Kitchen Favorites
I feel like I’m a little light on my kitchen posts, and seeing as how I design kitchens everyday, I decided to dedicate this post to my favorite kitchen products. I know I’m probably leaving out a lot, but these are my favorite “work-horse” products. Not only do they look great, they are the best functioning products out there.
Appliances:
Refrigerators: Sub-Zeros are the best, period. My favorite model is the Pro48 w/ glass door. I love the industrial look, and this is the ONLY refrigerator that looks best not “built in”. Please note that it is still the integrated depth. I could do an entire post on refrigerators, but I’ll keep this one simple.
My other choice are the Sub-Zero 700 series – the first truly integrated models. This armorie below actually houses two of them!
The latest and greatest in cooking appliances is the Induction cook-top (I prefer the one by Wolf). While most serious cooks prefer gas, this is a great option if gas in not an option. I love it because it boils water is 60 seconds or less!
Probably my favorite appliance – the Miele Coffee System. I made the most amazing pumpkin latte on this puppy yesterday! I will tell you this appliance is very high maintenance – constant rinse and cleaning is necessary to keep it functioning properly. We have the whole-bean system in our office, but you can also choose a model that uses Nespresso pods.
Miele Steam Oven – SO many uses for this appliance. I would use it to replace a microwave because it reheats the food by returning the moisture. Those left-over steaks will taste just as good as new!
Ahhh, my dream range – LaCornue. What can I say, it’s a work of art!
Plumbing Fixtures:
My taste in plumbing fixtures are polar opposite – I either like very traditional, vintage styling OR very contemporary and streamlined. Rarely anything in between.
Shaw farm sink by Rohl – I’d LOVE one of these one day. I specify A LOT of stainless steel sinks, but I personally love the beauty and function of fireclay.
{Photo via Cote de Texas}
I recently designed two marble farm sinks for a client – GORGEOUS!
{photo via Urban Grace}
Perrin and Rowe’s Bridge Faucet is so gorgeous!
I’d say the majority of my clients really want a pull-down faucet. My favorite is by Dornbracht. The Tara Ultra faucet (on the left) is another favorite of mine.
Lighting:
Okay, for the unglamorous first: the newest in undercabinet lighting (not “undercounter” as many people accidently say), LED undercabinet light fixtures. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? I think so.
{Amy Morris via Things That Inspire}
I love lantern fixtures, and I especially love a pair over an island.
{Amanda Nisbet}
I remember seeing this kitchen in O at Home and I was immediately smitten with the pendant fixtures and barstools!
{Via Alkemie}
I love a whimsical crystal chandelier. Even in a contemporary space – it really gives this kitchen personality.
{Via A Life’s Design}
Another trend I’ve seen is woven basket pendants. I love them!
Industrial Pendants are still very hot! I love them in bronze and polished nickel finishes.
Cabinetry:
My favorite cabinetry right now is the Beaux Arts line by SieMatic. Designed by American designer, Mick deGiulio for the German cabinet line, it fuses traditional elements in a very clean, fresh way. I also happen to sell it 🙂
Backsplash Material:
Mirror with antiqued patina. Yes, I STILL love this stuff. Gorgeous (and practical) on a kitchen backsplash.
{Windsor Smith via Pink Wallpaper}
Two things I love – black cabinetry and white marble. I really like the marble shelf on this backsplash.
Mixed Up Mosaics is an amazing company out of NYC that specializes in custom mosaic tile. The niche in the photo above is all glass mosaic.
This kitchen by Betsy Burnham proves that backsplash tile can make the kitchen!
Barstools:
All time favorite barstool by Lee Industries.
I also LOVE these in Angie Hranowsky’s kitchen. My friend Katherine has a pair almost exactly like them, and she may be selling them – email if you are interested.
I know I breezed through these items pretty quickly, feel free to email me if you have a specific question about anything I featured. I promise to post more kitchen and bath related items!