Small Space Tips

Kitchens

To make a small kitchen look larger, use the same material or colors on the cabinets and counters.
A checkerboard design on the floor can help a small kitchen seem larger.
Planning cabinet storage for small appliances will keep counters clutter-free.
The soffit area above cabinets is a perfect place to incorporate storage.
Kitchen islands don’t have to be large. A small compact island can be designed to provide storage, seating and counter space.
When locked into a footprint, go vertical. Adding height gives you opportunity to create more storage and introduce light in a room.
Designing cabinets up to the ceiling ensures optimum use of kitchen space.
Make small rooms feel bigger by adding windows to bring in more sunlight.

Bathrooms

Accenting white ceramic wall tiles with a continuous listel strip placed 4 feet from the floor will help make a small space appear larger.
Use dark colors on the lower half of a room and lighter colors higher up. This will draw the eye upward and make a room appear larger than it really is.
Installing mirrors on adjacent walls will expand a room visually.

Green kitchen cabinets

Cabinet manufacturer dedicated to high-end green cabinetry! Breathe Easy, a line of green cabinetry from Greenway Cabinetry, Inc., offers a range of green options to suit any budget for kitchens, bathrooms and other custom cabinetry applications
The new line of Breathe Easy cabinets meet the requirements for LEED credits and LEED certification.
MATERIALSCabinet boxes are constructed using Environmentally Preferable “green” solid ¾”plywood. This plywood has no formaldehyde in its binding agents and is durable as well as moisture resistant. Both sides of the plywood are maple veneered and finished with a durable UV, low VOC water borne lacquer.Cabinet doors and drawer fronts are constructed from rapidly renewable bamboo, solid woods from managed forests or sustainably designed, wood veneered MDF board. The stains and water based paints are low VOC and Green Guard or Green Seal certified. The pre cat, clear top coat is also water borne, very low VOC and certified. Detailed information may be supplied upon request.Breathe Easy cabinets contain no formaldehyde or toxic glues. Only water-based glues and finishes are used, many of which are Green Seal Certified. Green Seal is an independent certifying organization that identifies and promotes products that cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize global warming and ozone depletion.

101 Ways to Go Green

1. Buy products with no packaging or packaging you can reuse or recycle. Buy in bulk to avoid excess packaging.
2. Use materials with high post-consumer recycled content.
3. Bring your own bags to the grocery store.
4. Use reusable glass containers for water and avoid purchasing plastic bottled water.
5. Do not use disposable plates, napkins and flatware. Use linens from organic, sustainable and fair-trade resources.
6. Switch to reusable coffee filters and supply your home and office with fair-trade, organic coffees and teas.
7. Recycle plastic sandwich, snack and storage bags.
8. Bring your own mug or thermos to your favorite coffee spot.
9. Bring lunch to work in reusable containers.
10. Lease or build your home or office in urban areas where you are more able to walk, bike and use public transportation.
11. Take advantage of all square footage and install a green roof.
12. Capture rainwater in a container to water your plants.
13. Install low –flow, dual flushing toilets and waterless urinals.
14. Use low-flow sink faucets and showerheads.
15. Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
16. Shut off your computer and monitor when you’re not using them.
17. Set the thermostat at 78 degrees in the summer and 65 degrees in the winter.
18. Change air filters regularly.
19. Get a professional energy audit done at home and at your business.
20. Know your local salvage yards and antique shops. Try to take advantage of theses places when possible.
21. Don’t always buy new; someone’s trash could be someone’s treasure.
22. Get off junk mail lists. Have your name removed by registering at www.directmail.com/directory/mail_preference to find out more.
23. Sign up for online banking so you can stop receiving paper statements.
24. Set up a recycling center at home and at the office
25. Set up a compost bin at home.
26. Turn off the dishwasher’s drying cycle.
27. Use green cleaning products.
28. Use public transportation, walk or bike-especially when going to appointments and running errands that are near by.
29. Try to do all of your errands in one trip.
30. Drive a hybrid car.
31. Check the air pressure in your tires to optimize fuel efficiency.
32. Wear organically grown fibers and fair-trade-produced clothing.
33. Skip the elevator and use the stairs.
34. Use paper you would generally throw out as scratch paper.
35. Send cards, notes and letters on recycled paper, or send e-cards.
36. Get a library card and borrow books instead of buying them.
37. Donate old design magazines to your doctor, dentist, veterinarian or real estate agent for their waiting rooms.
38. Recycle all carpet.
39. Find a green dry cleaner at www.greenearthcleaning.com and bring your own garment bag.
40. Do not be a litter bug!
41. Help save energy at your home and the office by purchasing green power.
42. Go carbon neutral.
43. Subscribe to the Building Green Suite and get a 30% discount through your ASID membership at www.buildinggreen.com/go/asid .
44. Buy or rent a house or office that is already built and located in a green-certified building.
45. Create spaces that have views to the outside so you can take advantage of daylight. Add a skylight.
46. Design smaller, more efficient spaces. This will help to maximize vertical space whenever possible.
47. Create green standards for each of your projects.
48. Request that your manufacturers use less packaging.
49. Take a tour of your manufacturers buildings.
50. Support local and sustainable forestry practices
51. Use rapidly renewable materials when purchasing carpet like bamboo, strawboard, linoleum and wool.
52. Reuse and reupholster furniture.
53. Donate outdated samples to a local design school, elementary school, church or nursery so it can be used for any arts and crafts projects.
54. Take your clients to locally owned restaurants.
55. Teach school children about what you are doing to make your home green and what they can do in their own families.
56. Purchase responsibly from fair-trade and/or local resources for all products.
57. Use Energy Star-rated appliances.
58. Install ceiling fans to improve circulation of heat and cool air.
59. Try to use radiant heat.
60. Use low or zero volatile organic compound paints.
61. Use low volatile organic compound adhesives and sealants.
62. Purchase Greenguard Air Quality- certified furniture.
63. When upholstering furniture make sure it is free of polybromide dyethylene.
64. Specify products from local resources.
65. Specify fluorescent lighting.
66. Use day lighting and occupancy sensors.
67. Use indoor plants and suggest a green plant maintenance program.
68. Offer only non toxic materials when you are giving options.
69. Use Energy Star-qualified, double-pane windows for better insulation.
70. Use water heaters that are tankless.
71. Use wood that is urea-formaldehyde-free composite.
72. Specify remanufactured furniture.
73. Use entryway systems that capture dirt before it enters your office or home.
74. Fill product libraries with green options.
75. Install a bike rack at your office and provide a place for employees to shower.
76. Use operable windows.
77. Provide incentives for your employees to carpool, walk, bike or take public transportation to work.
78. Use carpet and padding that meets the Carpet and Rug Institutes Green Label testing.
79. Recycle all office products.
80. Have a non-smoking facility.
81. Make sure there is a recycling bin next to every employee’s desk.
82. Print all business and marketing materials on recycled paper.
83. Invest in and provide socially responsible investments for your employees.
84. Buy a printer that prints on both sides of the paper.
85. Read a book about the sustainability movement.
86. Volunteer at local conservation agencies.
87. Visit a horse-logged forest and see its beauty.
88. Take a walk on your local trail way.
89. Set up a worm bin. The kids will love it!
90. Plant an herb garden.
91. Grow native plants suited for the climate you live in.
92. Buy locally grown flowers for your home or office.
93. Visit www.localharvest.com to find out more about joining a community-supported agriculture program.
94. Encourage local restaurants to use local and organic foods for their meals.
95. Eat seafood that is produced and harvested in a safe and sustainable way.
96. Ask restaurants to do away with Styrofoam take out containers.
97. Visit and support your local artists.
98. Choose hotels that have green or eco-lodging programs.
99. Check out an eco-tourism vacation. Visit www.ecotourism.org to find out more.
100. Offset carbon emissions from travel with programs such as Trees for Travels
101. Check out more resources on the ASID Sustainable Design website at
     www.asid.org/green .

Remodel Kitchen Saves Time with Trendy Style

By John Filippelli
June 2007
NEW YORK, NY— Many kitchen and bath designers can relate to the time-crunch that a busy work life can create. So, when a client came to designer Jacob Kindler and co-designer Laura Husni in need of a more efficient kitchen in the galley space, the dynamic duo came to the rescue.
The pair – both of New York, NY-based Urban Homes, Inc. – developed a clear objective: create a functional kitchen that would offer easy upkeep and a trendy appearance, while suiting the client’s profession and lifestyle.
“The kitchen was designed using a modern theme,” Husni explains. “Being a busy investment banker, the client was looking for an updated kitchen that followed the latest trends. Since the rest of the condo presented a modern and sophisticated appearance, the kitchen had to be remodeled to blend in with its surroundings.”
She continues: “The major challenge was to design a space that incorporated all of the client’s high expectations while eliminating all of the wasted space and dysfunctional organization. And, that had to be done while remaining within the presented budget.”
Overhauling a Dated Space
According to Husni, a complete overhaul of the pre-existing kitchen was imperative to the success of the design.
“The original space was enclosed with walls, creating a feeling of seclusion in the plain white and dimly lit area,” she explains.
“In addition, freestanding and outdated appliances needed to be replaced.”
Storage space, functionality and organization all desperately needed to be addressed, as well. The amount of storage incorporated into the space was determined by the kitchen’s size.
Removal of one of the walls was the first step in the renovation. Eliminating the wall created space for a peninsula island, which served as a room divider and eating area while it offered extra storage and counter space.
Built-in appliances were incorporated into the cabinetry, and upper cabinets were extended closer to the ceiling than in the previous design.
“The primary functional improvements made to the space were the inclusion of the built-in appliances, extra storage and counter space provided by the peninsula and more efficient cabinets and pantry units. We also created a more organized layout,” Husni offers. “We made sure that updated accessories and cabinets filled every corner in order to eliminate any dead space.”
Squares and Triangles
Just as Times Square is the heart of Manhattan, the small but effective work triangle serves as the heart of this kitchen. The triangle was formed by placing the Jenn-Air range several feet away from the Kindred sink, which is directly across from the Sub-Zero refrigerator. A faucet from KWC America complements the sink, while a Miele dishwasher serves as a divider between the sink and range.
In keeping with the trendy, sleek look the client desired, Kindler and Husni selected Aster Cucine “Trendy” cabinets for the base and upper units.
“Wood base cabinets with horizontal grain were placed on either sides of the stainless steel appliances to create an elongated effect in the kitchen. The same wood cabinets were used in the peninsula directly across from the long wall,” Husni explains.
“The finishes and cabinetry chosen were selected to both blend with the surroundings and stand out as major design elements,” she remarks.
“The sophisticated appearance of the walnut slab door featured on the lower cabinets slightly mimicked the Brazilian teak flooring,” she adds.
“The base units were accented with slender stainless steel hardware and filled with functional accessories for organization,” Husni reports.
The upper cabinets also presented a lighter and sleeker vision for the layout, while aluminum edge-banded laminate and back-painted glass formed the double-stacked upper units.
A tall pantry unit with frosted glass doors provides added storage, and puts a halt on the extended central walkway of the kitchen, according to Husni.
Old ‘Blue Eyes’
Aesthetically, the cabinetry is complemented by granite “Blue Eyes” countertops, Husni notes.
“Created from bits of metallic blue, randomly splattered in a speckled mix of grays, the ‘Blue Eyes’ granite countertop serves as the finishing element in the kitchen,” she describes. “Flowing continuously down the side to meet the floor, this unique granite appears to be a mixture of gray and neutral tones. However, when any form of light illuminates the surface, fascinating little blue spots sparkle.”
Additional touches include miniature stainless steel subway tiles, which were pieced together along the backsplash, as well as along portions of the wall up to the ceiling, resulting in a feeling of endless spaciousness, Husni reports.
Lights Over Broadway
The stainless steel lighting fixtures from W.A.C. Lighting also played a critical role in the success of the design, Husni points out.
“The lighting created an open and expanded feeling in the kitchen, and supported the aesthetics for the modern appearance,” she describes.
To that end, Husni reports that the main source of light comes from the stainless steel track that runs down the central strip of the kitchen.
“The powerful illumination from the track lighting not only highlights every detail of the upper cabinets, wall hood and backsplash tiles, but also provides general lighting for the central portion of the kitchen,” she says.
Husni points out that under-cabinet lighting creates reflections on the countertop and stainless steel backsplash tile, while it doubles as detailed task lighting for food preparation.
Likewise, she notes that pendants hanging from a canopy-like dropped ceiling over the peninsula enhance the blue speckles hidden in the granite.
“The pendant lighting also helps the peninsula [with visual relief] by acting as a space divider,” she concludes.
Peninsula Appeal
Husni notes that all of the elements incorporated in the kitchen – the Aster Cucine cabinetry, the openness of the peninsula, the stainless steel appliances and the backsplash – are key to the overall aesthetics of the finished product.
“The appliances, cabinets, lighting and finishes chosen for the kitchen created the modern and trendy appearance requested by the client,” she states.
“The client wanted the kitchen to feel less secluded while it offered the ability to entertain, allowing for a lot of social interaction,” Husni points out. “Transforming the enclosed space into one with a large opening provided a more enjoyable feeling.”
The focal point of the design is, without a doubt, the peninsula, Husni exclaims, “because it provides the most significant improvement to the kitchen both functionally and aesthetically, engaging the mind of anyone who views the space.”
Project Highlights
Designed by Jacob Kindler and co-designer Laura Husni of Urban Homes, Inc., this previously inefficient, galley-style kitchen features a variety of high-end appliances to create a clean, modern look that suits the client’s taste.
The peninsula island serves as the focal point of the design, helping to maintain the openness of the space, while multi-tasking as a room divider and eating area. It also offers extra storage and counter space.
Storage is a key consideration to the layout as well, as the peninsula and cabinetry supply ample storage for the client. A tall pantry unit with frosted glass doors provides added storage and divides the extended central walkway of the kitchen.
Lighting plays a critical role in the success of the design, as stainless steel fixtures from W.A.C. Lighting create an open and expanded feel in the kitchen and support the aesthetics for a modern appearance.
Products include: Aster Cucine ‘Trendy’ cabinetry; Sub-Zero refrigerator; Jenn-Air range; Kindred sink; KWC America sink and faucet; Miele dishwasher; granite ‘Blue Eyes’ countertops; Brazilian teak flooring and W.A.C. Lighting light fixtures.

To view this article visit http://www.kbdn.com/

To contact kitchen designer visit http://www.uhny.com/

Urban Homes, Inc.

724 11th Avenue

New York, NY 10019

T. 212.246.7700

SERVO-DRIVE by BLUM

The new opening support system

SERVO-DRIVE - The opening support system
Drawers and high fronted pull-outs open automatically using an electrical drive with just a light touch on a handle-less front or a light pull of the handle.SERVO-DRIVE can be used in combination with TANDEM and TANDEMBOX pull-out systems. In addition, BLUMOTION supports this solution with silent and effortless closing action providing high quality of motion in the kitchen.
Experience moving moments with SERVO-DRIVE

Other advantages at a glance:
Automatic opening with just a light touch or pull
No fixed connection to the runner system
Silent and effortless closing thanks to BLUMOTION
Simple, tool-free assembly
Internationally certified

http://www.blum.com

Countertops - Solid Wood

Solid wooden worktops by SPEKVA®

SPEKVA® offers a unique range of solid wooden worktops for your kitchen where you can choose between 22 different wood types. The range is divided into 5 product lines.
The above headings will give you information regarding the range.
Wood is one of the strongest raw materials of nature. Wood should only be worked on after years of experience. SPEKVA® has gained this experience after working with solid wooden worktops for the kitchen and bathroom industry for more than 35 years. SPEKVA® takes pride in the standard of craftsmanship and the results speak for themselves.

SPEKVA® has developed a product range of maintenance products which ensure that your solid wooden worktop keeps a closed and beautiful surface, which resists, for example, water and give the worktop a lasting finish and protection for many years.
We are proud to present our product range of solid wooden worktops for kitchen and bathroom.

Maintenance
Vegetable Oil Neutral
The tops stay in best condition if you apply after-treatment two to three times within the first month and afterwards approx. once per quarter according to requirement. After installation please treat the tops for the first time as below.
Maintenance:
Shake the bottle before use.
Apply the oil in a thin layer by means of the SPEKVA® polish cushion.
Let the oil soak for approx. 5 min.
Disperse the oil on "dry" spots of the worktop - wipe off any surplus liquid with a cotton cloth.
After 15-30 min. polish the worktop with a cotton cloth/polish cushion. You achieve a smooth and fine surface.
Please do not use the worktop for the next 12 hours.

Cleaning:
For daily cleaning we recommend common soapsuds. Please note: Never use concentrated soap / detergent.
Please note:
Do not allow surplus water from wet cloths, cups, plates, vases etc. to remain on the tops.
Never use steel wool or rough sand paper on the surface. If polishing is necessary, please use fine-grained sand paper min. 220 grains or finer.
Caution!
Oil cloths are inflammable - please burn used cloths or keep them in a glass with lockable top. Keep oil and cloths away from children and free from frost.

For more information visit www.speava.com

Kitchen Styles - Budgeting and getting started

Where to begin

Ok, now you know your kitchen or bathroom needs remodeling, but you still don’t know where to begin! It may seem like the list of things-to-do is endless, but don’t worry, just follow the steps below and take our advice. You’ll be on your way in no time!
1. Decide What You Want
What is the main purpose of remodeling your room? To add extra space, upgrade the kitchen/bathroom, improve security, make changes for health reasons, or just to improve your living space
What are your options? Is there room to expand into the back/front yard or is there enough room to redesign using the existing floor space?
What are your priorities? Figure out what you what to change the most, and what can you keep or just update
Get input from all members of your household – find out their needs and wants
Consider short-term and long-term implications of your renovation decisions (Will you have more/any children, how long you plan to live in this house, will your choices increase/decrease its resale value?)
2. Collect Ideas and Information
Read magazines and books to get an idea of the ‘look’ you want
Make a clip book of all the pictures and ideas that represent your taste and style
Watch related television shows and record episodes you particularly like
Visit home shows and manufacturer/supplier showrooms
Talk to relatives, friends and co-workers that have renovated. What have they learned, what would they recommend
3. Determine Your Budget
Break down your priorities and figure out what you are willing to spend the most money on
What’s the total amount you are willing to spend?
How much can/are you willing to borrow?

CONTROL YOUR BUDGET
The most important part of any remodeling project is making sure you don’t go over your budget. Doing so can lead to settling for unexpected options, disagreements with contractors and worst case, an unfinished room. Follow these steps below to make sure you get the most for your money!
Make sure you visit a showroom and see exactly what you are buying and check out the quality for yourself.
It is recommended to have a retailer visit your home before accepting a quote for the design and installation of the room. Once they have completed a survey, you should get a full quote for the project.
Most deposits don't exceed more than 25% of the total contract value. Try to get a written schedule of payments upfront so there are no misunderstandings along the way.
It's best to wait until all your goods are delivered before you pay in full. Companies that ask you to make a full payment ahead of delivery have your money – but you don’t have your appliances.
Be aware of everything in a written contract before you sign it. Some ‘Terms and Conditions’ have expensive cancellation fines.

REMODELING GUIDE
Most of your remodeling budget will likely go towards the things you just can’t live without such as a sink, dishwasher and refrigerator. Therefore, selecting quality appliances that will give you the most for your money is essential! With the abundance of brands, styles, colors and technologically advanced machines, it’s hard to weed out the good and the bad and pick what’s best for you. Luckily, we put together a few guidelines to make this process much easier!
Dishwasher – Look for brands with low energy consumption, a delay timer and an economy cycle or half-load button, all which will result in saving water, and saving money.
Refrigerator – One feature worth paying for is a new design to prevent frost build-up. By circulating air inside the freezer compartment rather than using a defroster, you can say goodbye to freezer burn!
Sink – Materials include stainless steal, which can withstand more abrasions, is hygienic and trendy, and fireclay and ceramic which are more traditional for their solidity and wide-range of colors.
Oven – Multi-functional ovens may be worth the investment. Traditional cooking and fan assisted cooking and grilling is increasingly popular. The combination also provides cooks with more options such as browning and thawing.
Range – Ranges are either free-standing or built-in. Picking one out depends on the design of your kitchen and the features you want. Worthwhile accessories include a cooker hood, splash back, grill, griddle plates, rotisserie, wok burner and fish-kettle burner.
Tap – A cost-efficient option is the three-way or tri-flow taps which takes away the need for bottled water or other purification system. New models also offer dual-flow for hot and cold filtered water.
Countertops – Formica and Corian are some of the most common surfacing materials, however new trends such as CaesarStone®, a non-porous heat and chip resistant stone.
Flooring – The cost of installing can be as much as the material and harder options such as tile can be tiresome to stand on too long. Softer, more absorbent materials include cork, carpet or vinyl and most of the time, are much cheaper.

MANAGE YOUR PROJECT
DON’T do it yourself. Remodeling a bedroom, dining room or family room is very different than taking on the challenge of a kitchen or bathroom. A specialized designer should be brought in to figure logistics, suggest proper materials and make a functional and cost efficient room that specifically reflects your taste, style and personality. This is NOT a do-it-yourself project!
DO think of resale value. You may be happier than ever in your home from the location to the neighbors, to the town and your property, you may think you’ve settled for good – but don’t be too sure! Sometimes being too ‘unique’ means regrets down the road, so especially for your first remodeling project, we suggest sticking to the basics and put thought into what others would like about your kitchen, as much as you. Someone else might own it one day and you’ll want to make sure you get your moneys worth!
DON’T overspend! Set a budget at the beginning of your project including room for additional charges, and don’t go over that amount - no matter what! Be proactive and figure out what you want during the months leading up to the renovation. If you want more than you can have, make a conscious decision to pick one or the other based on necessity and future projects, if one can or can’t be added down the road.
DO pick a qualified professional. Choose several designers in your area; meet with each of them and trade ideas and suggestions. Make sure they’re qualified; ask to see past projects and/or a portfolio and discuss your budget. It’s also a good idea to ask for references and checkout their showroom or store if possible. Pick the designer that satisfies your taste and style most. You should never be persuaded to do anything you don’t like or that’s too high-end for your budget. A good designer will work closely with you until your dream home comes true!

For more information visit www.nkba.com