Servo Drive
Aster Cucine is pleased and excited to announce that beginning Feb 2007
SERVO-DRIVE the new system by Blum 
is available with all Aster Ccuine cabinets
For a short movie on the Servo-Drive
February 28, 2007
February 23, 2007
February 22, 2007
Kitchen of the Week
150 West End Avenue
Painted metal cabinets and Formica 
countertops are a bit outdated compared to the remainder of this modern New York condo. The client preferred to keep the galley kitchen, but create an entire new look. A blend of neutral colors was used to give a classical and simple appearance. The cherry Shaker Style doors by Aster Cucine are accented with stainless steel hardware to set off the top quality appliances, including a Viking range, Miele dishwasher, and Sub-Zero refrigerator. Horizontal elements provide the kitchen with an elongating effect, halted by a large vertical pantry unit at the foot of the kitchen. The sand-like tones of the Aurora-Bianca White granite countertop flow continuously up the wall to meet the base of the upper units. The stainless steel beam of track lights reflects gracefully along the countertop and cabinets creating an inviting ambiance.
February 18, 2007
How to choose a kitchen and bath designer
Interview your prospective designers
Make sure you are dealing with a designer and not a cabinet salesmen. Look for staff consists of designers with design background and extensive porfolio. Look for designers who are members of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Designers who are members of the National Kitchen and Bath Association often have Bachelor of Art degrees in Interior Design and Interior Architecture or Associate of Arts degrees.
The best way to ensure a quality choice when selecting a kitchen or bath designer is to visit several showrooms and ask to speak to staff designers. Have them show you actual project folders they have worked on, with information on prices for each. The information presented, the way it is presented, the way it was collected and filed away, and the personality traits of the individual designer will tell you a great deal about their interest in their clients.
Ask how your project will be designed and which software will be used. At Urban Homes we use a state of the art CAD (Computer Aided Design) program enables you to see your remodeling as a fully rendered 3-D drawing
Ask for qualifications - how much experience they have and what references they can provide
Hire someone you feel comfortable with. You’ll be spending time together for the next several months (at least), and not all of it will be fun. Like any relationship, it requires mutual respect
Why hire a kitchen designer?
While there are many remodeling companies and contractors that do excellent work remodeling kitchens they usually lack the design experience and creativity that separates your new kitchen from that of the Urban Homes.By hiring a professional kitchen designer with years of experience you will eliminate design mistakes which will assure you of a well designed kitchen for years to come.
Who should design your new kitchen?
A kitchen designer who is not tied to one design style and who wants to listen to your needs, wants and wishes. A designer who will work with you through the design process and is not afraid to offer suggestions on styles and materials that will work with your home and lifestyle. You want someone who has learned from their years of experience and who works hard to keep up with the latest kitchen design trends and products.
How to work with a kitchen designer
Ask your designer some basic questions: What is the process that leads to a final set of plans? What does she expect from you? What doesn’t she do? Why not? Is she willing to recommend contractors and suppliers? (The answer is usually yes.)
Be sure to tell your designer what your budget is; costs can range from a few thousand to a few hundred thousand dollars. Your designer can’t give good advice if she doesn’t know your budget.
Show her what you like - pictures are the greatest shortcut there is.
Be prepared to change your mind. You’re bound to learn things you don’t know - and things you don’t want to know, like how much some things really cost and how long the job may really take.
Be prepared to change your tastes. Designers come into your project with a fresh viewpoint and (hopefully) a lot of knowledge; until you start writing checks, let yourself play around with ideas.
Take your time. Nothing about this process is fast, from design to completion. The more legwork and study you do, the better (and less expensive) it will be in the end.
Put function over form. If the kitchen doesn’t work well for you, you won’t care how pretty it is when you have to avoid obstacles simply to boil water.
Expect to get several drafts of a plan. The number of drafts should be determined, at least roughly, before you sign a contract.
Expect to get plans that contain both a “plan view” (looking from the ceiling down), and “elevations” (looking straight on). Plans should include locations of doors and windows. You can’t get prices for the work without a plan.
Once you have a plan, stick with it. Every change - even a minor one - is an expense and a delay.
Our Kitchen Design Philosophy
Our kitchen design philosophy is to first and foremost listen to you and your family. We want to find what your likes and dislikes are and listen to your ideas. When we are certain we have a good understanding of what you are looking for we will give you our recommendations on design, materials and etc.
We want to consider how your family lives day to day, how much you entertain, how you use your kitchen and other factors to create an environment you will enjoy working in.
For as long as I can remember I have enjoyed cooking especially cooking for more than one or two people. For many years my cooking environment was less than ideal. You know what is like, when you don’t have what you need where you really need it. It seems that what you do need is always on the other side of the room because that cabinet is the only one where it will fit! This can be so frustrating when you are rushing around the kitchen putting the final touches on the meal you are preparing.
The point we are attempting to make is we will consider all aspects in the designing of your kitchen because when you remodel your kitchen it not just what the cabinets and counters look like. It is also having what you need where you need it or want it! In addition to having a great looking kitchen you want a functional kitchen. A functional kitchen is one that was designed with your needs and style of cooking in mind.
We will keep working until we find the right combination of style versus function that will achieve your goals while designing your dream kitchen. Remember this is not about selling you on an idea this is about considering your ideas and dreams then using our expertise and experience to meld it all into a beautiful kitchen for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.
Often independent designers are not associated with any company. We are able to design and advise our clients on products that are absolutely the best ones for their project and budget.
Derek Zylewicz
Derek Zylewicz is the president of Urban Home a New York City kitchen & Bath showroom ,
February 14, 2007
Electrolux Refrigerator
Intelligent Memory: if a probe fails, the unit continues to operate for 24 hours at normal operating temperature.
• Integrated HACCP: when temperature exceeds critical limits it provides with an acoustic and visual alarm. All events are recorded displaying date and time of all events.
• Self-Diagnostic: Four probes constantly and simultaneously monitor the working condition of the appliance.
• 3 different food categories can be selected: depending on food stored the appropriate temperature and humidity levels can be selected by the push of just one button.
• “Intelligent” Automatic Defrost: probe controlled, automatic defrosting, activated only when necessary, due to probe detection
• 100% CFC and HCFC free insulation.
February 13, 2007
Concrete Countertop
What’s the difference between concrete and cement?
“Concrete” and “cement” are NOT synonyms. Cement is the glue that holds concrete together. Calling concrete “cement” is like calling cake “flour”.Concrete starts with rocks, sand and cement. Cement is a powder. When water is added, a chemical reaction occurs that causes the cement to harden or “cure”. This is what creates the durable, stone-like concrete.So please, don’t say “cement countertops”! A cement countertop would be powder
What are the advantages and disadvantages of concrete countertops compared to other countertop materials?
Advantages:
Custom: Concrete’s biggest advantage is that it is completely custom. You can provide your client with a countertop that is unique to them, and highly personalized.
Versatile: Concrete is extremely versatile. It can enhance any style, from French Country to Contemporary. From Arts and Crafts to Industrial. From Traditional to Modern. The possibilities are endless.
Practical: Contrary to popular belief, concrete countertops do not need to be stain-prone and difficult to maintain. They do not have to “develop a patina”. In the past few years, especially in 2004-2005, concrete sealer technology has progressed by leaps and bounds, and sealer manufacturers are recognizing that concrete countertops have unique and stringent performance requirements with regards to staining, heat and scratching. Although there is still no one sealer that all concrete countertop craftsmen use, ask your craftsman what kind of sealer he uses and what its performance characteristics are. Most concrete countertops actually behave similar to granite with respect to staining. Granite countertops are also porous and have to be sealed and maintained. Most people don’t realize this, because granite is usually too dark and patterned to show stains.
Imperfections: We believe that this is an advantage. Concrete countertops are hand made and hand finished. Since concrete is a heterogeneous mixture of many different ingredients, subtle variations in color, shade, texture and overall appearance should be expected. All concrete is susceptible to harmless hairline cracks. They will sometimes appear months or years after installation, and are generally a result of seasonal movement of the cabinets and the house itself. These should be considered part of the aesthetic charm of concrete, and not a defect. Concrete exhibits natural beauty rather than plastic perfection.
Disadvantages:
Unrealistic expectations: Again, ask your craftsman what the performance characteristics of his sealer are. Understand the performance and appearance characteristics and educate your client on what to expect.
Lead time: Concrete countertops are a long lead time item. Precast concrete countertops can take approximately 4 to 6 weeks to fabricate.
Good concrete countertop craftsmen can be hard to find: The concrete countertop industry is still young, and currently demand outpaces supply. Many design professionals want to use concrete countertops but can’t find a qualified local craftsman. The best place to look is ConcreteNetwork.com. Click on the Countertops & Elements category and navigate to your area. Be sure to investigate each craftsman you talk to - ask for references and samples of work. Also make sure that he is a good business person who has a proper contract and product documentation and a history of delivering projects on time.Unrealistic expectations: Again, ask your craftsman what the performance characteristics of his sealer are. Understand the performance and appearance characteristics and educate your client on what to expect.Lead time: Concrete countertops are a long lead time item. Precast concrete countertops can take approximately 4 to 6 weeks to fabricate.Good concrete countertop craftsmen can be hard to find: The concrete countertop industry is still young, and currently demand outpaces supply. Many design professionals want to use concrete countertops but can’t find a qualified local craftsman.
Will concrete countertops stain?
Contrary to popular belief, concrete countertops do not need to be stain-prone and difficult to maintain. They do not have to “develop a patina”.Contrary to popular belief, concrete countertops do not need to be stain-prone and difficult to maintain. They do not have to “develop a patina”. In the past few years, especially in 2004-2005, concrete sealer technology has progressed by leaps and bounds, and sealer manufacturers are recognizing that concrete countertops have unique and stringent performance requirements with regards to staining, heat and scratching. Although there is still no one sealer that all contractors use, ask your contractor what kind of sealer he uses and what its performance characteristics are.
Most concrete countertops actually behave similar to granite with respect to staining. Granite countertops are also porous and have to be sealed and maintained. Most people don’t realize this, because granite is usually too dark and patterned to show stainsContrary to popular belief, concrete countertops do not need to be stain-prone and difficult to maintain. They do not have to “develop a patina”.Contrary to popular belief, concrete countertops do not need to be stain-prone and difficult to maintain. They do not have to “develop a patina”. In the past few years, especially in 2004-2005, concrete sealer technology has progressed by leaps and bounds, and sealer manufacturers are recognizing that concrete countertops have unique and stringent performance requirements with regards to staining, heat and scratching. Although there is still no one sealer that all contractors use, ask your contractor what kind of sealer he uses and what its performance characteristics are.Most concrete countertops actually behave similar to granite with respect to staining. Granite countertops are also porous and have to be sealed and maintained. Most people don’t realize this, because granite is usually too dark and patterned to show stains
Contrary to popular belief, concrete countertops do not need to be stain-prone and difficult to maintain. They do not have to “develop a patina”.Contrary to popular belief, concrete countertops do not need to be stain-prone and difficult to maintain. They do not have to “develop a patina”. In the past few years, especially in 2004-2005, concrete sealer technology has progressed by leaps and bounds, and sealer manufacturers are recognizing that concrete countertops have unique and stringent performance requirements with regards to staining, heat and scratching. Although there is still no one sealer that all contractors use, ask your contractor what kind of sealer he uses and what its performance characteristics are.Most concrete countertops actually behave similar to granite with respect to staining. Granite countertops are also porous and have to be sealed and maintained. Most people don’t realize this, because granite is usually too dark and patterned to show stains
February 10, 2007
Sub-Zero PRO 48
Sub-Zero Freezer Company, the leading manufacturer of luxury residential refrigeration and wine storage units, announced today the introduction of a bold new addition to its complete line of refrigeration: the company’s PRO 48 will bring professional-style refrigeration to consumers. The 60-year-old company pioneered built-in refrigeration and throughout its history has led the industry with many firsts.
The new product, scheduled to hit retail showrooms in fall 2005, is available as a freestanding or built-in unit. The all-steel PRO 48 boasts a large storage capacity – 18.4 refrigerator cubic feet and 11.4 freezer cubic feet – making it the largest combination unit Sub-Zero offers.
“The PRO 48 continues Sub-Zero’s rich tradition of superior food preservation and innovative design,” said Jim Bakke, president and chief executive officer for Sub-Zero Freezer Company, Inc. and Wolf Appliance Company. “We’ve combined form and function to offer consumers a new concept in refrigeration. People who love food and entertaining and who aspire to a professional kitchen lifestyle will especially appreciate this new product.”
The PRO 48 provides homeowners with exceptional food preservation through Sub-Zero’s dual refrigeration system. Two compressors keep foods fresher longer and prevent odor transfer between the refrigerator and freezer sections. Three evaporators allow the unique ability to set a different temperature for the two refrigerator drawers from the temperature for the door cavity.
Constructed of 100 percent welded stainless steel inside and out, the PRO 48 complements the quality professional “Pro” line of cooking equipment from Wolf, Sub-Zero’s sister company specializing in ranges, ovens, cooktops and grills. The product is available with solid stainless steel doors (Model 648PRO) or with a glass door on the refrigerator side (Model 648PROG). Both models feature LED channeled sidewall and
ceiling lights that bathe the upper refrigerator compartment in a soft, even glow and can serve as door-area night lights with the glass door model. As well as providing convenient visibility, the triple-pane, argon gas-filled glass acts as an insulator to save energy.
February 6, 2007
Kitchen Faucets
Manufacturer: DANZA
Single handle, pull-down spout, Ceramic disc valve, 2 function spray/aerated stream spout, Quiet running hose, Single hole mount
Manufacturer: KWC
Suprimo Pull-out 7″ Spout
Manufacturer: Grohe
Dual-Spray Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet With Single Lever Handle. Ceramic cartridge. Variable handle positioning
February 1, 2007
Exotic woods used in kitchen cabinet manufacturing
Ebony Wood
Massacar Ebony is found in Indonesia. This is an exceptionally heavy, dense hard wood. The heartwood is dark brown to black, streaked throughout with bands of grayish brown, yellow-brown or pale-brown. The grain is mostly straight, but sometimes it can be irregular or wavy. The texture is fine and even. The black heart tends to be brittle, and this species is used mostly for decorative purposes, where strength properties are of little importance. Ebony is hard to work with hand or machine tools, as the wood is of a brittle nature. There is severe blunting of cutting edges. Pre-boring is necessary for nailing and it is difficult to glue. The wood takes an excellent finish. Selected pieces are used for cabinet work, brush backs, walking sticks, and sapwood used for tool handles, etc. Also used for snuff boxes, musical instruments, inlay work, billiard cues and excellent for turnery.
Known for its jet-black color, ebony varies from deep black to dark red, with a variety of rich dark shades. Heartwood may display dramatic and irregular striping of bright brown, gray or greenish black on a deep black background. It is genetics that determines the shade, along with moisture, mineral content of the soil, and age/growth rate of the tree. Generally, the darker ebony is found at higher altitudes and from older trees. Ebony with more red tones has its origin at lower altitudes and from soil with greater iron content. Ebony is a scarce and costly wood.
Zebra Wood
With its very distinctive grain, Zebrawood comes from West Africa and is mainly found in Cameroon and Gabon. Commonly know as a veneer, it now is sold as a lumber stock. Zebrawood has a wavy and interlocked grain with medium texture. Used in projects for turning, inlay, cabinetwork and decorative paneling (veneers), it finishes satisfactory because of the grain. Zebrawood is also very unstable, so keep this wood in a controlled environment when using it to add a distinct feature.
Zebrawood is used in a limited way for veneer, wall paneling, custom furniture, furniture trim, inlay bandings, specialty items and turnery. Because of its hardness, it can also be used for skis and tool handles. It is a decorative exotic wood, and as such has only a small following that even knows it exists, but those that do venture to use it, are awed by its dramatic color banding.
Wenge
Origin: Found in Central Africa, especially throughout the Congo and southern regions of Tanzania and Mozambique. Appearance: When freshly cut, the heartwood of wenge (millettia laurentii) is a yellow-brown color, but then in a few months it darkens to a deep, uniform brown, almost black, with alternate layers of light and dark tissue, forming a decorative figure. So it is important to buy well-aged wood before laying the floor. Clearly demarcated from the heartwood is the yellowish-white sapwood. This coarse-textured wood has a straight grain. A related species from East Africa, panga-panga (millettia stuhlmannii) has similar graining but does not darken as much as wenge. One of the best known of the exotic dark woods, wenge is used primarily where a bold dark color or contrasting light and dark accent strips are desired.Properties: Wenge is very hard, heavy, and durable, with an excellent dimensional stability. Actual installations may show significant movement in use, however.
Janka Hardness: 1630 Wenge makes for a hard and durable wood door. It is nearly twenty-six percent harder than red oak, is just under twenty percent harder than white oak, about twelve percent harder than hard maple, and is roughly eighty-nine percent the hardness of either hickory or pecan.
Workability: Because of its hardness, wenge is difficult to cut and machine. Carbide tooling is recommended due to rapid dulling of tools and cutting edges. This wood sands well and has good holding ability; because of its hardness, however, pre-boring nail holes is recommended. Some solvent-based stains do not dry well when applied to this wood.
