Posts Tagged ‘Faucet’

I was delighted to see BLANCO sponsor and exhibit at our San Diego NKBA Industry Showcase on May 7.  (In addition to being a Certified Kitchen Designer (http://www.jgkitchens.com/), author, blogger and journalist, I also serve our local Board as Chapter Representative.)

This annual “mini-KBIS” that we produce attracts major brands like BLANCO, Sub-Zero Wolf, Dacor, Daltile, Electrolux, et al that don’t show up at the national level, but enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle with local designers.  The same can be said of the hundreds of designers, contractors and architects who attend, but don’t travel to major conventions out of town.

BLANCO MODEX in Cinder shown with ALTA Compact Faucet

I’ve been a part of all three Industry Showcases since I moved to San Diego in 2010, and always make it a point to stop by the BLANCO table to see the new releases.  This year, area rep Tom Zimmerly of Associated Sales was handing out the new Cinder SILGRANIT® II color samples and shared with me that one of their hottest sellers lately is the ALTA white/chrome faucet paired with a white SILGRANIT® sink.

This share meshes perfectly with my own observations that the white kitchen trend is still huge in 2013, and that matte-metal combo faucets and matching composite sinks are another major trend.  I saw them dominate at the IMM/LivingKitchen show in Cologne, Germany that I was fortunate to attend as a BLANCO Design Council member, and wrote about when I got back (http://www.jgkitchens.com/immlivingkitchen-2013-top-kitchen-style-trends/).

BLANCO ALTA Compact in white

I’m definitely looking forward to seeing even more of the European BLANCO releases making their way into the US market.

FYI, firms interested in exhibiting or sponsoring the 2014 Industry Showcase can email nkbasandiego@cox.net for more information.  Attendee details will be posted on our website as plans develop.

This guest post by designer and BLANCO Design Council member Andie Day speaks to looking good and feeling great with a lifestyle modification that will improve your quality of life and help the planet too.  If you’re on the fence about becoming a vegetarian, pescatarian (diet includes fish but no other meat) or simply becoming more health conscious by reducing your weekly consumption of red meat and poultry consider the following:

 ”As environmental science has advanced, it has become apparent that the human appetite for animal flesh is a driving force behind virtually every major category of environmental damage now threatening the human future: deforestation, erosion, fresh water scarcity, air and water pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, social injustice, the destabilization of communities, and the spread of disease.” Worldwatch Institute, “Is Meat Sustainable?”
“If every American skipped one meal of chicken per week and substituted vegetables and grains, the carbon dioxide savings would be the same as taking more than half a million cars off of U.S. roads.” Environmental Defense Fund. Reported by the Daily Green (http://www.thedailygreen.com/)

Personally, I haven’t consumed red meat for years and poultry since November. It’s been a surprisingly easy transition as alternatives are readily available. Most restaurants offer at least a vegetarian plate or two and savvy supermarket chains with an eye toward the trending vegan lifestyle boast more options than ever before.  Two of my favorite lifestyle brands are Gardein (mandarin orange crispy chicken-delish) and Amy’s (California Veggie burger or easy to prepare and frozen meals).

Happy Earth Day. Enjoy and be healthy! Andie xo

For more information visit

http://www.thedailygreen.com/

http://www.gardein.com/products.php?t=fresh

For a chance to win a BLANCO water saving faucet, please visit: www.anyluckyday.com.

Vicki Payne, host of PBS show For Your Home, and member of the BLANCO Design Council, shares her advice on how we can be better parents for our Earth.

Without us, the planet would struggle to survive. It needs to be nurtured and well cared for. With chemicals, hazardous waste, and using numerous natural resources, the Earth fights to remain green. It is our responsibility to battle pollution and other dangers by making intelligent choices in our daily lives, which ultimately makes our world a better place to live.

Select Furniture Wisely                                                              

Selecting new furniture can be fun and earth friendly at the same time. Select natural upholstery. Avoid synthetic materials such as polyester, simulated leather, and polyurethane foams that are derived from fossil fuels; instead, look for latex foam and cotton, wool, linen, or help fabrics that have been minimally treated with chemical dyes or coatings.  Extend your green efforts by buying antique or secondhand furniture, or by reupholstering your existing furniture using environmentally friendly materials.

Organize a Seed Swap

This is the perfect time of the year to host a “Seed Swap” party.  A seed swap is to gardeners what a flea market is to collectors.  Gardening is all about sharing.  A live seed swap is basically a party where everyone brings plants, seeds and bulbs to trade.  It is an ideal way for gardeners, both beginners and pros, to exchange great plants and real-world gardening information. It’s simple to organize.  Invite all your gardening or want to be gardener friends. Guests are asked to bring something to share at the swap.  Be sure to have everyone print off labels for their plants and care instructions and bring a tray or cardboard to transport their new treasures. Serve green tea, nuts, berries and fruit.

Enter for a chance to win a BLANCO water saving faucet today at www.AnyLuckyDay.com.

We are kicking off Earth Day week with a special giveaway promotion. Visit AnyLuckyDay.com today for more details and for a chance to win a water-saving ALTA Compact Faucet.

Click on the video below to learn more.

BLANCO SILGRANIT II Precis Super Single Sink

Located in Atlantis, Florida there was an outdated kitchen that needed to be revived.  We asked designer Gloria Graham (www.kitchensforliving.net) how she conquered this challenging project.

Why did the homeowner need a change?  Cabinets were dated and paint was peeling.  She liked the original kitchen and its layout, but it was time for something new.  Keeping her footprint, we updated the design.  In the process we were able to incorporate the products on her wish list and even improve storage and workflow.

Tell us about what inspired you to come up with the design.  Well, mainly I wanted to increase functionality of the kitchen space in a creative way.  I came up with the British Colonial idea using the “X” motif and rattan inserts in some of the doors.  She was not up for the rich dark Mahogany finish that is the hallmark of this style. This was mainly because this kitchen is located in the center of the house with not much natural light.  The Espresso color would have made it too dark.  As far as the layout, one of my first thoughts was to remove the soffit on the range wall to allow the hood to become a focal point reaching to the ceiling.  Upper cabinets on both ends sit on the counter to house the coffee maker on one side and toaster oven on the other keeping them out of sight. The size of the island was increased for more storage and counter space.  I also felt it was important to have ample counter space next to the new 48” refrigerator and double ovens.  A microwave drawer tucked behind the peninsula completes the package.

What are the highlights of the new kitchen?  Cabinets are maple with a light stain and darker glaze and rattan panels to tie in adjoining dining room furniture.  They were designed by me and custom built by Brendan Donovan Furniture & Cabinet Co. (www.Brendandonovancabinets.com).  Her appliances are Wolf, Subzero, Thermador (gas range top) and Bosch for the dishwasher.

The feature that the home owner absolutely loved was a durable BLANCO SILGRANIT II Precis Super Single Sink in white.  Not only did it work with the styling of the kitchen, but the scale allowed us to utilize the space to its maximum potential.

So can we call it a success?  Oh, absolutely!  The homeowner was thrilled with the end result.  She loves her new kitchen and her favorite part is the new BLANCO Sink.  It was amazing how we increased the storage space and functionality of the kitchen.  We also lightened and brightened up the space with a traditional tropical feel.

Maple Cabinets

"X" Design Element

Lovely Counter Space

A Masterpiece Kitchen!

Licensed contractor James Young redesigns a classic Victorian kitchen on DIY’s  “I Hate My Kitchen”.  Home owners Keith and Elena bought their old 1970’s home as a project which they renovated themselves and transformed into a beautiful living space.  The only thing that is holding them back is their kitchen!  It is the first time on the show that James has seen a couple that hasn’t even moved in and already hates their kitchen. Keith and Elena hate their  kitchen so much that it makes them angry!  Luckily, the kitchen not only had a lot of space but it had a lot of potential.  With a budget of twenty-five grand this project seemed questionable.  “The Hate just keeps disappearing” as James beautifies the kitchen with a Grace BLANCO pot filler above stove top, BLANCO Precision 16″ triple sink and Master Gourmet professional BLANCO faucet! The BLANCO sink solved their functionality issue and utilized the kitchen space perfectly.  Elena was delighted with her new sink because it was exactly what she wanted.  Now she can prepare and clean all in one space with no hassle.  Finally, Keith and Elena came out with an elegant Victorian kitchen that surpassed their expectations.  Another “I hate my Kitchen” success story featuring BLANCO!

Licensed contractor James Young

Old sink and faucet

New BLANCO Grace pot filler.

Master Gourmet professional faucet

The redesigned kitchen featuring a triple BLANCO Precision sink and Master Gourmet commercial BLANCO faucet!

Posted in As Seen on TV | Tags: BLANCO, DIY, Faucet, grace pot filler, I hate my kitchen, James Young, master gourmet, precision 16, Sink | Comments Closed