Rack and roll
Robert and Mary Lou Simmelink are in the middle of a remodel of their home in Shorewood, Wis., but already love their "speed rack on wheels." It sits next to the stove, under a counter, ready to be pressed (or pushed) into service.
Which happens a lot.
"I used to be a pastry chef, so I had used speed racks for years in my professional life, but it never occurred to me that one would be useful at home," said Mary Lou. "I saw a picture in a kitchen-inspiration design book that included one and it was an 'aha!' - or really a 'duh!' moment."
Robert, an executive chef, said that they use the half-size rack next to their stove "for hot trays coming out of the oven. . . . We can also park hot sauté pans just before plating. I plan to use it to stage platters of food and 'backup' food when we entertain. "
Too expensive? Improvise
Dean and Valerie Ferber know a thing or two about shopping around. The previous owners of the Ferbers' cottage-style home had an antique bread table. It gave the antique-loving Ferbers an idea.
The Hales Corners, Wis., couple scouted flea markets, antique shops and estate sales. At one antiques mall, they spotted the perfect piece: a woodworker's bench. But at $1,100, it was too pricey.
At an auction, they found a bench covered with paint and equipped with two vises. Where others might have seen a mess, the Ferbers saw potential. But first they had to win it.
Bidding started near the price of that first bench they'd seen, but there were no takers. The price dropped to $500, then $250, then $100. Finally, Dean Ferber raised his auction paddle. The auctioneer asked for $125, and a man in front held up his hand. Dean Ferber bid $150 - and the 1880s work bench was theirs.
Redesign wins by a nose
