Kennedy Home Gets Green Makeover Using Holiday Cabinets

Robin Wilson, eco-friendly home design expert and a pioneer in the green home movement, is helping spearhead a complete renovation of the private residence of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. which is being rebuilt after a flood and infestation of black mold. The original 1920s Colonial, located in Westchester County, NY was demolished and the new masonry home is scheduled for spring 2010 completion. This gold LEED certified Kennedy Green House will serve as living laboratory for designers, architects and consumers to learn about the latest in green building technologies and eco-friendly products.

Wilson, known for her ability to combine eco-friendly solutions with beautiful design, has incorporated her environmentally friendly cabinetry line, Robin Wilson Home Custom Cabinetry by Holiday Kitchens into three spaces including the kitchen, kitchenette and main laundry room. The Kennedy Green House includes maximum energy and water efficiency fixtures, low VOC paints, reclaimed building materials and durable goods with low-impact on the environment and indoor air quality.

“Our team has worked with the architects, builder and client to engage in far-reaching discussions about the best ways to ensure that the project remains on the cutting edge in terms of design, and it is quite exciting to know that my kitchen line will be in three spaces in the home. We used three different styles painted maple, bamboo and stainless steel, so that consumers can see the wide range of the RWH Custom Cabinetry line,” said Wilson.

We are excited to invite you for a full day of design exploration

in charming Plato, Minnesota!

When: May 6, 2010

• RSVP No Later Than Friday, April 30^th 2010 by calling 612.338.3991 or emailing sarah@sawhillkitchens.com

• Trade & Public Welcome

• Space is limited so let us know today!

• Comfortable Shoes Recommended

• If you’d like to drive separate, please arrive at Plato Woodwork at 10:15am (Please RSVP either way and Call/Email with any questions)

Itinerary

• 8:30-9:00am – Meet in the Internationl Market Square Lobby for Coffee & Snacks and Board the Bus

• 9:00am sharp – Bus leaves for a relaxing ride to Plato, MN (see map below)

• 10:30am – Experience a walking tour of Plato Woodwork’s fine cabinetry-making facility, and see how quality custom cabinets are made (www.platowoodwork.com)

• 12:00pm – Enjoy a picnic lunch and meet the 5^th generation of Plato Woodwork- Karl Pinske- at his home, a short bus ride away

• 12:30pm – Take a tour of Karl Pinske’s newly constructed, reclaimed timber frame home and see fine examples of Plato Woodwork’s custom capabilities

• 1:45pm – Get lost in the spring beauty of Tangletown Gardens greenhouse and grounds, a behind-the-scenes look at how beauty is created for their Minneapolis retail location (www.tangletowngardens.com)

• 2:45pm – Board the bus back to IMS to bring the day full circle

• 4:00pm – Estimated arrival time back at IMS
  

We hope you can make it to this fun-filled event!!

New EPA Law Regarding Lead & Remodeling

Are you planning a remodeling, renovation, repair or painting project on your home? Was your home built before 1978? If you answered yes to those two questions you may want to read on about how this new law will effect you, and what you should expect from the people working on your home.

Starting April 22, the EPA will require remodelers working in homes built before 1978 to follow practices designed to minimize the exposure of residents & workers to lead hazards.

I recently completed training on this law in order to become a Certified Lead Renovator. I can't possibly share all the information I learned in this 8 hour (hands on) training course, in this blog. But I thought I would share some of the key points. Or, you can click on the EPA links below to get more information.

This new law is an attempt to prevent lead poisoning in you, your family, and the people working on your home. But again the law only applies to homes built prior to 1978. However, you may still be interested if you have children under the age of 6 years old. The manufacturing of lead based paints was “outlawed” in 1978, but lead additives could still be added by painters and finishers. Lead additives help to make paint more durable and keeps it’s color, so painters liked using the lead additives.

To help prevent lead poisoning, this law outlines the steps to take in order to help prevent and contain the lead that may be in the dust created by work on your home. Dust containment is the key. The law does not address lead abatement (total removal of all lead based products), but simply the spread of the lead particles in the dust created during renovations, etc.

A Certified Lead Renovator can perform a test on some surfaces to detect the presence of lead, but most experts seem to feel you should assume there is lead present if your home was built prior to 1978. Based on that assumption, or test results, the dust created by the work needs to be contained in the work area following specific guidelines. The following are just a few of the many procedures and steps that must take place:

• An EPA brochure entitled “Renovate Right” must be given to the home owner before work begins.
• Warning signs must be posted at each doorway into the work area.
• Dust must be contained in the work area with the use of specific plastic sheeting.
• There are restriction on the type and process for sanding painted surfaces.
• When cleaning up the work area, all dust and debris must be sealed in a plastic bag before being removed from the work area.
• HEPA vacuum cleaners should be used during clean up, and wet mopping is recommended in lieu of sweeping whenever possible.
• Upon completion of the work, the Certified Lead Renovator will perform a test to ensure that the majority of the dust is not on any horizontal surfaces like flooring, countertops and window sills.

The law also establishes safe work practice for the people working on the project. This may include protective clothing, shoe covers, eye protection and even respirators. And all workers must be trained by the Certified Lead Renovator.

The test note above, and all these procedures, do not guaranty that there is no lead present, or lead dust present. But the test will help ensure that the majority of the dust caused by the renovation has been properly cleaned up. And the procedures ensure that the dust is contained in the work area, and not spread to other areas of the home. While also protecting the trades people working on your home (i.e. OSHA!).

If you are concerned about the amount of lead that may be in your home you can hire a Certified Lead Paint Inspector, or Certified Lead Risk Assessor do testing on your home before and upon completion of the work. But this is not required by law.

While this new law will add some cost to certain projects, I think the benefits of protecting you, your family and the people working on your home are worth it. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns, or again the links are very helpful.

Sawhill Wins Award in Kitchen Design Competition!

Sawhill's co-owner Susan Palmquist, CKD, received a 2nd Place Award in the 2009 Local Sub-Zero Wolf Kitchen Design Competition co-sponsored by Roth Distributing in Minnetonka, MN.

The decision to remodel in lieu of building a new house was the foundation for this major whole home improvement project. The kitchen was one of the top priorities, and the desire of the home owners was to improve on the layout and to bring the quality and details up to their standards. The initial study resulted in the decision not to enlarge the kitchen, but to make better use of the existing space.

The building blocks for the final plan were two key decisions: 1) The door to the dining room was shifted to the left 23”. 2) The cooktop and separate ovens were combined into a large professional range. This increased the available wall space which now gives the owners more countertop and larger working surfaces. This request was high on their “wish list”. In addition, the “Hearth Hood” is placed directly across from the large see through fireplace which balances the scale in the room and adds an area of decorative detail.

The soffits were removed and the new cabinetry goes to the ceiling with a three member crown molding at the top. The doubled paneled doors on the upper cabinets keeps that scale in proportion with the lower cabinets. The contrast of the walnut on the island countertop with the softer more neutral colors on the perimeter brings your attention to the center of the room. The kitchen did not Increase in size, but now feels like a much larger room with the quality and detail that is very satisfying to the home owner.

Contact Sue if you'd like more information on this project or regarding the products featured in this beautiful kitchen!!

Our First 2010 Sawhill Sampler!!

Countertop Class!

Please join us on

February 18th from 5-6:30pm for the first in our series of 2010 Sawhill Samplers!

Come and gather information on each type of countertop material that’s out there. See the latest samples and innovations in surfacing.

Enjoy fun finger food and refreshments while you meet & greet experts who specialize in each particular area of countertops.

Bring all of your countertop questions and your friends!

Designers & Consumers Welcome

Please RSVP by February 15th

To Sarah Michalowski

By calling 612.338.3991

Or emailing

Sarah@sawhillkitchens.com

Thank you and we hope to see you at Sawhill on February 18^th!

Sawhill Custom Kitchens

International Market Square

275 Market Street, Suite 157

Minneapolis, MN 55405

Don't Sterotype Kitchens or the Cook

You can’t stereo type people any more, especially when it comes to kitchens, and who the primary cook is. The kitchen isn’t just for women, and the garage isn’t just for men. For years & years now we’ve seen most men actively involved in the kitchen design process as well as being the primary cook. I have a number of close friends and neighbors where the “man of the house” is the primary grocery shopper and the primary cook, especially when it comes to cooking gourmet meals.

I on the other hand, to a certain degree, am the old stereotype. But I have a good reason. I have a wife who runs the majority of her business out of our home so she has time at the end of her day to start dinner. While I on the other hand, am sitting in traffic on the way home to Forest Lake from Minneapolis. The truth is my wife has always been the primary gourmet cook in our family. My wife’s mother was a caterer, so cooking has always been in her blood. Her mother also instilled in her that the food is one thing, but, “it’s all about the presentation.” So our family dinners are rarely served on a paper plate, or in front of the TV.

But like some men who serve as the chef’s assistant or secondary cook, I have some specialty meals that are my signature pieces as well as being the grill master. I cook a mean Cornish Game Hen, and my signature omelets and my Cajun Breakfast are legendary in my family!

While I may have a few signatures meals, my wife on the other hand has not served the same meal twice – or so it seems. I’m exaggerating to some degree, of course, but she’s always looking for ways to improve a main entre or the side dishes. She’s her worst critic.

When we remodeled our kitchen my wife, had a list of wants and needs, including high BTU gas burners, that also incorporate a low simmer setting, a larger than standard refrigerator, and large drawers for her Dutch oven and other favorite cookware.

Though our kitchen is small, it now functions perfectly for our style of cooking and entertaining. A raised snack bar, which wraps around one of the large work counters, is a perfect spot for family or guests to sit while the cook (yes, primarily my wife) puts the finishing touches on the meal or the last appetizer. The large work counter on the other side of the snack bar is also the perfect spot for me to set up the bar and act as bartender for party guests sitting at the raised snack bar.

So, if you’re remodeling or redesigning your kitchen, make sure you get input from everyone in your family. Don’t stereotype your own family members. They may have a good idea to share. Oh and by the way. Since our kitchen is so small, many bulky kitchen items are stored in cabinets in “MY” garage. Sorry, she never cleans it, so it’s mine. And yes, I do clean the kitchen, and I do clean the dishes. So it’s “OUR” kitchen!

And don’t forget. Just because your kitchen is small, doesn’t mean you can’t turn out some great meals! Click on the links above for some recipes that may help.

Kitchens Within Reach

Speaking from one passionate food lover to another, I am here to tell you that a new kitchen is within reach now more than ever before. I started designing kitchens when times were thriving- people were living in excess- throwing every appliance and two islands into their kitchens. I was designing in LA then and relocated to Sawhill Custom Kitchens in Minneapolis a year and a half ago. Times have definitely changed… But this isn’t a bad thing!

There are numerous reasons why attaining your dream kitchen is smarter, quicker and makes more sense than ever. For one thing, the state of the economy has given us new reasons with lower interest and quicker turn around. Secondly, we are now shifting our spending closer to home, supporting the local community. And lastly, we are preparing our homes and spaces for longevity- no more bouncing around to bigger and better- let’s be happy right where we are!

The economy has taken us on a roller coaster ride. At this point, it is finally advantageous to take out a loan, invest in your home, and save time and money while doing it. Interest rates are at new lows. Contractors have gone back to pricing that we haven’t seen since Y2K- and the good ones are actually available! They are eager and willing to start on your new kitchen. With that eagerness comes improved customer service and quicker project completion.

Reduced prices and lead times are also available on that custom cabinetry you’ve been dreaming of. Rebates on appliances, countertops and other materials are being offered like never before. Are you ready to entertain in a beautiful and functional newly remodeled kitchen? Wait no longer!

The shift in the economy has also shifted our concern to where our money ends up. Investing in local products and people not only betters the local community, but is environmentally green as well. Here at Sawhill, we take pride in the fact that we keep our products within reach. We have three cabinet lines, all with different price levels, and all made within a 500 mile radius- one of them is only an hour away! Locally made countertops, tile and other materials that are extremely unique and well-crafted are also available. Your new kitchen will not only cost you less right now, but you can give back to your community as well.

Beyond being financially and locally within reach, a new kitchen should literally be within reach. With all of the latest gadgets and accessories, it is easier than ever to make your gourmet kitchen your “Sous Chef.” When I’m cooking, I like everything at my fingertips. When I’m designing, I get into the routine of the client so that I can make sure everything is at theirs. For Baby-Boomer foodies who are looking to age-in-place- ergonomics, heights of appliances and ease-of-use should always be considered. Now that people are staying in their homes longer, making kitchens uniquely functional should be a top priority.

The list of why now is the best time to remodel could go on forever… I’ve never had so many clients interested in gardening, composting and getting back into their homes and back to the basics- quite the change from five years ago. True foodies like ourselves can all appreciate the shift! We’re seeing the same trends in restaurants- chefs are growing their own veggies, supporting local producers and spreading the organic love… Why not bring this trend into our own homes? Isn’t it time for you to attain your “Kitchen Within Reach?”

When you’re ready, you can find me right down the road at Sawhill…

Sarah Michalowski, CKD

Sawhill Custom Kitchens & Design, Inc.

International Market Square

275 Market Street, Suite 157

Minneapolis, MN 55405

T: 612.338.3991

sarah@sawhillkitchens.com