I Love Thermador!

I have been delighted and honored to be included in the Thermador design council for the past 3 years. I have made some great new designer friends and the team at Thermador is fantastic. 

(Left) This is the largest plate rack I have ever seen! I think it looks more modern this way instead of looking kind of country. (Right) Corner sinks are not my favorite, but sometimes they are so functional for the design. The open shelves with the open ends on the left offset this space around the sink. It all feels a little off kilter, which appeals to me!

The team asked us great questions, challenges our creative juices and listens to our comments, I mean REALLY LISTENS! So much so that we have had input on some of the new and exciting appliances that they have introduced since starting to meet with them.

(Left) I like the contrast of counters and the different heights, with the wood eating area counter layering over the stone work area counter. (Right) Here are some of my designer buddies!  Left, Jennifer Allison of Jennifer Allison Design, CA, center Donna Venegas of Venegas and Company, MA, and Cheryl Parsley of Rene Products, Ohio.

Recently, Thermador moved their main showroom from Scottsdale to their corporate offices in Irvine, California. So at this year's conference, we got to marvel at beautiful vignettes, fun functional kitchens and new appliances (we even got to test them for one of our meals!). 

I love lift up cabinets! I have 3 at my cabin up north and I love the way you can open them all and the doors are not in your way and you can load them up so easily. Also notice that the bottom line of the wall cabinets is all level and no cut up over the sink. It is not really necessary to have that area higher and you do not bump it with your head.

As usual, they are charming and gracious hosts. This year is Thermador's "Year of the designer," so check out their website at www.thermador.com and meet my design council designers! 

(Left) I had to throw this picture in because I love the colors of the bowl, fruit and tiled backsplash. (Center) I love this very contemporary look of no upper cabinets around the hood. Then the hood (and the tile, not here) become the focal point. Remember, "Less is more." (Right) Barbara Barton hand cut the beets in the Thermador fun shape, that's dedication and proper branding!

It should be a fun year to check in on their news often and notice the continuing press they receive in the publications around Design and Home Decor.

(Left) This is different for me... I am so symmetrical... But I like the asymmetry of this hood placement. I am copying this for a current client. Tiling the entire wall is also a favorite of mine. (Center) Lisa Brooks Of Brooks Kitchens and Baths, Georgia is deep frying goat cheese balls for our salad. They were delicious! (Right) Very classy and modern wine cellar.

(Left) Here are Barbara Barton of Barbara Barton and Associates, CO, and Patrick L. Borg of Neff in Chicago, cooking on the new Freedom induction cooktop which allows you to place the pans anywhere on the cooktop. I want one! (Right) This photo shows the "living wall" of herbs for cooking and the look is very interesting. It was the first area that all the designers commented about. They have a unique way of watering the plants, all plumbed into each plant. The natural green plants bring life into the showroom.