The Kitchen Idea Book (Idea Books) (Hardcover)

by Joanne Kellar Bouknight (Author) "Why a new kitchen?..." (more)
Key Phrases: countertop material, base cabinets, pendant lights, Gustav Stickley, Martha's Vineyard (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
To many families, the kitchen is more than a place where food is cooked and eaten. It's where parties begin and end, homework is done, pets are fed, bills are paid, and secrets are told over endless cups of coffee. Everyone's got a different dream kitchen, whether it's a serene Arts & Crafts-style kitchen, a bustling farmhouse kitchen, or an up-to-the-minute gourmet kitchen with hand-selected granite countertops and professional-level appliances. The nice thing about The Kitchen Idea Book is its accessibility: it doesn't assume a particular budget level, layout, style, or set of functions, but offers a wealth of ideas to suit every taste and pocketbook. Even better, it gives the would-be kitchen remodeler a vocabulary to use in designing and outfitting his or her own dream kitchen. With detailed sections on overall design, cabinets, shelves and pantries, countertops and backsplashes, appliances and sinks, lighting, floors, walls, and ceilings, it covers far more than the basics. Its sharp photography and "For More Information" section are the icing on the cake--this is the book to have for planning a new or remodeled kitchen. --Barrie Trinkle

From Library Journal
Bouknight, an architect and former editor of Fine Homebuilding magazine, reveals the remarkable potential of the "most popular room in the house," helping readers create kitchens that reflect their homes and their own lifestyles. Numerous photos profile kitchens of all types from traditional to contemporary, with illustrated floor plans. (LJ 1/99)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Taunton (February 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561581615
• ISBN-13: 978-1561581610
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #929,212 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I keep going back to this book, September 19, 1999

By A Customer

A friend gave me this book--is it because I complain about my kitchen all the time? I looked through it. Then I looked through it again. And again. Now I have post-it notes all over it. The only problem is that there are TOO many ideas! But now I'm ready to redo my lousy kitchen. I want a place to eat and a second sink and a pantry and....Great book for anyone who wants to do or redo their kitchen.

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Aptly Titled Book to Spark Ideas for Your Kitchen, July 30, 2000

By	Karen Dowell (Maine, United States) - See all my reviews

I've been through this book cover to cover four times in four days. One pass to admire and sigh at all the beautiful AND functional kitchens Ms. Kellar has compiled. Another to start to identify elements and components I personally like. Then again to try and determine which of those would fit in the space I have to work with--and the personality of my home. I've finally begun to read the accompanying text and study the floor plans, both of which make this much more than just a collection of stunning kitchen photographs. If you're planning to remodel your kitchen or you're building a house and want to design one that fits you and the way you cook, get this book before you meet with a kitchen designer or architect. It will not only help you decide what you want and but also enable you to articulate your vision more clearly to the folks you hire to do the work.

52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for what it is, August 11, 2000

By	David Wihowski (Milwaukee, WI USA) - See all my reviews

I won't repeat what so many other reviewers have aptly said: that it is a wonderful book with beautiful photos and good ideas.

My comment, or criticism, is for readers who are serious cooks (i.e. they cook frequently for more than 2 or 3 people, and when they cook it is not just "microwave" or "instant" cooking). The book does not help much in dealing with design issues from the perspective a a serious cook. There are many ways modern kitchen design can be improved for serious cooks, but this books does not sufficiently address them. This book is great as far as it goes, but if you are serious about cooking you might want to tap some other sources as well.