TOC design There were many challenges to this kitchen prior to its makeover: Insufficient lighting, No traffic flow, Height of individual cooks, Low ceilings, Dark, Cluttered, No space for entertaining, Enclosed space, Appliances blocking traffic, Inadequate counter prep space. With so many problems there was only one solution - gut the space including the surrounding areas like the dining room and living rooms to be able to create an open concept. We eliminated the upper wall cabinets, installed extra windows to bring in the natural light, added plenty of lighting,( for task, general, and decorative aspects) We kept colors warm and light throughout, Created a wall of tall utility cabinets, incorporating appliances and a multitude of functional storage. Designed cabinets to blend into the space. By removing all existing surrounding walls and landing step a larger footprint was designed to house an oversize island with different heights for each cooks’ comfort, thus being able to pass through easily, giving a traffic flow space between 42” to 60”. The Island was designed for better entertainment, prep work and plenty of storage but taking into consideration to NOT over dominate the space and obtrude the line of site. The use of warm tone materials such as natural walnut is the key element to the space and by adding it to the niche area, it balances the contrast of the light colors and creates a richness and warmth to the space. Some of the special features used where: Hidden practical elements added to be very functional yet unobtrusive; ie: garage door to hide all small appliances, a step ladder hidden inside the toe kick, food processor lift ,basket tilt at sink area, pull out coffee station. All features require less bending and heavy lifting. Under mount LED strip lighting at lunch counter and Niche area, Enhances the area and gives a floating appearance. Wine service area for easy entertaining, and self service. Concealed vent system at cook top, is not only practical but enhances the clean line design concept. Because of the low ceiling a large over head hood would have broken up line of site. Products used: Millwork cabinets: The kitchen cabinets doors are made of a flat euro style MDF (medium density fiberboard) base polyurethane lacquer and a vertical glassing application. The Kitchen island cabinet doors are also made out of MDF – large stile shaker doors color: BM-HC-83 ( grant beige) and the lunch counter cabinet doors as well as accentuating elements throughout the kitchen are made in a natural walnut veneer. Mike Prentice from Bluerock Cabinets http://www.bluerockcabinets.com Quartz Countertops: Hanstone color: sandcastle supplied by Leeza Distribution of St. Laurent. http://www.leezadistribution.com Appliances: The GE monogram induction mirror 36” cooktop was supplied by J.C. Perreault - Kirkland as were all the other appliances. They include a 42” counter depth fridge, a 30” convection combination built-in oven and microwave, a 24” duel temperature wine cellar and 36” (pop-up) downdraft vent 900 cfm by KitchenAid – Architect series II http://www.jcperrault.com Backsplash porcelain tiles Model: city view Color: skyline gray supplied by Daltile of St. Laurent. http://www.daltile.com Lighting Four pendants provide the lighting over the island and lunch counter supplemented by recessed LED lighting from Shortall Electric Ltd. of St. Laurent. http://www.shortall.ca Flooring: Laminated Renaissance Hand scrapped color saddle oak is commercial-grade AC3 that can withstand the heavy traffic flow supplied by Taiga Forest Products of Boucherville. http://www.taigabuilding.com

Committing to a kosher kitchen is quite a daunting undertaking and when you are also taking on a complete remodel, it can be overwhelming. It does not, however, have to be insurmountable. There are many resources to help guide you through the experience. Check out the internet and magazines to guide you. Once you have done the initial research, contact your Rabi with questions and for clarification on a kosher kitchen. Kosher requirements can vary differently between Orthodox, Conservatism, Ultra Orthodox and Reform Judaism. Your Rabi most likely will have a list of rules and guidelines. Also, hire a professional kitchen designer. They will not only be able to design the needs of a kosher kitchen but also make it personal to your needs and beautiful too. If the space and the budget allow, two distinct kitchens within one space is a possibility. A kosher kitchen requires stringent separation of meat and dairy items. Depending on the sect of Judaism you practice ------ Storage: The Storage areas need space for two sets of dishes, pots and pans, flatware, cups and utensils. You can combine the storage areas as long as there is a separation and that you do not mix service ware. A good recommendation is to color code your plates, flatware, table linen, pots. For example, red plates, gold-colored flatware, copper pots for meat items while dairy items have white plates, stainless flatware, stainless pots. You may want to label each area so when you have your new sister-in-law help in the kitchen; everything stays in the correct place. Appliances: When selecting appliances look for the STAR-K logo. This will help you determine to what extent an appliance is Kosher. Some ovens will have Sabbath modes where they will turn on automatically at a predetermined time. Once the oven is open, the oven turns off. Some refrigerators also have Sabbath modes where the ice maker turns off on the Sabbath and back on the following day. One refrigerator is usually sufficient provided all foods stay on the proper container in the proper section of the refrigerator. Having an immaculately clean refrigerator is a must if this is the case. You do not want spills from one food source contaminating food from the other. If you decide on two refrigerators, one can be full size while the other is smaller. A good kitchen designer can help assess your family’s needs to determine which is best for you. Dishwashers cannot be Kosher in most cases. You either need two dishwashers, separate compartment dishwashers as in dishwasher drawers or wash by hand. Look at Fisher Pikel or Kitchen Aid for dishwasher drawers. Each drawer is on separate controls. You can dedicate the top drawer for dairy while the bottom drawer is for meat service ware. If you have space and decide to have two dishwashers, you can get two 24” wide dishwashers. Another option is to have one full size dishwasher and supplement it with a small 18” wide dishwasher. Miele makes an 18” wide dishwasher that is super quiet and cleans dishes very well. You may also opt for a single dishwasher drawer in addition to a full sized dishwasher. A single Microwave oven can be used for milk and meat provided that a complete cover is used around the food. You will also need separate plastic plate’s places on the bottom or glass turn table. Keeping the unit clean is very important. Counter tops: Counter tops may or may not be able to be koshered depending on your sect. Simply having sets of trivets for dairy, meat and pareve (not meat or dairy) will provide adequate separation of foods. Sinks: If you can’t have two separate sinks, include three separate tubs to be places in the sink. Color code the tubs for meat, dairy and pareve. If you have one sink or a single divided sink, you will need to be cautious about splashing, to keep the meat and dairy particulates apart. You will also need space for separate dish cloths or sponges and dish towels. Again, color coding is extremely helpful and highly suggested. Must Haves: ~Storage space for two sets of dishes, flatware, pans bowls ~Color Code and label where appropriate ~Separate burners dedicate for either meat or dairy ~Separate clean up areas ~Clean environment to avoid contamination between meat and dairy ~A space that functions for how you cook ~A space that reflects you Design and remodel by Design Studio West Brady Architectural Photography

Drew Rice, Red Pants Studio
Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, quartzite benchtops, subway tile splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

© Paul Leach / Paul Leach Photography
Design ideas for a large modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors and with island.

Photo of a mediterranean kitchen in San Diego with recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped kitchen in Boston with stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartzite benchtops, with island and brown floor.

Erica George Dines
This is an example of a large transitional u-shaped kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, panelled appliances, with island, marble benchtops and ceramic floors.

Kitchen
Photo of a mid-sized traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, blue splashback, granite benchtops, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Inspiration for a small tropical eat-in kitchen in Miami with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, yellow cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, travertine floors and a peninsula.

We upcycled cabinets with our trusted painter. Morten moved microwave location at customers request. Custom made hood, wine rack, and cabinet facade for the refrigerator, tied it together. Matching current cabinets is a frequent request for TVCI..

The design of this refined mountain home is rooted in its natural surroundings. Boasting a color palette of subtle earthy grays and browns, the home is filled with natural textures balanced with sophisticated finishes and fixtures. The open floorplan ensures visibility throughout the home, preserving the fantastic views from all angles. Furnishings are of clean lines with comfortable, textured fabrics. Contemporary accents are paired with vintage and rustic accessories. To achieve the LEED for Homes Silver rating, the home includes such green features as solar thermal water heating, solar shading, low-e clad windows, Energy Star appliances, and native plant and wildlife habitat. Rachael Boling Photography

Creating access to a new outdoor balcony, architect Mary Cerrone replaced the window with a full-pane glass door. The challenge of a narrow thoroughfare was overcome by implementing a sliding screen, which when opened slides into a pocket behind the refrigerator. By placing a focal point of bright color in the doorway, the room gains a feeling of greater depth, while the dying process of the wood mirrors that of the cabinetry. Door Hardware: Flat Track Series, barndoorhardware.com Photo: Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2013 Houzz Design: Mary Cerrone

Charter Homes & Neighborhoods, Walden Mechanicsburg PA
This is an example of a traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, beige splashback and limestone splashback.

White and black distressed kitchen cabinets in this large traditional kitchen.
Photo of a large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with beige cabinets, beige splashback, panelled appliances, recessed-panel cabinets, granite benchtops, with island, dark hardwood floors, limestone splashback and beige benchtop.

Breakfast Nook open to Kitchen and water views on 3 sides. Ema Peter Photography www.emapeter.com
This is an example of a traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Vancouver with recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, beige splashback, subway tile splashback and panelled appliances.

Inspiration for a country l-shaped kitchen in Other with stainless steel appliances, a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets and yellow cabinets.

Inspiration for a country kitchen in Burlington with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets and beige cabinets.

This renovation was for a family whose Kitchen is the heart of the home. The project goals were to create a warm, inviting space, comfortable for entertaining and every day use. Highlights of the Kitchen include the custom copper range hood and copper backsplash, beautiful distressed cream cabinetry and a built-in banquette overlooking the Magothy River. Photography: Michael McLaughlin

JWe created a new kitchen with a spacious pantry and dining area for this century old home. There were numerous structural and energy efficiency upgrades. This project was featured in the Rockridge Home Tour 2011. It was Green Point Rated and received recognition from the City of Oakland for Green Building. Jerome Buttrick, Architect.