Kitchen & Bath Budget Planner

Remodeling a bath or kitchen?  How do you determine how much it will cost and how much to budget for the work?  Well, here's a great tool to help you breakdown the costs of the remodel so you can know what to expect based on the price range you want to spend.  It breaks down the costs of the major items of cabinetry, countertops, appliances, plumbing fixtures, tile and lighting to give you a realistic expectation of costs.  Of course, you must still figure in the costs of labor from your contractor.

http://www.atlantahomeimprovement.com/images/stories/Articles/2012/1212/2013_KBplanner/2013_kitchen-and-bath-planner.pdf

Rutt HandCrafted Cabinetry Comes to CSI!

CSI has exciting news!  We have just signed an agreement to represent Rutt HandCrafted Cabinetry in the Atlanta area!  After an absence of several years from our market, we are pleased to be the only dealer of this high quality exclusive custom line of cabinetry in Georgia.

 Rutt is made the old-fashioned way--hand crafted by skilled artisans in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Here are just some of the features that go into the craftsmanship of Rutt cabinets:  Woods are hand selected; grains are hand matched; drawers and accessories can be crafted from cherry, mahogany, poplar or walnut; mullion doors are hand made with individual panes; finishes are oven-cured and protected with clear varnish; many paint and stain finishes are available--or you can request a custom finish.  Styles range from contemporary to traditional with hundreds of combinations of door designs, wood species and finishes. 

Rutt makes exquisite cabinetry in traditonal and contemporary styles.

Curved cabinets and custom mulllioned doors are possible with Rutt.

  And, of course, Rutt belongs to the KCMAs Environmental Stewardship Program for cabinet manufacturers that adhere to high standards of safety, environmental responsibility, recycling and sustainability. 

We will have samples and displays soon, but in the meantime, please visit the Rutt website at www.ruttcabinetry.biz and www.ruttregency.com. 

Dacor's New Distinctive Electric Range

Dacor has introduced a 30" electric range as part of their Distinctive Series.  Not only is this a stylish option as a replacement range, but it features elements often only found on more expensive models such as an angled control panel, Dacor's premium Pure Convection system, a 4.8 cu.ft. oven capacity, and flame-blue indicator lights. 

Available in freestanding or slide-in versions, with a choice of two handle styles, this stainless steel range will make a statement in your kitchen.  A 6" backguard is included with the freestanding models.

CSI #4 Residential Remodeling Contractor for 2012

Exciting News!

CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio has been named by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as the #4 Residential Remodeling Contractor in the Atlanta area in the August 10, 2012 Home Quarterly issue.

Also, we announce that  that Steen Clausen, CKD, founder of CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio, has been named in the August 2012 Home Quarterly Who’s Who of the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the 100 key people who are opening doors in the Atlanta housing industry.

Cool New Sink from Blanco

The new Crystalline sink from Blanco is especially designed for small kitchens to maximize the work area, but it makes a great prep sink too! 

The cool thing about the Crystalline sink is the safety glass top that slides over the sink when not in use.  This extends the work surface and doubles as a cutting board.  The sink is designed with Blanco's MicroEdge technology to fit flush with the countertop. 

It also has a pop-up strainer button so you can empty the bowl without putting your hands in the water.  How cool is that?

Makeover of the Month-July 2012





Before the remodel

 Our makeover of the month for July is a great kitchen project that we did for a wonderful couple in Kennesaw.  They wanted an updated look, new appliances and flooring.  They also had a couple of architectural challenges that we had to take into consideration in the design.  One was a structural column that supported the ceiling at the juncture of several angles.  This could not be moved.  Another was a relative lack of wall space. 

The column had to be integrated into the island.  We designed a large multi-level island that includes the sink, dishwasher, trash pullout and lots of storage.  One end of the island has a raised bar that also functions to hide clutter in the sink area, and the other end integrates a table for quick snacks. 


After the kitchen remodel

Wall space was gained by removing a pair of corner windows and a small closet.  We placed the 42" Miele gas cooktop and large hood on an angle in the corner.  Glass cabinets line the wall to the right of the hood, and tall units (refrigerator, built-in microwave and warming drawer and pantry) are to the left.
The Parker door style from Schrock was chosen for the cabnetry for its traditional ambiance.  We used cherry in a light stain for the "L" of the kitchen, and maple in a glazed finish called Toasted Almond for the island.  Beautiful countertops in Excalibur granite top the cabinets.

Travertine tile makes an elegant statement in the backsplash, and the dark-stained flooring give depth.  The homeowners love the transformation of their kitchen!

European Kitchen Design Trends

Eurocucina, the huge biennial trade show held this year in Milan, showcased the latest trends in contemporary kitchen design.

The trend continues for the increased integration of the kitchen with the living room to promote family togetherness and to function as an open, multiple-use space.

A major theme of exhibitors was the use of natural woods for kitchen cabinetry.  Oak was especially dominant in dark and natural finishes with sharp, crisp edges.  The look is very natural with the wood treated as simply as possible.  Integrated handles were used extensively for cabinetry rather than traditional applied handles.  Open wall shelving was also seen as a dominant trend with most exhibitors.

Another big trend noted was the return of white and black for appliances.  After years of the dominance of stainless steel, white and black are now seen as more sophisticated.  If stainless steel is used, it is in a matte finish or one that is treated to resist fingerprints.

In countertops, quartz, glass and wood are favored materials. Textured and matte finishes emphasize a natural look to go with the natural cabinetry.  Thicknesses were explored as well with both extra-thick and extra-thin materials used.  Also waterfall countertops were used for a more contemporary look with the countertop material extending to the floor as a leg.

A fun trend is the integration of indoor gardens into countertops.  With proper lighting, one could grow herbs and snip them when preparing a recipe.  What could be fresher?