Bosche's Kitchen

Tuscan meets California Wine Country

Contact: Bosche (My Page)
Posted on Tue, Jun 29, 04
Link to kitchen photos: http://www.pbase.com/equistroke/kitchen

Well, after months of empty promises I finally got some pictures posted. Still recovering from PTCD (Post Traumatic Construction Disorder) I kid you not. This was complete new construction that was 3 years from architect interviewing to move in last Oct. My planting is mostly in and we await the arrival of the furniture. A big thanks to everyone here who made suggestions and shared their triumphs as well as battle scars. Blessings. I also have pics of my guest house kitchen and kitchenette I'd like to post, but that will have to wait a week or two.
Amy

Details:

• Lacanche Fontenay
• Stone cast hood surround
• Rift-cut white oak cabinets dark brown stain with black glaze
• Honed "Baja" Caesarstone
• Walker Zanger Old World Murgiano mosiac backsplash
• Ventahood liner
• SubZero refer, icemaker, wine fridge
• Whitehaus Evolution faucets and sprays
• Reichele copper sinks
• Noche cross-cut travertine in 16"x24" running bond pattern
• Colonial Bronze pulls
• Astec extruded bronze windows
• Designer: BCV Architects http://www.bcvarch.com/
  

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Follow-Up Postings:

RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: awm03 (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 04 at 9:53

Amy, that's got to be the most beautiful kitchen I've ever seen. I love everything about it: the dark oak, the honed counters, the mosaics, the travertine, the bronze. What a lovely combination of textures and materials. The color palette and matte feel looks very soothing. My gosh, I can imagine the euphoria you must have after three long years.

BTW, I did a down-scale version of your kitchen: dark oak, creamy floors, ORB knobs, but no creamy, soft backsplash -- I don't have the natural lighting to pull off the delicate color combo. Yours is the kitchen I wanted but couldn't afford :) I wish you many years of enjoyment in your beautiful kitchen!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: niff (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 04 at 10:18

Just curious.... where did you find your cabinet hardware? Also, how do you like your windows? I am not familiar with the astec brand. They are beautiful. Enjoy.... you have a very elegant kitchen.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 04 at 11:03

awm03- Thanks for your kind words- I am enjoying the peaceful palette. Niff- the pulls were found at a local store, but I ordered them from Cape Cod Brass through an internet search. This was a large order as same pulls run throughout the house. They had the best price around, no tax, free shipping and they also offered me a volume discount. The windows are from Italy and are beautiful but knowing what we do today about them we would not order them again. Cost almost as much to install them as to buy them. Their installation contributed greatly to my PTCD.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Katalina (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 04 at 13:35

Bosche, I'm so glad to see more pictures of your kitchen. You have a gorgeous and well-thought out space. I love all the materials and the palette, and the wooden santo above the range add a nice touch. I think your kitchen design will stand the test of time, with the soft palette and the quality materials that you've chosen. Nothing trendy, just elegant and classy!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: NorCalNancy (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 04 at 16:50

What a beautiful and elegant space. Your cabinets are truly gorgeous and unique. You must be thrilled!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: sdtriplets (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 04 at 18:37

What a beautiful kitchen. I love the dog feeding area. Very nice. Is there rest of your house in the same style? Great job. SDTRIPLETS

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Joyce_6333 (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 04 at 18:44

Oh, so nice! Peaceful is a good word to describe it. Would love to see the rest of your new home! That's one unusual chair at your desk area? I don't think I could stay on it. Thanks for sharing!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: KarenintheUK (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 04 at 21:35

It's almost "arts and crafts style" with a slightly modern edge - very classy and refined. I bet it feels strange to be in such an amazing space after all that upheaval :) it was obviously worth all the stress though and don't worry PTCD isn't permanent - or so they tell me!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 04 at 23:29

To answer a few questions, yes the rest of the house is in the same style, same material, same palette. There were two elements driving the design of the house-one a 100+ yr blue oak and two, spectacular views of the western hills. I wanted seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces to maximize the feeling of openness. Thus, the travertine maintains the same pattern both inside and out and doors are either bifold or trifold to fold out of the way. The style is you tell me? The closest I can get is Tuscan meets California Wine Country. Indeed, the architect that designed the house also designed the Franciscian Winery in Napa and some of the architecteral elements are the same. To give you a better feel for the lay of the land, so to speak, I include a link to our architect's web site that shows a model rendering of our project. There are two views to see if you click on the little boxes under and to the right of the picture. Thanks again one and all for all of your kind words and support throughout the project.

Here is a link that might be useful: Model of house

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: lisapie (My Page) on Wed, Jun 30, 04 at 12:39

Congratulations on such a well concieved and beautiful kitchen. I love everything you chose. Thanks for posting the caesarstone pictures. The counter is so lovely. Not only can I sense the tranquility of the "clean" kitchen, but also the beauty of food prepared and presented. Enjoy

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: elsieCat (My Page) on Wed, Jun 30, 04 at 14:53

I've told you before, but I so completely love your kitchen. It's one of my favorites of all time. Thanks so much for posting more pictures. OCH, I just saw your 'model of house' -- now I remember that you posted it several months ago. O.K., so the kitchen's a ringer--you've got a Private Residence, not just a house :). I love thought-out through-design (e.g. having the same fixtures, color pattern) -- creates a mood that resonates well with me; I hope to bring back our little house to that same state over the years.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Monicakm (My Page) on Fri, Jul 2, 04 at 2:15

What more is there to say? I would just sound like a blubbering idiot! LOL Amy, your kitchen (and home) is simply magnificent! I'd say you achieved exactly what you set out to achieve. WELL DONE! Your kitchen brings back an era of old world simplicity and elegance. Thank you so much for sharing your kitchen with us :) Monica

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: wordsmith (My Page) on Fri, Jul 2, 04 at 4:45

I only wish I could have a kitchen like this! You must enjoy it so much. I see you have a Lacanche. How does it compare to other ranges you've had?

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: littlebitofheaven (My Page) on Fri, Jul 2, 04 at 9:20

Gorgeous. What a great feel it has! Love the Lacanche, and the cabinetry and hardware are to die for! Beautiful kitchen and puppy!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Fri, Jul 2, 04 at 10:48

Thanks all for your enthusiasm. I wonder when I will stop having these fleeting thoughts that "this is MY house?!!!!" Word- The Lacanche is working out well. I cannot compare to other ranges as I lived for 6 years with just 2 elec coil burners working on the cooktop of the house we tore down. So as you can imagine, anything would feel like heaven.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: ArtTeacher_NJ (My Page) on Fri, Jul 2, 04 at 12:23

Your kitchen is AMAZING! It's very elegant and classy, yet different. Good different! I love your sinks! What kind of cabinets do you have? They are beautiful. Enjoy your lovely, new home!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Fri, Jul 2, 04 at 15:27

ArtTeacher Thanks, the cabinets are custom. One of the better subs we had.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: linda_10 (My Page) on Sat, Jul 3, 04 at 23:00

Lovely, lovely, lovely. What is the backsplash made of? What kind of hook did you use in the backsplash?

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Sun, Jul 4, 04 at 0:22

Linda, The backsplash to the right and left of the clean-up sink is Caesarstone, to the right and left of the range is the same cast stone material as the hood surround. Behind the range is a Walker Zanger Old World Murgiano mosaic tile.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: lisa02 (My Page) on Sat, Jul 10, 04 at 0:58

This is just a stunning kichen! I love how peaceful it feels... how does it feel to cook in it? I would love to use a similar color scheme, but I'm also afraid I'd just want to relax and never cook in it! Lisa

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: riverrat1 (My Page) on Sat, Jul 10, 04 at 10:52

Beautiful, fabulous,wonderful, relaxing and well thought out! I like everything about your home, including puppy and the back end of the child. Wow, is all I can add and great job!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Ayva (My Page) on Sun, Jul 11, 04 at 15:33

Amy, what a beautiful space. I LOVE the dark cabinets. Where did you get your lighting fixture with the shades in line like that?

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Mon, Jul 12, 04 at 11:31

Ayva, The fixture came from: Stephen Mc Kay Inc (212) 255-2110 216 W 18th St # 1004 New York

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Ayva (My Page) on Mon, Jul 12, 04 at 13:55

Thanks for the information!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: dmp135 (My Page) on Wed, Jul 14, 04 at 14:25

Just breathtaking...enjoy. Dorothy

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Sue36 (My Page) on Tue, Jul 20, 04 at 23:23

Amy, What is that chair by your desk? I have never seen something like that. I wonder if that would be good for my back. Great kitchen! Love the soothing feeling.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Wed, Jul 21, 04 at 0:19

Sue, The chair is a ball chair from Gaiam.com. My butt has never been sore and I sit up more than I did in a regular chair. Of course, I can slouch too in this chair, I am just more aware of it. I ride horses, so it also helps to keep me stretched out.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bohemian_Belle (My Page) on Sat, Aug 21, 04 at 23:31

Bump. Stunning,one of the very best ever!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: artpulse (My Page) on Mon, Aug 23, 04 at 22:05

Your kitchen tops my list. harmony!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: mindstorm (My Page) on Mon, Sep 6, 04 at 22:27

Bosche, High time I added my raves and appreciation to this list - I've already shown your kitchen to all that I know who will look. First things first - love that cute pup! What's he think of the pad? Secondly, I love the kitchen - a lot of it has to do with the fact that its so clean and tidy and unfussy. This is ready advertising for Caesarstone (silestone?) if you ask me. I was never more impressed with any surface! I also love all the avenues for light to pour into that your room. Its beautiful, clean, unfussy, and really relaxing. Are those bluestone or blue limestone floors beyond the kitchen? Congratulations. -ls

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: jroth (My Page) on Tue, Sep 7, 04 at 14:50

I want to live in your kitchen!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: thegreek (My Page) on Sat, Sep 11, 04 at 11:15

The best compliment I can think of (given that I am a modern boy, dwell reading, Bulthaup fetishist) is that it looks like Franciscan monks should be living and cooking there. Meaning, like most others have said, it seems really peaceful, and it's own way, a modern interpretation of old-world expressed by it's purity. While luxurious it doesn't seem "overdone". VERY NICE. May you and your family enjoy many happy years there. Jack

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: idesigngr (idesign@ec.rr.com) on Sun, Sep 12, 04 at 0:39

Congratulations Amy, your kitchen is stunningly beautiful. The restrained blending of style, color and material leaves one feeling that it should always have been this way. I can see afficionados smile in appreciation and everyone else just look and smile not knowing why.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: young5344 (My Page) on Tue, Sep 14, 04 at 14:25

I have only one thing to say: B E A U T I F U L. Enjoy!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Scarlet_Henry (My Page) on Mon, Nov 8, 04 at 22:50

What a beautiful kitchen. Love the backsplash behind the range, the clean lines and simple palette, great job.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: binsb (My Page) on Mon, Nov 8, 04 at 23:21

Absolutely gorgeous! It's an inspirational kitchen!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: mitchdesj (My Page) on Sat, Nov 13, 04 at 7:30

It is rare to see a kitchen that makes you want to use the words serene and peaceful; yours has always struck me as such, ever since I saw your range hood pictures with the angel..... I love it.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: MsAzadi (My Page) on Wed, Dec 22, 04 at 12:00

I know I saw this one earlier but again, it truly is a calm and gorgeous kitchen. The angel and the way your house has its own wings echo the focus of the house on the land. I'd love to see a picture of that tree.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: prairiestyle (My Page) on Thu, Jan 27, 05 at 13:23

Just got back from the Caesarstone fabricator. I am using your photos to show my husband how great Baja can look. I'll let you know how it goes.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Thu, Jan 27, 05 at 17:19

May the quartz be with you.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: linley1 (My Page) on Thu, Jan 27, 05 at 18:50

I love your honed Caesarstone counters and am considering it for use in our kitchen. Have you had any issues with staining or special maintenance? I can't seem to get a consistent answer from dealers on whether the honed finish is as impervious as the polished finish.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: prairiestyle (My Page) on Thu, Jan 27, 05 at 19:10

We were planning honed and were told to expect fingerprints..is yours honed?

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Thu, Jan 27, 05 at 21:54

I have never seen a fingerprint on my honed Caesarstone. I have yet to find anything that will not clean up with a bit of Soft Scrub. Mostly, I use 409. If you drag a metal pot across it it will leave a mark that I suspect would not happen if it was not honed. The only other thing I am aware of is water marks. If you leave water standing to dry in puddles you can see a tell tale ring. This may happen with non-honed product as well. In summary I love this product!! Put it in the kid's bathroom vanitys as well. Most people assume it is natural stone when they see it.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: prairiestyle (My Page) on Sun, Jan 30, 05 at 20:49

I was looking at the caesarstone brochure and it does not list Baja as one of the colors that is available honed. Did yours come that way, or did you have to have it done as a separate process (and expense)? I haven't called the fabricator about this yet...wanted to be prepared for calling him. We like it enough we would go with the shiney, but were hoping for the honed. Thanks for your help.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Tue, Feb 1, 05 at 21:33

We had it honed by the fabricator, which, by the way, voids the warranty. So far not a problem.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: TiredofShopping (My Page) on Thu, Mar 3, 05 at 13:18

Beautiful kitchen. One question about your layout (we're thinking of doing something similar -- do you pull stools up to the overhang on your island? If so, how many (and how wide is your island?

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Thu, Mar 3, 05 at 14:46

Tired, We have 3 large stools. Island is 84" wide.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: vlys (My Page) on Fri, Mar 4, 05 at 15:20

Absolutely stunning! Thnx for sharing.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: ArtTeacher_NJ (My Page) on Fri, Apr 8, 05 at 21:57

We can't let this one scroll off... I'm putting it back on page one! I love it!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: skw1009 (My Page) on Sat, Apr 16, 05 at 11:06

I LOVE your kitchen. It is one of the most beautiful kitchens I have ever seen!!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: SpanishFly (My Page) on Sat, Apr 16, 05 at 20:46

Stunning - it leaves me speechless.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: girlwithaspirin (My Page) on Sun, Apr 24, 05 at 17:27

What an unbelievable kitchen. mindstorm sent me scurrying over here because I've been talking about very similar materials, i.e., wenge-look cabinets and Caesarstone counters. I'm in awe. Every single detail is just beautiful, worth any bit of angst you went through over the last three (!) years. I've been set on either Desert Limestone or Lagos Blue Caesarstone, since I love the matte look. I'm encouraged to hear that any of their colors can be honed. Yay! When you do get a water ring, do you use Soft Scrub to get it off?

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Sun, Apr 24, 05 at 19:46

girlwithaspirin Great name BTW. Had I joined this forum further into the project, I would have chosen some name in a similar, but stronger vein, girlwithvalium maybe. Soft scrub takes out anything. Before you settle on a color I highly advise that you see a whole slab of your Caesarstone. We originally had decided on one of the Limestones based on the small color chips we'd received. After viewing a whole slab, we changed our minds. The Limestones looked too fake when viewed as a whole slab. Thanks and good luck and plenty of aspirin for your project.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: girlwithaspirin (My Page) on Sun, Apr 24, 05 at 22:45

I suspect all of us at some point in our projects are girlwithvalium. (Not to exclude the boys.) That's great advice about the whole slab. Compared to the other Limestones, Desert Limestone seems to have no repeatable pattern. Did you happen to check that one out? In small size, at least, it's very similar to Baja. But in any case, I'll definitely look at the slabs.

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sorry to bug you!

• Posted by: girlwithaspirin (My Page) on Sun, Apr 24, 05 at 22:49

One question I forgot to ask you... what thickness is your Caesarstone? Was it standard? I really like the heft of it.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Mon, Apr 25, 05 at 0:26

yep, standard thickness with double thickness at edges.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: mollysuemolly (My Page) on Fri, Apr 29, 05 at 12:22

Is your back splash painated wall board? If so, what will keep it from breaking down in a few years? I'd like to paint my back splash, but all the kitchen designers and builders that I consulted in the St. Louis area tell me that it will only hold up a few years.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Cattknap (My Page) on Fri, Apr 29, 05 at 12:31

What a gorgeous kitchen. It looks very rich and expensive yet spare and contemporary at the same time - I love that combination....love, love, love your cabinets and pantry - fabulous!

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Fri, Apr 29, 05 at 14:31

None of my backsplash in Kitchen is painted wall board.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Hunlin (My Page) on Thu, May 19, 05 at 18:16

This must be the only thread that has stayed on for this long. I just saw the pictures and love your kitchen. It is fabulous! A dream come true! It is truly elegant and timeless. It should be on the cover of a magazine! You must get lots of compliments from friends who's visited your home. I would love to see pictures of the rest of your home. It's almost a year so are you getting used to it by now? You must love cooking in the kitchen! And I am putting it back on page 1.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: CherylAP (My Page) on Fri, May 20, 05 at 11:21

Serenity. Bliss. Om.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: RheaT (My Page) on Fri, May 20, 05 at 11:24

Bosche, can I come cook in your kitchen sometime? :-) So, so beautiful. It should be in a magazine. Better yet, it should be in MY house. What is the little soap/lotion dispenser thingie near your sink and where did you get it please? :-)

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: hoopysmom (My Page) on Fri, May 20, 05 at 11:48

Your kitchen is the one I talk about the most. I love the balance and inviting feeling. Beautiful! And definitely my favorite.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: smbnobles (My Page) on Fri, May 20, 05 at 13:57

Your kitchen is absolutely breathtaking! I love it! Love the Golden Retriever too! I'm owned by a five year old Golden, named Chloe. You really do have great taste! :-)

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: Bosche (My Page) on Sat, May 21, 05 at 1:23

Thanks all. The soap thingie is from Caldrea. It's called clover leaf and comes in brown or white. Cooking.com and drugstore.com carry it or you can purchase directly from Caldrea site.

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: vasheri (My Page) on Wed, Jun 1, 05 at 11:31

Bosche, You kitchen is exquisite. Exquisite pallete. Exquisite form. Exquisite peace emanates through the photos. I will keep coming back to your pictures just to remind myself that someone out there really does know what in the heck they are doing and to receive undulating waves of calming influence. As for PTCD. I got it from a couple of subs. What triggered your case? I was first exposed by my dry wall guy, then full blown raging infection from my cabinet maker, and I'd be in denial if I didn't share that my electrician had a case of it, too. How long did you suffer? Can you give me encouragement on when this will actually go away? I need hope. I have an occupancy permit and my house is not done The only sentence that I can use the word 'exquisite' in talking about my house or kitchen is this: I have exquisite anger emmanate from my pores every time I look at my kitchen. I definitely have PTCD, too. Let me go look at your kitchen again to calm myself down.... Actually, your photos have started me dreaming again. I have never considered building again until I saw your kitchen. I've entertained the thought for about 30 seconds when I saw my travertine floors in my bathroom...wishing I had them in the kitchen. But the thoughts were fleeting. I've been sitting here about 30 minutes and I just have hope...to one day SELL this house and start over!!!! =) You deserve every drop of serenity. I do appreciate you sharing your hard work with us. Blessings, Sheri

Here is a link that might be useful: my economic woe & expose

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RE: Bosche Kitchen pics

• Posted by: lvmadison (My Page) on Mon, Jun 13, 05 at 19:36

One of my all time favorites. Your kitchen is a true classic.

- posted by starpooh @ 5:12 PM