Holiday Pet Drive

 Tis the season for giving and helping others... But what about our furry friends?

 Please help support a local "Pet Drive" organized by my sister-in-law, Kerry Muldoon.

Here's some ideas for donations: cat/dog food (dry or wet), cat litter, disinfectant spray, blankets, sheets, towels, bleach, industrial/contractor trash bags, insect repellant, pooper scoopers, etc.

We will be accepting donations at our showroom, 81 1/2 Fairhaven Road (River Shops), Mattapoisett, on the following dates:

Saturday, December 18th; Tuesday, December 21st; Wednesday, December 22nd

All donations will go to the Forever Paws (No-Kill) Animal Shelter in Fall River. For more information, please contact me: jill@kbdetails.com

Details featured in Clarke's Design Gallery

Our fabulous SubZero and Wolf distributors, Clarke Corp, has featured one of Tena's kitchen designs on their website. Click here to check it out!!!

A Fabulous Alternative to Marble Countertops

Marble countertops... GORGEOUS!!! Marble countertops in a kitchen, not such a good idea. So many times I have clients come in and just completely fall in love with the look of marble. And, of course, I can't blame them. It is a beautiful natural stone. The colors and movement are exquisite. But, the maintenance and cautiousness that it takes to keep the stone looking up to its full potential is immense. Each time I have the countertop conversation with a client, I try to make one point as clear as I can. Marble is not for a home or a family that doesn't want to consciously have their countertop's "well-being" in mind at all times. (Please don't think I'm saying "no" to marble all together. In the right application, in the right home, it is superb!)

A few months ago I started a project in Marion for a couple with young kids. The wife adored Carera Marble and so badly wanted to make it the countertops in her kitchen. After having the above conversation, we decided the upkeep was not for her nor the rest of her family. With that said, we moved on to other options. In the end, she and her husband agreed on a phenomenal stone called White Zito. It has the graceful, organic movement of marble and the colors couldn't be more perfect. So, we were able to get the look she was after without having to stop all red wine and/or kool-aid drinking in and around the kitchen island! The kitchen was installed last month and my clients are thrilled!

For more articles about putting marble in your kitchen, I found the following website: http://kitchen-counter-tops.net/marble/index.php . It seems to be super helpful and has a wealth of information! Or, stop in at Details to see me and our countertop sample room!

~Bethany~

Secondary Sinks in the Kitchen

Currently, I am designing 3 different kitchens for 3 different clients who all have completely different needs. While working on each unique design, I have noticed one major commonality between them all.... a secondary sink.

My first set of clients are a married couple who's children are all out of the house living on their own. The husband and wife both love to cook and spend a lot of time in the kitchen together. For them, the secondary sink acts as a secondary "prep area". Even though, most of the time, they each have separate duties, they will undoubtedly need the sink at the same time. Now, they each have their own space to work on their own part of the meal.

In my second project, my clients are big entertainers. They love having parties and inviting all their friends and family over. The kitchen as a whole doesn't have enough room for an entire Wet Bar Built-In. So, by designing in a secondary sink, we are able to create a "bar area" for their guests. Now, they'll have a space that is suitable for preparing their guests' drinks and rinsing glassware.

The third kitchen design is for a family of 5. My clients have 3 young children all under the age of 10. Being the fabulous parents they are, this couple has their kids join in on the after diner clean-up. This is where the secondary sink comes in handy. While Mom or Dad are cleaning the big pots and pans in the main sink, the kids are able to rinse off all the dishes and put them in the dishwasher without anyone getting in anyone's way. Having this designated "clean-up center" makes tidying up the kitchen much faster and less of a hassle.

I've added some great "inspiration" photos of kitchens with a secondary sink.

Would you want a secondary sink in your kitchen? If yes, why?

~Bethany~

Oceanside Kitchen Renovation

  The owners of this kitchen have a beautiful home that sits perfectly right on the water. When the project first started, it was made clear to me that the kitchen was going to be in the space with the best views of the ocean. Therefore, it needed to reflect the serene and whimsical feeling of their beachfront property. Soothing colors clean lines, and of course, bead board all work together to establish this calm sense of comfort. My challenge was to inject this relaxed seaside style into a functional layout fit for summer entertaining. This functionality was specifically centered on two ovens being super accessible to my "less than tall" client. I accomplished this by splitting the two wall ovens to either side of the range. Doing so, not only gave great access to each oven, but also, created a  cooking area that would make any gourmet chef jealous.       

Kitchen Design: Bethany Gardner

Surround: StarMark Cabinetry - Marshmallow Cream Tinted Varnish on Hanover Door

Island: StarMark Cabinetry - Agean Mist Tinted Varnish with Vanilla Glaze on Hampton Door