Posts Tagged kitchens
What Makes A Kosher Kitchen?
Posted by admin in Best Kitchen Showrooms, Kitchen Design Ideas, Kitchen Remodeling Tips on August 24, 2010
What makes a kosher kitchen? It’s the way the kitchen is used and maintained, rather than the design or materials, although some materials may be preferable. Ritual Jewish law and practice dictates separation of meat from dairy, and this extends to having entirely distinct sets of dishes, silver, cutlery, cookware, sinks, appliances and countertop areas. During the week of Passover dishes are changed again, and it’s clear to see that observant Jews – particularly those with sufficient space – are in the market for additional cabinetry, as well as all of the other accessories that make a kitchen convenient and appealing.
In the real world not every home is large enough to accommodate doubling or tripling of the kitchen space, nor is every customer wealthy enough to handle such a large investment. Those with severely modest means may have to box up Passover tableware and utensils and store them in closets for the other 51 weeks of the year. Sometimes a double sink will have to stand in for two separate units (even a single sink can be permissible, provided it is not of porous material and is properly cleaned before switching from meat to dairy or vise versa). A single dishwasher also may be acceptable to some authorities provided it has a stainless steel interior and the racks are changed depending on what dishes are being washed.
Under the circumstances, it’s obvious that any kosher customer with the means id going to want to make their kitchen as large and as workable as possible. Other clients may also want large, easy to use kitchens and more than one dishwasher or sink, but for the kosher observant, it is almost a necessity.
One of the more significant differences between a kosher and non-kosher kitchen is that most conventional kitchens are predicted on an invisible work triangle defined by the placement of one sink, one refrigerator and one range. In a kosher kitchen we have two overlapping triangles and, ideally, two sinks, two refrigerators and two ranges.
There is more to designing a kosher kitchen than just adding extra appliances. Our Urban Homes designers have designed many kosher kitchens, and as with conventional designs, we realize that the ability to make every inch of space count is a highly valued skill.
Accordingly, our designers advise customers to:
- Eliminate soffits and run cabinets all the way up to the ceiling.
- Use “magic corner” wire basket drawers to open up dead corners and facilitate cleaning in those corners.
- Recommend appliances that feature a Sabbath mode. With refrigerators, for example, this means a unit that allows the automatic fan to be turned off from Friday sundown to Saturday night (or to stay in a constant “on” position), thus releasing the residents of a household from inadvertently causing initiation of power usage during the Sabbath period when such activity is prohibited.
- Recommend stainless steel sinks and steel or granite countertops and work surfaces for customers who can’t or won’t have fully discrete areas for meat and dairy. Make sure that the material is a pure granite or stone. Sometimes they are really composites and cannot be kashered. These surfaces can be used for both, provided that they are thoroughly cleaned and that boiling water is poured on them in between meat and dairy operations.
ccording to Star-K, which provides kosher certification, wood may also be kashered as stainless steel if it has a smooth surface and no cracks. Kosher law does not, however, allow kashering of plastic or materials with plastic components.
When it comes to choosing appliances, whether the kitchen can accommodate two sets or not, it is important to keep kosher belief in mind. Case in point, according to Star-K, kashering a glass, Corning, halogen or electric smoothtop range can be a difficult process, as it is hard to kasher the area surrounding the actual burners. On a gas range the cast iron or metal grates upon which the pots sit may be inserted into the oven after they have been thoroughly cleaned. The grates can then be kashered simultaneously with the oven, making this and easier process (and possibly a better choice) for the homeowner. Of course, if there are any questions that arise during the design of kosher kitchen, we suggest that customers should be encouraged to ask for rabbinic guidance.
Crossing the pond: Part II
Posted by admin in Best Kitchen Showrooms, Eco-Friendly Kitchen Ideas, Kitchen Design Ideas, Kitchen Remodeling Tips, Modern Kitchen Cabinets on July 1, 2010
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Launched in 1983, contemporary kitchen manufacturer Aster Cucine is a young’un in the world of European kitchen cabinetry. And sometimes it takes young people, or a young company, to want to do things a little differently and to look for inspiration in, say, youth. Which is kind of what happened at this past Eurocucina, where Aster Cucine, of the “Old Country,” showed TIMELINE, a new kitchen collection designed by U.S. design firm Workshop/apd, of the “New World.” If Workshop/apd is sounding kind of familiar, you may have heard its name in connection with Brad Pitt and Global Green USA. The firm, which has offices in Nantucket, Mass., and New York City, came up with the winning plan in the organization’s competition to design affordable sustainable housing in New Orleans. Headed by principals Matthew Berman and Andrew Kotchen, the firm specializes in high-end residential renovations, new home construction and commercial development. For TIMELINE, Berman and Kotchen have drawn on a history of craftsmanship and artisanship to create a contemporary kitchen collection that is clean in look yet rich in feel. It includes a modern spin on the classic inset door and incorporates a variety of materials, many of which are evocative of those used in earlier times and lend a sense of warmth and softness to the line. There is, for example, Venetian ceruse—a whitening compound used in the 16th century on human skin as well as cabinetry—applied to white oak; wire mesh inspired by French country cabinets; antique mirror glass; oxidized metal; weathered steel; and bronzed glass. Extremely versatile, the collection offers a wealth of possibilities. And if you want that individualized touch, you can even specify cabinet doors adorned with art panels by Toronto artist Murray Duncan.
For more information, contact Aster Cucine USA.—Alice Liao |
Eurocucina 2010 sets the start of the new collaboration with the prestigious New York design studio
Posted by admin in Best Kitchen Showrooms, Countertops, Eco-Friendly Kitchen Ideas, Kitchen Design Ideas, Kitchen Remodeling Tips, Modern Kitchen Cabinets, Tiles on May 25, 2010
Eurocucina 2010 sets the start of the new collaboration with the prestigious New York design studio Workshop/apd Timeline is both an idea and a project, the result of a special collaboration with the prestigious New York design studio Workshop/apd. More than architecture, more than a trend, more than design, more than time itself. Andrew Kotchen and Matt Berman are two of the most innovative designers of their generation. Together they set out to prove that intelligent architectural concepts can be translated successfully into responsible real world projects. Matthew Berman “We don’t believe in architectural trends. We do believe in designing places that reflect their surroundings and society. We are committed to reducing the ecological impact that building has on our environment. And we want to ensure that our designs meet the social, environmental and economic needs of our clients.” Sustainable design is, in short, good design. In 2006, actor Brad Pitt and Global Green USA recognized the intelligence of building green—and Workshop/apd won the group’s competition to design a 120-occupant, eco-friendly model housing block for hurricane-ravaged New Orleans. Building broke ground in 2007 and is currently under construction. The Workshop brand has grown and extends to furniture, products, lighting, accessories, and now kitchen systems. This year, we also launched RightFrame, a technology company that automates green home design to change the face and the carbon footprint of the suburban landscape. Architecture is not static. It has political, social, economic, and cultural ramifications, and each building is different. They are part history, part art, part science, part travelogue, and part politics. Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future www.workshopapd.com/home
Urban Homes announces the opening of the new Urban Homes showroom in downtown New York City
Posted by admin in Best Kitchen Showrooms, Kitchen Design Ideas, Modern Kitchen Cabinets on January 4, 2010
New York, January 4th 2010: We are
pleased and excited to announce the opening of the new Urban Homes kitchen and bath design showroom in New York City.
The new 4,000-sq.-ft. showroom is located at 325 West 16th street in Chelsea. The space was designed to create a showroom designed for the urban cabinet market and as a space to showcase for work and products. In order to create a space that would replace a mere 2-dimensional portfolio, but rather could showcase samples of the actual products that would be used in clients’ homes, offices, kitchens and bathrooms.
The showroom, located in Chelsea in a very expensive real estate market, needed to concisely display his product line in this ground floor showroom. The maximization of space was paramount. The major design concept is based around creating a centralized piece that would tie the entire space together. The floor plan shows the various rooms (offices, bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms) and products (closets, cabinets, countertop and faucets) in a circular pattern revolving around a central kiosk. Visitors inside the store can move in a circular pattern and see all the different types of rooms on display. From the street, passersby get vignettes of the various rooms that partially reveal themselves and disappear as they walk by, inclining them to come inside to further discover more.
The new Urban Homes showroom offers the following products:
Aster Cucine - This is an Italian crafted cabinet design company. The designs are sleek and ultramodern. The cabinets come in stainless steel, high gloss lacquered and wood finishes. Italian designers are known for unique and durable design and it is apparent when viewing their products. Aster’s designs may be viewed at www.astercucineusa.com
Urban Homes Custom Cabinetry -We are proud to present Cabinets By Urban Homes; high-end custom kitchen, bath, and furniture grade cabinetry. Products are offered in many different wood species, stains and paints and over 100 different door styles, with the option to match custom colors or door styles. We have an extensive catalog of cabinet configurations. These designs can be further explored at www.uhny.com
Viking - Urban Homes Showroom displays Viking Appliances, the next generation of home appliances – the Viking Designer Series. This full line of appliances caters to today’s discerning homeowners. Subtle, contemporary styling and casual, clean lines integrate into existing cabinetry and kitchen décor, giving the new Designer Series broad appeal. www.vikingrange.com
CaesarStone – Comprised of 93% natural quartz – one of nature’s strongest minerals – and backed by a 10-year warranty, CaesarStone Quartz Surfaces offer the ultimate combination of form and function, allowing for a more diverse, durable, and practical surfacing material than either granite or marble. With its stain, crack, scratch, chemical, and heat-resistant properties, CaesarStone is the ideal choice for care-free kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, flooring, table tops, wall paneling, and much, much more. These products may be viewed at www.caesarstoneus.com
Daltile - is US Largest tile manufacturer (500 million square feet – annual manufacturing capacity), and one of the largest in the world. Daltile’s broad product line and its broad distribution network make it a favorite tile choice. Daltile is Urban Homes’ most recommended tile source. Daltile is the largest, therefore they make sure that all products are at a high quality, and if necessary customer service provides solutions. Being a large and well established firm, it eliminates the risk of buying tile from smaller, lesser know operation. These products may be viewed at www.daltile.com
Blanco – BLANCO, founded in 1925 by Heinrich Blanc in Oberderdingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg Germany, is a company with a history spanning over 75 years and a tradition of manufacturing high quality products. BLANCO is one of the leading providers of innovative, design-oriented system solutions for work stations in domestic kitchens and food service equipment. www.blancoamerica.com
The National Kitchen and Bath Association :is a growing non-profit trade association with over 25,000 members. We’ve led the kitchen and bath industry for over forty years by providing resources for consumers and industry professionals. Not only does NKBA host the world’s largest trade show and offer educational programs, but we also enhance the success of our members by promoting professionalism and ethical business practices. In order to benefit consumers, our association monitors national and state legislation to protect the industry, our members, and consumers. This information may be viewed at www.nkba.com
About Urban Homes
Urban Homes is an award-winning New York City kitchen and bath design showroom founded by a third-generation kitchen specialist with over 20 years’ experience. Our mission is simple–we are dedicated to providing our clients with personalized service and innovative design solutions using premiere products and up-to-the-minute technology. With our accessible, state-of-the-art showroom on the Westside of Manhattan, we are one of a select number of firms that offer a one-stop experience to clients in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. We carry only the highest quality manufacturers with the widest range of styles. Our experienced designers are personally available at every stage of a project-from the initial consultation through the design phase to the selection of products and our expert installation. We invite you to experience Urban Homes and make your dream kitchen, bath, or living area a beautiful, functional reality. When a customer is working with Urban Homes they will work with designer and project manager that will review all of their options at all points of the process. Our staff is always willing to put in the extra effort that is necessary to make their home interior design project successful and as stress free as possible.
Urban Homes is located at 325 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011. The telephone is 212.246.7700 and the fax is 212.246.7701. The website address is www.uhny.com.
Urban Renewal
Posted by admin in Modern Kitchen Cabinets on February 16, 2009
SIGNATURE KITCHENS & BATHS – SPRING 2009
Their lovely lair tucked tidily amid Manhattan’s trendy Lower East Side, this small family is enamored of entertaining. Their culinary quandary? Boxed-in by four walls, the claustrophobic kitchen made navigation near impossible. To give them some breathing room while breathing new life into their lethargic layout, the homeowners hired Derek Zylewicz and Laura Husni of Urban Homes.
After some considered planning, Zylewicz and Husni accomplished their objectives in spades. The designers gutted the existing room, a move that enabled them to tie the new kitchen to the living and dining areas. The result is a unified space characterized by clean lines and smooth continuity.
They punched up the cohesive ante even more so via their choice of three-quarter-inch-thick Caesarstone Blizzard counters, which continue along the perimeter of the
cabinetry and descend to the floor. Also,the contrasting two-toned Aster Cucine
cabinetry—walnut and white high-gloss lacquer—add a distinctively retro-esque
riff that accompanies the aesthetic used throughout the rest of the home. And the
minimal application of grout-work in the oversized tile backsplash helps round out the seamless assembly.
The result: a chic-and-serviceable gourmet’s delight perfectly befitting of its
fashionable Big Apple locale.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Mowery
DESIGNER
Derek Zylewicz and Laura Husni
Urban Homes, Inc.
724 11th Ave.
New York, NY 10019
212.246.7700
http://uhny.com/
SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Oversized tile backsplash with little grout for a seamless clean finish
countertop that continues alongside the cabinets to thefloor for a unified look
- 3/4-inch-thick countertops
- two-toned cabinets
DIMENSIONS:
15 x 8
PRODUCTS USED
Cabinetry: Aster Cucine
Flooring: Quarter sawn oak
Countertops: Caesarstone Blizzard
Sink(s): Blanco
Faucet(s): Blanco
Refrigerator: Liebherr
Range: Jenn-Air
Dishwasher: Miele
Lighting: Design Within Reach, Nunzia Carbone
and Tiziano Vudafieri, Zaneen Polidemo Five-Light Flush Mount
Wallcovering: Tiled backsplash and paint
Kitchen cabinets Kitchen remodeling New York Contemporary kitchen design Remodeling New York kitchen New York kitchen NY kitchens New York kitchen designer NYC kitchen showroom New York kitchen design New York modern kitchen New York Italian kitchens Aster Cucine Manhattan kitchens.
Urban Homes, innovative design for kitchen and bath, kitchen cabinets, New York kitchen bath design, kitchen showroom New York, Kitchen designer, kitchen cabinets, Kitchen Designers in New York, NY Planning and Remodeling
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