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Cabinets and Floors Dynamic Partners

Cabinets and Floors: Dynamic Partners!

The design of a beautiful kitchen needs a plan for the cabinets and floors. It cannot be a chance piecing together of shiny cabinets and hardwood floors. Color, texture, and patterns may compliment one another, or they may clash. Let’s allow that each home owner has different tastes or preferences. But still, there are a few basic design principles that need to be adhered to for success.

Consumers think everything has to match, but the pros mix.

  • Laura Dalzell, owner and president of Cabinets & Designs, Inc. in Lexington, KY.

COLOR matters with Cabinets and Floors

Cabinets and Floors Dynamic Partners

It is tempting to color match cabinets and floors, but usually not a good idea.

First: It is nearly impossible to get an EXACT match with your cabinets and floors.

Second: If the match in not exact, it will CLASH with your cabinets and floors.

Third: If your cabinets and floors are the same color, they will be BORING.

So make it happen with contrasting or complimentary colors. And remember to mix – not match. This same goes for texture and patterns . . .

TEXTURE matters with Cabinets and Floors

Texture is a more challenging design effort. But the only thing to keep in mind is that everything is not the same. If all of the cabinets and floors are shiny and glossy, it will be too cold or even annoying. If everything is soft, furry, or smooth, it will be too hushed and it will be distracting. Find the perfect balance by blending textures that compliment one another. The space you create will be well worth the effort.

PATTERNS matter with Cabinets and Floors

Notice in the photos above the variety of patterns in these gorgeous kitchens. Most large retail big-box stores have in house contractors available for advice. Also, they can give you the business numbers of interior designers and builders. Look at their floor mock ups and get a feel for what inspires you. Now go and create a masterpiece with the cabinets and floors in your kitchen.

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Selecting the Right Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen Cabninets

Having a great kitchen is all about choosing the right kitchen cabinets.

As an often high traffic, multi-purpose space, kitchens not only provide us with a room that inspires cooking, but a room in which many great things happen. From friendly conversations to lively family gatherings, the kitchen does it all. So naturally, we want our kitchens to be as charming and inviting as they are lovely. Having a great kitchen is all about choosing the right kitchen cabinets.

Cabinet Types

There are three basic types of cabinetry and each offer a unique advantage.

• Custom cabinets can be made to your taste, can match any color and have almost no style or fit limitations. However, custom cabinetry comes at a steeper price.

• The other types—semi-custom and stock cabinetry, have more limitations when it comes to style and fit, but can cost significantly less than a custom job.

Wood Finish

If you are going for a classic feel and working with wood, consider three important details: type, color and grain. Wood types can be classified as hard (think oak, hickory, maple or cherry) or soft (such as pine, spruce, or cedar). Grain and color will depend on the type of wood—cherry, for example, is well known for its reddish-brown finish which darkens over time.

Keep in mind that there are many great options for wood types that are beautiful and reasonably priced. Which wood type you choose will depend on your budget, how often the cabinets will be used and the overall look you plan for your kitchen, so consider it carefully.

Kitchens are the heart of every home and great cabinetry is at the heart of every great kitchen. Taking the time to work out a budget, packing yourself with  information and carefully considering your options will pay great dividends when you’re standing in the beautiful new kitchen of your dreams.

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

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Modern Kitchen Cabinet Styles

kitchen cabinets

choosing the right cabinetry will make all the difference.

As a high-traffic, multipurpose space, the kitchen is the hub of every home. Naturally, we wish our kitchen to be elegant, inviting and also to display our individual sense of style. If you’re looking to give your kitchen a look that expresses your modern flair, choosing the right cabinetry will make all the difference. Here are a few cabinet style tips to ensure you get the modern kitchen look you’ve always wanted.

Think Frameless – Your cabinetry should set the mood; the consistent spacing and sleek design of a full-overlay, frameless cabinet construction is exactly what you want in a modern kitchen. Given its overall industrial feel, the modern look relies heavily on the inherent beauty and blending of natural materials; when choosing materials for your cabinetry and overall kitchen space, opt for natural materials such wood, metal and semi-opaque glass.
Clear the air – The key to modern style is minimalism. In a modern kitchen, your cabinetry integrates with appliances to create a uniform, sleek and simple look. Modern kitchens make the most of the space; you’ll want to consider the layout and plan accordingly for storage. Kick drawers underneath the cabinetry, for example, can provide added storage without disrupting your design ambitions.

Horizontal Lines – You want your cabinet style to create plenty of horizontal lines that flow through and open the room. Think cabinets with horizontal grooves or a horizontal grain finish. You can accent horizontal themes by adding cabinet hardware the full length of the drawers and doors.

Less is more – In keeping with the modern minimalist theme, you’ll want to keep ornamentation to a minimum for a clean, fresh look that is striking and sharp. In modern kitchens your cabinetry, appliances and accents (such as a marble-finish island for example) are often all the décor you need to keep things striking and chic.

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

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Monthly Manufacturer Spotlight: Designers Choice Cabinetry

cabinetry

Designers Choice Cabinetry, beautiful cabinetry for any home

When you choose Designers Choice Cabinetry, you are not only selecting a customizable storage solution for your home, but you are choosing American-made cabinetry produced in-house, right here in the United States.

At Designers Choice Cabinetry, located in Rockledge, Florida, they understand the need for storage in today’s homes. Whether you wish to redesign your kitchen or unclutter your closet, Designer’s Choice Cabinetry has a solution to meet your goals. With thousands of options to choose from including door designs, material, stains and even hinge location, they help to take the hassle out of kitchen design by offering 3D layouts for our customer’s visualization.

Designers Choice Cabinetry’s production staff of 160+ employees uses computer driven equipment to plane, cut and mould doors, rails, center panels and other cabinetry profiles from select lumber produced in the southeastern and northeastern United States. These wood products, constructed from Maple, Oak or Cherry hardwoods, come in a variety of designs and stains so you have endless options to give your home a unique appeal.

While their wood cabinetry products make up 90% of our Rockledge factory’s volume, Designers Choice Cabinetry also offers 20+ styles of foil and melamine doors to ensure you find the look you want in a budget that fits. These doors are available in a variety of laminate finishes ranging from matte white to woodgrains.

They sell our American-made cabinetry through kitchen cabinet dealers in a 30-state network and employ our own fleet of trucks to ship our fully assembled cabinets to these states including Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana.

Because they take pride in the quality of our work, shipments made outside of these states are shipped using a contracted furniture shipper who exclusively ships cabinets for Designers Choice Cabinetry. They strive for 100% dealer and customer satisfaction and we employ a full team of customer service representatives standing by to take care of all of your needs.

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

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Kitchen Cabinet Styles: Antique

country farmhouse kitchen cabinets

Antique style kitchen cabinetry has always been a favorite among homeowners

Home is where the heart is, and at the heart of every great home there’s a really great kitchen!  But you may be wondering just what exactly separates a kitchen from the ordinary. Well, the most important ingredient in the recipe for a dream kitchen is having the right cabinets. So if you’re pining for that old-world kitchen you’ve always dreamed of, antique style cabinets will seamlessly fulfill your vision.

Antique style kitchen cabinetry has always been a favorite among homeowners because it perfectly highlights the subtle beauty of traditional decor.  The antique motif also gives your kitchen an airy, charming feel which is perfect for a space that usually doubles as the often hectic family hub.  The old-world allure of the antique kitchen also makes for a casual yet elegant look that is sure to wow every one of your guests.

The easiest way to give your kitchen that classic vintage look is of course to consult with professionals who can customize cabinetry to your exact specifications.  But installing new cabinetry is often an expensive and irksome process that most people would rather avoid.  So if gutting your kitchen is not your idea of a good time, don’t panic!  With proper research and a little elbow grease you can give your cabinets that timeless antique look yourself.

Whether a custom install or a DIY makeover, your antique style cabinets will be the centerpiece of your vintage kitchen. Once the cabinets are done, you can top off your masterpiece with old paintings, antique furniture and quaint knick-knacks that capture the spirit of your beautiful, classic vintage kitchen.

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

shaker kitchen cabinets

Kitchen Cabinet Styles: Arts and Crafts

shaker kitchen cabinets

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.

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Kitchen Cabinets 101: Styles

kitchen

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.

kitchen contemporary

Kitchen Cabinet: Contemporary Styles

kitchen contemporary

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.

asian style

Kitchen Cabinet Styles: Asian

asian style

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.

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Kitchen Cabinet Materials: Midrange Wood

midranged wood

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.