News and Press
Designing & Remodeling Exquisite Luxury Kitchens, June 2007
by Ginny Russian
Published in Affluent Real Estate & Home Furnishings
The kitchens in today's luxury homes have transitioned in many ways. As in everything in life, there are differences in quality and workmanship. The kitchen featured in this article is part of a luxury home in The Bear's Club, in Jupiter, Florida, built by Lavelle Construction & Development, a builder of custom homes. It was designed by The Kitchen Strand, designers and installers of exquisite, upscale residential kitchens, baths, custom cabinetry and specialty rooms.
As you can see, most of the appliances blend into the beautifully hand-crafted, hand-finished custom-made cabinetry manufactured by Wm Ohs (known for the most elegant, classic kitchens made in America). The mixing of finishes and colors is the current trend and all components are designed ergonomically utilizing each space for maximum functionality. Internal accessories that surprise and delight in a combination of wood and stainless steel include:
- Premium stainless steel and maple divider system to organize flatware;
- Spice organizers that pull out along the stove;
- Full cabinet pull-outs or lay down drawer inserts;
- Adjustable pot lid storage systems;
- Two-tier cutlery storage drawers for maximum efficiency and storage;
- Plate storage drawers for safe and convenient storage in an ergonomic and convenient location;
- Waste management systems for all your trash and recycle needs.
Discriminating homeowners, builders, developers, architects and interior designers appreciate The Kitchen Strand's unique, creative abilities and careful attention to detail that produce the creation of their visions. The crucial ingredient to their success is the service they provide assuring on-time installation of the finished product. There are no surprises.
The secret is that they take reservations for all their projects, whether new construction or remodels. By identifying the desired completion date, they can "Critical Path&auot; the project from start to finish. This priority program and check list establishes "Benchmarks" that are carefully monitored and maintained defining timelines for:
- Initial design, design development
- Detailing space usage, color and all details;
- Factory order and manufacturing process;
- Accessory orders and confirmations;
- Installation process, final review and approval;
Committed to providing exquisite cabinetry and unparalleled service, this premiere South Florida kitchen and bath design firm values their clients and believes that integrity and an extraordinary staff of talented professionals are key to their success. Upon entering the boutique-style showroom, you feel as if you are in the kitchen of a friend as you are warmly welcomed by Proprietors Fred and Jean Bowen-Smith. Fred, with over 20 years industry experience, and his wife, Jean, opened the doors of The Kitchen Strand (this unique and unexpected delight nestled in Hobe Sound, Florida) seven years ago.
Due to their success and to better serve their clientele, The Kitchen Strand recently expanded their showroom adding additional installations from the elegant traditional and transitional cabinetry of Wm Ohs, along with the Hampton's Beach style cabinetry made by Plain & Fancy.
Leaders in the cabinetry industry, their manufacturers are Wm Ohs, Cuisines Laurier, Habersham Designs, Superior Wood Products, Plain & Fancy and more! Distinctive finishes and fine craftsmanship, together with accessories from LaCornue, Franke, Miele and Sub-Zero embrace modern technology cabinetry systems and produce exclusive culinary environments. Their goal is to build strong, lasting relationships one family at a time.