One-Stop Shopping
Porcelanosa’s G680 Kitchen features flat-fronted cabinets with soft-closing drawers (pictured in a combination of Blanco matte and Roble Camel Vintage finishes), Krion countertops and integrated handles. Porcelanosa’s kitchens are customizable and available in numerous colors and finishes at its Rockville showroom. porcelanosa-usa.com
Look, No Hands
Moen’s new MotionSense hands-free faucet is convenient, hygienic and energy efficient. A hand or object placed in front of the top or base of the faucet will activate the stream of water—as will using a traditional lever, also available in this model. The faucet turns on and off only when the sensor is triggered, thereby saving water. moen.com
Classic Style
Brick-style, white porcelain tiles from Architectural Ceramics create a classic look and a fresh, neutral vibe in any kitchen—traditional or modern. Available at all area locations, glazed, unglazed or highly polished and in three-by-six-inch tiles (shown here) as well as a range of other sizes. architecturalceramics.net
A Family Affair
Their Scandinavian heritage was the inspiration for an American mother/daughter design team when they launched the kitchen furniture company Bornholm Kitchen, named for a small Danish island. The cabinet above houses a sink as well as a dishwasher drawer and plenty of storage. Made in the U.S. out of walnut or rift oak and sustainable building materials. bornholmkitchen.com
Quiet, Please
Clean lines characterize Zephyr’s island-mount Next Generation Europa Range Hood. A stainless-steel, chimney-style hood, it includes the company’s DCBL Suppression System, a computer-operated motor that increases energy efficiency and decreases noise. Pictured here, the Modena hood, part of the Essentials Europa Collection. zephyronline.com
Clean Air Act
With its E.ion collection of chic, pendant-style hoods, Italian designer Falmec concentrates on eliminating not just smoke and lingering cooking smells but pollutants like dust, pollen, dust mites and viruses. Sold internationally and through Falmec North America in Ontario, Canada. Pictured here, the Twister hood. falmecnorthamerica.com
A Clean Slate
For those who want the sleek look of stainless steel without smudges and fingerprints, GE Appliances now offers a solution: the Slate finish, which offers a slightly darker metal hue with a matte surface that repels smudges. GE products with Slate finish, including refrigerators, dishwashers, over-the-range microwaves and free standing electric or gas ranges, are available through Appliance Distributors Unlimited. adu.com; geappliances.com
French Flair
The French company THG Paris brings haute design to the kitchen with the Bastide faucet. Featuring porcelain Provençal-style levers, a distinctively curved spout and a turned, cylindrical base, it’s available with a choice of one or two levers and separate hand spray. thgusa.com
Oh, Canada
The Canadian cabinetry company Zonavita—part of the Decor Cabinet Company—was inspired by contemporary European design. Products boast clean lines, smooth, polished surfaces and smart storage solutions, with more than 100 door style, material and color combinations. Zonavita is now sold locally through Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Pictured, a Zonavita kitchen designed by Gilmer. jennifergilmerkitchens.com
Blast From the Past
First used centuries ago, the fireclay sink remains a popular alternative to porcelain and stainless steel. The clean-lined, modern Cerana sink is Blanco’s first fireclay sink to be sold in the U.S. Fired at ultra-high temperatures, the clay is highly resistant to shock, heat, acid, discoloration and chipping. Available with a rounded or contoured apron front. blancoamerica.com
Oven Ready
The custom Electric Premiere Oven from Viking’s Professional Series offers such extras as a glass-enclosed infrared broiler, a meat probe, full-extension racks and a multifunctional digital/analog clock that’s exclusive to Viking. Available in 24 vibrant colors, in widths of 27 and 30 inches.vikingrange.com
Each year, DC’s Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown provides an elegant backdrop to the season’s most festive fundraiser: the Georgetown Jingle. The 2012 event will showcase holiday trees and vignettes by 17 area design teams, whose creative efforts will be on display and available for purchase beginning November 28.
The Georgetown Jingle raises funds for the Pediatric Oncology Programs at Georgetown University Hospital. Each design team takes inspiration for their trees and vignettes by pairing with a young patient ambassador.
Since parts of the Four Seasons are under construction, the December 16 festivities will be divided into two smaller events this year. The first will take place during the day, when families may bring kids to visit Santa, make holiday crafts and enjoy a children’s buffet and desserts. In the evening, adults will enjoy cocktails, restaurant tastings and live music by Pamala Stanley. Silent auctions and raffles will be held at both events.
Since 2006, the Jingle has raised about $2 million. For tickets, visit georgetown
jingle.com.
