Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Design Tip: Countertop Rain Management

There are a few small details that designers and installers can incorporate into the countertop specifications that will help with rain management in the outdoor kitchen. These little touches can go a long way in adding to the homeowner's satisfaction with the finished project:
  • A drip edge cut under the counter can help keep the cabinets and other equipment below stay cleaner and drier. This is nothing more than a continuous, small groove cut into the bottom of the counter along the edge. Even if the kitchen uses Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet weather-tight cabinets, this detail is another demonstration that you, as a professional designer, truly understand outdoor kitchen design parameters.
  • When using a backsplash, the the counter can be angled slightly downward toward the front to prevent puddles from accumulating at the backsplash.
  • An undermount sink will allow the homeowner to wipe rainwater into the sink instead of off the edge of the counter when they want to cook right after a spring shower.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Congratulations and Thank You to Mary Jo Peterson

Congratulations to Mary Jo Peterson for her induction into the National Kitchen and Bath Association Hall of Fame at the 2009 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.

Mary Jo did an outstanding job at the show teaching a class on outdoor kitchen design together with landscape architect Mary Palmer Dargan. The class was one of the most popular at the conference and was sponsored by Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet.

Both notable design professionals are also on the judging panel for the 2009 Oasis Award for Outdoor Kitchen Design.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Outdoor Kitchen Design Classes at NKBA Chapter Meetings

Outdoor kitchens represent a meaningful growth opportunity for many design professionals, including kitchen designers. Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet has taught a number of classes on outdoor kitchen design for a variety of professional associations.

Our educational materials have been developed out of experience with hundreds of outdoor kitchens, and from a desire to encourage great design that delivers wonderful experiences for homeowners. Most recently, I spoke at the NKBA Rocky Mountain Chapter meeting to more than 60 members, covering outdoor kitchen design basics and specific recommendations for making projects a resounding success. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

"I was exceptionally pleased with your NKBA presentation on outdoor kitchens last
Thursday in Fort Collins." - Tim Clemens, Animas Kitchen & Bath LLC

"Just wanted to thank you for presenting 'How To Design an Outdoor Kitchen' last Thursday to the Colorado NKBA Chapter. It was extremely informative and have a project in the fall that I could use your knowledge for. My guest, who is a builder in the Mountains (around 9,000 feet), was also very impressed and we both got ideas we could easily implement." - Erica Kalkofen, Erica Kalkofen Designs, LLC

"After meeting you and enjoying your marvelous seminar last night at BAC on Outdoor Kitchen Design I wanted to follow up on our conversation. I would be very interested in becoming a Kalamazoo Gourmet Professional Partner..." - Lori Pivonka, Kitchens at the Denver


Thank you to NKBA Rocky Mountain Chapter for a wonderful meeting, and thank to Builder's Appliance Center for sponsoring the event. If you are a member of the NKBA, ASLA, APLD or ASID, and you are interested in a seminar on outdoor kitchen design, please email your request to partners@KalamazooGourmet.com.