Rules of Kitchen Design (Part 1)

Kitchens: Everyone has one, but what is done with it and what is expected of it varies madly from one person to the next.

Swivel Counter Stools

For some, the kitchen is a refuge; a place to claim sanctuary from marauding offspring while sipping champagne and creating culinary delights.

Swivel Counter Stools

For others it is the modern equivalent to the pre-historic bonfire - a gathering place to eat meat, insult each other, and find out why Beaver is flunking science.

No longer just for cooking, cleaning and the odd late night tipple, the kitchen has mutated into an uber-room, suited for entertaining, dining and plain old living.

If your idea of an impeccable kitchen is the latter, then this first piece of sagely advice applies to you:

Gib's Rule of Kitchen Design #1:

"You don't just cook in it":

No longer just for cooking, cleaning and the odd late night tipple, the kitchen has mutated into an uber-room, suited for entertaining, dining and plain old living.

With this in mind, ask yourself: What will you and your family do in your kitchen?

Will you entertain? If so, some of your uncultured guests will undoubtedly arrive early chomping at the bit for vittles. Enter - the Island! Instead of them drooling as if you yourself were covered in fava beans you can lead them to the cleverly placed island which has a convenient overhang complete with stylish stools and a spread of tasty hors d-oeuvres. This way you can work the range from the safe side of town while they sip their Chianti, chat with you and stay the heck out of the way.

If you live in your kitchen, you can combine it with the dining/living room for that hip urban loft-look that the chic and trendy ones love so much. Add a comfy love seat and TV in one corner so that when your recipe fails miserably you need only relax on the sofa, flip the channel and let the Food Network come to the rescue.

Just be sure to remember that the overall layout should allow traffic to pass through each corridor without the danger of bum-brushing pointy counter corners. If you and your partner can't do a twirl, the aisle is too tight.

Gib's Rule of Kitchen Design #2:

"You can't have enough storage."

Remember the last time you moved? Ok, so maybe it's a fog of pain, cursing, and alcohol, but I'm certain of one thing - you had 150 times more stuff than you thought you had. You may be losing sleep not knowing where to put grandma's preserving kettle only to find out that the fondue set and oyster forks are screaming for shelter.

Varied storage shall be your salvation - drawers of different sizes, hidden pull-outs, cupboards with adjustable shelving, and the list goes on. If you depend on large open spaces to solve all your storage problems remember this: there was a reason the dish ran away with the spoon.

The latest trend is to place your possessions on display, restaurant style, adding to the character of your kitchen. This is great if, like me, you're displaying your priceless collection of Faberge eggs, but less so if half-eaten Doritos and pizza boxes are your idea of "life-style propping". And since life without junk-food is but a paupers play, hidden storage is a must.

This storage doesn't have to be limited to fixed cabinetry - you can benefit greatly from the European trend of free standing cabinets. These cabinets are full-on pieces of furniture - they are sturdy, provide a unique aesthetic effect, and can be moved when small children and pets fall behind. They also give you much more freedom in altering your kitchen at a later date with the added bonus of actually bringing it with you when you move. Oh those Europeans are just so clever.

Gib's Rule of Kitchen Design #3:

"Triangles suck"

The classic design rule for kitchens of yore was the "work triangle" From Henry VIII to Betty Crocker the ideal situation seemed to be the ease of movement from fridge to preparation area to stove. Like most commercial propaganda, this was based on little other then stuffing the pockets of the cabinet makers. This antiquated system has now been cast aside for ideas that better suit our brave new world.

The newest design revolution takes its inspiration from professional kitchens. The area is divided into stations, each based around a specific function. You define each station and its purpose - chopping, cooking, baking, and meat preparation are common candidates. If you have a "cake icing" station you clearly have too much time on your hands.

Multiple sinks, varying countertop materials, appropriate appliance placement (say that five times fast), and task lighting all come together to outline separate areas of the kitchen for certain tasks. And these things, my darlings, we shall cover in the very near future.

Stay tuned for more Gib-gab. The sequel in this series has him enlightening the masses on their choice of appliances, countertops, flooring and lighting.

Rules of Kitchen Design (Part 1)
Swivel Counter Stools

Christmas Sales Baxton Studio Adjustable Swivel Counter or Bar Stool 201

Dec 12, 2011 23:04:39

Christmas Baxton Studio Adjustable Swivel Counter or Bar Stool Deals
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Baxton Studio Adjustable Swivel Counter or Bar Stool

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Christmas Sales Baxton Studio Adjustable Swivel Counter or Bar Stool Feature

  • Swivels
  • Adjusts up and down
  • Individual walnut veneers
  • Easy to clean, just wipe with damp cloth


Christmas Sales Baxton Studio Adjustable Swivel Counter or Bar Stool Overview

There are very few pieces of furniture which combine warm walnut tones with the cool tones of steel but this is one bar stool which does so with aplomb. Interestingly designed, this kitchen counter bar stool provides both comfort and a style statement either at home or at a restaurant. If your house sports a modern kitchen, then you can place this walnut colored bar stool for a quirky touch.



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Vintage Kitchens of the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s

1930s: The Steam-lined -Depression Era "Modern Kitchen"

Swivel Counter Stools

By the 1930's, the kitchen was being transformed from the old fashioned kitchen to the "Streamlined-Modern Kitchen" with time saving features, better organization and much improved ventilation. The "all-electric kitchen" was promoted in popular magazines with numerous advertisements showing newly designed small and major appliances. Mixers were the homemakers dream now designed with numerous attachments that could sift flour, mix dough, grate cheese, squeeze lemons, whip potatoes, shred, slice and chop vegetables and even sharpen knives. "Depression Green" was the "in" color used on the wooden handles of kitchen utensils, on kitchen cabinets and tables and on kitchen wares. Often accessories were cream and green replacing the white and black look of the previous decades.

Swivel Counter Stools

Other popular color combinations in the 1930s were Gray and Red or Crimson, Silver and Green, Pearl Pink and Blue, as well as the use of checkered patterns on textiles. Kitchen wares such as canisters and Bread boxes tended to be softly painted with perhaps a simple decal.

In 1935 the National Modernization Bureau was established to promote modernization throughout the country. Manufacturers competed for better designed appliances and kitchen accessories. Color began to enter the kitchens of the thirties and articles in magazines featured decorating tips on color schemes and how to incorporate the kitchen into the rest of the home. Kitchens were no longer work stations but gaining as much attention as the rest of the home. Small and large appliances were available in color and Sears and Montgomery Ward featured colorful kitchen wares and "japanned" accessories such as canister sets, range sets, cake savers, bread boxes and waste baskets.

1940s: The Postwar Colorful Era

The Post War kitchen of the 1940's began to become family gathering places and now tables and chairs made of chrome bases with enamel, linoleum or plastic tops could be added to a more spacious kitchen which replaced the smaller work centered earlier kitchens. Separate formal dining rooms were being replaced by kitchens that could accommodate the family and guests. The kitchen was becoming a very inviting space and primary colors dominated the interior décor palette. Magazines advertised products for your "Gay Modern Kitchen". Combinations of red, green and yellow or red and black were popular as well as brightly colored tablecloths, textiles and curtains. Flowers, fruits and Dutch motif were in vogue and found on shelving paper, trim, decals and kitchenwares. Appliances continued to be produced with streamlined designs, rounded corners and smaller proportions. The combination washer/dishwasher was introduced as well as the garbage disposal and freezers for home use.

1950s: The Atomic Era-Pastel Color-Space Age

Dramatic changes would occur in the kitchens of the 1950's as space age, atomic era designs and materials entered the scene. The fifties kitchen featured plastics, pastel colors such turquoise or aqua, pink and yellow (cottage colors), Formica and chrome kitchen table and chair sets matched formica kitchen counters and were easy to keep clean with messy little ones. After the war there was more time for leisure promoting kitchenware's and accessories for picnics, barbecues, parties and the home bar.

The introduction of color T.V. in the 1950s brought full color into America's living rooms where homemakers could now see all the exciting products and appliances available to them. Following World War II, there was a new generation of plastics and time for "gracious living" and entertaining. Kitchens and homes saw the transition from glass, ceramic and tin products to numerous types of plastics which made casual living easier. Melmac and Melamine dishes, Lustro-ware and Tupperware storage accessories and "thermowall" for picnics were a huge success. Vinyl was used for tablecloths, chair covers and furniture and bark cloth with boomerang and abstract shapes was popular. Tablecloths and dishcloths continued to be brightly colored and souvenir textiles were added to the home with tropical, Southwestern and Mexicana themes. Poodles, roosters and designs with kitchen utensils, tea pots and coffee pots decorated potholders, appliance covers and linens. Appliances were built-in and came in fifties colors such as turquoise, soft yellow, pink and copper.

Vintage Kitchens of the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
Swivel Counter Stools

Christmas Sales Winsome Saddle Seat 24-Inch Counter Stool, Black 201

Dec 12, 2011 02:31:17

Christmas Winsome Saddle Seat 24-Inch Counter Stool, Black Deals
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Christmas Sales Winsome Saddle Seat 24-Inch Counter Stool, Black Feature

  • One saddle seat stool offers an economical yet stylish seating option
  • Crafted of solid beechwood with choice of matte black or walnut finishes
  • Wide, contoured top and sturdy square legs
  • Assembly required; tools and hardware included
  • Available in 24-inch and 29-inch heights


Christmas Sales Winsome Saddle Seat 24-Inch Counter Stool, Black Overview

One contemporary Saddle Seat 24" wood counter height stool in black finish. Solid wood construction; designed in the US, produced in Thailand of natural hardwood. Ships ready to assemble with all hardware and tools included. This new style seat is comfortable and sleek.



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Wheelchair Accessible Kitchen Or When the Chef Has Wheels

I get many questions regarding details of an accessible kitchen. Questions like, what is the standard countertop height from the floor to the top of the counter, or what is the standard toe-kick. The list goes on and on.  Are there special appliances or cabinets? In this article I will cover the basics, cabinets, flooring, lighting, electrical, and finally appliances.

Swivel Counter Stools

Cabinets
Most cabinet manufacturers offer specific ADA compliant cabinets which will give you a final countertop height of 32" from the floor to the top of the counter. They will also include the proper toe-kick of 9" high by 6" deep. This provides room for the foot rest of a wheelchair to slide under the edge of the cabinet. This however does not provide access to the cook-top or sink. The base cabinets that will house these items will need to have knee space under the countertop. Now upper cabinets present a different set of problems. Even if they are installed at the standard height above the base cabinets only the bottom shelf will be accessible to someone seated in a wheelchair. I personally like to lower them another 6" so that the bottom two shelves are accessible. Or you could save the expense and just leave them out. One last item, the base cabinets should have large deep drawers instead of cabinet doors, as these are more accessible.  

Swivel Counter Stools

Flooring
The flooring should be hard surface, such as wood or ceramic tile or stone. You should avoid any kind of flooring that has give or is cushioned. This kind of floor makes it difficult to move a manual wheelchair around as does wall to wall carpeting or area rugs. Avoid these items if at all possible. Even the most innocent of kitchen rugs can be a dangerous tripping hazard for the disabled or elderly.
 
Lighting
With today's need to be green, lighting for the accessible kitchen is no longer considered specialized. The use of CFL (Compact Florescent Light) bulbs and LED under cabinet low voltage task lighting is common place. So the only thing that really needs to be said is that you need to provide task lighting in all food preparation areas.
 
Electrical
This is one area that is often overlooked as far where and how to install electrical outlets and switches in an accessible kitchen.  Wall outlets are usually placed behind the base cabinet, either above or in the backsplash. For someone seated in a wheelchair this means they have to make a dangerous reach in order to use the outlet. It is better to install the outlet in the face of the base cabinet, just under the countertop. Or a popup multi-outlet can be installed in the countertop itself within easy reach of the wheelchair occupant. Switches should be placed at 48" above the floor so that they are within reach of the wheelchair occupant. Use rocker type switches for those with limited use of their fingers. Finally outlets that are on a wall without cabinets should be at least 18" above the floor for a safe reach in a wheelchair.

Appliances
While there is no need for specialized or custom appliances, certain types of appliances are best in an accessible kitchen. Let's start with the stove for example, a conventional range cannot be used, A separate cook-top and oven unit will need to be used. As mentioned before the cook-top will need a knee space below the cabinet. The oven should be mounted in a base cabinet so it can be easily loaded and unloaded. A heat resistant surface at countertop level should be provided to place hot pans on. Next a drawer type dishwasher can be mounted conventionally and easily accessed from a wheelchair. However, a standard front loading dishwasher will need to be raised 9" to make it easy to load and unload. The sinks will have to have rear mounted drains to allow for the knee space beneath and still allow for a disposal. The microwave should be mounted below the countertop. Finally the refrigerator should either be a side by side model or a French door model with the freezer on the bottom.
 
There are probably other items that you can do to make a kitchen even more accessible. Try sitting in a standard kitchen chair in front of a problem area and ask yourself what can I change, that will make this area more accessible.  I hope this helps those of you who need to make your kitchen more accessible for a wheelchair. If you have any questions don't hesitate ask. Remember breath Peace and God's Love..... 

Wheelchair Accessible Kitchen Or When the Chef Has Wheels
Swivel Counter Stools

Christmas Sales Winsome Wood Air Lift Adjustable Stools, Set of 2 201

Dec 11, 2011 05:58:23

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Winsome Wood Air Lift Adjustable Stools, Set of 2

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Christmas Sales Winsome Wood Air Lift Adjustable Stools, Set of 2 Feature

  • Set of 2 contemporary stools from Winsome Wood; air lift design for seat height of 25 to 30 inches
  • Sleek metal stool base; seat covered in black faux leather
  • Black side lever adjusts seat height up and down; swivel chair design
  • Home assembly required; 200-pound maximum weight capacity
  • Measures 15 by 15 by 25 inches each; 31-pound shipping weight


Christmas Sales Winsome Wood Air Lift Adjustable Stools, Set of 2 Overview

Comfy contoured Faux leather seat.Adjustable height from 24.8-33.1. Metal foot bar and base.Airlift with handle on side makes adjustment easy. Sold as set of 2.



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Home Decor - Create a Trendy Kitchen in Gorgeous Teal and Lime Green

Create a trendy kitchen in one of this years hottest color schemes, Teal Blue and Lime Green! It's easy to pull off this hot new trend when you follow the tips and tricks outlined in this article.

Swivel Counter Stools

The biggest concern that people have when considering this color scheme for their home decor, is "how do I pull this off, without it coming across busy and overpowering". This can be achieved by finding the correct balance in your home decor. You're not going to want to make everything in the room teal blue and lime green, the key is to incorporate those colors into a neutral base color scheme.

Swivel Counter Stools

First you will want to start with a light color base on your walls. This can be achieved with a color of fresh white paint but I think that you can achieve a much more polished room design by choosing a faux wallpaper in a white or light cream. A metallic sheen wallpaper would set a fabulous tone for this room decor theme.

After you have your base layer completed it is time to bring color into the room. This can be done by using a bold stripe window treatment with dominant colors of teal blue and lime green. You can balance the strong visual lines of the window treatment by adding solid elements in the kitchen such as the back splash and the cupboard. The color scheme is carried throughout the room with small accents such as the cushions that atop your kitchen stools.

You can create an interesting visual focal point in your kitchen by designing your own kitchen island. This can be done by using two shelving units with a work surface placed across the top. This is a much more cost effective option for developing an island in your kitchen and you won't have to pay for custom woodwork.

A faux slate tile flooring in a dark charcoal shades provides the perfect balance for this bold and trendy kitchen design and gives the room a fun modern look.

Home Decor - Create a Trendy Kitchen in Gorgeous Teal and Lime Green
Swivel Counter Stools

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Hillsdale Glenmary 24-Inch Swivel Counter Stool, Oak Finish with Light Beige Fabric

Christmas Sales Hillsdale Glenmary 24-Inch Swivel Counter Stool, Oak Finish with Light Beige Fabric 201

Dec 09, 2011 12:49:13

Christmas Hillsdale Glenmary 24-Inch Swivel Counter Stool, Oak Finish with Light Beige Fabric Deals
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Hillsdale Glenmary 24-Inch Swivel Counter Stool, Oak Finish with Light Beige Fabric

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Christmas Sales Hillsdale Glenmary 24-Inch Swivel Counter Stool, Oak Finish with Light Beige Fabric Feature

  • 360-degree swivel counter stool offers traditional furniture style
  • Sturdy hardwood frame with choice of oak or cherry finish; light beige upholstery
  • Contoured back showcases cane top, crisscross slats, and long scrolls
  • Heavy flared legs with footrest ring for stability and comfort
  • 24-inch seat height; overall measurements are 18 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 40 inches high


Christmas Sales Hillsdale Glenmary 24-Inch Swivel Counter Stool, Oak Finish with Light Beige Fabric Overview

Finished in a dark cherry or a classic oak, our Glenmary collection combines in the stool the traditional elements of cane and a lattice work design to create an effect that is both timeless and elegant. Made from hardwoods, this group is composed of both solids and climate controlled wood composites to prevent cracking and splitting from changes in temperature or humidity.

Christmas Sales Hillsdale Glenmary 24-Inch Swivel Counter Stool, Oak Finish with Light Beige Fabric Specifications

Hillsdale's Glenmary swivel counter stool offers full yet flowing lines to create a lovely traditional complement to a kitchen island, writing desk, or game table. Built with the look of heavy furniture, its main feature is its large, contoured back with a cane top panel and crisscross slats framed by curling scrolls. The side posts continue the curvy theme and add luxurious volume as they widen from top to bottom. Upholstered in creamy beige fabric, the stool's seat provides thoroughly modern service by spinning 360 degrees, and the substantial legs and footrest ring lend graceful and stable support. The seat height is 24 inches, and the overall measurements are 18 inches wide by 24 inches deep by 40 inches high. The stool is made of hardwoods that have been carefully selected for strength and durability, and it comes in a warm oak or dressy cherry finish. A barstool height is also available. --Kara Karll

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Hillsdale Hudson 26-Inch Swivel Counter Stool, Black Finish with Stone Faux-Suede Fabric

Christmas Sales Hillsdale Hudson 26-Inch Swivel Counter Stool, Black Finish with Stone Faux-Suede Fabric 201

Dec 08, 2011 16:16:20

Christmas Hillsdale Hudson 26-Inch Swivel Counter Stool, Black Finish with Stone Faux-Suede Fabric Deals
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Hillsdale Hudson 26-Inch Swivel Counter Stool, Black Finish with Stone Faux-Suede Fabric

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Christmas Sales Hillsdale Hudson 26-Inch Swivel Counter Stool, Black Finish with Stone Faux-Suede Fabric Feature

  • Distinct metro feel
  • Modern lines, accented by the spindle & teardrop designs & black finish create a striking image
  • Stone colored faux suede fabric on the seats softens the intense appearance
  • 360 degree swivel


Christmas Sales Hillsdale Hudson 26-Inch Swivel Counter Stool, Black Finish with Stone Faux-Suede Fabric Overview

The Hudson stools have a distinctly metro feel about them. The modern lines, accented by the spindle and teardrop designs and black finish creates a striking image. The stone colored suede-like fabric on the seats softens the intense appearance of this highly elegant set.



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Wooden Kitchen Bar Stools

Whether your kitchen has been newly remodeled or you want to replace worn out kitchen chairs, the addition of a wooden kitchen bar stool will transform your boring kitchen into a pleasing room with elegant seating crafted from rich, natural wood. Many of these designs are a combination of highly polished wood and fabric or leather upholstery. Ranging in styles from traditional to contemporary, wooden stools for the kitchen are available in swivel or non-swivel styles, and high back or backless models. Wood stools can also be purchased in stylish designs with or without arms.

Swivel Counter Stools

Often called a breakfast bar stool, they are usually found in classic brown or basic black. To complement different decors and personal tastes, wooden kitchen stools are manufactured in soft pastel colors, as well as colors that are bold and bright. Kitchen stools are made from a variety of popular woods including Oak, Mahogany, Ash, and Cherry. Another widely used wood for making stools is Pine. Soft and easy to carve, Pine is economical and readily available. Many premium quality wooden stools feature hand carved designs, self-returning swivels connected to strong frames, and a comfortable metal encased foot rail.

Swivel Counter Stools

Wooden stools for the kitchen are ideal to use in corner nooks, under a kitchen window sill, or to add an overall look of distinctive elegance and style. The price for a wooden kitchen stool will range from moderate to expensive. Factory made kitchen stools are the most practical, but many times customers will prefer to have them customized to match specific colors or intricate patterns that highlight the kitchen. When you are ready to compare different designs and models, you should look for kitchen bar stools that are built with quality construction from sturdy and durable wood. If they are combined with upholstery, check for any loose or hanging threads, and material that may be cracked, bulged, or torn. All hardware should be securely attached, and the stool should have an adequate seating pad. Bar stools with high backs need sufficient padding along with good back support, and they should stand level on all sides.

Wooden Kitchen Bar Stools
Swivel Counter Stools

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