DRAMATIC SIEMATIC

This article appeared in the November/December 2004 issue of AZ Food and Lifestyles Magazine. As such, it is the property of them and cannot be reprinted without their express permission.

More and more, friends and families are gathering in the kitchen, rather than in the living room, during social occasions. I will admit that I used to be a very messy cook; since everyone hangs out in the kitchen while I'm cooking, I strive to be much neater. The need for a kitchen design that is warm, comfortable, inviting, as well as practical and functional is more prevalent than ever.

Enter Kitchens Southwest - since 1978, they have been providing custom cabinetry to discerning valley residents. Working with many high-end appliance dealers, such as Westar, Interwest, Sunwest and Freed, they provide their customers with an entire package. And their expertise doesn't stop at the kitchen - they can provide cabinets for every room of the home. According to President Dana Hayes, it's common to do the entire home, from the bathrooms and butler's pantry to the wet bar or office; she admits, "We have also done a few garages."

The first step in any project is to discuss the design and planning process. With a combined experience of over 75 years, the design team at Kitchens Southwest utilizes extensive design resources along with a clear and defined method that walks every customer through the procedure. Once the customer has given his or her specifications, the in-house CAD (computer aided design) department gets busy putting together designs and floor plans. Before finalizing anything, the entire area is thoroughly measured to insure accuracy. Finally, the in-house installation department delivers and installs the cabinetry to the customer's standards. In fact, they even offer complimentary door adjustments after the project is installed.

"In pursuit of quality rather than quantity would best describe our approach to business," states Hayes. While they feature cabinets by such great manufacturers as Wood-Mode, Cottonwood, Beckermann, Sokee and Custom Cupboards, they are the only SieMatic distributor in the Valley.

Founded in Löhne, Germany, by August Siekmann in 1929, SieMatic is the leading brand of high quality kitchen furniture in the world with a reputation for creating the ultimate in style, design and functionality. With products currently available in over 45 countries, styles range from contemporary with exotic woods, matte and gloss finishes to traditional raised panel designs. Its repertoire boasts over 81 door styles and 90 standard finishes.

SieMatic's designs are broken down into four different categories: "Practical Style" has emphasis on practicality, lack of superfluous detail and its departure from the concept of the kitchen being nothing more than a work place; "Country Style" evokes a warm, family friendly atmosphere that incorporates modern kitchen technology; the "Modular Principle" kitchen is exactly that - modular, allowing for additions, changes, and a great deal of flexibility; "Modern Classics" kitchens are classically beautiful and have never gone out of style. Our featured kitchen, the SE 7007 MR, falls into this final category.

"This kitchen is a beautiful representation of one of the most popular looks in today's market," notes Hayes. One glance at this kitchen and the variety of materials used make this apparent. Stainless steel, amber maple wood, granite and frosted glass - every square inch - is warm, comfortable and inviting. The cabinets shown, known as a "wide rail shaker," are among the most sought after designs on the market today. Stainless steel kickplates at the base enhance the "floating" effect the cabinets have above the beautiful slate floor. The ample drawers and cupboards, most of which are paneled with frosted glass, provide disguised storage, while the shelves above the sink allow appealing items to be shown off. Many people don't like regular glass in their cabinets; it's hard enough to keep the outsides clean, let alone the insides. The frosted glass gives a similar effect without the stress of the mess.

Although appliances are not part of SieMatic's line, they can be seamlessly integrated with any cabinet configuration, as is the case with the cooktop and dual ovens. A unique feature above the range - called the "Chef's Rail" - is especially ingenious; it can be used to store spices on one side and keep a cookbook open on the other. This element is duplicated above the sink with a towel and foil holder. According to Hayes, this can be customized to a consumer's needs. Above the stove, a stainless steel drop-ceiling ventilation hood doubles as a display shelf for a variety of items. There is a reason professional kitchens utilize stainless steel - it's tough, easy to clean, and very hygienic.

"Flamed" granite countertops (regular granite treated with a special process) provide adequate workspace, while the cubbies above the sink allow for storage and display. The ingenious drawers above the sink allow utensils and small appliances to be hidden away yet easily accessed. "Accessories and interior fittings can make a kitchen not only more functional but more aesthetically pleasing," says Hayes. "With the wide range available, the interior of the cabinets may be just as appealing as the exterior."

During the day, the kitchen is flooded with light from the huge windows, while, at night, the pendant lights fill the void. A natural wood island, which doubles as a table, also provides plenty of extra workspace or a place for family and friends to congregate and eat. In a kitchen, furniture is more subject to wear and tear than anywhere else. Effects from heat, cold, humidity, constant soiling and cleaning put huge demands on the materials. SieMatic's mission is to ensure its kitchens keep their original shine for as long as possible.

For anyone looking for a new kitchen that consists of high quality materials and workmanship, SieMatic is sure to please. Coupled with Kitchen Southwest's expert design and installation process, your kitchen is always in good hands. With thousands of kitchens under their belt, they have the necessary experience and know-how to tackle any project. According to Hayes, "excellence is our endeavor, experience our asset."

Kitchens Southwest
15685 N. Greenway-Hayden Loop, Suite 300
Scotsdale, AZ 85260
480.443.0102, www.kitchenssouthwest.com.