I see quite a few homes every year and some just have cool stuff in them that makes me pause and take note. Following are a few of my favorites.

Pro CookCenter Sink by Kohler - this is the first time I saw one of these. It was set into the center kitchen island and of course there is a "regular" sink and the 2nd attached circular bowl sink has a heating element, drain  (and attachments).  The seller says she LOVED her sink and truly thought about "taking it with her" when they first decided to put the house on the market. She says they use it the most for bodacious shrimp boils and of course it is a champ for pasta. Basically, there is a basket that fits down into it ... you fill the sink with water and heat it up, food goes into the basket. When cooking is complete, you pull the basket up ... it acts as a colander... you push a button and open the drain to the sink...the water drains out and you're done. And I thought having a pot-filler was a good deal --- nope! now I want to get me one of these!!! 

And... speaking of kitchen sinks ... the one that had the foot-pedal control really captured my attention.  How easy is that?  A footpedal controls the on/off water flow .... SMART THINKING!!

Custom cabinetry features ... I love, love love these. More and more under-counter pull-out spice trolleys are showing up which position an array of spices right at your fingertips while you're cooking ... and then slide out of the way.  I've always liked the under-counter pull-out shelves, but I'm seeing more under-counter pull-out bins ... some are compartmented for storage (liquor bottles, slotted for skillets, etc.) which makes it really easy to handle heavier or bulkier items, because you don't have to unstack 4 pots to get to one!

Custom cabinetry closets ... yep!  you can pack a whole lot of storage into these. Some have pegboard or slotted wall backboards, which opens up unlimited configuration possibilities utilizing hooks and accessories (baskets, shelves, belt hangers, hat racks, etc). Center packing islands, glass-faced drawers and cabinets so you can see where the heck you put stuff.... fold-down ironing boards and even steamer stations --- which used to be in the utility room but have recently moved to custom closets.

Master Suites with Juice/Coffee Bar ... how very handy with an under-counter fridge, perhaps a MW, space for the coffeemaker, all provide that little extra "oomph" to get you going in the morning.

So those are a few of  the things that come to mind when I reflect back over some of the floor plans I've done this year.  I'm always totally charmed with the inventiveness of people and the features they build into their homes for easy living, comfort, and personality!

Maybe Santa will read my blog and see them on my list --- or, maybe Santa will see them on YOUR list.   

Judith, The Floor Plan Lady

www.smarteplans.com

Photo Courtesy of www.needplumbingsupplies.com

 

© SMARTePLANS 2009

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