by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Mar 28, 2024 | Homeowners
In “Farmhouse kitchens are more popular than ever” we discussed how reclaimed wood, wrought-iron accessories and a pallet of neutral colors define the farmhouse look. But what if you want to get even closer to nature? Rustic style kitchens share many of the same characteristics and it’s not unusual to confuse the two. In spite of their similarities, there are enough differences that if mixed together – you’ll come out with a confused appearance. Both styles cater to home owners who seek a country-like appearance that evokes a homey and comfortable nod to the past. They also use natural elements like exposed beams, stains to enhance wood finishes and incorporate marks or “flaws” by design. What’s important is to know which style really appeals to your taste. If you’re looking for a rougher essence, then rustic is the answer. This means the wood should be more natural looking and could even be unfinished. Cabinets and furniture will have a “thick cut” appearance and the joints are usually exposed. The idea is to create more of a woodsy feel using darker colors and totally natural wood grain. Farmhouse is also traditional but has a fresher feel. Instead of totally natural wood, kitchen elements more often use color and the designs are more complex. This is where “distressed” cabinets and furniture shine. Chairs may have spindle backs while the other elements are smoother. Colors tend to be lighter with a solid feel. What’s most important is that you don’t have to live in the country or Midwest to play with either design. It just takes working with a few basic elements...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Mar 27, 2024 | Homeowners
“When designer Harry Young Parmenter moved into a mid-century modern home in Atlanta’s Chamblee neighborhood, he was excited to make his mark on the space. At the time, he worked in real estate at his family’s business but wanted to make the move into interior design. When he showed this home to a client, and they passed it up, he knew it was meant to be.” Click here to continue...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Mar 20, 2024 | Homeowners
“The reason a black-and-white kitchen always looks so flawless is because of that infallible color palette. Though each hue can obviously stand alone (and is often done to great effect: We love black kitchens and we love white kitchens), when paired, that tried-and-true contrast makes for magical results in any kitchen. Much like peanut butter and jelly, black and white simply belong together. And because it’s such a classic combo, it’s also extremely versatile; black and white can be incorporated into classical kitchens, modern kitchens, and every style in between.” Click here to continue...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Mar 14, 2024 | Homeowners, Interior Designers
The idea of Universal Design tends to confuse homeowners because people think it’s only for those with special needs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only does Universal Design adapt homes to residents, it makes homes beautiful. Technology - like faucets with lever handles or touch sensors - allow anyone at any age and capability to get the water they need to drink or cook with. New, elegant designs fit in seamlessly with every style kitchen to complete that up-to-date look. It also places appliances in more convenient locations to operate. Instead of microwaves up over the stove, new cabinetry designs with pull-out drawers make them easy to reach with enough room to operate. When not in use, they can be “tucked away” to create a clean overall look. Not only more convenient, it’s much safer than reaching over potentially hot burners when heating or thawing food. Universal Design also recommends raising the dishwasher at least eight inches off the floor. This reduces stooping over to load and unload those items on the bottom rack which tend to be the heaviest. It also creates a different level counter top to accommodate taller adults or to store items out of reach of the children. New designs in cabinetry also help homeowners keep their balance by opening access to all items, even those stored in the very back. Cornerstone Cabinet Company partners with companies like Rev-a Shelf who specialize in designs that include levers and springs that gently lift, pull down or pull out shelves. They bring whatever you need right to your fingertips, make use of every inch...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Mar 13, 2024 | Homeowners
If swish style is your thing, modern small bathroom ideas may be for you. Add sparkle to your space now, and you’ll feel so much better when getting cleaned up. We’ve spoken with interior designers to scope out how they bring a current feel into this room. From freeing up the floor space to going for luxe colors, they have plenty of sleek tricks up their sleeves. Click here to continue...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Mar 7, 2024 | Homeowners, Interior Designers
For the most part, home owners choose kitchen styles that fit with the local geography. Here in the Southwest, it’s not uncommon to see farmhouse and rustic as a throw-back to territorial days. Modern and contemporary are also popular but they fit in anywhere. Around Arizona, you really can’t go wrong with any of these styles. But what if you love a style normally found by the sea? Homes located by large bodies of water tend to reflect a nautical theme which includes beach and Mediterranean style kitchens. They do have distinct differences but you might be surprised at how many features they share with farmhouse, rustic and contemporary kitchens. For example: Reclaimed wood is a feature of rustic, farmhouse and Mediterranean kitchens. Rustic is the most rough and worn while farmhouse is characterized by distressed wood. Mediterranean also uses wood, usually a dark rich wood such as walnut. The differences come with how much texture and color the woods display. What distinguishes Mediterranean from the others are colorful tiles, curving arches and natural fibers that include leather. It also incorporates materials with patina such as brick, stone and reclaimed wood. Both contemporary and modern kitchens use a lot of white. As defined in “What distinguishes modern from contemporary kitchens?,” both feature clean, smooth appearances with minimal detail and adornment. Some of the same applies to beach which is also a bright, open style. What differentiates beach are the natural textures like jute, sea grass and rattan; plus nautical themes for lighting. In today’s customized world, home owners bring the style they prefer to wherever they live. Since so...
