling. Day to day pantry items are stored on shelving tucked into the nook behind the windows, making them easy to access but largely invisible to casual users of the space.

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Apr 25

Client’s Eye View: Laurelhurst Cottage Remodel

We’re just breaking ground on a renovation of a 1928 Tudor cottage in Laurelhurst and delighted to discover that our clients have decided to start a blog to track their renovation experience from start to finish.

How fun!

Check out their first post here. We’ll follow along from our blog as well. Here’s a few favorite tidbits from her first post:

In late October 2013 we purchased & moved into our home in the historic Laurelhurst neighborhood of Portland, OR. Within the first week of moving in we met and started our journey with the talented peoples at Arciform to transform the outdated and dysfunctional kitchen and master bathroom into something great!

Day 3:

“Blue skies all around me, nothing but blue skies do i see…” or it could just be a blue tarp covering the kitchen window.

JACKHAMMERING…

(do I need to say any more about that???)

to lay the foundation for the “nook” addition and the new slope of stairs from the main floor to the basement the existing concrete pad for the mud room was removed.

We can’t wait to see how it all comes together. Will you take the journey with us?

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Nov 11

Client’s Eye View: An Elegant, Whimsical Kitchen

Design by Anne De Wolf. Photos by Photo Art Portraits.

For Paris and Stan, their kitchen renovation was all about adding joy and a touch of elegant whimsy to a hard-working space that needed to serve as kitchen, mudroom, pantry, office and family gathering hub.

Here’s where they began:

Before the remodel.

Dated fixtures and finishes and a cramped footprint made this kitchen an unwelcoming and inconvenient space in the heart of their home.

Here’s Paris and Stan’s take on the project goals and challenges and how it all came out:

Design by Anne De Wolf. Photos by Photo Art Portraits.

Arciform: What were your goals with this kitchen remodel?

We wanted something special, not run-of-the-mill, that would reflect our family’s personality. We also wanted each family member to have their own cubby to store their gear and we wanted the space to be a welcoming hangout for the family to share “family time” together.

Arciform designer Anne De Wolf adds, “The project needed to integrate several overlapping uses into one cohesive space. We focused on efficient solutions for integrated storage and elegant but whimsical finishes that would add color and a light and airy feel to the space.”

Pendant lights selected after much searching add a touch of whimsy to the space, while ice stone counters with embedded flecks of glass and mother of pearl create a sense of luxury and surprise. Turquoise diamond-shaped glass tile add color and texture.

Design by Anne De Wolf. Photos by Photo Art Portraits.

Arciform: What were some of the challenges the project faced and how did you address them?

The space was small and dark and right in the central pathway of the home.

We chose reflective surfaces like stainless steel and light gloss upper cabinet finishes to capture as much light as possible. Full height cabinets make the most of every available inch of storage. The lower cabinets also have additional built-in storage solutions, including access to the storage space from both sides of the breakfast bar.

Design by Anne De Wolf. Photos by Photo Art Portraits.

Arciform: What’s your favorite part of the completed design?

We love everything. The textures make us happy, from the warm grain of the walnut lower cabinets to the diamond shaped glass tile backsplash and the glass knobs on the cabinet doors.

Family time is important to us, so we love the nook and the large breakfast counter. Our daughter can sit and clean her aquarium while we’re prepping dinner or finishing up work from the office.

Design by Anne De Wolf. Photos by Photo Art Portraits.