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?

Dryer Safety Tips

In the U.S. each year, about 15,000-17,000 household fires are caused by clothes dryers.  Be safe!  Here are some tips for safe dryer operation.

1.  Clean your lint trap each time you use your dryer.  Lint build-up in the vent and exhaust pipe can cause high heat build up and is one of the leading causes of dryer fires. Good air flow will make your clothes dry quicker and will use less energy. 

2.  Periodically clean your lint trap screen with soap and a brush (such as an old toothbrush) to remove build-up from dryer sheets. 

3.  Metal vents are safer than plastic or foil ones because they don't sag leaving areas for lint to build up.

4.  Do not leave the dryer running when you leave the house.

5.  Keep the area around the dryer free of flammable materials.

6.  Never put anything in the dryer that has any flammable or combustible liquid on it such as gasoline, nail polish remover, wax, or cooking oils.

Miele's New Dishwasher Series

Miele has reintroduced their Classic and Crystal Series of dishwashers.  Not only can you get the most dependable dishwashers on the market (highest ranking dishwashers according to J. D. Power), but they are at new, lower price points!

The trend in Europe is away from stainless steel and towards black and white, believe it or not, so Miele has added black and white models to the Classic and Crystal Series to join their famous Clean Touch Steel and integrated models. 

And, not only do Miele dishwashers have the Good Housekeeping Seal which will refund or replace a machine found to be defective within the first two years, but Miele offers a 90-day money back guarantee.  As Miele says, "Forever Better."  http://www.mieleusa.com/

Miele Dishwashers Win Good Housekeeping Seal

Miele dishwashers have won the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal.  This means that they have undergone rigorous testing at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.  The limited warranty reflected by this Seal means that if a product with the Seal is found to be defective within the first two years of purchase, Good Housekeeping will replace the product or refund the purchase price.  Now that's quality assurance a consumer can be confident about!

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!