kitchen conversations

Recently recognized as one of the nation’s top kitchen and bath showrooms, DCI Home Resource is Charlotte, North Carolina’s premier source for cabinetry, appliances, plumbing, and award-winning kitchen and bath designs. DCI’s designs have been featured in multiple nation-wide magazines such as Kitchen & Bath Design News, Betters Home and Gardens, and Signature Kitchen and Baths.


By:  Kaity Slaughter
Our clients wanted to incorporate 21st century technology and maximize their storage space with minimum alterations to the home’s existing historic 1916 character.  It was very important for them that they retain the exact footprint of the original kitchen, as they are avid preservationists and very detailed.  The husband is an architect and the wife is a realtor.  They are a small family (husband, wife, and 2 young boys), who entertain often in their 1,400 square foot bungalow.

Photo Credit: Thinkstill

Photo Credit: Thinkstill

Photo Credit: Thinkstill

Requests/Challenges

1.   Maximize storage while retaining the exact footprint of the original kitchen.

Solution: Double stacked wall cabinets that extend to the 10’ ceiling and a rolling ladder for easy accessibility.  This significantly increased the amount of storage without increasing the footprint of the kitchen.

2.   Maximize the amount of natural light entering the kitchen (especially in the morning).

Solution: A triple window replaced the original single window on the exterior side elevation and a northwest facing skylight (hidden from view) added to the center of the kitchen allows the maximum amount of light to enter the space

3.   Create visual and audio connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms while still having the ability to isolate the kitchen in the event of formal dinners.

Solution: Added a 4’ opening with pocket doors above the sink and between the kitchen and dining room allowing light, sight, and sound to travel to and from the kitchen.  These doors can also be closed to create a more formal setting.

Photo Credit: Neffworks

Custom Cabinetry
They needed a functional layout finished with the right materials to achieve their goal.
Holiday Kitchens Cabinetry
-  Traditional Framed and Full Overlay
-  Petersburg Square door with 850 edge profile
-  Snowdrift paint and Suede Brushed glaze
-  Custom trim, decorative feet and hutch brackets

Photo Credit: Neffworks

Additional Products
-  Reclaimed pine hardwoods, finished to match the original wood flooring throughout the home
-  Natural John Boos maple butcher block countertops, brushed nickel hardware by Top Knobs, and Viking stainless appliances help to create the utilitarian feeling that a 1916 kitchen may have had
-  Viking appliances including a 42” built-in refrigerator and a 36” gas range with griddle provides “professional style”   cooking capabilities
-  Rohl faucet in satin nickel and Kohler Smart Divide sink in white


Kaity Slaughter is a lead designer and project manager for DCI Home Resource and has been with the company for eight years.  She received her undergraduate degree in architectural design and her MBA.

There are so many different options and features when it comes to custom kitchen islands.   Driven by form and function, kitchens islands can be as basic or unique has you desire.  From a sleek modern design to a classic architectural masterpiece  – from the centerpiece of the kitchen to a simple addition of seating space – kitchen islands have become a staple of kitchen design in our homes.  Big or small we love them all!

Stratford Building Supply – Wisconsin

8-10 potatoes, small and whole
2 c ham
1 md onion
2 c cheddar cheese, shredded
1 can(s) cream of chicken soup
1/2 can(s) milk
3 Tbsp butter

Directions
1.  Peel, rinse and slice potatoes, dice onion, cube ham and shred cheese, if not already shredded.

2.  In a small bowl, combine the condensed soup and milk (I just measure out the milk into the empty soup can) whisking lightly with a fork, until fairly well-blended (a few small lumps is OK).

3.  Spray crockpot liner with cooking spray, or grease lightly with oil.

4.  Layer one ingredient at a time, starting with potatoes, ham, onion and cheese in a 5-quart slow cooker.

5.  Repeat layers until ingredients are used up. Do not mix.

6.  When done layering, pour soup mixture over all, then dot with butter.

7.  Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours. Makes 6-8 servings.

Capital Cabinets – NY

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup pareve margarine
1 cup white sugar
1 cup honey
4 eggs
1 cup cold brewed coffee
1 apple – peeled, cored and shredded (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1/4 cup butter
2/3 cup white sugar
1/3 cup orange juice

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon until thoroughly mixed together. In a separate large bowl, stir together the margarine, 1 cup of sugar, and honey, and beat the eggs in one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the flour mixture, alternating with the coffee in several additions. Mix in the shredded apple, if desired.
Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, and sprinkle the walnuts over the top of the cake. Bake in the preheated oven until the cake springs back when lightly touched with a finger, about 1 hour. Allow the cake to cool until warm, about 15 minutes.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter, and whisk in 2/3 cup of sugar and the orange juice until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil, and remove from heat, whisking constantly. Pour the glaze over the warm cake.

Syata Kitchens – MD

1 onion, finely diced
4 large potatoes
2 eggs
4 tbsp self raising flour OR
4 tbsp plain flour plus 1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
Oil for frying

Grate the potatoes finely. Leave in a sieve to drain for 10 minutes. Fry the onion in a small amount of oil until translucent.  Put drained potatoes, onion and other ingredients in a bowl.To deep fry – heat oil in a deep fryer, or large saucepan.  To shallow fry – heat oil which comes to a depth of 1cm.  When oil is hot, shape the mixture into ovals with 2 spoons, and drop into the oil. When you take mixture for the latkes you may need to squeeze out excess liquid. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.  Makes 12 medium latkes.

“Here’s to the corkscrew – a useful key to unlock the storehouse of wit, the treasury of laughter, the front door of fellowship, and the gate of pleasant folly.“ – W.E.P. French

Photo Credit: Kitchen Kraft Inc. - OH

Wine is one of the oldest beloved beverages in the world. Combined with the increasing popularity in wine consumption (2010 2.54 gals 784 million ) and wine collecting – wine has become a common luxury in many kitchens.  Whether it is wine decor, wine cellars, wine glasses, wine racks, etc… the love of the grape has made its way into our hearts and our kitchens.

Wine Decor
If you love a great glass of wine, then you’ll really enjoy bringing wine kitchen decor into the heart of your home. The beauty and allure of a vineyard works well as a kitchen theme, whether you are interested in completely redesigning your kitchen, or simply incorporating a few accessories.

Wine Storage

From custom wine glass racks to vintage wine cellulars,  Holiday Kitchens has worked with designers from all parts of the country to create artistic masterpieces. 

Wine Glass Racks
Wine glass racks can be constructed from a variety of different materials such as metal and wood.  Choosing the type of wooden wine glass overhead racks will depend on a few factors such as where it will be installed and what type of wood will be used in the kitchen and/or bar area. We love a beautiful wooden wine glass rack!

Wine Racks
Wine racks ensure your wine is stored properly, allowing the wine to stay in contact with the cork. A moist cork ensures a tight seal, keeping wine fresh. A dried out cork can lead wine to spoil and age improperly. Wine racks can be located anywhere in the home and can be something that simply displays a couple bottles in the kitchen or a custom-made cellar that houses hundreds of bottles of wine.

As you come together with family and friends, raise your glasses and toast the season – Cheers!

Kitchen islands have become a standard feature in most kitchens today.  Due to their exceptional features and ease of functionality, kitchen islands fulfill basic amenities such as food preparation and storage and can give your kitchen architectural style and added function.  Add seating and it can even serve as an important meeting place for family and friends.


Common features of kitchen island designs include:
•    Sinks, cook tops and additional storage

Natural Blond Bamboo with a Moso Door Style

•    Recycling center

Robert Kennedy, Jr. Greenhouse

•    Displaying special items

Photo Credit: MJA Designs - Virgina

•   Additional seating

Photo Credit: Kitchen Kraft – Ohio

•   Microwaves and warming drawers

Photo Credit: Kitchen Kraft - Ohio

Whether you are adding a new island or redesigning a current one, it is important to think about how your current kitchen design flows and what needs you are hoping your new island can fulfill.

Interior Motives – Cambridge, WI

2 (19.8 ounce) packages fresh bratwurst links
1/2 cup butter
3 (12 ounce) cans light beer
4 onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup sauerkraut, drained (optional)
10 (6 inch) bratwurst buns

In a slow cooker, combine the bratwurst links, butter, beer, onions, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, garlic and brown sugar.Cover and set to High. Cook for 4 hours, stirring once per hour. Add sauerkraut and continue cooking for another hour.  Serve bratwurst on buns with onions and top with your favorite condiments.

Marilyn Larson – Holiday Kitchens Employee

1 pkg yellow cake mix
½ cup butter (1 stick)
1 large can pumpkin mix (1 lb 14 oz.can) or
1 large can pumpkin puree and 3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
3 eggs
¾ cup Sugar
2/3 cup Milk

For the crust:  Mix dry cake mix and butter with fork until crumbly.  Save 1 cup of mixture for topping. Pat remaining crust into a greased 9×13 cake pan.

Mix together pumpkin, eggs, sugar & milk.  Pour over crust.  Mix remaining 1 cup crust with 2 T sugar, and 1 ½ tsp. cinnamon, and sprinkle over the pumpkin mixture.  Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes or until knife comes out clean from the center. Serve plain or with whipped cream.

AIM Kitchen & Bath – Des Moines, IA

1 medium butternut squash
4 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
2 apples or pears, peeled and diced
4-6 cups chicken stock
salt and pepper
sour cream
toasted walnuts
chives, minced

1. Slice the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a large spoon.
2. Place the squash, cut side down, in a shallow bowl (one that will fit in your microwave).
3. Add water, cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 8-9 minutes, rotating once, until squash is tender.
4. Remove from microwave and let cool until you can handle it. Then, carefully peel away the skin of the squash and cut squash into chunks.
5. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot, and add the onion, carrot, potatoes, apples or pears, and squash.
6. Cook 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
7. Pour in enough chicken stock to barely cover vegetables.
8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 40-50 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
9. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
10. Transfer the soup to a blender, and blend until smooth.
11. Return to pot, and stir in any remaining chicken stock until soup is a desired consistency.
12. Add salt and pepper to taste.
13. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and top with toasted walnuts and minced chives.