Industry Ed with Richard: Kitchen and Bath Guideline Series

In this post we will discuss the NKBA Kitchen and Bathroom Planning Guidelines, by first stating the guidelines and then pointing our their importance and giving insight on  solutions and practices based on my industry experience. Find out more about NKBA here.

The Guidelines (according to the NKBA)

Preparation Work Area

• Include a section of continuous counter top at least 36" wide x 24" deep immediately next to a sink for a primary preparation/work area.

My Experience 

Clearances

• Standard AFF (above finish floor) height is 36"
• If the user bakes a lot you might want 30" - 32" counter height (for rolling dough and such like that)
• If the user is tall, counter heights can even go up to 40" - 42"
• a combination of a perpendicular counter can make a good preparation area -- this could also be in conjunction with a diagonal counter in the corner
• If the sink and range are on the same wall, then I like to keep the counter at 36" for the preparation area
• I prefer to have the preparation area be the island or a peninsula

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Trend Alert: Undermount tubs and single-pieced slab tub deck

We love the simple, clean look of a single slab surrounding an undermount tub.  The best part: no grout lines and it's easy to clean.


We love that the front and top of the tub below are covered in the same material, it creates a seamless sleek look.

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Matching your counter tops can be a good way to bring your design fully throughout the space.

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We love the soft variance between the white cabinetry and cream tub surround.  The added floor detail really helps to pull the look together.

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We love that this tub surround also doubles as a shower seat-- a beautifully seamless and simple look.

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Here are our designer's favorites:

History Lesson: Masters Chair

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"Philippe Starck and Eugeni Quitllet pay homage to three different mid-century modern masters in one sleek, versatile indoor-outdoor seat. The Masters Chair (2010) weaves together the back silhouettes of Jacobsen’s Series 7™ Chair, the Eameses’ Molded Shell Chair and Saarinen’s Tulip™ Armchair to create something entirely new. Lightweight and durable, the Masters Chair has a wide, roomy seat, while the back rest allows you to feel supported on a historic level as it echoes the lines of the very first ergonomic innovators.”

Phillippe Starck was also the designer of the Louis Ghost Chair.  Click here to read our history lesson on the Ghost chair.

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Here are more picture of the master's chair:

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