TheDigitel.com!!!!
What a nice way to start the day!!! My internet browser's home page is thedigitel.com, of course, & when I opened it this morning I didn't really believe my eyes for a minute! Our Chef Demo gift cards is featured in their "Latest Top Stories"!!!
Just a reminder, all proceeds from these demos go to benefit one of our favorite organizations, Louie's Kids.
Local Favorite: Lesesne's Custom Trays
OK - so if you have ever been to Charleston, SC & have yet to drop by the super cool boutique shop, Lesesne, on King St. in the Upper King Design District, you are REALLY missing out. Each time you walk through their door you are sure both receive a warm welcome from either Barbara (mother) or Bryte (daughter), but you will always discover something fascinating that you would normally expect to find in a much larger city. Lesesne delivers the unique, edgy, and creative like no other!
Among our favorite specialties that are always in rotation throughout the shop are their fabulous hand crafted serving trays. Architect Neal van Dalen, Bryte's crafty husband, uses reclaimed building materials to bring the abstract into reality through creative craftsmanship and his rare ability to juxtapose natural materials with conventional man-made materials. The results speak for themselves - just take a gander at a few of the serving trays that have been showcased at the shop. And he doesn't just stop at serving trays - there's an entire assortment of unique creations to explore.
Lesesne is located two doors down from King Street Kitchen Company at 539 King St. Be sure to stop in & say howdy to Barbara or Bryte the next time you're downtown!
European Kitchen Adventure {Gaggenau}
So after several days of fun and A LOT of education at the Allmilmo factory & European Corporate showroom we picked up our rental car & headed west to visit our German (and French) appliance friends at Gaggenau. Although photos during our factory tour were not allowed, I did get a few in the corporate showroom (which is a fabulous space I might add). Have a peek....
As you can see - I couldn't resist taking a photo of my first driving experience in Germany! What fun!!! One of the items from the corporate showroom that I absolutely fell in love with was the flush application gas cooktop. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they introduce this to the US market!
European Kitchen Adventure {Allmilmo}
Ok, ok - so I know I'm a little late with this blog, but we've been BUSY!!! I think I'll just let the photos speak for themselves on this one. A few taken in Bamburg, but most at the Allmilmo factory.
European Kitchen Adventure - Day 1
WE MADE IT!!!! Really, everything regarding the travel went relatively smoothly. I had a brief moment of panic when I tried to use my "Passport to King St" at check in, but luckily I discovered my real passport pretty quickly.
We were the first of our group to arrive at Frankfurt, so we had a couple of hours to kill before the others in the first leg of our adventure were scheduled to arrive. We promptly found our way to the meeting point, had a bite to eat, and all three of us zonked out right there in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the airport. Here's proof (until William find's out it's on here & gets removed).
Once the rest of our group joined us, we headed out of Frankfurt via a GIANT yellow tour bus. Lothar ran into a US Military Soldier on his plane that was actually headed to the same Bavarian town that we are staying in, Bamberg. So we gave him a ride so that he wouldn't have to catch a train after such a long flight.
Speaking of Bamberg - WOW, what a beautiful town! Although I passed out at the first sight of a down comforter, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by this small city's beauty and charm. Hopefully I'll have an opportunity to post more photos, but here are a couple to give you a taste.
King Street Kitchen Company presents Atlanta artist KyleG at Fall Design Walk
Kyle Goderwis has only been painting since 2005. But his interest in art started when he was a young child. From crayons to paint, he never outgrew the fascination to put his thoughts on paper and canvas. After receiving a BFA in Computer Animation from the Art Institute of Atlanta in 2004, Kyle realized that digital art was not his passion. He focused on painting instead, and the Pearl Art Supply store that he managed, provided the tools for his creations. He was invited to his first group show in 2006 in Atlanta, and since then has participated in over a dozen gallery shows in the southeast. His work varies from abstracts to collage, and is ever changing and evolving.Charleston, meet Allmilmo....
I would like for you to meet... 
Custom and European Contemporary - now there are two words you don't find in the same sentence very often. However, Allmilmo is not only the first European Kitchen & Bathroom manufacturer to introduce European Kitchen Design to the US in the late 1960's, they are truly the embodyment of the word CUSTOM. Combine that, European style, and the highest German quality control standards of any European product & the result is a LOVE affair like no other!!! No need to take my word for it - see for yourself. Our CUSTOM Allmilmo kitchen designed with a 20'+ continuous horizontal grain of stunning grand piano high gloss olive veneer will simply take your breath away. If that doesn't - the full array of Gaggenau appliances will do the trick.
The only serious question that I find myself pondering as our new Allmilmo + Gaggenau Kitchen is polished to perfection for it's grand debut at the Oct 15th Fall Design walk (5-8pm) is where I am going to be able to hide my bed in our showroom. Maybe bunk-beds should be our next design feature - but then I'll have to make my bed every morning! That doesn't work. Hmmmm...if anyone has a good solution to this quandry, please let me know on Thursday evening.
Go ahead - set your expectations high...I triple dog dare you!
Project Update - Isle of Palms New Construction
"A Beach Getaway for the Entire Family!"
Wow! Amazing location (Isle of Palms), GREAT client, phenomenal design team (Herlong & Associates), & one of the best builders in the southeast (Phillip Smith)! We're so fortunate & grateful to be such a key component of this project. Although the first floors are just being framed, I am already eager to see the finished project & see the look on the client's face when they see their new home in all it's glory. We will definitely keep you posted with with the progress on this one!
Steve's reflections on life
It never ceases to amaze me how time and space play tricks on us all! The month of May was a busy month for me and my family. My daughter, Julie, graduated from the College of Charleston; my son, Daniel, graduated the Master's program at Rutgers, and last but not least - he got married here in Charleston at Magnolia Plantation!
Now that all the "dust has settled," I can look back at these events with increased clarity. One memory that we will never forget is when my son & his bride Noor asked me to write down my thoughts about marriage so that they could be read to the guests at their wedding. I am proud to say that I have been married to my wife Amy for 28 years no - so some of these "words of wisdom" must be right!
1. Always remember to be a little kinder than you actually feel like being. It goes a long way towards having a positive impact on everyone - even yourself.
2. Remember, before you criticize others - take a good look at yourself with an unfiltered eye.
3. Always be in each-others corner!
4. Remember to ALWAYS take out the garbage and put the toilet seat down!
5. Don't wait for a holiday or birthday to do something special for each other.
6. Move away from negativity as fast as you can.
7. Don't discuss business or work and never argue before going to bed - it can always wait till the morning and by then you won't be in the mood!
8. Remember that you are an individual - keep your own interests alive.
9 ALWAYS remember to trim your nose hairs...that's important!
10. Don't turn into a goon. Try to look your best for each other, and every once in a while have a party & let loose a little. Everything in moderation including moderation!
11. Perform 6 1/2 hours of intensive yoga every day!
12. Never play twister on a steep incline!
13. Never bring your own eggs to dinner. (???)
14. Don't ever push or shove each other unless you're trying to get into a buffet line.
15. Work tirelessly for each others goals and your mutual goals.
16. Don't blame each other!!!
I think these suggestions extend past just marriage - so we're sharing with you and reminding ourselves that our family and friends can never be replaced.
High-end Architect offers plans for budget conscious - The Post & Courier
One of our favorite architecture and design team partners, Herlong & Associates, made headlines recently with their new company - Flatfish Island Designs, LLC. It's a great new concept that brings quality architecture to the budget conscious consumer. Click here to read the Post & Courier's write up. Congrats & the plans look BEAUTIFUL!!!!
For your Consideration: Davidson Lofts
Portfolio Project:
William Towne, Ashley Finnemore, W. Dylan Gilliam
The Davidson building, a 200 year old King Street building formerly serving as a bank and a hotel, has found its new identity as home to both Pottery Barn and the most fabulous downtown King Street lofts available. This project was a collaboration between current KSKC designers William Towne & W. Dylan Gilliam and our Atlanta friend, Ashley Finnemore. As the second project with JLI Development and Architect Neil Stevenson, each team member involved had a great rapport that clearly shows in the attention to detail of these fabulous downtown lofts. There are a couple units still available - so I urge you to check out the project's website to get more information and to see a video highlighting many of the unique architectural details.
Gaggenau Room
***Sneak Preview***
Are you excited yet? Get ready for another feast for the eyes coming this fall at King Street Kitchen Company! Be sure to sign up here to receive future updates.
New Construction Permits Up AGAIN!
Just received my permit report for Berkeley, Dorchester, and Charleston Counties. Once again, total permit pulled last week are up just over 20% from the previous week! Yay!
Good News for Everyone!
Although new home sales are still down compared to June '08, a recent report that is getting a lot of media attention today states that New Home sales rose 11% in June over May beating all forecasts for the month. This is great news for the US economy across the board. Many people are saying that this is the beginning of recovery, but it's still going to take a while. I certainly hope that these people have it right. I've seen SOOOO many friends lose their jobs, get their hours cut down, or take pay cuts just to keep working over the past few months. Personally, at this point, I'm sick of bad news (even though things have thankfully been very good for us) and welcome anything positive, particularly when it comes to the residential home market. I'm ready to see my friends begin to get their lives back on track!
Everyone keep their fingers and toes crossed!!!!
Here are a couple of reports if you'd like some more info:
Good news for Charleston!
Just a quick note to let you know that for the two consecutive weeks that I have been monitoring, Residential permit pulled in and around Charleston have increased 20%!!!! Go Charleston!
The anaconda...ooops, I mean COANDA effect
I have a secret - I have the hardest time remembering this word, Coanda. Here's usually what goes through my head - "Ok, I can remember this - I know I can. I know it's not anaconda - animal, I know it's not gorgonzola - cheese, hmmmm. Crap, where's William - he always knows how to say it!" Well, I have pretty much driven William crazy at this point. But, I promise, I am trying my best to commit this word to memory because it's the name of something so cool that I don't want to distract from it by having a verbal breakdown. Hmmm...am I doing the same thing right now by typing my mental breakdown when it comes to this word? I hope not!!! EEEk!
Ok, so the COANDA effect is generally an aviation term named after Henri Coanda, a Romanian aerodynamics pioneer. Technically speaking, the term is known today as the "Deviation of a plan jet of a fluid that penetrates another fluid in the vicinity of a convex well." Lost? Yea - me too. As it was described to me - actually by a client in fact - in aviation the term describes the thin membrane of air that follows the curves of an aircraft's wings and reduces pressure which assists in creating aerodynamic lift.
So, what in the WORLD does this have to do with kitchens - well the answer is a little more obvious than you would think, ventilation - moving contaminated air out of your kitchen as efficiently as possible.
Leave it up to the industrial designers at Gaggenau to recognize the obvious relationship and inherent benefits that this aviation technique could have in our industry and use it to solve a whole slew of problems related to proper kitchen ventilation. Among Gaggenau's line-up of creative vent systems, you will find two beautifully designed hoods, for wall and island applications, that are easily mistaken for just another beautiful hood. But they, in fact, use the very same Coanda Effect to increase efficiency, reduce noise, and allow greater installation flexibility. Each of these hoods has an additional fan on the front (front & back for island hoods) that generates a stream of air that is directed towards the rear over a cylinder. This effect causes any cooking fumes that would normally escape to the front or back of the hood to be more effectively conducted into the primary vent area.
Why is this important? Well, you don't need a super powerful, toupee hungry blower to have efficient vent for your kitchen. You don't need to worry about internal, external, or in-line blower placement because the internal blower isn't as loud as a wind tunnel. You also don't need duct pipes that are nearly as large and hard to conceal as many typical hoods. The Coanda hoods specify a 6" duct when most other professional hoods require anywhere from 8"-10". This increases flexibility of placement (particularly when it comes to renovations) and reduces the need to eat up valuable square footage inside your home with large utility chases.
If you're interested in more information please don't hesitate to let us know. Even if we can't say the name correctly all of the time, we can certainly help with any other questions you may have. Very soon we will even be able to demonstrate it for you in person here in our showroom!
Fun with Fish, Part deux
Our most recent rendezvous with Chef Nico of Fish Restaurant in the KSKC showroom was, as one would expect, a splendid evening! Not only did we learn how to prepare delicious poached egg dumplings with goat cheese on duck confit, we got to eat them! YUMMMMMM!!!!
If this picture doesn't leave your mouth watering, I don't know what would. If you missed the demo, or even if you were here & are in need of another sample (that would be me), go down to Fish & let Nico create, or re-create, this delicious experience for you - your taste buds will thank you. I know that it is impossible to resist some of the other menu items, so be sure to let us know what your other favorites are!
A study in "Cool" lighting options!
I have always been a huge advocate of "good lighting". If you've ever worked with me, you have probably heard me say something along the lines of "lighting is a science" or "lighting can make or break a design easier than anything else - if you're going make an investment in a new kitchen, be sure to showcase it in it's full glory with good lighting."
As a result of my interest in lighting and it's integration into kitchen design (for both aesthetic and functional reasons), I am always on the lookout for interesting new products that provide increased flexibility and value in our designs. One of my latest interests has focused around the LED (Light Emitting Diode) options that are now beginning to spring up for commercial and residential applications. LE what, you say? Basically - it's the same technology as the really bright red brake lights that look a grouping of those little red pointer dots that you've used to give your cat a workout while having a good laugh (oh yes - I know you've done it too!) I'm not going to even try to explain the "science" behind these Star-Trekish fixtures, but if you're interested in that I suggest you start here. Those of greater technical capacity (I'm sorry, aka nerd. That's ok though - we love nerds! I, in fact, am a self proclaimed cabinet nerd. That's why it's politically correct that I call you out as a nerd.) will surely understand some of the gibberish that is found if you look beyond the surface of this topic. If you would be so kind to share any "valuable" insight related to residential lighting, I would surely appreciate it. PLEASE, layman's terms only!!!
For the rest of us, here's what I've found so far:
1. First, and probably most importantly, the technology is still evolving - but it seems to be at the point now that investing in this technology has crossed the line between frivolity and value consciousness.
2. There is a wide variety of the "strange and unusual" to be found online if you're not looking in the right place. Vendors are now adopting this technology and putting it to good use in both typical applications and new options that provide greater flexibility in design. A lighting supplier called Justice Design Group has the three most common residential applications available: a MR16 replacement bulb, a fantastic solid strip light that they call "LightRail", and a very flexible and innovate alternative to rope lighting that they call "Lightape". Here's what they look like (click on names for more application images):
(General room illumination - low voltage can fixtures or tracks)
(Fantastic for under cabinet, great as an architectural accent, multiple sizes & individual units can be pieced together allowing single on/off switching. Plus they're SMALL, 1 1/2" wide by only 1/2" thick, which opens the door for tons of applications.)
(How cool is this for those weird, hard to access areas where a punch of light makes all the difference in the world? It's literally peel & stick and can even be cut to length!)
4. The lamps can be a significant investment verses some of the more common options, but consider these advantages: (1) the MR16 LED bulb has a life of approx 20,000 hours verses about 1,000 for your standard incandescent bulb (2) the fixtures produce practically -0- heat (3) they use a fraction of the power necessary to light a typical incandescent lamp. According to Wikipedia, in 2008 a company called Sentry Equipment Corp used LED technology to light their new factory, tripling their lighting investment - but that investment will be recouped in under two years due to energy savings alone. On top of that, there will be no need to start replacing bulbs for 20 years! That, in my opinion, is pretty darn impressive.
5. Take a moment to let what I said in #4 sink in - 20 years for replacement. For many, the first though is WONDERFUL - I don't have to buy a bunch of bulbs anymore! OK, well if you're not buying bulbs anymore, that also means that YOU'RE NOT REPLACING THEM!!! When you consider the height of some of the ceilings in homes being built these days - 10, 12, 20ft - that becomes hugely significant. How many times do you look up to see one bulb out, but you just ignore it because it's SOOOOO difficult to change? If you don't deal with that, consider yourself very lucky. Not only does this benefit us when it comes to hard to reach fixtures, but if you've ever replaced a bulb in a low-voltage puck under cabinet light......exxxxactly, those that have know exactly what I'm talking about. A teeny little bulb that you're not supposed to touch with bare hands, plug wires that are way to easy to bend, and trying to coordinate yourself under your wall cabinets. I'm sorry Mr. Halogen & Mr. Xenon, you've just been nixed in my house.
6. Even if you don't have high ceilings, have you ever been in a 9'-10' room with low voltage halogen recessed can or track lights that have been on for an extended period of time? Oh my goodness, talk about an oven! I can't help but believe that the impact on your electricity bill simply due to reduced A/C usage would be HUGE!
If you'd like more information on LED fixtures from some experts, feel free to contact us for a list of references. We've talked to many locals involved with this technology, have seen demonstrations, have discussed with individuals from the manufacturing side of the auto industry (one of the first to adopt this technology) and have asked the more suspicious vendors to get a bulb, try it for us, and give us their feedback. So far, we're sold!
Someone's Lucky Day - 75% OFF!!!
The stars have aligned to allow us to offer these three amazing, ultra high-end, 100% custom pieces of furniture to you at 75% off. These three pieces - each made one at a time in the studio shop of Draper DBS Inc in Buck's County, Pa - are truly one of a kind works of art.
Reader: What makes Draper DBS so special? (a hint of sarcasm that I don't quite catch)
Me: Really - you want me to go into that now? You know I'm a cabinet nerd, right?
Reader: Yes, yes, yes, please - inform us against our will. (quiet sigh to yourself as you search for a comfy chair - I totally miss the sarcasm again)
Me: Well ok....if you really wanna know. But, you know....I've got a proposal to get finished this evening. How about if I just give you the bullet points & you can ask questions?
Reader: Ok - but hurry up so you don't miss any details. (in your head: oh wow - he wasn't kidding when he said it was someone's lucky day!)
Draper DBS:
- Has been recognized within the construction industry as the highest quality custom furniture, cabinetry, and millwork for over 20 years.
- While most cabinetry manufacturers, factory and local, have automated their construction process - Draper DBS takes an entirely different approach by allowing the most experienced woodworkers to maintain quality control of an entire project by working on it from start through completion. Each piece is individually signed by the hand that made it.
- Known as the most innovative company in the industry. If it can be built, this is where you can get it.
- Recognized by many as the root of both the integrated appliance and historic reproduction trends that have shaped our industry for the past two decades. (I can go on for hours about this)
- A cheesy designer might call DBS the "Bentley of the cabinet business", so I don't tell people this because I would NEVER compare our work to the Auto industry.
- Just like a beautiful sculpture, Draper DBS pieces tend to evoke a strong emotional response. As their slogan says, "Art from the Artisans".
OK, Ok - I'll shut up. Here are the pieces available. Drum roll please......
Click Image to Enlarge
Click Image to Enlarge
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If you have any questions about the pieces listed above, or if you'd like to schedule an appointment to view them in person - please contact us at our showroom.
Showroom Phone #: 843-408-0543
Email Address: info@kingstreetkitchencompany.com
Q: What is your favorite Whisky? A: "The next one!"
Sorry to give away the ending - but Hans' response to this question at the end of the video was too good to pass up as the title of this blog.
Each of our events, every 2nd Wednesday, create an entirely unique atmosphere in our showroom - this past event took that to a whole new level. Our guests, the event's speakers - Dutch whisky expert Hans Offringa & jazz historian Jack McCray - , the great jazz music playing in the background, and four featured whisky tastings made it a night like no other.
I'm keeping this blog brief because there are much better writers out there to sum up the evening. Please follow the links below for some great articles about the events. If you missed it, don't fret - there are three other events to take advantage of. {click here for info}
Click here for our favorite local digital news source's "Featured Article" take on the evening (including video above)
Click here for the write up by the lovely Erica Jackson with the Charleston City Paper
Click here for Karen Briggs' article in The Post & Courier.
Project Update - Mt. Pleasant Renovation
"Eclectic Update / Kitchen Island Lover's Dream"
This unique renovation project came to us through our collaboration with the fabulous design team at Herlong & Associate's who we collaborated with on the 2009 Symphony Show House. This client's stunning home, originally built in the early 1980's, is located in the heart of Mt. Pleasant on a 4-acre oasis that could easily lead to you to believe that the nearest neighbor is miles away. The clients have put their hearts' & souls' into making this every-day home a beautiful retreat, shielded from all of those everyday stressors - inside & out.
As was common when this home was built, the kitchen, although not necessarily small, can become cramped quarters when entertaining. In the new design one wall will be removed opening the space to a glorious sun room and cozy family room. Also, the newly renovated pool and impeccable exterior landscaping will essentially be brought into the kitchen by adding a huge sink window.
Our clients have been a pleasure to work with throughout the design collaboration process. William has incorporated the detail oriented features that make each space he designs truly unique and a perfect living and entertaining space for this client.
Stay tuned for the larger details of the larger than life island and a laundry room that you might just want to move into.
Who knows the minimum drain location from the floor of a Steam Oven?
WE DO!!!! William & I just returned from an grueling training session at the fabulous corporate US Gaggenau showroom in Scottsdale, AZ. Let me be the first to tell you - this was not all happy happy joy joy - it was brutal! Not only did they force us to stay at the Camelback Resort - they even forced us to go directly to the on site spa THE VERY FIRST DAY!!! After a draining day of bouncing from hot tub to sauna to steam room to the facial & hot stone massage rooms & then the private spa pool, they forced us to indulge in an outside family style dinner overlooking the beautiful desert landscape. Finally - once that was all over we were allowed to return to our rooms to recover from the brutality of the day.Well if you think the first day was bad - try being herded in stretch limos to the Gaggenau facility where were promptly put to work familiarizing ourselves with the most beautiful and functional cooking equipment available. And then, once we had learned pretty much everything there is to know about this fabulous equipment that quite simply makes everyone that touches it seem like an experienced Chef - THEY MADE US COOK ON ALL OF THEM!!!! Can you believe the nerve!
Ok - so once that experience was over, can you believe that they had the nerve to shuttle us, once again via stretch limo, to Frank Lloyd Wright's desert studio and school of architecture, Taliesin West, for a private tour of one of the world's most influential architects' passionate expression of what true integration of function and design is.
Bottom line - it was one of the greatest experiences of my life & I feel truly fortunate and thankful for the opportunity. I learned more than I ever imagined I could about a selection of appliances that is truly in a league of their own. I had the opportunity to ask as many questions as I could muster up for the most knowledgeable appliance experts I have encountered (I think I was pushing my limits on question quotas).
Thank you to the entire Gaggenau team for your faith in us and for your commitment to our collaboration here at the Charleston KSKC showroom.
15 Cool point for Herlong & Associates
Recently read a great blog posted by the fantastic Herlong & Asoociates team. This latest blog posting, titled "Designing for the way we live", sums up one of the key components of what makes a really fantastic design team working on your project a totally unique experience that will have a long lasting influence on what is sure to be a significant invest met.
Families are unique, changing creatures with distinct needs – particularly when it comes to their living space. One of the ways an architectural firm can meet those needs is by designing the house to accommodate the way people actually live.
If you pull a house plan off the shelf, it may be close to what you need, but chances are good you’ll be wishing for more closets, a larger porch or more...
All of the Herlong & Associates company postings have a wealth of information to share. Be sure to check out their website that showcases some of the amazing projects that they have collaborated on over the years & don't leave without taking the opportunity to read the other great blog postings.
Stay posted for some project updates on a fabulous Isle of Palms new construction project that we are collaborating on with the Herlong Team. Two design teams merging together for a common purpose - ultimate client client satisfaction - the product of a more sophisticated market and one of the positive results of a challenging economic climate.
***UPDATED***King Street Whisky & Jazz Tour
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