Gorgeous and Gourmet
Published: 04/09/2010 by Lindsey Getz
Homeowners are spending more and more time in their kitchens—not just to prepare meals, but also to entertain, hang out with the family, work on school projects with the kids, or even watch TV. As a result, homeowners are putting more money into the space to create beautiful gourmet kitchens. “The kitchen has become an area that we don’t just cook in anymore,” says David Cerami, owner, HomeTech Renovations, Inc. “It’s an area that we enjoy spending time in.”
“The modern gourmet kitchen is not only a fully-functioning kitchen with commercial grade appliances and quality work surfaces, but it’s the heart of the home and an area for entertaining,” adds Kim DuBree, designer and owner, Creative Contracting, Inc. “The design for this space is particularly important because of its many uses.”
Countertops that Wow
When it comes to counters, the experts say granite is still the most popular option. “There’s no question, granite is the standard,” notes Preston Moritz, chief marketing officer, Cannon, Simply Beautiful.
“One of the most popular trends in granite countertops right now is a double build-up, which is two three-centimeter slabs instead of one,” says Joe Katz, sales manager, Corinthian Marble & Granite, Inc. “It gives the counter a thicker look, which can add a lot to the kitchen.”
In addition to granite, fabricated quartz is also popular. “Both of these stone choices are very strong, stain- and scratch-resistant and anti-bacterial,” adds DuBree. “Materials, like marble and soap stone, are softer stones which can stain more easily, and as a result, have higher maintenance requirements.”
“There is a great interest in the new engineered stones for countertops like those distributed locally by C.H. Briggs, including Zodiaq© by DuPont© and the new eco-friendly countertops from Ice Stone,” adds Jan Petersen, designer and owner, Petersen Kitchens, Inc. “Corian countertops by DuPont are experiencing a strong revival because of the wonderful patterns and colors that are available for those clients who do not want polished stone. These surfaces are extremely durable.”
As far as the upkeep of natural stone products, like granite, the job is relatively simple. “It’s low maintenance,” says James Freeman, vice president of sales and marketing, Colonial Marble & Granite, Inc. “Obviously homeowners should take care of it, though; it’s an investment in your home. If you spill something, wipe it up. If you cook dinner and splatter food, clean it up. There is often a lot of skepticism involving the maintenance of natural stone, but it just comes down to common sense. It’s a durable product, but you still want to practice good care techniques.”
For stone products, you’ll not only need to select the product, but also the finish. “There are many choices today,” says Kim Perry, sales representative, Eastern Surfaces. “Most common is the polished finish, but another one that is becoming popular is the flamed finish, which has a slightly textured honed finish.”
More Materials
As with many areas of their lifestyle, individuals are starting to become more eco-conscious, and that means they are becoming interested in eco-friendly countertop materials. “More people are starting to ask about green products,” adds Moritz. “I think that’s going to be the next big thing. Materials, like recycled glass and concrete, are suddenly becoming really popular.”
“Green products might cost a little more than granite, but those concerned about the environment will really appreciate them,” says Nick Soeder, director of marketing, Imperial Marble & Granite, Inc. “And the maintenance involved is no different than it would be for granite.”
Homeowners looking for something a little different are asking for exotic wood countertops, adds Mike Reisbord, owner, Diamond Kitchen & Bath. “Waterproof woods, such as teak, have a unique look and are not that much higher maintenance than a stone countertop. Homeowners are not doing their entire kitchen in exotic woods, but perhaps an island or a seating area, to make it stand out.”
“There is an unbelievable selection available of exotic and renewable wood sources for countertops, and they offer easy-care and practicality,” adds DuBree. “Sinks can now be under-mounted into wood countertops the same way they are under-mounted into stone.”
When it comes to colors, every homeowner is different. They want something that will make their kitchen stand out. Katz says he’s had a lot of homeowners request gold tones. Many want colors that are new and fresh, those that they haven’t seen everywhere else.
“It seems like people have been trying to get outside the box,” adds Neil Roosevelt, sales manager, MacLaren Fabrications, Inc. “The standard colors are becoming so prevalent in everything—from public restrooms to the McDonald’s countertop—that people are getting tired of seeing them over and over again. Homeowners don’t want to feel limited in their selections and are looking to put something more unique and distinctive into their homes. We have about 100 unique stone colors, plus every standard color you can imagine, so there is plenty to choose.”
Islands for Every Need
Islands have also become a must-have item in the gourmet kitchen. “Adding an island gives homeowners more room for cooking and preparing meals, but also adds to the beautiful layout of a kitchen,” says Freeman. “We’re also seeing islands that are two levels. One level has a sink or cooktop and the other level has stools for seating. That makes the island highly functional and multipurpose. It can be used for preparing food, but also for eating and entertaining.”
Multilevel islands, or even two separate islands, can be useful for families who spend a lot of time in their kitchens. “If the kitchen is large enough, we’ll often have homeowners request two islands,” says Pamela Monaco, president and principal designer, Whole House Cabinetry. “People who like to cook or entertain love this concept.”
In fact, Heather Baumher, interior designer and remodeling consultant, Cannon, Simply Beautiful, says that people love their islands so much that they’re actually doing away with the kitchen table. “A lot of people don’t have time for long sit-down dinners anymore—that’s just not today’s lifestyle,” she says. Instead, the island has become the perfect eating space for the family who is on-the-go. Food can be prepared, served, and eaten all at one area.
And Carol Cinotti, kitchen and bath designer, Doma Kitchen & Bath Showroom at Wallcovering Ltd., says that adding an island can even improve the flow of your kitchen. “It creates a buffer zone for the cook,” says Cinotti. “Our clients who like to cook tell us that their island allows them to be cooking while guests stand around the island. They are out of the chef’s workspace, and can still be in the kitchen without getting in the way. That helps keep the kitchen social. Homeowners can cook and entertain at the same time, plus it makes for a great buffet area once the food is prepared."
Cabinet Creations
Custom cabinetry has continued to gain popularity as well. Homeowners want cabinets that are all their own, and cabinetmakers are complying. That’s one reason why Dilworth’s Custom Design builds custom cabinets in its on-site workshop.
“With cabinets, it’s all about customization,” adds Antuan Frayman, designer consultant, Master Kitchen & Bath Design, Inc. “It all depends on how they live. For instance, cabinets with three rotating garbage bags for recycling, are very popular right now. But no two kitchens are alike. People want to customize their kitchen space based on their own families’ needs.”
And the custom options don’t just end with the cabinet features. “Finishes on cabinets are as customized as their features,” says DuBree. “We have stained cabinets in a wide variety of wood species, stained and glazed cabinetry, painted cabinetry and painted and glazed cabinetry.”
Even though customization allows homeowners to do whatever they want, today’s cabinets are made sleek and modern, without a ton of fancy detailing. “In cabinetry, we are seeing a trend to simpler design and door styles that are less detailed,” notes Petersen. “A clean, functional space, spiced up with some terrific hardware, can take that ‘little black dress’ and accessorize it to make it fabulous.”
Like many other aspects of the kitchen, homeowners also want convenience in their cabinetry. “People want good organizers,” says Cinotti. “They love their drawers, and we give them lots of them! We also give them organizers in the drawers, like roll-out trays for small appliances they want to keep handy for cooking. We’ve found that our clients want clear counters and no mess. That means having organization features inside the cabinets to keep things quickly accessible, but neat and tidy.”
All about Appliances
The perfect gourmet kitchen means the right appliances must go with it. In fact, experts say the appliances can dictate the entire design of the new kitchen. “Appliances are really important,” explains Timothy Pesce, owner, Beco Inc. “We start with the appliances the homeowners need and design the rest of the kitchen from there.”
The types of appliances added have to do with individual needs. “We just finished a kitchen where the client wanted two microwaves,” adds Pesce. “We’ve also done kitchens that have two dishwashers. It’s all a matter of what the client will use the kitchen for and what his or her specific needs are."
“The trend in appliances seems to be more commercial,” adds Cerami. “Homeowners have a variety of ways they like to cook, so we provide them with those options. Today, cooking can be done in so many ways; it’s no longer just sticking food in the oven.”
With ranges and stovetops, it’s all about convenience and efficiency. “Dual fuel is very popular right now,” says Tom McIntyre, owner, D&K Appliance. “That means the cooktops are gas. It gives you that infinite high, right down to a low simmer. You have real control over the heat for cooking. And the oven below is electric.”
In terms of additional features, warming drawers are at the top of the list, adds Moritz. “People who cook want to be able to do things fast and efficiently. Today’s homeowners want double ovens with warming drawers, which allows them plenty of cooking space.”
And, of course, homeowners also want convenience. “Our clients want an additional prep sink right next to their cooking area,” says Monaco. “And some of my prep sinks are getting really large because people want to be able to fit a large pot in them.”
In keeping with the sleek, clean look of the modern kitchen, folks are requesting that their appliances take up as little space as possible. “Homeowners want refrigerators that are integrated into the cabinetry, for example. That way it maximizes space,” says Reisbord.
In the modern kitchen, it’s not just about stoves or refrigerators anymore. “We’re incorporating a lot of flat screen TVs into kitchens,” Monaco points out. “We’re working on a kitchen now that features a fireplace with a flat screen TV above it.”
“We’re seeing a lot of multimedia aspects in the kitchen,” adds Cerami. “We’ve done pop-up screen TVs in the kitchen cabinets which can work to surf the net, have the kids do homework or just watch the Phillies game. People are spending more time in the kitchen so it makes sense that these rooms now have more to offer.”
Make It Your Own
No matter what materials, colors or designs they choose, everyone wants a kitchen that is special and unique to their home. “Paying attention to some of the small details can help make your kitchen your own,” says Moritz.
Roosevelt agrees: “Homeowners want to do something different; something their neighbors don’t have.”
And despite the cost involved in creating that perfect new space, an updated kitchen will make your home more attractive—to you and to your family, and in the housing market as well. “Whatever you put into your kitchen, you usually get back at least 80 percent of that investment,” says Soeder. “You aren’t just spending money, you’re making an investment. Today the kitchen is the most important room of the house. Updating or renovating your kitchen will not only bring enjoyment, but will add to the value of your home.”
Resources
Beco Inc.
Morrisville
215-295-7123
www.beco-designs.com
Cannon, Simply Beautiful
Glen Riddle
610-459-5450
www.cannonhomes.com
C.H. Briggs
Reading
800-355-1000
www.chbriggs.com
Colonial Marble & Granite, Inc.
King of Prussia
610-994-2222
www.colonialgranitephiladelphia.com
Corinthian Marble & Granite, Inc.
Frazer
610-251-0444
www.corinthianmarble.net
Creative Contracting, Inc.
North Wales
215-661-8581
www.creativecontracting.biz
D&K Appliances, Inc.
Newtown Square
610-356-2424
www.dkappliances.com
Diamond Kitchen & Bath
Montgomeryville
Langhorne
215-752-4400
www.diamondkb.com
Dilworth’s Custom Design
Phoenixville
610-917-9119
www.dilworthscustomdesign.com
Doma Kitchen & Bath Showroom at Wallcovering Ltd.
Bridgeport
610-272-0100
www.domakitchens.com
Eastern Surfaces
Allentown
610-266-3121
www.easterngranite.com
HomeTech Renovations, Inc.
Fort Washington
215-646-7477
www.hometechrenovations.com
MacLaren Fabrication, Inc.
West Chester
610-436-5436
www.maclarenfab.com
Master Kitchen & Bath Design, Inc.
Southampton
215-355-4747
www.masterkitchendesign.com
Imperial Marble & Granite, Inc.
Lester
610-521-0130
www.imperialmarble.net
Petersen Kitchens, Inc.
Bryn Mawr
610-526-0645
www.petersenkitchens.com
Whole House Cabinetry
Glenmoore
610-458-4428
www.wholehousecabinetry.com
