By Gary Bell

When most people think of Schwalbach Kitchens and Holiday Kitchens, well they think kitchens.  What they don’t realize is that both can do so much more!

I started working with our clients Greg and Deb Lafayette in 2004 on a small kitchen upgrade that included new granite counter tops and Viking appliances. They were so pleased with us that every year since I have done one or two projects with them – from adding cabinets to the kitchen and other rooms in the house including all the closets, with all the materials and cabinets from Holiday Kitchens.

For the last couple of years Greg has been collecting ideas from magazines for window and door trim, and ceiling crown, in which I was able to duplicate using Holiday Kitchens. The latest project was wainscot panels for the main floor stairway with great help from Holiday we were able to duplicate the look. Greg and Deb were so impressed with the finish product we did the same for the basement stairway.

So when you are thinking of projects outside of the kitchen and need a helping hand – think of your local kitchen designer and Holiday Kitchens!

We have definitely seen an increase in hiding appliances with decorative panels at Holiday kitchens and it has presented some interesting challenges, not only for us, but for kitchen designers, as well. The designer comes up with the idea and then partners with us to figure out how to manufacturer and create the look for the homeowner.  We have extensive experience at Holiday Kitchens helping designers and homeowners achieve their dream kitchens by hiding the appliances.  We have mastered the process of gathering the very intricate and measurements of the appliances, as they have to be spot-on to make the fridge look flush and built in.

Photo Credit: Nordic Kitchens in LA

Photo Credit: Unique Custom Cabinets of Ohio

Unique applications that we are seeing at Holiday Kitchens are:

• Dishwasher drawer cabinets
• Glass front wine coolers
• Built in refrigerators
• Microwaves built into tall oven cabinets or bases

Also, we are seeing a trend of stainless steel appliances being worked into contemporary kitchens almost as if it is decoration.  As you can see in the photo below of a contemporary kitchen, the stainless steel becomes the accents, coordinating with the hood unit, chairs, etc.

Photo Credit: Nordic Kitchens in LA

The kitchen is the center of our homes, and we want it to be personal and beautiful.  This is just one of many ways – what have you done to personalize yours?

Recently Royal Kitchen Corp. in New City, NY exhibited at a home show at the Rockland Community College, which attracted 35k -40k people over the three day period.

“Our booth stole the show,” said Vincent Castiello of Royal Kitchen Corp.  “We displayed unique products such as Holiday Kitchens bamboo cabinets with Pyrolav and white crystal glass counters, walnut island w/Caesar Stone Concetto counter, cherry mitered cabinets w/quartzite counters and large FFB door samples.”

Another major attraction to the Royal Kitchen Corp. booth was a 32″ Television that showcased approximately 3500 pictures of their work over the past year to show perspective clients what Royal could do for them.

Click on the below link to view.
Holiday Kitchens – For Your Home

Hosted by Vicki Payne, the program appears on over 550 PBS stations nationwide and was syndicated this past fall and winter 2011. Please check your local listings for air time on 3/26/2011.

Tamy Severude and Nicholas Pedersen

Holiday Kitchens is committed to improving the social, economic, and environmental concerns of our community.

 Good luck, Nicholas, we are proud of all your accomplishments!

Holiday Kitchens is sponsoring the speaking event and will be hosting a book signing with Wilson at its booth after Saturday’s presentation.  Holiday Kitchens’ eco-friendly collection – Robin Wilson Home Custom Cabinetry by Holiday Kitchens, is featured in three spaces in the Kennedy home including the kitchen, kitchenette and main laundry room.

Holiday Kitchens offers the most complete line of eco-friendly cabinetry in the industry.  The Robin Wilson Home collection features over 100 door styles in various materials including sustainable materials from bamboo, coconut, wenge, stainless steel, plus hardwood in cherry, maple, oak with low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) finishes. This frameless, custom-cabinetry line has over 10 percent more usable in-side space maximizing storage, cleaning and functionality, compared to framed cabinetry.

Local kitchen design firms Colorado Kitchen Designs, The Kitchen & Bath Studio, Lifestyle Kitchen & Bath, and NK Kitchen Design Studio will be in the Holiday Kitchens booth to speak with attendees concerning all their kitchen design needs.

Speaking Dates and Times 

September 10^th 4:00 p.m.

September 11^th Noon – book signing to follow at Holiday Kitchens’ Booth #951

Please stop by and say “Hi” – we would love to chat with you!

We also featured a table island from our Traditional Collection, which was shown in Coffee Bean on Cherry with the Winchester door and a solid maple butcher block top. Osborne corner posts were used as the legs and the bottom shelf was solid shelving that had been grooved.  The island was constructed as one unit at the factory creating a beautiful furniture piece, gorgeous in any kitchen. 

The main focal point in our booth was the large white inset display that featured the Petersburg Square door and polished chrome latches.  This timeless display would remind your of walking into your Grandmother’s kitchen.

One of the biggest attractions at the show this year was our Coconut Palm table, which created a perfect space for our Kennedy Green House book signing with Robin Wilson.  The Kennedy Green House documents the remodeling of Mary Richardson  and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s mold-infested Westchester County home.  The home features eco-friendly custom cabinetry by Holiday Kitchens.  The book can be purchased through Amazon.com.

Photo Credit: Kitchen Kraft

So you have been dreaming of your perfect kitchen for quite some time now, huh?  Well, now may be the time to seriously consider the possibility.  The U.S. Remodeling Sentiment Report reveals a 13% increase in the number of homeowners who say they will remodel in the next 12 months. Why now?

Staying in Your Home – Not only are people spending more time at home because of the economy but also plan on owning their home longer than originally planned.  Tight credit conditions and the dropping value of homes means most of us will stay put and invest in our current homes.  Not only will you and your family be able to enjoy a beautiful new kitchen now but also add to the value of your home for future sale.  According to studies done by both House Remodeling Magazine and HomeBuyersHelpDesk.com, the number one home improvement that adds value to a house is remodeling the kitchen.

Time – Kitchen designers, remodelers and kitchen contractors have been faced with extra time on their hands that they might not have had in the past.  With the economy slowing down and not as many homeowners looking to remodel, they are eager to help you with your project. 

Labor Costs:  According to the November 2009 Issue of Remodeling Magazine, “Labor is another area where remodelers have achieved some savings. Many report that with work slow, and jobs fewer, trade contractors are sometimes willing to help drive down costs.”  Every project has a budget and while some contractors in the past may not have been as willing to work with in yours – many are now more willing to take a second look.

Materials – The downturn in new construction has created less demand for building materials. As a result, materials prices have fallen sharply the last couple of years. 

 “We’re getting significant discounts from our cabinet manufacturers,” explained Chris Spade, production manager and owner of Kitchen Kraft  in Columbus, Ohio. “Homeowners can also take advantage of free upgrades like cherry cabinets, dovetail drawers, or any of a number of upgrades,” he added. “We’re passing these savings along to our customers.”

 Now is the time to explore all your options when it comes to custom cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, flooring, etc…