Feature: Soul Kitchens
September 1, 2007
Downsview
"We still build everything in-house," claims Gianni Casiraghi
of Downsview. "That is the only way we can maintain quality control." Armed with
the rare ability to provide individual attention to detail, along with styles
that range from ultra-contemporary to classically English, it is no wonder the
40-year-old Ontario-based manufacturer is a favorite among top designers. "Of
course we have standard sizes and components," he explains. "But we are very
flexible in the way they can be modified. And we have a large custom shop for
what we call the focal points, like hoods, special cabinetry, consoles or
armoires to make every room unique."
In regard to the style preference of North America’s elite,
Casiraghi says it has always been about a 70/30 traditional over contemporary
ratio. These days, he is seeing a reverse shift, with cleaner lines replacing
ornate decoration. "White and high gloss are back strong, too," Casiraghi says,
adding that "the fully integrated Sub-Zero is probably used in 80 or 90 percent
of our kitchens." As for ovens, Miele and Gaggenau are popular for au courant
designs, while Wolf and Thermador star in more time-honored decors.
Average Cost: Between $50,000 and $100,000.
Inquiries: 905.677.9354, www.downsviewkitchens.com
Poggenpohl
Full-service project design, breadth of product and pre-cision
German engineering are what make this 115-year-old kitchen pioneer a standout.
"The Poggenpohl design team includes a dedicated kitchen designer, technical
designer, project management team and factory trained installers to make the
project run smoothly and efficiently," says Theodore Chappell, founder of
Poggenpohl U.S. On the form and function front, he cites recent innovations,
such as aluminum edges and drawer glides, as well as soft closing doors and
+Motion self-closing drawers—motor-driven to assure long-lasting consistent
operation.
"Now more than ever, architects, interior designers and
affluent consumers are specifying kitchens with a green design theme," says
Chappell. "From water-based lacquers to industrial-engineered exotic woods, we
are responding by producing environmentally friendly cabinetry that adheres to
strict European environmental standards. The new teak finish is one example of
wood decor styles we offer, along with light and dark oak, nut tree and
zebrano." In terms of compatible appliance pairings, Chappell prefers Miele.
"They offer seamless integration into Poggenpohl cabinetry and a sleek, modern
look that complements our design," he says.
Looking ahead, Chappell offers a sneak peek into the
not-too-distant future: a Porsche-designed "Kitchen for Men" to be introduced
this fall at the Porsche factory in Leipzig, Germany.
Average Cost: "Our approximate average price would range
from $40,000 to more than $150,000," says Chappell.
Inquiries: 973.812.8900, www.poggenpohl-usa.com
St. Charles
An icon of mid-20th-century kitchens, this classic all-metal
cabinetry was top choice for the ranks of such noteworthy American homes as
Fallingwater and Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House. This enduring
manufacturer, launched in 1935 and recently acquired by Viking Range
Corporation, has just revealed a 21st-century interpretation of its timeless
design.
According to general manager Jim Gregory, "Our consumers are
interested in innovation, attentive to design and embrace unique materials and
product features. They are also looking for eco-friendly products and
hypoallergenic materials for their living spaces." To that end, he notes that
all the steel used is 60- to 70-percent recycled content and 98 percent
recyclable. "Cabinet door options include stainless steel, zero-VOC
powder-coated steel in 23 colors, and eight tempered-glass patterns," he adds.
Metal-edged glass shelves and soft-close hardware are also standard
features.
Perhaps most unique, says Gregory, "Our clients now have the
opportunity to design a seamless look by specifying Viking appliances with St.
Charles Cabinetry." While the new collection coordinates with any appliance, the
color palette was specially developed to match the full range of its sibling
brand.
Average Cost: Competitive with premium cabinetry
brands.
Inquiries: 662.451.1000, www.stcharlescabinets.com
advertisement
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();){kind=link}
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();){kind=link}
; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();){kind=link}