We always have kitchens on the mind. But lately we've been noticing even more special kitchen events, kitchen art, and kitchen holiday celebrations around Philadelphia. Here are a few local Philly Kitchens to check out this holiday season.1) The kitchen vest at the Philadelphia Museums of Art's Pearlman Building.Visit a beautiful, informative and fun exhibit on fashion. More specifically, script used in fashion. These clothes were either designed or owned by local Philadelphians. Most were very fashionable, but we loved 'Kitchen Vest' by Joan Steiner the most.
2. Cooking Antiquity at the Aubrey Arboretum in Germantown.Airy Kitchens will be volunteering at Cooking Antiquity, a supper club that benefits the Aubrey Arboretum. Local chef Claire Phelan creates a "festive banquet inspired by the sumptuous holiday dishes detailed in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol", and our lead designer, Sean Lewis will be helping plate and serve the guests! Looks like this event is sold out, but if you're looking to visit a local historic home...
3) 'A Very Philly Christmas' at the mansions in Fairmont Park.Many events to choose from across 6 mansions decorated for the holidays in Philadelphia's Fairmont Park. We recommend the hard cider sampling at the Cedar Grove house. While you sip, explore the homes historic kitchen (shown here). Tickets and pricing here.4) Philadelphia Home Show, Philadelphia ConventionCenterWhat better place to see amazing kitchens than at the Philadelphia Home show? The show features great products and speakers. It runs from January 12 thru January 21. This year we're building a surprise piece for the Restore Up-cycle challenge! The theme this year is 'Urban Jungle' and you know our piece will be kitchen related!
Airy Kitchens 423 E Mt Pleasant Ave Philadelphia, PA 19119 215-953-6060 https://www.airykitchens.com via Blogger Kitchens about town this holiday season
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At Airy Kitchens, sustainability is important to us. A remodel using brand new materials will look great and improve your property value but it’s possible to achieve the same goals without so much waste. One of the ways we promote sustainable building is by using reclaimed materials whenever possible. We use many different reclaimed materials when performing kitchen remodeling in Philadelphia area homes but today we’d like to focus on reclaimed wood and show you a few ways we can use it in your kitchen! Repairs Using Reclaimed Wood Refinishing original hardwood floors is a great way to add warmth to your home without shelling out for completely new floors. Unfortunately, many of the homes in Philadelphia and surrounding areas date back 100 years or more, so it’s likely that the floors in your home have taken some damage over the years. Before you go out and buy all new hardwood flooring, try removing the damaged areas and just patching in new flooring. And don’t forget to check the garage, attic, and basement for materials that may have been left behind from the original construction! Rustic Accent Wall Reclaimed wood accent walls are all the rage these days and installing one in your own home may be more affordable than you think – if you make use of reclaimed materials. Many companies sell reclaimed barn wood, which is a great option if you’ve got room in your budget. If you’re looking for a cheaper way to get that rustic look, try using reclaimed pallet wood instead. Local businesses are often more than happy to give you pallets for free rather than pay to dispose of them. Once you give your pallet boards a quick whitewashing, you’ll get that rustic look you desire and nobody will be able to tell the difference! Upcycled Wood Furniture Nothing beats the warmth of solid wood furniture but it can be pretty expensive. If you’re not interested in cheap, veneered particle board furniture, try hitting up local flea markets, yard sales, and estate auctions. You’re likely to find gorgeous solid wood furniture at a much better price. If it’s a little beat up, you can refinish it and still come out ahead on the price (or leave it the way it is and incorporate that patina into your home’s look). They just don’t make them like that anymore, so adding an upcycled piece of antique furniture to your home is the perfect way to get a unique look without breaking the bank. These are just a few of the ways Airy Kitchens can use reclaimed wood materials in your kitchen remodel. Philadelphia homes are full of character and we’d love to help you think of ways to retain it when you update your kitchen. Don’t forget; we also do bathrooms, outdoor kitchens, and gardens as well. No matter what part of your home you want to remodel, Airy Kitchens should be your first call. Pick up your phone and dial (215) 853-6060 to arrange a meet-and-greet and free design session. You can also send an email to [email protected] or fill out the contact form here on our website. We can’t wait to get started on your kitchen remodeling in Philadelphia!
via Blogger Using Reclaimed Wood in Your Remodel Philadelphia and it's surrounding suburbs are filled with seniors and many are choosing to stay in their homes instead of moving to retirement communities. Wether you're disabled or not, it's important to design for the possibility that you may one day be losing your mobility, sight, or hearing. However, you don't have to build an awkward kitchen that will be difficult to resell. Here are some tips to design a kitchen for your golden years and keep it looking sleek.A well lit kitchen is easy to work in and safer for everyone. 1. Lighting.Keep the kitchen well lit with ambient lighting, task lighting and natural light. Use multiple down lights to evenly light the kitchen, then add under cabinet lights and pendants to light specific work areas. Make sure appliances are well lit and use easy-open window shades or shutters to gain natural light. Modern light switches and outlets are available with light-up covers to make them easy to find. Also, consider mounting outlets and light switches lower to make them easy to reach.Large cabinet pulls are easy to grip. 2. CabinetsChoose cabinets and drawers that are easy-open and self-closing. Include pull out drawers in cabinets to avoid having to bend and search for items in the back. Large handles or cup pulls are easier to grip than small knobs. Choose contrasting colors for cabinets and counters so they are easy to see. Wheelchair bound persons will need a lower counter that they can fit their knees under. So, consider an island with a lower portion that you can use with dining height chairs.These kitchen islands are movable to gain room for future wheelchair accessibility. 3. LayoutThe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires doorways to be 36" wide and that appliances have 30" wide by 48" deep areas in front of them (or to the side of dishwashers). When laying out your kitchen, consider adding space between counters or designing a U shape instead of using an island. Another option is to include a movable island that can be adjusted or removed if you ever need the extra space. This kitchen by Jill Neubauer includes a movable island and a lower island that works great as a wheelchair accessible prep counter.Keep appliances easy to reach and choose large, bright displays. 4. AppliancesIt's important to choose appliances that are easy and safe to use. Too much technology can be confusing, but it can also offer safety features like automatic shutoffs. Look for large, bright displays that are easy to read and knobs that are easy to grip. For wheelchair accessibility, use side by side refrigerators and consider dishwasher drawers. Wall ovens are also easier to reach than conventional ranges. Avoid built-in microwaves installed above the stove as these can be hard to reach. Ranges should have shut off knobs located at the front, so you don't have to reach over the burners.Use a sink skirt to keep your sink wheelchair accessible and stylish. 5. PlumbingADA compliant sinks should be lower than typical counter height and be open underneath. This can look odd in a kitchen, so consider adding two sinks. A lower sink can be wheelchair accessible and also great for making your grandkids help with dishes. A second taller sink will be comfortable for other adults. To hide the under sink opening, use a sink skirt like the kitchen above by Patrick Ahearn. Modern faucets offer touch controls to make use easier. Another helpful fixture is the pot filler faucet. Using a pot filler reduces the risk of trips and falls and is easier for seniors with joint pain.Like these ideas? Check out our other projects for more Philadelphia kitchen design inspiration.Airy Kitchens 423 E Mt Pleasant Ave Philadelphia, PA 19119 215-953-6060 https://www.airykitchens.com via Blogger Aging in place. Renovating a kitchen for your golden years. People love to gather in the kitchen, so why not give them a seat? Keep guests happy by creating a comfy area where they can be part of the action, but out of the way. A lounge area in the kitchen is nice for aging relatives who don't want to sit on a bar stool for hours. Tired spouses can nap here and children can read, all while you prepare dinner. Here are 5 tips for using lounge furniture in your kitchen.This gold sofa keeps guests in the kitchen or lets them get lost in the garden. Use colorful, cleanable fabrics.Lounge furniture is a great way to introduce color and pattern. Sofas and chairs are not permanent, so go bold and introduce something hip or odd. You can always switch it out. Make sure you choose fabrics that resist stains like microfiber or sunbrella. This kitchen by Jessica Helgesson makes use of a vintage sofa that adds a touch of fun and glamor.This corner sofa allows for good flow around the kitchen island. Face the chef, not the trash.When placing lounge seating, consider the kitchen flow. You don't want guests getting splashed or burned, or smelling the trash bin all evening. Place furniture so that guests can see the cook and other guests around them. Always have a table or window sill near, where friends can set drinks or plates. This kitchen by Eugenia Jesberg creates a cozy nook that's near enough to chat with the chef.A sunny lounge in the Brooklyn kitchen of Jenna Lyons. Use upright supportive seats.Choose seats that are easy for older guests to get up from. Look for arm rests and higher seat heights (fourteen-sixteen inches). Use upright, supportive backs so guests are comfortable sitting and chatting for long periods of time. Avoid overstuffed, deep lounge furniture that is hard to get up from. This kitchen, decorated by famous J Crew VP Jenna Lyons, makes use of a sunny spot to add overflow seating.The lounge chairs on the right can swivel to enjoy the fire and the company. Create multipurpose seating.Lounge chairs that can swivel or be easily moved are great for multipurpose spaces. If your living room is adjacent to the kitchen, consider a lounge chair that can turn to face both rooms. Multipurpose seating is a great opportunity to tie two spaces together with color, pattern, or texture. This great-room is by famed home design firm Polhemus Savory Desilva.This window seat adds extra storage to our showroom kitchen. Consider storage.Every kitchen can use more storage. Add valuable cabinets and drawers above and below your lounge seating. Consider hanging a pot rack or shelves above seats. This kitchen is our beautiful showroom in Northwest Philadelphia. See more at Airy Kitchens.Airy Kitchens 423 E Mt Pleasant Ave Philadelphia, PA 19119 215-953-6060 https://www.airykitchens.com via Blogger Create lounge seating in your kitchen Call us today: 215 853 6060Airy Kitchens 423 E Mt Pleasant Ave Philadelphia, PA 19119 215-953-6060 https://www.airykitchens.com via Blogger Fall Design Sale! The kitchen designers at Airy Kitchens surveyed our favorite stone suppliers around Pennsylvania. Here's what we found:This carrara marble creates a bright and elegant counter and backsplash. 1) Marble is classic and timeless. This durable stone will last a lifetime... with some maintenance. Marble is available in a wide range of colors, but white is the most popular. Different varieties of white can be very inconsistent in color and pattern, so make sure you see the slab before buying.Pros: Marble is the only natural stone available in a soft white color. Marble's natural cool temperature makes it perfect for baking. You can set a hot pan on marble and use it outdoors.Cons: Marble will easily stain and needs to be resealed every 6-12 months. Acidic foods like lemon and tomato will etch the surface and it will scratch easily. This stone works better for folks who like a natural weathered patina because it's hard to keep it looking new.This leathered finish granite has a softer look and feel. 2) Granite is durable and beautiful. While some darker colors may look subtle, most granites have distinct patterns of iridescent speckles and swirls. Most granite is inexpensive compared to other natural stones, but rare types can get pricey.Pros: Granite gives a show stopping look and is durable. It comes in many colors and resists scratching well. You can set a hot pan on it and use it outdoors.Cons: Granite is not subtle, so it will be the star of your kitchen. If you want to use other colorful, patterned tiles or curtains, it may get busy. This natural stone can stain and needs to be resealed yearly.This soapstone has distinctive veining with a hint of green. 3) Soapstone has a soft look and feel. Most soapstone is grey and will darken over time to black. This can happen naturally or you can wax it to darken the color. Soapstone can scratch, but scratches can also be sanded out.Pros: Soapstone is chemically inert, meaning bacteria won't grow on it. This stone will not stain or etch and you do not have to apply chemical sealers. You can put a hot pan on it and use it outdoors.Cons: Soapstone is only available in blacks, grays, and greens. It is more expensive than granite and marble. The natural patina can look dirty and waxing is needed every few months to give a consistent finish.Quartz looks neat and clean in a solid color. 4) Quartz is a manmade product combining natural quartz chips with resin and color. This material is harder and more solid than granite, but it doesn't have the beautiful patterns found in natural stones.Pros: Quartz will not stain and is very hard to scratch. It doesn't need to be sealed or maintained. Quartz is available in every color you can imagine.Cons: Quartz is more expensive than most granite and marble. It is heat resistant, but you cannot leave a hot pan on it or use it outdoors.Butcher block counters add warmth to painted cabinets. 5) Butcherblock counters are a great way to add warmth and a touch of nature to your kitchen. These counters are available in an assortment of wood types and can be stained a variety of colors. Butcher block will show its age faster than stone and needs regular maintenance, but scratches and stains can be sanded away.Pros: Butcherblock is inexpensive and easy to DIY. Wood is warmer and softer than stone, making it kid friendly and less likely to shatter a dropped glass.Cons: Wood will get mildew around water sources and can crack with age. These counters should be oiled every 2-3 months. You should not put a hot pan on these nor can they be used outdoors.Concrete counters introduce texture and a consistent color to this kitchen. 6) Concrete counters are strong and can be poured on site. This makes them a possibility where other counters can't fit without a seam. Concrete looks industrial, but it needs upkeep.Pros: Concrete is customizable and has a unique look. You can put hot pans on it and use it outdoors.Cons: Concrete is more likely to crack than stone or wood and it's expensive. It is very easy to stain, and must be sealed for food use.This quartzite counter has a distinct look 7) Quartzite is a natural stone with beautiful patterns and colors. This expensive oddity is becoming more popular in stone yards everywhere.Pros: Quartzite is scratch resistant and will not etch. It is durable and beautiful. You can put a hot pan on it and use it outdoors.Cons: Quartzite will stain and needs to be sealed yearly. Most varieties are more expensive than granite or marble.Airy Kitchens 423 E Mt Pleasant Ave Philadelphia, PA 19119 215-953-6060 https://www.airykitchens.com via Blogger How to Choose a Kitchen Counter, Seven Beautiful and Durable Options We've been busy lately and it feels like the hard work is paying off. Our show room pop-up dinner was a success. There was even a little write up about it in the Chestnut Hill Local.I love that the kitchen is in the middle of meal preparation. Very authentic!Also this week, our Senior Designer Sean Lewis published his first story on Houzz.com. Read about whitewash paint here. Learn about where to use whitewash paint, different techniques to apply it, and how to mix your own. Of course we mentioned the whitewashed, reclaimed ceiling in our Chestnut Hill farm house kitchen.Finally, I will leave you with some kitchen inspiration for the Labor Day weekend. I want to cook in this gorgeous kitchen!Airy Kitchens 423 E Mt Pleasant Ave Philadelphia, PA 19119 215-953-6060 https://www.airykitchens.com via Blogger Airy Kitchens In the News 7) Design smart and plan ahead. Before you start picking out materials, create a design and plan a budget. Consider limiting the following: changes to load bearing walls, moving sinks and stoves, and changes to electrical and hvac components. If you are thinking of changing the layout or adding windows, consider the sunlight throughout the day and any views you may or may not want to see. If you measure twice and plan ahead, you will reduce mistakes and waste. 6) Donate used items to salvage shops and go shopping while you're there. There's no reason to throw away old hardware, light fixtures, or cabinets. Call a salvage store to schedule a pick up or sell items on craigslist. You will be surprised haw fast old hardware sells at a garage sale! Some salvage stores like Habitat for Humanity's Re-Store will give you a tax write-off. If you're at the salvage shops, look around for materials and hardware you need. Some stores even have brand new tools and supplies. 5) Refinish cabinets with paint or new doors. New cabinetry is a huge expense, so refinish what you already own. This will cut down on costs and create less waste. Architectural details like brackets and feet can be added to existing cabinets for a fresh look. If the cabinet doors are dated, hire a pro to replace them. Used hardware can also be painted for a quick update. 4) Read up on materials and VOC's. When deciding on cabinets, flooring and paint, it's important to know about how a material is made, whether it's recyclable, and if it's healthy to be around. How building materials effect our health is probably a topic for another, longer post, but here are a few good resources to learn more: HPDC Pharos . Although some synthetic materials may advertise being 'green', we like to source natural materials that we know are renewable and will age gracefully. 3) Up-cycle old furniture.To create a special project, think outside the box. Repurpose old furniture like this hutch to create a unique built-in. Use old crates or baskets as drawers. Use industrial style shelves for plants or dishes. A fresh coat of paint is nice, but sometimes an old piece with the right patina is even better. 2) Use re-claimed lumber. Re-claimed lumber looks great on walls or as shelves. Consider finding old wood paneling in your home or garage and re purpose it on a ceiling or accent wall. Use a thin whitewash to give an updated look without covering the aged patina. How about cabinets made from reclaimed wood? Check out these! Reuse what you already have! Just because you're removing walls doesn't mean you can't patch existing floors. Just because you're installing recessed lights doesn't mean you have to take down the whole ceiling. Many contractors want to demo as much as possible so they can start over with a smooth and level surface, but at what cost? Old houses are imperfect and that old plaster ceiling is more soundproof and insulated than new drywall will be. Often this step is more expensive than buying new products and throwing out the old ones, but reusing existing items gives your home a sense of history and is the best sustainable decision you can make.
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