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Kitchen Cabinet Styles: Arts and Crafts

January 29, 2014/in Cabinetry /by Thais Sousa

The arts and crafts style is similar to the gothic, shaker, and oriental designs

Arts and crafts kitchens? Is that where the kids display their artsy abilities? No! An arts and crafts kitchen is a kitchen style that is identified by simple lines, rugged construction, and very simple decoration.

If you were wondering when this arts and crafts style popped up, you will have to trace its origin back to 1890 England. The arts and crafts movement began in response to the ornate furniture of the time period and it focused on simplicity, craftsmanship, and quality.

The design concept for an arts and crafts kitchen is built on straight lines and heavy proportions. The arts and crafts style is similar to the gothic, shaker, and oriental designs. Although the most common wood for these kitchens is Quarterswan Oak, other woods could be used including Ash, Birch, Cherry, Hickory, and Maple.

The craftsmanship of an arts and crafts kitchen is recognized by the dovetailed drawer boxes, mortise and tenon joinery, and the rugged hand-made construction. This style prides itself on being functional, well built, and able to endure cabinetry.

The arts and crafts style allows natural light to brighten the room and it allows the space to appear more open. The beautiful woods are the highlight of the room, but you can easily bring in different elements to help the arts and crafts style really stand out.

If you are interested in this style, be prepared to pay the price. Appreciating and wanting a top quality custom cabinet created by artisans of the trade won’t come cheap, but think of how happy you will be when you go to make breakfast in your beautifully crafted kitchen every morning. It would be completely worth it.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

Kitchen Cabinets 101: Styles

January 15, 2014/in Cabinetry /by Thais Sousa

With styles ranging from contemporary to country, you are sure to find a style that fits you perfectly.

Today you need more than two hands to count the number of styles you can choose from to create your dream kitchen cabinets. With styles ranging from contemporary to country, you are sure to find a style that fits you perfectly.

One kitchen cabinet style that can be old or new is the antique look. You can either renovate an outdated kitchen to a more elegant vintage feel or travel back in time and seek out vintage materials. To get the antique look go for old wood, aged paints and finishes, darker hardwood floors, and kitchen cabinets that radiate that “old furniture” look to help bring the whole look together. Take your antique style to the next level and decorate your walls with old artwork and dishes and choose antique chandeliers and chairs.

If you are looking for a more contemporary kitchen cabinet style, opt to stay away from excess decorations. The style is simple and most contemporary kitchens use a combination of black, gray, and white to help the kitchen appear extra sharp.

Looking for something a little homier? Country kitchens are down-to-earth and invite you to whip up a good meal. Some trademark country kitchen elements are farmhouse sinks, bead board panels, and open shelving. The appearance is often natural with wooden floors and brass hardware. Some colors to help complete the country kitchen look are butter yellow, light blue, or cream.

If you are looking for a timeless look go with the traditional kitchen cabinet that encompasses European and American architecture. The detailed molding and rich wood cabinetry allow the cabinets to appear formal and elegant. Complete the look by carefully selecting lighting, faucet, knobs, and hardwood or tile flooring.

No matter what kitchen cabinet style you choose, be sure to make it you! Add your personal touches and don’t be afraid to mix and match two styles you love into one that is uniquely yours.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

Buyers Guide Series: Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

January 8, 2014/in Cabinetry /by Thais Sousa

update any kitchen with new cabinet hardware.

Looking for the perfect knob or pull to match with your kitchen cabinets but not sure where to start? First thing first, remember that you get what you pay for. If you are looking at the $2 to $4 knobs and pulls be aware that the manufacturing costs must be really low if they are able to make a profit off a $2 sale.

These cheaper knobs may have less clearance, may be thinner, and there may be more inconsistencies in the distance of the screw holes. Take the time to look at the more expensive knobs and pulls. These options are solid, have a richer looking finish, feel smoother, and more detail. For only a couple dollars more, go for the better quality!

When buying knobs and pulls for your kitchen cabinets consider what style you are looking for. There is the traditional style that offers the classic design features that you see in most kitchens. The contemporary style is more slick and modern and is usually finished in chrome or stainless steal. The transitional knobs and pulls are a combination of the first two styles. You can have a traditional design with a contemporary finish, or vice versa.

After deciding on the knob or pull style, next consider what finish you would like. You should look at the finishes that match or are compatible with the finish of the cabinet, match the kitchen faucet finish, or match your appliance finish. This will help bring the whole kitchen look together.

Although it may seem like a little detail, your kitchen cabinet hardware provides the finishing touches to your kitchen. Choose wisely!

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

Kitchen Cabinet: Contemporary Styles

December 22, 2013/1 Comment/in Cabinetry /by Thais Sousa

Contemporary kitchens offer a sleek and sophisticated look and are easy to decorate.

Today people are looking for a more sleek and sophisticated way to decorate their kitchen. Gone are the brown wooden cabinets with the green vinyl countertops. The new non-traditional design of the contemporary kitchen is here and making a statement.

The contemporary styles are, well, contemporary. It offers minimal excess decoration and tends to leave the decorative molding behind to pave way for a simplistic and functional look. Although you may think of the 2000’s when you hear the word “contemporary, this style dates back to the 1940’s and it originated in Europe.

To help bring out the full potential of the contemporary kitchen cabinet style, crown molding, wood carvings, and raised panel door styles are not used. Instead, in order to help the space feel bigger, less visual stimulation is provided. With fewer decorations and all the sleek, flat surfaces, the space will feel more open.

Materials used in a contemporary kitchen are usually man-made, such as metal, plastic, concrete, and glass, as well as recycled goods. These elements help the room achieve that sleek and modern look. If you are looking to add a little warmth to the room, incorporate some natural wood or stone. Use simple decorations like potted plants or a bowl of fruit to provide a pop of natural color.

Speaking of color, contemporary kitchens tend to stay near the black, white, and gray color schemes with an occasional pop of color from a plant like discussed earlier. Don’t be afraid to be a little different and add a pop of your favorite color to make the room truly yours.

Contemporary kitchens offer a sleek and sophisticated look and are easy to decorate. Feel free to customize your kitchen with plants, some little decorations, and colors that represent you!

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

Kitchen Cabinet Styles: Asian

November 29, 2013/in Cabinetry /by Thais Sousa

Asian is a style that is elegant and modern

There are dozens of different styles and themes you can choose for your kitchen cabinets. Your priorities must be functionality as well as appeal. While you want something nice to look at, it’s also important that you can reach what you need and that you have enough storage space to hold the things for which those cabinets are built.

The Asian style will provide you with clean and neat geometric lines as well as subtle curves that give your cabinets a polished look that is smooth and well put together. It’s a style that is elegant and modern. Even if you don’t have a completely Asian-inspired kitchen, introducing this element into your cabinets will complement contemporary as well as traditional kitchens.

Consider choosing bamboo for your cabinet surfaces when you decide to use an Asian style. While bamboo cabinets are not as popular as bamboo flooring has become, it’s starting to show up in some kitchens. Bamboo is ideal, and not just because it’s environmentally friendly and ecologically sustainable. It has a natural repellant against pests and it will match any hardwoods or other flooring you select for the kitchen. Otherwise, dark woods will look good and are consistent with Asian cabinets, especially maple. You could also choose cabinets that are painted black or red.

Keep your kitchen simple when you’re decorating with Asian-inspired cabinets. You can continue your theme by hanging silks and pictures that are culturally relevant to Asian cultures. Set your table with chopsticks and choose a bamboo plant or a Chinese wood bowl as the centerpiece on your table. A small statue of Buddha will not only add interest to the kitchen and your cabinets, it might also bring a bit of peace and serenity to the table around which you and your family and friends break bread.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

Kitchen Cabinet Materials: Midrange Wood

October 29, 2013/in Cabinetry /by Thais Sousa

Hickory is a midrange quality wood, so it is a little pricey, but affordable.

Hickory trees produce some of the hardest, densest, heaviest and strongest American wood today. It has bold and elaborate pronounced grain patterns. Its grain patterns range from almost pure white, to reddish, dark brown, and it even sometimes possesses beautiful imperfections known as burls, knots, water stains and streaks of minerals. Its grain and intricacies can be extenuated with finishes and bleaching treatments if you would like to darken or lighten them. Hickory pairs well with an endless number of finish and stain colors.

Be mindful, while very durable and long lasting, Hickory must be taken care of. Use a soft cloth immediately to pick up any spills, moisture, chemicals or hot food, and never scour or scrub the surface. You really only need soap and water or a cleaner intended for wood surfaces.

Hickory is a midrange quality wood, so it is a little pricey, but affordable. Midrange wood is especially affordable if you buy it used or unfinished. You can refinish, refurbish and modify it to your liking yourself. The incentive to choosing Hickory wood for your cabinetry over more expensive hardwoods, is that it is actually tougher and more durable than both oak and maple. If it is coated and sealed with a clear protective sealant it will last for many years. Florida is known for extremely high levels of humidity, but once treated their resistance to moisture, serves as an excellent choice for cabinets all over your home. Oh and don’t forget how magnificent it smells.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

Kitchen Cabinets 101: Finishes

October 21, 2013/in Cabinetry /by Thais Sousa

Beautiful finishes for any cabinet type

First impressions are important, and when it comes to your kitchen cabinets, the finishes you could choose for your cabinets is what will get the most attention. It doesn’t matter how much space those cabinets have, or how organized they keep you. Function is important, but the curb appeal for cabinets is squarely found in the finish you choose. There are lots of options.

In addition to making a great first impression, your kitchen cabinet finish will also allow you to customize your kitchen a little bit. You can get creative and make it special. You can choose to keep your cabinets unfinished if you want a simple, rustic look. If you’d rather have something a bit more updated, consider a paint color or a wood stain. You can paint your cabinets any color you want. They don’t have to be white or neutral. You can add a splash of color and go with something bright, like red or yellow. You can keep them neutral and incorporate a trim or a pattern. Wood stain is also an excellent way to present a clean, finished look and protect your cabinets.

Some people choose to finish their kitchen cabinets with a glaze. This is usually applied over the paint or the stain color in order to add a bit of texture and depth to the cabinets. They will look a lot richer, they will shine and they will also be easier to keep clean.

If you want a distressed or antique look, you’ll have to spend a little bit more, but you will certainly be delighted with the results. Some patinas are hand rubbed, and you can create a look for your cabinets that is rustic and weathered. People might think those cabinets have been in your family for generations.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

Kitchen Cabinet Materials: Inexpensive Woods

October 14, 2013/in Cabinetry /by Thais Sousa

Inexpensive woods that look elegant and contemporary.

When you’re designing your kitchen, there are endless things to spend money on. You’ll have to budget for appliances and flooring; faucets and cookware. When it comes to kitchen cabinets, you can choose inexpensive woods that look elegant and contemporary. There’s no need to spend too much money in order to get cabinets that are as functional as they are appealing. Choose woods that match the rest of the decorating scheme you have planned for your kitchen. Remember to keep it comfortable and inviting, especially if the kitchen is the place where your friends and family gather.

Maple and birch are both good choices when it comes to kitchen cabinets. These hardwoods are on the lighter side, which means you can easily incorporate other colors and patterns into your kitchen décor. These light woods will go well with black or white appliances, as well as stainless steel. They make a great base for paint too. If you’re planning to add some color or detail to your kitchen, both maple and birch will absorb paint easily. The wood is strong, and the uniform grains make them easy to work with. If you’re worried about how they age, you can expect these woods to lighten up a bit the longer you have them.

Maintenance is important when you choose woods like maple and birch. They won’t absorb or deflect stains and spots as well as other surfaces. Still, your kitchen cabinets will look fantastic, and you won’t have to worry about overspending. Unless you’re creating custom cabinets from woods like maple and birch, you’ll be able to design and install these cabinets for less than you expect.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

Kitchen Cabinet Materials: Laminate Cabinets

August 23, 2013/in Cabinetry /by Thais Sousa

laminate cabinets are durable, low cost, and have the ability to easily fit your needs!

Are you wondering what laminate is? Well, laminate is comprised of layers of paper topped off with plastic that is then glued to plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Laminate comes in low-pressure or high-pressure options. Between these two varieties, high-pressure laminate is higher quality and can be found as brand names like Pionite. The low-pressure laminate is not as durable as its high-pressure companion and it is typically used in less-expensive kitchens. It is also more limited on colors, which can be a drawback for some customers.

In addition to its low cost and durability, laminate doesn’t warp like wood and it’s fade resistant. Laminate can also be uniformly stained so that all the cabinets will be the same.

When choosing laminate for your cabinets you should consider matching the color to the theme of your kitchen. If you are going to do a modern or contemporary look, then any color laminate will work! If you are more interested in the traditional-style cabinets than a woody laminate would be something you should consider.

Laminate is a great material for kitchen cabinets because laminate cabinets are durable, low cost, and have the ability to easily fit your needs!

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

Kitchen Cabinet Materials: Expensive Wood

August 13, 2013/in Cabinetry /by Thais Sousa

Expensive woods such as cherry and walnut will cost you a little more

Coordinating an expensive wood cabinet with floors, appliances, countertops and other finishes is not terribly difficult because woods like cherry and walnut look good with everything. You can pair a dark, expensive wood with granite countertops and tile flooring, or you can choose a hardwood floor to match your cabinets. Stainless steel appliances will continue the upscale look and high quality finish of your kitchen. One thing to keep in mind is that the color of your expensive woods will change on your cabinets over a long period of time. If you select cherry, it will get darker as it ages. When you choose walnut, it will actually get lighter as it ages. Remember this as you plan your long term decorating scheme.

Expensive woods such as cherry and walnut will cost you a little more. However, you’ll get a hard, reliable wood that won’t be prone to damage. The wood is not easily scratched, dented or torn. It will be a strong and durable fixture in your kitchen for many years to come. When choosing which cabinets to install in your kitchen, consider a long term investment in expensive wood.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.