Come visit GLH at the Log Home Show in Kansas City, MO this weekend February 6, 7 and 8th at the Holliday Inn KCI Airport & KCI Expo Center! Click here for details!
Welcome to the February 2015 issue of The Oak Leaf! For new readers, this is a monthly newsletter that is sent by e-mail to those that have expressed an interest in Gastineau Log Homes. We use this as a way of communicating technical, design and industry information. For more information, check out our web site at www.oakloghome.com.
Painted cabinets can be a less expensive alternate as the quality of the wood used to build the doors is not as important. Note the pantry unit here that is built to the depth of the refrigerator. This provides a “built in” look plus allows for more storage in the kitchen. Glass front wall cabinets are perfect for highlighting beautiful dishes or keepsakes.
**Trivia Question: You will find six of me in the average kitchen even though I serve no purpose. What am I? (See the answer below.)
FOCUS ON THE KITCHEN! Last months Oak Leaf we focused on windows and glass doors. This month we will focus on my favorite room in a home: the kitchen! What is new, what is tried and true and how do you get the biggest bang for your buck in the most expensive room of the house!
Where do I buy cabinets? 1) Custom cabinet makers can build cabinets to fit your design in the wood species and stain that you choose. 2) Factory cabinets are available through lots of retail outlets from kitchen design specialty stores to big box retailers like Lowes. 3) Recycled or reclaimed cabinets may be available that can be refinished or repainted. 4) Open cabinets could be built on site using shelving materials. 5) Antique or used furniture can be rebuilt to make one of a kind cabinets.
This Farmhouse Sink is made of copper but you can get them in an array of colors. The price of these has come down considerably in the past few years although they are still much higher than the traditional stainless steel sink.
How do you choose the right kitchen sink? It depends on how you use your kitchen sink. If you are hard on sinks (such as throwing things into them), a stainless steel sink is your best choice. (Remember that a lower gauge steel is the better quality when choosing one.) Do you wash a lot of dishes by hand? Then you need a double bowl. If you don’t, then one large oversized sink such as the one shown here may suit you better. Want to learn more about choosing the right sink? Go here to read more details.
This kitchen in one of our timber frame homes does not have any wall cabinets. The homeowner chose windows over cabinets. Note the placement of the television as a built in component of the kitchen. If you use a tv or a computer in your kitchen, find a way to make it blend into the kitchen design. Don’t make it an after thought.
Pros and cons of different countertops? Quartz countertops are extremely durable and stain resistant. Butcher block gives a “warm” feel to the kitchen and are pretty indestructible. Knife marks add character and lots of blemishes can be sanded off. Granite is a very popular choice and are durable but need to be sealed periodically. Stainless steel countertops show any cuts and the finish can be damaged pretty easily. Laminates today are the lowest cost but knife cuts and chipping are a concern. Consumer Reports has a great video showing the testing they did on different countertops. You can watch it here.
This is my kitchen and I will point out the things I like most. First, I have Oak cabinets that have knots and worm holes for a casual, homey look. Second, I have a brick archway which covers a built in grille for indoor cooking. I love the butcher block top on my island because it is perfect for cutting up vegetables for my favorite food: salad! The appliance garages across the back wall allow me to hide my mess at a minutes notice, This is a big kitchen but it is where we spend most of our time and I love it!
The cathedral ceiling of this kitchen allowed for a bank of skylights directly above the kitchen to bring in lots of natural light. The wood ceiling was whitewashed to extend the bright airy feeling of the space.
Trends for 2015 in kitchens: Some trends that I have seen in multiple locations include: 1) Furniture style design features. The kitchen is moving from just a functional space to more of a family space. How do you incorporate this idea into your kitchen? An easy way is through an island. Raise the island up on legs or have a contrasting top and sides to give it more of a furniture appearance. 2) Open shelving. One idea is to use standard height wall cabinets but mount them as high as possible, and then put open shelving below. You still have the storage of the cabinet but the items you use most stay on the shelves. 3) Wallpaper is back! Designers say that wallpaper will be a major trend in 2015. (Who would have thought?) 4) “Modern traditional style” is one of the most influential looks. This is a combination of modern with traditional. Described as kitchens that are “Warm, homey and reflect the homeowners.” Sounds like the typical log home kitchen!! 5) Vibrant, natural color schemes are in. Color tones that come from nature. Vibrant yet dusty shades of primary colors. Sounds perfect for a log home!
A truly eclectic kitchen. An antique baking cabinet is both functional and beautiful. There is a wooden countertop for the kitchen sink with shelves behind fabric draping. An antique table serves as an island with an electrified antique range at the end of the kitchen. The lighting gives the final touch to this unique kitchen.
These antique cabinets were refurbished for this new log home. They are perfectly fitted for the decorating theme and add to the overall ambiance of the great room.
What flooring should you use in your kitchen? Your kitchen floor, besides being practical and durable, is a major design statement as well. The floor you choose affects every other element of your design and with the variety of materials, colors and textures available today, your choices are nearly endless.
Stone or tile is an excellent choice for heavy traffic areas. Ceramic tile is durable and available in assorted colors and styles with the option for decorative borders and designs.
Limestone is a natural stone that offers an Old World look. It’s a porous material that must be sealed upon installation and then twice a year.
Cork is a durable, versatile material available in a variety of colors. It is water-resistant and reduces impact noise.
Wood is a popular choice for today’s kitchens. It feels good underfoot and creates a warm look. Today’s prefinished wood floors withstand heavy traffic and water stains. High-pressured plastic laminates are an alternative that provide the same look for less money.
Vinyl or resilient flooring offers a variety of styles and colors in either tiles or sheets for those on a budget.
The corner of this kitchen is a combination fireplace, tv and wine rack! The gas fireplace adds wonderful ambiance to this kitchen. The warm maple custom cabinets have a Shaker door style that is homey yet classic.
Construction Seminar Schedule for 2015:
Click here for information on our one day construction seminars.
March 7th
April 11th (Note: was previously the 18th)
June 13th
Sept 12th
Oct 24th
Open Houses:
Remember that the GLH Model Home Center on I 70 in central MO is open 7 days a week! We have three houses there that you can tour!
Log Home Shows for Spring 2015:
Feb 6 – 8 in Kansas City, MO
March 20 – 22 in Indianapolis, IN
Answer to the Trivia Question: I am a refrigerator door magnet!
Quote of the Month: ” The kitchen really is the castle itself. This is where we spend our happiest moments and where we find the joy of being a family.” – Mario Batali
