An eclectic mix of stuff I like for the kitchen. I think you might like it, too!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope this posts finds you enjoying the company of loved ones this Thanksgiving Day. I will be with family, leaving home, but taking four things for dinner with me: beef brisket, broccoli bake, rolls, and the Kraft's Luscious Four-Layer Pumpkin Cake.

My grandmother loves this the pumpkin cake; not just because she loves nearly all things pumpkin, but it is a pretty light dessert. Light, especially because I leave off the caramel ice cream topping and the pecans.

Here's the recipe from Kraft. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Luscious Four-Layer Pumpkin Cake recipe from Kraft.com

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Happy National Coffee Day!

                                                                       Source: zazzle.co.uk via Amber on Pinterest

Friday, September 28, 2012

Fresh Storage Idea

Not only would using Tic Tac containers work for taking spices with you when you travel, they can be used for kitchen storage. When you don't want to keep a small quantity of spices in the original large container, transfer them to one of these.


                                                               Source: thekitchn.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Cornbread Crostini

This is a new one on me; I'm going to make them. I doubt that a boxed cornbread mix would make a dense enough crostini, so I'll try the cornbread recipe from Southern Living.

photo and recipe on SouthernLiving.com

Friday, September 21, 2012

Compare and Contrast

What a striking contrast of rustic and modern: a repurposed butcher block as countertop and a stainless steel backsplash.

photo via Domino Magazine on Facebook

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Dressed-up Kitchen

Repurpose this dresser and make it a kitchen island. Add a countertop and maybe some hooks. The drawers give extra storage space.


                   
                              Source: smallplacestyle.blogspot.com via Kim on Pinterest

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Buying Compact Fluorescent Lighting

Taking us up on the 16 Easy Ways to Go Green? Start at the beginning.  Energy Star's CFL Buying Guide helps you choose the right bulb and gives buying tips.




Foward Backsplash

The backsplash is not in the background here. Small glass tiles were used to create this unique design, and rather than enclose it with cabinets on either side, the owner chose open stainless steel shelving so that the backsplash design continues up the wall and is highlighted.

photo via DIYNetwork.com

The Glamorous Life

This dining area is dripping with glitz and bling. If this is too much for every day, pull out all the fabulous stops for Girls Night Out or New Years Eve.


                                                                             Source: homegoods.com via HomeGoods on Pinterest

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Reuse, Recycle, Redundant

I love it! A washtub can be reused as... a washtub.


                                    
                                                     Source: greenwellies.tumblr.com via ServiceMagic on Pinterest

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

16 Easy Ways to Go Green


Here are ways to promote energy efficiency and sustainability at home without spending a lot of money: 

1. When changing a burned-out light bulb, replace it with a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL).

2. Stop drafts by applying or replacing caulk and weather stripping.

3. Close vents in unused rooms

4. Walk or ride a bike.

5. Recycle plastic grocery bags at stores or use them as trash bags.

6. Carry your own reusable tote to the store for groceries and other light items.

7. Shut down (completely turn off) computers and printers when not in use.

8. Unplug electric appliances, devices and chargers when not being used.

9. Buy locally grown produce.

10. Fill a reusable bottle with filtered tap water rather than purchasing bottled water.

11. Wash clothes in cold water when possible.

12. Air dry clothing, using a drying rack or clothesline, when possible.

13. Borrow books, movies and music from libraries.

14. Sell gently used clothing, furniture, and appliances rather than throwing them away.

15. Donate old cell phones, computers and monitors.

16. Filter indoor air naturally with potted plants.




LEED Platinum Certified Renovation

The Bindley Home in Holderness, NH is 

"a super efficient, net-zero energy, Leadership in Efficiency and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certified home that was designed as an experiment to stretch the bounds of energy efficiency and green design." - Garland Mill Timberframes



                   
                                                       Source: garlandmill.smugmug.com via U.S. Green Building on Pinterest

Friday, August 31, 2012

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

Thursday, August 30, 2012

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.




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?

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

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

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

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

Monday, August 27, 2012

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



Friday, August 24, 2012

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




Thursday, August 23, 2012

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.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

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

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

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

Monday, August 20, 2012

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)

Saturday, August 18, 2012

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



Friday, August 17, 2012

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.