May 6, 2008
If you haven't seen bamboo countertops before, then you might imagine it all consists of straight lines that follow the grain, much like most bamboo floors. But just as wood can be formed into different parquet and butcher block patterns, so can bamboo.
This kitchen countertop is from Totally Bamboo, and while they do offer several "vertical grain" solutions, they also feature this fun "Parquet End" counter in dark or neutral styles. All their countertops use formaldehyde-free adhesives, so you know you're getting an eco-friendly product.
Different lengths and widths are available, and $475 gets you a 96" x 30" x 1½" cut of the dark parquet bamboo.
May 5, 2008
When you think of kitchen sinks, you probably imagine stainless steel or porcelain, or maybe even a copper farmhouse sink. But what about glass?
Glass sinks aren't unusual in bathrooms, but you can also get them in kitchens. Their uniqueness makes them a standout piece, and with today's technology, a glass sink can withstand the stresses of dish-washing, hot pans, food disposal, and the like.
The double undermount glass sinks shown here are from JSG Oceana Decorative Glass.
"Available in 17 lustrous colors, JSG Oceana’s undermount kitchen sinks mount beneath a cutout in the counter. They are easy to clean and resistant to stains, scratches, and thermal shocks."
The company also does drop-in kitchen sinks.
May 4, 2008
There are lots of fun little prep sinks out there created just for the home bar scene (i.e. the sports team bar sink and that 48" long Elkay sink). This rustic piece was probably designed with the wine lover in mind, since the hammered copper interior is accented with bunches of grapes.
It's one of several copper sinks available from Native Trails. If grape-derived beverages aren't what you serve at your home bar, then you may prefer the sinks with dolphin or pine cone etchings (though I hope your drinks aren't derived from either of those two items), or perhaps one of the simple sinks with no etchings at all.
The richness of copper makes it a warm and welcoming choice for a bar sink.
May 3, 2008
Here's another interesting range hood for those who want to remodel their kitchens to be a bit out of the ordinary. I clicked on the link "Texas Steer Range Hood" before seeing the picture, and I was a bit wary. Would the actual appliance have horns sticking out of the sides?
I was relieved to see the steer aspect is a bit more subtle, but there's plenty of that rugged manly feel to this hood, perfect for a ranch kitchen (if you guys can get it by the wife that is).
If bears and steer aren't quite your cup of tea, you can get other designs, and custom range hoods as well, from Metallo Arts. This one was done using pressed steel appliqués built onto the frame of one of their range hoods. I imagine you can get all sorts of images or designs built in.
But if you're in Texas, and you love your cattle, you know which hood is for you.
You may need to be quite the cheese lover (or just someone with a lot of disposable income) to consider spending $450 on a cheese dome, but if you like the idea of one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted kitchen accessories, then look no further.
Oh, and did I mention that botanical specimens play an important part in the creation?
Suzanne Crane's cheese dome is one of several types of pieces for the home she makes, all inspired by nature. Okay, more than inspired. Plants are used in the design:
"Each of my botanical pieces begins with a walk in the mountains and woods of Central Virginia where I gather wild plant specimens. All of my pieces are wheel-thrown using a buff-colored stoneware clay body. I press plant specimens into the wet clay, and then pull the specimen off, leaving an accurate fossil impression which gives me a template for glazing."
It takes 3-6 weeks to finish a piece completely. $450 doesn't sound so incredible when you take all that into consideration.
Cheese Dome
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