Heart of the Home

It could have been my favorite meal. Breakfast cooked over a campfire on a chilly morning along the Platte River in Colorado by my father. A simple breakfast. Bacon, eggs, biscuits with sausage gravy and a fresh pot of percolating coffee. To this day, I remember the smells wafting into our tent at 5 in the morning. He was an early riser and the catch of the day wasn’t going to wait.

MY dream Kitchen with a multitude of preparation options

MY dream Kitchen with a multitude of preparation options

Around the same time, my mother introduced me to Chef James Beards’ writings of roasted beef and his description of tasting perfectly browned peppered layer of fat atop. All the while watching Julia Child and Jacques Pepin splash a bit of wine or another dollop of butter in recipes found on our local PBS station.

The lesson still relevant: use of the freshest ingredients possible, as well as having the right tools in the kitchen for the task at hand. Chef Thomas Keller and host/author Ina Garten also practice this ideal in every aspect in their culinary endeavors.  While hungrily awaiting for the next episode, my eyes often tend to wander towards the details—a baking sheet here, a stovetop there, which I’m sure would make any meal just that much better.

This brings me to my dream kitchen and perhaps yours. Recently, I was fortunate enough to visit with the folks at Thermador. They have been around improving kitchens for quite awhile and I must admit, off my radar. After spending the day at the KBIS2017 presentations in Orlando and during a wonderful lunch, I learned of all the advances in “Culinary Preservation and Preparation” (the wording got me to at first…it was lunch after all). But what I learned was invaluable as a designer and as a Weekend Culinary Entertainer* Coining that phrase for personal future use, watch out Food Network!

Refrigeration in a variety of styles and a sense of purpose: Three zone wine coolers, cooling doors, easy clean and removable storage. Making life easier. 

Refrigeration in a variety of styles and a sense of purpose: Three zone wine coolers, cooling doors, easy clean and removable storage. Making life easier. 

Here I was reminded of the lesson that my parents taught me years prior, that the true test of an oven and a stovetop was even distribution of heat. In refrigeration, keeping things fresh for as long as possible. Most of us have made a batch of sugar cookies when one section of the oven cooks faster than the other, or retrieving ingredients from the fridge only to find then half frozen or not chilled at all. Frustrating indeed.

Thermador has designed a group of products that addresses all of these problems in a stylish and innovative way.  I encourage you to take advantage and learn more about this company, and perhaps enjoy more of your time in the kitchen. Links and more information are available by clicking the highlighted text or a few of the pictures throughout this post.

Patented Star® Burners offer 56% more coverage with superior flame spread and a reduced cold spot for faster and more even heating across any size pan.

Patented Star® Burners offer 56% more coverage with superior flame spread and a reduced cold spot for faster and more even heating across any size pan.

In the meantime, let’s make a few sugar cookies, have a glass of perfectly chilled wine, and think how we can improve, enjoy and simplify our lives starting in the most important room of the home, the kitchen.

Click through for an easy cookie recipe from Martha Stewart

Click through for an easy cookie recipe from Martha Stewart

Oasis

One Blog Tour, One Facebook poll, one very busy airport and all that’s new in design. 

Southern Classics  Via Susan Jamieson / DXV

Southern Classics  Via Susan Jamieson / DXV

Last week I had the opportunity to escape the snow and ice of Chicago, in exchange for a week in the Sunshine State. Yes, while the locals in Florida were in jackets and fleeces as the temps dipped way down to 65 degrees, I was contemplating breaking out the shorts. Never the less, in my case, it was heaven not to be covered from head to toe protecting myself from the Midwestern elements.

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More on DXV Design after the jump. Click through to Facebook page

More on DXV Design after the jump. Click through to Facebook page

I know that it may be a lot to ask for the design of a bathroom, but I’m sure after perusing a few of my finds you’ll agree and hopefully be inspired to perhaps update your own space. 

A modern twist to a classic shape, amphoras were used as early as the Bronze Age. 

A modern twist to a classic shape, amphoras were used as early as the Bronze Age. 

Why not? We spend enough time getting ready for work, curing our illnesses, or just relaxing in the bath, let’s make it the best it can be. 

St. George Via DXV : keep up to date with latest designs on twitter. Click for the link.

St. George Via DXV : keep up to date with latest designs on twitter. Click for the link.

Pulp Via DXV

Pulp Via DXV

I hope my journal encourages a creative spark in your home. Let’s think beyond a fresh coat of paint, a new curtain, or even towels, and create something remarkable. 

Newly designed waterfall via DXV, Printed with 3D printers

Newly designed waterfall via DXV, Printed with 3D printers

Pulp Design Via DXV / American Standard

Pulp Design Via DXV / American Standard

To all my friends who participated in the blogtour, I truly enjoyed spending time with you and learning more. Including time spent on The Lazy River.