home before dark's Profile

My kitchen redo has a cheaper way to do to glam. I'm paneling some walls in sheet mirror and using Metro Chrome shelves in front. I'm hanging my stainless cook ware on some of the shelves (in front of a picture window where they act as a foodie's valence!) and using Metro's garment rack and swivel hooks to do that. And if I can find someone in northeastern Kansas (any one out there), two of the countertops will be in stainless. I'm going induction, but keeping the Cooktek burners as portable. I'm saving money by using tool drawers for lower cabinets. Love induction, not sure it's totally evolved. Look up Cooktek's partnership with Alinea in Chicago about chefs liking induction. I think this KOY series is wonderful for showcasing new ideas that allow us mere mortals to be more creative. I still think that Mick might have been wiretapping my brain. My kitchen do-over has been percolating for about 15 years!

Sleek and elegant, but I'm going induction in a different way. I'm having a workbench style cabinet made and I plan to use four cooktek induction burners. These are not cheap, but they carry a three-year warranty and are made in the USA. I'm keeping them as portable hobs because I'm not sure the technology has totally evolved, plus I get more power and more room. An example technology lag is not being able to find a longer venthood without the CFMs that gas requires Rewiring the kitchen has been a major expense, but I do believe the future is in induction: cleaner, safer, cooler.

I have been a foodie junkie for almost 40 years. Not sure the immersion is at the top of my list, but it has been wonderful during my kitchen remodel. And, by the way, loved the phrase "pry-it-from-your-fingers." That's how it feels when you have the tool you need in your hands when you need it.

I am in the process of redoing my kitchen. I have never liked the idea of wooden cabinets in a working kitchen. Also, I'd rather put my money into better appliances. I'm using Whirlpool's Gladiator garage components (work drawers on wheels under work benches) and reduced need for built ins except for double oven and dishwasher. My friends think I am nuts. At 62 I am used to that response!

Great job! So agree about yin and yang and the search for balance. Speaking of which, I have been searching for a great white coffee mug. Love yours. Would you share the source? And since you are in the coffee world, would you talk about your coffee related products. I've been through three bean grinders. Help!!!!!!

I am playing the devil's advocate here.We know (thank you Mark Hampton) that painting small rooms white and using small furniture doesn't make them bigger. I say go with what you have. I personally like rooms where the ceiling is painted the same color as the walls. If you can't have 14' ceilings, go for cozy and intimate.

I've given up on boneless chicken and buy the Smart Chicken with skin and ribs. A little rub of olive oil, salt & pepper and roast until juices run clear. I save the rib bones and freeze for stock.

I have always had some form of open shelving and pot racks in my kitchens. I like the grab 'n go aspects of seeing what you need. My new kitchen will feature chrome metro shelving. The entire kitchen will be sheet mirror. The base cabinets will be Whirlpool gladiator tool cabinets. Yes, sometimes you have to wash things twice. Not a big deal.