The Sub-Zero team treated us like royalty. In addition to having all of those living kitchens, they have excellent chefs preparing fabulous meals for all of those touring and training. I ended up spending the majority of trip with some really fun designer girls.

We started Thursday a.m. with a great buffet breakfast and headed to the auditorium for some training and introduction to the new generation products. Then it was off to the factory!

One thing that was obvious was how clean and comfortable the factory was. It is highly automated, but they do employ about 1600 people. Quality assurance and customer service are key elements in the Sub-Zero brand. They have factory trained installers and certified service providers to facilitate their customer service.

A view from the auditorium looking a new products.

One of the beautiful working kitchens in the Bakke Training Center.

  Refrigeration and Wine Coolers

Under Counter Options

The Modular additions create lots of options. Personally, I am really looking forward to the teppanyaki grill that will be available in 2014.

 
Two of the many Wolf Ranges that are available. The red knobs are synonymous with the Wolf brand, but a silver and black knob option is also available.

A beautiful focal point water wall with Chihuly glass sculptures on either side in the Bakke training center.

After a great tour and training, our group is still having a great time at the Wisconsin airport waiting to return to Dallas. Thanks to our great hosts from Sub-Zero Wolf for providing new design inspiration for our kitchen remodels. If you are interested in finding out more information about using Sub-Zero Wolf products in a new or existing kitchen, contact RSVP Design Services.

Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22, on which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and celebrated in more than 192 countries each year. As a certified LEED AP Interior Designer, I am constantly looking at ways to save our environment by renewing, reusing and recycling furnishings and accessories. I wanted to share some great ideas that I found and some that I have actually designed myself.

What a great idea for that old bicycle.

We all have lots of water bottles. I love the idea of making a wall using plastic bottles.

How about making a chandelier out of empty liquor bottles?

I really like reclaimed wood for flooring. This beautiful floor was constructed out of old wine barrels.

 I have seen a lot of great ideas for reusing wood pallets, but I really like this “wood shed”!

From old cable spool to a mobile bookmobile.

This is one of my favorite recycled ideas from Williams Sonoma, made from 1930′s porcelain washtub found in Hungary. This would be a great Mother’s Day gift!

 Recycle those broken clay pots!

Now, I want to show you some of RSVP Design Services  creations using renewed, recycled or reused items.

We recreated this old, tired antique chair with new fabric and lacquer finish.

This bench was purchased at a consignment store. With a little paint, new fabric and nailhead trim it became a new piece of furniture.

This is one of my favorite creations made out of mirror, plywood and Birch tree bark.

This floor lamp was created with my showroom friends at Pettigrew our of wine bottle glass votives, twisted rebar and a found stainless lamp shade as its base.

Jim Palmer at Pettigrew also helped us create the industrial and unique table lamp using a piece of grape wood, plumbing parts and paint stir sticks for the lamp shade!

It is our responsibility to be conscious of our environment and as a designer, I am compelled to help my clients make responsible choices in every aspect of the design process. Instead of throwing things away, try to find ways to use them again! In addition to recycling the things you buy, you can help the environment by buying products that contain recycled materials. If you are interested in working with RSVP Design Services on your next design project, contact us for a free consultation.

My friend Shanan shared this great new television…truly the world’s largest… every man’s dream!

Do you need a home away from home? The bunkie is a space-efficient prefab cabin

How about a hovering golf cart? This would definitely make playing golf more fun.

This puts new meaning to a beanbag chair.

For the doodler…a 3D doodle pen. This could put a new dimension on my doodle art.

What about a “photo carver”? This is so cool! It carves your photos into slabs of wood.

Lastly…for all the Trekkies…just in time for the new Star Trek movie.

If you are thinking about a home remodel or addition let RSVP Design Services design your space using cool things!

Exterior View of Sub-Zero Wolf Showroom

Upon entering the showroom, you will see beautiful glassworks as well as free-form artwork in addition to all of the interesting and functional Sub-Zero Wolf appliances.

Entry Vestibule

Grand Staircase

Dining Room

Demonstration Kitchen

Demonstration Kitchen

This was one of my favorite kitchen vignettes featuring Bentwood Luxury cabinetry. It is an original design that unites furniture-grade cabinetry with functional details.

Bentwood Kitchen

 The options for wine and drink storage are endless.

Bar Area

These are a few of my favorite refrigerators. Gone are the days of the plain stainless steel front refrigerators.

If you are thinking about remodeling your Dallas kitchen please contact RSVP Design Services. We can design your dream kitchen with all of the latest kitchen appliances.

I was thrilled to be invited by Dragon Decorative Hardware to visit The Galley Sink demonstration kitchen in Tulsa, OK. Last Thursday morning we met at the showroom and were driven to Dallas Love Field to take Jane Butter’s private plane to Tulsa. The group included Jane and Heather Mullally from Dragon Decoration, and several other interior designers.

I researched the product before my trip and my initial impression was skeptical as to how a sink could transform your kitchen and make the available space more efficient.  After seeing the Galley sink in an actual kitchen and watching Roger’s powerpoint presentation…I was sold ! Just watching the videos comparing making a traditional meal in a normal kitchen versus a kitchen equipped with the Galley Sink is proof of its value and ingenuity.

The Galley is much more than a sink: it’s a super-functional work station! Cutting boards, colanders, a drain rack, and stainless bowls slide above and below each other on two tiers inside the sink to accommodate food preparation, clean up and serving in one convenient place. The Galley can be installed indoors or out. With a cook top installed next to it, you’ll be able to prepare your entire meal right at The Galley.

The kitchen is the space in your home where everyone likes to hang out, but traditionally when you are cooking, you have your back to your guests. The design and layout go the Galley sink eliminates that problem and creates an elongated working island. On either end of the seven foot Galley sink are two induction heat units as well as gas burners on one side. Most kitchens cannot accommodate this size of counter space and therefore the Galley Sink is available in 5 1/2 feet and a 4 foot unit, as well. It can be undermounted to your solid surface counter top, or installed apron-front  with your selection of granite, marble or wood.

The Galley Sink application is perfect for entertaining. It can be used to prepare the meal and then set up to serve a variety of food, buffet style. The two tiers of the Galley sink with the signature accessories is the optimal work space in a kitchen. The inter-changeable accessories slide above and below each other, allowing you to create the perfectly functioning space for each project.

Not only did we get to see this beautiful kitchen that is used for cooking classes and demonstrations, we were treated to a fantastic meal that was created in it. Roger, the creator of the Galley Sink is passionate about reinventing kitchen design utilizing any of the three sizes. Made in America -the Galley Sink is hand-crafted in the USA by skilled fabricators.

I am convinced that the benefits of using the Galley Sink in either a kitchen remodel,new construction or to create an outstanding outdoor kitchen would be a wise design decision. If you are thinking about a new kitchen, contact RSVP Design Services for a consultation. Accolades to Roger Shollmier, creator of the super-functional sink, Linda French, his assistant and Gabby, the internet guru for the outstanding opportunity to visit their unbelievable demonstration kitchen and their exceptional hospitality.

Spring is definitely right around the corner and between Easter and St. Patrick’s day it is a great time to show off Pantone’s color of the year for 2013…Emerald Green. Green is the color of spring which is the promise of a new beginning or regeneration and it  also represents nature or constant renewal. Green is neither a warm or cool color as it contains equal amounts of yellow (warm) and blue (cool). Because of this balance, green is very calming and pleasing to the senses. In marketing materials and business logos green implies good luck (the green shamrock), peace and calmness, nature and growth as well as prosperity and conservatism.

                                                                                                                                                        

Emerald is also emerging in popularity with the new flick, Oz the Great and Powerful.  Emerald City is rejuvenating and full of amazement.

Green is one of the most popular colors used in decorating. Green works especially well when used as an accent with white and neutrals.

I love these unique chairs with emerald green fabric.

Get your green on and celebrate Spring. RSVP Design Services can help you get your home ready for Spring using accents of Emerald Green. Call for a consultation and your neighbors will be green with envy.

 
Back splashes in copper metallic tiles as well as copper countertops and vent hoods continue to gain in popularity. Copper ceramic tiles, metal tiles and copper sheeting can be used in various applications.

Copper Back Splash

Copper Countertop with wrapped edges.

Copper and marble are a great combination as see in this unique English kitchen with exposed pipes.

Copper has been used throughout history in all kinds of decorative accessories for the home and in fashion.  Copper is alloyed with zinc to form brass creating an appealing golden color. These combined metals are stronger and easier to cast and  it is used in door knobs, light fixtures and home décor furnishings. Copper is used in very high-end light fixtures and this interesting metal gives a beautiful warm glow. I found some very unique European lighting.

 
Finally,one of copper’s major advantages is that it is recyclable. In North America alone, over half of the copper consumed annually comes from recycled material. Copper’s recycle value is so great that premium-grade scrap has almost 95% of the value of primary copper from newly mined ore. If you are thinking about new kitchen or bath products check out your options in copper and brass. If you are interested in a kitchen or bath remodel contact RSVP Design Services for a design consultation.

Consider building bookshelves into that area. It would also be a great place to display collectibles. This stairway even has a door leading underneath for even more storage. Another great option is this built-in wine storage system.

Or reclaim that under-the-stairs space to create a retreat for reading time or maybe a place to curl up and take a nap.

If you don’t have additional storage underneath your stairway, how about in the stairway wall itself? This is often an overlooked area, and though small, it is still a potential spot for extra storage. What a great way to organize all those books!

Some other creative storage can be built-in to existing window seats. Simply hinge lift up doors under the seat cushions or pull out drawers in front of the window seat. Here are a couple of bedroom window seats concealing great storage space that was created by RSVP Design Services in a home remodel.

 
We have also used that unusual deep niche space and the hard to design leftover space in rooms to create functional, useful storage space  that can become a unique focal point and design accent.  The angled niche in this glam home office was upholstered with rhinestone button tufting and lots of pillows to become a great place to relax. These are examples from RSVP Design Services projects.

This upholstered hinged top lifts up for gaming storage

If you are considering areas that maybe opportunities to pick up that extra storage or just want us to give you some great design solutions to get you more organized. Please contact RSVP Design Services at www.rsvpdesignservices.com. We would be glad design new storage solutions for your home or office.

Have you been thinking about a kitchen remodel? Consider hiring an Interior Designer to help you realize your dream kitchen. RSVP Design Services can help you remodel your existing kitchen while saving you time and money and prevent you from making costly mistakes. At the initial consultation we discuss lifestyle and budget issues and help the homeowner through the inspiration gathering process.

Upon signing the consultation agreement, a site visit will be scheduled and the designer will gather existing floor plans and photographs in order the develop the remodel design concept. In this schematic design phase sketches, space planning, preliminary floor plans and elevations showing layout and cabinet sizes. The designer and homeowner will discuss finishes and fixtures such as cabinet color, flooring and tile options, color palette, backsplash and countertop materials. preliminary budget work should also be done at the end of this phase.

With the designer’s help the homeowner should finalize the finishes and fixture selection. The next step is to complete the design and prepare final floor plans, elevations, details and if applicable, electrical and mechanical drawings, lighting plans and construction documents. At this point the designer, along with contractors will give final construction estimates. Occasionally, this step happens earlier in the process, depending on the job. I think it is a good idea to do preliminary walk-throughs with the contractors  once the schematic designs are complete in order to get some estimates and find out if we are on the right track or need to cut back some to fit the desired budget.

When planning a remodel, it is extremely important to consider new storage ideas, especially if the kitchen space is limited. Storage has become an essential element in the preliminary design and a designer usually can provide some unique storage design solutions. Here are some great kitchen storage ideas to consider.

After all the planning and selection and contractor estimates are approved, it is time to get the construction and demolition schedule firmed up and plan on cleaning out those cabinets. Preparation and organization can save your sanity and keep your remodel on schedule. The construction and design process can be overwhelming, but having a professional Interior Designer coordinating the demo and new construction can save you lots of money and headaches. Finally, your new kitchen is complete and as one of my kitchen remodel client’s said, “even the food tasted better.”

Kitchen Before

Kitchen Remodel After

If you are ready to realize your dream kitchen, contract RSVP Design Services www.rsvpdesignservices.com to help you with your kitchen remodel.