Seamless Living Turns the Kitchen Inside-Out

[caption id="attachment_991" align="aligncenter" width="958"] NanaWall Kitchen-Transition turns your indoor kitchen into an outdoor entertainment area.[/caption]

An affordable way to increase your living space is to open up the place. Now, this sounds as simple as it really is. Just by adding a folding glass wall, you can connect the indoors to the outside and create a living space that can go from under-air to al fresco in seconds.

I recently attended the National Kitchen and Bath show in New Orleans and discovered several "gamechangers" that rework wasted space into functional square footage. The NanaWall is one such product. The manufacturer created what they call a "Kitchen-Transition," a folding glass wall and window that can turn your indoor kitchen into an outdoor entertainment space without having to buy a gourmet grill and outdoor refrigerator.

[caption id="attachment_980" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] NanaWall Kitchen Transition[/caption]

For all of you wishing that you had an outdoor kitchen but don't have the budget, here's an option: open up your kitchen to the outside with a folding glass wall and window unit and let the kitchen multitask. Turn your kitchen countertop into a bartop to serve drinks and food once the window wall is open and voila... an instant outdoor oasis.

[caption id="attachment_987" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] NanaWall Kitchen Transition folding glass window opens up to turn the countertop into a bartop service area.[/caption]

NanaWall says the Kitchen-Transition is an ideal replacement for six-foot glass slider doors or twin slider doors that open to covered patio areas. "Typically, these patio areas don't get much use but if you replace those sliders with a folding glass wall system, you open it up for indoor-outdoor use. It's not a remodeled space but rather it's a readapted space that increases the amount of useable space," explains Matt Thomas of NanaWall.

When it's closed, the Kitchen-Transition functions like a weather-proof wall, resisting all the elements. NanaWall custom builds each Kitchen-Transition and says it retails for approximately $600 to $1000 a linear foot.

[caption id="attachment_990" align="aligncenter" width="958"] When closed, the NanaWall folding glass wall system is weather resistant[/caption]

Another perk, a folding glass wall system infuses more natural daylight and fresh ventilation into your living space creating less demand on your utilities when opened up on a fresh, pleasant day. "People are starting to connect with the idea of a healthier home and by having a wider opening, you can enhance the overall health of your living space," adds Thomas.

Folding glass walls are opening up bedroom and bathrooms as well. "We're seeing a double skin application where people open up the wall between the indoor and outdoor area and seal in the outdoor area so you have a weather-resistant open transitional space."

[caption id="attachment_976" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] NanaWall folding glass system opens up the bathroom to a stunning view.[/caption]

Convenient Kitchen: 3 Tips for Design Within Reach

[caption id="attachment_945" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Kitchen by Hafele. Universal Design by Mary Jo Peterson, Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer, Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing[/caption]

If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of fumbling, searching, reaching or stretching into the dark recesses of your kitchen cabinets in search of its contents, then your kitchen is a candidate for Universal Design. Despite what you might think, Universal Design has little to do with aging and everything to do with accessibility. Sure, the design philosophy is gaining traction as our population matures: The American Association of Retired People (AARP) says over the next 18 years, boomers will be turning 65 at a rate of about 8,000 a day.  These nearly 80 million baby boomers in the United States are redefining the way we think about and design our living space. However, Universal Design is not just for the older folks who want to “age in place.” It’s for you and me, our children, everyone in our household and anyone who uses our living space.

[caption id="attachment_957" align="alignleft" width="140"] Mary Jo Peterson, Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer[/caption]

 

I recently interviewed Mary Jo Peterson, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer, Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing, and a respected instructor and voice in the realm of Universal Design. Peterson breaks down the stereotype of “Universal Design” and redefines what it really means in today’s living space: “In reality, Universal Design is all about creating beauty and accessibility for all ages and stages of life.” Peterson says that people tend to associate Universal Design with an aging population or those with disabilities. That would be misleading. In fact, it’s about design that honors the diversity in people. It’s about creating spaces that remain accessible, adaptable, and functional throughout the lifetime of a home and its inhabitants without compromising on beauty and style. Here are three tips to make your kitchen user-friendly for all.

 

 

Bring Your Storage within Reach:

[caption id="attachment_944" align="aligncenter" width="560"] pull-out shelves by Hafele store dishes for easy access without having to reach around searching deep into the cabinet for its contents.[/caption]

Think about where you most often use or store items in the kitchen. What are the heights of these storage areas? Peterson says most of us can reach items stored between 15 and 48 inches off the floor, which is where our storage should be concentrated. “A lot of storage in the kitchen is not in that range. We need to prioritize what we store and where.” Her advice: rearrange and reconfigure storage at the point of use so it’s easily accessible.

[caption id="attachment_952" align="aligncenter" width="560"] This corner swing out cabinet by Hafele brings the pots and pans to you without having to strain and reach into the depths of the cabinet to get your pots and pans.[/caption]

Look at heights and access to storage. Instead of shelves maybe you use drawers. Pull-out drawers make it easier to see and reach items stored in lower cabinets. You can organize the inside of deep drawers with pegboard systems or other drawer accessories for items like dishware, which is typically stored in wall cabinets. Universal Design is also clever when it comes to storage. Here are a few examples: Lighted corner swing out storage can be used for those hard-to-reach base corner cabinets. Decorative kitchen counter columns can store cleaning equipment, all at the point of use. In addition to storage placement, there are other storage details that make life easier for all, such as lining shelves with non-slip surfacing to keep things like glassware from slipping.

[caption id="attachment_950" align="aligncenter" width="560"] This appliance garage by Hafele rises at the push of a button bringing the appliances to your height. When you’re done, press the button to lower it creating more counter space.[/caption]

You can also make appliances come to you on demand with electronic remote-controlled storage. One example is the appliance garage that rises at the push of a button bringing the appliances to your height. When you’re done, press the button to lower it creating more counter space. An appliance garage works great in the prep process: when you’re ready to use these appliances, raise them within your reach. “Retractable space is about minimizing physical effort by putting it in your workspace with the items you need within reach,” explains Peterson.

Light Up Your Space for Eyes of All Ages:

[caption id="attachment_948" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Notice all the strategic lighting in this Kitchen designed by Mary Jo Peterson and Hafele. Underneath the kitchen island is toekick lighting for extra illuminate to move around in the space.[/caption]

Lighting plays a huge role in both functionality and visual appeal. As we age, our eyes require different lighting solutions. “We need to be attentive to the source of light and diffusion of light,” says Peterson. This applies not only to overhead lighting but task lighting as well. Peterson suggests clean, sparkling light that clearly illuminates.

[caption id="attachment_940" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Interior cabinet lighting is a must for Universal Design so that you can see the contents of your cabinets without having to search and strain.[/caption]

Consider installing LED lights in cabinets, drawers and other storage spaces to illuminate the contents. LEDs are small and can easily fit into tiny spaces and they provide energy savings compared to traditional lighting. Motion activated lighting that turns on when you enter the kitchen at night can assist as well.

[caption id="attachment_938" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Here LED strip lighting is used to illuminate underneath the upper cabinets. LEDs are small and so they can easily fit into tiny spaces and they provide energy[/caption]

Make Space to Move Around:

[caption id="attachment_949" align="aligncenter" width="560"] In this Hafele display at the 2013 Kitchen and Bath Show in New Orleans, one counter is 34 inches high, another is 37 inches high and a third workspace is 45 inches high.[/caption]

The kitchen ideally should accommodate people working from a seated or standing position. If you’re thinking about a kitchen remodel, then consider the concept of creating base cabinets with a higher toe kick for easier clearance if operating from a seated position. Think about how you can accommodate different heights in all kitchen workspaces with countertops installed at various heights. In this Hafele display at the 2013 Kitchen and Bath Show in New Orleans, one counter is 34 inches high, another is 37 inches high and a third workspace is 45 inches high.

 

Ever hit your head on an overhead open cabinet door? Aggravating right? Consider replacing those swinging cabinet doors with sliding doors making it easy for anyone to get around including children. Sliding doors also work great in passage areas. An example is the barn door, not only does it make a fabulous design statement, this on-trend feature replaces the swinging door without having to rebuild the wall or doorframe. It’s easy to install and creates a wider passage for universal access. Another space saver is the pullout work surface that creates more clearance to move around in the kitchen. When it’s not in use, the surface slides into the base cabinet creating an open space.

[caption id="attachment_941" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Here, decorative kitchen counter columns store cleaning equipment, all at the point of use.[/caption]

“Universal Design is really smart, common sense design. It’s not a solution to a problem. It’s beautiful, cool and at times invisible to the uninformed eye,” says Peterson.

Design Finds at 2013 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show

 

 

I recently attended the 2013 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) on the lookout for the latest products that decode current tastes in kitchen and bath design. At KBIS, manufacturers tend to début new offerings that say a lot about the wants, needs and demands of daily life.

Some amp up mundane tasks. Others are all about style. Here’s a look at some of those products that caught my eye and seemed to cluster as recurrent themes fueled by consumer demand. If you're looking for the next new idea for your kitchen or bath, check out these design finds at the front end of trends.

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Metallic Kitchens Shine in all Styles as 2013 Trend

[caption id="attachment_890" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Metal kitchen decor features an aluminum patterned cooktop backsplash in a diamond pattern to serve as a shiny focal point in this electic, edgy kitchen. The backplash is designed by Stainless Living[/caption]

There’s a new mindset about metal as a décor and design tool. No longer is it a utilitarian material only found in commercial kitchens. Today, metal is surfacing in modern residential kitchens as a go-to material for its beauty, durability, affordability and sanitary properties. Metal was a hot topic recently at the National Kitchen and Bath show where it was the subject of a design workshop. Despite what you might think, metal isn’t just for contemporary décor. It goes well with any style: vintage, romance, traditional, cottage, rustic, modern, Mediterranean,  retro and all incarnations in between.

I interviewed the presenter of this workshop, Nicole Busenbark, of American Trim, a manufacturer and designer of metal components for the kitchen.  For homeowners who love the look of metal but aren't sure how it translates in kitchen, here's help envisioning how metal can make your kitchen shine:

Metal Goes Great with Monochromatic Décor:

[caption id="attachment_895" align="aligncenter" width="560"] All metal kitchen designed and manufactured by American Trim[/caption]

Metal is the perfect complement to simple lines and monochromatic colors such as grays, whites, and beiges because metal is naturally neutral. Metal also has that sleek, seamless look coveted in kitchen design at the moment. Plus, we all know how easy metal is to clean and maintain.

Metal can Enhance Your Kitchen Lighting:

[caption id="attachment_899" align="aligncenter" width="554"] Layered lighting gains even more wattage by reflecting off of metal surfaces in the kitchen. This kitchen's metal accents are designed and manufactured by American Trim.[/caption]

Unpainted metal’s reflective qualities brighten up a room. The reflective surface makes rooms seem larger. “Combining metal with layered lighting changes the intensity and direction of the light and adds more visual interest at each layer,” says Busenbark. Layered lighting consists of background lighting, accent lighting for visual effect, and task lighting. A play of lighting can add interesting shadow and highlight effects.



 

Metal’s reflective qualities also make it the perfect backdrop for open or glass door shelving. “Many times objects with a degree of transparency are placed on these shelves showing through the wall behind. Using metal behind the shelves adds luxury and when combined with lighting an even more dramatic statement,” says Busenbark.

Metal Can Color Block:

[caption id="attachment_889" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Metal can color block as seen here as the silver perfect compliment to the red kitchen cabinets.[/caption]

Metal can complete a block of color while at the same time adding an additional material or element to the kitchen design, whether it be a backsplash, a level of cabinets, or even an appliance.

 Metal Can Draw Focus:

[caption id="attachment_894" align="aligncenter" width="560"] This diamond printed metal backsplash by Stainless Living serves as a stylish centerpiece for the kitchen.[/caption]

Decorative metal draws attention because for its sheen and interesting design possibilities. Consider adding a patterned metal backsplash for visual interest and texture. "Whether it is a classic or modern backsplash, a gorgeous decorative finish on an appliance or a piece of wall art, each piece draws you in and grabs your attention," explains Busenbark. Metal also makes a space appear larger. When used on the ceiling, metal creates an illusion of high ceilings and space.

Metal Adds Texture:

[caption id="attachment_893" align="aligncenter" width="400"] metal counter hammered and finished to look like copper[/caption]

Metal in the mix of modern and natural materials such as wood, stone, vegetation or burlap against a modern glass, metal, leather or fabric pattern give the kitchen both dimension and texture. An affordable option for the copper finish is tinted aluminum that mimics copper. “This is an extreme cost savings and eliminates issues of cleaning and protecting copper. Using tinted aluminum, you do lose the patina,” explains Busenbark.

Metal Suits Any Style:

Whether you opt for copper, stainless steel or aluminum decorative elements, metal suits any style. Keep in mind that aluminum tends to be more affordable and flexible to work with and looks just like stainless steel with its finger-print free surface. "For more rustic and country kitchen styles, consider  wood shelving with a metal background or a rustic table with metal chairs. Wall art also is a great way to bring in metal," suggests Busenbark.



 

For the more romantic kitchen style, Busenbark suggests a soft metal finish like aluminum for a backsplash, block of cabinets or on the counter. "You just have to limit the use to keep the look soft not industrial. For a more classic kitchen style like Victorian, it is all about unique accessories like a bird cage or a pot rack. Then for the more modern kitchens metal is master. It can be cabinets, countertops, an island, just about any surface or all."

[caption id="attachment_892" align="aligncenter" width="486"] Stainless steel kitchen island countertop by Stainless Living helps light up the kitchen with its reflective surface.[/caption]

No matter what your kitchen decor, metal makes a strong statement: it's sanitary, durable, stain resistant, sleek and affordable. Metal comes in many tints and finishes so finding the perfect match for your wall colors, appliances and fixtures just comes down to personal preference. For more design ideas and the latest products, news and trends in home design and construction, I  invite you to follow me on Houzz where I am a contributing writer.

6 Design Cues for the Modern-Mediterranean Home

If you’re torn between the timeworn appeal of Old World design and the fresh edge of modern décor, consider the Mod-Mediterranean look. Offering the best of both worlds, when the style is done successfully, it can give the home a personality that's both current and traditional at once.

The guiding principle of Mod-Mediterranean design is to keep it clean and simple on a backdrop of neutral colors with just a few details and colors that stand out. “The Mod-Mediterranean style uses natural elements such as stone, heavy woods and metals in a modern adaptation with cleaner lines, less details and embellishments. The aesthetic is not fussy. It’s simple yet interesting,” says interior designer Rene Wirth of Anne Rue Interiors. Wirth specializes in the Mod-Mediterranean style throughout Florida, where it continues to gain traction.

[caption id="attachment_2036" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Modern-Mediterranean Game Room by Ann Rue Interiors[/caption]

“Mod-Mediterranean is finding contemporary themes in old ideas. Homeowners want to hold onto the warmth of Mediterranean design, but younger generations are looking to clean it up, adding in more glass and less ornamentation,” says interior designer Marc Thee of Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc. Thee, a leading authority on Mod-Mediterranean and Transitional styles, was a recent guest speaker on design at the 2013 International Builders' Show in Las Vegas. Working from Winter Park, Florida, Thee has a large portfolio of work honoring Mediterranean architecture yet acknowledging his clients' desire for something new.

I recently interviewed both designers to pick their brains about the critical design elements that cue the Mod-Mediterranean look. We came up with six guiding principles:

1. Use Rustic Materials in Modern Presentations:

Think of rustic materials as building the foundation of Mod-Mediterranean décor. Use natural elements, such as stone, wood and metal, in modern ways.

Wirth suggests stone floors in contemporary tile shapes such as 30” by 18” or linear sticks laid out in a modern pattern.

[caption id="attachment_2042" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Modern-Mediterranean style bathroom by Anne Rue Interiors[/caption]

Light fixtures offer another opportunity to mix it up. “Lighting fixtures in a combination of materials such as wood, metal, glass and burlap work well. For example: a rope and metal chandelier. Think about grouping pendant lights together in different sizes, colors and finishes as a single fixture.”

2. Eliminate Embellished, Fussy Details:

[caption id="attachment_2043" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Modern-Mediterranean ceiling design using traditional/rustic material of wood in a contemporary grid pattern in a home designed and built by Orlando Custom Builder Jorge Ulibarri[/caption]

In a Mod-Mediterranean home, the look above draws the eye to sleek wood beams mixed with glass tiles mixing rustic and modern materials without the distraction of crown moldings. The idea of clean and simple follows through each room. You’ll notice the absence of heavy moldings. “Frameless or flat-panel cabinetry works well with the look. A kitchen island with square edges instead of embellished edges also cues the Mod-Mediterranean look,” says Wirth.

3. Use Solid Surface, Single Color Countertops:

[caption id="attachment_878" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Single color solid surface is a key design cue in the Mod-Mediterranean kitchen. The kitchen is devoid of patterns that come from granite[/caption]

The busy patterns of granite give way to solid, single color surfaces for a contemporary edge. The kitchen countertop is a defining element of the Mod-Mediterranean style. “Use rustic materials such as concrete or a solid surface such as quartz in a solid color with clean lines. It’s all in how you mix the elements to temper that Old World feel with modern,” says Wirth.  This is often called "monolithic" design and is a great way to give a traditional space a contemporary update.

[caption id="attachment_879" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Single color solid surface countertop in white quartz with contrasting sleek dark wood cabinets cue the Mod-Mediterranean look in this kitchen.[/caption]

 

4. Combine A Neutral Palette With Color Pops:

[caption id="attachment_2044" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Formal dining room in a home designed and built by Orlando Custom Builder Jorge Ulibarri[/caption]

In furniture and fabrics, the style draws from solid neutral colors with color pops and few patterns. “Introduce one or two colors with pillows, artwork or rugs. If your eye mostly sees neutral, then the look can appear very modern and Mediterranean,” says Wirth.

5. Use Furniture that Looks Evolved:

 

Create a room that looks collected over time. Mix up “matchy-matchy” furniture by incorporating pieces crafted from a variety of materials. “Ideally, the room should appear evolved. You don’t want all the furniture in the room to come from the same collection. Populate the room with furniture made of different materials and colors such as an upholstered bed with a wood dresser and painted wood nightstands,” Wirth says.

"Don’t get discouraged if the home is leaning too contemporary or too Mediterranean from an architectural stand-point. The beauty of this blend comes by mixing the two. If you have a Mediterranean style home, keep your upholstery decisions clean. Keep your artwork modern and use clean-lined pendants and sconces," says Thee.

6. Wrap Surfaces with Rustic or Modern Materials:

[caption id="attachment_2039" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Monolithic desk made of single color solid surface, quartz that wraps from floor to wall in home designed and built by Orlando Custom Builder Jorge Ulibarri[/caption]

The monolithic look of a wrapped surface is a great way to use natural, rustic materials in a modern way. The kitchen countertop provides a great opportunity. “White Carrara marble wrapped from the floor around countertop with square edges injects a modern element,” suggests Wirth. Another way to create that seamless sweep of material is to wrap the floor, wall and ceiling in wood planks. Think of opportunities to wrap a surface using natural materials to punctuate the Mod-Mediterranean look.

[caption id="attachment_2040" align="aligncenter" width="400"] New American Home for 2013 IBS with monolithic wall wrapped in wood planks[/caption]

“The big trend is the use of monolithic materials when executing finishes. In a Mediterranean application, this might be wood planks, stacked stone or flamed stone because of the warmth they embody," Thee says.

There are many incarnations of the Mod-Mediterranean style influenced by regional preferences and geography. Other related styles include the "warm-modern," "transitional," and" mountain-modern." to name a few. Whatever label, you choose to place on your architecture and decor, just remember to keep it clean and unembellished yet rich and rustic for your own version of the Mod-Mediterranean style.