Archive for December, 2011

With the help of BLANCO, the Mejia family transforms their kitchen into a bright and beautiful space on this episode of “Rescue Renovation.” Three years after an intense plumbing repair, this family was still stuck with a ripped-up, dark and crowded little kitchen so they eventually decided to call in some help.  Licensed contractor, Kayleen McCabe could definitely see potential when she stated, “ I can clearly see that this fan is mounted to just hope and dreams.” Kayleen was sure right! With a new layout, new BLANCO SILGRANIT II® DIAMOND sink and GRACE faucet, new counters, cabinets and appliances, this kitchen was made over into a spacious masterpiece. McCabe decided to keep a little piece of their old kitchen by using ninety percent of the kitchen table lumber for a bench that would hold cheerful decorative pillows. One thing is for sure, Tomas Mejia was especially pleased with the outcome after happily yelling, “It looks like a kitchen!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A couple gets their small, old fashioned kitchen transformed into a glamorous gathering space on this episode of “Kitchen Crashers.” Mike Loften and his finance met Alison Victoria, a designer contractor who took one look at their kitchen and immediately knew something needed to be done. After ripping down walls, replacing appliances, adding new glass tile, hardwood floors plus a beautiful BLANCO PRECIS sink and RADOS chrome faucet, the kitchen was complete. Alison Victoria described the finished kitchen as a country kitchen with a little masculine edge. The couple was absolutely ecstatic at the amazing hard work and dedication.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following remodel story was provided by Bergamo Interiors in Denver, Colorado. They used a BLANCO Precision™ R10 Super Single to respectfully update a 1950s kitchen in style.

Designer: Allison M. Bergamo, AKBD

Project: Mullen-Evans Kitchen Remodel – Summer 2011

The subject line of Kimberly Evan’s email was concise and to the point – “Welcome to 1954.” The photos she attached told the story – she and her husband, Joe, had just purchased a 1954 ranch home that was frozen in time. While the previous owner took painstaking care of it, nothing had been updated in over 50 years. Laminate kitchen cabinets were topped with light blue Formica countertops. A matching blue backsplash was punctuated by an avocado range. The walls and light soffit were accented in blue and green floral wallpaper, while dingy vinyl flooring doubled as toekick.

Drawn to the house by its good bones, spacious backyard and close proximity to a park, the couple knew they could transform the dark, cramped kitchen into a spacious family hub. Respectful of the home’s age and architecture, they asked for “a modern take on the 50’s”; incorporating colors and materials that were reminiscent of the era.

Durable, easy-to-clean materials were essential for this active family. The Mullens specifically requested a deep single-bowl sink with pull-down faucet that could wash everything from the dinner dishes to their baby girl. The Blanco Precision™ 16 R10 Super Single Undermount Sink was one of the first elements Kimberly chose for the kitchen. She was initially drawn to its style; particularly the radius corners, rear drain and elegant drain grooves. Its durability is what sealed the deal, enhanced by its coordinating sink grid. Avid cooks who frequently entertain, the sink is deep enough so dirty dishes can be stashed out of site during dinner parties. Wiping it down with Blanco sink cleaner helps maintain its luster.

Relocating an exterior door and eliminating a wall separating the kitchen from the formal dining room added usable space and natural light. An artful mix of under-counter strip lighting, chrome pendant lights, flush-mounts, and glass-trimmed recessed cans bounce light off of the stainless steel appliances, glass backsplash tile and quartz countertops.

Base cabinets in a dark cherry thermofoil ground the aluminum-and-glass wall cabinets. The peninsula cabinets open on either side, providing easy access to china and serving pieces from the kitchen and dining room.

Bringing color and texture into the kitchen was also important. An olive gloss wall cabinet with Lucite hardware drove the color scheme. It is accented by oversized subway tiles in a quieter shade of green.  Multi-color glass mosaic tile in “Dirty Martini” dominates the range wall and highlights the professional-style range and hood. Marmoleum floor tiles in “Shitake” provide color, texture, and a nod to the past.

With the style they wanted and the space they craved, the Mullens are now enjoying their ultimate family home.

Vicki Payne is a nationally recognized designer, home improvement, gardening and decorating expert.  Each week, for over 15 years, millions of viewers both nationally and internationally have tuned in to watch her popular television show, For Your Home. On this episode, Vicki employs BLANCO’s Christy Emens to assist her in a two-part Kitchen Modernization project. Enjoy watching the amazing transformation of this homeowner’s 1950’s style kitchen into a welcoming place for the entire family to gather for meal times, homework, laundry and morning coffee. You will find great ideas you can incorporate into modernizing your own kitchen. A BLANCO double bowl SUPREME sink, CULINA faucet and CANTATA pot filler are featured in this amazing makeover. Click on the image below to watch the segment:

 

 

Last night, BLANCO took home an Interior Design BOY (Best of Year) Finalist Award for the CULINA faucet in the Kitchen Fittings/Fixtures category. BLANCO has been recognized by the design community with four Interior Design BOY awards in the last three years for MicroEdge, SOLON, RONIS and now CULINA. (Three of the four awards were BOY Winners.) The editors of Interior Design Magazine post their Merit Finalist selections from a wide field of entries and then BOY Winners are selected by the design community through online voting. Over 60,000 votes were tallied in this year’s competition. Here are the photos from an amazing evening. To see more BOY Winners, visit www.interiordesign.net.