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.  

Here's how the article starts, but I urge you to to read the entire article:  (click here)

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.


Posted by No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

***UPDATED***King Street Whisky & Jazz Tour

- Update:  KSKC & Lesesene friends "Thank You" offer -

$15 tickets available for tasting with book available at event
King Street Kitchen Company, Inc.
The King Street Whisky & Jazz Tour
{Kick-off of Four Event Tour}
 Wednesday, June 10th
6:00 - 7:30 pm

KSKC is proud to host the kick-off of one of Charleston's most unique and exciting events, The King Street Whisky & Jazz Tour.  This event, spread over ten days this July, will consist of four unique events hosted by several of Downtown Charleston's most interesting venues.  As fortune would have it, the kick-off event coincides with our hugely popular "Food and Wine Wednesdays" where local culinary talent is showcased in our home-like, fully functional display kitchen.  However, following the theme of June's event schedule, we are officially adjusting the name of our monthly event to "Food, Whisky, & Jazz Wednesdays" for this event. 

Whisky & Jazz by Hans Offringa Cover























At this event you will have the opportunity to meet the world-renowned Dutch author  of "Whisky & Jazz", Hans Offringa.  Hans will host an entertaining discussion of the relationship between single malt scotch and jazz while we offer tastings of several single malt scotches - great Jazz playing in the background of course.

Each guest will leave the event with a signed copy of the 208 page full color coffee table book with a foreward by Scottish whisky writer Dave Broom. 

Contributing editor for the book is American jazz historian & Charleston resident Jack McCray. 

As many of our past guests have experienced - these events sell out quickly & we currently have a waiting list for ticket availability.  Tickets are now officially for sale, however - to ensure a great experience for everyone, we will be placing a strict cap on the number of tickets available. 

{Please click here to order your tickets}

Demonstration Details:
  • Date: Wednesday, June 10th from 6:00-7:30PM, Dessert at LESESNE from 7:30-8:00PM
  • Cost: $60 per person for admission, book, tasting, and hors d'oeuvres
  • Space is limited, so buy your tickets today! Click here for secure, easy tickets online, or call (843) 408-0543 to register.
Return to KSKC Blog Home


Posted by No comments:
Labels: ,

For your Consideration: Fripp Island Retreat (Dylan)


Portfolio Project: W. Dylan Gilliam
2008 National Kitchen & Bath Association Award

Photography by John Smoak with Smoak Stack Studios

Often, a project like this comes along only once in a lifetime. I consider myself fortunate to have contributed more than my fair share of these "once in a lifetime" projects in some of the most amazing locations. This family retreat is located in the low-country on Fripp Island, SC - south of Charleston. Working on the project was an absolute pleasure - the easy trip down to the project site a welcomed escape from the hustle & bustle of every day life, the Shrimp Shack for lunch my guilty pleasure on each trip, beautiful ocean views - I wanted to move in before construction was even completed.

The scope of the project was somewhat unique. The original residence had been in the client's family as a coastal get-a-way for some time - but as the family grew the original home proved to be significantly cramped. The homeowners took a year off from their yearly family gatherings at the beach to extensively remodel and expand the existing home, add a lush - beautifully landscaped tropical outdoor living space, and construct a pool house that rivals the primary residence in both design and scale.

Pool House Kitchen & Great Room


Photography by John Smoak with Smoak Stack Studios

As I'm sure you will agree - the project turned out beautifully thanks to the many talented individuals that contributed to the design and construction of the property. Personally, this project was a great opportunity to let my design abilities flow outside of the kitchen and into many other areas that I specialize in. The custom book-shelves, amazing bathrooms, integrated a/v cabinetry, an amazing mahogany true radius beaded inset desk and credenza, laundry rooms - details in almost every room of both homes. Although it was certainly a design challenge, because the project required travel and long-distance project management - it was a true test of our systems and installation team. Fortunately, our client's are very pleased with the results.

Posted by No comments:
Labels: , ,

Project Update - Daniel Island New Construction

"Casual Elegance Family Home"
We are currently in the initial stages of the design process on this custom Daniel Island Park home, located between the pristine Ralston Creek Golf Course and a picturesque example of the beautiful marshes that contribute to Daniel Island's natural beauty. The kitchen, centrally located between the homes formal and casual living spaces is not only a beautiful space to work with, it is one of the largest areas of the home. A perfect space for this family of seven to enjoy as their every-day "central command" room, it is equally suited to serve as a primary gather room when entertaining (when is the kitchen not that room?).

We are working closely with the client to customize the layout - the placement of the various work stations that include a cleverly disguised "sandwich and snack" station, a dual-zone preparation space, and a cereal station with it's own set of milk refrigerator drawers. As of our last meeting, although still early in the planning stages - we all worked together to turn our medley of ideas into a firm conceptual layout that is ready to see some formal design action.



Significant in the coordination and design of this residence is Atlanticville Homes partner Steve Gonda, responsible for Field Operations and Customer Service on each of the company's custom built homes. All of us at KSKC are proud to be a part of Atlanticville Home's design team & hold their abilities and client satisfaction abilities in high regard. Impressively, Atlanticville has achieved a 100% recommendation rate and a 100% "easier than expected" rating by their previous clients. Be sure to check out their website by clicking here.


Posted by No comments:
Labels: , , ,

Gaggenau Live

Well let's see now....the New York Design Center (NYDC) in Manhattan, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in NYC, the Hamptons Cottages & Gardens Idea House, hmmm....what would come next in that list.  Surprise, it's King Street Kitchen Company's introduction of Gaggenau at the Spring 2009 Upper King St Design Walk of course!  


We're really quite excited about this new partnership & both William & myself will be even more excited after we get back from our trip to Gaggenau's training center next week.  Amy has already been & her excitement was amazingly contagious - so we're really looking forward to it.  

At this year's Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) we were requested to attend the Gaggenau & Dwell Magazine sponsored party at the fabulous Pedini showroom.  Everyone was so kind and supportive of us there - they truly made us feel welcome.  We saw some familiar faces & met, for the first time in person, Gudrun - the senior brand director for Gaggenau.  We had a delightful time sharing our excitement about KSKC's upcoming live Gaggenau kitchen.  Plus we discovered another passion in common - besides great design & cooking of course - CARS!!!!  I admit it - I'm a car nerd second only to my kitchen nerdiness!  Gudrun has a fascinating perspective on the car industry - I had to keep telling myself "focus Dylan - kitchens, not cars".


Posted by No comments:
Labels: , ,

We have THE BEST clients!!!

We have been amazingly fortunate over the past year.  Yes - there have been difficult times, hard decisions, PERSONAL GROWTH, but we would do it 10 times over to recreate what we have now.  You know, it's one thing to claim that you are "client focused", but even when you really mean it when you say it, there are SOOO many things that can get in the way of achieving that goal.  That has been our number one priority and it has paid off in a big way.  I think I really began to realize that we were truly going in the right direction when one of our dear client's stopped by recently- totally out of the blue - with this beautiful arrangement from her own garden.  Beth - thank you so much & I have already enjoyed part of the rest of the gift.  

Earlier this week we had a wonderful design consultation meeting that resulted in a kitchen that I simply can't wait to see in real life.  It's going to be one of those spaces that you just naturally want to be in.  Of course I cannot take total credit for that - much of the credit is due to the brilliant planning by Architect Marshall Driver (click here for his web page).  I have been fortunate enough to be involved in several of Marshall's past projects and have been inspired over and over by the passion that goes into each design.  He is truly a master at "client focused" design and it shows in each home (not house).  As one of my previous Seabrook clients who had visited one of Marshall's projects on a Kiawah home tour put it, "....all of the houses were beautiful, but Marshall's house was the only one that I could really see myself living in."  

This is only one example of the numerous expressions of appreciation that we have received from our clients.  Although things like this always take us by surprise - we have as much fun as they do - we truly appreciate the relationships that we build with our clients.  


Posted by No comments:
Labels: , ,

Last chance to tour '09 Symphony Showhouse

Yes....I'm blogging about the showhouse again.  I'm probably going to make some designer's REALLY happy with me right now - but I just wrote something in this blog and couldn't help but bust out laughing (yes - I am sleep deprived).  I just used the word "designer" and the phrase "sweat equity" IN THE SAME SENTENCE!!!!!  I dedicate this blog to all of those talented installers and tradespeople that turn our visions into reality all year long.  (If this doesn't disqualify me from next year's showhouse - I'm getting one of those shirt pocket spy cameras for documentation - or maybe blackmail).  


Now that we've all calmed down & the showhouse has proven itself successful (so far $80k in donations handed over to the Charleston Symphony Orchestra - record breaking response), it's pretty darn funny to look back and remember some of the things that were witnessed during the preparation and early preview days of the showhouse (including one of my guests spilling red wine on a WHITE rug!!!!).  

On to the purpose of this blog - the 2009 Symphony Designer Showhouse at the Maison du Pre Inn on the corner of E. Bay & George will reopen for a final two weeks during Spoleto.  This will be your last opportunity this year to contribute to the CSO while exploring creations by many of Charleston's most talented designers.  Of course - be sure to check out our "Manhattan Kitchen" (term stolen from a guest) designed in association with the fabulous team at Herlong & Associates.   

For information about the showhouse, please click here to visit the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League's website.  



Posted by No comments:
Labels: ,

Spoleto = Don John = Last Night = Great Time!

OK - so I'm an idiot....maybe that's harsh - so I'm too preoccupied to give a lot of consideration to the name of a play.  Honestly - the Don John / Don Juan OBVIOUS relation did not hit me until I was practically right outside of the theater last night.  I have to say - that's probably a good thing, otherwise I'm not sure that I would have gone.  

So how was it???  I thought it was GREAT!  I felt like I was watching a play that maybe, just maybe could have been directed by someone with a creative vision of the likes of Wes Anderson mixed with the eclectic atmosphere of....hmmmmm, Urban Outfitters maybe?  Anyway - I've been to a lot of performances and have seen some great shows, but I am far from a theater critic - so please forgive my feeble attempt here, but I can tell you that I would go see it again & I haven't done something like that since my last "real - pre sell out" Cirque du Soleil performance.  

We're excited about about some of the upcoming events & will keep you posted with our thoughts.  Until then - keep posted on what's happening & rather more professional critiques of the performing arts at TheDigitel.com/Spoleto.  



Posted by No comments:

For your consideration: Seabrook Renovations (William)

Portfolio photography - to give away the farm, or to tease.....hmmmmm? I think you all would agree that it will be more fun to see a couple of projects at a time. For this slideshow we have selected two recently completed renovation projects designed by KSKC Lead Designer, William Towne.


Photography by John Smoak with Smoak Stack Studios

The kitchens in each of these Seabrook homes, after 15-20 years of service, were ready for a facelift. Well, maybe a little more than just a facelift - a total overhaul. On both projects William worked closely with the homeowners to not only create dramatic new designs that better complimented many of the existing architectural details of both homes, but also took time to familiarize himself with each residents' lifestyle to maximize the efficiency and overall project value.

As you may have noticed - a clear example of William's attention to detail can be found in the backsplashes of both homes. William's hand painted outlet covers literally "disappear" where function (electrical requirements) won the battle over form (beautiful tile).

The planning required to guarantee the success of both spaces involved assistance in all aspects of the renovation process. Appliances, cabinetry, millwork, color selections, countertops, room lighting, task lighting, decorative lighting, flooring, project supervision - you name it, William had input & advice.

For more information about any of these projects, please contact KSKC at info@kingstreetkitchencompany.com


Posted by No comments:
Labels: , ,

20 Cool Points for Joan!


20 Cool Points for Joan!!!
Congratulations
- Post & Courier Artist of the Week -


"Blanket"

Our good friend, Joan Alden, was just selected as The Post & Courier's "Local Artist of the Week"! (click here to check out the article)  A revolving showcase of Joan's work has been showcased here at the KSKC showroom since November. (click here for previous post with slideshow and more info )  As is the case with most of our clients & guests - Joan's unique technique captivates and draws us into the paintings on a deeply emotional level.  Her work can be both dark and mysterious but uniquely whimsical at the same time.  


"Calligraphy"


One of my personal favorites, Calligraphy (sorry - not for sale), catches your eye with a background full of movement - deep ocean blues & greens - while an intriguing white focal point, almost appearing to be the product of a calligrapher's hand, pulls you in closer to the painting to investigate.  Only once you've walked across the room to reach the painting do you realize that this elegant calligraphy like symbol is actually two dogs - one sniffing the other in the "appropriate dog sniffing area".  

On top of our excitement about Joan's publicity - we received seven new paintings this week that show a whole new side of her unique ability to blend reality with abstraction.  This new selection of artworks has been getting a lot of attention already - feel free to take a peek during our showroom hours (M-F 10-6 / Sat 11-5) or we are happy to accommodate appointments outside of business hours.

For more information about Joan Alden or her work, please contact us & we will be happy to assist:
(843)-408-0543


Posted by No comments:
Labels: , ,

Your thoughts please....

Please take a moment to let us know what types of blog postings you prefer.  We'll try to keep you better entertained based on the results.  Survey is to the right just above the KSKC logo.


Posted by No comments:
Labels:

Hey....we know you!

Ok, ok - shame on me....I haven't "formally" introduced Leslie Burr...ooops I mean Leslie COLEMAN yet.  Well here goes - everyone, meet Leslie; Leslie, meet everyone.  Leslie actually decided to work with us several months ago, but decided to delay her official start until after her recent wedding (YAY....Congrats Leslie!!!!).  We felt pretty good that the odds were nowhere close to a "run-away bride" scenario - so she even already has her custom letterpress business cards with her new name already on them!  Click here for yet another good reason to procrastinate & put off what you should be doing right now....Leslie's Bio.  Not only is it an interesting read, I think you'll see exactly why we're so excited about how wonderful the direction that our baby is growing (the "baby" = KSKC - no news from Leslie if you were wondering).

Note to Leslie:  We are so happy that you decided to join the KSKC team & are already enjoying the pleasure of having you around the office.  I have no doubt that you are going to be a great asset to KSKC & we hope to be the same to you.  


Posted by No comments:
Labels: , ,

Welcome to the team!

We are pleased to welcome Charleston native William Towne to the King Street Kitchen Company design team.  KSKC friends will probably recognize William's face because he has been a strong supporter since our "Sneak Preview" event at last fall's Upper King Design Walk.  

William has been in the interior design industry for over 16 years, apprenticing under Max Lee - one of the founding members of the American Society of Interior Designers (A.S.I.D.). In addition to his overall interior design experience, William has honed his skills in the art of planning spaces for his clients to explore and expand their culinary skills for over 5 years.  William has worked throughout the United States on exclusive design collaborations, including projects in Tampa, Los Angeles, Scottsdale, Charleston, and the Highlands - Cashiers, NC area.  

William was formally trained in Studio Art at the College of Charleston, Design at The Art Institute of Atlanta, and Art Education at The University of South Carolina.  

Prior to his involvement in the design industry, William was a member of the Robert Ivey Ballet Company, traveling on tour to Russia, Denmark, Sweden, and Spain.  Additionally, William has traveled the length of the Grand Canyon doing environmental research, has traveled to Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, and Mexico during a 4-month backpacking adventure along the Mayan trail, and he has assisted in personal growth programs at a team building organization as a high events facilitator.  

We are honored to have William as a part of our team & are confident, based on his impressive list of repeat clients and referral business, that he will assist many KSKC clients through their projects with the same strong level of integrity with which this business was founded.  If you're interested in setting up an appointment with William, please e-mail him at william@kingstreetkitchencompany.com or call the showroom at 843-408-0543.  


Posted by No comments:
Labels: , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)