News and Press

Designing Exquisite Environmentally-Friendly Kitchen
by Fred Bowen-Smith and Ginny Russian

Published in New Homes & Design Volume 575 (June 2007)

The preservation of the earth, its natural resources and healthier lifestyles is an increasingly popular topic that is now extending into the home. Kitchens, traditionally considered "the heart of the home," the place where families and friends convene to nourish their bodies, share a cup of coffee and gather for the holidays, is a space that is often overlooked when designing for a healthy lifestyle

Many people do not realize that standard building materials used to finish home interiors contain hidden toxins and pollutants such as Formalde- hyde, mainly known as a preservative used in the embalming process of human bodies. Other ozone-depleting substances called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), appear in paint, carpeting, cabinetry and in the majority of all home products and have been linked to asthma, cancer, emphysema and other life-threatening diseases. However, as an informed and educated consumer, you can help prevent these gasses from contaminating your home.

Committed to providing exquisite cabinetry and unparalleled service, Kitchen Strand, a unique, unexpected delight, nestled away in Hobe Sound, Florida, designs and installs exquisite, luxury kitchens, baths and custom cabinetry for the discriminating homeowner. Fred Bowen-Smith, with over 20 years of industry experience, and his wife, Jean, opened the doors of The Kitchen Strand seven years ago. "Design & Ergonomic Philosophies for Better Living," their tagline, is reflected in every project by integrating ergonomically correct specifications with visually aesthetic, soothing designs; re- sulting in spaces that are fabulous and functional. "Better living has become an even more focused philosophy with our increased awareness and concern for out- door and indoor environments."

In 2006, Wm Ohs, one of their premier manufacturers of luxury custom cabinetry made in America, launched a new line of environmentally-friendly ("green") kitchens. Wm Ohs' luxurious hand-crafted, hand-finished cabinetry features a variety of mate- rials carefully selected to comply with emerging architectural specifications that comply with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system. LEED certification is the recognized stan- dard for measuring building sustainability. Additionally, Wm Ohs currently has a process in place to satisfy most Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) and Sustainable Forest Council (SFC) material requirements. These organizations monitor forests to ensure they are re-seeded in a timely fashion to avoid depletion. Bamboo and lyptus are among the plentiful, fast-growing wood species that are used in "green" designs.

All Wm Ohs kitchens are available with eco-friendly components such as: zero-formaldehyde materials, eliminating harmful toxins and pollutants; and water-based finish technologies using glazes and top coats at near zero VOC emission. New UV finishing programs are also being developed to ensure that Wm Ohs continues to lead the industry in the design of elegant kitchens that are 100% environmentally safe, extremely durable and exquisite in style.

In addition to the magnificent cabinetry of Wm Ohs, you can select from the fine craftsmanship and distinctive finishes of Cuisines Laurier, Habersham Designs, Superior Wood Products, Plain & Fancy and accessories from LaCornue, Franke, Miele and Sub-Zero. Whether designing a new kitchen or remodeling your existing kitchen, the professionals at The Kitchen Strand offer an exquisite selection of modern technology cabinetry systems and produce exclusive culinary environments.

If you are remodeling, The Kitchen Strand can help you evaluate which materials can be recycled (cabinets, light fixtures, sinks and appliances); help you choose certified woods from renewable resources in cabinet construction; evaluate energy-efficient appliances that use our resources wisely and cook food efficiently and healthily; and will ease the selection process from the numerous available options placing emphasis on the areas of most importance to you and your family.

Discriminating homeowners, builders, developers, architects and interior designers appreciate The Kitchen StrandÕs unique, creative abilities and careful attention to detail that produce the creation of their visions. Their goal is to build strong, lasting relationships one family at a time.

For further information, visit www.kitchenstrand.us.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

This exquisite Wm Ohs Asian Transitional kitchen is constructed with Bamboo doors and eco-friendly components that are Formaldehyde-free with no VOC emission.

Energy-efficient, state-of-the-art stainless Miele appliances add sophisticated elegance to this "Green" kitchen design.