Miele's New Countertop Coffee System

Miele, known for their state-of-the-art built-in coffee systems, has introduced a new countertop model with a lot of cool features. This machine grinds whole coffee beans fresh for every cup and makes delicious coffee drinks. The grinder can be adjusted for the strength of brew you prefer. Not only can you make coffees or espressos, but also cappuccinos and lattes with the built-in milk frother and steamer. A nice extra feature is the cup warmer on top of the unit. Available in black or white, this is a great unit if you don't have room to build one in. See the new Miele countertop coffee system in our showroom.

Tour of Kitchens

CSI was proud to participate in the Junior League of Atlanta’s annual Tour of Kitchens, for the 8th year in a row on a beautiful Saturday in March.

Our homeowners graciously opened other rooms as well, so tour-goers got to see the master bath, pool bath and outdoor kitchen as well as the beautiful pool atrium. All the cabinetry for the house was from our Leicht line from Germany, except for the outdoor kitchen which we did in stainless steel cabinetry from Jay Rambo Co. The kitchen features dual islands each with a sink and dishwasher for easy clean up for the homeowners who love to entertain. Four colors of cabinets from Leicht were chosen for a state-of-the-art contemporary look including cherry, Sahara lacquer, stainless steel and oak in a dark anthracite finish.

The master bath was equally spectacular with a barrel-vaulted ceiling covered with glass tile that extends down to the vanity. Leicht cabinets in dark oak anthracite were chosen for the vanity and topped with low vessel lavatories. An oculus window under the barrel vault provides light in the huge double shower, and a relaxing spa tub is set in its own niche. At the other end of the room is a large walk-in closet that we outfitted with Jay Rambo Co. closet components.

Miele's RemoteVision

Miele is on the cutting edge of appliance technology. They have introduced RemoteVision, a wireless appliance support system that monitors your refrigerator, freezer, wine storage unit, some dishwashers and laundry units to warn you if there is a problem. We all spend a lot of money on food these days. Wouldn't you like to be informed if a door was left ajar so it could be closed before food began to spoil? And for wine connoisseurs who have a lot invested in valuable vintages, being alerted to a problem could save them hundreds of dollars. If a problem occurs, you will receive notification via e-mail and a service appointment can be scheduled. When you are purchasing the ultimate in appliances, protect your investment by including the ultimate in service as well.

Kosher Accessories for the Galley Sink

Kosher-Friendly Galley Accessories Are Now Available! To keep the food categories separate, every Galley accessory is now available with your choice of three colors: red, blue or green. The central drain of the Galley creates the ideal station to prep all your Kosher foods safely. You can easily keep the categories separated while you have everything you need for each food preparation. Meat, dairy, or parve? No problem at the Galley!

Electrical Safety Tips

• Check for signs of electrical problems such as dimming of lights, blown fuses, frequent circuit breaker trips, and check your light switches for static type noise that would signify a potential short and fire hazzard.


• Make sure smoke alarms are installed on each floor of your home and that they are in working order. An easy way to remember is to change batteries twice a year when we have time changes. Check with your local building codes for required style and placement of devices.


• Try to avoid using extension cords whenever possible. Never run an extension cord under carpeting or within a wall cavity.


• Make sure the bulbs you use in your fixtures are the correct wattage and correct type to avoid problems with the wiring in your fixtures and overheating.


• If installing recessed light fixtures where an attic is involved, be sure to use the properly rated fixtures to avoid energy loss as well as the ability to come in contact with insulation.


• If replacing appliances specially 220 volt rated appliances, check to see that the correct gauge and type is in place to install your new appliances. Most new appliances will require you to upgrade the run to the breaker panel to insure the proper use of the new fixtures.


• Remember when remodeling any new device in the kitchen or bath that has a heating element or motor built into it will require its own dedicated line back to the breaker panel to meet current coade requirements.


• Use a licensed electrician when doing any changes to your electrical system.

Most popular summer home improvement projects

1. Creating outdoor living spaces to enjoy family grilling and parties


2. Install energy efficient windows to keep your home cool during the hot summer months.


3. Clean and organize your closets and garage.


4. Waterproofing the basement


5. Re-caulking and replacing weather-stripping and grout


6. Clean and seal wood decks


7. Clean gutters and downspouts


8. Make roof repairs


9. Fix fences


10. Power wash siding, sidewalks and driveways


11. Paint shutters and doors


12. Plant a garden

SUMMER VACATION TIPS

As we are wrapping up those last minute summer vacations, here are a few tips to remember:

• Lock all doors and windows when leaving for your vacation.


• Stop mail and newspaper delivery or have a friend or neighbor pick it up daily.


• Have a friend, family member or neighbor check your home periodically and water your plants.


• Set timers on interior lights to make it appear someones at home.


• Unplug electronic equipment and appliances such as toasters.


• Turn off water valves to your washing machine, dishwasher and ice maker.


• Let the police and/or alarm company know if you will be gone for an extended period of time. Many local areas now have vacation programs where the police will drive by your home and make sure your house is safe.
• Let your credit card company know you are traveling if going out of state to avoid any inconveniences in security checks or charges being declined.


• Have your yard mowed if gone longer than one week.


• Switch your AC thermostat to a higher fixed temperature to avoid higher utility bills.