Kitchen Renovation and Remodeling Blogs

Here at The Kitchen Company we make it our business to help you through the kitchen renovation process as painlessly as possible. We are so comfortable with the ins and outs of kitchen remodeling that we are usually the expert guides—not the ones being guided. That is, until one of our own, co-owner and designer Gail Bolling, decided to remodel her 24-year-old kitchen. Like any kitchen renovation, Gail’s experience has its ups and downs, but she’s learning quite a few valuable lessons along the way. Over the next several weeks, we’ll share Gail’s trials and tribulations as she tackles the kitchen remodeling process as a designer—and a homeowner. We’ll also share first-hand tips, tricks and advice to help you stay sane during your own renovation journey.

It just so happens that The Kitchen Company co-owner John Fecke’s birthday and National Toasted Marshmallow Day fall on the same weekend so we’re celebrating with this no-campfire-required s’mores pie.

The Kitchen Company co-owner/designer Gail Bolling is back in the kitchen, whipping up another delicious dinner: tasty Italian tuna linguine with fresh cherry tomatoes. While she loves experimenting with new recipes, this classic William-Sonoma pasta recipe has been a go-to recipe for Gail for years. She says, “This Italian tuna linguine with fresh cherry tomatoes recipe is from an old William-Sonoma pasta cookbook. It’s one of my stand-by recipes because it’s delicious, inexpensive and easy to make.”

About the Design

This simple yet elegant featured kitchen is the second kitchen The Kitchen Company co-owner Gail Bolling has designed for Woodbridge homeowners Steve and Nancy. Gail previously worked with the couple when they renovated their first home. After selling their first house and parting ways with their beloved kitchen, Steve and Nancy decided they wanted a similar kitchen design in their new home. “They wanted to duplicate much of what we had done in the original kitchen," explains Gail. “The kitchen in the first house we remodeled was quite a bit larger though so recreating the design in a smaller space posed some issues and concerns."

Question:

Designers don't recommend tilt-out sink fronts anymore, why have they fallen out of favor?

Answer:

Helen Richardson, Designer

When it comes to reading The Wall Street Journal, The Kitchen Company co-owner/designer Gail Bolling flips right to the lifestyle section, where she finds some of her favorite food and drink recipes. Recently she came across this recipe for baked ziti with lamb ragu from chef Josef Centeno, chef/owner of Bäco Mercat & Bar Amá in Los Angeles. It is even more simple, delicious and quick to cook than you can imagine. Pasta, lamb, veggies, three kinds of cheese and plenty of spice make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Question:

Should I resurface or replace my kitchen cabinets?

What better what to celebrate the Memorial Day Weekend and (unofficially) kick off summer than with a fruity & festive treat? This recipe puts a twist on classic strawberry shortcake -- a childhood/summertime favorite. The fluffy, moist cupcakes are are infused with vanilla extract and vanilla bean (You can leave out the fresh vanilla bean but I highly recommend using it!), filled with sweet, homemade strawberry filling and topped with fresh, homemade strawberry whipped cream.

About the Design

During the remodel of their 1920s Victorian-style home, New Haven homeowners Danny & Melissa enlisted The Kitchen Company to design a traditional kitchen with 1920s era flair.

Sunny, spring days and warmer weather are finally here! Celebrate by whipping up these simple and delicious lemon bars. This classic southern staple is sure to light up any day.