Posted by: Sarah Gaffney, Jun 1, 2009

It's a seven-day-a-week work schedule over at the Dream Kitchen. The crew at De Mattei Construction is racing toward the finish line: working at a record pace while still building a superior crafted product. Here's where we're at now, just a little over a week from our big unveiling.

The highlight of my week, the arrival of our missing-in-action backsplash tile! Thank you Ann Sacks, and a big thank you to Val Perez-Ibardolasa at the San Francisco showroom for pushing this order thru for us!

I love the angles of the fireplace facade. They've finished building out the framing support for the honed limestone from ASN Natural Stone that will clad the fireplace face and hearth.

They are staining the cabinets now. I love the graining, almost looks like the impression of fern leaves in the wood. Thank you Roth Wood Products!

All the cabinets are stained by hand. These drawers wait their turn in the assembly line of staining.

For some of you, this may look like a room under construction, but I see a Dream Kitchen that's almost finished. Thank you to the team at De Mattei Construction, Mark, Kirk, Lydia, and Susan, for building a beautiful kitchen in record time!

Posted by: Sarah Gaffney, May 25, 2009

Our tile rep called the other day to tell us there's been a delay with the backsplash tile. Something having to do with the swine flu. You gotta laugh, just to relieve the stress of trying to get this project completed in the next couple of weeks.

We had a great meeting at the job site today. Some of the subs that will help us sprint to the finish line -- Roth Wood Products, Cal-Bay Marble, and LG Glass -- were there doing final measurements to prepare for the last round of installations.

Mark De Mattei of De Mattei Construction and project architect Dera-Jill Lamontagne review dimensions for the range--it needs to fit perfectly within the cut-out in the island.

In the Family Room, Dera-Jill explains to Cal-Bay Marble, details for the fireplace and hearth.

Roth Wood Products, needs to make some minor adjustments to the wine wall before we start staining the cabinetry this weekend.

Here we see the calm before the storm. In two weeks, this space will become the ultimate Entertainer's Kitchen. Just need that backsplash tile!

Posted by: Jennie Nunn, May 14, 2009

We sat down with Berkeley-based designer Fu Tung Cheng, author of new book Concrete Countertops Made Simple and picked up a few expert tips on how to design a custom concrete countertop and learned why he's spreading the word on DIY design.

Q. What inspired you to write this book?
A. I wanted to help and inspire homeowners create their own countertops that are affordable, green, and uniquely their own. I made my own 25 years ago when I had more time than money, and still enjoy it to this day. It's timeless but at the same time, it is as accessible as simply cooking for yourself instead of eating out so much, or raising some of your vegetables in your own garden, instead of buying from the supermarket. Working with our own hands, with locally quarried materials, means it's a lot more fun, greener, and is potentially healthier than buying granite or factory-made quartzite counters that are mined, fabricated and shipped by boat and truck across oceans and continents.

Q. What is the most important advice you have for beginners?
A. Start with a reasonably easy project like a small bench or a vanity countertop. That's the best way to get your feet wet. I don't want people to be intimidated by concrete. With a small project successfully under your belt, a kitchen-sized countertop will be a piece of cake! Understand all the possibilities for imbedding, scoring, texturing and other techniques, then decide which suits your comfort zone and work out the design from there. For further techniques and materials required, visit chengconcrete.com.

Posted by: Sarah Gaffney, May 14, 2009

Q. There are a lot of home cordless phones on the market-what makes VTech the phone to buy?
A. That's a great question. VTech is the largest supplier to North America and has been an innovator in the industry since launching the first 900MHz digital cordless phone in 1991. Our product lines are comprehensive, the quality is excellent but the one thing that sets us apart from other brands is our product design. We strive to offer consumers the most stylish designs, relevant features and amazing value. We offer a wide range, from stand alone units to fully expandable systems, we have something for everyone.

Q. You released the first VTech cordless phone with Bluetooth capabilities in 2008-what can you tell us about it?
A. The LS5145 is the perfect blend of form and function. Cutting edge design meets world class feature sets and was our first product offering consumers the ability to make and receive cellular calls on their cordless home phone system. Simply put, you can pair up to 2 Bluetooth enabled cell phones to work with the LS5145. We all know scrambling to find your cell phone when you're at home can be a trying experience, now you can place your cell phone in it's charger near the base unit of the LS5145, pair it once, and answer your cell from any cordless phone in the house (LS5145 base and LS5105 accessory handsets are required). The cordless phone rings, and you can see which cell phone is receiving the call, very convenient and easy to use. A huge time saver around the house and I think we can all agree making calls from well designed cordless handset can be much more comfortable then using your cellular.

Q. What's happening on the Internet phone front?
A. Internet phones are still a viable option for those with specific needs, i.e. Skype. As the traditional landlines have been replaced in homes by cable via the cable providers, you don't need to have an Internet phone - most work with standard cordless phones available at retail today.

Q. VTech has an earth-friendly manufacturing and packaging strategy-tell us more.
A. VTech's continued quest for improving the vitality of our planet is demonstrated through the proactive approach it has been taking over the past several years in maintaining environmentally friendly products and packaging. Since 2007, VTech has been committed to making a difference in improving the sustainability of our planet by using renewable energy in its goal to produce zero waste. All new VTech cordless phones are Energy Star®-certified, and offer RoHS compliance with reduced hazardous substances. Our packaging practices include reducing package size and adding a more environmentally friendly, water-based coating to replace UV coating on all gift boxes, which reduces the amount of chemicals used in production and recycling, as well as streamlines processing steps thereby reducing environmental impact.

Q. What's next for VTech?

A. We are launching new products each year, new designs, feature sets and will continue to enhance our industrial designs to lead the market. We are also launching a new wi-fi Internet radio player-the IS9181-and goes on sale in mid-May. It is an excellent product allowing you to stream over 11,000 Internet radio stations from around the globe - for free. As long as you have wi-fi access in your home or office you can use this product. The IS9181 has two speakers and a sub-woofer built-in, plus FM tuner, alarm clock, even automatic 5 day weather forecasts. In addition you can stream music files from your computer to the player via wi-fi. You can also easily connect any MP3 player to the IS9181, it retails for $199.99.

Posted by: Miranda Jones, May 11, 2009

Change your paint color, change your life! Okay, maybe it isn't that dramatic but then again, maybe it is. Studies have shown that color can greatly influence ones mood and feelings. Maybe it is time to try a little self soothing!

Here are a few ideas/tips to get you started:

Start Small
Painting something small can have a big impact. Interior designer Patricia Gray demonstrates this principle perfectly by painting a single door a delectable shade of turquoise. The color adds visual interest and creates an anchor in the light and airy space.

Double Duty
At the recent Kip's Bay Designer Showcase house, young interior designer Garrow Kedigian used paint to create architectural details that were otherwise absent from a room. Snappy right? I have seen this used to great effect in entryways and halls that are lacking personality. Bonus: Try it on floors to visually widen a narrow space.

Know You Room
Before you paint, consider the room; what you use it for, what you imagine using it for, etc. If you want a place to relax, choose a soothing color and if you want to liven up a room, go for something more vibrant.

Take a Chance
There are so many beautiful paint colors to choose from it is hard to know where to start. Benjamin Moore has a 'virtual' fan deck that allows you to 'thumb' through colors without leaving your house. Once you find a few colors you like, get sample jars of 2 ounces to 4 ounces by mail order or in stores to test out in the space before taking the plunge.

Last but not least, have fun! Paint is not permanent.

*Be sure to also check out Allison Affief's useful tips in her article, "Common Color Mistakes & How to Avoid Them".

Posted by: Mark De Mattei, May 6, 2009

These days, there's a lot of buzz around what is termed "green building." At De Mattei Construction, our belief is that green building is simply good building. It is a philosophy that we have and will continue to integrate into all of our custom homes and remodels. Here are the 9 guidelines we use when designing new homes or remodels:

1) Design a home for your region

In the west, everyone wants a home with lots of natural light that assures enjoyment of our outdoor-centered lifestyle. We always use windows with Low-E glass to make the home bright and uplifting. At the same time, we incorporate appropriate amounts of patio cover and overhangs into our designs to properly shade as many doors and windows as possible. Our floor plans and elevations factor in the sun's position throughout the year to minimize heat gain and maximize views.

2) Engineer the cooling system and use good equipment

We have engineers who perform the necessary calculations to properly select and size our heating and air-conditioning equipment. A well-designed system will last longer and make you feel more comfortable. You'll often see "High SEER" (seasonal energy efficiency rating,) "HVAC" (heating, ventilating and air conditioning,) units advertised in marketing materials but high SEERs alone won't do the job if the system isn't designed correctly. This has to be done at the design development stage of the plan process so that there's actually room behind the walls and ceilings to route air delivery systems for maximum efficiency. Also, there are some great new systems that integrate HEPA-filters to help clean the air while it cools or heats.

3) Seal the metal ducts

Sounds pretty obvious, doesn't it? Surprisingly, many homeowners omit this critical step and rely on the crimped mechanical joints between sections of metal duct work. Large amounts of conditioned - and expensive - air escapes at these joints if they are not sealed with mastic made for that purpose. And every time there is a loss of air on the supply or return side of the system, it creates a pressure imbalance that causes the A/C equipment to work even harder on hot days.

4) Energy saving framing techniques

As a former carpenter, I can tell you that framing techniques today are far superior to the days of yore. We now specify framing methods and blocking to stop heat convection currents from moving around inside the walls and ceilings. The framing works with the insulation package to form a barrier between the "friendly" environment inside the home and the "hostile" environment outside the insulation cocoon.

5) Keep the air handlers inside the insulation

Often the leakiest part of the A/C system is at the housing of the air handler, that's the big unit that often sits on top of a platform with duct work coming out of the top. The most efficient location for the air handler is inside the insulation cocoon, not on the outside of the house or out in the garage with the gas fumes, bugs and dust. Another good place is often the attic, but only if the home has been insulated in "cathedral" fashion.

6) "Cathedralize" the insulation

Typically, homes were insulated behind all the exterior walls and across the top of the ceilings. This method of insulation is the easiest for crews to install; they merely get into the attic and "blow" the ceiling with cellulose insulation through a hose. But, that means attic spaces above the ceiling insulation get extremely hot during our Phoenix summers. That heat build-up slowly transfers through the insulation into the living spaces below, and also into any A/C ducts that run through the attic. A more efficient way to insulate is to install the insulation at the "cathedral" or roof line above the attic, thereby keeping the attic much cooler and minimizing heat gain in the living spaces below.

7) Use return air ducts in every room

Is there a room in your home that doesn't heat or cool properly when the door is shut? When the A/C kicks on, a blast of cool air runs through the supply duct into that room. If the room has a return air duct, the vacuum created at the return air grille immediately offsets the increased air pressure from the conditioned air and air circulates as it should. However, if there is no return air duct and the door is shut, the room becomes temporarily pressurized. The increased pressure prevents some of the new colder air from entering and you suddenly have a room that cannot heat or cool correctly. This problem is eliminated by designing return air ducts for all areas of the home.

8) Use third party inspectors to test the work

Our A/C crews know that their work is going to be tested by independent third party inspectors on every job and those inspectors are not afraid to fail the job if it doesn't meet our standards. Once word got out that we were hiring an outside company to test our duct work for leakage, the crews responsible for installing air delivery systems rose to the occasion and made sure that their work always passed the first time!

9) It's our job to stay informed on the latest products and innovations

We are constantly working hard to stay informed on the latest materials and products, so that we can pass our knowledge onto our customers. Green building and products are very dynamic and changing at a rapid pace. It's my job and the job of my project management team to stay informed so that we can be the experts our clients depend on us to be.

Click here to see De Mattei Construction's portfolio of new homes and remodels.

Posted by: Lydia Lyons, May 4, 2009

Lydia Lyons: There is much in the news about the state of the building industry and how green building and remodeling is top of mind to consumers. How do you see De Mattei Construction moving into this arena?

Mark De Mattei: It's an arena we've been in for a long time! The public's growing awareness of reduce, reuse, recycle is fantastic. It's top of mind in our day-to-day business and I think it's great that green building and remodeling is becoming top of mind to homeowners and consumers. There are so many innovative materials, products and simple building methods that go a long way to making a home green.

Photo courtesy DeMattei Construction

LL: What are some of your favorite green building materials that you are seeing?

MDM: Products like tankless water heaters, HVAC systems with hepa-filters for better air quality, low or no-VOC paints, insulation made from recycled content and some of the products that the consumer might not even be aware of like concrete foundation made with fly ash and recycled by products, beams and framing material made from FSC-certified wood and recycled wood materials. Not to mention, all the beautiful tiles and countertops made from recycled glass and bamboo, etc. These are all products we have been using for years!

Photo courtesy Teragren

LL: One of the things talked about in the press about this current recession is the fact that a homeowners interest in doing green remodels on their home will lead us out of this housing recession. Your thoughts?

MDM: Right now is a great time to remodel. The downturn in the production housing market has left a lot of trades with a lack of work so the prices have dropped. De Mattei, as a general contractor, can pass that savings right to our customers. We are a LEED-certified builder and we can direct our customers to the best products and design to help our clients in the 'greening' of their existing homes.

Photo courtesy De Mattei Construction

LL: What are some of the ways a homeowner can 'green' their existing home?

MDM: If it's a new custom home, its starts with the design and how the site is located. It then rolls into the specifications and products. In a remodel, using some of the products we discussed: tankless water heaters, upgrading appliances to energy efficient choices, removing carpet and installing hardwood or natural wool carpet in its place, and replacing windows with newer windows that feature Low E glass and offer a tighter insulation of the home. Just making a few of these changes goes a long way to keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the need for using energy to run the heater or AC.

Posted by: Allison Arieff, Apr 27, 2009

Sunset editor-at-large, Allison Arieff, sat down with Kohler's Shane Judd, Manager for Water Conservation, to discuss the trend-setting company's advances in water-saving products.

Q: There are so many kitchen sinks and faucets on the market. What sort of things should one look for when selecting fixtures for their dream kitchen?

A: Three things, including functionality, design and cleanability. These three key components are the driving force behind kitchen sink and faucet development.

Photo courtesy Kohler Co

Q: Water conservation is a growing concern: how are Kohler products addressing it?

A: Through the efforts of extensive research and product development, Kohler seeks to offer the most choices in water-saving products and further establish its industry leadership in offering high-performing plumbing products that save water. With its large portfolio of water-conserving toilet, urinal and faucet technologies, Kohler is well-equipped to provide aggressive water saving solutions for both commercial and residential applications. Kohler also offers kitchen and bath products constructed of KOHLER Cast Iron, which is composed of 93%recycled and reclaimed materials.

Photo courtesy Kohler Co

Q: Any new features on the market (or on the not too distant horizon) that we might not have heard about yet?

A: Technology will continue to drive kitchen products, including fixtures and faucets. Touchless technologies, new materials, improved water delivery and multi-functional products are sure to dominate the kitchen space.

For more water saving ideas from Kohler, click here.

Posted by: Sarah Gaffney, Apr 27, 2009

Sunset Publishing Corp

I just had a water audit conducted at my house and boy I am appalled at how much H2O we're wasting. To be exact, it's 4.5 gallons per hour or 108 gallons a day. There's a leak, somewhere, that we need to find and fix ASAP. With water shortages throughout the U.S.,it's imperative that we all find ways to reduce our use as we head into the hot days of summer. Here are a few tips:

1. If your local water district offers it, schedule a water audit.

2. Get rid of your lawn. Up to 70% of water costs in the summer are for irrigating our lawns.

3. Okay, getting rid of a lawn is anti-American for a lot of people. If the lawn stays, then only water it in the early morning or evening to minimize evaporation.

4. Get a new toilet. If your toilet uses 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf) or more, get rid of it. Today's high-efficiency toilets use 1.28 or less. Some water districts offer a rebate for replacing old toilets.

5. Use leftover water from half-empty drinking glasses to water houseplants. I like giving my plants water leftover from steaming vegetables. Full of natural nutrients!

6. Run dishwashers and washing machines only at full capacity.

7. Time your showers. Just shortening your shower by a minute or two can save up to 150 gallons of water per month!

8. Replace your downspouts with rain chains. They capture rainfall that can then be used for irrigating the garden.

9. Compost instead of putting your food scraps into a garbage disposal. Less water and free dirt!

10. Install an instant water dispenser at your kitchen sink so you don't waste water while it heats up.

Check out more water-saving tips at sunset.com.

Posted by: Allison Arieff, Apr 23, 2009

With the Dream Kitchen coming together, I'm beginning to think about all the tasty things one could cook! There's no shortage of inspiration to be found in gorgeous cookbooks like A16: Food & Wine (Ten Speed Press, September 2008)

Ten Speed Press

There's a near failsafe recipe for Neopolitan-style pizza dough which produces the most delectable, super-thin pizzas. I made the absolutely delectable braised halibut with pistachio, preserved Meyer lemon, and capers last night and can't wait to try it again. The book is an extensive primer on wine as well as food: It's helping me to learn more about Italian wine varietals-living so near the Napa Valley, it's easy to rely on Zinfandel and Chardonnay but why not expand one's horizons to Sardinian Nuragus or Calabrian Magliocco?!

I've also been cooking a lot from Sunday Suppers at Lucques: Seasonal Recipes from Market to Table (Knopf, 2007). Chez Panisse alumna Suzanne Goin's elegant book is as fun to read as it is to cook from. I'm particularly fond of the Boeuf a la Nicoise: Braised Beef Stew with Red Wine, Tomato, Olives, and Buttered Noodles.

Knopf

And if you're looking to take food a little less seriously, spend an afternoon browsing the quirky, crazy Eat Me: The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin (Knopf, 2008). Shopsin's is a much-revered, sometimes feared, always intriguing Manhattan diner, featuring such diverse specialties as White Trash Chicken Hash, Banana Guacamole, and Mac-and-Cheese Pancakes. The menu is a sight to behold. The book is similarly mesmerizing.

Knopf

Posted by: Sarah Gaffney, Apr 20, 2009

A have a thing for tile. I love it. I could spend hours walking through tile showrooms. The range of colors, shapes, textures, it's endless. I often say it's the one reason I couldn't be an interior designer. There are too many choices. How do you decide? Below are some of my favorite tile ideas from the pages of Sunset. I hope you find some inspiration. Then, cast your vote for the Dream Kitchen tile!

Sunset Publishing Corp

The tried-and-true classic subway tile is always a great choice. This is one of my favorite tile profiles. So simple yet timeless. I love applications where it's stacked vertically. In this kitchen, it provides a clean contrast to the warm woods.

Sunset Publishing Corp.

Heath Ceramics has been handmaking its mid-century modern tile in Sausalito since 1948. Their Dimensional Collection is based on original designs created in the 1950s and 60s, yet still offer a distinctly modern vibe. We featured this Oval tile in a Sunset Idea House. I love the sculptural effect. It's art for the walls.

Sunset Publishing Corp

This is one of my all-time favorite ideas for a backsplash. We took Roppe rubber floor tiles (typically used in large commercial settings) and ran them up the wall as a backsplash for a kid's bathroom. It's durable, washable, tactile. All the essentials for a kid!

Sunset Publishing Corp

Here is an example of the classic subway tile in glass and installed vertically to echo the lines of the wood cabinetry below it. Mixing up the colors adds visual interest, while playing off the cool blues and grays in counter and wall paint. Tile is the Metro Collection from Ann Sacks.

Posted by: Jess Chamberlain, Apr 13, 2009

Bamboo--one of the world's fastest growing plants (it can grow up to 4 feet per day!)--is an environmentally responsible building material that's become a popular marketplace ingredient for home accessories as well. From chairs to light fixtures to dinnerware (and even pajamas!), bamboo is a smart-and naturally beautiful-choice this spring.

Here are a few of our favorite home accessories:

Moso Lamp in End Grain by Brian Schmidt from Branch

Spring chair by Modern Bamboo from Design Public

Vers 2X iPod Sound System from Design Public

Curvy Servers by Bambu from Branch

Bamboo Roman Shade from West Elm

Modulo Multifaceted Organizer by Ekobo

And yes (we tried it!) bamboo can be soft:

Posted by: Allison Arieff, Apr 13, 2009

Sunset spoke with Ann Knight, Executive Vice President and Global Brand Director for Teragren, about the green benefits of bamboo countertops and what her dream kitchen would look like.

Q: There are so many countertop options to choose from. Why bamboo? Can you speak to its durability, green-ness and aesthetics?

A: Teragren's bamboo countertop and tabletop products provide beautiful, durable and renewable surfaces that are perfect for table tops as well as kitchen counters and islands. Our bamboo countertops are made with rapidly renewable Optimum 5.5 Moso bamboo which is sustainably harvested between five to six years, leaving behind a thriving plant and new shoots, unlike typical hardwood trees which take more than 60 years to mature. The furniture-grade products are manufactured to industry-leading standards for quality and environmental safety.

Teragren's Bamboo Parquet Butcher Block, for example, is a hard, durable and bacteria-resistant alternative to a traditional maple butcher block. And it's made with a formaldehyde-free and food-safe adhesive that is perfect for table tops as well as kitchen counters and islands.

Sunset Menlo Park Idea House, 2008

Teragren countertops are bacteria resistant and extremely durable. Each one features an easy care, hardshell furniture finish--ideal where hardwoods are traditionally used. A beautiful hard shell polyurethane finish is easy to care for and protects against stains and spills--though the product is not recommended for cutting surfaces.

In addition to being green, Teragren's bamboo countertop products average $26-$32 per square foot-making them a much more cost-effective option when compared to other popular countertop options such as stainless steel, quartz and marble.

A: My ideal kitchen is eco-friendly and features many green products-including Teragren's Bamboo Flooring, Bamboo Panels (perfect for kitchen cabinetry!) and Bamboo Parquet Butcher Block (a hard and durable alternative to a traditional butcher block).

Sunset Menlo Park Idea House, 2008

I enjoy a modern space-efficient kitchen; bright and airy and with room for family gatherings at an antique farm-style table. Energy-efficient appliances are important, as is warm, energy efficient and inviting lighting. The light-colored walls would be painted with eco-friendly, low VOC paints.

My dream kitchen is also stocked with organic, locally grown vegetables from the Bainbridge Island Farmer's Market along with a mix of antique dining plates and real silver serving pieces. Recycling and compost bins are must-haves for putting scraps to use; eco-friendly hand and dish soaps using all-natural, biodegradable ingredients are ideal.

Posted by: Dera-Jill Lamontagne, Apr 8, 2009

Many current kitchen design trends focus on making our time in the space more comfortable and efficient. The traditional kitchen work triangle is still valid, but at CCS Architecture we usually begin a kitchen design by thinking of four main functional areas: prep, cooking, clean up, and hangout space. Storage is mixed into all those areas in appropriate proportion.

CCS Architecture, photo by Melissa Werner

The goal is to make these areas distinct and functional but close to each other. People live busy lives, and time is wasted if you have to walk too far between major functions. Hangout space should be on the periphery, so it doesn't disturb the main kitchen functions. Clean up should be out of the way of cooking, but not too far to walk. Fast little features like an instant hot water dispenser, mean you don't have to wait for water to boil or heat in the microwave. Induction cooktops, now growing in popularity, waste no heat because the burner never gets hot to the touch. It transfers instant and precise heat via a magnetic field.

CCS Architecture, photo by Christopher Irion

Ergonomics is another important design consideration. Drawers are now more ergonomic, requiring less bending and easy viewing of all cabinet contents. The most easily accessible cabinets should be 15"-48" above the floor. Cabinet hardware and organizational inserts--from companies like Hafele -- are vast and a great way to address ergonomics. The traditional corner lazy-susan now comes in many different styles that allow easy pull-out access and more use of cabinet space. Dish storage in easy-to-reach drawers is now possible with dish dividers, as opposed to reaching up high. Under cabinet lighting is a must, so you have good illumination of any counter work. An appliance garage is a bonus for hiding the endless small appliances we all have now (i.e. toaster, coffeemaker, food processor), while still making them easily accessible.

CCS Architecture, photo by photo by David Duncan Livingston

As residential kitchens trend toward more casual lifestyles, we see clients requesting more square footage in the kitchen. Rooms that are typically separate, like the family room or an office, get rolled into kitchens. Families are trying to cook and entertain more at home. They need space to do paperwork and bills. Kids want to watch TV or need to do their homework, yet parents want to keep them in view. Now a kitchen and family room, like what we have created for the Dream Kitchen of the West, can encourage and support the whole family spending more time together.

Posted by: Miranda Jones, Apr 6, 2009

These days you don't have to sacrifice style to save the planet! Here is one of my dream versions for decorating a family room with eco friendly fabrics, furniture and accessories. Your guests will be stunned to find out that such chic choices are also sustainable.

Copyright Sunset Publishing Corp.

1. Cisco Brothers Dinora Sofa, Serene Collection 2. Felt rug by Melina Raissnia for Peace Industry 3. Madeline Weinrib Chevron Aubergine pillow 4. Camisole Lamp by LightenUp Design 5. Bud vase by Mudpuppy 6. Judit Gueth's Pretty in Print - Koi wallpaper at Walnut Wallpaper 7. Wilshire Regency Mirror by Woodson & Rummerfield, special order 8. Madeline Weinrib Brooke Aubergine pillow 9. Intown side table by InModern

Posted by: Sarah Gaffney, Apr 6, 2009

Copyright Sunset Publishing Corp.

I'm thrilled that the Entertainer plan won. Really, all the plans incorporate some element of the themes we put out for the vote--eco, entertainment, and family--but for me, a great kitchen is a great entertainer. And given the state of the economy these days, I think people are becoming more appreciative of entertaining at home. Nowadays, a great dinner at home with friends and a board game (or a Guitar Hero tournament) is a value that can't be beat.

Entertaining kitchens don't have to be of Top Chef caliber to be top performers. There are a few simple essentials: plenty of counterspace, an efficient work layout, hardworking and energy-efficient appliances, and good storage that doesn't require a ladder or too much bending at the knees to get to.

The Entertainer Plan has all that and more. I especially love the wine wall. What a great place to display your vintages, as well as great art glass. We at Sunset love our wine, so a wine display is always important. The picture below shows how we showcased wine in our Monterey Idea House last year.

Sunset Publishing Corp., Thomas J. Story

Be sure to vote this week for GE Appliances. And stay tuned for the upcoming countertop and tile votes--the pretty stuff!

Posted by: Lydia Lyons, Apr 6, 2009

De Mattei Construction, Inc.

The team at De Mattei is very excited that the Entertainer Plan won! I have to admit it was not a surprise. When you think of entertaining, everyone knows that the kitchen is the place to be and the design of this kitchen makes it a party planner's dream!

De Mattei Construction, Inc.

The criteria for a successful kitchen always includes lots of great circulation, counter space for working or serving, and easy access to the cabinets, appliances, drawers and the things you need whether serving the family or a house full of guests. When working with a client, there is always a discussion of how much entertaining they do and how the kitchen will layout with this in mind. A new kitchen always brings the promise of more family gatherings and opportunities to entertain friends.

De Mattei Construction, Inc.

An oversized island is a great feature in the entertaining kitchen. It gives people an area to gather, mingle, nibble, and more importantly keeps the person working in the kitchen actively engaged with the party! The island also serves as a great space for those additional appliances, key to entertaining: the warming drawer, under counter beverage centers, additional prep sink, and storage! Cabinet capacity and functionality are key elements in the Entertainer's kitchen. How to arrange the storage for spices, serving dishes and utensils is an important discussion when working on cabinet drawings and layouts. Also, locating the most intuitive spot for wine glasses and beverages, so guests can easily serve themselves when the cook is cooking.

Posted by: Miranda Jones, Mar 30, 2009

As often as I fantasize about remodeling my kitchen (tons of windows!) herb garden just outside!) 6-burner range!) it just isn't realistic for me as a renter and one who has only cobwebs in my Dream Kitchen savings account.

If you are like me, don't fret. There are lots of easy things to do to spruce up the space you do have.

Tip 1: If you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times: paint is the quickest way to change a space. Paint can reinvigorate a room, even if it's only one wall of bright color or a fresh coat of white. Wall decals are also a great way to make you feel like you did something drastic, without the commitment.

Copyright Sunset Publishing Corp.

Tip 2: Open shelves make a small space feel larger. Try removing the doors on the cabinets housing glassware and plates. Paint wood cabinets white to further open up the space. If you like, you can add color or wallpaper to the backs of the cabinet. Ebay is a great place find wallpaper remnants. Note: this requires that you keep your plates stacked neatly and that your glasses are lined up like little soldiers.

Copyright Sunset Publishing Corp.

Tip 3: Get an island. With wheels. It may seem like it will do nothing but take up space but that is because you don't have it yet. It is a counter where you need it and open shelving (see tip 2) all in one. Glorious.

Copyright Sunset Publishing Corp.

Tip 4: Change simple things like drawer pulls and lights. I know, lights seem like a much harder thing to change than pulls but it isn't that bad. You don't need to rewire anything to add a floor lamp or add a clip light in a dark corner.

Copyright Sunset Publishing Corp.

Tip 5: Decorate! The kitchen doesn't have to just be about function. It is the heart of a house and should reflect your personality just as much as any other room. Do you love green? Bring it in by changing the curtains, the jars on the counter or by mix and matching some vintages glassware in your cabinet. Add family photos (not just on the fridge) and anything else that makes you happy.

Copyright Sunset Publishing Corp.

Send me pictures of any changes you make! I want to see.

Posted by: Jennie Nunn, Mar 30, 2009

Sunset Publishing Corp., photo by James Carrier

I love pancakes. They remind me of my childhood. Every year on our annual ski trip, my dad still whips up his infamous thick buttermilk pancakes with berries and walnuts. But my favorite part is definitely the fresh boysenberry jam and sweet maple syrup.

Here's one of my favorite recipes from Sunset.

Double-Berry Pancakes

Prep and Cook Time: About 25 minutes

Makes: About 12 pancakes; 4 to 6 servings

Notes: These light, tender pancakes have two different kinds of berries. If using frozen berries, do not thaw before dropping onto pancakes as they cook.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, separated
2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup butter, melted

1 cup each rinsed fresh or unrinsed frozen blueberries and raspberries (see notes)

Maple syrup

1. In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix egg yolks, buttermilk, and butter until well blended. Stir egg-yolk mixture into flour mixture just until well blended.

2. In another large bowl, with a mixer on high speed, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold into batter until no white streaks remain.

3. Place a nonstick griddle or a 12-inch nonstick frying pan over medium heat (350°); when hot, coat lightly with butter and adjust heat to maintain temperature. Spoon batter in 1/3-cup portions onto griddle and gently spread into 4-inch rounds; sprinkle evenly with about 1 tablespoon each blueberries and raspberries. Cook until pancakes are browned on the bottom and edges begin to look dry, 2 to 3 minutes; turn with a wide spatula and brown other sides, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes longer. As pancakes are cooked, transfer to baking sheets and keep warm in a 200° oven. Serve warm with maple syrup.

For tips on making perfect pancakes, click here.

Posted by: Sarah Gaffney, Mar 23, 2009

Kitchen remodels are notoriously challenging, marriage-testing, time-intensive projects. First of all, the heart of your home is ripped apart for at least three months. You're eating too much fast food or soliciting a lot of dinner invitations from friends with fully operable kitchens. Equally as stressful is the design and construction. There are seemingly unending decisions to make and, of course, a budget to watch.

Sunset Publishing Corp., photo by Thomas J. Story

But that's not to say there isn't some fun in building a new kitchen! Creating a floorplan catered specifically to your needs: heaven! Upgrading to the latest and greatest appliances: who can resist? Shopping for counters and tile: sign me up! And in the end, having a beautiful kitchen to cook and entertain in is for many people literally a dream come true.

Sunset Publishing Corp., photo by Thomas J. Story

Our Dream Kitchen of the West is a microcosm of a new kitchen project. Our voting categories reflect the key design and product decisions you need to make along the way and offer some guidance in how to make those decisions. The Watch the Build section will take you behind-the-scenes on the construction site, documenting key installations and introducing you to some of the personalities on the project. And the blog will be a place to return to often to read personal perspectives from our team members as well as get the latest news from our Sunset home editors.

It promises to be a fun ride, really! Stay tuned...and start voting now!

Posted by: Lydia Lyons, Mar 23, 2009

It is so much fun to be part of the team working on the Sunset's Dream Kitchen! De Mattei Construction, builder of four Idea Houses has been selected by Sunset to build the kitchen, voted on and selected by Sunset readers based on three designs developed by CCS Architecture.

Each design is unique and offers some great ideas and inspiration. It's going to be interesting to see which design gets the most votes and then watch its construction unfold online!

De Mattei Construction kitchen remodel in San Jose, CA. Design by Lydia Lyons.

As a custom homebuilder in the San Francisco Bay Area, De Mattei has the opportunity to work with a variety of clients. Each new client comes with a different vision and along with their vision they bring stacks of magazines, with pages and pages dog-eared and marked with post-its and notes for their dream home.

Undoubtedly, the most time we spend with a client is on the design of the kitchen. So many selections to be made in such a concentrated area of the house! And each decision has a domino effect on the next. Once the layout is decided there are still many decisions to be made; appliances, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, lighting, countertops, backsplash, and floor materials. Whew! It can be head spinning.

When working with clients, I ask them to bring pictures of kitchens that they like, but I also spend a fair bit of time asking them what they don't like about their current kitchens, which can be very revealing. Everyone is so different. Some people really want everything: the 48" gourmet range with double ovens, etc., perfect for family gatherings and entertaining. While others are seeing their kids off to college and don't need all the cooking power and will settle for one oven plus a convection oven.

The three different themes for the floorplans--Eco, Entertainer, and Family--offer a compilation of the most desirable features we see when designing kitchens. Can't wait to see which plan wins!

Posted by: Allison Arieff, Mar 23, 2009

To kick off Sunset's Dream Kitchen of the West, we asked Dream Kitchen architect Cass Calder Smith (CCS) and project architect Dera-Jill Lamontagne (DJL), both of CCS Architecture about the kitchen that would make their culinary dreams come true. Accompanying images are all San Francisco kitchens designed by CCS Architecture.

photo by Joe Fletcher

Sunset came to you asking for a "dream kitchen"--what does that term mean to you?

CCS: I think the dream kitchen is a bit like the dream house, but within reach. Its definition for each person must vary, but I assume it's got all the bells and whistles that anyone can think of. Excellent design with good space, nice light, and [if possible], some connection to the yard.

DJL: It makes me think of what I don't have for a kitchen now! It means limitless boundaries to define what is best for my lifestyle and seek out the latest innovations.

photo by Tim Griffith

Are there features that seem to always appear in "dream kitchens", things that clients always ask for? Or is a dream kitchen different for everyone?

CCS: All dream kitchens should have an island as it's great prep space, eating space and socializing space. Top-notch appliances are a must and so are quality cabinets with great hardware and built-in accessories. Counter tops, flooring and cabinet finishes should be in sync with the house, but should also be very practical and strong so as to wear well. Overall the combination of design, materials, and appliances should be timeless like all good architecture is.

photo by Cesar Rubio

What is the most important thing someone should consider in planning a dream kitchen?

CCS: I think the most important consideration is the layout and its relationship to the other rooms in the house as well as its relationship to the outside. Where people make mistakes is mostly in the architecture. People are not working through the design enough to get to the best floor plan for them.

photo by Eric Laignel

What is your favorite "dream" element or feature you've included in a kitchen?

CCS: A fireplace for live fire cooking!

DJL: I always like an appliance garage, if there's the right place for it. It keeps all the countertop appliances out of sight, while making them instantly accessible and usable.

photo by Eric Laignel

Are we likely to find you cooking in your dream kitchen or eating at the restaurant with one you've designed?

DJL: While I cherish meals out at our fantastic local restaurants, I do spend a lot of time cooking and entertaining at home. It defines "time at home" for me. My recent passion is mastering Dutch oven cooking-a single piece of cookware inspires me to be in the kitchen for hours. I would never leave the house, if I had my dream kitchen.