Have a question and looking for feedback from industry peers? This month, Kitchen & Bath Design News listens in on dialogue between industry professionals as excerpted from the KitchenBathPros.com online Design Discussion Forum.

Raised Dishwashers

Question
I have never installed a raised dishwasher, but I wonder if they are still popular.

Specifically, I am working on a project and want to know whether I should pull the base forward 1-1/2" and let the lower counter die into the side of the dishwasher cabinet.
—ootb

Response 1
We have a raised dishwasher in our showroom, and most people like it – until they realize it probably won’t work in their layout.

It really needs to be the last cabinet in a run, or next to a tall cabinet to avoid breaking up the countertop. We usually deepen the dishwasher cabinet from 24" to 27" to provide a countertop stop.
—mccabgal

Response 2
I agree that the raised dishwasher needs to be at the end of a run. I once used a raised dishwasher at the end of a small peninsula (in a small kitchen that needed to accommodate the homeowners’ beloved 48" range), and it worked out quite well without adjusting the cabinet depth.

For that installation, I used a 15" base next to the dishwasher to allow enough room for the client to comfortably turn to the left to load the dishwasher. The raised countertop provides the client’s guests with a favorite place to “perch” with a glass of wine while chatting with the cooks and, at the same time, keeps them out of the kitchen.

The depth issue with the countertop and the cabinets wasn’t quite as important in this instance, because, visually, there wasn’t a long run of straight cabinetry to upset the balance.
—grayslady

Hardware Choices

Question
I have a client who wants me to pick out his hardware. Can I get some advice? It’s a full-overlay maple cocoa glaze door.

Therefore, should I use all pulls, knobs or a combination of both?

Another question I have is what color would work well with this type of door?
—Jeanie

Response 1
To make this really simple, just put knobs on doors, and handles on drawers. Anything in an antique copper or oil-rubbed bronze would look very nice. Would that go with the countertop?
—Design Diva

Response 2
Yes, that would go with the countertop. This house has a lot of tile, earthy colors, high ceilings, and natural-looking tones in the brick surround at the cooktop. It’s a beautiful home. I just didn’t want to screw it up by choosing the wrong hardware.

Thank you!
–Jeanie

Response 3
I like the oil-rubbed bronze as well, but we also just got in some displays featuring Antique Rust hardware.

Depending on what the cabinets and countertops look like, Antique Rust may go well with the design theme. It is definitely worth considering.

By the way, I agree that knobs on doors and handles on drawers are the way to go!
—amyskitchens

Countertop Supports

Question
I have a client with a granite top that will extend approximately 15" out past the top of the bar. I know this needs additional support and have informed my client of this situation. The kitchen is very contemporary with clean lines, so wood corbels are out.

I need to know where I can get something in a metal – preferably stainless steel or something similar – for a support bracket.

Is there a way to support this without anything showing from the front? The customer prefers nothing showing at all, but if I can find something that is very “designer” looking, then I think she would be happy. Any suggestions?
—karlat

Response 1
We have been getting a local metal shop to fabricate 1/4"x1" thick metal straps to support our overhangs when necessary – the length is determined by the amount of overhang required. The carpenter notches out the top of the cabinet back and the backer panel so the countertop can remain flush with the top of the cabinets and the brackets get shimmed and fastened inside the back of the cabinets.
—susan27

Response 2
My clients and I have decided to go with the “hidden” metal supports. Since they really didn’t want to see any supports, this is the best solution. When I asked my granite fabricator about it, they said they do that all the time. I’m not sure why they didn’t suggest it the first time I asked them for their advice. Thanks for all of your ideas.
—karlat

Base Cabinet Design

Question
I’m looking for a power strip with a flexible cord to incorporate into a base cabinet drawer to hide cell phone chargers. Does anyone know of a manufacturer/supplier?
—nchdg

Response 1
Could you cut out most of one side of the drawer and mount a power strip to the inside of the cabinet that could be accessed when the drawer is open?

I don’t know if this would work or not. It was just a thought.

I was just thinking with the drawer modification, you do not have to worry about the liability issues of a power cord fraying or becoming damaged due to stress from moving.
—MCR