by Chris Boulton | Jan 30, 2018 | Architects, Cabinets 101, Contractors, Homeowners, Interior Designers
When you think of remodeling, one of the first items to consider is your kitchen. Statistics suggest that a quality kitchen remodel can actually help to increase the value of your home. When selling your home, an updated kitchen with modern conveniences can attract more buyers and set your home apart from other similar homes in your neighborhood. Cabinetry is typically one of the more expensive items in your kitchen remodel project, so choosing the right type of cabinetry for your home is very important. Custom Cabinets What you want is what you get, and what you imagine can appear in reality. Custom cabinets are typically manufactured by local craftsmen, tradesmen with honed skills, and sometimes by expensive automated equipment. Custom cabinets offer you a wide variety of wood species, the biggest selection of door styles, an assortment of options and modern conveniences, and a vast array of stains and finishes. Unlike modular cabinets, which are cabinets made in 3″ increments, custom cabinets are made to fit and are often made in the dimensions used by “Big Box” construction methods. Door and drawer combinations are no problem, and custom sizes, angles, differing height dimensions, special finishes, stains and glazing are all traits of custom cabinetry. A buyer must be careful though: just because someone builds custom cabinets doesn’t mean the craftsmanship is of the highest quality. In choosing a custom cabinet manufacturer, always look at the manufacturer’s portfolio, ask for references, and take a tour of their shop. There are also several national companies that build custom cabinets, but add shipping costs, and the possibility of damage normally means...
by Chris Boulton | Aug 2, 2017 | Homeowners, Interior Designers, Uncategorized
Sometimes it is difficult to choose between particular types of wine storage. There must be a balance between style, and necessity. Our customer had a limited amount of space, and a lot of wine bottles to display. After many discussions, it was determined that multiple types of storage would give them the best look, as well as being very functional. There is the large “X” shaped bulk wine storage, Cradle wine racks, and wine cubes all in one display. By varying the types of storage, we were able to combine maximum storage with exquisite...
by Chris Boulton | Mar 15, 2017 | Architects, Cabinets 101, Contractors, Homeowners, Interior Designers
You have all the square footage you could ever desire for your dream kitchen. Now What? Be careful at this point to find a qualified kitchen designer. It would be a shame to find your new kitchen just cabinets and countertops. Let’s get some design flair and excitement in your home’s hub. Not only do we want to customize the cabinetry to your wants and needs, we want to make your statement heard as your visitors view your masterpiece. A WOW factor that will catch that coveted ‘gasp’ of excitement each time your visitors return. Lets get serious, the contented joy you will feel each time you walk into your kitchen is your end desire. It’s your domain, so make it yours. Good Design is a Great Place to Start in Your Kitchen Even though money might not be an issue, it is best practice to set an investment range to stay within. In a remodel there are many elements to consider. Adding or removing walls can be considered. Are you going to completely alter the existing kitchen space or leave your major components such as appliances in place? In new construction it is always best to design your cabinetry needs prior to walls. In this way we can tell your builder precisely where you need the walls going up. . Bells and Whistles There is so much fun looking at and specifying all the accessories, cabinetry and countertops. What is important to each person varies as the shape of snowflakes vary. Start early with your lists. Are you baking a lot and need an oven with convection? Hate pre-washing your dishes and want a highly efficient dishwasher? You might choose a three bowl sink in your cleanup area. Prep...
by Chris Boulton | Mar 8, 2017 | Architects, Cabinets 101, Contractors, Homeowners, Interior Designers
Wise up! Savvy and Smart Strategies for an Arizona Home Remodel According to the Home Improvement Research Institute, homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project, with good reason. Kitchens are the very center of home life, and a source of pride when it comes to the subject of a successful past remodeling project. A liberal amount of kitchen remodeling cost may be recovered by the intrinsic value that the project brings to your home. Kitchen remodel projects in the $50,000 to $60,000 range regain about 69% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale, according to recent data from Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. To ensure that you maximize the eventual return of investment from your Arizona kitchen remodel, follow these smart kitchen remodeling strategies. Establish priorities We recommend spending a considerable amount of time planning your kitchen remodeling project. That way, you won’t be tempted to change your mind during construction, change orders, and haplessly inflate construction costs. Here are some points of note to cover: Cooking traffic patterns: A walkway through the kitchen should be at least three feet wide. Aisles should be a minimum of about 3.5 to 4 feet wide and at least 4 feet wide for households with multiple cooks. Child safety: Avoid square corners on countertops, and make sure microwave ovens are installed at a proper height, which is three inches below the shoulder of the primary user but not more than 54 inches from the floor. Outside access: If you want easy access to entertaining areas, such as a deck or patio, factor...
by Chris Boulton | Mar 1, 2017 | Architects, Cabinets 101, Contractors, Homeowners, Interior Designers
Replacing the Triangle with Zones Replacing the triangle with zones seems to be the trend we are heading as kitchen designers. Of course we must also keep in mind the basic need of each cook and their convenience. The inspired work triangle has been with us since the 1940’s. New York designer Lee Stahl says: “The kitchen triangle has given way to zones, where family members can work without bashing elbows.” And it is true, we have evolved in our use of the kitchen. With multiple stations we no longer use the traditional work triangle. The compact kitchen with the typical work triangle is passe. Kitchens are no longer closed off and small. As the center or hub of the home where we meet to do homework, socialize and enjoy our lives together. With the openness of a spacious kitchen we now work with zones for each project. It has been a transition over time as we find most home owners ready for zones designed for their specific needs. Multiple Appliances Allow for the Transition to Zones Prep zone, baking zone, kids craft zone, cleanup zone are a few of the zones we design for in the kitchen. With multiple appliances needed for each zone we are able to eliminate the work triangle. Greater efficiency is created thus allowing more action to take place. Grouping you appliances for personal use is a big plus in zones. One of our clients made a their kids a zone of their own. After school was a breeze for mom because they knew exactly what was theirs for the taking. Built in refrigerator drawers and their own equipment to build their masterpieces. We design your storage around your needs rather than popping them out in the garage or in...
