Shedding Some Light On The Subject

Getting the lighting right not only ensures food preparation is easier (and safer) but can spell the difference between a warmer and welcoming room or a cold and sterile one.

Here's some thoughts on creating the perfect lighting design for your kitchen:

Light It Up: Ambient light is the overall light in your kitchen –that lights up all the vertical surfaces and fills in the shadows. If you have light colored surfaces and big windows, you may have enough ambient light during a sunny day—but since you use your kitchen on grey, rainy and winter days too, ambient light is very important. Whether your taste runs to something utilitarian, romantic or recessed, there are choices galore. Read on...

Center Stage: In the center of the ceiling, a large light is usually called for to light a bigger area. Recessed or track lighting is often used, but if you have fallen in love with a chandelier that would work in the space, make sure it has glass shades, as fabric gets too dirty from smoke, fumes and oils that a busy kitchen produces.

A Good Recession: Recessed lighting should be placed 30” away from any wall and can follow the entire perimeter of the kitchen, adding a lovely glow. Recessed downlights can be placed over the sink and stove. They create task lighting for cooking your gourmet meals (and all the pot scrubbing that follows that they never show on those celebrity chef shows.)

Take Them To Task: All task lighting is not recessed, however. Providing bright light with no shadows is the goal, however, so place whatever fixture you choose as close to the work area as possible.

Accent Lights: If it is a specific item you are highlighting (your grandmother's vase, for example) you may want to use incandescent lights. Consider halogens (usually called MR 16s) as these have a strong beam (and cast hard shadows which makes them a bad choice for task lighting but a great choice for accent lighting).

Down Below: Undercabinet lights can be a fabulous addition to lighting your countertops. Placed at the front of the cabinets instead of the back near the wall, these under-cabinet lights will light the countertop area evenly. You may choose miniature track lights, low-voltage linear systems or even energy-efficient fluorescents (as they won't be seen directly.) Use LED downlights as strips inside of cabinets to highlight collectibles or china and consider using both up and downlights as accents to give the illusion of more space than actually exists. You may want to use these strip lights to accent the toe-kick spaces or any niches too ( just be careful not to end up looking like an airport runway.) Remember, the further away from the wall you place the lights, the better the illumination. Consider using a dimmer on these lights separate for the other lights in your kitchen—it will not only save energy, but add drama to the space.

Jewels From Above:
You probably use your kitchen table or island for everything from homework to rolling out pie dough. Pendant lights work well to light such areas. Mount the pendant 30” above the table or island top. If your table is round, it will look best if the fixture is a foot narrower that the diameter of the table. For square tables or rectangular islands choose a fixture that is a foot narrower than the smallest side. A group of miniature pendants would also work well. Mount each pendant so that the bottom of the shade is approximately 66" above the floor, so the view across the room is not cut off. If you are going to seat people at the kitchen island and the pendant shades aren't too deep, install the pendants 60" above the floor.
 You should have a pendant for every two feet of space of the surface it is lighting and use an odd number of lights instead of an even number for better balance. If the pendant are really narrow, it might look better to add a few more.
Or, if you have a pot rack over your island, consider installing lighting within the rack to shine down on your island—such concealed lighting can be a crafty way to add more light. For the lighting over your table or island, you might (again) want to consider using a dimmer. It adds options for when you are either dining at the table or setting out a lovely buffet on the island.

Jason Landau is an award-winning kitchen designer with extensive experience in lighting design. Jason and his team at Amazing Spaces, LLC will not only consult with you as to the type and placements of lights in your new kitchen, but share with you the latest fixtures from the hottest lighting vendors—providing you with a positively “illuminating” experience. Visit Amazing Spaces, LLC at www.amazingspacesllc.com or call 914-239-3725.

Is A Contemporary Kitchen The Design For You?

For everyone who loves carved cabinetry, multi-colored mosaic tiles decorating every surface, dramatic window coverings and lots of nooks and crannies in their kitchen, there is another type of person who likes things, modern, geometric and uncluttered. This client might be called a minimalist and for them, the perfect kitchen style may be Contemporary.

Less is more

Contemporary kitchens purposefully strip down a kitchen to its function. Gone are moldings and unnecessary ornamentation. Lines are horizontal or asymmetrical and sleek is the order of the day. Appliances (sometimes industrial strength) are often stainless steel and other materials used in the kitchen are mostly man-made like chrome, laminate, frosted glass, polished concrete or even linoleum. Surfaces are often reflective.

Cabinetry may have minimal or no visible hardware and cabinet surfaces are often flat (sliding cabinets sometimes play a big part in Contemporary design.) Spaces are open and every part of the design is clean. Even window coverings are often reduced just to functional blinds to keep the sun's glare down or the window glass itself treated to shade the room without the need of window coverings all together. This bare bones approach has been perfected by European designers, particularly those in Scandinavia, Germany and Italy, who have been in the vanguard of Contemporary design.

Design follows function

Everything in a Contemporary kitchen design is about functionality—Whatever makes the cook's life easier. From the layout of the appliances (usually the classic triangle of refrigerator, sink and stove is used to increase efficiency) to where and what type of cabinetry is used. The idea is for everything to have a place and for that place to be exactly where the cook needs it to speed up and make the cooking process easier. Such lack of clutter and smooth surfaces also make cleaning a Contemporary kitchen a whole lot easier.

Different use of light and color

Contemporary kitchens often make use of recessed lighting (even using miniature spotlights in cabinet interiors if the cabinets are glass-faced.) Halogen lights are used to radiate on the countertop or workspace to give the cook the light they need. Pendant lights can light a kitchen island. What you rarely see in a contemporary kitchen is a chandelier.

Color in a Contemporary kitchen design can go either way—Perhaps walls painted in some hot shade can add the pop of color needed to keep all that stainless steel from becoming too industrial or you may go Italian and get tomato red cabinetry, making it the focal point of your new design scheme.

“Contemporary design allows for the use of more unique and interesting materials, such as exotic wood veneers and specialty metals,” says Jason Landau, kitchen designer and CEO of Amazing Spaces, LLC. “Since such design offers the opportunity to mix several different materials like wood and high gloss lacquer, multiple countertop thickness and more diverse materials, I find designing a contemporary kitchen to be a very creative outlet.”

Creating a Contemporary kitchen, using subtle geometric curves to soften the straight lines and the right materials to appear sleek and modern without being too dehumanizing, requires a kitchen designer with great creativity, years of experience and an architectural education. Just such a designer is the one quoted above--Jason Landau of Amazing Spaces, LLC. From the initial project drawings through picking the exact fixtures and best cabinets to bring life to the space, right through to appliance installation, Jason and his crack team can help develop and hone your vision of your perfect Contemporary kitchen and then implement the plan flawlessly. Call him today at 914-239-3725 or visit www.amazingspacesllc.com.5

Head: What Defines A Classic Kitchen?

In a recent industry design blog, designers were asked “What elements go into a classic kitchen design?” We agree with some of the responses designers contributed:

The finished kitchen design should feel timeless. True, no matter how tastes change, your new kitchen should remain beautiful, functional and should have no “era” that is noticeable. Classic never goes out of style. Use simple, but elegant cabinetry (anything overly carved could grow tiresome), rich colors for back splashes and countertops, flooring that is durable and of a material and color that will blend well with the elements in the kitchen that are likely to change over time--like the paint color. Go for subtle tones. Keep all lines clean, simple and elegant.

Use of basic shapes in the kitchen—Instead of ornate or angular, you and your designer should gravitate to “understated elegance” in all design elements. Plain does not mean boring.

We, at Amazing Spaces, LLC, would add that you and your designer should:

Choose the very finest materials --they not only hold up well, but remain beautiful. In the case of fine hardwoods, their beauty is often enhanced with time---and proper care.

Pick more neutral colors—making use of earth tones and rich beiges and creamy whites allow for drama to be introduced in other elements—perhaps darker cabinetry or a wood floor.

Go for luxury, not ostentation – Luxury lasts.

We at Amazing Spaces, LLC are kitchen designers who are not only aware of how your kitchen will look the day we finish it (welcoming, warm and functional as befits the heart of your home), but we keep our eye on the future as well. You should be able to make changes as your tastes develop without having to change the basic infrastructure of your kitchen and, should resale ever become an option, we want your kitchen to attract buyers that will love the space as much as you did.

If you are looking for a professional team to work with you on such a project, you can do no better than Jason Landau (an award-winning kitchen designer with a Masters degree in Architecture) and his team at Amazing Spaces, LLC. Please visit our website at www.amazingspacesllc.com or call us at 914-239-3725.

Stone Tiles: Which Texture Should You Use?

While deciding whether to go with the beauty and durability of stone tile for your kitchen or bath project, there are a few decisions left to make and a bit more information you'll need to make informed choices.

Here are the six most basic stone tile textures and what are the characteristics of each:

Polished stone tiles are shiny and the gloss helps bring out the inner beauty of the stone. The shiny surface comes not from something applied to the stone, but by manipulating the stone itself. This texture is most often used on countertops and walls, because though it doesn’t absorb moisture, it does get slippery making it a less-than-ideal choice for flooring.

Honed stone tile has an unglazed surface and less gloss than a polished stone. Since it has a more porous surface, it does present a duller (or flatter) appearance, but it's rough surface provides traction—making it a good choice for floors.

Tumbled stone tile has a slightly rough texture (it gets it when it is tumbled with other types of natural stone) to make it look slightly worn or weathered.

Sandblasted stone tiles have a slightly glossy finish on a textured surface. The sandblasting process can also etch designs and images in stone tiles.

Sawn stone tile has a unique surface made by using a “gang saw”-- a circular blade machine. Combining this technique with others like sandblasting can work together to create a truly one-of-a-kind tile.

Flamed stone tile is exposed to a very high level of heat, making the natural crystals in the stone literally explore leaving behind a textured surface. This type of stone tile is porous, making it a bit rough and adding some slip resistance.

Working with a professional kitchen and bath designer like Jason Landau at Amazing Spaces, LLC can help with you make the right decisions about your stone tile and all materials choices. Jason Landau at Jason brings two decades worth of experience in space planning, kitchen and bath design and working with the world's finest cabinetry firms to your project. 

Call him today at 914-239-3725 or visit www.amazingspacesllc.com.

Stone Tile: A Natural Choice

Though stone has been used as a building material for centuries, its popularity has never been greater—and for good reason. When it comes to modern design for the kitchen or bath, stone tile—with its beauty and durability—is the perfect choice.

Which type of natural stone tile you choose, though, will be based on the assets and challenges presented by each type. Here's a guide to the most used materials in the natural stone tile family:

Marble could well be called the stone of kings, having been used in palaces, grand spaces and sculpture since man first discovered it centuries ago. With distinctive veins of colors (replicating the pattern of the water that flowed over the calcite and dolomite in underground streams that eventually formed the marble) this smooth and elegant stone can bring an elegant and upscale ambiance to your space. With colors ranging from dark green and amethyst to blue black, rust red and warm golds—truly the entire color spectrum-- marble can be used on countertops, floors, back splashes, mantlepieces, and even as wall cladding. When used in the kitchen, you must commit to keeping the stone sealed as it is vulnerable to staining after spills—particularly acid-based liquids like red wine or some juices.

Travertine shares some of the birthing process of marble—it, too, is born in underground streams, but instead of the veining patterns, little pores are made in the stone from gas escaping under water. (Sometimes these pores get filled for a smoother look or tumbled or brushed to make the stone look weather-worn and older.) Travertine has a rich color scheme ranging from creamy ivory through all the shades of brown—from cocoa to nutmeg--and creates a warm look, wherever it is used. Depending on the climate, the stone can be used indoors and out (thus all those temples of Ancient Greece and Rome) and works wonderfully as flooring, sink surrounds, molding, wall cladding and tub surrounds. Like marble, sealing is required to avoid damage from acidic stains.

Slate was created when clay, soil and all the minerals contained therein got compressed (and heated and cooled) for eons. There is nothing prissy about this rough beauty, which may be polished to a high sheen for the “wet” look or left in its natural flat state, where it can enhance a rustic or casual ambience. Color can vary from blue black to light gray (and may even vary box to box) and its color variation is part of its appeal. Another is its natural slip resistance, making it a great flooring material, particularly in the kitchen and bath, though it may also be used on walls or as a sink or tub surround.

Granite is formed when molten rock in pockets underground and its wide color spectrum depends on what minerals were trapped within it during this cooling process. These minerals also account for the fact that granite is one of the hardest materials known to man. Colors range from darkest black to speckled white (high quartz contained in the stone create the distinctive speckle patterns) and many colors in between, making granite a good choice for floors, wall cladding, countertops and vanities and even back splashes. Its incredible hardness makes it a durable choice (that is why is it used in high traffic commercial building like offices and bank lobbies) but it is also hard to cut exactly. Make certain your contractor chooses an experienced granite firm for your installation.

Limestone may contain actual fossils as it also comes to life in underground water sources, but the stone itself ends up smooth, not porous like its cousin Travertine. With no regular veining, limestone offers a wide range of colors, from dark green to warm brown and is so durable, the pyramids were built out of the stone. Limestone is a good choice, therefore, for flooring and may be used on walls as well. Limestone also needs sealing and, with diligence, will resist stains.

Sandstone, likes its name suggests, is formed when grains of sand got compressed under heat and tremendous pressure, forming a naturally decorative stone. With a color spectrum in the “earthy” range (golds, browns, rusts and beiges), sandstone often has a striated pattern and can be finished to look natural for a warm casual look or “wet” for shinier or a higher-tech vibe. Used on floor and walls, sandstone has the advantage of being hypoallergenic and is very durable, but must be sealed well. This stone is particularly susceptible to spills.

Soapstone, obtained through quarrying, is made up of magnesite, talc, chlorite and dolomite and got its name because of its smooth surface, which feels like rubbing a bar of dry soap. A very durable stone, soapstone is usually used for flooring and available in shades from its natural white to dark gray. One of soapstone's best features is that is does not absorb water, nor get too slippery and even stays warmer to the feet in cool weather, making it an ideal floor surface. Alkalis and acids don't affect soapstone, meaning it requires minimum maintenance.

Quartz, a common mineral (silicon dioxide) is one of the hardest substances on earth (on the MOH scale, a diamond ranks 10. Quartz ranks 7) and it is this quality that makes it a good selection for countertops, flooring, showers and on vertical surfaces. Though hard, quartz not impervious to damage—it can be chipped (but is scratch-resistant.) Available in a range of earth tones, from buff ivory to darkest black (and a full range of colors is available in composite quartz-resin tiles) quart also has the benefit of being bacteria-resistant, making it a good choice for both kitchen and bath.

Onyx, though not the most practical of building materials, makes up for it by its exotic beauty, created by nature. With a smooth, somewhat porous surface, onyx comes in shades from dark red to glowing gold that are usually honed or polished, creating a high shine. Back lighting can highlight onyx’s natural translucency for an even more dramatic effect. Onyx is susceptible to scratching, etching and staining and liquid particularly can soak through even a properly sealed surface, making it a less-than-ideal choice for full floors. But it does make for beautiful mosaic inlays and back splashes, providing dramatic accents to any space.

For recommendation on the perfect stone tile to choose for your project, consult with award-winning kitchen and bath designer, Jason Landau at Amazing Spaces, LLC. Jason brings two decades worth of experience in space planning, kitchen and bath design and working with the world's finest cabinetry firms to your project. Call him today at 914-239-3725 or visit www.amazingspacesllc.com.

Your Fine Cabinetry: Which Wood Is Right?

Much like the trees from which they came, woods are all unique, with differing characteristics and choosing just the right one for your custom cabinetry can be confusing. Here is some information about the characteristics of different types of woods to help you choose:

Cherry can take on a deep red patina over time, but its natural color ranges from pale yellow to reddish brown. A warm wood, it creates an elegant appearance distinguished by mineral streaks, small pinholes, grain swirls and subtle shadings when it is sometimes called Rustic Cherry.

Maple is a durable smooth wood, has a color range from creamy blonde tones to dark reddish shaded browns, and mellows with age into a rich patina. This wood also features mineral streaks and markings, which shouldn't be considered defects, but assets as they create a unique look.

Hickory is a dense wood that is very durable and known for its dramatic color variations--from pale white to grey to deep red heartwood. With Hickory, no attempt is made to minimize discrepancies. Knots and streaks are part of the charm of this wood.

Alder is a tight and straight grain hardwood, getting more popular each year. Though it dents fairly easily, Alder accepts stain well, thus allowing custom color application. Since it is elastic, it also is good for carving intricate details and is sometimes uses as a substitute for cherry. Knotty Alder has the same characteristics, but is distinguished by knots, knotholes and pin holes, adding character to the wood.

Oak is known for its strength and durability. With a color range from tan to deep reddish brown, Oak takes on a golden glow with age. When finished with a light color stain, grain patterns (ranging from straight to arcs) will be easier to see. Darker stains make the difference in color between the open and closed grain areas more uniform and therefore less detectable. What recommends Oak for cabinetry is its ability to forgive nicks and bumps. Rustic Oak is like the regular wood but has more knots and pinholes.

Mahogany
 is a tropical medium-to-hard wood indigenous to South America, Central America, and Africa. Mahogany’s strength makes it an excellent carving wood. It's stability and resistance to decay makes the wood ideal for cabinetry. Ranging from tan to reddish brown, is may have ribbons, ropes, ripples, stripes or rings.

Lyptus
 is a strong hardwood that has similar graining to Mahogany with a mainly straight grain and occasional “ticking” to give it a distinctive look. As it ages, Lyptus mellows into a rich, deep color.

Pine
 is a light colored wood with brown to black colored knots which turn (with age) into a traditional yellow pin color. This wood is used to create a rustic feel and is often used in cabins and country homes.

Walnut is a rich premium hardwood, prized in North America for high-end cabinetry and furniture. Walnut provides strength, hardness, and durability without excessive weight. It has excellent woodworking qualities and takes finishes well. Walnut is light to dark chocolate-brown in color, with a straight grain in the trunk. It can be found in the United States and Canada, usually appearing as Black Walnut―smooth-grained with a dark brown color. (Lighter sapwood is never used in cabinetry.)

Bamboo is actually a grass that grows like a weed pretty much wherever it is planted, making it a highly sustainable natural resource and a good “green” choice. Bamboo is strong and hard (meaning it can take some punishment) and offers three different grains to add to its unique appeal.

Birch
 is a stiff, close-grained hardwood. It has good shock resistance, but its light color (predominantly a light yellow) and heavy texture makes it used less often in cabinetry.

Exotic Veneers: For those who like a veneer wood door style (considered a contemporary style), many exotic species are available,  such as lacewood, sapele, zebrawood, teak, beech, pearwood, anigre, and limba.

Reconstituted Veneers:  Recent developments in wood technology have given rise to “engineered” wood veneers. Made from real wood, these veneers are reconstituted products that have the grains of different wood species – from the common to the exotic – applied to them. They have all the warmth and character of the rare woods on which they are modeled, but are more cost effective with less environmental impact.

For recommendation on the perfect wood to choose for your fine cabinetry, consult with award-winning kitchen designer, Jason Landau at Amazing Spaces, LLC. Jason brings two decades worth of experience in space planning, kitchen design and working with the world's finest cabinetry firms to your project. Call him today at 914-239-3725 or visit www.amazingspacesllc.com.

How To Choose Fine Cabinetry

Cabinetry is usually the largest part of a carefully calculated budget for any kitchen design or remodeling project for very good reason―nothing makes more of a statement of style. But cabinetry is also the most functional part of a good kitchen design, helping store and organize, as well as contribute greatly to the flow and traffic pattern of a kitchen―and it is such function (combined with beautiful form) that makes any kitchen project a success.

But where to start when deciding on cabinetry? Here's a few tips that will help you work with your kitchen designer to get the perfect cabinetry for your new kitchen:

Do A Little Research: Flip through magazines, surf the net, and watch home shows to get an idea of the types of cabinetry available and mark those that appeal to your taste. Such advance “homework” can make the conversation with your kitchen designer go more smoothly and stay more focused (although a good designer may be able to surprise you with a few selections of materials you may not have considered.)

Look Around Your Kitchen: What you don't like about your present kitchen cabinetry can be as important as what you do want in your new kitchen. Keep a running list while you use your kitchen cabinets: Are they too deep and you never can get to anything in the back? Not quite enough room for all your glassware? Shelves too tall to reach? Now is the time to remedy all those defects.

Plan carefully for your space needs now and into the future: If you have a growing family, create maximum space, not only by using such storage as that space over the refrigerator, but overlooked storage available under the kitchen island. Consider pull-out floor-to-ceiling cabinetry for use as a pantry space. Or a closet can often be added and a cabinetry door used to match the rest of the kitchen. Wine racks, plate racks and carousel insertions can all help. Your kitchen designer will be able to suggest even more efficient storage as he/she is familiar with every type and arrangement of cabinets concievable.

Look Ahead: You may also want to plan for accessibility as you gracefully age along with your kitchen. How about raising the oven height so you don’t have to bend or lowering wall cabinets so you don’t have to reach? Shelves that roll out of cabinets or pivot down from above make storage of items much more accessible. Lever handles may be easier for arthritic hands than round knobs, cabinets that self illuminate upon opening help ease the stress on older eyes. Discuss more about accessibility options with your kitchen designer or check this space for an article on all types of “universal design.”

Pick Your Door Style: If you are planning a traditional kitchen, you may wish to Framed cabinetry which shows more of the cabinet face frame (meaning smaller openings for doors and drawers.) Full Overlay or Frameless cabinetry (where the cabinet door covers the entire cabinet box) may appeal to you if you are attracted to a more modern style. Drawers and doors are spaced 1/8 inch away from each other―giving you more storage space and a sleeker look. Cabinet doors can be ordered as flat panel (smooth, no design), raised panel, (which can have raised, recessed or even carved details) or glass-front (offering a large selection of glass with wood, leaded glass and even stained glass options.)

Hardwood vs. Softwood: A Hardwood comes from a tree without needles, such as Maple, Cherry, Oak, Ash, Walnut, or Mahogany (called broad leaf trees.) Hardwoods offer greater strength and stability than Softwoods which come from needle-bearing trees, like Pine, Spruce, Redwood, or Cedar. Our next blog will detail the types of woods used for fine cabinetry and outline the characteristics of each to help you make your selection.

Create a Reasonable Budget: Avoid sticker shock (and disappointment) by understanding one fact: Industry statistics show that on average, cabinets make up approximately 50% of the kitchen budget.--which is also the largest percentage of all overall expenditures for the kitchen. So plan accordingly and let your kitchen designer steer you towards choices that work within your budget.

Ask About Warranties: All kitchen cabinet manufacturers offer warranties and, with the cost of cabinetry, finding out what is covered and for how long is vital. Discuss this with your kitchen designer before you make a purchase and check this blog for a future article about everything you should know about cabinet warranties.

Keep An Eye On The Calendar: Remember when planning your new kitchen, fine cabinetry can takes weeks to arrive from the manufacturer. Creating a beautiful kitchen should not be a rush job. Good work takes time.

Going Green? 
Your cabinet choices can be green too, with options like bamboo, lyptus, reclaimed wood or wheat board. Manufacturers using FSC certified lumber is a must.

For expert advice and recommendations, consult with award-winning kitchen designer, Jason Landau at Amazing Spaces, LLC. Jason brings two decades worth of experience in space planning, kitchen design and working with the world's finest cabinetry firms to your project. Call him today at 914-239-3725 or visit www.amazingspacesllc.com.