Kitchen Design Concepts Blog

Don't Let Trendy Turn Into Tacky

2012-05-18T22:19:54Z

I love learning to be a tech-savvy chef - one of my favorite tools in the kitchen is my iPad. So you can imagine how excited I was to discover you can cabinet-mount an iPad for easy touch-screen access.

I was practically measuring my cabinets when I realized - this semi-permanent change could turn from an improvement to an eyesore in no time flat. My first generation iPad is already considered out-of-date: I've noticed cases and accessories landing in clearance bins everywhere. By the time I have my device installed in my cabinets, the next big thing will have come along. Suddenly what was a super modern feature will become dated and unfashionable. I thought about kitchens where I'd seen wallpaper boarders or milk washed cabinets and immediately thought "outdated" about features that used to be popular.

So before you add the next super trendy kitchen feature to your list of upgrades, remember that staying power is much more important. Kitchen Design Concepts can keep your kitchen modern without it ever turning out-of-date: take a peek and get inspired!

Our intern is Desiree Johnson, a recent journalism graduate and Texas native. The 26-year-old loves painting, her dachshund Munchie and learning to use what she calls her "real, adult-sized kitchen."

Cool Off with Key Lime Pie

2012-05-07T01:02:33Z

Summer in Texas is approaching fast and it's going to be a doozy. May has barely arrived and already the temperatures stretch into the 90s. This year, it's going to be hot, hot, hot.

My mom was raised in Colorado so making the switch from breezy summer days to sweltering humidity wasn't an easy one. When the unbearable begins to arrive and shade becomes prime real estate she turns into survival mode - the oven stays off and she switches to salads and smoothies all summer long.
So with Mother's Day up ahead, I decided to try a recipe that both my mom loves and is a cool summer treat - Key Lime Pie.

This recipe was created by a friend and pastry chef I worked with at a cafe last summer. It is a lot of work (a juicer helps the process immensely) but the result is an absolutely delicious, slightly tangy pie that's more than worth the effort!

"Patty-Cake's" Key Lime Pie
Crust: 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 - 1/2 cup melted butter

Filling: 2 cans sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)
6 egg yolks
1 cup key lime juice
6-8 key limes, zested

Mousse: 1 pint heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 key lime, zested

Crust: Combine sugar, graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until you can form a log in your hand. Butter bottom and sides of a 9 inch springform pan. Press crust in bottom of pan firmly. Bake at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before adding filling.

Filling: In mixing bowl, combine sweetened, condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice and zest. Mix till smooth and pour on top of cooled pie crust. Smooth filling and bake for 15 minutes. Pie should jiggle like jello in center. Make sure not to overcook the filling.

Mousse: In clean mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, sugar and zest. Whip until stiff peaks are formed. Spread mousse over cooled pie and smooth top. Refrigerate pie at least 1 hour before removing springform pan and serve.

Our intern is Desiree Johnson, a recent journalism graduate and Texas native. The 26-year-old loves painting, her dachshund Munchie and learning to use what she calls her "real, adult-sized kitchen."

Take My Tiles, Please!

2012-04-27T22:26:08Z

My kitchen flooring is the bain of my existence. I enjoy the look of the pristine white tiles and grout, but I quickly realized my lifestyle rarely lets the floor stay looking that clean. Ever since I was little, I've been known to get a case of what my mom calls "the dropsies." It's a serious case of butterfingers that happens in waves and most recently seems to peak in the kitchen. My dachshund's been having a field day licking up all my dropped veggies, butter, eggs, you-name-it before I can get to it.

I don't mind having the dropsies. I do mind that every accident leaves evidence on that pristine white floor. I discovered my kitchen sits on an incline the day I dropped a cup of maple syrup on the floor and before I could get to a towel it had slithered it's way through the grout all the way across the entire space. Sweepers and mops don't do the job - I often end up on my hands and knees, toothbrush in hand and feel like I'm a fresh military recruit being punished.

Needless to say, it has me thinking about new kitchen floor options and how important it is for them to meet your lifestyle needs. Whether it's super durable laminate (and no grout!) or warm and cozy hardwood, the floor has to match the activity in the kitchen. I'm dreaming of an eco-friendly cork floor in my future, how about you?

Our intern is Desiree Johnson, a recent journalism graduate and Texas native. The 26-year-old loves painting, her dachshund Munchie and using what she calls her "real, adult-sized kitchen."

Brighter Lights Make for a Brighter Mood

2012-04-21T18:43:12Z

When I first moved into my house, my kitchen lighting was pretty ugly - two giant fluorescents complete with little bug corpses piled into the corners of the fixtures. They were unsightly but functional, so I saved what I could from my "paying-back-student-loans" type budget and eventually had enough to finally replace my infamously ugly kitchen lights. I was ecstatic when I could upgrade to contemporary-style track lighting. I expected the new lights to make my kitchen look more modern and open - which they did.

What I didn't expect was how changing the lights would change my mood.

As a post-grad working three jobs I had always assumed I didn't have the time to spend cooking or just hanging out in my breakfast nook. Once I replaced my light fixtures, I found myself making time to cook, clean and decorate. Who would have thought the old, dreary, flickering lights were the problem?

So I began re-thinking all my lighting options, which these days are surprisingly vast. Don't get overwhelmed, just have fun and consider all the options - any change can make a difference, from a dramatic pendant to a blue fridge light (some studies show that the color blue is an appetite suppressant and promotes positive decision making). For instance, I discovered that an under-the-counter light just above my coffee maker really helps me wake up in the morning without having to turn on my giant ceiling track lights. You may want to consider push lights to help you see the back of dark cabinets or plant-friendly grow lights in your windowsill for herbs.

Check out some of the creative lighting Kitchen Design Concepts has installed (I love these almost invisible track lights) and get inspired to make your kitchen feel more like the heart of your home.

Our intern is Desiree Johnson, a recent journalism graduate and Texas native. The 26-year-old loves painting, her dachshund Munchie and using what she calls her "real, adult-sized kitchen."

A Southern Tradition That's Just Peachy

2012-04-13T21:45:23Z

There are a million different reasons why I love being Southern and peach cobbler Is pretty high up on that list (somewhere near Blue Bell ice cream and wrap-around porches). When my mom made it for me as a kid, she made it look so easy - a little of this, a little of that and never any measuring. Plus, the cobbler always went into the oven looking an ugly mess only to emerge looking food-magazine worthy an hour later.

I've always been convinced that attempting to bake a fruit cobbler is a recipe for disaster, but I dove into my recipes in honor of this year's National Peach Cobbler Day (April 13 th). While looking for the perfect beginner's recipe, I learned that cobbler is supposed to be ugly! Americans in the 19th century considered cobbler a dessert that was too unfashionable to serve to guests so the "ugly" dish was usually served only to family. Talk about taking some of the pressure off.

It turns out, baking a cobbler is really easy - it's an art, not a science. So celebrate Peach Cobbler Day with me and try baking one for yourself. Whether it comes out looking perfectly fancy or slightly grotesque (like mine), I can promise that it's wonderfully delicious!

I found and tried this really easy recipe for Blackberry Peach Cobbler and thought it was the perfect mix of sweet and tart (you'll have to add your own Blue Bell and wrap-around porch).

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 ½ cups plus 1 teaspoon sugar
1 ¼ lb. blackberries (5 cups)
2 lb. peaches (6 medium) peeled, pitted and cut into ½-inch-thick wedges
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 sticks (1 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons whole milk

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Butter a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass or ceramic
baking dish (3-quart capacity).

Whisk together cornstarch and ½ cups sugar in a large bowl, then add blackberries and peaches and toss
to combine well. Transfer to baking dish and bake until just bubbling, 10-15 minutes.

While fruit bakes, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt into another large bowl, then blend in
butter with your fingertips or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add milk and stir
until a dough forms.

Drop dough onto hot fruit mixture in 12 mounds (about 1/3 cup each), then sprinkle dough with
remaining teaspoon sugar. Bake cobbler until top is golden, 25-35 minutes. Serve warm.

Our intern is Desiree Johnson, a recent journalism graduate and Texas native. The 26-year-old loves painting, her dachshund Munchie and using what she calls her "real, adult-sized kitchen."

Own a Private Island

2012-03-31T01:29:37Z

Before I moved into my house, I lived with tiny kitchens. The kind where you open the oven door and hit the countertops. When I moved into my house, I immediately fell in love with my intensely spacious kitchen.

Apparently, that was new house puppy love because I soon discovered that my big kitchen layout was an even bigger nuisance. Just making morning coffee was an exhausting challenge. Walking a million steps to the sink for water, to the fridge for creamer, to the pantry for sugar - I still get tired just thinking about it.

Then my mom picked up a garage sale treasure that became the savior of my culinary woes - a movable kitchen island. Suddenly my kitchen was totally functional plus I could just roll the island out of the way whenever I wanted to utilize all my space or to clean the floors. I had always dismissed them before - I never grew up with a kitchen island and thought they were nice, but not exactly a necessity. Now I can't imagine how I ever lived without one.

I think I love how many options there are with kitchen islands the most. You can find skinny ones to keep narrow walking aisles open or islands with laptop plugs built right in for the whole family. They can have extra sinks, ovens and even mini fridges. I've even seen islands that are a combination of movable and permanent - just roll away the second half when you don't need it. My favorite was an antique buffet repurposed as a kitchen island - it makes for a truly original focal point. Check out some of the fabulous kitchen islands Kitchen Design Concepts has created and get inspired for your own island addition!

Our intern is Desiree Johnson, a recent journalism graduate and Texas native. The 26-year-old loves painting, her dachshund Munchie and using what she calls her "real, adult-sized kitchen."

Small Apps Help Make Big Decisions

2012-03-23T16:38:10Z

Whether you're having a complete top-to-bottom remodel or just making a few changes to alter the atmosphere, there is a lot to consider when it comes to home decor improvement. Luckily, technology is on our side.

I've previously mentioned how gloriously convenient it can be when tech-friendly tricks meet everyday life and it's more true nowadays than ever. A while ago, I was searching for a level to check the straightness of my newly installed floating shelf. In the midst of my frustration, I heard a tiny, gullible-to-advertising voice speak in my head, "I bet there's an app for that." There was - over twenty, actually - the best of which was iHandy Carpenter, an app that not only has a level, but a plumb bob, steel protractor and steel ruler too (just pass your phone over a surface to measure).

This piqued my curiosity and I soon discovered a plethora of home improvement apps, from ones that calculate the cost of a project from start-to-finish to Color Snap, a Sherwin Williams application that allows you to take pictures of the perfect real-world color and match it with their database to create your perfect pallet. My favorites were the Feng Shui Calculator (a Chinese spiritual art of home decor that believes a good home layout brings peace, prosperity and health) and the Snap Shop Showroom, an app that lets you place virtual furniture from various catalogs straight into an image of your space. Never again will I wonder if that Ikea shelf will fit or if that Pier 1 loveseat matches with my coffee table.

Don't let the digital store's thousands of suggestions and options intimidate you - there is a world of helpful applications out there, so get exploring!

Our intern is Desiree Johnson, a recent journalism graduate and Texas native. The 26-year-old loves painting, her dachshund Munchie and using what she calls her "real, adult-sized kitchen."

Forget Cocktails, Have Cake for St. Paddy's Day

2012-03-17T15:06:33Z

It's St. Patrick's Day and I'm not in college anymore. When I was a poor college student, drinking a Guinness instead of eating dinner sounded like a great idea. These days I'd rather eat my vegetables and go to bed early, so drinking whiskey and green beer all day sounds more like torture than a good time.
That's why this amateur baker chose to make a cake instead of a cocktail! I found this delicious recipe for Chocolate Stout Cake from Closet Cooking - a blog created from another amateur chef with a kitchen the size of a closet. He used traditional Guinness in his recipe, but I decided to make it even more chocolatey and use Double Chocolate Stout. The result was a cake that was squish-your-fork-against-the-plate-for-crumbs moist and positively decadent! The Bailey's Irish Cream frosting will have you licking the mixing bowl, I promise. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup stout
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoons salt
2 large eggs
2/3 cup sour cream

Directions:
Melt the butter in a sauce pan, remove from heat and let cool a bit.
Mix in the stout and coca powder.
Mix the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
Mix the eggs and sour cream in another large bowl.
Mix the stout mixture into the egg mixture.
Mix the dry ingredients into the wet.
Pour the batter into one or two greased and parchment lined circular pans.Bake in a preheated 350F oven until a toothpick pushed into the center comes out clean. For a single pan, it should take about 40-50 minutes. For two cake pans, it should take about 20-30 minutes.

Bailey's Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup confectioners sugar
3 tablespoons of Bailey's Irish Cream

Directions:
Cream the cheese.
Slowly mix in the confectioners sugar.
Slowly mix in the Irish Cream.

Our intern is Desiree Johnson, a recent journalism graduate and Texas native. The 26-year-old loves painting, her dachshund Munchie and using what she calls her "real, adult-sized kitchen."

Eco Options for Everyone

2012-03-10T16:34:50Z

Never before has being environmentally friendly been so trendy. While some people worry that this means it may fall "out of style," I think it's a good thing. The more popular this trend grows, the more companies and manufacturers will make an effort to provide eco options for their customers. I saw proof of this first-hand when I visited the Great Big Texas Home Show at Cowboys Stadium this weekend. I was genuinely impressed with some of the innovative products new to the market, like the combination convection oven and microwave or a gorgeous mosaic-style countertop made from recycled Heineken bottles. Durcon, a company that manufactures laboratory work surfaces, recently released a virtually indestructible, sustainable countertop that is 100% recyclable.

My personal favorite was the Pallet House, a small home made entirely from wooden pallets. It was inspired by the fact that 84% of the world's poor population could be housed with a year's supply of recycled American pallets. Now that's some serious up-cycling. I haven't been this excited since I discovered bamboo cabinets. So whether it's a D.I.Y. project, a sustainable remodel or simply remembering to recycle, I encourage you to jump on the eco-friendly bandwagon. It's one trend that's good for everyone.

Our intern is Desiree Johnson, a recent journalism graduate and Texas native. The 26-year-old loves painting, her dachshund Munchie and using what she calls her "real, adult-sized kitchen."

The Perfect Match: You & Your Kitchen Sink

2012-03-02T21:35:20Z

It wasn't until I started cooking regularly that I realized I had been taking my kitchen sink for granted. Previously, my only bonding time with the kitchen sink had been living in an apartment with no dishwasher (never again). Now that I had decided to eat more than Top Ramen and anything microwavable, I had discovered the delicate balance between the chef and the kitchen sink. Suddenly I had more than just flatware and cereal bowls to pile into my twin-sided stainless steel tub. Muffin tins, cutting boards, blender tops, crock pots, wine glasses - my dirty dishes are varied and my sink is too small!

So I can officially say that I appreciate a good kitchen sink. I've also learned that a "good" kitchen sink depends on individual lifestyle. For instance, when my mom had her kitchen remodeled, she kept her twin-sided steel sink but added a second sink on the opposite side of the kitchen. If I were still the social butterfly I was in college, I might go for the curved river sink - a free-form contemporary design that's perfect for filling with ice and extra drinks while entertaining. Now I just dream about a single basin sink that eliminates the annoying middle divider. Check out some of the stellar sinks Kitchen Design Concepts has worked into their designs - including this heavenly farm sink that's perfect for filling large pots!

Our intern is Desiree Johnson, a recent journalism graduate and Texas native. The 26-year-old loves painting, her dachshund Munchie and using what she calls her "real, adult-sized kitchen."

Old Doors Open New Options

2012-02-24T22:14:22Z

Call me a hippie, but I love "up-cycling." The idea takes recycling to the next level, literally turning trash into treasure. I've seen entire gardens made from 2-liter bottles, pet beds made from old computers and surprising new uses for wine corks. One of my favorite ideas was a coffee table one blogger created from a secondhand door. She kept the knicks, scratches and old-fashioned hardware the door came with to create a table with lots of character.
So when I was forced to replace my old front door, throwing it out wasn't an option! I considered turning it into a headboard or creating my own version of an Italian desk that also closes into a dining table for 8 people but ultimately I went for sprucing up my favorite room in the house: my kitchen! A little chalkboard paint, a little magnetic primer and some heavy-duty hanging hardware easily turned my old door into an interactive weekly planner. As a bonus, the Donation2Decor blog I used for instruction tips also teaches you how to turn old typewriter keys into unique magnets for your new creation.

In short, don't be afraid to D.I.Y. and up-cyle - it's an eco-friendly way to add individual character to any kitchen and it's fun, too.

Our intern is Desiree Johnson, a recent journalism graduate and Texas native. The 26-year-old loves painting, her dachshund Munchie and learning to use what she calls her "real, adult-sized kitchen."

Play Hide and Seek with Pull Out Surprises

2012-02-17T15:42:07Z

About a year ago, I visited the State Fair with my mom and we had a blast walking through the "House of Tomorrow." The model home was outfitted with the latest energy-efficient and just plain cool devices. My personal favorite was the microwave drawer oven, mostly because I love hiding stuff in the kitchen.

Surprise pull-out drawers and cabinets that hold more than meets the eye keep a big kitchen looking clean, fresh and uncluttered even if there are dirty dishes in the sink. Not to mention the space-saving possibilities - I still have a big, stand-up trash can in my kitchen and I can't wait for the day I can install pull-out garbage bins and avoid taking extra steps around my oversized one. Until then, I'll just have to settle for drooling over all the "hidden" possibilities! Those possibilities don't stop at microwaves and garbage, either. Check out some of Kitchen Design Concepts' space-saving secrets, including surprising spice racks and pull-out dishware drawers.

Our intern is Desiree Johnson, a recent journalism graduate and Texas native. The 26-year-old loves painting, her dachshund Munchie and learning to use what she calls her "real, adult-sized kitchen."

Dog-Friendly Dining

2012-02-11T22:08:33Z

Family tends to gather in the kitchen and any dog lover knows that always includes the family pet. This can quickly turn into chaos, especially for owners of multiple dogs. I only have one - a tiny, 10-pound miniature dachshund named Munchie - and I can only imagine what owners of big dogs must go through.
I can't count the number of times I've inadvertently kicked her bowl and sent kibble flying across the tile floor. Plus, I have to devote a cabinet to her food, medication, leashes, etc. Add tracking mud in through the back door and your kitchen could take a beating!

That's why I fell in love with this pet-feeding hutch a blogging couple found to help feed their Great Danes. The cabinet opens at the top to store food and the bottom drawer houses food and water bowls. It's an idea that's both chic disguise and super functional - now if only it could be built-in, right?
Kitchen Design Concepts did just that when they added a large corner cabinet with a lazy susan in this dog-inspired kitchen remodel. They took the idea a step further and even added durable hardwood floors and an island with stainless steel legs strong enough to withstand the biggest dog's tail wagging. That's what I call four-legged friendly!

Becoming a Tech-Savvy Chef

2012-02-03T14:57:49Z

Technology has made our lives easier and that also applies to the kitchen. Sure, the e-reader version of my grandmother's recipe book will never replace the dog-eared, hand-highlighted copy but being tech-savvy in the kitchen does have its benefits.

For example, I spent a great deal of my life in dorms or student apartments where my kitchen motto was "If it doesn't go in the microwave, I don't know how to make it." When I finally settled into a house with a gloriously large and open kitchen, I needed to learn how to cook - fast. Luckily, I had received an iPad as a graduation gift and I put it to use. Applications like Epicurious and Pepperplate provided tons of easy recipes I could bookmark on my phone during free time. The apps wirelessly sync bookmarked recipes to my iPad for later use. I downloaded e-books in minutes, including my forever-handy copy of "834 Kitchen Quick Tips". I could protect it all with the Chef Sleeve - a disposable plastic cover for the iPad with a package that doubles as a stand.

Whether you're a novice like me or a seasoned chef, a little more technology in the kitchen can be helpful. You may not be ready to commit to the Smart Countertop (which recognizes food and suggests recipes as you chop) or the Intelligent Oven (which allows you to turn it on remotely via phone or Internet) but adding a few modern gadgets can go a long way.

Our intern is Desiree Johnson, a recent journalism graduate and Texas native. The 26-year-old loves painting, her dachshund Munchie and learning to use what she calls her "real, adult-sized kitchen."

A Kitchen Remodel Increases Home Value

2012-01-06T18:41:32Z

If you are like the rest of us, you have probably spent a lot of time in the kitchen over the past couple of months. From Thanksgiving through the welcoming of the new year, the kitchen seems to be at the heart of every gathering and activity. If you have an old or outdated kitchen, you may have even thought "Hmmm...wouldn't it be nice to have a pretty new kitchen." The truth is that in addition to improving your own enjoyment, a well-done kitchen remodel will most definitely increase the value of your home. Almost any realtor will tell you that the kitchen is the single-most important room when re-selling a home. Beverly Lawler, of Coldwell Banker in Dallas TX, says that the kitchen and master bedroom/bath are the most important rooms in the house when selling a home. "A kitchen is key because the kitchen is at the center of our lives and a place where we spend a good amount of time. When home buyers are shopping, they will often forgive a few fix-up items here and there, but a well-designed kitchen will often seal the deal."

In an article on NKBA.com, the website of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, Nicholas Draper says, "Did you know that renovating a kitchen or bath is the best way to add value to your home? As we wait for the economy to stabilize and home prices to increase, there are a number of ways you can work on your home now to ensure a great return on investment in the months and years ahead." He goes on to say, "Kitchens are the core of our command centers. They need to be both practical and efficient. Social and business entertaining are becoming more common, so kitchens must have a sense of style, as well as function. Kitchens make a strong lifestyle statement."

We have found that to be the case with our clients as well. Client and realtor, Dori Warner with David Griffin & Co. in Dallas, told us, "As a realtor, I always tell my clients how important kitchens and baths are for inspiring the highest sales price possible for their home. This was certainly true of my experience after listing my home with a kitchen designed and remodeled by Kitchen Design Concepts. The first person that walked in the door of my home after I put it on the market not only made an offer on the spot, but paid more for it than any other home had ever sold for in my neighborhood!"

So, for improving your lifestyle in the near-term and your home value in the future, investing in your kitchen is a sound (and rewarding) decision!

If outside of the Dallas area, NKBA's ProSearch tool is a good one to use to locate an experienced kitchen and bath professional in your neighborhood.