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Feature Friday--Alexandria Kitchen

This week's featured kitchen is a kitchen and a bathroom for a client here in Alexandria. We took pictures of the kitchen before the remodel.

We reconfigured the floor plan, removed the drop ceiling and a bathroom, and moved doorways to recreate the workspace. The client chose the Coventry door style (our door style of the week)in the Cherry American finish, made by Mouser Custom Cabinetry in a beaded inset frame. Granite countertops, Giallo Ornamental, top the cabinetry beautifully.

We also designed the Master Bathroom for this residence. The cabinetry used in the bathroom was the Rose Hall Square in Maple Divinity from Wellborn Cabinetry.

This remodeling project was installed by Thorsen Construction in Alexandria.

Product Thursdays--New Fireclay sinks

Whitehaus Collection has a few new fireclay sinks coming out this spring. Here are some of the beautiful sinks. Some models are available in White, Biscuit, Black and Sapphire Blue to compliment any kitchen.

Fireclay sinks

We are often asked about why one would choose a fireclay sink over other options out there. We decided to post some of the information we have about the Whitehaus Collection Fireclay sinks.

About Fireclay

Fireclay sinks continue to be handmade in a process that takes several days to produce a single sink. The core is made by pouring liquefied fireclay into a mould. Once set, the sink is removed, hand finished and slowly dried to prevent cracking. It is then sprayed with a glaze made from ground glass and fired in a kiln at 1250 degrees Celcius to fuse the glaze onto the sink.

How is Fireclay different from Vitreuos China?

Fireclay is a version of vitreous china that has greater amounts of quartz and feldspar (minerals) in the clay material. It is denser thicker and approximately 30% heavier than regular clay. These characteristics allow for a durable, smooth, flat surface on large fixtures not attainable with standard vitreous china.

How do you clean a Fireclay sink?

Clean your fireclay sink with a mild soap and warm water or a gentle general purpose cleaner. Wipe the entire surface dry with a clean, soft cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or metallice wire sponges. To avoid potential stains or damage to the finish, avoid soaking dishes for abnormally long periods of time and refrain from leaving coffee grounds or teabags in the sink.

Whitehaus Collection recommends the use of a protective grib in the bottom of the sink to avoid scuffing from heavy-duty cookware. If scuffing does occur, it can be easily buffed out with Gel Gloss and a clean, soft dry cloth.

Too Good Tuesdays-April 28

With the warm weather we have been having and Cinco de Mayo coming up in a few short weeks, I thought this was a perfect recipe to share.

Chipotle Shrimp Taco

Door style of the Week--April 27

This weeks featured door is Mouser Custom Cabinetry's Coventry door style, shown in Hickory. It is also available in Knotty Alder, Cherry, Maple, Red Oak, Select Alder, Quarter Sawn Oak & Pine wood species.

This door can be used in a Full overlay or Inset frame. This door is constructed with 2-1/4" stiles and rails and a solid wood center panel. The center panel has 4 different options.

Feature Friday--McLean Kitchen

This was a kitchen designed for a Custom Home by JK Development, located in McLean, Virginia. The Cabinetry selected was from Mouser Custom Cabinetry. They chose a Beaded Inset Winchester Door with a custom drawer front. The Cabinets were finished with a white painted finish on the perimeter with a black glaze, while the island had a Black Painted finish.

The side by side 700 series Sub-Zero refrigerators are cleaverly hidden by matching cabinetry. The double stacked cabinetry highlights the kitchen's high ceilings. The island cabinetry surrounds a beautiful 44" AGA Legacy. The custom Copper Hood finish is echoed by the Copper Apron Front Sink.

Product Thursdays--Copperhaus Sinks

Whitehaus Collection has a beautiful collection of copper sinks for the kitchen and bathroom. They are available in the following colors:

This is just a few of the Copperhaus sinks available from Whitehaus Collection.Decorative Front Farm Sink in Smooth Copper
Single Bowl Undermount Sink in Hammered Copper
Undermount Prep Sink in Hammered Copper and Hammered Bronze

Copper sinks can be something most homeowner's shy away from, thinking that the upkeep of a copper sink is more than they would want to take care of. Maintaining a beautiful copper sink is easier than one expects. the Copperhaus sinks from Whitehaus are specially made with a patina finish to give them a weathered look. With this finish, there is no need to scrub or polish them for cleaning. If you rinse your sink water after every use, and clean with a mind soap and a soft cloth periodically, you will easily maintain a beautiful sink.

Classic Farm Sink in Smooth Copper

Whitehaus Collection

Whitehaus Collection is one of the manufacturers of plumbing fixtures we use here at Southern Kitchens. They have a wide variety of really beautiful sinks and faucets in their collection for both kitchens and bathrooms. In the next couple of weeks, I will be showcasing some of their fantastic products.

Whitehaus

Whitehaus is a manufacturer and importer of specialty plumbing product for the kitchen and bath. Our products are innovative in design, unsurpassed in quality, and it will not be found in home centers. For over a year Whitehaus has been raising the bar in the decorative arena by providing elegant, dynamic, finely crafted plumbing fixtures which surpass industry standards, transforming the most essential rooms in the home, the kitchen and bath, into reflections of the homeowner's personal style.

Whitehaus travels the globe to discover the best quality materials that the world has to offer. Our designs are inspired by the art, culture and architecture of international cities - exquisitely detailed and essentially pragmatic. The result of this, of course, are the unique, innovative designs and unsurpassed quality for which Whitehaus Collection is renowned. Our products are not only aesthetically pleasing, they are finely crafted to stand the test of time. Whitehaus Collection offers a fresh alternative for those with distinguished tastes.

Too Good Tuesdays--March 24

With everyone geared up for March Madness, I thought I would recommend a recipe for Guacamole for the game watching. Enjoy!

Guacamole Recipe

Door style of the Week--March 23

HGTV had given away the 2009 Dream Home, located in scenic Sonoma, California. Congratulations to Cheryl Smith of Lakeland, Florida.

If you are like those of us who entered for the HGTV Dream Home giveaway, and didn't get word that you are the winner, you are now wondering what to do with the home you have now. If you were inspired by the kitchen in the Dream Home, we can help. We can help you design the kitchen of your dreams to fit every budget.

Wellborn's Melrose Maple in Honey Butter finish

Feature Friday-Fairfax Station Kitchen

This week's featured kitchen is a job we completed in the Fairfax Station area of Virginia.

The clients selected our Medallion Cabinetry's Calistoga Door (our featured door style of the week) in the Vintage Morel finish, an elegant wide rail, raised panel door. Doug and Mick Barham of Barham Construction were the contractors for this project.

The client was pleased with her kitchen and working with Southern Kitchens.

"I am so happy with my kitchen. Thank you…Thank you…Thank you. You guys were great to work with and everything was so well done. The kitchen turned out to be everything I envisioned it to be."

Product Thursdays-Sub Zero Microwave Drawer

We here at Southern Kitchens are excited to learn that Wolf appliances are coming out with a microwave drawer.

Microwave drawers are becoming a popular choice in kitchens today because of their ease of use. Wolf's microwave drawer will be available in 24" and 30" widths. They are designed to match their E series oven with 2 styles available in Stainless Steel. The door opens and closes with a push of a button. This microwave has 11 programmable power settings, and can be used to keep food warm for up to 30 minutes.

Medallion Paint Sale Ends This Week!!

The Medallion Paint Sale ends this week. Hurry in to get your new painted kitchen!

Are you dreaming of remodeling your kitchen? Thinking of trading in your kitchen cabinets for a new set of painted cabinets? Well now may be your chance!

Medallion Cabinetry is having a sale on their classic paint finishes for their cabinetry. All of their classic paints are reduced 10%, and Southern Kitchens will match that by taking an additional 10% off of the sales price.

This sale will last for the entire month of February. All sales must be competed by the end of business on Friday, February 27th.

Too Good Tuesdays-The ultimate Sugar Cookie Recipe

These cookies are fun to make any time of the year.

The Ultimate Sugar Cookie

• 3/4 cup Golden Crisco or butter-flavored Crisco shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Colored decorations or icing

Cream Crisco, sugar, eggs and vanilla in large mixer bowl at medium speed until light and creamy. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add to creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until well blended. Cover dough and chill 1 hour, if desired, for easy rolling. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll half of dough at a time. Roll dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut in desired shapes. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Roll leftover pieces. Sprinkle with colored decorations or leave plain to decorate when cool. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are light brown. (Time will vary with cookie size.) Cool slightly, then remove to cooling rack.