Tag: GE Monogram

First Half Recap of the Monogram Modern Home Tour

 in Dwell, Event, Interview, Profile

We recently interviewed Alex Skobel, Monogram Designer Development Manager and lead for this year’s Monogram Modern Home tour, to find out her thoughts on the first half of the tour. The Monogram Modern Home tour will resume next month (September 9 and 10) in Houston, Texas.

SRFD: What have you learned from the first three tour stops?

Alex: The first three stops have been a huge success for the Monogram brand. I would say the biggest thing we learned is that it is key to tie the Monogram Modern Home to an event that is going on in the local market to help drive traffic.

SRFD: What do you think you will do differently in the next three tour stops?

Alex: We have done a great job connecting with the designer community, but we are going to really amplify the communication through the local NKBA and ASID chapters for the rest of the stops.

SRFD: Favorite experience so far?

Alex: My favorite experience so far was the panel discussion we had at the DODLA show. The panel consisted of Michela O’Connor-Abrams, CEO of Dwell; Lou Lenzi, Director of Industrial Design for GE Appliances; Jamie Derringer, founder of Design Milk; Gretchen Hansen, founder and CEO of Decorist; and Lisa Blecker, Director of Marketing at Resource Furniture. What a great group of smart, creative and experienced people. The audience was so engaged with them and I loved it!

Alex's favorite panel at DODLA

Alex’s favorite panel at DODLA

SRFD: The city you’re most looking forward to?

Alex: I’m really looking forward to the Miami stop, since we are tying that event to Design Miami which happens November 30 – December 4.   Should be a fabulous couple of days in Miami with the designer community.

SRFD: A city you would love for the tour to visit?

Alex: I would love for the tour to visit Denver because it’s an up and coming city with lots of culture to it.

A tale of two Monogram kitchen remodels

 in Inspiration, kitchen, Remodel

Hear from California homeowner Chris Cory about her first Monogram kitchen remodel, and why she is anxiously awaiting completion of her second Monogram kitchen remodel in another home.

“We are eagerly waiting for our new kitchen to “appear” in about 10 weeks.

About six years ago we remodeled our kitchen in Oakland, California, with three Monogram appliances (48″ range, refrigerator, and microwave).  We sold our home in Oakland and the beautiful Monogram kitchen was the main selling point.

42" Refrigerator, 48" Range and Microwave

42″ Refrigerator, 48″ Range and Microwave

 

48" Range and Microwave

48″ Range and Microwave

 

Microwave

Microwave

Day before Thanksgiving, 2011 - Prepping for dinner

Day before Thanksgiving, 2011 – Prepping for dinner

We moved to Pacific Grove, California, and purchased a great GE Cafe double oven range thinking we would use it in our “soon to be remodeled” kitchen. Nothing against GE Cafe, but it wasn’t a Monogram! I wanted my Monogram range back!

I decided to do my “homework” on appliances again. I visited design centers, read reviews, read appliance specifications and checked pricing. I looked at Wolf, Viking and any range that had a griddle, grill and two ovens (one small and one large). I “needed” the small oven (for just my husband and myself for daily meals) and a griddle for LOTS of things (pancakes, bacon, quesadillas, tacos, vegetables, grilled cheese sandwiches and more). Once again, the Monogram 48″ range was the best choice.

While visiting New York City, we decided to visit the Monogram Design Center and partake in a lunch prepared by the in-house chef. We saw and experienced the “wonders” of the Advantium oven and decided to buy one. This purchase eliminated the need for a warming oven and microwave, thus leaving more room for cabinets. We ended up taking advantage of the “2 for 1” sale and bought the following Monogram appliances … 48″ range (grill & griddle), 48″ counter depth refrigerator with built-in water dispenser, dishwasher, wine reserve and the Advantium. Where applicable, all of the appliances will have custom panels, similar to the Oakland kitchen.

My current kitchen has no appliances or cabinets. We’ve converted the dining room into a temporary kitchen. Demolition of the kitchen starts this coming Monday. Hopefully in 10 weeks I can share photos of our new Monogram kitchen.

I’m looking forward to cooking again.”

Monogram Designer Summit: Excitement in the Air!

 in Event, Monogram

What happens when 55 Designers are put in a room with 25 GE Industrial Designers, Marketers and Product Managers? What could have been a clash of creative right brains with corporate left brains ended up being a collaboration of excitement, energy and imagination!

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The first ever Monogram Designer Summit was an action packed adventure to look towards the near future of high end appliances. What will the homes look like? Who will be the consumers? What functionality should the appliances have?

The answers were as varied as the personalities in the room, but all agreed that the next ten years will see a morphing of multi-generational people wanting multi-functionality from their appliances. There was one camp that suggested that there needs to be a new word to replace “Kitchen” since that room is truly the “Living Room” of the house.

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And what about using one’s smartphone to operate and manage all the household appliances? This was a hot topic that seemed very polarizing on Yes or No … and don’t stereotype that the older generations are the ones not wanting to adapt to this.

The overall message: One size will certainly NOT fit all; customization, in various forms and functions, is going to be needed.

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Designer Profile: Debra Gelety

 in Interview, Profile

The Chicago Monogram Design Center (MDC) brings designers to Chicago, Illinois, for two-day experiences to learn about Monogram, the design process, our appliances – and even cook with them! We interviewed each designer to learn a little more about their background and design experiences.

Today’s profile highlights Debra Gelety with Lori Carroll & Associates in Tucson, Arizona.

SRFD: How did you become interested in design?

Debra: Since the time I could hold a pencil, I have been drawing. My first degree was a BFA in Illustration and I worked as an Illustrator/Graphic Designer for many years. In 2004, I had some major life changes and found myself with the opportunity to try something new. I went back to school and got a BA in Interior Design. I joined the Lori Carroll & Associates team in early 2011, where I am an AutoCad drafting diva, associate designer, and presentation assistant.

SRFD: A trend you’re over?

Debra: Although stainless steel finishes certainly have their place, I find they are overused. Also, I am not fond of the resurgence of gold tones in plumbing fixtures.

SRFD: A trend you’re excited about?

Debra: I tend to think of trends as the design fashions that will be “dated” looking in a few years so I don’t look to follow trends. I am pleased with the increased attention to Universal Design, and love that there are increasing numbers of suppliers of cleverly designed storage fittings. As people are becoming more interested in smaller homes, especially in urban areas, storage becomes challenging. I also find I am specifying quartz as a countertop finish more and more. There are so many new and interesting patterns.

SRFD: Tell us about the Best Kitchen award that your firm recently won at KBIS 2016.

Debra: The project was a new build contemporary home on a spectacular view lot in Arizona. The kitchen was located at the center of the home, open on one side to the breakfast area and the view, and partially closed to the formal entertaining areas. Pass-thru openings allow for the cooking member of the family to stay in contact with her guests. I think this kitchen is a great example of the implementation of NKBA design standards. We try to keep those standards in mind when space planning. The kitchen has great storage. The hidden pass-thru to the pantry where small frequently used appliances are stored out of sight, yet are instantly accessible, is my favorite feature. I also love that the design is very contemporary, yet warm. Kudos should go to the whole team, within LCA, as well as Jeff Willmeng Homes, Eglin + Bresler Architects, Rings of Wood Cabinetry, Tucson Stoneworks, and a great and enthusiastic client.

NKBA Winner 2016 Best Kitchen - Lori Carroll & Associates

NKBA Winner 2016 Best Kitchen – Lori Carroll & Associates

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NKBA Winner 2016 Best Kitchen – Lori Carroll & Associates

 

SRFD: What did you learn at the Chicago Monogram Appliances Designer Training Session?

Debra: Overall, it was a valuable experience. In design school we only receive basic information on appliances. Because I do a fair amount of space planning and often write the specifications documents our firm produces, I am aware of the technical specifications of the appliances we use, but I have never before actually used these models myself. I have a better feel for how one uses each appliance and why one might choose one type of cooking appliance over another. I now understand my mother’s love affair with her Advantium oven.

Designer Debra Gelety with Chef Jon at the Chicago Monogram Design Center

Designer Debra Gelety with Chef Jon at the Chicago Monogram Design Center

You can learn more about Debra and the team from Lori Carroll & Associates on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Monogram Dream Kitchen Design Contest Winner: Sarah Robinson

 in Contest, Interview, Profile

The Monogram Dream Kitchen Design Contest was created to celebrate the imagination and creative vision inherent in beautiful kitchen design. All designs were required to integrate Monogram appliances and were judged across several award categories. We announced the winners last month and will be profiling each of them on Save Room for Design over the next few months.

The first place winner in Best Traditional Kitchen Design is Sarah Robinson from Jansen Inc. in Pensacola, Florida. We profiled Sarah here on Save Room for Design earlier this year.

Sarah Robinson, Best Traditional Kitchen Design first place winner

Sarah Robinson, Best Traditional Kitchen Design first place winner

We asked Sarah to tell us about her winning design:

“I found out about the contest after researching on the Monogram website. I had been in Louisville at the Monogram Experience Center the week before and learned so much! When I saw the call for submissions, I decided to submit a recent project.

This project was unique since we worked on about 80% of the home. The homeowners wanted to remodel their 1970’s ranch house to create an open floor plan fit for entertaining and making the kitchen the center piece. The home was their family home and it is located on Perdido Bay (in Florida). They are both retired now and wanted to update as well as to create a home that they could host many family gatherings. They utilized several Monogram appliances – 48” pro range, beverage center, ice maker, dishwasher, and my favorite, the Advantium oven. The homeowners had an Advantium years ago and said that it would be a staple in this kitchen. After learning and cooking with it, I have to agree with her!”

See more of Sarah’s designs on Houzz.

Sarah Robinson's winning kitchen design

Sarah Robinson’s winning kitchen design

 

Congratulations to Alex Skobel

 in Monogram

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Alex Skobel to the role of Designer Development Manager for Monogram. In this new role, Alex will be responsible for further developing and executing Monogram’s partnerships with key designers in top national markets. Alex’s appliances sales experience, passion for the Monogram brand, and demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships in the designer space make her uniquely qualified for this role. If you’re in Chicago, please stop by and visit Alex at the Monogram Design Center!

Headshot

 

Alex began her career with GE Appliances in 2010 as an Area Merchandising Specialist located in San Francisco, CA. In 2012 she was promoted to Area Sales Manager with responsibility for driving sales with existing and new retail customers in the San Francisco and surrounding area. Alex joined the Monogram team in 2013 as the Lead Sales Support Specialist at the Chicago Monogram Design Center and in 2014 took on the expanded role of Design & Development Manager, a role in which she focused on new business development and lead generation. She has also been instrumental in the design and delivery of Monogram training at the Monogram Design Center. Prior to joining GE, Alex held various roles in sales and marketing. Alex holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh in Oshkosh, WI.

Monogram Modern Home in Austin July 17 and 18

 in Dwell

We’re traveling on a cross-country modern design road trip with Dwell in a prefabricated house, custom-built and outfitted with Monogram appliances. Our first destination in April was Portland, Oregon; in May we visited Dwell on Design in Los Angeles, California; in June we visited the Phoenix, Arizona metro area; and this weekend we will be in Austin, Texas!

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We will be popping up at Nest Modern July 17th and 18th.

On Friday, July 17th, the home will host a series of Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Check out the details and sign up here!

On Saturday, July 18th, the doors will be open to the public. Plus, when you stop by, you will have the chance to enter to win a Monogram appliance. A full schedule of events is listed here. Sign up for CEUs, join us at the open house and follow us on social media for surprise – yet to be announced – events and giveaways.

See you there!

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