Drury Designs Blog

Drury Design sponsors 2010 Glen Ellyn Kitchen Walk

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Mark your calendars! Drury Design is proud to once again sponsor the 2010 Glen Ellyn Kitchen Walk on October 1. This year's walk will be better than ever, featuring eight kitchens, including our double award-winning kitchen designed by Tina Muller.

In the National Kitchen and Bath Association's 2010 competition, Tina's design was selected as one of the top three large kitchen designs in the nation. The top regional contender in Wolf Sub-Zero's Design Contest, Tina's design won out of over hundreds of entries. Described as "a small kitchen within a large kitchen" the crisp, white design replaced the homeowner's original French country kitchen and is a classic case study in the best of custom cabinetry and optimal efficiency, and the latest in cooking technology and refrigeration options.

Drury Design is also hosting the AfterWalk Gourmet Reception at our Drury Design Kitchen and Bath Studio, located at 512 N. Main Street in downtown Glen Ellyn. SubZero and Wolf Corporate Chef, Craig Bell, will present an early fall harvest flavors menu featuring burnt tomato crostini, spicy bacon brittle, pumpkin ravioli and herb and panko encrusted steak bites.

Tickets for the 2010 Glen Ellyn Kitchen Walk are $25.00 before, and $35.00 the day of. To purchase them, please visit our Drury Design Kitchen & Bath Studio, 512 N. Main Street or click to http://kitchenwalk.org. The Guided Kitchen Tours run from noon to 6pm and the Gourmet Reception Hours are from 5pm to 8pm.

The Glen Ellyn Kitchen Walk is Baird & Warner of Glen Ellyn's annual GoodWill Network project. The mission of the Baird & Warner GoodWill Network is to help the homeless and those in need in the communities in which we work and live. Since 2003, all Glen Ellyn Kitchen Walk ticket sales and silent auction proceeds have benefited Bridge Communities' mission to help transition families from homelessness to independence. Program partners assist in supporting nearly 100 homeless families annually in the Bridge Transitional Housing Program. One gift to Bridge Communities goes to work on six levels providing housing, mentoring, tutoring, employment counseling, career and financial planning assistance. For more information about Bridge Communities, visit www.bridgecommunities.org or call 630.545.0610.

The Hard Facts About Using Granite In Kitchens and Bathrooms

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

By Designer: Gladys Schanstra, CKD / CBD, Drury Design

Black Absolute Granite Countertop

Granite has been a longtime staple in the design industry and that is now a must for most upscale remodeling and new homes. Dating back to ancient times, granite has been used in all kinds of construction from temples to headstones. It's a favorite material for its hardness and durability; for its variety; and for its beauty.

Stone suppliers began polishing granite in the 1830s but its popularity has soared within the last two decades as a kitchen countertop material. It is the most durable of stones; its hardness is second only to diamonds. Granite counertops can withstand heat and are a favorite with chefs since hot pots can be set directly on them. The cool surface also makes a granite countertop excellent for rolling out dough.

It is a also practical material for bathrooms – often being used as a countertop, threshold material and shelf material for shower niches and cubbies.

Though granite is durable, it is not indestructible. The surface is sealed by the fabricators, yet it can still stain like all natural stones. Generally, the darker the material, the denser it is, and the less susceptible to staining. For example, black absolute granite is denser than coast green.

Granite's variety allows it to be suitable for every style – whether it’s complimenting a traditional Tuscan kitchen or a contemporary Zen bathroom. Colors range from whites to browns, to blues, reds, greens and beige. There are varied patterns, from tightly packed granules to large sweeping movements. Being a natural material, no two stones are alike, which makes each installation unique. Some of the pieces are quite a work of art.

Coast Green Granite Countertop

There are several factors to consider when selecting granite countertops. The first is usually which granite works with your color scheme and style. The next is what thickness to use. Slabs generally come in ¾” (2cm) or 1-1/4” (3cm). For kitchens, the 1-1/4” is recommended since it is sturdier. The ¾” is a good thickness for backsplashes and thresholds, though each space is different and the application should be the determining factor on which thickness is appropriate.

The edge detail is another area where there are plenty of options ranging from square eased to cove ogee. Besides style, consider the function before making the final selection. For example, a full bullnose edge may be suitable for a conference table, but not for akitchen countertop since the full curve of the bullnose tends to draw the water back into the cabinet and cause damage. The radius of corners is another consideration.

Good fabricators will work with the homeowner to measure and template before cutting the stones. The homeowner can then pre-approve the templates and actually lay them out on the granite slabs. This is particularly important especially when you have a material with a lot of movement so the client can determine exactly which portion of the granite they want to use. This is also a time when they can eliminate natural anomalies on the granite such as dark spots or fissures. Often, the sink cutout can be placed to take out these spots.

Seams are sometimes a necessary nuisance. Depending on the design and layout, seams may be inevitable. They can be strategically placed where they are less noticeable such as corners and below cabinets that sit on the countertop. Again, a good fabricator has techniques that will make the gap between each slab as small as possible.

Please click each thumbnail to see how beautifully granite countertops enhance a kitchen or bath design.

Aurora Gold Granite Countertop ties all three cabinet colors together in this Tuscan kitchen. Ogee edge is used.

Wild Sea Granite is used as the countertop, bench seat, ledge cap, and shower threshold and niche shelf in this Asian-inspired bathroom.

Golden Lightning Granite was used for the countertop and a full height backsplash. Its striking color and sweeping pattern make it a good choice for adding a decorative factor. It’s also practical because it’s easy to clean.

Award-Winning Wheaton Kitchen Remodel Featured in Distinctive Kitchen Solutions Magazine

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Tina Muller's award-winning kitchen design and remodel in Wheaton earned more recognition when it appeared in Distinctive Kitchen Solutions Magazine's fall issue. This is the second Drury Design kitchen remodel featured in this issue.

Tina's design created a more open kitchen and added colorful and modern details to harmonize with the owner's mid-century ranch. The article made special note of the backsplash, "which has a field of natural-colored stone with flecks of blue and a picture beneath the hood with glass and stone mosaics in a deeper blue."

Click to our Media archive to browse other featured kitchen renovations or visit our Portfolio to find kitchen remodel inspiration photos in our kitchen design gallery.

Orland Park Kitchen Design and Remodel Featured in Distinctive Kitchen Solutions Magazine

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Designer Terry Kenney's Orland Park kitchen remodel was showcased in Distinctive Kitchen Solutions Magazine. This is the first of four stunning kitchen designs by Drury Design that were featured in the Fall 2010 issue.

The kitchen remodel eliminated a peninsula between the kitchen and dining room to create better flow, open up the space and let in light from the dining room windows. The article takes note of the "warm, dark ambience" created by Terry's choice of "cherry cabinets, tan speckled-granite countertops and a cream-colored porcelain floor."

To see more of our kitchen remodels featured in the media, please check out our Media archive. Or go to our Portfolio to see photos of more of our inspiring kitchen ideas.

Glen Ellyn Historical Society Benefit Concert, August 8th, at 7:00 P.M

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The Glen Ellyn Historical Society will host a benefit concert featuring Claudia Russell and the Folk Unlimited Orchestra, Sunday, August 8th, at 7:00 P.M., at the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main Street. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Stacy’s Corners Store (in the History Center).

San Francisco based Claudia Russell is a world-class singer, songwriter and guitarist. A gifted vocalist with a sweet, smoky voice, she weaves together folk, blues, western swing, country and rock music. She was a finalist in the prestigious Kerrville New Folk songwriting competition and was named Best New Artist of 2000 by Boston’s renowned folk radio station WUMB.

The Folk Unlimited Orchestra includes guitarist/mandolinist Bruce Kaplan and bassist Mark Petrella. Chicago DJ Rich Warren of WFMT wrote: “Russell is a great live performer. And her band … they’re hot. Plug them into a medium sized city and they’ll light it up.”

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Plan to arrive early to visit the new Stacy’s Corners Store. Coffee and dessert will be available. This is an opportunity to see and hear an award-winning folk group while supporting the Glen Ellyn Historical Society. Call for reservations at 630-469-1867 or e-mail info@gehs.org.

Kitchen Design to Serve Chicago Area Hero

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Drury Design is proud to share that our designer, Terry Kenney is donating her time to design a kitchen for Homes for Our Troops (HFOT). This nonprofit is dedicated to building specially designed homes adapted to the needs of our injured veterans. Homes provided by the organization are given at no cost to the veterans. Founded in 2004, HFOT is committed to helping those who have selflessly given to our country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries since September 11, 2001.

"I first heard about this project on a local radio station that I listen to every morning on my way to work," explains Terry. "They were asking for volunteers since the framing was getting underway, and they were looking for carpenters who had time to spare. I really wanted to get involved with the project. I wanted to find a way to give back to the guys who are fighting for our freedom, and paying for it with theirs! But I figured since they were so far along in the project, they didn’t need a kitchen/bath designer - it was probably too late."

An opportunity to get involved

A few weeks later, Terry received a call while she was staffing the studio from Paul Vespia, the coordinator for the project. Medallion Cabinetry is donating the cabinetry for the kitchen and the baths and HFOT was looking for help with the design and order placement for the cabinetry. Terry was thrilled to discover she could be a part of the project after all and also volunteered to help coordinate the finishes and granite selections for the kitchen and the baths.

"I feel very lucky to have recieved Paul's phone call out of the blue and feel incredibly lucky to be able to give back in a very small way. I hope this house gives Frank and his young wife the opportunity to enjoy all the freedoms for which he fought!"

A new home for a hero

Frank is Army SPC Frank Pierson and his new home is being built in Plainfield, IL. Frank Pierson was only four months into his first deployment when he was left a double amputee after his vehicle came under attack in Baghdad, Iraq March 2008. While returning to the rest of his company, SPC Pierson saw a flash of light on the road and felt an intense rumbling as an electrically fired projectile (EFP) tore through the vehicle he was driving. Immediate first aid measures were taken to stabilize SPC Pierson who suffered leg amputations above and below the knee as well as additional injuries. Transported to a local hospital, he was later airlifted to Landstuhl, Germany and finally to Walter Reed where he spent 19 months enduring surgeries and therapies while recuperating. SPC Pierson and his wife, Arielle Carroll-Pierson were married less than a year at the time of his injuries. They have been building their new life together with a grateful attitude, thankful for each day together. Frank looks to the future with hopes to assist local military families. He would like to help make their lives a little easier while they cope with the ups and downs of living with the unknowns of deployments. One day, this Chicago Black Hawks fan would like to attend school and study automotive specialty electronics and upholstery.

"It is our duty and our honor to assist severely injured Servicemen and Servicewomen and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and to coordinate the process of building a home that provides maximum freedom of movement and the ability to live more independently. To date, we have completed 56 homes across the country and we are currently working on 46 others in various stages." Paul Vespia, Assistant Construction Manager, Homes for Our Troops

Asian Inspired Master Bath Remodel in Naperville

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Asian Inspired Master Bath

This Asian styled master bath was created by designer, Tina Muller, the second remodeling project for this Naperville homeowner.

The client was inspired by a collection of Asian art pieces collected over a decade while living in the Orient. The design and colors of this modern spa-like retreat incorporates the feel of the east and creates a dramatic view from the adjacent bedroom.

The custom vanities are of a dark espresso finish and float against the walls with large vessel sinks polished nickel faucets and under cabinet ambient lighting.

The travertine floor tiles were originally introduced in the 1950’s and were unavailable until a small vein was discovered in 2006. The tiles have a very smooth silky texture with veins of grey, caramel and cream running through them.

The shower walls and tub deck were clad in 1”x 4” iridescent glass tiles in a silky caramel color to bring the warmth out of the floor tile.

The Asian inspired whirlpool tub and sleek waterfall tub filler in a polished nickel add interest as you enter the room.

The shower plumbing is equipped with a Kohler DTV computer showering system incorporating multiple body sprays designed to provide several different custom showering modes and temperatures that can be programed from relaxing to invigorating depending on the time of day.

The beautiful home was recently sold after being on the market for less than one week!

Join us for A Complete Design to Healthy Living Event

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Drury Design is proud to partner with Pfeiffer Treatment Center to present A Complete Design to Healthy Living, a special evening of sophisticated entertainment and informative education to be held at our state-of-the-art home, kitchen and bath design studio in Glen Ellyn, Illinois on the evening of Saturday, August 7th, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

We welcome Chef Sueson Vess a former restaurateur, chef and author of the book, Special Eats Made Simple: Delicious Solutions for Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Cooking, who will offer a presentation on living well on gluten and casein-free diets in order to maintain ideal health. Sueson will provide cooking tips and suggestions for incorporating the GF/CF diet into one’s lifestyle.

The presentation will also feature luxurious products from Le Chocolat du Bouchard of Naperville, as well as gluten and casein-free varieties of beer and wine, compliments of Cabernet & Company in Glen Ellyn.

Tickets are $20 for an individual, or $30 per couple. Must be 21 years of age to attend. For more information, or to register for this event, please contact Deloris at (630) 505-0300, extension 219.

Proceeds will benefit Pfeiffer Treatment Center, an internationally renowned nonprofit clinical research institute and outpatient facility. Pfeiffer provides a patented individualized nutrient-based approach designed to specifically target the physiological causes of learning, mood, and behavioral disorders. The Institute’s clinical research continues to push back the frontiers of understanding in cognitive and behavioral dysfunction. For its nearly 25 year history, Pfeiffer’s methods have restored health, cognitive ability and ultimately hope in children, teen and adult patients who suffer from these disorders.

Celebrated Author to Sign Books in Drury Design During Glen Ellyn Bookfest 2010

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Author Connie Wilson with two of her most recent releases, Hellfire & Damnation and Ghostly Tales of Route 66

We are proud to announce that celebrated author Connie (Corcoran) Wilson will be signing six of her most recent books at Drury Design from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 19th as part of the first Glen Ellyn Bookfest 2010. Connie is an award-winning writer of both nonfiction and fiction with a career that spans more than five decades. She has published eight books across many genres in as many years, working with six small independent publishers.

When not working on future book projects, Connie writes for several blogs. She was named Content Producer of the Year by Yahoo’s top blog site, Associated Content, for her political coverage during the 2008 presidential campaign. She also has her own blog, WeeklyWilson.com. Additionally, she continues to review film and television for GetYourGoodNews.com, an online newspaper in the Quad Cities.

Wilson’s most recent release is the final volume in a trilogy of true ghost stories set along Route 66, entitled Ghostly Tales of Route 66. The books include pictures taken by the author during a 2,800 mile journey along Route 66 in November of 2008 on the Oklahoma Fort El Reno Ghost Tour.

On May 27th, Connie was at BookExpo America signing copies of her short story collection Hellfire & Damnation, a collection of short stories inspired by Dante’s Inferno. With an introduction by William F. Nolan, the 15-story collection has been widely praised and is nominated for this year’s Bram Stoker Award by the Horror Writers’ Association.

Drury Design Proud to Sponsor Fourth Annual JazzFest Glen Ellyn

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The McAninch Arts Center and 90.9fm WDCB Listener-Supported Public Radio, in partnership with Karnes Pricket Design, the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Glen Ellyn, were proud to present JazzFest Glen Ellyn from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 10, in downtown Glen Ellyn, IL.

The free event, which draws a crowd of more than 3,000 jazz fans each year, transforms Main Street from Crescent Boulevard to Pennsylvania into a jazz oasis. Drury Design was once again a proud presenting sponsor of this successful community event to promote the central business district of Glen Ellyn.

“"It was a great night. The weather almost perfect and the tweaks that were made to improve the event created the best experience ever for our guests," said Jim Drury, Vice President of Drury Design. "I really believe that this was a showcase for downtown Glen Ellyn. Thanks to all of the presenters, sponsors and to the artists, of course, for making it such a remarkable event.”

JazzChicago.net called this year's JazzFest, "Another truly successful festival" citing the "sparkling set" from Jo Ann Daughtery's trio and the "intricate, lightning fast guitar interplay" of Andreas Kapsalis and Goran Ivanovic's guitar duo.

Viking to Host Drury Design Viking Cooking Demo

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700

You are cordially invited to join us for an exclusive Drury Design – “Dinners and Design” event at LakeView Appliance – Viking’s Chicago showroom on Thursday, June 17th 2010 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm for a Viking product cooking demonstration.

Viking Demo Kitchen in Bensenville, IL

The event is designed to give you the opportunity to observe and learn advanced culinary techniques. The Chef will answer your cooking questions, as an incredible meal is prepared in a live demonstration in LakeView’s kitchen in Bensenville.

Seating is limited. Please make a reservation for you and a friend by June 11th by calling us at 630.469.4980 or by emailing Jim Drury at jim@drurydesigns.com.

About Viking
Viking Range Corporation is an ultra-premium major appliance manufacturer and culinary lifestyle company that originated commercial-type appliances for the home. Viking is the creator of the “Professional” category of major appliances and is headquartered in Greenwood, Mississippi. Viking major appliances are sold through a network of premium appliance distributors and dealers worldwide, and Viking culinary products are sold through a network of premium gourmet retailers.

For more information about Viking, please visit www.vikingrange.com.

Drury Design’s Tina Muller Recognized by the NKBA for Traditional Kitchen Design at KBIS

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700

“My kitchen is so easy to work in yet so gracious for entertaining; the space functions like a small kitchen inside a large one.”

Hot on the heels of her recognition at the 2008 / 2009 Wolf Sub-Zero Kitchen Design Contest in February, Drury Design’s Tina Muller was honored with an award at the 2010 NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) 2010 Design Competion for her striking traditional kitchen design for a very delighted client.

Held at Center Stage in the NKBA’s Design Center at the 2010 NKBA Design Competition Awards Ceremony April 16th in Chicago during the 2010 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Chicago, Tina’s award winning kitchen design was given third place in the large kitchen category.

Art of the Industry 2010 NKBA Design Competition Finalist in NKBA Profiles Magazine

Open only to NKBA members, the NKBA Design Competition recognizes the talent of kitchen and bath designers to plan functional and beautiful spaces. For 2010, the NKBA received 550 entries in ten categories. Each entry is judged based on visual appeal and creativity, as well as basic principles of design, presentation, safety and ergonomics using the NKBA Kitchen and Bath Planning Guidelines.

“The National Kitchen & Bath Association is pleased to showcase the best kitchen and bathrooms created by NKBA designs over the past year,” said 2010 NKBA President and Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer Mark L. Karas CMKBS. “These spaces are the epitome of expert form and function.”

“What I love about the kitchen- its fresh, elegant and timeless offering everything for today’s busy lifestyle” says Tina.“My client said it perfectly, ‘My kitchen is so easy to work in yet so gracious for entertaining; the space functions like a small kitchen inside a large one.’”

Designer Tina Muller

Hats off to our client, Tina Muller and the Drury Design team that helped bring this project to life. To learn more about our client-focused design approach, drop us a line at jim@drurydesigns.com or post a comment below.

Home Design: Entertainment Rooms

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Written by: Rick Aikins – FirstPoint Residential Communications – A/V Specialists

The showpiece for many homes is the media room. These rooms can be dedicated home theaters in a basement area or multi-purpose theaters in areas such as a play room, family room, or even a bedroom. The goal of each is to provide a large flat panel video display with surround sound speakers that can provide an exhilarating movie watching or video gaming playing experience in a way that matches the décor and use of the room.

The Great Room

Sometimes, the best media room is already the center of the home – the Family Room. Particularly above fireplaces, the stately décor and ambiance of the room can best be maintained through motorized artwork that conceals the flat panel television. High definition screen prints of your family, custom artwork or custom frames are all available. You can even replace the artwork over time as your family grows. The audio system can also be centered beautifully behind the artwork or you can use Visual Performance or Architectural speakers for increasing levels of audio performance and aesthetic beauty.

Home Theater

Home theaters are best defined as spaces in which light can be controlled and the enclosed wall structure provides for optimum surround sound. In these rooms projects can be used with ultra-large screens to provide an experience like a professional movie theater.

Items to consider when developing a theater – sound proofing, arranging the seating for optimal viewing angles, sound optimization within the room, and the use of the projector (movies, sports, gaming, etc.). New LED projectors run cool, with long-life bulbs and 3-D models are on the way.

Drury Design Spring 2010 Design Guide is Now Available

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

This year’s Spring 2010 Design Guide is now available online and we hope you check it out.

In this newsletter you will find features about four award-winning client projects including Tina Muller’s beautiful kitchen design that was commissioned after the owners arrived home after vacation and found severe water leak damage. Tina’s work, which completely rearranged and opened up the space, received the 2008-2009 Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen Design Contest’s local award.

Additionally you will find:

* A letter from Gail Drury, CMKBD and President of Drury Design about changing trends over the past year
* Upcoming events offered through our studio
* An overview of our award-winning year
* Drury Design featured in print and online

Also we are thrilled to announce that for the eleventh consecutive year, Drury Design Kitchen and Bath Studio received The Grabill Cabinet Company’s top Dealer Sales Award. Exceeding customer expectations, innovative designs, and quality craftsmanship contribute to a successful partnership that goes back to 1997 and expands every day.

Be sure to let us know if you have any questions or would like to know more about how we can help.

Drury Design Spring 2010 Design Guide

Drury Design to Host Spring Wine Tasting Event Saturday, 5/15/2010

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

You are cordially invited to join us as we host an exclusive Spring Wine Tasting event together with WineStyles of Glen Ellyn and True Cuisine Catering on Saturday 5/15/2010 from 6 – 8pm in our Glen Ellyn studio at 512 N. Main St. This event will feature wine from around the world – USA, France, New Zealand, Chile and South Africa for tasting and purchasing.

Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells as food is prepared while you mix and mingle with other wine lovers and experience the latest in kitchen design trends and products. WineStyles’s staff, featured wine distributors and Drury Design designers will be on hand to expertly answer any questions and to take your wine orders.

A gourmet menu prepared by True Cuisine in our studio’s live full-size kitchen will be paired with the evenings wine selections. The Spring Wine Tasting Event menu will include:

Petite risotto cakes topped with beef brisket
Crostini bar with toppings of artichoke parmesan, tomato-caper, and olive tapanade
White cheese and pesto pizza
Caramelized onion and blue cheese pizza
French apple tarts
Chocolate cups filled with chocolate mousse

A portion of the proceeds from the wine sales will be matched by Drury Design and will go to benefit the worthwhile efforts of Family Shelter Service of Dupage County - ”Providing Help and Hope for the Victims of Domestic Violence”.

We hope that you will join us for what is sure to be a ”spirited” evening. There is no cost to attend, but Space is limited however and RSVP’s are mandatory for this event. For more information or to RSVP, call WineStyles at 630.469.9463 or email – glenellyn@winestyles.net or jim@drurydesigns.com, or post a comment below to let us know that you would like to join us.

We look forward to seeing you!

5/19/10 Postscript:

Well everything worked out great for our wine tasting event with Winestyles of Glen Ellyn and True Cuisine last Saturday. Thanks to both for helping to put this together – both the wines and food were terrific. All total, we estimate that we had about 70 guests who attended over the two hours and raised $360 to benefit Family Shelter Service.

Trends Kitchen Magazine March Cover Features Drury Design Kitchen

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Drury Design makes the March 2010 Cover of Kitchen Trends Magazine

Drury Design for a Burr Ridge Client Makes the Cover of Kitchen Trends

An eye-catching element within a design can set the scene for a project. Textures, materials and even the architecture of the entire space can take their cue from a strong centerpiece. This expansive kitchen, by kitchen designer Gail Drury, CMKBD with input from interior designer Janie Petkus, is part of a large-room addition to a home with mostly smaller-scale interiors.

Source: March 2010 Kitchen Trends Magazine featuring Drury Design

A recent Burr Ridge, Illinois kitchen design project made the cover of the March 2010 Kitchen Trends magazine. Inside, the six-page pictorial highlights the unique design features and materials. Designed by Gail Drury, CMKBD, this kitchen project and home remodel was also a finalist in the 2009 NKBA Design Visions design competition.

To view the full story, “Leading Statement,” and to learn more about the custom cabinetry, other material selections and the unique design features of this remarkable kitchen, visit TrendsIdeas.com.

While you’re there, browse additional articles about Drury Design kitchen and bath projects in Trends Kitchen Magazine.

To learn more about our client-focused design approach, drop us a line at jim@drurydesigns.com or post a comment below. Check out the most recent issue of our semi-annual publication, Design Guide. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest in kitchen and bath design news and trends.

Chicago Tribune Kitchen Design Story – How Pros Prevent Expensive Errors

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0700

On March 21, 2010, the Chicago Tribune featured an interview with Gail Drury, CMKBD and president of Drury Design, in “Designers and architects can save you money: Pros prevent expensive home-improvement errors“ by Kari Richardson.

Here’s a clip . . .

“People think that homeowners who hire a designer have high-end, luxury projects,” Drury said. “In reality, we can save people time and expensive mistakes.”

“A lot of it is simple engineering stuff,” she said. “Most beginning designers have made one of these mistakes once early on in their careers — and they will never make it again.”

With over 1,000 Chicago area custom kitchen and bath projects in our collective Drury Design client portfolio, we’re ready to help you tackle your greatest challenges with award-winning designers, an infinite material selection and an experienced installation team.

To request a complimentary Chicago area in-home kitchen, bath or other room design consultation, email jim@drurydesigns.com or call us at 630.469.4980.

Sub-Zero Wolf Showroom to Host Drury Design Dinner

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0700

On April 29, Sub-Zero Wolf’s Chicago showroom will host a private “Dinners & Design” event exclusively for Drury Design’s guests.

You are cordially invited to join us for the event, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, in the showroom’s “Living Kitchen.”

Drury Design became a Sub-Zero Wolf dealer in 2002 and is honored to be the recipient of Sub-Zero Wolf’s 2008-2009 Kitchen Design Contest local award.

Wolf’s corporate chef, Craig Bell, will prepare a multi-course menu that highlights the exquisite features and technology of Wolf’s cooking instruments. Enjoy wines and dinner as our guest. Before or after dinner, tour the showroom and discover the latest Sub-Zero and Wolf design innovations.

Sub-Zero and Wolf Showroom – Chicago
196 Exchange Boulevard
Glendale Heights, Illinois 60139
(630) 872-5100

Seating is limited. Please reserve you place by April 24 by calling us at 630. 469.4980 or emailing Jim Drury at jim@drurydesigns.com.

About Sub-Zero and Wolf
Sub-Zero, Inc., is the leading manufacturer of American-made luxury refrigeration, freezers, and wine storage units, and it leads in product design with its built-in and integrated lines. Founded in 1945, Sub-Zero is a privately held company in its third generation of family ownership. Headquartered in Madison, Wis., Sub-Zero, Inc., also operates a manufacturing facility in Phoenix, Ariz., and has nearly 1,350 employees. Specializing in food preservation, Sub-Zero pioneered the concept of dual refrigeration and prides itself on being the first company to store frozen foods at ultralow, “sub-zero” temperatures. Wolf Appliance, Inc., is the premier maker of ranges, ovens, cooktops, and grills and was among the first to introduce the convection oven into the residential market. It is based in a state-of-the-art production facility in Fitchburg, Wis. and employs more than 300 people. Both Sub-Zero and Wolf products are available throughout the United States and internationally. For more information about Sub-Zero and Wolf, please visitsubzero.com or wolfappliance.com, or call 800-222-7820.

Drury Design Honored at 2008 / 2009 Sub-Zero Wolf Kitchen Design Contest With Award

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Drury Design congratulates Tina Muller on winning an award at the 2008 /2009 Sub-Zero Kitchen Design Contest {KDC] award for her entry in the traditional kitchen category. Tina, a Glen Ellyn resident, joined Drury Design Studio in 2001 and is the recipient of numerous recent National Kitchen and Bath Association [NKBA] design awards.

Drury Design 2008/2009 Sub-Zero KDC Award Winning Kitchen by Tina Muller

Tina designed this striking kitchen for her client in Glen Ellyn features custom Grabill Cabinetry along with a host of SubZero and Wolf products – perfect for preparing meals, entertaining and creating warm family memories.

Pictured from left - Gail Drury, CMKBD, Jim Drury & Tina Muller at the event

The Westye Group, Sub-Zero and Wolf’s regional distributor, hosted the KDC award ceremony at their Glendale Heights showroom. Held every two years, the contest invited professional midwestern kitchen designers, builders and architects to submit luxury kitchens equipped with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances.

: Tina Muller of Drury Design Accepting 2008/2009 Sub-Zero KDC Award

Sponsored by Chicago Home + Garden magazine, the KDC awards ceremony recognized three regional and three local midwest winners for Traditional, Transitional and Contemporary kitchen design. Over 150 entries were judged by a panel of renowned kitchen designers.

: The Big Moment

” We are so proud of Tina’s outstanding accomplishment in winning this award. This is a beautiful kitchen and an outstanding example of what discerning clients have come to expect from Drury Design and our staff”.

“We started designing Sub-Zero / Wolf appliances into our client’s kitchen designs in 1987, and have been an authorized dealer since 2002. They represent the very finest in appliance design, quality, technology and performance and we are proud of our association with Westye” – Gail Drury, CMKBD and President of Drury Design. Drury Design’s client-focused design approach produces remarkable results for our clients. Led by our acclaimed designers and supported by our dedicated team, Drury Design is nationally recognized for home design.

Read the full story at – “Drury Designer a Winner in Local Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen Design Contest“. For more information and images - see Chicago Magazine’s recap of the event, or contact Jim Drury at jim@drurydesigns.com.

(Event Photo Credit: Glen Kaupert / glennkaupert.com)

Incorporating Televisions In Home Design

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Written by: Rick Aikins – FirstPoint Residential Communications – A/V Specialists

A lot of time is spent in the kitchen, bathroom and other areas in which the room’s décor is critical. With today’s technologies, you can easily hide video screens and music speakers virtually anywhere.

There are three main techniques used to hide televisions in these areas.

Built In TV's can go almost anywhere (FirstPoint Image)

Mirror TV’s –

Today’s mirror TVs boast fantastic picture quality. When turned off, your bath or kitchen will have a fully functional mirror. However, when turned on, the TV will fill some or most of the mirror area to display a TV image and can use built-in speakers or send audio to speakers installed elsewhere in the room.

For bathrooms with multiple mirrored surfaces, mirrors and frames that match the mirrored TV are widely available for a consistent look and feel, which maintains the proper aesthetic of your custom design.

Motorized lifts can add unique opportunities to mount TV's in the kitchen

Motorized lifts –

Especially effective in busy kitchens, a full line of motorized lifts can be used to hide your TV. Drop down lifts can be used to hide the TV behind cabinets and then drop down when needed above the counter space.

Or, at the end of a counter or within an island, pop-up lifts can be employed to raise a TV from a hidden space when needed. The TV can then also pivot for great viewing from all around the room.

HDTV's can be conealed with custom framed artwork

TV as a Work of Art -

In some locations, particularly above fireplaces in great rooms, or in master bedrooms, the stately décor and ambiance of the room can best be maintained through motorized artwork that conceals the flat panel television.

High definition screen prints of your family, custom artwork or custom frames are all available. You can even replace the artwork over time as your family grows.