Custom Home articles from April 2006

Custom Home archives from April 2006

Open up.(Editor's Page)
April 1, 2006... We all know that kitchens now occupy the pivotal position in today's wide-open floor plans. The kitchen truly has become the center of things, the hub that the rest of the living spaces spin off. Until we started reviewing projects for this...

Topical islands.(Trend Lines/Design)
April 1, 2006... There's more to a kitchen island than simple work surface. Although a well-designed island is essential for cooking, it's also useful for homework, a chat over a cup of coffee, casual meals, and as a buffet or bar for a party. An is/and can...

Outside the box: baths soak in the indoor/outdoor experience.(Trend Lines/Design)
April 1, 2006... Enjoying a summer breeze while soaking in the tub, staring at clear blue sky while lingering in the shower--the sensation of bathing outside can transform a routine task into a sybaritic escape. And custom baths are the newest place to enjoy...

Slide away: a mirror where you need it.(Trends Lines/Design)
April 1, 2006... How to get the most of treetop vistas and Oakland, Calif.'s abundant sunshine into this cramped bathroom was the question facing architect Larry Chang. Cutting open the exterior wall and inserting a custom greenhouse window made all the...

Mark your calendar: important upcoming events.(Trend Lines/Events)(Calendar)
April 1, 2006... * April 20-23, Kitchen/Bath Industry Show, Chicago. For information call 800.933.8735 or visit www.kbis.com. * May 4-7, AIA's Committee on Design Spring Conference: The Architecture of Sustainability, Shepherdstown, W.Va. For information visit...

Cold columns.(Trend Lines/What's New)
April 1, 2006... The Freedom collection of refrigerator and freezer columns allows built-in refrigeration to be placed nearly anywhere in the kitchen. Fresh food columns come in 24- and 30-inch models and freezer columns come in 18-, 24-, and 30-inch models....

Customizable functionality.(Trend Lines/What's New)
April 1, 2006... The KWC Waterstation offers an integrated, multifunctional work center in three configurations and with a variety of options. The ergonomically designed Station features components and accessories concentrated around a central KWC faucet that...

2006 Watermark Awards: eight winning projects set the standard for kitchen and bath design.
April 1, 2006... No doubt about it, the kitchen and bath are the most important rooms in the house. They command more in the way of design, craft, materials, and budget than just about any other areas of a home. We celebrate the fine art of designing these two...

Hot spots: in kitchen design, there's always something cooking.(Cover story)
April 1, 2006... Everyone knows that the kitchen is the most interesting room in the house. Clients obsess over it, architects have made it a focal point of innovation, guests gravitate to it as if drawn by magnetic force. But why? Yes, everyone likes food, and...

Bath masters: inventive bath designs make a splash.
April 1, 2006... It's not easy to design the perfect bathroom. Concerns about natural light, privacy, storage, and functionality all vie for attention, not to mention the quest for beauty and emotional appeal. That's why we chose to feature the baths on the...

Epicurean magnetism: could induction technology (finally) be the next big thing in cooktops?(Products/State of the Art)
April 1, 2006... If you've been in the industry for more than 15 years, you might remember a type of cooking technology called "induction" that a few appliance manufacturers brought to the American market nearly two decades ago. A number of issues--ranging from...

Gaggenau.(Products/State of the Art)
April 1, 2006... The Vario 400 VI 411's 15-inch ceramic-glass surface with a single 10 1/4-inch induction cooking zone provides a power output of 3,500 watts and offers flexible cooking with low- to high-power variability. A pan-detection system senses pan size...

Wolf Appliance Corp.(Products/State of the Art)
April 1, 2006... The two-zone, 15-inch-wide Wolf induction module delivers a total of 3,600 watts of power. The rear element's Hi-Power mode increases power output to 2,200 watts. Each element offers 10 power levels. If a pall is removed for longer than 30...

Viking.(Products/State of the Art)
April 1, 2006... Available in all-induction or induction/electric configurations Professional series induction cooktops come in 30-and 36-inch widths. All-induction models feature four or six cooking zones, while the combination models come with either two...

Diva De Provence.(Products/State of the Art)
April 1, 2006... Three Diva Induction cooktop moclels each feature 12 power settings and three pre-set temperatures. The 36 inch, five-zone DDP-5 cooktop's central burner utilizes a coil that automatically adapts itself to accommodate pails ranging in size from...

Kenmore.(Products/State of the Art)
April 1, 2006... Offering 15 temperature settings, the Kenmore Elite 30-inch induction cooktop features four cooking zones that automatically sense the presence or absence of cookware. A warm-and-serve feature allows each pan to hold a precise low temperature...

Royal lineage.(Products/Fine Finishes)
April 1, 2006... The handcrafted Ming Dynasty porcelain sink draws from a variety of sources from China's Ming period, lasting from circa 1368 to 1644. The bowl features a traditional blue-and-white pattern of scrolling vines, flowers, Chinese dragons, and...

Danish design.(Products/Fine Finishes)
April 1, 2006... Although Lone Bager's custom wood countertops can be used for many surfacing applications, such as home offices, laundry rooms, and dining rooms, most clients choose them for kitchen island worktops as an accent to other countertop materials....

Over head: vent hoods provide style and performance.(Kitchen Appliances)
April 1, 2006... While homeowners may covet high-end cooktops for their kitchens, they often overlook the importance of ventilation hoods, leaving pros to explain why these appliances are necessary and when certain models are appropriate. "I've heard...

Wide open spaces.(Products/Kitchen Appliances)
April 1, 2006... The 42-inch built-in French Door bottom-freezer refrigerator features a 22.5-cubic-foot refrigerated compartment with no interior dividers. Temperatures inside food drawers Call be adjusted. Kitchen Aid. 800.253.3977. www.inside...

The Bronze age.(Products/Kitchen Appliances)
April 1, 2006... Available on a variety of the manufacturer's appliance collections, the Oiled Bronze finish combines the luster of traditional burnished bronze with copper highlights and stainless steel handles and hardware. Jenn-Air. 866.385.4370....

Built-in barrista.(Products/Kitchen Appliances)
April 1, 2006... The 24-inch built-in Benvenuto gourmet coffee machine integrates into cabinetry and is plumbed for a water line. Users can select their preferred grind coarseness. The machine also features automatic cleaning, descaling, and rinsing. Bosch....

Clean machine.(Products/Kitchen Appliances)
April 1, 2006... Part of the G2000 series, the La Perla dishwasher utilizes the company's touchscreen control system to allow the user to choose from 20 cycles--eight of which are specialty settings. A third-level cutlery tray is split into three sections that...

Side by side.(Products/Kitchen Appliances)
April 1, 2006... The 48-inch side-by-side range offers six gas burners, two electric oven cavities, and twin warming drawers with individual thermostats. Twin center gas burners for large cookpots heat up to 32,000 BTUs. De'Longhi. 866.844.6566....

Euro style: cabinetry for modern tastes.(Kitchen Cabinets)
April 1, 2006... The affluent market dictates trends" asserts Kevin Henry, president of Alno USA, the high-end European cabinet manufacturer. This is as true for kitchen cabinets as it is for fashion. And with the proclivity toward contemporary European design...

High-gloss colors.(Products/Cabinetry)
April 1, 2006... Venicia Euro-style frameless cabinetry features sleek lines, bold color, and open construction. The Mirra collection's four door styles feature highly reflective materials and seven vibrant, high-gloss colors. A choice of edge treatments and...

Integrated style.(Products/Cabinetry)
April 1, 2006... The Maistri la Cucina Keralta cabinetry collection features a horizontal built-in handle inset into door and drawer surfaces. The horizontal-grain oak cabinetry is available in whitened and dark grey finishes. A variety of interior storage...

Sophisticated steel.(Products/Cabinetry)
April 1, 2006... Available in the firm's Custom and Dynasty cabinetry lines, heavy-gauge stainless steel doors come in three profiles: smooth panel, flat recessed panel, and glass-ready frame. Omega Cabinetry. 319.235.5700. www. omegacabinetry.com. Circle 501...

Simple lines.(Products/Cabinetry)
April 1, 2006... The Artisan door style offers a transitional profile. Shown in cherry with an espresso finish, the Artisan features crisp beveled edges along the perimeter of its inset panel. Beveled-edge hardware completes the look. Plato Woodwork....

Fashion forward.(Products/Cabinetry)
April 1, 2006... Planar cabinetry is available in a variety of finishes, including wenge, and features under-curved stainless steel handles. Constructed from solid woods and high-pressure laminates. Planar features interior storage systems. Maax Collection....

Counter sunk.(Products/Kitchen Fixtures)
April 1, 2006... Square and rectangular bowls with 90-degree zero-radius corners make up the Avado collection of 6-gauge stainless steel undermount kitchen sinks. The sinks come in single-, double-, and triple-bowl models. Elkay. 630.572.3192. ...

Modern tradition.(Products/Kitchen Fixtures)
April 1, 2006... Two buttons on the head of the Modern Architectural kitchen faucet switch the water stream from aerated to spray. The pull-down faucet is available in polished chrome, polished nickel, and satin nickel finishes. Rohl. 800.777.9762....

Piping hot.(Products/Kitchen Fixtures)
April 1, 2006... The EverHot system's compact reservoir and any of 28 faucet styles (Victorian shown here) deliver 190-degree water on demand. The temperature can be adjusted with a thermostat on the tank. Water Inc. 800.322.9283. www.waterinc.com. Circle 482...

Wall art.(Products/Kitchen Fixtures)
April 1, 2006... Constructed of hardwood solids and veneers, wall-mount hoods are available in three styles. More than 40 hand-painted and stained finishes are available, including the Empire finish shown here on the Georgian hood. Hambersham. 800.586.9245....

Metal magic.(Products/Kitchen Fixtures)
April 1, 2006... Made from a material that combines nonferrous metals such as copper, bronze. stainless steel, or brass with polymer binders, Z series basins are solid-cast in thicknesses from 3/8 to 1/2 inch. Several configurations are available. Bates and...

Smooth style.(Products/Bath Fittings & Fixtures)
April 1, 2006... Contours Radius series baths, styled with concave surfaces and pearlescent finishes, offer an air-and-water hydrotherapy system and ergonomic features such as lumbar support and head and arm rests. Lasco Bathware. 800.945.2726. ...

Jet spray.(Products/Bath Fittings & Fixtures)
April 1, 2006... Installed on shower walls and ceilings, WaterTile bodysprays resemble square tiles and sit nearly flush to the wall for an uncluttered appearance. Spray directions are adjustable, and each bodyspray and showerhead comes in two spray...

Concealed design.(Products/Bath Fittings & Fixtures)
April 1, 2006... The Axor Starck Waterwall's 10-inch wide-pattern showerhead and six bodysprays are all that is visible on the shower panel's front because mixer handles, shelves, and handshower are tucked away in the panel's open side. Hansgrohe. 800.719.1000....

Steam time.(Products/Saunas & Steam Rooms)
April 1, 2006... The Sedona shower with built-in SteamPro system can be set up to pre-heat the shower each morning as well as provide a steam bath. The Sedona features an integrated seat plus optional dome for steam bathing and a glass-door enclosure. Jacuzzi....

Quick & steamy.(Products/Saunas & Steam Rooms)
April 1, 2006... Utilizing the Fast Start system to produce hot steam in seconds, the Pro series steam generator features a 220-volt plug, quick-connect water supply tubing and fittings, and three control panel options that connect easily with snap-in...

Heat wave.(Products/Saunas & Steam Rooms)
April 1, 2006... Sporting a wave-like glass front, the Amberlight sauna features integral shelving and seating and is available with two heater options that maximize use of interior space. The 72-inch-square, 84-inch-tall modular sauna comes in four wood...

Constant comfort.(Products/Saunas & Steam Rooms)
April 1, 2006... AK steam generators minimize temperature variations for an even flow of steam. The optional Warm Start control keeps water in the steam tank pre-heated to deliver steam in less than 60 seconds. Cools Touch steam heads do not exceed 125 degrees...

Custom control.(Products/Saunas & Steam Rooms)
April 1, 2006... Tempo in-shower steam bath controls feature digital displays, memory settings, on/off/pause modes, and programmable time and temperature settings. Also available are aromatherapy and chromatherapy systems. Mr. Steam. 800.767.8326....

Fine fabric.(Products/Tile)
April 1, 2006... The Mosaic Baroque line of modular mosaic tile features a scrolling damask-like pattern in contrasting combinations of anthracite and red-brown and eggshell and grey. The glossy-glazed, 12-inch-square tiles can be used for floors and walls....

Fascinating imitation.(Products/Tile)
April 1, 2006... Designed to provide the look of individually set rectangular mosaics, the Rustik series of pre-cut porcelain tiles comes in a 25-inch-by-36-inch format and features built-in grout lines. Rustik's reddish sand and toast hues are matte-finished...

Nature's pleasures.(Products/Tile)
April 1, 2006... The Neo Provence series of porcelain tile has a weathered appearance and the texture of sandstone. The neutral-colored series includes field tiles in 18-inch and 12-inch squares, 12-inch-square mosaic sheets, and decorative pieces. Eliane....

Colorfully quilted.(Products/Tile)
April 1, 2006... Handmade from kiln-fired glass, the Erin Adams Quilts line of mosaic tiles was inspired by American folk quilts. The mesh-mounted mosaics are available in 36 colors and in several dimensions. Ann Sacks. 800.278.8453. www.annsacks.com. Circle...

Nesting instincts.(Products/Tile)
April 1, 2006... Traditional forms and neutral colors abound in the Nest porcelain tile collection. It includes square and rectangular field tiles, decorative borders, and architectural moldings. Sculpted relief patterns form leaves, vines, and stylized...

Transformer.(Last Detail)
April 1, 2006... Cary Goodman, FAIA, lives with his family in a renovated 1950s ranch just a few miles from downtown Kansas City, Mo. Since the house had little existing character, the architect felt free to eradicate interior walls and fill the resulting open...