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Some Things to Consider When Upgrading Your Kitchen

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Upgrading your kitchen can make the space more practical and raise the value of your home.

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home and upgrading your kitchen doesn’t only spruce things up, it makes the space more practical and can also significantly raise the value of your home. If you’re looking to change things up, here are some things to consider when upgrading your kitchen:

Firstly, consider the extent of your renovations? There are many areas of the kitchen to consider; from the floors to the sink, to the cabinets to the countertops. These details will help you formulate a budget and give you an idea of how long the task will take.

Next you’ll want to consider whether or not you will be performing the renovations yourself or whether you will hire a contractor. Though do-it-yourself renovations can be every bit as successful as professional ones, keep in mind that the kitchen is perhaps the busiest room in your home; hiring a contractor can help you avoid painful setbacks and save you time.

Depending on the extent of your renovation, consulting with a plumber or electrician will ensure that your renovation plans do not compromise functionality; an inspector can give you an independent general assessment of your kitchen’s structural health. Also, when hiring a contractor or consulting professionals, make sure these are licensed and independently insured.

Finally, if you do hire professionals to complete the job, be sure to draw up a contract which clearly outlines your expectations and the time frame it will take for the work to be done. Doing so will save you a headache in the event your contractor does not live up to your standards.

Kitchen upgrades can be as terrifying as they are exciting, so having a plan is essential. Following these simple tips and having a clear strategy for your upgrade will ensure you get that new beautiful kitchen of your dreams.

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

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Modern Kitchen Cabinet Styles

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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

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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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Buyers Guide Series: Kitchen Cabinets

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New cabinets bring a sense of new life into your kitchen.

Are you thinking of upgrading your kitchen cabinets to something a little more but you’re clueless as to where to start? Don’t let your worries keep you from the kitchen cabinets of your dreams. Check out these simple tips to picking the perfect kitchen cabinet to suit your style.

There are three types of kitchen cabinets: basic, midlevel, and premium. The basic cabinets are great because they are ready to assemble and install. If you are price-conscious these cabinets are your best choice. When considering the basic kitchen cabinet option remember that your style and trim options, sizes, and accessories may be limited when compared to other more expensive choices. Just be aware that some cabinets may be thinly veneered particleboard instead of higher-quality plywood so keep a keen eye out for a selection that meets your standards.

The midlevel cabinets are a great choice for most kitchens due to a face-frame structure that features a solid-wood frame around the door and drawers. The midlevel kitchen cabinet models often offer customers made-to-order options that allow them to choose the size, materials, trim, and accessories to their perfection. When it comes to midlevel cabinets, the features and quality can vary so be sure you don’t settle for “ok” cabinets.

If you are really picky about the look and style your new kitchen cabinets will express then your best bet is premium cabinets. These semi-custom cabinets will offer you the chance to choose your favorite style and give you the most storage space. One pro of premium cabinets is that the widths may come in ¼-inch increments instead of the usual three inches. One con is the price. Although premium cabinets are less expensive than full made-to-order cabinets, if you pick a model that is the highest quality and offers most of the features, the price tag can be a little pricey.

New cabinets bring a sense of new life into your kitchen. Be sure to channel your own style and stay within your budget and everything will look great.

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.

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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

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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.

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Buyers Guide Series: Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

kitchen cabinet hardware

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.

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Kitchen Cabinet Materials: Midrange Wood

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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.

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Kitchen Cabinets 101: Finishes

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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.