by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Jan 4, 2024 | Homeowners
In “How islands are shaping the future of kitchens” we left off with the idea that seating around kitchen islands is moving beyond the typical bar arrangement. Even more than stools around two sides, kitchens with enough room are following the trend to seat people across from each other. One way is to have seating on three sides. The other alternative is banquette seating. Banquette seating refers to the built-in benches often found in restaurants. Traditionally, booths and banquettes are a cozy way to dine and this type arrangement is moving into homes. The islands are typically built in an L-shape with the table nestled in. The table can be attached or stand free and the surrounding seats may include chairs, benches or a combination of both. It adds a casual and multifunctional element to kitchen islands and is a great way to transition from kitchens to family rooms. Kitchens used to be isolated rooms solely used for food preparation. Now they are the center for family activities. With busy and sometimes chaotic lives, families are looking for design that brings people together so they can focus on relationships, relax and talk. Taking kitchen island shapes beyond squares and rectangles offers more seating options, including banquette seating, and encourages conversation that can make everyday life...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Jan 3, 2024 | Architects, Homeowners, Interior Designers
The design experts at Magnet are predicting a surge in popularity for the stainless steel kitchen trend, with it becoming a hugely popular style choice for remodelling kitchens in 2024. Kitchen trends, like bathroom trends, are determined by what designers envision being the most sought-after materials and new design innovations to shape how we remodel and redesign our homes over the coming years. And like all interior design trends there are always looks that come and go as they evolve, and for kitchens in 2024, it would seem that industrial-style materials are set to be very much back in fashion. Click here to continue...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Dec 28, 2023 | Architects, Homeowners, Interior Designers
Although not a new concept, Universal Design has been slow to go main stream. But that’s changing for two reasons. First is our aging population – often referred to as the “Silver Tsunami.” Second is the acknowledgement of residents who don’t fit the profile of the “average guy.” Traditionally homes were, and still are, designed for a 5’ 10” tall male between the ages of 20 and 40. This profile eliminates the overwhelming majority of home residents and forces people to adapt to these specs. These days, our aging population is pressing for homes that adapt to their needs. A recent edition of the AARP magazine features the Property Brothers. The article includes a cartoon section where the brothers explain the benefits of Universal Design to their parents. They point out features like sensor-style touch faucets, raised dishwashers and organized storage in cabinets and drawers. And Universal Design is not just for aging. The same advantages apply to all ages. Think about a child working on a coloring book or other project at the kitchen island. Do you want them perched on a bar stool where their feet can’t reach the floor? Some countertop heights can be lower to keep them grounded. It’s not only safer for everyone, it encourages family interaction. People mistake Universal Design as a concept that applies only to older people and those with special needs and think of it as institutional. Not true. Done right, safety features can be seamlessly incorporated into the décor and create beautiful, updated rooms. Whether you desire to Age-in-Place, make your home safer or simply update your look; talk...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Dec 27, 2023 | Architects, Contractors, Homeowners, Interior Designers
Modern interiors are marked by clean, sleek lines for nearly all elements of the design. Whether the home leans ultra-modern or has a modern-contemporary interior design, sticking to straight lines is the best way to convey the style, especially in the little details. When it comes to designing a kitchen, many homeowners are often focused on colors and materials. However, small details like the edge of the countertop can make a big impact. So, if you’re designing a modern kitchen, you’ll want to stick with countertop edges that are straight and sleek, such as the square edge. Click here to read...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Dec 21, 2023 | Homeowners, Interior Designers
Believe it or not, your bathroom cabinets are the key to the room’s overall appearance. Just be careful not to let appearance distract you from the ultimate goal of safety and storage. Fortunately today’s cabinets are masters of organization. They include improvements like built-in drawer dividers, cosmetic trays and appliance garages. From hand cream to hair dryers and electric toothbrushes, the goal is to keep everyday items within easy reach and electronic items dry. For bathrooms with enough room, you have options like linen towers and closet-like spaces to hang clothes so they’re ready to put on right after the shower. And under-cabinet lighting is for more than just kitchens. Cabinets with light rails and other forms of built-in illumination keep countertop and floor surfaces evenly lit. This is especially important as bathrooms usually have more wet surfaces than any other room. When it comes to appearance, another trend is cabinetry with a more furniture-like look. This uses more and smaller pieces with bun feet and raised panels. Generally made of wood, the most popular options are dark cherry and walnut. If you opt for painted surfaces - white, ebony and gray are the most popular as they go with virtually all bathroom styles. White makes the space appear larger but if you prefer ebony, consider using a light color or even white countertop. Another new practice is to match the cabinetry in the bathroom with that of the rest of the house to create consistency. Cabinets transform bathrooms from ordinary to relaxing retreats. With good organization and efficient lighting, they save time and keep you safe. Most of...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Dec 20, 2023 | Contractors, Homeowners, Interior Designers
Do you ever feel that your kitchen storage just isn’t quite suitable for your ever-changing needs? Well, with a few simple DIY steps, you can make the most of your kitchen cabinets by turning them into a fully functional pantry that can maximize the storage space you have, ensuring your whole kitchen runs more smoothly. A pantry is a luxury staple of any kitchen, making storing all food-related items convenient and organized. Many kitchens don’t come with a built-in pantry or simply lack the room for one. With these steps, you can convert an underutilized closet or kitchen cabinet into a pantry to create a more functional space. Click here to continue...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Dec 19, 2023 | Reviews
Went absolutely above and beyond for our family. Vincent was courteous, professional, and good at his job. Chris was also an amazing help. Will absolutely use Cornerstone Cabinet Company for any and all projects in the future....
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Dec 14, 2023 | Contractors, Homeowners, Interior Designers
More than just expanding cabinet storage and countertop surfaces, kitchen islands have evolved into a gathering spot where family and guests hang around. Island design and comfort now draws cooks and visitors together to increase functionality, aesthetics and socialization. Along with food preparation and meals, kitchens are more open. Kids do homework and adults take care of paperwork. Additional activities like these promote family time as meals are prepared. For those whose children have moved away from home, this time goes to enjoying a glass of wine with guests before dinner gets to the table. And dinner is more likely to stay at the island with more comfortable seating. Still used for storage and counter space, islands also accommodate appliances like stoves with downward vents. And don’t forget about sinks where approximately 90% of the time is spent. The convenience of doing multiple tasks in one place shortens steps and work time. The ability to socialize more makes everything feel easier. Universal Design further expands function with varying countertop heights. This enables anyone at any height, especially children, to participate in food preparation and other activities without having to climb stools or reach overhead. Incorporating different materials from the rest of the kitchen adds even more appeal. One way is to use fabrics for surrounding stools and chairs. Fabrics contrast well with hard surfaces to soften the overall look. As a result, islands stand out as design objects and look more like furniture that seamlessly blends into the living room. The future will see more variation in island shapes and heights. Seating room will be expanded and rather than...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Dec 13, 2023 | Homeowners
Sometimes a kitchen renovation means different floors, all stainless steel appliances, and swapping out pendants for recessed lighting. But if you want to make a strategic update, one of the most reliable and affordable renovations is the use of color. It can brighten or darken a room, make a space feel cozy, or make it feel spacious. As part of a house-wide renovation, Dave and Jenny Marrs, co-hosts of HGTV’s “Fixer to Fabulous,” found a gorgeous blue-gray color to take the kitchen cabinets from dated to eye-popping — yet the color is still subtle and not at all overbearing. Click here to continue...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Dec 7, 2023 | Homeowners
No one disputes the higher cost of installing custom cabinets. But if this new kitchen or remodel is going to be the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of, consider the advantages of going custom over typical stock cabinets. For one thing, true custom cabinets fit perfectly into every space to give you the best use of corners, spaces between windows as well as the height or length of every wall. No matter how big or compact your kitchen is – even a couple of inches changes how well it functions. Custom cabinets also achieve looks that stock cabinets can’t. You may have features like a banquette seat, a kitchen island or more than one food preparation station. Seamlessly integrated custom cabinets will draw attention to those spaces you want to highlight. And here’s where even a couple of inches makes a difference. If the goal is to have a clean, modern appearance - stream-line your cabinets with appliances such as refrigerators, ovens and stove tops. Now when it comes to sinks, some styles also stream-line well with the surrounding cabinetry. But whether you choose this style or one that overlaps, finding stock cabinets that securely fit around the sides and bottom could be difficult. Again the best bet is to go custom to guarantee a good, secure fit. Deep drawers are a surprisingly affordable upgrade to the more typical three-drawer models because some companies build deeper drawers at around the same cost. This cabinet style is not new, but the variety of divider systems now available makes them a popular alternative to traditional lower cabinets. For example, interiors can be...
