this stunning kitchen fuses two exotic wood veneers – a light English Sycamore and a dark Bird’s Eye Maple border – to set a delicate yet natural balance. The contemporary look is enhanced by a Thermador refrigerator and GE microwave, as well as an oven, cooktop, dishwasher and ventilation from Bosch Home Appliances.

JASPER, IN —
One kitchen features a crisp, polished and detailed look. One kitchen gives off a feeling of coziness. Yet another kitchen boasts sophisticated organization in a small space while still another showcases a layout ideal for entertaining. All four have received top honors in Aristokraft Cabinetry’s inaugural “Living in Style” Design Contest.

“Recognizing that our customers work hard every day to bring their clients’ kitchen design dreams to reality, we launched the ‘Living in Style’ design contest to showcase their great work and show our gratitude for recommending Aristokraft Cabinetry to their clients,” says Cathy Hitz, senior brand manager for Jasper, IN-based Aristokraft Cabinetry, a div. of MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc. “[We wanted] to shine a public spotlight on some of our customers’ best-in-class kitchen designs.”

By Anita Shaw

June 2007

FERNANDINA BEACH, FL— The phrase “dream kitchen” is tossed about a lot these days, and usually conjures up images of exquisite cabinetry and countertops in rich colors, intermingled with the latest in technologically advanced appliances. Space would be ample in the dream kitchen, and optimal functionality a given.

Well, Watson Custom Home Builders in Florida believes it has created the “dream kitchen” within its 4,000-sq.-ft. “Dream Home.” The $1.5 million custom concept house, located in North Hampton, FL, features five bedrooms, five bathrooms, dual balconies, a large pool and hot tub and, of course, a spacious gourmet kitchen. The concept house was open to the public as a showhouse to raise funds for the Monique Burr Foundation for Children.

When it comes to ultra high-end kitchens, it appears that clients do not want to keep up with the Joneses anymore. In fact, perhaps the only reason they would want to know what their neighbors have is simply to avoid creating the same look in their own homes.

These are the sentiments shared by kitchen and bath designers interviewed by KBDN who note, somewhat surprisingly, that designing for the ultra affluent ultimately means replacing the “wow” factor with the “me” factor.

“Our clients want custom kitchens. They don’t have the same color and make of car as their neighbor, or the same dress or suit as their friends, so why should their kitchens look alike?” notes Melinda Earl, founder of San Diego, CA-based StoneImpressions.

Cheryl Hamilton-Gray, CKD, and president of Carlsbad, CA-based Hamilton-Gray Design, Inc. adds: “These clients are seeking uniqueness and personalization of their proposed new kitchens being that they are able to afford the luxury of customization. They are also seeking ultimate efficiency in performance of appliances and electronics.”

“It is definitely an individual thing – they simply want something different,” adds Jinny Plasse, design consultant for Norwich, CT-based David Hecht Kitchens. “They may come in with a crumbled piece of a magazine or they may see something in the showroom and quickly decide they want that product.”

“Stone Advice”-A unique community, seeking to make a difference!

Within a short time of launching the community forum, NSRA and SA has gained unprecedented popularity and respect from both consumers and experts. When man made materials ruling the market, these natural stone enthusiasts are working hard to regain the lost glory of natural stone.

“To provide quality natural stone care, restoration and maintenance through a network of qualified natural stone professionals.”