Appliance Interface

Televisions in kitchens today need to be positioned after considering the following:

How many viewing angles are required? Is there wall space available, or must accommodations be made in the cabinetry?

• Consider a mid-height unit finishing at 72" so the television can sit atop this special height cabinet.
  
• Create a design that positions the tall element with its side panel available to mount a television on a telescoping arm.
  
• Identify base cabinet space not needed for kitchen storage that could house a lifting mechanism to conceal the television when not in use.

Visit www.dougmockett.com to see a wide variety of cord management and flexible electrical outlet fittings that will allow your client countertop access to Internet connectivity or electrical power.

As you search for a new colleague who specializes in media centers, consider ways that your two organizations might collaborate in our current challenging business climate. Is it possible for both firms to exchange displays in each other’s showroom? Is it possible for you to co-host a cause-driven Spring event – at either or both showrooms? Your collaboration can be as simple as developing a 2009 “we are working together” letter and sharing a mailing list.

An Appliance Checklist

Whenever learning about new appliances, or locating units you are familiar with, if your responsibilities include specifying all mechanicals and other material details, you may want to review the checklist developed for the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Professional Resource Library volume “Kitchen & Bath Products.” I developed this chart many years ago for my private practice because I found I made too many mistakes around the details of appliance placement or the mechanical requirements in my designs. I hope this information prevents any profit slippage for you.

Many designers may have a bit more time on their hands in this first quarter of 2009. I urge you to take any professional free time you have and begin a new search – narrowly focused on appliance innovations. Search the Web, read trade journals, visit respected appliance stores or distributor showrooms. Then create an appliance idea book. Promise yourself to offer the consumer at least one new approach for the appliances with each design solution you present. You can expand this professional education right at your desk by enjoying “what if” solution-focused discussions with your colleagues at the office as well.

The benefit? Prospective clients will be intrigued with your design abilities…so much so, in fact, they will retain you to design their new kitchen!.

APPLIANCE CHECKLIST

Use this Appliance Checklist as you complete the final specifications for each kitchen project you work on. It will help you estimate and specify all of the planning details of appliance placement.

REFRIGERATOR INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
1. Required door swing/drawer opening dimension verified. _______
2. Overall appliance depth (including air space and handles) listed on plans. _______
3. Overall width, including air space and countertop overhang dimension,
determined before overhead cabinet width size and height specified. _______
4. Appliance doors drawn in an open position on the plan to verify walkway clearances. _______
5. Ice maker copper water lines/water filter specified. _______
6. Trim kits and/or panels have been ordered. Labor to install has been included in estimate. _______
7. Special handles ordered for integrated units. _______

SINK INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
1. Number of sink holes and fitting placement has been specified on the plans. _______
2. Dishwasher air gap requirements have been met in design. _______
3. Method of securing sink to counter surface has been determined: _______
Flat rim with stainless steel rim and clip installation. _______
Self-rimming sink, color of caulking to be used between sink and countertop. _______
Under-mount sink. _______
Integral sink. _______