by Chris Boulton | Aug 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
Most cabinets manufactured today have a clear coat lacquer or varnish finish applied over the top of the stain to help protect the finish as well as give the stain a more desired sheen. To clean your cabinetry, it is recommended to use a damp cloth with ordinary water. You do not want to soak the cloth or have enough water to drip into any crevices or joints of the cabinet doors. Water is wood’s worst enemy and will find a way into any exposed areas. If your cabinets have not been cleaned in a long time, you can add 1 part Murphy’s Oil Soap to 10 parts water and apply this to the cabinetry on a damp cloth. After this application, wipe down the area with ordinary water on a cloth. Finally wipe the area with a dry cloth to remove any excess water. It is important to wipe down your cabinetry regularly to help keep the greases and oils from you fingers from building up on your cabinets. Do not apply any furniture polish, waxes, etc. to your cabinets. This will dull your finish and leave a layer of film on the surface of your cabinets. If you are not sure of your finish, you can test the inside part of the door to see how your cleaning application is...
by Chris Boulton | Jul 30, 2026 | Cabinets 101
More cabinetry for less? Can it be accomplished? By adding various features, form and style you can make basic cabinetry look more like custom. Take an assessment of what you truly want in your kitchen. Is style or function and durability more important? Your Cornerstone Cabinet Company designer will address both with you and deliver everything you desire within your total investment you plan on making. We say it often in our blogs and it bears repeating. There are considerations to be made when you choose kitchen cabinets. How long are you planning on staying in this home? Make an assessment of resale values. What is your investment budget? What are your kitchen layout ideas? Are they supported by the available space? You must have exact appliance specifications before any final designs are drawn. Specialty cabinetry, accessories and moldings can always be matched up for your cabinetry. Where will my money count the most? Do Your Research Work First (Then Relax and Enjoy the Process) Researching prior to the project can save you time and money. There are hundreds of places to go find cabinets. All Kitchen Designers are not equal. Be assured that the Cornerstone Cabinet Company designer that is going to give you the design and help you need. Your designer will guide you through your choices and help make you the best decisions for you. Bottom line, we would say, is to know what you want, pair that with a professional Kitchen Designer and you will be just fine. One of the reasons we ask in the beginning how long you plan on staying in your home is to decipher just what...
by Chris Boulton | Jul 23, 2026 | Cabinets 101
When beginning to think of remodeling your kitchen floor plan, one thing that many homeowners either forget about or look past is the option to change the layout of the kitchen cabinetry. Here are four traditional kitchen cabinet layouts that can maximize space. A properly designed kitchen needs two things: plenty of storage, and a lot of space to move around. To properly maximize the amount of room and storage in your kitchen, you need proper cabinet planning. The four major design plans used in the majority of home kitchens are: Galley, Island, U-shape, and L-shape. Galley Kitchen Cabinet Layouts The galley kitchen is made from two rows of cabinets running alongside one another. Because it is a very efficient form of cabinet spacing, the galley kitchen layout is the top choice for many professional and at-home chefs. The two rows will allow for easy movement through the kitchen, as well as quick access to preparation areas. However, homeowners thinking about galley kitchens should pay attention of the width of the kitchen, because a room that is too narrow can create a cramped atmosphere. We recommend considering more base cabinets near appliances in a galley kitchen. Island Kitchen Cabinet Layouts Island kitchen cabinets offer easy access from all points to the main storage and cooking counter. Island cabinets and counters are often promoted for their appeal in comfortable and tasteful living. The island allows the cook a commanding position, so he or she can see the entire room to listen, enjoy, and control the atmosphere. U-Shape Kitchen Cabinet Layouts A U-shape kitchen takes advantage of all but one wall...
by Chris Boulton | Jul 16, 2026 | Cabinets 101
In most homes, the heart can be found in the kitchen. We find that to be truer with our seniors. We meet in the kitchen for just about everything. I look at my grandmother and remember that cooking was how she showed her love to us. We lived a much simpler life fifty years ago. Still today, all of us cook, eat and socialize in our kitchens. It is the heart/hub of our lives and home. Let’s help our aging family members have a great experience as they continue to live on their own. Getting the kitchen senior ready is one of the most important things we can do. We know that all homes are different and people are too. So, be sure to evaluate the home in question with the seniors that will live there. Do this before any renovations. This will allow you to make the necessary changes needed for those individuals. Here is a list we have compiled any senior choosing to age in their own home. We have included some important how and why information of remodeling. This list is a small recommendation of what will need to be discussed with your Kitchen Designer. Upper wall cabinets should be installed 3” lower at 51” above the floor Decorative accent strips at the countertop edge provides visual assistance Extra countertop landing spaces flanking all appliances Extra accessories for ease of storage Thought as to appliances and their placement, the dishwasher can be raised for a more pleasant experience when loading & unloading Appliances should have easy to read controls There is a plethora of information needed to be sure the remodel or new home are prepared properly. Ergonomic...
by Chris Boulton | Jul 9, 2026 | Cabinets 101
The majority of your Arizona kitchen remodeling budget by far will be spent on materials. New kitchen remodeling ideas in the past ten years have incorporated unique, innovative and beautiful cabinetry made from a huge range of woods, synthetics and recycled materials. Your available options when choosing to remodel your kitchen include: Cabinets Cabinets are the most important consideration for most Phoenix metro kitchen remodeling projects. Since they usually line every wall in the room, your custom cabinetry can set the tone for your entire room. Cabinet retailers around the country have developed designs that range from traditional to modern styles, in any color imaginable. Cabinets can be made from wood, bamboo, laminate and even stainless steel. Countertops Countertops are best implemented when they coordinate with cabinets. There is a limitless array of styles in materials that range from stoic granite to enchanting and unique recycled glass. A natural look can be used or perhaps a daring vision can manifest with bold, bright colors. Tiles are a fantastic countertop material and they can be incorporated into retroactive kitchen wall tile designs that add to your Arizona home’s décor. Lighting Lighting is usually most under-estimated component when planning a kitchen remodel. Lighting, when artistically crafted, can set a sublime mood, give you the best environment for preparing food, and add an artistic flair. Contractors in the know are able to find lighting that matches your overall décor, and which is as functional as it is beautiful. Flooring A design plan for a kitchen remodeling project isn’t complete without addressing the flooring. Flooring choice should not only coordinate with a project’s...
