Live Hands Free with an American Standard Beale Pull-Down Faucet #Stylemyfaucet

Hands free pull down faucet is my everything! I was asked by American Standard to test drive the new contemporary and sleek Beale Pull-Down kitchen faucet. I installed it in my own home and I LOVE it because its hands free technology makes prepping in the kitchen so much easier. Details like this is a home run to making your life easier on a daily basis!

I belong to a cooking club where us girls meet once a month to feature a new dish based on a theme. This month is "anything on a stick." I thought Salmon and lemon kebobs would be a hit.

My new Beale faucet definitely cut my prep time down. The faucet’s smart Selectronic hands free technology allowed me to wave my hand under the faucet to prepare my fish and lemon dish effortlessly without touching. I have to say handling salmon without having to touch the faucet is excellent. Nothing worse then those gooky hands after touching fish.  I admit I'm a bit of a germ-phobe and this faucet prevents pesky bacteria from cross contamination.

Lets talk..... The details of the faucet promotes ease! Besides hands free, the faucet also operates manually by sliding a bar up. The faucet has a smooth operation with its innovative Dock-Tite and Re-Trax retraction system. The two task driven spray patterns has a pause button to stop flow temporarily and the pull down automatically docks right back into place with magnetic technology. 

The stainless steel model sits proudly on my sink. Check out the video too:

I look for ways in my own design business to promote a happier life and without question, I would recommend living with the American Standard Beale touch free faucet to do so!
  

All reviews and opinions are my own. Thankyou American Standard for selecting me to particapte in #Stylemyfaucet #designhounds

White Kitchens With A Retro Pop

White kitchens have been on trend for a while now. I think they are timeless and will probably never go out of style, kinda like a classic pair of blue jeans. Let's be honest though, basic white kitchens can get boring. To pump up the personality of a white kitchen, you need to put some thought into the other choices going into the space like the appliances, cabinet door styles, backsplash and counter selections that can take the blah out and deliver some needed pizazz. 

Via Houzz

So I'm thinking, why not go from the ordinary to the extraordinary with retro appliances that add a little zhush and confidence to an all white kitchen? I'm talking about appliances that call attention to themselves as soon as guests enter the room –  unique options like those from Elmira Stove Works that recall the automobiles of the 1950s with big tail fins and elongated chrome. 

Via Houzz

The 1939 Hambly house interior showcases a clean, minimalist millwork where your eye goes directly to the appliances. 

Hambly house. Credit:Elmira Stove works 

The turquoise Northstar stove and fridge from the owners former home was actually the starting point for the kitchen design. 

Hambly house. Credit:Elmira Stove works   

The Northstar ranges not only look retro but seriously perform up to modern standards with 15,000 BTU gas burners, 2500-watt high speed radiant elements, standard self-cleaning ovens, programmable delayed bake capability, true convection ovens and a two-cubic foot warmer. The control elements under the ceramic top model provide quick, precise cooking and easy clean up too. I love the timeless styling with state-of-the-art convenience and performance features. 

Via Houzz

White-on-white is the theme in the kitchen above. With their retro styling and hardware, the white Northstar appliances nicely complement the black and white checkerboard floors and natural stone countertops.

If you’re looking for your perfect kitchen, Elmira has an easy way to help you achieve it. Their interactive online kitchen configurator tool lets you “create your dream kitchen” so you can get an idea of how Elmira’s vintage inspired kitchen appliances can be applied in your space. Click here to try it out! 

Connect with Elmira Stove Works on their WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST

All Images courtesy of Elmira Stove Works  

Thanks in part to Elmira Stove Works for sponsoring this post. All opinions are mine.

True Refrigeration with Vanessa Deleon Customized a Copper and Matte Black Kitchen

True, a leader in refrigeration showcased its new color custom finishes and hardware options at the Architectural Digest Design show 2017 where interior designer Vanessa Deleon custom-designed a black and copper kitchen booth design.

Vanessa Deleon is a New York-based interior designer, product designer, blogger, brand ambassador and lifestyle expert. Vanessa's kitchen design stopped designers in their tracks. Copper is the hot metal now and she combined matte black and copper. It was fun seeing her at the show. She stated,  "the color combination reminds me of a cool copper mug and a little black dress.“

Moi and Vanessa Deleon

The new custom finishes for True include Stainless steel, Antique White, Matte Black and Gloss Black and the hardware options include copper, brass and chrome.

True is offering 30 inch column refrigerators, freezers and window models. These sleek and stylish columns offer homeowners the freedom to customize their appliance layout to your lifestyle and design aesthetic. 

Steve Proctor, True Director of Sales and Marketing stated, "Combined with the added flexibility of space and functionality of our new 30-inch Columns, the design possibilities are endless.”

Build Your True tool is True’s online customizer interactive tool on its website to help designers and customers visualize their finish and hardware combination. Once created, the color combinations can be easily downloaded and shared between designers and clients. 

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MoD Must Haves: Automobile inspired Tecnogas Superiore Ranges

MoD Must Haves

stylish, tactile, novel 

for range design lovers

Inspired by art, cuisine and engineering. This sums up Tecnogas Superiore, premium range and hood options for any home kitchen.

Barbuto NYC has an open kitchen concept where the chefs are right on front of you preparing your meal. A perfect place to break bread and learn more about the company's heritage and how Tecnogas is starting to release their ranges to a broader U.S. market. 

With the Tecnogas and Flying Camel families, Rebecca Reynolds, Chuck Wheelock, Glen Pelaso, Vernoka Miller 

The ranges  are manufactured in the Po river area in Emilia, Italy also known  as “Motor Valley” with Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati motorcycle factories close by. Their designs have wonderful detailing borrowing influences from the automobile industry like chrome accents and analog knobs.

 DECO collection

The DECO collection can be personalized to your color and trim preference. I love the black range with bronze accents. So dramatic!

The  Matte red is usually painted with chrome accessories reimagining the '50s and the iconic Cadillac . 

Manufactured with triple pane glass, the Panorama window stays cool to the touch even when the oven is heated at very high temperatures. So great if your a home chef with little kids running around.

Their ranges defines innovation with its three zone cooktop, dual gas burners, four induction zones and electric griddle. Tecnogas also has a collection of ventilation hoods distinctive for both performance and style. Connect with Tecnogas on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and their WEBSITE 

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MoD Must Haves: Faceted Cabinet Hardware Trends

MoD Must Haves

stylish, tactile, novel 

for knob lovers

Jeffrey Alexander for Hardware Resources

Embellishments on the edges of hardware is trending right now! Cabinet hardware with faceted details etched into the side of the hardware gives a little more detail.

As part of my home renovation, I was looking for the perfect pull that would echo the lines of  my contemporary bathroom. Decorative Anwick Hardware by Jeffrey Alexander for Hardware Resources, a well-known manufacturer of kitchen and bath cabinet products caught my eye. Clean lines. Sleek. Interesting straight line detail embellished into the side of the hardware. Love! It is available in two knob sizes and six pull sizes. Ideal for any kitchen, bath or cabinet. In my case, my Linen closet. 

On BlogTourKBIS with Modenus in Vegas, we were introduced to Topknobs, one of our generous sponsors. Designers value TopKnobs for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to architectural detail!  Love the sophisticated lines of the  Serene Collection. The faceted edge detail is everything! 

I fell in love with the Octagon pull! Perfect profile!

 Refined style, flowing lines, solid construction!!

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This is a sponsored post in collaboration with one of the generous BlogTour sponsors:  TopKnobs

Brizo Design Vignettes: Solna Articulating Faucet and Rook Bath Collection

Brizo has announced two new products. The Solna Articulating Faucet and the Rook Bath Collection. Four talented designers in the Brizo Blogger19 family have come together with Brizo to showcase these newest beauties in rockin set designs. Congratulations to my four friends: Jonathan Legate of Jonathan Legate Interior Consultation, Christian May of maison21, Donna Hall of Donna Mondi Interior Design, and Richard Herb of Richard Herb Associates....If you didn't know the Brizo Blogger19 represents an elite group of designers, architects and influencers who gives insight into Brizo's new products they are about to bring to market.   I am proud to be a part of this group and have met so many wonderful people including the impressive Brizo team. 

Take a look at how the Solna and Rook can look in beautiful Bath and Kitchen spaces below:

Jonathan Legate, Jonathan Legate Interior Consultation

I love this kitchen set vignette by designer Jonthan Legate! The Solna takes center stage in a space of beautiful materials and textures. Inspired by contemporary Scandanavian furniture, the Solna's sleek articulating movement features a hidden pull down spray wand held in place with MagneDock Technology.

Christian May, maison21

The Rook collection has a different feel than the Solna. Its blocked shape inspired by a rook chess piece focuses on the intersection of old and new with its classic modern and traditional elements.   The Rook is showcased in Designer Christian May's set design. His edgy use of dimensional tile with geometric accent pieces plays nicely with the Rook's waterfall lines. Very cool!

Donna Hall, Donna Mondi Interior Design

I want this shower design by Designer Donna Hall, two of everything! The accouterments make this bathroom feel so lush. A great escape for a couple. Wonderful space!

Richard Herb, Richard W. Herb and Associates

Designer Richard Herb combines Rook's masculine details with rich subway colored tiles to enhance a spa experience. The shower becomes a real focal piece. Nice!

 To connect with Brizo,

Check out her WEBSITE, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST

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Cement Tiles,an artistic backsplash for your Kitchen

While the typical kitchen backsplash has been seen in glass, metal and stone, cement tile backsplashes have become very trendy lately. The powerful geometric patterns are a sure way to show off your personality and style in your home. Since each tile is hand crafted, you can customize these tiles.  If you do not see a color combination, shape or size you like in stock, the manufacturer can simply create one to fit your needs. I also love that they are environmentally friendly too, comprised of natural components and pigments. Cement tiles function well as a protective shield over the wall in your kitchen which helps prevent damage from spills and splatters;  so much easier to clean and keep clean. 

For a bit of history, Cement tiles were first produced in the South of France in the 1870s. They are known under various names such as Mission tiles, Cuban tiles, Victorian tiles, and hydraulic tiles. Cement tiles are popular in Mediterranean and Latin style spaces and are generally highly patterned with geometric and floral designs. 

Cement tiles are formed by hand pouring pigmented cement into decorative molds in order to separate the colors. When the cement has been set, the molds are removed and the tile compressed with 2,000 pounds of pressure. The result is an irresistible work of art to create a beautiful kitchen backsplash. Cement tiles are technically concrete tiles since they include aggregates such as marble dust and a layer of sand for reinforcement.

Something to Consider:

The floor, countertop and backsplash must all work together for your kitchen to have an even, balanced look. Keep in mind that the backsplash should not be treated as a separate entity to the overall space. All elements need to work to create an overall effect.

Tip: In order to calculate the amount of tile you will need, measure the square footage of your kitchen backsplash, then be sure to add an additional 10 to 20 percent to that total. This will help to account for any waste you have from trimming or breakage.

Materials and tools you will to create your own backsplash:

Adhesive, tile spacers, notched trowel, bucket, tape measure, grout and grout sponge. Tip: Pick a grout color that complements your tile, avoid an exact color match. Select one that will be easy to keep clean and try to stay away from bright white, unless you love scrubbing. Premixed grout that already has a sealer mixed in helps you save a step as opposed to using a topical sealer.

Cement tiles are typically 8 by 8 inches and run about $15 to $29 per square foot. Installation would be the same as ceramic or porcelain tile, with one big difference. Cement tile has to be sealed with two coats of penetrating sealer after is has been set but before grouting. The sealer will protect the front facade of the tile from absorbing the grout material.

I think one of my faves are the black and white patterns. This is a modern style kitchen with a display of classical black and white color tones. The kitchen features 8"×8" Moroccan cement tile backsplash creating an astonishing wallpaper effect with its daring black and white design. 

Image credits: Rustico Tile and Stone

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Chef Michael Symon and BlueStar: Unleash your Inner Chef

Chef Michael Symon at ICE sponsored by BlueStar

(more pics of event below)

If you love to cook, BlueStar appliances is the right match for you. Made in the USA in their Reading, Pennsylvania factory since 1880, the brand showcases some cutting-edge appliances.  Their mantra "unleash your inner chef," tells it all.  The cooking products ( gas ranges, cooktops, wall ovens and hoods) are designed for the keen home chef who demands restaurant quality results in their own kitchens.  

36" Built-in refrigerator and 30" wall oven

Besides top notch performance, appliances are customizable. I'm loving this blue color which I saw at the Architectural Digest 2015  Home show but there are over 750 colors, finishes to choose from and infinite configuration possibilities. A clients dream who wants to customize their kitchen. 

36" Built-in refrigerator

I am obsessing over their new 36" Built-in refrigerator. It accommodates full size baking sheets into the refrigerator and freezer. I have not seen that before. Innovative thinking for someone who entertains a lot!

Chef Ryan Scott cooking  in BlueStar 30" wall oven featuring 12 cooking modes and a built in baking stone and Designer Eric Cohler

Renown NYC Interior Designer Eric Cohler popped into BlueStar's booth at the show while tasting some of Chef Ryan Scott's delicious Spring Pea Hummus with Rosemary and Sea Salt Crusted Bread. Eric announced BlueStar's first annual Kitchen Design competition to honor design professionals who incorporate BlueStar products into innovative, beautiful kitchens. Eric will be one of the judges. Very exciting!

Chef Michael Symon and Michele Alfano (me)

The best moment of the day was attending a special media event with Chef Michael Symon hosted by BlueStar at ICE (Institute of Culinary Eductaion) in NYC. It was fun, interactive and I was so happy to actually meet the Chef. He is as approachable and funny as he is on TV.  

Roasted 1/2 Chicken with Shaved asparagus Salad

At the event, Michael shared new spring entertaining recipes where he said he loves family style and breaking bread with people. I sat at a round table of people who I got to know and shared some amazing food like Spring Pea Crostini, Cavatellii with Lemon Butter and Sage  and Roasted 1/2 Chicken with Shaved asparagus Salad. 



Chef Michael Symon and Chef Ryan Scott




Chef Michael explained that when you make pasta your water should taste like the sea! A pinch of salt is not enough! I was shocked by how much salt he put in that boiling pot of water, no joke! He said his grandmother taught him that you should be flavoring the water and not the sauce. That's the difference between an OK cook and a great cook.

Cavatelli with Lemon Butter and Sage

(all images credit: BlueStar)

 

I loved the Cavatelli with Lemon Butter and Sage and its so easy to make.  


Here is the recipe - serves (2): 

Ingredients:

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups blanched cavatelli
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped or chiffonade sage
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup parmesan

Directions

• Place a large saute pan over medium heat and add butter.
• When the butter has melted add the cavatelli and shake out in to an even layer. Cook, stirring occasionally until starting to get golden brown and crispy
• Add the sage and season with salt and pepper.  Continue to cook until the sage and the pasta are crisp then then add the lemon juice. Stir to combine then remove from the heat and stir in the parmesan.
• Serve immediately.

Lucky me, I was sent home from the event with a copy of his new cook book 5 in 5. Yep, 5 ingredients to make some awesome meals at home to share with your family. He signed in the inside cover saying "Live to cook." Loving food as I do, not a problem!

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