by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Oct 26, 2023 | Homeowners
Overall you’re happy with your kitchen - but it’s needs… something. Your designer tells you all it needs is a change of cabinet hardware and you like that idea. After all, it’s a difference without the hassle and time of a major remodel. But be careful. If it sounds too easy, it usually is. That’s not to say it can’t be done. It’s just that one of the trickiest parts of kitchen design is to coordinate the hardware with the rest of the room. Jump in without a plan and you could end up with a mess. Here’s what to consider before you take anything apart. Old knobs and cup pulls are easily replaced with new ones. However C and D-shaped hardware, favored by Universal Design, comes in different widths; and this is one time when bigger is better. Unfortunately, you can’t replace a five-inch handle with a seven-inch without leaving a hole. Or suppose you find a handle shape you really love and want to use it throughout the kitchen. It may take two to three coordinating styles to address the different sizes and shapes of your cabinetry. Placing knobs or cup pulls on cabinets and drawers near the sink can be counterproductive. This is where your hands are most likely to be wet or dirty. If your handles are small, require grasping or have a squeeze mechanism, it takes more effort to get them open. If this type of hardware is already in place, take the opportunity to change the drawer and door fronts to install hardware that’s larger and easier to use. Finally, in order to...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Oct 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
A sleek and streamlined kitchen can make a huge difference to day-to-day life, but if you want to achieve it, you’ll need to think beyond a quick tidy up – there are six key zones of kitchen organizing you’ll need to master. If you’re in the midst of organizing a kitchen, or planning a kitchen layout, you’ve likely heard of the ‘kitchen triangle’. This age-old design rule is based around the positioning of three main working zones; cooking, storage and cleaning. Organize these properly, and you’re setting yourself up for successful kitchen ideas, so they say. However, if it’s a well-organized kitchen in the modern world you’re after (think open-plan living, home working, sleek culinary equipment etc.), you’ll need to up your zoning efforts – quite literally. Click here to continue...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Oct 19, 2023 | Contractors, Homeowners, Interior Designers
There was a time when “kitchen islands” consisted of sturdy tables set in the center of the room and… only in kitchens large enough to accommodate them. In the 1930s, Frank Lloyd Wright brought kitchen islands to suburban homes with his “open plan” living space. They have continued to evolve ever since. Currently, the island has literally become the hub of our homes for doing more tasks than just cooking. They’ve become the center for socialization. If you’re looking to modify an island already in place or add one to your kitchen, it’s best to work with a professional to draw up a floor plan. An island should have about three feet of space around it. If it’s too large, the kitchen becomes crowded. Too small and not only does it not look good, it may not fit in with the normal workflow. Bottom line, it shouldn’t be too close to doors or other countertops but you don’t want it to be standing off by itself. The next consideration is how you want to use it. Islands can be strictly functional by providing additional countertop space and storage. But as suggested above, islands are where people interact. While the cook is chopping tomatoes, he can talk to family about their day, help the kids do homework, and just show off a little as guests nibble on appetizers as dinner is prepared. This brings up the question of how many people do you want to be able to sit around it? And do you want one level or two? Take a look at our Projects to see what we can...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Oct 18, 2023 | Uncategorized
Today, we’ve got a fantastic tip from an Austin-based pro cleaner for handling those dirty, dusty, or greasy kitchen cabinets If you’re like me and you have wood cabinets, you’re going to want to take extra special care of them to make sure they don’t get damaged. So buckle up because we’re going to walk you through the process step by step. Click here to continue...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Oct 12, 2023 | Uncategorized
“I don’t want my bathroom to look like everyone else’s.” Find inspiration for a unique interior in unexpected ways. Possibly one of the reasons that you chose your home was its location. Consider integrating your surroundings into your bathroom. It will make your space feel more expansive and will connect you with the outside world. If you live in an urban environment, choose metallic industrial tile or leave brick exposed on the walls. If you live near a beach, consider cabinetry painted in water tones and a custom wavy counter-top. If you love your backyard, a large glass wall with privacy glass, the coverage of plants and trees outside, or retractable shades can allow you to bathe at one with nature. You can also look inward instead by reflecting your family’s heritage in your bathroom. For example, Asian design features clean lines and simple architecture. Color schemes used in this type of space include black, beige, pale green, white, gray and red. A Scandinavian bathroom would appear minimalist with white and neutral colors. Focus on geometrical shapes and keep the wood cabinets natural. You can find design inspiration in piece of art that holds personal meaning for you and build your bathroom concept around it too. Just be aware that tubs and showers produce a lot of moisture and steam, which is a dangerous environment for matted pieces. It is better to opt for a decoration that doesn’t need to be framed like sculpture, painted canvas or plaster intaglios. Parisian bathroom style is particularly popular with a claw foot tub, a pedestal sink and colors that complement impressionist art...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Oct 11, 2023 | Uncategorized
When it comes to kitchen design, the devil is in the details, and one detail that can truly transform your kitchen’s appearance is the cabinet finish. Your kitchen cabinets aren’t just for storage; they’re an essential component of your kitchen’s aesthetic. Today, we’ll delve into some unique types of kitchen cabinet finishes that will give your kitchen a one-of-a-kind look. Click here to continue...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Oct 5, 2023 | Homeowners, Interior Designers
A new kitchen can be an opportunity for your whole family to adopt a “green” lifestyle. It’s economical as well as socially conscious to create a sustainable kitchen because they are inherently durable and minimize the exploitation of the Earth’s resources. The following tips can make a big difference in your planned kitchen’s long-term sustainability: Re-facing cabinets use less than a single tree’s worth of wood. Your existing cabinets also get reinforced so that they will have stronger, sturdier cupboards. It’s important to know that there are always safer and healthier choices when it comes to selecting your paints and varnishes for your cabinets, so be sure to ask. Consider recycled timber with nail holes, nicks, and other character marks for kitchen doors, benches, shelving, and cladding. Quartz, concrete, and Corian are produced without the mining resources of granite. Furthermore, they don’t require toxic sealants and have no fissures to trap bacteria. Keep on the lookout for recycled glass tiles made of discarded bottles for your decor. Appliances should have the Energy Star symbol to ensure they exceed current EPA guidelines for energy efficiency. Be sure your plumbing fixtures have the WaterSense label as well. Upgrade your faucet to be touch-free so that you minimize water waste with automatic shut off. Install a picture window, aia skylights, and reflective surfaces to cut down on the need for power. Dimmer switches can adjust the wattage of your lights and LED bulbs offer an expected lifespan of 10,000 hours above conventional bulbs. Part of sustainability is creating a timeless design so that you do not have to manufacture replacement items or...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Oct 4, 2023 | Uncategorized
A family-friendly space often brings to mind bright colors, oversized patterns and a space that feels overall juvenile. However, designing a kitchen to make it convenient for everyone to navigate means you’re creating a cohesive space for your family to gather and work together. Adjusting your kitchen design plans to accommodate the littlest chefs gives everyone a sense of belonging and ownership in the cooking process. It also creates a space for children to gather or do homework comfortably. Read on for ways you can make a family-friendly kitchen. Click here to continue...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Sep 28, 2023 | Homeowners
It’s not as easy to switch styles after a kitchen renovation as it is to donate an out-of-fashion jacket to charity. Decorating fads come and go, but consider kitchen elements proven to stand the test of time. Painted cabinetry has been popular for several years and isn’t going away anytime soon. While the appeal of kitchen cabinets painted grey or blue is definitely strong, for longevity, white is the winner. White cabinets go with any design style and appeal to a wide variety of home buyers at resale. Complete the look with white appliances which are easier to keep clean than stainless. Glass front cabinets are a staple in traditional kitchens but have been appearing in transitional or modern kitchens too. They are great for displaying interesting serving pieces, decorative accessories and heirlooms. Glass front cabinets usually line the uppers, which makes the kitchen look more open, but a few closed cabinets are more functional to hide everyday items. LED lighting can be creatively installed along toe kicks as nightlights, on the inside of cabinet doors to show off china, and concealed in crown molding to wash ceilings with light. LEDs are energy efficient and emit virtually no heat so you can keep them on forever without burning cabinets or walls. Quartz countertops require less upkeep than granite or marble and offer lasting appeal. Plus the shimmering surface is less dominant than other materials so you’re unlikely to tire of it. Ideas that used to be great but are on their way out include a microwave installed over the range and a hanging pot rack. An updated trend is...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Sep 27, 2023 | Uncategorized
There is so much choice when it comes to cabinet colours and worktop styles that it can be difficult to navigate the pairing of the two. With this in mind, LLM – Luxury Lifestyle Magazine spoke to bespoke British kitchen brand Tom Howley, and leading luxury worktop experts, Caesarstone, who have shared their expert design advice for creating a truly harmonious kitchen. So keep reading for cabinet-countertop combination inspiration and expert insights. Click here to continue...
