About Me

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I have 20+ years experience in Home Furnishings and Interior Design, specializing in Kitchen and Bath Design since '01. I work for Bilotta Kitchens in the A&D Building on East 58th Street in the Mid-town Manhattan. I have a passion for learning and love the opportunity to collaberate on projects of all sizes. My strengths in the field begin with my design background, use of color and texture to bring interest to a room, spatial relationships, organizational skills, innovation, decisiveness, and planning. I have had the thrilling experience of helping hundreds...?maybe thousands of people with their projects, and what I love is it never gets boring, and no two are ever the same. Thanks for reading.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

First US Showroom for Axor

New Axor Showroom Opens in NYC


 Today marks an important day in the history of the Hansgrohe brand Axor, the premium manufacturer of state of the art bathroom fixtures opens it's first U.S. showroom at 29 Ninth Avenue in New York City.



Located in the trendy Meat Packing District, the loft like showroom is bright and well dressed with the finest offerings of the Axor designs and their design partners such as, Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, Jean-Marie Massaud and others.


There are working displays, including the a 5' by 5' shower featuring the Philippe Starck modular shower collection with a giant ceiling rain head tile with 3-way adjustable spray.

The showroom with be open to designers and the public, lead by Kiel Wuellner, the showroom manager, they will offer advice and expertise including specifications to facilitate the use of their products in actual designs, in addition to a "hands on" shopping experience.


This support should prove to be invaluable to area designers and clients, offering a unique upscale experience with an opportunity to speak directly to brand representatives.


Philippe Stark, world renowned designer and architect, was the first of the featured designer collections developed by Axor, it debuted in 1994 and has continued to grow. As time went on Axor developed lines with many other innovative designer introducing collections to the market which have kept Axor in the forefront of high end bathroom remodeling.

The fixture are of course water efficient and compliant, with possibilities to create a very personal shower or bath experience.

 
A grand opening is planned for this evening following that the showroom will be open to the public.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

DeGustibus Cooking School Unveils New Kitchen Sponsored By Miele and Caesarstone

Salvatore Rizzo and Martha Stewart In the DeGustibus School's new Kitchen
 Martha Stewart was on hand last night for the unveiling of the new kitchen at the DeGustibus Cooking School which is located on the 8th floor of Macy's Herald Square location. Seen here with the school's Owner/Director Salvatore Rizzo, they were joined by a room full industry related professionals ranging from professional chefs, to architects, to designers and journalists. Several of the evenings  attendees were chefs who have taught at the school.

Preparing food for the guests using the new appliance from Miele

Founded in 1980 by Arlene Feltman Sailhac, who was also on hand and addressed the crowd, the school has a list of over a thousand chefs who have shared their secrets with the students who attend, including but not limited to Emeril Lagasse, Tyler Florence, and Wofgang Puck. With a history of recognizing and showcasing world class talent before they are a household name and an open enrollment, it seems to me like a course of classes here would be the unlitmate gift for any true foodie. The foods cooked and served are coupled with wines that make the perfect accompaniment, and emphasizes and promotes the importance of the professional sommelier.

The kitchen has been updated to include the latest cooking technology from Miele, including sleek induction cook tops and state of the art convection ovens. The clean minimalist design of Miele works very well in the contemporary kitchen styled for the school, but the appliances are equally beautiful in traditional kitchens. Miele products are well know for their stiking design, as well as their efficiency and precision.

The counter top is by Caesarstone, and appeared to be the recently introduced Belgian Moon, although the room was so full of anxious onlookers it was hard to to get close in. Like all Caesarstone this surface gets high praise for it's anti-microbial properties, heat and scratch resistance, and general ease of maintenance.

Many thanks to White Good's Sherry Qualls and Julie McCrary for the invite!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Built-in Under Counter Refrigeration U-Line Introduces the 3000 Series

For almost 50 years U-line has been a leader in under counter refrigeration, a heretofore small niche area of the appliance market that has been growing steadily over the past 10 years. Traditionally consumers sought out under counter refrigeration for mainly bar and entertainment areas. Of late they have gained favor with designers and homeowners as an answer to a need for additional flexible refrigeration.

In our age of convenience, where such a variety of food and beverage choices come individually packaged for easy single-serve snacking, families gravitate towards these convenient under counter fridges to store their supplies. Designing these refrigerators to the outside of the kitchen work triangle, keeps little ones safely out of the line of traffic when it’s time to prepare meals but leaves their juices etc. accessible. Reducing the amount of time and frequency of opening the homes main refrigerator not only is more energy efficient but also keeps food stored in it fresher longer.

U-line has recently introduced it 3000 series of refrigeration, if you are considering designing one into your space you should take a look at their latest offerings. They have models available in 18” and 36”, with stainless and glass fronts as well as panel-ready to match your cabinetry. In addition to the excellent range of temperature control, the units have a USB port and key that monitors the function and history of the appliance, so in the event of a power loss, or malfunction, the data can be read to troubleshoot the appliance before a repair person were to come out.

Aesthetically, the units are truly fully integrated, when you add an overlay and a toe kick panel they appear to be a regular base cabinet.