AK Volunteers With The Cobb Chamber

Planning Kitchen Work Zones

The single-cook work triangle is out; multicook work zone approach is in!

By Barbara Barton, CMKBD

Since formal kitchen design research started in the early 1900s, we have constantly been analyzing what works and doesn’t work as each generation expands lifestyle issues, products and aesthetics around the most important room of a home. Ergonomics and efficiency in time/motion studies were the biggest parts of the early “work triangle” and subsequent placements of appliances, storage, traffic patterns and sinks. It was, however, all based on a one-person/primary cook kitchen. Now that we have multiple cooks, a double work triangle has emerged, and even more recently, labeled centers or zones for the activities associated with any kitchen today.

Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer Ellen Cheever, who has researched, authored, designed and taught in the industry for more than 30 years, recently made the distinction in space planning based on activity zones, not work centers as previously described. Her recent Pathways to Profits Seminar, sponsored by the National Kitchen and Bath Association and Kitchen & Bath Design News magazine, addressed the, “… phenomena as a change due to what families do in the kitchen as well as what they are eating at home."

A myriad of noncooking activities such as watching TV, entertaining, homework and talking on the telephone have been a “but of course” staple for many families. Just as important, according to Cheever, is that shopping for preprepared gourmet takeout meals is more common than “from scratch” meals, impacting the activities we are trying to identify. Her major points are:

• Outdoor living is valued, impacting the grilling and outdoor kitchen rage
• Multigenerational families are sharing the same space. Consumers want to stay in their homes (aging in place)
• Consumers want a kitchen within a “cooking room” to serve weekday warm-up meals in a smaller environment than needed for weekend gourmet feasts
• Gathering spaces for personal interaction between cooks and noncooks is valued
• Appliances are broken up into smaller point-of-use pieces, along with special-purpose fixtures
• Multiple cooking stations for shared cooking activities are valued

As a designer who continues to deal with a lengthy interview process before attempting a space plan, I also have encountered the same activities that Ms. Cheever labeled as noncooking activities.

Communicating activities including the telephone, Internet, personal visiting and any type of correspondence demand more than just a desk or an Internet connection these days. I fondly call this the command center, but it’s more than just technology for cell phones and Wi-Fi. It’s the place where people can comfortably talk, share and maintain a master calendar.

Entertaining/educational activities seem to be growing in style (hanging-out bars instead of just eating-only bars). Video game activities for the family or any TV-based entertainment, and a children’s computer/homework area (to help control computer use) are on the top of many families’ lists.

Household management activities may have been just a desk in the past, but now include a family home office, security area, smart-home technology controls, multipurpose laundry/hobby area and a pet care/feeding center.

Pleasurable pastime activity spaces include those for gardening, flower arranging, a cookbook library, photography/scrapbooking or even wine cellar/tasting areas. One of my customers collected pinball machines and it was high on his list of inclusions.

Ms. Cheever has certainly covered the range of activities and thus helps us evaluate how to include them in our expanded kitchen spaces. For food assembly, however, the activities could help to explain five activity zones, up from the initial three zones when the work triangle was used solely:

1. The Consumable Zone — This space contains food items such as rice, cereal, canned goods, pasta, staples, drinks and refrigerated goods. It usually is in one main spot, but could be labeled as such in two areas.

2. The Non-consumable Zone — These items are the dishes, glasses, plastic containers, storage items, silverware and even cookbooks.

3. The Cleaning Zone — The sink, dish-washer(s), trash and recycling as well as cleaning supplies are found here.

4. The Preparation Zone — This is the most important area in the food-assembly process. Utensils, mixing bowls, small electrical items plus items such as spices and oils needed to prepare food are kept here.

5. The Cooking Zone — The appliance package for cooking, including microwave, cooktop/range and oven is the start, but this also includes all pots/pans, cooking utensils, baking sheets and some spices, oils, etc.

I suggest there also are other specialty zones which could incorporate Ms. Cheever’s stated activities. There’s an entertaining zone, which in older circles could have been called the bar. Undercounter refrigerators, ice machines, wine chillers, along with countertop or built-in coffee machines and all the accompaniments suggest a self-serve or hostess-run area strictly for guests. Some have bar sinks, but most don’t.

Some designers I know now incorporate a plating zone when entertaining which allows the owners or caterers a space for serving plates, appetizers, larger quantity of drinks, serving platters, etc., when entertaining a group of guests.

Sometimes this is in a butler’s pantry and sometimes is an extension of the kitchen/breakfast nook areas.

Backyard Projects

As spring and summer quickly approach now is the time to consider making the changes you've always wanted to your backyard. Whether it's turning your patio into four season sunroom, an outdoor kitchen or any of these fun projects below...

-A Shed With Style:
Give your garden pizzazz. Trimmed with cedar shake siding and a cozy porch, this handy shed’s exterior exudes rustic charm. Skylights fill the interior with natural light and warmth, making it a great work environment for all your hobbies.

Pegboard and open shelving keep tools organized and out of the way. This handy space could also be used as a planting station or for extra outdoor storage. At the peak of the shed’s roof, a hand-crafted weathervane carries on the natural appeal of this garden shed. An old trowel attached to the door is the perfect doorknob, adding both function and charm.

-Playhouse:

This playhouse makes a great outdoor project and is sure to please the kids. There’s even a sandbox with a fitted lid that keeps out critters, leaves, and rain.

-Classic Gazebo:

Easy to build, this traditional gazebo provides shade from the sun and shelter from seasonal showers. It’s a special place to enjoy the beauty of your backyard.

-Gothic Style Gazebo:

Adorned with delicate detailing, this gazebo is a lovely accompaniment to a Victorian or other fancifully appointed home. A cupola tops the gazebo with flair.

Cedar shakes and custom millwork add authentic charm to this garden getaway. Use the gazebo for a romantic al fresco dinner or as a lounging area for an afternoon retreat.

 

Thanks To MyHomeIdeas

Energy Efficient Housing Act

Our socially responsible company president took action on behalf of his community and contacted his congressman in regards to the Energy Efficient Manufactured Housing Act of 2009. Georgia Congressman Phil Gingrey sent the following response:

February 18, 2010

Dear AK President, Ed Cholfin:

Thank you for contacting me to express your opinion regarding H.R. 1749, the Energy Efficient Manufactured Housing Act of 2009. As your Congressman, I appreciate hearing your thoughts and welcome every opportunity to be of service.

As you may know, H.R. 1749 was introduced by Representative Baron Hill (D-IN) on March 26, 2009 and was subsequently referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and Financial Services, where it awaits further action. If enacted, this legislation would authorize the Secretary of Energy to make grants available to state agencies responsible for developing state energy conservation plans under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide owners of manufactured homes constructed prior to 1976 rebates for the purchase of a new Energy Star qualified manufactured home.

Further, the bill would restrict rebates to owners of manufactured homes that are used on a year-round basis as a primary residence and that will be destroyed and replaced?"in the same general location?"with an Energy Star qualified manufactured home. The rebates would be limited to one owner per household, households with total incomes not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level in the applicable area, and $7,500 per manufactured home.

Improving home energy efficiency will provide homeowners with lower energy costs. Furthermore, the manufacturing of new homes will also lead to the creation of new jobs. Rest assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as this bill moves through the legislative process.

Again, thank you for sharing your concerns. If you feel that I may be of additional assistance on this, or any other matter of importance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me. I also invite you to sign up for my weekly email newsletter, or to share your ideas and opinions, by visiting my website at http://gingrey.house.gov or emailing me at gingrey.ga@mail.house.gov.

As someone involved or interested in the building & remodeling business, what are your thoughts on this bill?

The important thing is not necessarily to agree or disagree, but to make your voice heard! It's easy! Visit this site to find out who your representative is and to contact him or her. The housing industry is one of many in which those involved need to help those in congress understand what really helps the remodelers/builders on the "front lines." Thanks for your interest & involvement!

http://www.akatlanta.com/category.asp?c=238

AK's Kitchen Renovations Series - I - CABINETRY

Finally - the much awaited first installment of AK's Kitchen Renovation series!

   Naturally, we always receive many questions about the various aspects of kitchen remodeling. Either people can't decide the best way to go, or they're not sure what options they have and often are looking for the options that will give them their best value. And the hardest part of answering those questions is that they are different for every customer!
   The best thing we can do is to educate our customers on their options, ask them plenty of questions, and discover with them what works best for their family, their home and their budget. Today we begin the educational series with cabinetry! Probably the most commonly asked questions involve cabinets, as they are a dominant presence in every kitchen!

AK has broken your cabinet options down to 3 main categories: Replace, Reface, Refinish!

1. Replace - Replacing your cabinets means pulling out all or most of your current cabinetry and replacing it with new cabinetry. This option is the most effective resolution and also carries a higher cost. Replacing your cabinets is an effective choice to dramatically change the look of the your kitchen, but also the ONLY effective choice to dramatically improve the functionality of the kitchen by changing the footprint!
If function is an issue in your kitchen that you would like addressed, then replacement is the best option for you. An important aspect of replacing cabinetry is to have not only fabulous new cabinets, but a fabulous new design! New cabinets alone don't create a better functioning kitchen, a designer does!
A relatively simple example of a cabinetry replacement is this remodeled kitchen by AK. In this kitchen, the owner along with the designer decided not to move some major items (like the range) but moved the microwave and oven for better functionality and disguised the dishwasher and frig for better aesthetics! This cabinetry replacement also dramtically changed the look of the kitchen; the new cabinetry is exquisite and of much higher quality and with many more "extras" then what the former cabinetry offered.

Before: After:  Click Here!

The above kitchen is an award-winning example of how replacing cabinetry can dramatically change aesthetics AND function!

2. Reface - Refacing existing cabinetry typically invovles using a new door and drawer front (with new finish) that replaces current doors and drawer fronts. Refacing also uses a laminate nearly matching the new door/drawer color that is adhered to all exposed ends and open areas. This type of project maintains the same foot print and functionality. The only occassional exception to this is when the present cabinetry will support after-market accessories that allow the present cabinetry to be more functional. (ex: roll-out drawers, lazy susans, soft-close drawers, etc.) The cost for this type of project has a mid-range cost associated with it that is still less than new cabinetry. A general rule is that refacing costs 50-60% of what cabinetry replacement costs.
AK rarely works with customers who want to reface cabinetry for two reasons: One - most of AK's clients wish to utilize AK's professional design expertise to make a functional change. Two - most of AK's clients decide their is more value to replacing cabinetry than in spending 60% of the cost to change aesthetics only.


3. Refinish - The process of refinishing existing cabinetry typically entails adding a new color or stain to the present cabinetry. If the bulk of the doors and drawer fronts are in good shape this is a cost effective option! However if the existing cabinets are damaged, any flaws in the present cabinetry may show through the new finish. The options and / or limits to specific finishes available for your cabinets depending on the present material's condition. This option is typically the least costly, maintains the current footprint (in some instances we may be able to offer alternative ideas) and allows for the same accessory installations as in option 2.
This AK remodeled kitchen has refinished & replaced cabinets! The perimeter cabinets were refinished with an antique glazing and distressing while the island cabinetry was completely replaced with dramatic ebony cabinets. You can see that the before & after aesthetic differences are dramatic, despite the footprint remaining the same. This worked for the homeowner because the footprint of the kitchen functioned well and they just wanted a more high-end appointed kitchen, with new appliances, lighting, tile, countertops, etc. With AK's design expertise to combine refinished and replaced cabinetry with all new appointments the kitchen was quickly and easily changed from ordinary to extraordinary!

The kitchen above is a perfect example of AK's ability to offer some different options when refinishing cabinetry. The owner's of the kitchen above were happy with the way their kitchen functioned with the exception of an akward kitchen desk. AK removed the desk cabinetry and moved it to where you now see a bar with seating next to the television. All the cabinetry was then refinished with dramatic contrasting paint colors which made the cabinets' aesthtic change, with new tile, countertops and appliances, enough to change the feel of the whole kitchen!

We hope you now feel like you have a handle on the cabinetry options you have to choose from when renovating your kitchen. The final question you might have is, how does AK know which option is best for me? AK uses this kitchen questionnaire to ask critical questions that help us understand what you want to gain from your renovation project and how your family lives day to day in your kitchen. With these questions answered, and an idea of your desired investment amount, AK can recommend the right option for you!

Kitchen Colors That Stand The Test Of Time

By Gretchen Roberts

From ruby-red refrigerators to handpainted tile murals, colors in the kitchen can range from kitschy to classic. How do you know which colors will outlast trends? "A classic color is timeless, associated with elements of nature that we think of as ever-present: rock, stone, pebbles, marble and granite," says Leatrice Eiseman, author of Color Messages and Meanings and director of the Pantone Color Institute. "There is an implied quality to anything so long-lasting, which would certainly translate into appliances, cabinets and other kitchen areas you hope would have longevity."

But choosing colors that will stand the test of time doesn't mean sacrificing style. "Neutrals aren't the only classic colors. Color can be rich and intense, like terra cotta or bright red, and still be classic," says Mary Jo Peterson, CKD, CBD, principal of Mary Jo Peterson Inc. and a columnist for Kitchen & Bath Design News. "You can create interest in a timeless design by taking color inspiration from an Oriental rug or a bright fabric, and using intense colors in small, replaceable amounts."

Here are classic color ideas for five areas of your kitchen:

CABINETS
You can't go wrong with wood — or can you? Even wood shades and types go in and out of style, says Paul Dybdahl, CKD, president of Dybdahl's Classic Kitchen in Middleton, Wis. "Light maples have run their course. People are asking for darker stained woods right now," he says.

Your best bet is to choose a finish somewhere between blonde and brunette, Mary Jo says. "Well-built cabinetry will last much longer than the finish will stay in style," she says. "Pick a simple door style and a medium finish, and if you want a new look just change the hardware every five years."

Considering painted cabinets? A shade of white is always classic, Paul says.

If you're pining for a specific shade: Just go for it, Mary Jo says. You can always paint the cabinets white if you have to sell. "At some point you have to give up on a color staying in style and choose it because you love it. I did my kitchen in a dark mahogany stained cherry. I still love it, because it matches my personality."

COUNTERTOPS
Bright custom countertop colors — such as red, yellow, turquoise and plum — are hot today, Paul says, but the bold look may not wow you tomorrow. Instead, look to the classic color trio of white, green or black for lasting color if you're choosing laminate, solid surface, tile or marble. "Laminates and solid surface aren't considered classic materials, but they can be very durable and, if you choose your color well, will last quite some time," he says.

Materials such as granite, quartz, ceramic tile and butcher-block-style wood come in naturally enduring colors, even though some choices are dramatic (think Zebrawood's exotic stripes or blue-and–green patterned granite). "Colors found in natural materials never go out of style, because we see them in nature and are comfortable with them," Mary Jo says.

Still stumped? Try looking around the rest of your house for inspiration, suggests Peggy Deras, CKD, CID, owner of Kitchen Artworks in San Francisco. "My inclination is to take cues from the rest of the house. The kitchen should not look like it dropped in from Mars." In other words, a deep brick shade that complements your Victorian decor is bound to stay in style longer than a random manufactured pattern released as fad of the year.

If you're set on a trendy countertop: Cover the island in boldly patterned granite, Mary Jo says. "It can become the piece of art in the room."

BACKSPLASHES
"Backsplashes are all over the board, as unique as each homeowner," Paul says. Lately he's been using wood that matches the cabinetry, while Mary Jo has seen backsplashes used as intense splashes of color in the room.

White subway tiles are the go-to classic backsplash, Peggy says. She often uses them in small kitchens, since light colors recede and make the space look bigger. Other time-tested options include a custom-made mosaic reflecting other colors in the room, and organic, natural choices such as the muted, neutral colors in tumbled marble or limestone.

If you want to make a big splash: Install the backsplash on a removable board instead of directly onto the wall, Mary Jo says. "You'll have something that says 'This is a really sharp kitchen,' but is easily replaceable."

APPLIANCES
Burnt orange, fire-engine red and eggplant are just a few shades you could select for your stove and fridge, but even more popular is stainless steel. "Stainless steel has always been around, but we don't think of it as timeless since it's taken over the market and we'll likely see a resistance to it in the future," Mary Jo says.

Instead, think monochrome when it comes to appliances. "I have never seen a white appliance date anything," Paul says. Mary Jo favors black, since it blends well with wood. Even better than white or black is letting the appliances recede and disappear with panels that match the cabinetry.

If the kitchen is your stage: "A cobalt-blue commercial range is entirely appropriate as a focal point," Mary Jo says.

FLOORING
Ceramic tile and wood are the go-to floors for kitchens. "A few years ago, light maple wood floors were very popular, but they've given way to warmer tones," Paul says. "Colors are in for hard-surface, natural stone. I haven't seen a white-tiled floor for years."

Paul recommends medium-dark wood flooring paired with slightly lighter cabinets to give the whole room a classic look. For tile floors, any earthy, natural color is a good choice. Just make sure you stick with one color. "You can get into trouble if you use a tile pattern on the floor, because it might date itself, though an all-over pattern is more timeless than one with focal points," Mary Jo says.

If you're going for drama: "I love hardwood floors in a medium- to light-golden tone that run diagonal toward a view or focal point," Deras says.

The 10 Must-Have Features In Todays Homes

by Steve Kerch For Market Watch

The Kitchen Is Still King!

Americans want smaller houses and they are willing to strip some of yesterday's most popular rooms -- such as home theaters -- from them in order to accommodate changing lifestyles, consumer experts told audiences at the International Builders Show here this week.
"This is a traumatic time in this country and the future isn't something we're 100% sure about now either. What's left? The answer for most home buyers is authenticity," said Heather McCune, director of marketing for Bassenian Lagoni Architects in Park Ridge, Ill.
Buyers today want cost-effective architecture, plans that focus on spaces and not rooms and homes that are designed 'green' from the outset," she said. The key for home builders is "finding the balance between what buyers want and the price point."
For many buyers, their next house will be smaller than their current one, said Carol Lavender, president of the Lavender Design Group in San Antonio, Texas. Large kitchens that are open to the main family living area, old-fashioned bathrooms with clawfoot tubs and small spaces such as wine grottos are design features that will resonate today, she said. "What we're hearing is 'harvest' as a home theme -- the feeling of Thanksgiving. It's all about family togetherness -- casual living, entertaining and flexible spaces," Lavender said.
Paul Cardis, CEO of AVID Ratings Co., which conducts an annual survey of home-buyer preferences, said there are 10 "must" features in new homes:
1. Large Kitchens, With an Island
"If you're going to spend design dollars, spend them where people want them -- spend them in the kitchen," McCune said. Granite countertops are a must for move-up buyers and buyers of custom homes, but for others "they are on the bubble," Cardis said.
2. Energy-Efficient Appliances, High-Efficiency Insulation and High Window Efficiency
Among the "green" features touted in homes, these are the ones buyers value most, he said. While large windows had been a major draw, energy concerns are giving customers pause on those, he said. The use of recycled or synthetic materials is only borderline desirable.
3. Home Office/Study
People would much rather have this space rather than, say, a formal dining room. "People are feeling like they can dine out again and so the dining room has become tradable," Cardis said. And the home theater may also be headed for the scrap heap, a casualty of the "shift from boom to correction," Cardis said.
4. Main-Floor Master Suite
This is a must feature for empty-nesters and certain other buyers, and appears to be getting more popular in general, he said. That could help explain why demand for upstairs laundries is declining after several years of popularity gains.
5. Outdoor Living Room
The popularity of outdoor spaces continues to grow, even in Canada, Cardis said. And the idea of an outdoor room is even more popular than an outdoor cooking area, meaning people are willing to spend more time outside.
6. Ceiling Fans
7. Master Suite Soaker Tubs
Whirlpools are still desirable for many home buyers, Cardis said, but "they clearly went down a notch," in the latest survey. Oversize showers with seating areas are also moving up in popularity.
8. Stone and Brick Exteriors
9. Community Landscaping, With Walking Paths and Playgrounds
10. Two-Car Garages