Special-Tea

Make your iced tea a little more special by adding frozen lemonade ice cubes. As the frozen lemonade melts, the tea won't be watered down - a slow-and-steady Arnold Palmer.

Lunch Divided

Just in time for Back-to-School Houzz also highlights creative lunch containers. (See two of Kitchen designsource's favorites at Lunch to Go and Modern Lunch Pail.)

My favorite from Houzz's list: the Rover Basic by PlanetBox. It keeps each item in it's own separate compartment.

photo from PlanetBox.com

Picnic in Style

We're approaching the last holiday of the summer. Spend some time outdoors with family and friends and carry these modern picnic baskets along.


A take on the traditional picnic basket design, this carrier is also a cooler.

photo via HansonEllis.com

Insulated and collapsable for easy storage, this picnic basket also has a retro look.



Metro basket from Target.com

A backpack is easier to cary, and this one holds alot. And it has the convenient wine tote on the side.

French Bull via ModernUrbanLiving.com

Save space; this picnic "folder" could fit in another bag.



XXD via neublack.com

XXD via ModernDesignBlog.com

Picnic purse. Would anyone know there was food in there?



photo via PaperMichelle.com

Modern Lunch Pail

photo via Vividirect.com

The Square 'Tiffin" lunch box from Vivo. Forget lunch. What else could I carry or store in there?

A Great Divide

photo via ElleDecor.com

Floor-to-ceiling curtains create a simple divider between an open kitchen and dining room - maybe to hide dirty dishes when company's around.

Mobile Produce Market

It's time to think differently. Where there are urban food deserts, if the people can't get to the fresh produce, bring the fresh produce to the people (an old idea for a new day).

                                    

                                                                                          Source: architectmagazine.com via ARCHITECT on Pinterest

 

 

photo via Flavorwire.com

Fancy Fruit

Exercise some creativity and use those design skills to get the little ones to eat their fruit.

              

                                                                            Source: homegoods.com via HomeGoods on Pinterest

3 Alternatives to Bar Stools

Bar stools are typically the first seating type that comes to mind when designing seating at an island or counter, but there are alternatives:

Counter-height benches give the counter a more formal dining feel.

photo: Christopher Baker via HouseBeautiful.com

A banquette built into the base with a dining table, providing a family gathering place.

photo at BestRenovations.net

A bench at the base of the counter for a more casual and relaxing atmosphere - perfect for parties.

photo via IndianHomeDesign.com

Lighted Display

Create a display area, adding interest to your kitchen space, by installing shelves in a deep set window. The collections displayed can add "color and interest to the space while creating privacy from nearby neighbors and still admitting plenty of natural light," says Nina Patel, senior editor of Remodeling magazine. 

photo: John Welsh via remodeling.hw.net

Find out how to build it here.

Graphic Modern

Make a bold statement in the kitchen with pops of color expressed on one wall, the backplash, or on the cabinets.

Colorful geometric shapes at the backsplash.

photo: Urban Space Interiors via 2modern.com

Place boldly patterned wallpaper or wall decals in an unusual spot.

photo via Melroman.com

Brightly colored wall cabinets paired with wood. Notice the painted molding.

photo via Redca.net

Diamonds are...

photo from SpoonSisters.com

... great for chilling a cocktail. Make jewel-shaped ice cubes with this tray from The Spoon Sisters. Perfect for an bridal shower or engagement party.

A Chicken in Every Bundt Pan

                                    

                                                                         Source: realsimple.com via buildingsource on Pinterest

This isn't what the bundt pan was designed for, but we're flexible and open to new uses for everyday kitchen items. Real Simple promises "a juicy bird that’s crispy all the way around" if you place the cavity over the center post of the pan. Click through the photo for more how-to.

Look Ma... No Hands

Muirsis Redwood electronic faucet via BuilderOnline.com

You've used them in airports, restaurants and other public places, but hands-free faucets for the home now have better technology, according to manufacturers. Digital temperature and water-flow controls, wireless touch controls that can be located near the faucet, and more elegant designs are making touchless faucets more residential-friendly. Read more from Builder magazine

Exclamation

"In every room in the house there should be surprises and punctuation marks." - Jonathan Adler, designer

Prep for Entertaining

photo via SpreadDecor.com

If you've got room in your kitchen - especially in the island - this trough prep sink is great for chilling juice, wine or beer, or serving fruit or cold appetizers. Design your own free-form shape or install a sleek rectangular sink.

Colorful Kitchen Sinks

Spice up the kitchen by choosing a colorful sink. Jonathan Adler teamed up with Kohler to design these brightly hued enameled cast iron sinks. (via Charles & Hudson)

Kohler Colors feat. Jonathan Adler
via CharlesandHudson.com

For more subtle and iridescent color, try a copper sink with a natural patina.

from Rachiele.com

And for a big punch, an orange farmer's sink.

                                                                                                            Source: madebygirl.blogspot.com via Candance on Pinterest

Tulip Dining Set by Eero Saarinen

Today is the birthdate of architect and furniture designer Eero Saarinen (1910-1961). In addition to structures such as the TWA Terminal at JFK Airport, the General Motors Technical Center, and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Saarinen designed classic furniture. His Tulip Chairs and Dining Table are below.

Saarinen Tulip Dining Set. Photo from AllModern.com

Saarinen Tulip Armchair. Photo from DWR.com

Saarinen Tulip Armless Chair. Photo from DWR.com

Salvaged Springs

photo from HouseBeautiful.com

via InspirationGreen.com

Salvaged and reclaimed materials make for sculptural furniture for the kitchen. The bar stools show were made from vintage truck springs.

(via Inspiration Green)

Dream Cruise Picnic Fare

Getting ready for the Dream Cruise on Woodward in Metro Detroit - "the world’s largest one-day automotive event, drawing 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe." 

What food would you take for a Dream Cruise picnic?

photo from wikipedia.com

I'm thinking:


Smoked Salmon Spread from Famous Dave's

photo from famousdaves.com

Sabra's Chipotle Hummus - delicious with carrots

photo from Sabra.com

Jerk chicken - homemade using Busha Browne's Authentic Jerk Seasoning - over salad greens

photo from thejamaicandutchy.net

Chocolate Brownies, maybe from Zingerman's if there's no time to bake them at home

photo from MidwestLiving.com

A Must for the Baker

photo via PamperedChef.com

This Icing Spreader is another "best purchase ever." Be sure to get the type with the angled handle - it keep s the frosting off your hands. Buy a large for cakes and a small one for cupcakes or small pans.

Classic Kitchen Storage

photo from Little Lia on Etsy.com

Couldn't keep my eyes off these. Did my grandma have them? An aunt? These mid-century canisters make me crave cookies and milk.

Built-in iPad

photo from IKEAHackers.net

Create a permanent home for your iPad in your kitchen to access recipes, NetFlix, and music.IKEA Hackers shows you how.

Coastal Living

photo from MyHomeIdeas.com

Want the look and feel of the beach in your kitchen all year long? Try a few of these subtle, balanced ideas from designer Erika Powell for coastal kitchen design.

Bright & Bold Bowls

photo via Etsy.com

Brighten your kitchen or any entertaining space with these neon bowls from Wind  and Willow Home. The colorful base is made of a rubbery, non-slip material.

(via @DesignSponge)

Whisk-y Business

photo via Dean & DeLuca

I don't know that I'd ever use this Mexican Molinillo from Dean & DeLuca for its intended purpose - a whisk for making hot chocolate - but it sure would look nice as a decorative accessory in my kitchen.

photo via chroniclebook.com

The Great Outdoor Kitchen

photo from Sunset.com

There's only a month or so left of summer. Enjoy grilling, dining and entertaining outside your own home, or start planning for next year. Here's some inspiration from Sunset magazine's Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen.

Concrete Countertops

DC Custom Concrete via ConcreteNetwork.com

I've always enjoyed the look of a concrete counter, especially for a loft setting. Concrete Network outlines the design, construction and maintenance details for a custom concrete counter.

Dark to Light: Budget Kitchen Makeover

Michael Price via HouseBeautiful.com

Michael Price via HouseBeautiful.com

Just look at the difference two wood end pieces and a solid surface countertop can make. Designer T. Keller Donovan transformed the heavy island (along with the rest of the kitchen) to a lighter focal point. The open shelving give the kitchen a more airy feel, too. See the complete transformation at House Beautiful.

How to Choose a Kitchen Faucet

photo from FaucetDepot.com

One-hole, two-holes, three-holes, four? Home Depot gives examples of faucets to choose for your particular kitchen sink.

Magnetic Knife Rack

                      photo from MyAimIsTrue.com

This is one of my favorite kitchen purchases - and for less than $20. The magnetic knife rack from IKEA keeps knives all in one place and off the counter - great for small kitchens. And it's not just for knives: it'll hold spice jars, keys and other small metal objects.

Kitchen Activity Centers

DK - Houseworks © 2010 Dorling Kindersley Limited

One secret to a great cooking experience is an organized kitchen. HGTV outlines the activity centers.