by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Jul 10, 2025 | Uncategorized
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...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Jul 9, 2025 | Uncategorized
“As Country Living’s Senior Homes & Style Editor, I’m always nose-to-the-ground, sniffing out the next top design trends of kitchen design. (Kitchen islands? Who needs them! The kitchen triangle? Is it really relative anymore?) So, as someone with very strong opinions on kitchen hardware, I’ve been intrigued by seeing the return of nickel finishes in the various kitchens that find their way to my inbox almost daily. If the groundswell in support of silver is indeed here, it begs the question: Is it time we say goodbye to unlacquered brass and embrace the cooler side of things? Let’s investigate.” Click here to continue...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Jul 3, 2025 | Uncategorized
No matter how big or small your bathrooms are, your cabinetry is widely considered to have the most impact on the room’s overall appearance. The good news is how many options you have. Trying to get the right cabinetry for both looks and function can be daunting. That’s why the first step is to understand how you use your space. For example, if you like to soak in the tub, a linen tower with a shelf to hold a TV may be in order. If the room is small, you may want to install an over-the-toilet unit to preserve space and still supply the storage you need. Floating cabinetry creates a less cluttered ‘sleek and modern’ look. The clean lines make even a small bathroom appear more spacious. Another advantage is how they provide additional storage space beneath that is typically lost by the toe kicks of traditional cabinets. All of these features are why this type of cabinetry is gaining popularity. Overall, when it comes to bathroom cabinetry, you’re looking at three categories. First is the stand-alone vanity which contains a sink or two and provides countertop space. The next group consists of all the other cabinetry including linen storage and built-in hampers. The third category is the set of cabinets called ‘suites’ that are typically designed to match your fixtures and other design features. Bathrooms are often more complicated to design than kitchens because almost everything you touch has either water and/or electrical issues. They also tend to be smaller and are where most falls in the home occur. Because even a couple of inches can make...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Jul 2, 2025 | Uncategorized
“Doing laundry is a relatively boring task. But it doesn’t have to be done in a drab, boring room. With a few strategic changes, even a small laundry room can become a space that’s appealing to be in and can double as a room for other activities too.” Click here to continue...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Jun 26, 2025 | Uncategorized
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 | Jun 20, 2025 | Uncategorized
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 | Jun 19, 2025 | Uncategorized
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 | Jun 18, 2025 | Uncategorized
“For individuals adjusting to life after a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, a bathroom remodel can make a world of difference. This was recently demonstrated by the team at Re-Bath, who undertook a project to help those living with the condition.” Click here to continue...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Jun 12, 2025 | Uncategorized
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 | Jun 5, 2025 | Uncategorized
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...
