Archive for February 2010
"10 Important Things to Consider Before Designing a New Kitchen"
February 28, 2010 | 
Author Here are 10 important guidelines for your kitchen design project.
1. For efficiency, the work triangle (the space between the sink, refrigerator, and stove) should measure 26’ or less with no single side longer than 9’, or less than 4’.
2. In kitchens smaller than 150 sq. ft., opt for at least 13’ of base cabinets, 12’ of wall cabinets, and 11’ of countertop. In kitchens which are larger, go with at least 16’ of base cabinets, 15 1/2’ of wall cabinets, and 16 1/2’ of countertop.
3. For convenience, plan work aisles to be at least 42” wide for one cook, and at least 48” wide in multi-cook kitchens.
4. Specify a minimum of 24” of counter space on one side of the sink and at least 18” on the other.
5. To create the most accessible landing for unloading groceries, allow at least 15” of counter space on the handle side of a standard refrigerator; on both sides if it’s a side-by-side model. Or include a landing area directly across from the refrigerator, but no more than 48” away.
6. For cleanup ease, install the dishwasher within 36” of one edge of the sink and allow for at least 21” of standing room next to it.
7. For microwaves and ovens, provide at least 15 “ of counter space nearby, at least 16” deep.
8. For optimum clearance, no entry, appliance, or cabinet doors should interfere with another.
9. For comfort and to help avoid repetitive-motion injury, plan for work counters of different heights; between 28 and 36” off the floor (easier for chopping and seated-use access), and between 36 and 46” for general tasks (higher counters accommodate taller cooks).
10. To install a cabinet unit above the cook top, make sure the clearance is at least 24” for a fireproof surface, 30” for an unprotected surface.
Designing a kitchen is as much a science as it is an art. Knowing the recommended measurements to use when planning the project can make all the difference in the final outcome.
Posted in Kitchen | 
Tags: base cabinets, designing a kitchen, Kitchen, kitchen design, repetitive motion injury, sink, Space, wall cabinets, work, work triangle | 
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"Non-Chaluxe" Defines Glamour Without Glitz
When it comes to glamour-whether you’re talking about a room interior or a fashion statement-it’s not about the flash.
The juxtaposition of simple and elaborate, mingled with an unexpected touch of extravagance, is finding its way into Manhattan lofts and Malibu Bauhaus beach houses.
The note of glamour is added with one statement piece, and whether it’s a gilded Venetian mirror or a spectacular leather turquoise chaise in the center of an all-white living room, that one piece adds a little luxury to an otherwise casual room setting.
The name of this simple and elegant glamour trend is “non-chaluxe.”
It is best personified by the new Hollywood-20-something stars and starlets who mix $20 T-shirts with $350 designer shoes and wander the streets of Soho with little kids in tow. It’s like wearing “the little black dress” with one amazing piece of jewelry.
“Glamour doesn’t have to be over the top. One fantastic chair or sofa placed in the midst of a quiet retreat is a wonderful way to celebrate life. Our take on turquoise is our interpretation of an amazing piece of jewelry on our favorite simple dress,” said Pasquale Natuzzi, CEO and chief designer of Natuzzi, manufacturer of sofas, sectionals and chairs.
The chaise is covered in rich, luscious turquoise leather so it can be paired with the matching occasional chair or complemented by the company’s sectional sofa in turquoise Tirelli fabric.
Both the chair and sectional are anchored in stunning, slender, brushed metal legs for a lean Grace Kelly-esque glamorous appeal-simplicity with an elegant, fashionable twist.
You can place all these pieces together or mix and match them with tag sale items, or sparse, starkly contrasting furnishings. Whether choosing one elegant piece-or a set-look for cutting-edge design and superior Italian craftsmanship, says Natuzzi, who has been designing and manufacturing residential furniture since 1959 and has grown into a global leader in the leather upholstery business.
A Common Question: "Should I Use Mace or Pepper Spray?"
Pepper spray is a generic term for all self-defense sprays that contain oleoresin capsicum, a carrier, and a propellant. Oleoresin capsicum is the active ingredient in pepper spray, harvested or derived from cayenne peppers or other peppers. Its effects are physically incapacitating rather than painfully irritating; this makes it ideal for self-defense sprays that are intended for use on assailants who are immune to pain (psychotics, those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or just “tough guys”).
Tear gas, on the other hand, is commonly made of one of two chemical compounds: CS (orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile) or CN (choroacetophenone). These compounds, when sprayed into the face of an assailant, work to irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory system. They work on the pain principle, and so are not effective against those who are impervious to pain.
Mace is a brand name that used to offer only tear gas. Now, Mace offers several different types of self-defense spray, including:
Mace Triple Action is pepper spray, tear gas, and Ultra-Violet dye. The pepper spray physically incapacitates the assailant by forcing his eyes shut and tightening his bronchial tubes, making it impossible for him to see and very difficult for him to breathe. The tear gas irritates the bronchial tubes, causing him to cough. The UV dye brands the assailant with a purple mess, making him easily identifiable.
Pepper Mace uses a 10-percent oleoresin capsicum solution and UV dye. The OC solution is a particularly strong one; it doesn’t kick in as quickly as a smaller concentration like 1-5 percent, but the effects are longer, sometimes up to 45 minutes.
Pepper foam is the same as pepper Mace, but it sprays as foam rather than a liquid.
So as you can see, it is not a question of mace vs. pepper spray, since Mace is simply a brand name. The question is really one of Tear Gas vs. Pepper Spray. The winner? Pepper spray, hands down.
High Point Furniture Show Scheduled Events
If you’re not familiar with the High Point International Home Furnishings Market, it’s the largest trade show in the US for furniture. The first furniture market was held in 1909 in High Point, North Carolina and was called the Southern Furniture Market.
Today, the trade show is attended by people from all over the globe. It’s held twice a year and you can learn about anything from home fashion and design to how to effectively build your retail furniture business. You also get to see the new furniture trends and styles before they hit the market.
The dates for the upcoming Furniture Market will be April 27 to May 3. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect at the approaching furniture show.
Day 1 – April 27:
Learn what industry experts are doing to close their sales.
40% of your customers are checking out your website before and after a purchase. Are you sending the right message?
How to tell fashion from fad. Invest in the right thing.
Is your inventory lost? Learn some great tips on inventory management.
Day 2 – April 28:
Don’t miss Candice Olson, the host of the popular HGTV show “Divine Design with Candice Olson,” give some design solutions and tips.
Find out how adjusting your store lighting can make a big difference in the presentation of your furniture.
Do you advertise on TV or thinking about it? Find out how to do it right.
Day 3 – April 29:
The Allure 2006 Fashion Show hosted by Nancy Glass
Diversify yourself by retailing if you’re a designer or designing if you’re a retailer.
The session shows you how to combine them both and help your bottom line.
Drive your sales. Learn how to create that High Performance Sales Force.
Day 4 – April 30:
Ever wonder how you can compete against the National Brands? This day has a session just for the Independent Furniture Retailer.
Stay way ahead of the trends with the “8 Incoming Looks for 2007.”
Find new ways to control your delivery expenses.
How would you sell to your Grandmother? This session titled, “Selling to Your Grandmother” is about building trust and getting intimate with your customers.
Posted in Furniture | Tags: Candice Olson, divine design with candice olson, Don, Furniture, furniture market, furniture retail, furniture show, furniture trends, high point, high point nc, independent furniture retailer, Market, Nancy, North Carolina, retail furniture business, show, Southern Furniture, US | No Comments »