Contemporary Design Room by Room : Episode RXR-1608 -- More Projects » Figure A Shari Hiller offers these tips when considering contemporary decor: Contemporary styling is much less fussy than traditional and country styles. More often than not, the designs used in contemporary fabrics and wall coverings are geometric or stylized instead of realistic like a traditional floral might be. Frequently, a contemporary space will be mostly neutral and any burst of color in the room is in small accents or artwork (figure A). Minimalism applies when it comes to window coverings http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_styles_contemporary/article/0,1793,HGTV_3512_1399287,00.html ---------------------------------- http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_design_bathroom/article/0,1793,HGTV_3365_1398492,00.html Contemporary Styling Bed & Bath Design : Episode BDE-1007 -- More Projects » The new contemporary look in master suites strives for more than clean lines and no fuss: warmth and comfort have become primary goals. Host Joan Kohn joins designer Lori Fitz-Gerald to learn how contemporary decorating has evolved and how to achieve the look. Strong geometric shapes in textured finishes define the new contemporary look in bed and baths. Color, often dusty in hue, is used unexpectedly, especially in bed linens and wall color. The contemporary bed or bath uses strong lines and geometric shapes rather than ornate detail for its style. Natural materials, like this honed granite counter, provide texture and warmth to the metals and clean lines of contemporary decorating schemes. Organic elements that add texture are important elements of the contemporary look. Natural stone, wood and metal add a soft touch to clean lines. Color is used unexpectedly. It can be a vibrant accent, or color can envelop a room with textiles and wall color. The palette is usually monochromatic, with different shades of the same color. The new neutrals--green, rose, blue--are grayed and dusty. Furniture is kept to a minimum. Often the dressing area is completely separate from the sleeping area, so the only furniture in the room is the bed and night tables . Low tables and beds--especially appropriate for city lofts--are a standard element of contemporary bedrooms. Furniture has clean details, strong lines and interesting materials, rather than a lot of ornamentation. Texture can be found in hammered metal, the rough surface of slate or tile, or honed slate. --------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_styles_contemporary/article/0,1793,HGTV_3512_2703491,00.html Contemporary Style From the special online feature Design Styles Contemporary style encompasses a range of styles developed in the latter half of the 20th century. Pieces feature softened and rounded lines, as opposed to the stark lines seen in modern design. Interiors contain neutral elements and bold color and focus on the basics of line, shape and form. For a different take on a contemporary color palette, look at this bedroom designed by one of the Design on a Dime decorating teams. Straight lines give a crisp look to this contemporary living room. Take a look at a hip home office with a decidely urban edge. Colors - Contemporary interiors feature tone-on-tone color palettes relying heavily on brown, taupe, cream and pure white. Shots of color are sometimes found on one wall, in a striking floor rug or a special piece of art. Furniture - Pieces feature clean lines and smooth surfaces without any carving or adornment. Silhouettes are slim without being dainty. Furniture is made of light-colored woods like maple and birch (which also have minimal graining), frosted or clear glass, stainless steel, nickel and chrome. Fabrics - Natural fabrics like silk, wool, linen and cotton are used for their textural aspect and inherent neutral hues. However, bold color or geometric pattern may be brought into the design with pillows, a rug or throw. Lighting - The lighting design is used as an artistic statement in a contemporary interior. Floor and table lamps will have straight lines and sleek metallic finishes; color might be introduced with a special shade. Recessed or track lighting draws attention to well-placed art and accessories. See more contemporary rooms in Designers' Portfolio>> -------------------------------------------------------- Modern vs. Contemporary Decorating With Style : Episode DWS-1121 -- More Projects » Demystify the challenge of correctly identifying the differences between contemporary and modern design and learn how to personalize these similar yet dramatically different styles: Figure A Contemporary design incorporates lots of color and texture. Artwork is comfortable and colorful (figure A). Modern design uses less texture and is more about form/artistic impression rather than function. Add touches of color through artwork that makes you think and accessories. Figure B For a modern look be sure to include basic geometric shapes in decorative accents such as oversized round chrome accessories, square-edged furnishings and rectangular-patterned rugs and artwork (figure B). Wall colors are in the light and highly reflective color range--white-based greens, teals and blues as well as stark white. Paint the ceiling a crisp bright white to further emphasize dramatic architectural features. Contemporary designs call for softer lines and an emphasis on comfortable texture--everything from pitted floor tiles to soft sofa fabrics. Wall colors are warm and rich in the medium intensity range (don't use off whites or pale pastels to create a truly relaxing space). To customize the correct contemporary ceiling color, totally immerse a gloved index finger into a gallon of the chosen wall color. Quickly transfer it into a gallon of white latex flat paint, and then mix it thoroughly. Use one finger full of paint per gallon for eight-foot ceilings and two fingers per gallon for 12-foot ones. http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_design_colors/article/0,1793,HGTV_3368_1381432,00.html -------------------------- Contemporary Design Design Basics : Episode DSB-202 -- More Projects » Smooth, clean lines are one characteristic of contemporary design. The use of light and space are the two most important elements when creating a contemporary interior. A well balanced room is comfortable and easy on the eyes. Be creative when defining your space. Let neutral hues be your background and add life and vitality with splashes of strong color. http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_styles_contemporary/article/0,1793,HGTV_3512_1377700,00.html Contemporary design is difficult to define completely, but innovative, spirited and streamlined are all words to describe it. The artistic blend of materials with a focus on light and space makes this style an exciting option. Generally considered a catch-all phrase for a lot of modern applications that don't fit in anywhere else, contemporary design uses smooth clean lines, bold colors and varied fabrics and textures, all of which are often mixed with other styles to create a specific look and feeling. Anyone can create their own contemporary interior by following these design basics: Concentrate on light and space. The use of light and space are the two most important elements when creating a contemporary interior. Avoiding clutter and fussy trimmings on furniture, drapes and accessories will allow a sense of ease and simplicity that is the focal point of this style. It will also allow light to filter in and fill up your space versus unnecessary accessories. Look for balance. Whether it's choosing colors, the shapes created by your furnishings or textures and finishes used in your design, always look for balance . A well-balanced room is comfortable and easy on the eyes. Define your space. Whatever the shape--straight, curved, rounded or boxy--let smooth clean lines and shapes define your space. Be creative and incorporate your own personality . Embrace strong colors. Neutral schemes are stereotypical of contemporary design and they can certainly be very appealing, but color is critical. Let neutral hues be your background and add life and vitality with splashes of strong color. Add depth and richness with texture. Beyond visual attraction, various materials feel and even sound different. You'll be surprised how balancing these materials affects your overall design and adds character to any space. Final Thought History tends to sweep a lot of styles together--some endure, others fade away. But a good design is really a timeless concept. It's well thought out and layered to withstand the fickle nature of style and taste. Contemporary or otherwise, it respects the past, recognizes the present and anticipates the future. As time passes on, a good design will survive.

Ok, so I just re-measured to be sure. I should have pointed out that the 11' x 9' did not account for the hallway closet that intrudes on the space. So footballmom, you are right. Because of the closet, functionally I guess the room is a lot smaller, as the closet takes up space next to the dishwasher. So here are the more specific dimensions; - Long wall with range in the middle: 140" (currently about 54" to left of range and 56" to right) - Sink/pass-through wall (up to closet): 87" - Window wall: 115" - Wall where fridge is now (up to doorway): 60" Note that the window isn't centered, so there's only 23 3/4" on the right side of it, but 37 3/4" on the left. This is why the fridge sticks out beyond the window where it is. Part of the reason we were thinking of "regular-sized" appliances is resale. Not that we are planning on selling soon, but are trying to take into consideration what potential buyers would want. Also I wonder whether smaller appliances might actually make the room seem smaller by association? Maybe not I will definitely give the idea of a smaller fridge and DW some more thought. 3" of space next to the fridge is do-able. I think that this would only allow opening the door to 90 degrees -- I would be able to pull the right crisper drawer out enough to reach the contents completely, but not quite enough to remove the crisper drawer. I don't think this would bother me. Would it bother other people? Buehl, what do you think? The OTR is vented to the outside (that wall is an exterior wall). Jillypie, I don't think I would have room for a fridge where the D/W/ is now. Bmorepanic, we don't have a basement, just a crawlspace. We had toyed with the idea of moving the sink and making an opening through the passthrough, but it would probably be too costly. No heating in that closet, just a million coats and shoes and an electrical box. I'm interested in the idea of running cabs under the window, but then still have the problem of where to put the fridge. In one way, I do like the idea of the fridge on the range wall, as this would help to visually break up the cabinets on that wall - esp if we get a nice-looking ss one. Divamum, I very much appreciate your Sunday morning musings :) I agree that the kitchen should be a place to live rather than just cook. I'm thinking that maybe if we open up the pass-through wider as well as taller (ie above dishwasher), then maybe we could put a couple of bar stools up to the counter there. There's not a whole lot of space in the DR, but maybe just enough? Kitchenkelly, we are planning to go crazy with lighting too :) I really like the idea of pendant lights over the sink area. Definitely undercab lighting. Hmmm a sconce is an interesting idea maybe I can find a place to put one of those Seems like everyone is in agreement that cabs should all go to ceiling in this space and not be varied heights. Anybody disagree? A couple of KDs (I'm still deciding which KD to go with) have suggested leaving a gap at the top and putting lights up there to flood the ceiling with light and make the tops of the cabinets "glow". One of them had suggested having only the cabs above the range go to ceiling. What do you think of this idea? Thank you all so much! I will try to post some pics soon of different options. Meanwhile, please keep those ideas coming!

paigeysmom, attention to details are what will pay off in the long run. Details sell. The careful alignment of details in architectural elements are what makes a thing beautiful. Please, don't you ever let anyone lead you astray when you know that something is not balanced or right. Even if it doesn't seem right, make your subs prove to you they know their stuff. Stick to your guns and take all the credit for careful supervision later when the job is done. I know, it is way too easy to hire people to do a job half-a$$ and it co$t$ no one a dime to tell you to forget about correcting mistakes and you're being too picky. Picky is as picky does. It's my money, my stuff. I want my bricks aligned. I want my cabinets level. I want my skirt and pants hems even. It takes courage to stand up to slackers, but you can do it. They are stealing your hard earned money and delivering an inferior product when you let them get away with shoddy work. Don't you let them. It's your reputation on the line, too. :) I don't normally 'thump' anyone on this forum, but honestly, miles661, you must be a husband that does not notice details or give a rat$ fanny about the finished product. Sometimes it is best to keep your mouth shut if you can't encourage someone or give constructive commentary. Of COURSE paigeysmom is thankful for her kitchen. She'll be more thankful and easier to live with now that someone heard her and encouraged her to make her subs do the job right. The istallation and finishing details are what make a job one of quality or sub par. I'm betting that she's shooting for a quality job. It's quite obvious that the person putting her cabinets together needs total supervision to do the job right. You aren't by chance the one putting her kitchen cabinets together, are you? Paigeysmom, your kitchen is going to look lovely. I cannot wait to see how it all turns out. FWIW, I, do agree with your husband about the wine cabinet. I don't think you'll notice the bead-board much at all once you have in wine bottles and decorative elements. I 'see' exactly what you mean... and if you know it's going to bother you, then by all means remove it before templating. HOWEVER, you really need to look at the top cabinet run and how that last base cabinet will look without the wine cabinet there. You might be better off leaving it.

Thought an update was in order. I absolutely love this Asko set! I have washed everything in sight and am more than please with the results. Yesterday I stripped my queen size bed down to the mattress protector and everything fit inside this lil washer! I used a down wash on the comforter and got suds-o-rama! My best guess is that they were left overs from previous washings. I drained the load and washed again without and detergent and did 5 rinses. I love the rinse options on this set. The deep washes and rinses I used took forever but in the end I know that they are clean. My back is out so my husband had to do all the loading, unloading and bed making. I don't have the set on pedestals but I see it in my future. As crazy as I am about this set I can't imagine how over the moon Larsi is about his Little Giant!