American consumers - from construction workers to bank executives - are having a love affair with wine. While many collectors are long-time wine connoisseurs, others have begun collecting wine for reasons you might never have thought of. As one Napa Valley winery executive recently commented, "You designers must realize that collecting wine is about much more than drinking it! (read more)

Creating Multi-Height Cabinet Elevations
Special-height cabinets can be used to visually define a large space, personalize a design, increase accessibility and enhance overall function.

While studying the elements of style will help you to shape and define the overall ambiance of a kitchen, it’s the design details that can truly make or break the project. Design details can add interest and personalize the project, yet they can also provide design solutions broad enough to be repeated in various plans. Creating multiple-height cabinet elevations is a great way to add interest to a project. (read more)

Re-Energizing Pantry Planning
A new slant on the pantry of old offers a host of innovative storage solutions that provide both functional and aesthetic benefits.

Think the concept of pantries in the kitchen is as outdated as the 20th century pantries of old? Think again. Contemporary aesthetics and functional design innovations are changing how and when tall storage cabinetry is being specified in residential kitchen planning. The reasons for this are simple. First, as elaborate vintage Old World rooms become more streamlined and tailored in design detailing over the next few years, designers will find that varying the types, shapes and sizes of the storage components in the room will provide greater visual interest. (read more)

Cooking Rooms
The kitchen as a stand-alone area has transitioned away from a single-purpose space into a multi-purpose – and multi-person – cooking room.

As kitchen designers know, a shift has occurred in how kitchens are used by North American families. The kitchen as a stand-alone area has transitioned away from a single-purpose space serving the solitary chef into a multi-purpose – and often multi-person –“cooking room” or “kitchen room.” (read more)

Beyond the Mantel Hood

There’s no question how powerful an impact a decorative mantel hood can have as a focal point in a kitchen. Whether classically traditional, transitional, Asian- influenced or stylishly Italian, a large unencumbered, beautifully detailed enclosure around the ventilation system is something that is highly valued by consumers today.  (read more)