Showing posts with label showroom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label showroom. Show all posts
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.
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
Click Image to Enlarge
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
Design Walk Riddle Revealed!!!
Introducing....
(Check back for a photo slideshow of the Design Walk introduction)
This item, along with it's brothers & sisters...1. Could potentially reduce your visits to the chiropractor
(floor lowers to countertop to make loading and unloading effortless)
2. Will compliment KSKC's commitment to bringing a new standard of design integrity to Charleston's kitchens
2. Will compliment KSKC's commitment to bringing a new standard of design integrity to Charleston's kitchens
(Gaggenau is word renowned for their creative approach to appliance design that fuses fine details with restaurant-grade cooking)
3. Has won numerous design awards and shares design heritage with the worlds most exclusive audio / video equipment - Bang & Olufsen, not to mention it can be seen at the Museum of Modern Art in New York
3. Has won numerous design awards and shares design heritage with the worlds most exclusive audio / video equipment - Bang & Olufsen, not to mention it can be seen at the Museum of Modern Art in New York
(by commissioning artists like Master industrial designer Jacob Jensen , Gaggenau has established itself as a leading influence in cutting edge design. Gaggenau played a significant role in MoMA's Home Delivery System3 installation)
4. Will even make Mr. & Mrs. Jones envious at your next dinner party
4. Will even make Mr. & Mrs. Jones envious at your next dinner party
(although it is a fully functional convection oven, the heated bottom floor of the Gaggenau lift oven can be used for a warming tray to keep hors d'oeuvres warm - plus it's one of the coolest kitchen gizmo yet!)
5. Will grant you instant clout in culinary circles
5. Will grant you instant clout in culinary circles
(Gaggenau, named after the German town where it was founded, has been a leader in innovation for 300 years and known around the world for making restaurant quality appliances)
6. And most importantly it's Exclusively available through Charleston's most creative kitchen design specialists - King Street Kitchen Company
6. And most importantly it's Exclusively available through Charleston's most creative kitchen design specialists - King Street Kitchen Company
(see concept drawing of Charleston's live Gaggenau display which will be unveiled at the fall '09 Design Walk)
Both King Street Kitchen Company and Gaggenau see this partnership as an opportunity to increase our clients' level of satisfaction with not only their new kitchen, but the new lifestyle that comes along with that investment. Throughout the implementation of our fully functional Gaggenau showroom kitchen, and the introduction of this unique product to the Charleston market, we will be working with closely with the Gaggenau team, including Jim Brantley (District Sales Manager for BSH Home Appliances Corporation) and Gudren Berger (Brand Manager for Gaggenau United States). According to Jim, "She (Gudren) and I are excited about the partnership between King Street Kitchen Company and Gaggenau. I look forward to working with you and your customers to make sure they truly enjoy the Gaggenau Experience".
For additional information about Gaggenau Products please feel free to contact us at King Street Kitchen Company or at Gaggenau's website, www.gaggenau.com.
Cooking Demonstration with Wine Pairing on Wednesday, March 11
King Street Kitchen Company
- Cooking Demonstration and Sampling with Wine Pairing Mar 11 -
Each month, King Street Kitchen Company will hold cooking demonstrations featuring Charleston's finest culinary artists. This month's special guest is Executive Chef Nico Romo from Fish Restaurant. Join us next Wednesday, March 11 from 6:00-8:00 for a sampling of delicious food and wine, while taking away recipes that you can easily do on your own at home.
This month's menu includes Nico's famous Shrimp Spring Rolls with chopped bacon and Thai vinaigrette, paired with four wine options! Mmmmmm!Demonstration Details:
- Date: Wednesday, March 11 from 6:00-8:00PM
- Cost: $12 per person
- Space is limited, so buy your tickets today! Click here for easy, secure purchase online.
About Executive Chef Nico Romo:
Lyon, France native Nico Romo was recruited by Patrick Properties owners and operators of Fish restaurant, The William Aiken House, Lowndes Grove and The American Theater, in May 2007. As Executive Chef of one of Charleston's finest hospitality companies, Romo takes pride in using seasonal local ingredients to create flavorful, innovative French-Asian inspired dishes. Menu highlights include roast pork dumplings with sweet soy, goat cheese spring rolls, vermillion snapper, bouillabaisse and slow-cooked palmetto bass.
After graduating at the age of 15 from Helene Boucher Culinary Art School in Venissieux, France, Romo honed his skills through internships for two renowned Relais & Chateaux properties, La Pyramide in Vienne, France, and Restaurant Pierre Orsi in Lyon. Romo moved to the US in 1999 to work as Sous Chef at Chez Philippe in the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN. Here Romo had the opportunity to attend and cook for two James Beard house dinners as well as manage the kitchen of the four-star, nationally acclaimed restaurant. Following his tenure at the Peabody Hotel, Romo worked at Cielo in Memphis, and was recruited soon after to work as Sous Chef at The Café at The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta, GA. Romo went on to later become Executive Chef at The Café at East Andrews in Buckhead and The Milton House in Alpharetta, GA.
Most recently, Romo was recruited to open the third location of the B.E.D. restaurant concepts in downtown Atlanta. Located inside Atlanta’s first luxury, boutique hotel, The Glenn, B.E.D., which has sister properties in New York and Miami, is known to attract celebrities for its contemporary blend of décor, cuisine and style.
Amy's Roasted Peppers....MMMMM
Tuesday morning, after much prodding by everyone who has had my roasted peppers, I finally decided to give that beautiful grill on our Wolf Range a try. I know, it took me some time to get going, but really the only reason I was hesitant was because I really didn't want to have to clean up!! However, after speaking with Steve Brown, Mr. Appliance Master, I found out that clean up was virtually painless, YEAH! So off I went on a hunt for the perfect ingredients. I was able to locate the largest firm and colorful bell peppers, a gardener’s dream.
The very next morning I placed them on the hot grill and almost immediately the door swung open and two smiling faces popped their heads in our showroom to see what was cooking. The aroma had made its way out onto the sidewalk in front of our storefront. It then brought back my own memories of my childhood summers when My friends and I would walk down the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore where the vendors would have the sausage & peppers sizzling on their grill, or in the fall when you walked the streets of Little Italy in NYC during The Feast of San Gennaro. It’s an aroma that’s hard to describe, but one that that literally makes your mouth begin to water and your stomach to ache for those Italian favorites. As I turned the peppers, the audience began to grow and ultimately ended with everyone from the showroom, including Princess Margot, and several friends from the sidewalk. But, alas, they would have to wait. Roasting peppers is a test in patience and attention. You have to be sure not to overcook the inner layer of flesh while at the same time burning the outer layer.
Allowing them to cool is the next step followed by removing the burned outer layer of skin. Add a little extra virgin olive oil, dash of salt & pepper and they are ready to go. Next get some good heated ciabatta bread, drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette (the homemade kind, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, natural sugar & fresh basil, mix well). Place strips of peppers, fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, baby lettuces and sprinkle with grated romano cheese. Serve with a cool glass of San Pellegrino with a lime wedge & trust me you'll be completely satisfied!
Buono Appetito!!!
Spin Room: "Custom"
Like many young adults, I paid more attention to the Presidential elections this year than ever before. One of the revelations that I had during the process is that no matter what either candidate said, particularly during the debates, the media could “spin” the dialog to have a thousand different meanings. What was especially amazing was the fact that this information came from the “spin rooms”, so basically by labeling these rooms as such they were admitting that the information that they were conveying had been filtered and “adjusted” to convey any point that they wanted to make…usually with very little association to the original context. Maybe it’s just me, but I found myself wondering on many occasions exactly why I was even paying the media any attention at all.
Here are some of my…..ummm, opinions about “CUSTOM” cabinetry. There are basically three options to consumers:
Custom Factory Built: (my preference 90% of the time)
Advantages:
o The very best quality finishes available, particularly when it comes to painted finishes, due to the larger factories’ ability to procure the best finishing equipment.
o Scheduling – Because these factories operate on very regulated schedules, our ability to deliver product on time with fewer “surprises” is greatly improved.
o Talent Pool – With many wood-workers, finish specialist, and other craftspeople, these factories can produce almost anything I can draw while maximizing quality and efficiency.
o If a part becomes damaged, you can rest assured that there is someone behind the scenes that can match and replace that part perfectly, even decades later. (Warranty!!!!)
Disadvantages:
o Sometimes perceived as lower quality because the cabinetry is often produced on an assembly line (I don’t agree with this)
o Price point – sometimes higher than the alternatives (sometimes true, but you certainly get what you pay for)
o A perception that problems on the jobsite take longer to fix. This is really more about the quality of the installers putting the cabinetry in verses that actual quality of the cabinetry.
2. Custom Local Shop:
Advantages:
o Sometimes faster production cycle (sometimes not – depending on the workload at any given time)
o Sometimes a 10-12% cost savings (for certain lower traffic areas this may be an option that allows you to put your resources in factory cabinetry where there will be a greater chance of product or finish failure)
o Excellent local craftsmen – I work with several local woodworkers that would give Norm a run for his money….availability sometimes is a problem though
Disadvantages:
o Sometimes unreliable when it comes to delivery schedule and product quality (having a bad day Mr. Woodworker?)
o Less buying power often results in inferior construction or material selections to stay competitive
o It’s up to YOU (or me, if I’m your designer) to make sure the craftsman CLEARLY understands your design intentions so that you don’t end up with something that only resembles your drawing.
o Finish – Stains….a good local guy can do a good stain on a good day, Paint – very iffy, glazed or artistic finishes – forget about it, hire your own faux finisher.
3. Jobsite built Cabinetry:
Advantages:
o Usually most cost effective option for Custom cabinetry
o Ummmm…. I can’t think of anything else
o I just added this line to make it look more fair
Disadvantages:
o Just trust me, you don’t wanna go down that road unless it’s something like a pantry or other secondary area that you just want something fast and inexpensive & don’t care about the quality that much.
I think it’s pretty obvious which of these options that I am partial to, but I am open to any discussions or debate concerning the three. These are my opinions based on my experience with cabinetry manufacturers over the past decade. Of course there are exceptions to every run….but I would put money on most of these opinions.
Showroom Art - Joan Alden
Joan Alden, writer turned painter, has lived in Charleston five years and teaches at The Citadel. Before Charleston she lived in the Hudson Valley of New York with her late partner Catherine Hopkins, photographer, and wrote full time, producing three published novels and a children’s book. It is Hopkins’ photographic prints that Alden uses in her paintings. Alden pastes the black and white prints to canvases and paints them with the same oils she uses to create extended backgrounds for the photographic images. In some cases the photographic image is more obvious than in other cases in which it is almost hidden under the paint, and except for the sharper focus that the observer will discover in the center of the painting that provides the clue that the print is there, one might not know. Although Alden works with oils of every color, her paintings now on display in King Street Kitchen Company are all in hues of brown and cream and shades of blue and green. On display at Med Bistro, Alden’s work incorporates brilliant yellows and greens and reds. Her subjects at both places vary from landscape and architectural details to people and pets, sometimes mysterious and oftentimes humorous such as the painting titled Calligraphy of two dogs on the beach. Their position, naturally canine, is of one sniffing the butt of the other, suggesting a graceful pen stroke. The largest painting (30X40) at KSKC is titled Blanket. It is a dramatic seascape with the back of a swimmer sitting at the surf while a wave, appearing like a blue blanket, covers her outstretched legs. Another large painting is narrative in form with four separate prints of children at a quarry, suggesting an afternoon swim from another century. All total there are 21 paintings hanging at KSKC, 12 at Med Bistro, and 6 at Chart. Alden has had two shows in the area, a one night show October of 2007 at Gage Hall and a month long show at The Alchemy Café this last September. Both shows were well received, selling fifteen paintings each. Alden keeps her prices affordable.
Making Room....Display Sale!!!
It's hard to believe that Phase 2 of our build out is just around the corner, but we're already getting started with the plans for our next creative display kitchen. Lucky for you, that means an excellent opportunity to get a GREAT deal on current display cabinetry. This beautiful custom designer hutch was produced in the heart of Amish Country - Lancaster Co, PA by craftsmen whose skills have been in their families for generations.
Hutch Details:
- Burnished Cherry wood with tasteful distressing options
- High end furniture finish
- Authentic solid Cherry flush inset face frames, drawer heads, and doors
- All wood construction w/ solid wood countertop
- Pull out waste basket and internal roll out shelf behind right base door
- Wood cutlery divider and pegboard drawer divider
- Heavy duty can storage pull out with adjustable shelves
- Beautiful valance detail in open hutch area with plate grooves on each shelf
- Decorative end panels (both sides)
- Furniture crown and baseboard moldings
- Several options for internal display lighting
- Unit is currently installed on a mobile wall and floor system that can be easily moved
- Additional matching cabinetry available
- Can be refinished with a darker stain color or a pained finish
Retail Price: $16,715.00
Display Price: $8,357.50 (50% off)
All reasonable offers considered
Other displays available, e-mail or call for more information
When a toilet shows up in the middle of your showroom....
...we couldn't resist, could you? This reminds me of one of my favorite episodes of the Golden Girls where Dorothy & Rose decide to replace their broken toilet on their own. Soon after the toilet was dropped off & still sitting in the living room, Sofia, Dorothy's crazy 80 y/o mother, walks through the kitchen door and exclaims "You guys are geniuses! I've always wanted a toilet in front of the TV!"
Countertops, Countertops, Countertops {Wood}
As promised, here's the deal with wood chop blocks and countertops. Truly, there is so much information about this topic that this blog could easily border on "informing you against your will", so I will try to keep it as brief as possible. However, don't hesitate to ask questions if I leave something out of if you have been advised differently.
Basically, I classify countertops into two broad categories - those that easily retain their "like new" appearance no matter how much you abuse them, and those that age gracefully and develop a patina with regular use. Wood countertops generally fall into the latter of those two categories because they are naturally produced products (as opposed to human engineered). Another factor that pushes wood tops into this category is the fact that different wood species, such as maple, cherry, teak, etc, have their own individual quirks that respond differently depending on the environment. As an example, maple - traditionally used for heavy food preparation - is often used for heavy traffic areas that one might use on a daily basis for actual chopping and dicing. Because of its natural density and hardness it can take a lot of abuse and still remain presentable. For those of you out there searching for that perfect well used former butcher's chop block, you're most likely going to stumble across a maple one. Other woods, such as pine, are less common for actual preparation surfaces because of its very loose and soft grain. In a high traffic area pine will start to show wear and tear much more quickly.
In the past decade, as we have begun to exhaust our options for that perfect countertop option, many have turned back to wood. This demand has pushed the industry in a whole new direction, one that includes a vast variety of interesting and beautiful wood species. Again, each of these types have their good qualities and their drawbacks. In the photo above from the King Street Kitchen Company showroom, you will see an island countertop constructed from a wood called Iroko, a wood very similar to Teak. What makes this species a wonderful choice for kitchen countertops is its naturally dense grain and high oil content which reduces the possibility of staining. Maintenance is very user friendly, only requiring an occasional rub down with a penetrating mineral oil to further reduce the possibility of staining. Another property common to Iroko, much like cherry, is its tendency to change color over time. Typically, fresh planks will have a distinctive yellow hew, but will transition to a beautiful rich brown over several months, particularly when exposed to direct natural light.
One of the most common misconceptions about wood countertops and chop blocks is that they are less sanitary than alternatives. This theory was introduced in the 1970's at the same time that many of the man-made countertop options, such as corian and formica, started being produced. Studies done during this period claiming that wood was a breeding ground for bacteria eventually lead to heavy government restrictions for commercial use of wood surfaces, however later studies have discredited these claims and have proven exactly the opposite in many ways. A solid wood surface in good condition without heavy cracks actually helps kill bacteria because the surface is self-healing, meaning any cuts close back on themselves and eliminate the opportunity for bacteria growth. In many of the man-made materials, scores created during food prep remain open and provide a perfect environment for bacteria to fester and grow. That being said, the logical question remains, much like eggs and milk being good for your one day and bad for you the next, who do we believe. My personal and professional opinion is that, assuming we respect basic kitchen cleaning routines, wood is the winner and is my choice to not only provide practical functionality, but to provide a physically and psychologically warm alternative for everyday countertops.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@kingstreetkitchencompany.com
A couple of great resources for more information are:
Each of these resources produce high quality wood products for kitchen use and are available at the King Street Kitchen Company showroom.
Grand Opening - WE MADE IT!!!!
Let's just say that I saw more than just a few "deer in the headlights" expressions on people's faces as they walked through our front doors to what many might describe as total chaos only 24, no 12, who are we kidding....2 hours before our grand opening celebration on Thursday evening. I am fairly certain that the words "have faith' came out of my mouth during the 12 hour span before our 6pm grand opening deadline more than ever before. To give those...shall we call them "hopeful skeptics" credit, this was a VERY aggressive timeline and many had not experienced the dedication and determination that comes along with a "cherry picked" team. This showroom, this entire design and construction team in fact, is the perfect example of the "sum being greater than its parts." Each team member has been searching for the best way to combine their talents to achieve something magical, something that we can share with our clients, something that will allow each of us to continue to grow and learn, and something that we can all have fun doing. Based on this experience and the excitement from Thursday night, I'm positive that we've found it.
Thank you all for attending our Grand Opening and for supporting our friends at Louie's Kids. Also, a special thank you to Chef Nico Romo from Fish Restaurant for breaking in our new kitchen, to Wolf and Sub-Zero for their amazing support, and for Baker Motors for making sure we all had the opportunity to arrive in style!
Don't be a stranger....you're welcome in our kitchen any time!
PS....more photos coming soon! (Don't worry...no blackmail photos - for now) ;-)
Tonight: King Street Kitchen Company Grand Opening Celebration!
Tonight King Street Kitchen Company Celebrates its Grand Opening at 543 King Street in Charleston's Upper King Design District. Either stroll down King Street or park in the Charleston Visitors Center Parking Deck. Shuttle to our showroom in style, courtesy of Baker Motor Co., and take either a Maserati, Porsche, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, or the new Smart Car. Whether shuttling to our celebration or strolling down King Street, stop by at anytime from six o'clock until nine o'clock this evening and enjoy the party!
Our Grand Opening will not only be a celebration of great design, but also a locally operated national charity–Louie's Kids, a non-profit that helps treat childhood obesity nationwide. Just like Louie's Kids does through education and fitness programs, we hope to influence healthy lifestyles by creating cooking and living environments that our clients love to live in.
Please join us for this celebration, see our new showcases, and learn about King Street Kitchen Company kitchens for your home. You'll see favorite products that we've used in past projects, vintage materials being reintroduced as unique design solutions, and totally new products making their debut in the work of kitchen design. Come meet our designers, enjoy the part, and help us thank Louie's Kids for all of their positive influence in our society.
King Street Kitchen Company is located at 543 King Street in the Upper King Design District. Parking is available at the Charleston Visitors Center between John and Ann, and shuttles will be provided by Baker Motor Company of Charleston. We can't wait to see you there!
Grand Opening
Wow, we could have never imagined such a wonderful response at the Design Walk on Thursday evening. I have been told that we had somewhere in the range of 750 - 1000 people visit the showroom! Unbelievable! Thank you all for coming out to show your support. We met some wonderful people and had a lot of great questions about KSKC & the selections showcased in our kitchen. Some of these selections are favorite products that we've used in past projects, some are vintage materials being reintroduced as unique design solutions, and some are totally new products making their debut in the world of kitchen design. Although it was a nail-biting experience to unveil the marriage of so many unique products at one time, we couldn't be happier with the results.
Continuing the trend of exciting events, our November 13th Grand Opening will not only be a celebration of great design, it will also be a celebration for a locally operated organization, Louie's Kids, that helps treat childhood obesity nationwide. Childhood obesity is an epidemic with startling statistics in our country that it is only getting worse and is a major contributor to many often avoidable illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. Just like Louie's Kids does through education and fitness programs, we hope to influence healthy lifestyles by creating cooking and living environments that our clients love to be in. Please join us for this celebration and help us thank Louie's Kids for all of their positive influence in our society.
"Sneak Preview" - Upper King Design Walk
Tonight's the night! We have been some pretty busy bees lately getting our front kitchen display ready for a "Sneak Preview" of King Street Kitchen Company, King Street's very own kitchen design firm. Our hammers are taking a much needed break & we're putting our forks to work for the evening. Put your party hat's on & we'll see you tonight at the Upper King Design District 2008 Design Walk starting at 5pm!
Our Grand Opening benefit for Louis Kids will be on November 13th from 6-9pm. Stay tuned, we will be sending out additional details in the coming week!
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