SOIREE COLLECTION are alike, we'd use different coun- tertops for contrast, say, granite and butcher block." Arizona designer Elizabeth Spengler, who creates kitchens for Dorado Designs, Inc., in Oro Valley, often uses one color for base cabi- nets and another for wall cabinets. Her own kitchen is a medley of con- trasting woods and colors: red birch flooring, glazed oak base cabinets, perimeter wall cabinets painted granny apple-green, and a cherry- stained work island with a black glaze. Elizabeth also advocates a mix of different wood species throughout the house, such as a rift-cut oak in a contemporary kitchen with birds-eye maple furniture in the dining room and olive ash burl pieces in the living room. Even hardwood floors in adjacent rooms may vary "as long as you use some transitional device to make it work," Elizabeth says. Her favorite: a border incorporat- ing the wood species or color from the floor next door. "Just make sure there's enough contrast to show you mean it," she says. "Near-misses don't make it." What about wood moldings in the kitchen? As a general rule, the designers agree that ceiling mold- ings should be finished like the wall cabinets. Base and other moldings usually follow suit. The pros point out that painted moldings make the space look lighter and more open, while stained wood creates warmth and coziness. New York designer John Buscarello is definitely a paint partisan. "Paint the moldings!" urges John, whose kitchens have been featured at the National Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and in dozens of decorating magazines. "Painted ceiling moldings make the ceiling look higher and the rooms look larger." Painting also downplays moldings, he says, "and lets the wood of the cabinets be the star." For more designers' opinions about mixing-not-matching hardwoods in your home, visit the American Hardwood Information Center at www.Hardwoodlnfo.com and click on "Write and Request" for a free copy of the booklet, "American Hardwoods By Design." Article courtesy Home Improvement News and Information Center An elegant combination of bold lines and curves, the Soiree Collection exudes true American luxury. Reward yourself by creating a personal space that makes a bold, dramatic statement. Sophisticated design and unparalleled performance are the hallmark of the lavish Soiree Collection. ADVANCE Plumbing Supply Company COME VISIT OUR OUTSTANDING SHOWROOM 1977 E. West Maple Road • Walled Lake, MI 48390 GSLE$~ p 9 c) 1 YEA YEARS 1920 - 2010 248.669.7474 TOTO® www.advanceplumbing.com r Perfection by Design 15-12990 tinsel' !thrown company FINE DOOR & CABINET HARDWARE PLUMBING & BATH ACCESSORIF Since 1910 SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY, SHOP WITH OUR ADVERTISERS! Mention that you saw them in the JN! Visit JNonline.us BA L., VII/ I. ARCHETYPE www russeilhardware corn 362BO Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Kils, MI (248) 644-0100 • Fax: (248) 644-6056 2605 Charlevoix Ave. (US 31), Petoskey, MI (231) 348-8100 • Fax: (231) 348-8118 .114 November 'i9 2009 31