The Essential Kitchen Design Guide

Book Description

The kitchen is the heart of the home, the ideal place to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, an informal gathering, or an intimate conversation. It is also a complex organism in which numerous independent systems must work in harmony to minimize the energy required to prepare meals and clean up afterwards. Few rooms see so much activity; fewer still challenge designers with such an array of practical, technological, and esthetic considerations. The successful kitchen designer creates a warm, pleasant atmosphere while solving problems of storage capacity, accessibility, functionality, ventilation, lighting, safety, and durability.

For many years the National Kitchen & Bath Association has conducted a prestigious education program for kitchen designers. The Essential Kitchen Design Guide, condensed from the NKBA's own six-volume manual, is an invaluable sourcebook and technical guide for kitchen planning and design. It offers an established set of kitchen-planning guidelines—accepted as the norm for the industry—and provides authoritative presentations on every kitchen mechanical system, design issue, and planning principle, as well as appliances, fixtures, and other equipment.

Hundreds of design details, descriptive technical photos, and useful checklists help you make the most of all the information provided. Reliable data, proven techniques, and helpful tips prepare you to tackle every aspect of kitchen design, including

Electrical systems, lighting, and plumbing
Fixtures and appliances
Cabinetry, floor coverings, counter tops, and other equipment and materials
Drawing and presentation standards for the kitchen professional
Cost estimating
Space planning
Kitchen-related building codes
And more

The Essential Kitchen Design Guide is an indispensable tool and an essential addition to the professional libraries of architects, interior designers, and anyone interested in pursuing the finest in kitchen design.

From the organization whose name is synonymous with the highest standards in kitchen and bath design-the kitchen design guide no professional should be without!

Customer Reviews:

Expensive, but worth every penny.......2007-01-12

Three years ago, we did a major redesign/renovation of our kitchen, right back to the studs, including moving appliances and cabinets and changing the flow -- almost exclusively based on the information and advice in this book. Having lived with the results for awhile now, there's not a thing I would change or do differently. Whether doing the work and making the selections yourself or working with a kitchen designer, you will find this resource invaluable. Anyone can walk into a kitchen design center and pick out pretty cabinets and appliances; this book will force you to think about the layout of your kitchen so all the elements work together without interfering with each other.

I also disagree with the reviewer below who found the pictures outdated. This is not a place to get inspiration for colors or cabinet styles. This is a resource that will help you figure out whether you actually have enough space for that kitchen island you've always wanted, or making sure you will be able to reach your main storage cabinet when the dishwasher door is open, or where the electrical outlets should go.

Expensive book, but I think it saved us from making more costly mistakes.

Amazingly detailed information.......2006-10-10

An excellent reference for designing from scratch or for remodelling your kitchen. This book is written for the interior designer, not really for the do-it-yourself-er. It goes into extensive detail about everything you can imagine will be in a kitchen, how to lay it out, how to select everything in it, how everything operates, pros and cons of different materials and designs (and that's everything even down to how electricity works, what the characteristics of different woods are, and so much more). I'm building my retirement home and am working with a skilled architect. Even so, I found this book extremely useful and I especially liked the sections on ergonomics, pathway clearances, how to design your counterspace and cabinets so they don't conflict with each other. If you read this book, you're not going to make a costly mistake in designing your kitchen - it's got it all, and it even emphasizes what not to do. Need to consider elderly or handicapped? They cover that also. For those who can't find this book or who prefer not such a large tome, the Home Depot Kitchen Design and Planning 1-2-3 (ISBN: 0696217449) has an excellent summary of the more applicable portions of this book. The reviewer before my review who complained about the photos - well, appliances are going to be outdated even in just a few years. If you're looking to recreate a kitchen via a photo, stick with kitchen oriented magazines. The basics of layout are going to be the same, and the way this book is written and the diagrams (most are diagrams, not photos) are still applicable, since it addresses our current lifestyles where the kitchen is the hub of our homes, and it helps you understand the different layouts and how they can be modified and how they can work for you.

Out of date, elementary information.......2005-04-10

Poor quality photography make this book completely out of date with today's kitchen design trends. Yes there is some basic, stress basic, information about how to draft, and the elementary concept of the kitchen work triangle, but no new ideas here. It is disappointing that the NKBA would put their name on such a book. It is not the definitive guide on kitchen design and not worth the large price.

Average customer rating:

The Essential Bathroom Design Guide
National Kitchen and Bath Association
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Essential Kitchen Design Guide

ASIN: 047112673X

Book Description

From splendidly opulent to necessarily Spartan, the residential bathroom exists in a bewildering variety of styles and forms and may be appointed with a seemingly infinite array of fixtures and surface coverings to suit the needs, tastes, and budgets of a broad spectrum of clients. All bathrooms depend on the same basic mechanical systems, fulfill the same functions, and are subject to similar—but not always identical—code requirements. The successful bathroom designer understands bathroom systems, functions, and codes; has detailed knowledge of a broad range of fixture and material types; comprehends bathroom planning principles; and produces professional working drawings that communicate successfully with client and contractor alike.

For many years the National Kitchen & Bath Association has conducted a prestigious education program for bathroom designers. The Essential Bathroom Design Guide, based on the NKBA's own six-volume manual, is an invaluable sourcebook and technical guide on bathroom planning and design. It offers an established set of bathroom planning guidelines—accepted as the norm in the industry—and provides authoritative presentations on every bathroom mechanical system, design issue, and planning principle, as well as fixtures, materials, and other equipment.

Mechanical systems: plumbing, heating and cooling, ventilation, electrical, and lighting
Floor and wall coverings, counter tops, and other materials
Fixture specification
Drawing and presentation standards for the bathroom professional
Cost estimating
Space planning
Bathroom-related building codes
And more

The Essential Bathroom Design Guide is an indispensable tool and an important addition to the professional libraries of architects, interior designers, and anyone interested in pursuing the finest in bathroom design.

Book Description

Dramatized sequential illustrations with dialogue—an art form once confined to production of comic strips and comic books—has recently graduated into the popular, fast-growing, and often financially rewarding genre of the graphic novel. Writing and Illustrating the Graphic Novel is an authoritative instruction manual suitable for formal art class or for self teaching on the part of ambitious self-starters. Beginners who have artistic and storytelling aptitudes learn the basics of graphic novel creation, from first conception of a story idea to publication of a professionally produced book. An introductory chapter describes the widely differing graphic novel sub-genres and the appropriate styles for each. They include superhero, gothic tale, adventure/action story, sci-fi, crime story, and literary fiction. A succeeding chapter discusses and shows examples of picture panels, speech bubbles, layout, and characterization of works in progress. Subsequent chapters offer advice on finding inspiration for stories and explanation of the technique of writing for graphic novels. A variety of illustration and layout styles are shown with reference to ways in which each fits a different sub-genre. A final chapter presents practical tips on getting a graphic novel published. More than 400 illustrations take students step-by-step through the process of creating a graphic novel.

Customer Reviews:

Good Solid book.......2006-09-15

This book in not bad. It has a solid well written structure to it. The chapters are sequentialy based. But; you can dive into ANY chapter at a moments notice and glean LOTS of information.

American readers might get lost with British language & grammar but that is minor.

The ONLY drawback is the section on computer graphics. Its obvious this book was written about 4 years ago so the technology HAS changed.

Can't wait to read his NEW book on making comics digitally!!!

Best of the bunch.......2006-01-30

After reading several books on the subject, I honestly feel that this is the best when it comes to get a good feel for the industry and the genre. It is not too wordy, as some on the topic, but it is not too skimpy either. I really feel I learned something from this book.

Kids' Stuff.......2006-01-13

I found this book to lack depth and good art examples. The design isn't that great either. It throws a couple bits of jargon to feel impressive, but there isn't a lot of good information here. Some examples:

For character notes, they give you a stylized table of what is basically a dossier: Sex: Male; Hair: Black; Clothing: Jeans and Sweats.

Bad art examples done in Photoshop.

Balloon shapes examples?

It touches on a thousand things from preliminary sketching to 3D comics using Poser, yet goes into no important detail. "THE INTERNET. Reasonably fast, everyone has access to it, the INternet seems to have the answer to everyone's problem. Except of course, it doesn't." ... "Actions are the first thing that gives a character away. The kind of person you are will always be revealed by the way you act under pressure."

These things and many more are just plain irrelevant.

It's kids' stuff. Not even for the absolute beginner, it is for the casual reader. Even then, I'm sure a regular reader of graphic novels and comics knows everything in this book and much more. A waste of money.

Complete, Comprehensive with a Fantastic Design!!.......2004-10-05

A complete guide. A ride through the Graphic Novel concept and everything you need to know to meet face to face with every detail, including reading recommendation for every genre.

A must have for any creator or fan, and one of the few written recently specially devoted to the Graphic Novel

Writing and Illustrating the Graphic Novel

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Writing and Illustrating the Graphic Novel
Mike Chinn
Manufacturer: A & C Black Publishers Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Cartooning | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0713669985

Book Description

"The country of thousand lakes" is also a country of beautiful architecture and interior design: modern Finland is a traveler's secret, offering charming hotels, B&Bs, and restaurants tucked into sophisticated cities like Hanko and Helsinki-one of the art nouveau capitals of the world. Amid natural beauty, Finns live well, with their own unique style: this new Living In volume takes readers inside city homes built by Alvar Aalto and into the lake-country cottages decorated with touches of Marimekko and Toikka. Living In Finland also means enjoying culinary specialties like caviar served with créme fraéche, crayfish dishes, and more. This look into Finland's style speaks to travelers, to those interested in the heritage of contemporary design, and to Finnish-Americans who will rediscover their own traditions in this sumptuously-illustrated book.

Customer Reviews:

A work of art.......2007-03-09

This book exceeded my expectations. I wanted a book with pictures, but every page is beautifully illustrated with superb photographs. It is a splendid tour which will be a much appreciated gift. Highly recommended.

One problem - the packing was partly opened when it arrived as the sticky tape had come loose on the outside, but the book was undamaged.

Living in Finland.......2006-03-15

This is a beautiful and inspiring invitation to enter the seasonal lives of middle class Finns. It demonstrates how Finnish architecture, design and art draw inspiration from and are sensitive to the natural environment. The section on Finnish summer houses is superb. An up-to-date directory at the end of the book is really helpful for someone like me planning a trip to Finland later in the year. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Finland Brought Alive!

Finland Living Design
Elizabeth Gaynor
Manufacturer: Rizzoli
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 084780545X
Release Date: 1990-09-15

Customer Reviews:

Finland Brought Alive!.......2002-01-07

I have never traveled to Finland, but after reading this book, one will feel like they have journeyed there many times! The author beautifully portrays the simple yet elegant Finnish living designs and also brings the reader though the seasons in order to experience a more up close and personal Finland. The pictures are beautiful, bright, and do help the reader to have more of a "feel" of the land and people of Finland.

"The house is like its master", states a Finnish Proverb, which greets the reader at the beginning of the book. Gaynor depicts Finland to the reader in both black and white and incredibly vivid color. Her narratives throughout the book are wonderful and one will feel that they are totally immersed into the experience of touring the countryside with the author! The richness of the people, portrayed through their simplistic lifestyle, is very much evident.

The reader is also bought into the design of the exterior of the buildings and I loved the pictures of all the different doorways! The taste of the architectural adventure and history is a treat! Sources are also listed at the back of the book if one wishes to purchase Finnish furniture or accessories.

I heartily recommend this book, whether one is contemplating a trip to this Nordic country, or whether one has a fascination for the culture and experience of Finland. This book will easily feed your fascination as you cannot help but devour chapter after chapter! The photographer, Kari Haavisto, is also to be commended for the beauty of the land as seen through her eyes. The reader will definitely walk away with a more revered perspective for the people, their land, and their lifestyle.

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Living Architecture No. 13 Scandinavian Design; Architecture and Design From Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden
Living Architecture
Manufacturer: Living Architecture
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000Q6HYRA

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Living Architecture No. 6 Scandinavian Design; Architecture and Design From Denmark Finland Norway Sweden

Manufacturer: Per Nagel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KNGG4G

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Finland : Living Design
Elizabeth Gaynor
Manufacturer: Rizzoli International Publications, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MWWZF4

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Finland: Living Design
Elizabeth Gaynor
Manufacturer: Rizzoli
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KV0XII

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Living Architecture 13: Scandinavian Design; Architecture and Design from Denmark Finland Norway Sweden
Per (publisher); Vibe Udsen (editor) Nagel
Manufacturer: Living Architecture Aps
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JC6JCM

Customer Reviews:

Highly useful for teachers.......2007-02-11

I found this book years ago and used its political cartoons as a teaching tool in the classroom. I wish I'd bought it then when it was not so expensive! I highly recommend it for teachers and those interested in the Civil War.

Okay, so I know the editor..........1999-08-25

Okay, so I know the editor and all... so I'm biased. I'm a moderate student of the Civil War, but I found this to be a really refreshing way to study the War--through political cartoons. Cartoons of that era seem so much more complicated and intricate that they do today. I learned a lot that I didn't already know, and in a very enjoyable way.

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Afghanistan- The Battle Line is Drawn
Irwin Silber
Manufacturer: Line of March
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NY36KY

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Afghanistan: The battle line is drawn
Irwin Silber
Manufacturer: Line of March Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007101KG

Building your business by mail;: A compilation of successful direct advertising campaigns drawn from the experience records of three hundred and sixty-one firms, representing every line of business,

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Building your business by mail;: A compilation of successful direct advertising campaigns drawn from the experience records of three hundred and sixty-one firms, representing every line of business,
William George Clifford
Manufacturer: Business Research Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00085U5RU

Lincoln North : An Exhibition Drawn from the Nathanson Collection of Lincolniana to Commemorate the Anniversary of Lincoln's Birth and the Launching of the On-Line Catalogue of some 1050 Pamphlets

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Lincoln North : An Exhibition Drawn from the Nathanson Collection of Lincolniana to Commemorate the Anniversary of Lincoln's Birth and the Launching of the On-Line Catalogue of some 1050 Pamphlets

Manufacturer: McGill University Libraries
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000I72HII

The line drawn: A textlet on the baptism, tongues, healing, and demonism, so-called

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The line drawn: A textlet on the baptism, tongues, healing, and demonism, so-called
Miles J Stanford
Manufacturer: The author
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
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THE LINES ARE DRAWN
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Manufacturer: J. B. Lippincott Co.
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The lines are drawn; American life since the First World War as reflected in the Pulitzer prize cartoons

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The lines are drawn; American life since the First World War as reflected in the Pulitzer prize cartoons
Gerald W Johnson
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Lines Drawn from Durer
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