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...
by Chris Boulton | Jul 2, 2026 | Cabinets 101
Common Design Myths Debunked Many of “rules” do not make much sense at all. Whether you plan to build or remodel, it can become a taxing and difficult project. There are decisions, most homeowners would never think to ask. Then, of course, those complicated rules! Rules that could cost you efficiency in your kitchen. Or rules that destroy the design and look you had hoped for. So let’s take a look at a few of the most common so called rules I come upon. The amount of space between the island countertop and other countertops needs to be more than 36”. I prefer 48” when possible and it is is a must for a two-cook kitchen. If you have a single cook kitchen then plan for at least 42” of space. Many people feel the dishwasher should be placed in conjunction to whether you are right or left handed. Not true. Dishwashers can be placed into your kitchen design where it works best for you. Since humans are creatures of habit, it won’t take long to become comfortable with the dishwasher location. Stop and think about how often you actually look out your window when washing dishes. Exactly! Why be forced to put the sink under the window then? In the early days of kitchens, the sink was needed at the window to toss out the used water! In our present day kitchens, we are free to design the kitchen sink where it works best for you. Even though the rules would allow a tiny island in the kitchen, why? You might have a small landing space while...
by Chris Boulton | Jun 25, 2026 | Cabinets 101
Traditionally we have all love to gather in the kitchen. The popularity of an open plan kitchen is in vogue more now than in past years. At Cornerstone Cabinet Company, we purposely plan for no separation between the kitchen, living, outdoors and dining areas. This encourages ideal interaction as it allows your guests plenty of room to move freely. Our kitchens are designed to fit the needs of our present day lifestyles. With the many small appliances and gadgets we have, the design is much more important today. As we plan for multiple cooks, school homework and parties, it is very important to bring the design together in a good work flow. There can be challenges in creating your perfect social kitchen. So we will look at a few ideas to help you build the benefits into your perfect entertaining kitchen. Create Life Action Areas When entertaining, an area for preparing and serving beverages is a must. A custom beverage hot spot stocked with all the needs for your bartender is a must. Warming drawers will be another consideration to give the host and hostess more time to enjoy their guests. Appropriate refrigeration units placed in your kitchen is also an important part of your entertainment open kitchen. An open layout with room to roam throughout makes a more pleasant atmosphere for your family and guests. Be sure to plan several sitting areas for your guests to sit down to chat and eat. Of course you can easily boost your hosting scores with your great looking appliances. Not to mention their fantastic function. Get with your kitchen designer...
by Chris Boulton | Jun 20, 2026 | Uncategorized
With the kitchen continuing to be the most important room in the home, we would like to outline the biggest design trends now being seen in kitchen design. Mix-and-Match Materials Combining different materials, like butcher block countertops and marble backsplashes, add visual interest and allow for homeowners to play around with certain aspects of different architectural styles. You can determine which wood type, color of wood, style of door and cabinets that are appealing to you and also what fits your budget. Neutral Color Palette Whites and other natural colors are truly timeless. They can work with almost any architectural style while allowing other aspects of the kitchen to shine, such as a great granite or butcher-board countertop, recessed LED lighting or Energy Star stainless steel appliances. Custom Cabinetry Specialized storage not only adds visual interest, but also keeps clutter from getting in the way of your kitchen’s design. 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. Sustainable Materials Kitchens that use materials such as bamboo, sustainably harvested woods and recycled glass not only help keep our planet pretty, but also add style and visual interest to the kitchen space itself. These materials are often manufactured with low- or no-formaldehyde glues, which protect the home’s indoor air quality as well. There is a surprising selection of materials, many of which are made from recycled materials. One of the...
