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Tradition With A Twist
An eclectic mix of transitional and traditional, this newly remodeled kitchen is a spectacular
blend of materials,
textures and colors.
Cabinets in two different wood species and finishes were selected - maple with a bronze glaze and
cherry with a coffee glaze. The sink base cabinet in cherry was brought forward a few inches and
treated with special trim and feet to give the illusion of an antique drysink set among the maple
cabinets. The hutch, with its built-in halogen lighting, is also cherry to give the impression
of a free-standing piece of furniture. In the cabinet to the right of the hutch is a chrome pivot-out
pantry system. Cherry panels were used to disguise the built-in Sub-Zero refrigerator which has a
lift-front cabinet above.
Maple base cabinets in the U-shaped workspace and peninsula house the built-in microwave.
They also disguise two Bosch dishwashers that flank the sink and a Dacor warming drawer,
in addition to supplying lots of needed storage space.
Some of the maple wall cabinets have antiqued brass wire mesh grills, while others
have glass fronts. A special touch - two of the upper cabinets have glass in
both the doors and the cabinet backs. Installed in front of transom windows,
these cabinets supply showcase storage without blocking natural light.
A custom made cabinet for the family dining area was made of
old pine to blend with an existing harvest table and sideboard. The cabinet
has two arched doors with antiqued brass wire mesh grills over four
drawers with beaded front and bun feet.
Granite in Crystal Azul with a pencil edge was chosen to complement
the warm tones of the wood and is used on the large U-shaped countertop.
The granite follows the special contours of the sink cabinet with it's double
stainless steel sink and weathered brass and copper faucet, adding an interesting
focal point. Floating above the granite countertop is an angled breakfast
bar of polished, dark gray concrete supported on antiqued copper posts. The same
dark gray concrete was used for the countertop on the hutch.
Other special touches include custom designed tile backsplashes for both the range
and hutch areas, a copper range hood that was aged on site, a dual fuel commercial
style stainless steel range with copper accents, iron cabinet hardware and hardwood floors.
During the day plenty of natural light pours in through two new skylights, as well as
the four casement windows and arch-top picture window which overlook the natural
landscaping. In addition, there is an abundance of task and general lighting in the
pendant lights over the counter, recessed lights in the ceiling, and undercabinet
lighting. Special over-the-cabinet lighting creates a wondrous play of shadows on
the cathedral ceiling.
The final crowning touch is the faux painting in the kitchen and family dining area -
a contemporary green with coppery fleur-de-lis.
A hard-working kitchen - a family friendly kitchen - a beautiful traditional kitchen
with a contemporary twist - a kitchen for a lifetime!
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Remodeling & Parade of Homes Show Schedules
2003 Winter / Spring
Home & Landscape Expo
Metrodome
January 3-5 & 10-12, 2003
Home & Garden Show
Minneapolis Convention Center
February 5-9, 2003
Home & Patio Show
RiverCentre, St. Paul
February 27 - March 2, 2003
Home & Garden Expo
Ridgedale Center
March 7-9, 2003
Spring Parade of Homes
February 15 - March 23, 2003
Thursday - Sunday - 12 noon - 6pm
TJB Parade Homes Located at:
~ 2106 Arnold Palmer Drive, Blaine
~ 9291 Hunters Court, Minnetrista
~ 1234 - 128th Circle NW, Coon Rapids
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Countertops: Metal
Homeowners today are rediscovering the reasons why commercial chefs prefer
stainless steel countertops. They are heat-resistant, easy to clean, waterproof
and durable. Another advantage to the homeowner is that the shiny surface
reflects light, lending a feeling of spaciousness to a kitchen. When paired together
with quality wood cabinets, stainless steel countertops radiate warmth and elegance.
If the finish has a grain, it is easier to keep the surface free from fingerprints and
noticeable scratches. The countertop will look its best if it is wiped frequently with
warm water, soap, or ammonia using a sponge or a soft cloth. Rinse with water,
and wipe dry to avoid water stains. If it is necessary to scour the surface, use only a
mild abrasive and always rub in the direction of the grain. Use a cutting board to
protect the surface from scratching.
Copper is also entering the scene as a trendy choice for countertops in residential
kitchens today. When the copper countertop is first polished and set in place, it will
be a lustrous orange-gold color. Over time, however, it will oxidize into a rich
dark brown with a monochromatic patina. It is the choice of the homeowner whether
to polish the copper on a regular basis to maintain the luster, or to simply clean the
surface with soap and water and enjoy the interesting patina. Copper is a soft metal,
so it scratches easily and can become distorted through exposure to high temperatures.
The use of a chopping block and a trivet is recommended.
Zinc is another metal countertop option. Polished, it resembles the silvery color of
stainless steel. Like copper, however, it oxidizes and patinates over time and turns
a deep blue-gray color. Maintenance is similar to that of copper countertops.
Copper and zinc countertops have an old world charm and are preferred by those
who welcome the look of materials aged by everyday use.
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Let There Be Light!
Most everyone can identify with that sudden lift in spirit that you get when you walk
outside on a beautiful, sunshiny day, after having spent too much time indoors,
closed off and under artificial light.
This concept has received a lot of attention in the design world during the last
few years as studies have pointed to the numerous benefits of bringing natural light
into building interiors. They have even coined a term, "daylighting," to describe
the conscious effort to use natural light as one of the primary sources for interior
illumination.
Physically and psychologically, people have a common desire to be connected to
the rhythms and changes of the outdoor world. When buildings are designed for
plenty of natural light, they give you a relationship to the sun, the sky, changing
weather patterns and seasonal conditions. A welcome sense of the passage of time
is imparted.
In addition, full-spectrum natural light is a known source of Vitamin D and a tool in
the fight against the depression, mood swings and irritability associated with seasonal
light deprivation.
There can also be cost and environmental benefits to using natural light, since fewer
electric lights are needed during the day.
Think about areas in your home that seem dark and dreary. It be possible to
daylight a room and increase your connectedness to the outdoors simply by
replacing a small existing window with a larger one. Consider adding a wall of
windows, if appropriate, or extending the space with a bay window addition.
Perhaps your kitchen windows are too far away to adequately light the work center
Maybe there is a room in the center of your home which has no exterior window
walls at all.
In these cases, think upward. Adding skylights in the ceiling above brings the triple benefits
of increased natural light, a view to the outdoors, and ventilation (if the skylight is
operable).
Be sure to consider the fact that skylights can result in unwanted solar heat gains
and losses, depending on the time of year. Choose your unit carefully. Manufacturers
use various methods to reduce these impacts, which include multiple layers of
glazing, gas fills between multiple layers, and/or low-emissivity (low-e) glazing.
Purchasing blinds or shades with your skylight provides additional control.
An alternative to a traditional skylight is to install a tubular skylight. The system is
comprised of a roof-mounted reflector that collects outside light and directs it down a
cylinder to a light diffuser in the ceiling below. A tubular skylight can be installed
in places where a traditional skylight would not be an option, such as rooms
without direct roof access or small areas like bathrooms, closets and hallways.
Normally, a tubular skylight is more afford the simplicity of installation. It does not
offer the advantage, however, of a clear view to the outdoors.
Whatever your choice of method, daylighting those gloomy areas of your home
home, and quite simply makes you feel better all around. Not a bad idea!
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Remodeling Design Centre ~ Now Open
"TJB Homes & Remodeling Does It All"
Porches
Rec Rooms
Lower Level Finishes
Designer Kitchens & Baths
Bars & Entertainment Centers
Room Additions - Porches & Decks
License #1845
New Showroom Open
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Other Times By Appointment
See Kitchens, Baths & More
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Credentials
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Physical Address
9100 Baltimore Street NE #102
Blaine, MN 55449
(NE Corner of Hwy 10 & Hwy 65)
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