Hello, my friends! We are in the throes of potty training over here and I am pooped (pun intended). Between all that time spent waiting patiently, taking deep breaths, and mustering enthusiasm I’ve been neglecting some things. Like, you know, putting on real clothes. When I get a break from constantly monitoring for any signs of bodily fluids all I want to do is sit down and immerse myself in something completely uninteresting to two year olds. Hence: Pinterest. And my favorite idea spotted on Pinterest this week is something so simple I can’t believe that it’s not more popular-stainless steel islands.
The Design Files | Andrea Millar
BHG
House & Home | Michael Graydon
Number Fifty-Three
Really more like a work table, a stainless island is just so practical. It’s less expensive than cabinetry plus countertops and more durable than pretty much any other surface, There’s a reason why these are a staple in restaurant kitchens. My current kitchen is too small for an island of any sort but I’m definitely tucking this idea away for our next house. If you’ve got a large kitchen this 3′x6′ table could be had for under $500. For smaller spaces this 2′x4′ version is only $159. The cheapest option, though, is probably to check out a local restaurant supply company. The only downside to stainless steel is that it does show a lot of fingerprints and smudges. I remember from my high school days working at Sonic that this stuff was awesome for cleaning the stainless surfaces. I’ve got a hunch that stainless appliances are on their way out, but hopefully stainless islands don’t see the same fate.
So if stainless appliances are out, what’s next?!
White!
Seriously!? Are they going to look different or are we going back to the 90′s same as those high waisted shorts that are dreadfully back in style?!
I think they’re going to be sleeker than the 90′s versions, with either super modern or retro styling. I really like the GE Artistry line. Here’s an article about the new trend: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/new-old-white-kitchen-appliance-inspiration-192500
My dream kitchen would have one of those white enamelled gas ranges from the 1940s. There is just something so appealing about that era. I fell in love with O’Keefe & Merritt’s Bel Air Estate Range. It comes with 2 ovens, 2 broilers, bread and plate warmer over upper oven, six burners, chrome shelf, storage drawers on bottom. It’s a monster at 56″ wide, so I might have to settle on a more modest version one day. In any event, these old stoves have so much chrome on it, I think you could get away with mixing in other modern stainless steel appliances. (If I ever win the lotto, I might buy a brand new retro suite through Elmira Stove Works.) Imagine how cool they would look with a drainboard type sink mounted on painted white cabinetry that is made to look like furniture, butcher block counters, white marble subway tile backsplash, gray painted walls, wide plank floors, etc. Any of those industrial stainless steel islands pictured here would fit right in.
Have you seen the GE Slate Appliances?! I saw them a few years back and I really want them to be the next thing. I am so in love with them. It’s a darker, warmer finish than stainless.
http://www.geappliances.com/design_center/slate-appliances/
Oooooh mama likey!
Design trends come and go. Unless you are selling right away, it is better to choose something you really love instead of slavishly following fashion. My parent’s mid-century mod home still has the original Thermador oven and range top in stainless steel. 50+ years later, both appliances remain in great working order and continue to look rather handsome with the original wood stained custom cabinetry. While this galley kitchen is due for a serious upgrade with a more energy efficient suite of appliances, it is for that reason I am lobbying for the return of stainless steel. Natural stained wood and metal look marvelous married together — particularly in their Frank Lloyd Wright-esque style house.