CSI Kitchen & Bath News

Kosher Accessories for the Galley Sink

2012-01-04T12:01:00.001-08:00

Kosher-Friendly Galley Accessories Are Now Available!To keep the food categories separate, every Galley accessory is now available with your choice of three colors: red, blue or green. The central drain of the Galley creates the ideal station to prep all your Kosher foods safely. You can easily keep the categories separated while you have everything you need for each food preparation. Meat, dairy, or parve? No problem at the Galley!

Electrical Safety Tips

2011-08-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Check for signs of electrical problems such as dimming of lights, blown fuses, frequent circuit breaker trips, and check your light switches for static type noise that would signify a potential short and fire hazzard.

Make sure smoke alarms are installed on each floor of your home and that they are in working order. An easy way to remember is to change batteries twice a year when we have time changes. Check with your local building codes for required style and placement of devices.

Try to avoid using extension cords whenever possible. Never run an extension cord under carpeting or within a wall cavity.

Make sure the bulbs you use in your fixtures are the correct wattage and correct type to avoid problems with the wiring in your fixtures and overheating.

If installing recessed light fixtures where an attic is involved, be sure to use the properly rated fixtures to avoid energy loss as well as the ability to come in contact with insulation.

If replacing appliances specially 220 volt rated appliances, check to see that the correct gauge and type is in place to install your new appliances. Most new appliances will require you to upgrade the run to the breaker panel to insure the proper use of the new fixtures.

Remember when remodeling any new device in the kitchen or bath that has a heating element or motor built into it will require its own dedicated line back to the breaker panel to meet current coade requirements.

Use a licensed electrician when doing any changes to your electrical system.

SUMMER VACATION TIPS

2011-07-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

As we are wrapping up those last minute summer vacations, here are a few tips to remember:

Lock all doors and windows when leaving for your vacation.

Stop mail and newspaper delivery or have a friend or neighbor pick it up daily.

Have a friend, family member or neighbor check your home periodically and water your plants.

Set timers on interior lights to make it appear someones at home.

Unplug electronic equipment and appliances such as toasters.

Turn off water valves to your washing machine, dishwasher and ice maker.

Let the police and/or alarm company know if you will be gone for an extended period of time. Many local areas now have vacation programs where the police will drive by your home and make sure your house is safe.

Let your credit card company know you are traveling if going out of state to avoid any inconveniences in security checks or charges being declined.

Have your yard mowed if gone longer than one week.

Switch your AC thermostat to a higher fixed temperature to avoid higher utility bills.

Blanco Culina Faucet wins 3 prestigious international awards

2011-06-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

The Blanco Culina faucet has won 3 prestigious international awards - the red dot award, the IDEA award and the KB Culture award.

This elegant faucet has a magnetic hook with closed coil that offers excellent function without entanglement.

NOW AVAILABLE - MIELE FUTURA DISHWASHERS

2011-06-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

Miele has released the new Futura line of dishwashers. A great dishwasher got even better. Includes Auto Close door, Brilliant Light and 5 year warranty on the Futura Diamond Dishwashers.

Leicht Cabinetry wins TWO 2011 Design Awards.

2011-05-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

The Light Cupboard System Ambience received the IF Product Design Award for 2011.

The Vario Top system for attaching wall units to the ceiling was also awarded by the Council for Design the Interior Innovation Prize winner for 2011.

Our congratulations to Leicht for this well deserved recognition.

Jay Rambo's New Color Choices

2011-01-24T05:46:00.000-08:00

Jay Rambo Co., our custom line of cabinetry, has just launched a number of exciting new finish colors! For alder wood, clear or knotty, new finishes include Buckskin, Diplomat Grey with Glaze, and Tuscan. For maple, Diplomat Grey with Glaze is also offered, as well as Warm White, and Wyndham Cream. Perfect Brown is as the name implies and is offered on cherry or walnut woods.

Come visit our showroom soon to see samples of these beautiful new finishes!

Open House

2011-01-20T06:37:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to our clients, Shirley and Eddie Griggs of Stone Mountain, who graciously opened their home to their friends and neighbors to view the kitchen and bath that we remodeled for them. They were very pleased and excited and happy to share the results. Everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed some great food. Enjoy the pictures!

CSI NOW CARRIES MIELE VACUUMS

2010-12-09T05:38:00.000-08:00

CSI has been carrying top of the line Miele appliances for years. We have now added the Miele vacuum line of products as well. Miele vacuums have the Good Housekeeping seal of approval and has currently 5 of their models listed in the top 10 of Consumer Digest best vacuums in November, 2010 issue.

The new Dog & Cat vacuums are an excellent addition to the Miele product offering. Some of the great features of this new vacuum include:

An air clean filter bag which captures allergy causing pet hair & dander.
Odor absorbing charcoal filter.
Sealed system design which retains 99.9% of all captured particles.
Swivel neck technology which allows stearing in all directions and extends to reach under chairs & beds.
Every Pet & Dog Vacuum comes standard with a mini brush ideal for upholstery & chairs.
First Miele vacuum specifically deisgned for pet owners.

We are pleased to add these excellent vacuums to our product offering.

Bronze winner - 2010 Master Design Awards

2010-08-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

This basement remodel has won the Bronze Award in the Finished Basement category in the 2010 QR Master Design Awards Contest.

This project will be featured in the September issue of the Qualified Remodeler magazine.

CSI named #2 Residential Contractor in Atlanta!

2010-08-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

For the third year in a row, CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio was named the #2 Residential Contractor for the Atlanta area in the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

The article appeared the Home Quarterly Section of the Atlanta Business Chronicle on August 13, 2010.

NEW VANITY FROM JAY RAMBO

2010-07-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

Jay Rambo Company introduces a new custom vanity cabinet.

The vanity is maple with Eurostyle construction in a Lily white finish, Stratto flat panel door.

Environmental Stewardship Program

2010-04-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

Because, Earth Day is coming up on April 22, it's good time to remember that we can avoid a negative impact on the environment with the choices we make for our kitchens and baths. It is especially important in the closed environment of our homes where the air quality can affect the health of individuals--especially those prone to asthma or other respiratory problems.

One of the best things you can do when choosing cabinets is to look for companies that have earned the certification of the Environmental Stewardship Program sponsored by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer's Association.

To be certified, cabinet manufacturers must meet specific environmental standards and practices. Among these are air quality standards for formaldehyde levels and emission of gases into the environment; use of particleboard that is made of 75% or greater recycled material; use of hardwoods from sustainable sources, management of the manufacturing process including recycling and documentation; and community relations.

It is reassuring to know that the cabinetry in your home is made with these standards and practices in mind--in light of some imported products which are of unknown quality.

Both of the American cabinetry lines that we represent--Jay Rambo Co. and Schrock Handcrafted Cabinetry--have earned the ESP seal; and our European line--Leicht--has earned the German equivalent of it.

Go to www.greencabinetsource.org to learn more and to see a list of manufacturers that have earned the ESP seal.

Have It Your Way

2010-04-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about our Jay Rambo line of custom cabinets is the freedom to make your own choices. Rambo offers a lot of great "standard" finishes--stains, glazes on stain, paints and glazes on paint, with and without distressing--but if they still don't have quite the color you want, they will do a custom color for you. Just bring in a paint or stain sample and they will do a custom color match. There is an upcharge for custom colors, and a one-time, non-refundable color matching fee, and a sample door will be produced for your approval. The picture shows an example of how one of our customers used custom colors in her kitchen. So your choices are unlimited--have it your way!

Best in Show!

2010-03-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

We recently participated in the Spring Home Show at the Cobb Galleria. We were excited to unveil our newly expanded display booth. It is double in size, and we added a complete master bath with tiled shower, tiled floor and walls, a free-standing tub, vanity, linen closet, toilet and closet! It was designed in sections for easy assembly and dismantling and built in-house by our own team of remodelers and subcontractors. Judging by the crowd reaction, it was a big success. And it was awarded Best Display by the show's promoter, SEMCO Productions. Congratulations to everyone who designed and worked on this booth. Good job!

Visit Our New Leicht Site!

2010-03-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

CSI Kitchen & Bath Studio has proudly represented Leicht Cabinetry from Germany since 2001, and we are the exclusive dealer in Georgia--so, we are very pleased to announce that we have recently launched a new website devoted exclusively to Leicht at www.leichtstudiobycsi.com.

Leicht is the leading cabinet manufacturer in Germany and they are famous for their innovation and award-winning style. They have the coolest of contemporary styles and finishes, and some great "country in the city" looks, too!

Check out our site and let us know what you think! And visit our showroom to see Leicht cabinetry in person!

Living the Loft Life

2010-02-18T06:08:00.000-08:00

Loft living is a popular lifestyle. It's a great way to create green living spaces by recycling vintage apartment buildings, offices, warehouses or factories. And typically, it gets people into the inner city where they have easy access to all sorts of cultural amenities, parks, and shopping--often within walking distance.

Since lofts are usually large open spaces, it is possible to configure the space to suit your needs or lifestyle. The kitchen especially is well-suited to an open design, and clean-lined, unfussy contemporary cabinetry is the perfect choice for lofts. And we happen to have the perfect modern cabinetry to create a loft kitchen--Leicht cabinetry from Germany.

Leicht is the leading kitchen cabinetry manufacturer in Germany and they are on the cutting edge in style and innovations. When you have such an open interior as a loft, you want your kitchen to be neat and uncluttered, and your appliances concealed or integrated as much as possible. With Leicht you will find clever, and beautiful, storage solutions for all your kitchen equipment behind all the doors and drawers. And there are many styles and colors to choose from and price levels to suit any budget.

Check out our ad in the current issue of LoftLife, Spring 2010; and visit our special website devoted to Leicht cabinetry at www.leichtstudiobycsi.com. And be sure to visit our showroom to see displays of Leicht in person.

Discover Viking's New Designer Series

2009-12-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

Viking has just launched it's redesigned Designer Series, and it has some very exciting features! The Designer Series makes owning a Viking kitchen more affordable than ever and includes a wide range of choices for any type of kitchen. You can choose from gas, dual-fuel, or electric 30" ranges, 30" or 36" gas or electric cooktops or rangetops; 30" electric single or double ovens with knobs or touch controls; built-in microwave, conventional or convection microwave-over-the-range, or DrawerMicro™; 30" warming drawer; wall hoods, island hoods, hood liners or downdrafts; built-in or freestanding36" refrigerators and dishwashers for a complete Viking kitchen. There are even wine cellars, beverage centers, refrigerated drawers and an ice machine!

With it's carefully thought-out sizing, the Designer Series is perfect for outfitting a new kitchen for a consistent look, or for replacing a single worn out appliance. For instance, the 30" ranges fit easily into existing standard 30" range openings. The gas range has sealed burners and up to 16,000 BTUs; and the electric range can reach full power in 3 seconds! Of course, the ovens feature convection modes.

There is a great choice of cooktops in gas and electric. 30" or 36" rangetops are available, the gas model has continuous grates. The drop-in cooktops are available in gas or electric also, in 30" or 36"--there are even a couple of 45" models.

The 30" single or double electric ovens are available with knobs or touch controls and feature convection modes, concealed bake elements, meat probes and full extension racks. The sleek design coordinates perfectly with the warming drawer.

A full array of choices in refrigeration is available in built-in and freestanding models. Built-in models are 84" high and there is a 36" bottom-mount refrigerator/freezer, 42" or 48" side-by-side refrigerator/freezers, and 30" or 36" all refrigerators or all freezers. Freestanding models, which are 72" high, are available in a 36" French door bottom freezer, or a 36" side-by-side refrigerator/freezer. All are available in stainless steel and there are some models of the built-in type that can accept custom panels.

Take a look at www.vikingrange.com and imagine your kitchen with Viking appliances!

National Kitchen and Bath Month

2009-10-01T10:32:00.001-07:00

Did you know that October is National Kitchen and Bath Month? The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) started this program in 1982 to raise awareness of the kitchen and bath industry.

As real estate agents will tell you, remodeling your kitchen or bathroom earns the greatest return on your investment when it comes time to sell. Home buyers are favorably or unfavorably impressed by the condition of these rooms and they can make a big difference in how quickly a house sells--or perhaps if it sells at all. Even if you aren't planning to sell soon, don't you deserve the pleasure of working in a great remodeled kitchen?

Take a good look at your kitchen (or bathroom) and think about what you like about it and what you don't. What needs improvement? What looks outdated or worn? Are there appliances that don't work as they should--or are not energy efficient? If prospective buyers were to look at it today, would they like what they see? Make a list and discuss your ideas with a kitchen and bath specialist. They will inform you of the latest trends and tell you how to plan your project to get the most from your remodeling budget.

New Bath Accessories

2009-07-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

When you next visit our showroom, be sure to take a look at the new display of bath accessories by Top Knobs. We have installed this next to our full bath display.

They have introduced six new groups of accessories suitable for traditional, transitional or contemporary looks. Each group has choices of cabinet hardware and other accessories such as towel bars, towel rings, tissue holders, and robe hooks. The Edwardian group even offers a choice of backplate options. Each group is available in a selection of finishes as well. All the popular finishes--brushed satin nickel, polished nickel, oil rubbed bronze, antique pewter, chrome--are available (depending on style), and some new ones as well. Tuscan Bronze is dark with a coppery rubbed-through look; and Brushed Bronze is a soft warm tone with a satiny finish.

These are great looks for finishing your bath in style!

Schrock's Huge Product Launch

2009-06-10T05:44:00.001-07:00

Schrock Cabinetry continues to make substantial additions and changes to their product lineup. Their recent launch was one of the biggest ever!

One of the biggest changes is that Schrock has combined its Value styles into the Trademark group to give more options to the Value doors. Now colors that were only available in Trademark are available on a wider selection of door styles.

I love the beautiful new colors Schrock has introduced! These are colors inspired by nature and work well in combination with other colors. There's Honeysuckle, a soft painted yellow finish; Tidal Mist, a pale dusty blue; Portobello, a sophisticated neutral painted finish; Oasis, a blue-green painted finish; and Havana, a warm earthy brown stain. The "Heirloom" technique can be added to any of these colors for a worn, antique look.

Have 8' ceilings? As you know, usually when ceilings are 96" high, the cabinets rise to 90" and you are left with either 6" of open space above the cabinets or 6" of soffit board and crown. Well, Schrock has added a new 93" overall cabinet height so that only 3" is left to fill at the top. This maximizes storage space and still leaves room for crown molding to finish off the look.

Speaking of finishing touches--new legs, corbels and furniture feet give you more options than ever to create the look you want--whether contemporary, Arts and Crafts or traditional!

Schrock is well-known for its SmartSolutions™ storage features. New additions include a pantry storage unit with pots and pans pullout, an "X" shaped wine storage cabinet, a base "magic corner" swingout, and a full height trash can unit for larger trash cans.

Visit CSI's showroom soon to learn more about the flexibility and choices you have with Schrock for your new kitchen!

Take It Outside

2009-01-30T10:01:00.000-08:00

Our sales and design staff visited the HADCO showroom last night for an update on new products. HADCO is our distributor for Viking, Asko, FiveStar, Scotsman, U-Line, Zephyr, Faber and Alfresco appliances and Franke plumbing products.

We always love to visit with the very knowledgeable and informative Carl and Lisa; and Chef Jared always prepares a scrumptious dinner for us (Caesar salad, marinated shrimp, grilled tenderloin, scallops, asparagus, potato tart, creme brulee--yes, they treat us well! All prepared in their live kitchen theatre with Viking appliances).

What excited us the most were the fantastic options for creating an outdoor kitchen! Viking, and HADCO's recently added Alfresco line, offer everything you need to make your outdoor cooking season an enjoyable success.

Viking offers a complete line of outdoor meal preparation and entertaining appliances--grills, cookers, outdoor ovens, smokers, outdoor rangetops, side burners, warming drawers, outdoor hoods, refreshment centers, outdoor refrigerators and wine cellars, beverage dispensers, and more! And stainless steel cabinets or carts to house them all in.

Alfresco is another great comprehensive line of outdoor kitchen appliances with everything you need to create the outdoor entertainment and cooking center of your dreams!

Carl and Lisa showed us three types of premade housing components for setting up an outdoor kitchen--with stainless steel units, with prefinished islands including granite tops, and with unfinished shell islands that you can customize with your own finishes--brick, stone or other material. The units are specifically designed to fit Viking and Alfresco outdoor appliances.

It's going to be summer before you know it! Plan now to add an outdoor kitchen to your patio or terrace for all your outdoor grilling and entertaining fun!

Granite vs. Quartz

2009-01-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

Are you thinking about getting new countertops and are confused about whether you should choose granite or quartz (engineered stone)? Well, there are distinct differences and pros and cons for each one.

Granite is a natural stone and thus is valued for the color, beauty, individuality and variety of its patterns and markings. It is also appreciated for its hardness, heat resistance and durability. The main drawback is its porosity, so it must be sealed when installed and periodically to protect against staining and grease absorption. This is easy for homeowners to apply themselves. To prevent staining, wipe up spills quickly, especially acids like citrus juices and wine. If staining does occur, there are simple poultices and pastes that can usually draw out the stain. For daily care, use mild soap and water followed by thorough drying.

Quartz countertops are man-made from quartz stone particles and resins under high pressure. They are actually harder than granite, heat resistant and non-porous, so they need no sealing. And because they are non-porous, there are less places for bacteria to hide. Probably, their main drawback is their uniformity, but some consider that consistency a plus.

Personally, I prefer the variations in natural stone, but I love quartz for contemporary kitchen designs, and I think it is great for families with small children.

Whichever you choose, granite or quartz, you will be getting a very long lasting, beautiful and durable countertop material that will increase the value of your home.

Another Brilliant Transformation

2008-11-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

BEFORE

AFTER

Mike and Stacy had several goals in mind when they decided to remodel their kitchen last year. They wanted to open the space to the adjacent family room for ease of entertaining, they wanted to update the look and functionality with a clean, streamlined appearance and new appliances, and they wanted to increase the storage space.

The challenge was how to gain more space. The solution was to open the kitchen to the family room by removing the laundry in between and relocating it. The result was room enough to include an island with sink, dishwasher and seating.

By removing the soffit, taller wall cabinets could be installed to add to the storage capacity. A small raised bar separates the kitchen from family room with a bar sink and ice maker. Deep cove moulding was installed above the cabinets to the ceiling. Cherry cabinets by Schrock in a deep chocolate stain were selected in a simple Craftsman style and contrasted with lighter Silestone countertops in Ivory Coast. Stainless appliances from Bosch and Miele were chosen for their quality and features.

The homeowners are very pleased with the results. “After a previous nightmare experience with remodeling, CSI was truly a professional experience. They provided me with a timeline and budget and stuck to both,” says Mike, “They made living through a renovation as convenient as possible. All of their workers were courteous and respectful.”