Kitchen Counseling at Aitoro Appliance
We invited some of our favorite kitchen designers to a series of events at Aitoro Appliance, in Norwalk, CT to give advice to Desigporters planning a kitchen renovation. Their Monogram Appliance show kitchen is the perfect back-drop for learning all about kitchen design while seeing one in action. Want to know how to select countertops and cabinets and get the luxury look for less? Read on.
First we heard from Amy Zolin of Clarity Home a full-service Greenwich-based Interior Design firm. A few of her fabulous kitchens are featured in these images.
Photo Credit: Neil Landino
Zolin’s kitchen design spans all styles, but sophistication and attention to detail are consistent in all of her work. Here are some of our favorite tips from Amy:
Mix It Up: If you use a man-made countertop, opt for a hand-made or natural backsplash or vice versa, like marble + ceramic. The contrast adds character.
Focus: Pick one feature element and go for it. But don’t have multiple features fighting for attention. If you opt for a dramatic countertop, keep your millwork simple.
Brass Tax: If you’re worried that all that brass is just a trend, Zolin isn’t. She says brass is not going anywhere. Brass can be expensive, but a little goes a long way. She suggests a budget friendly idea: using a slim piece of brassy metal-strapping on your hood. It’s like jewelry.
One is Silver and the Other is Gold: Zolin’s also a firm believer in mixing metals. She generally avoids rose gold in the kitchen, but uses plenty of gold and brass tones mixed with stainless and chrome and enjoys the interplay of tones.
Ria Rueda, the Brand Ambassador for Monogram, also schooled us on countertops. Quartz is a man-made material, while quartzite is a natural stone. Quartz is more budget friendly, but still considered a high-end material. She’s also a huge fan of Sapienstone, pictured here in the Monogram Kitchen; it’s a porcelain that works a lot like quartz and has a gorgeous glassy finish.
Induction Cooktop: Here
Monogram X Gwyneth Paltrow: Here
Our second “Kitchen Counselor” was Meredith Huck. She’s the Principal of interior designer firm House of Huck , and she does it all but admits that kitchens spark the most joy in her because there are so many design elements to select. She calls her approachable style “liveable luxury” and is a master when it comes to stretching a budget and achieving a luxury look for less. Here are some of her tips and tricks:
Go big or go home: Don’t skimp on appliances. Get the good ones and they will last longer and perform sooo much better. Monogram Appliance at Aitoro is her go to for quality and service.
Go solid: Buy heavy-weight quality hardware. You’ll be using it everyday and don’t want it to show wear and tear.
Bang for the buck: To create a budget friendly backsplash, consider using half of the expensive handmade tile and creating a pattern with another lower priced tile. Also shop around, there are lots of options to get the #lookforless in this category!
Stay Light: Statement lighting can totally be worth it, but look around, there might be equally appealing looks at a fraction of the cost, and as long as you aren’t swinging from them they’ll last just as long!
Meredith’s words of wisdom: finish the room. If you can’t get it to a fully designed and decorated space you may need the help of a designer or hold your project until the budget allows to have a totally completed look that you are proud of!
Ria gave the crew a great rundown on induction cooktops and the famous Monogram Appliances 5 in 1 oven with Advantium technology - answering all of our questions about #convection cooking, #airfrying and how fast it actually cooks a whole chicken (35 min)!
Thank you Clarity Homes, House of Huck, Aitoro Appliance and Chef Arik Ben Simon! We so appreciate you sharing your tips and tricks with the Designport community!
