Making sense of the Base Blind Corner Cabinet
What are they and how to use them properly. This short review helps simplify the process.
Bright light, bright light!
Basic lighting product knowledge can help shed some light on your kitchen designs.
Use Manufacturer Literature!
In one of my recent blogs I talked about the importance of a clear and informational proposal package that can be enhanced with manufacturer literature. But before you get to that stage, you need to win over your prospective client. Manufacturer literature can help you do that too.
Design for the Greater Good
Which WOLF employee recently volunteered for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” in Etters, PA? Read on to find out.
Fashioning Kitchen Ensembles
“What am I going to wear today?” As we pull together the day’s attire, do we think about who designed our shoes, our suit, our dress or our accessories? Does that really matter if all of the pieces work together to create a unique, cohesive look? If the elements of good design are present, your outfit will be a success. When designing kitchens, do we incorporate the same theory, or, do we have a tendency to utilize only one cabinet line? Using only one cabinet line has its project management benefits, but are we short changing our clients?
Building a Client Investment Portfolio
Set yourself apart from the pack. Instead of handing your prospect yet another quote for their file, hand them their investment portfolio.
The Modern Era of Kitchen Design
Are you feeling the paradigm shift regarding modern kitchen design? Recently, I commented on Kelly Morriseau’s K+BB Collective’s blog entry, “Global Kitchen Design”, in which she asks designers to provide input on the direction of kitchen design over the next decade. Exposure to global concepts of design and culture are helping to influence the change of modern design concepts. What shifts have you seen?
Tools for Smart Kitchen Designs
Are you feeling as sharp as a tack today, brainstorming solutions left and right, with everything in crystal clear focus? At WOLF’s customer service team, we love days with these feelings. We cherish these days because we know, eventually, a “not so smart” day will arise and challenge us.
To help you get through these “not so smart days,” I’ve developed a few cheat sheets that can help you in a bind.
Just Around the Corner
The infamous “corner” of kitchen design. Some designers loathe them; others see them as an opportunity to showcase their creative talents. Within the drawings below, you’ll find the tried and true options and additional ideas to use as a spring board to your own solutions.
Trends for 2011
A survey of designers conducted by NKBA uncovered 11 kitchen and bath design trends for 2011. Among them: dark finishes and wine storage in the kitchen, and green color palette and vessel sinks in the bathroom. Take a look at the entire list here. Are these trends grabbing hold in your area? Or have you noticed others that are more prevalent?
Kitchen colors: what’s in, what’s out
Hot pink tiles around coffee-colored cabinets: do you consider that "in" or "out"? This article surveys color experts on emerging trends—and color schemes that have been "done to death." Also includes an overview of new color palettes introduced by Pantone. Do you agree with the conclusions of the "experts"? Find out here.
Universal design gains momentum
About 80 percent of Americans age 45 and older prefer to "age in place"—that is, to remain in their current homes and communities. Demographics are behind the growth in universal design, which was featured in this New York Times article. This piece maintains that colors and products for universal design are becoming "cutting edge—even trendy." Are you seeing an increase in demand for universal design?
KBIS slated for April in Las Vegas
The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show opens April 24 in Las Vegas. KBIS is a premier event for designers, who can see the latest products, learn about cutting-edge design trends and technology, and build relationships. Are you attending? Why or why not?
Featured bath projects
What kind of bathroom would you design: One with a sleek, Asian-influenced style with a vibrant violet color? Stone-clad walls? Floor-to-ceiling glass? Check out this series of bathroom design projects from K+BB that may inspire, influence or at least inform your design sensibilities.
The kitchen: new directions, old standbys
This roundup of kitchen design trends offers a few insights that may be debatable: are today's kitchens moving away from ornate looks in favor of more transitional design? It also covers a few market-based facts—granite is still the top choice for countertops—and at least one acknowledged truth: a kitchen's design should suit the individual. Read the entire article here.
