by Chris Boulton | Jan 11, 2017 | Architects, Contractors, Uncategorized
Functionality isn’t just a matter of size. This is a relatively small kitchen. The addition of custom cabinets with special functions doubled the value of the cabinet space. Adding an island increased work space as well as improving the flow into the other rooms of the...
by Chris Boulton | Jan 4, 2017 | Architects, Contractors, Uncategorized
Custom cabinetry allows you to arrange things just the way you want them! Including your screen for TV, movies or the Internet. You can find great recipes on Pinterest and so many sites now. Choose your configuration of cabinet types, design details such as corbels and, of course, the beautiful counter tops you’ve dreamed...
by Chris Boulton | Nov 30, 2016 | Homeowners, Uncategorized
If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen in Arizona, it is important to stay within your budget and have an appropriate plan before beginning. The most expensive part with any kitchen remodel will be the kitchen cabinets. Keep in mind the different cabinet types, as well as the option of refacing instead of replacing. Keeping Existing Cabinets When your cabinets are still in great condition, it may be best to keep them and just restain or repaint them. This will save you the most amount of money, and is generally used when the remodeled kitchen is putting more emphasis on new countertops or flooring. The cabinets are then restained or painted, or even refaced to match the new additions. Keep in mind that when refacing kitchen cabinet, 60-70% of the cost of the cabinet is in the doors. If you are going to be refacing too much, it may be best to look at the next option, new custom, semi-custom, or stock cabinetry. Custom, Semi-Custom, and Stock Cabinetry Custom cabinets are made exactly how you want them. Wood types, finishes, and cabinet accessories will all be custom chose how you like. In turn, this will be the most expensive option of the three. Semi-Custom cabinets can be adjusted to your kitchen’s specific size requirements, but may require spacers to fit. The wood types and finishes will not be as broad as custom cabinetry, the price will be lower. Stock cabinetry, also known as modular cabinetry, is the least expensive of the three. Because stock cabinets in Phoenix are mass-produced, they may not fit in your kitchen exactly how you...
by Chris Boulton | Nov 23, 2016 | Cabinets 101, Homeowners
The National Kitchen & Bath Association offers advice on when and why to update. Many homeowners think their kitchen is outdated from the looks of their worn cabinets, dated appliances and crackled countertop. What they may not realize is that there are many other reasons, more important than cosmetic, why a kitchen needs to be remodeled. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) offers the following tips to help homeowners evaluate the current condition of their kitchen and decide if the time is right for a remodel. Adequate space: Are you satisfied with the amount of counter space, cabinet space and floor space in your kitchen? The position of your refrigerator or shape of your counter may be taking away useful workspace. According to the NKBA Kitchen and Bath Planning Guidelines, when replacing a countertop or changing the shape of your kitchen, keep in mind that a total of 158″ of countertop frontage, 24″ deep with at least 15″ of clearance above, is needed to accommodate all uses, including landing area, preparation/work area and storage. Traffic flow: If there’s more than one cook in your household, you may want to consider making more room around the main workspace. If you enjoy entertaining, you may want an open plan kitchen that allows for more social interaction between the kitchen and other rooms. According to the NKBA Kitchen Planning Guidelines, the width of a walkway should be at least 36″ and the width of a work aisle should be at least 42″ for one cook and at least 48″ for multiple cooks. Children: Depending on whether or not you have children,...
by Chris Boulton | Nov 16, 2016 | Cabinets 101, Homeowners
Over the years of designing kitchens we have seen trends sweep by in cycles. A cycle that brings back the old design statements with a new flair. There are some things that won’t ever be revived, like the colors of avocado and harvest gold. They were revolutionary in their day; however, they won’t return. Let’s take a look at some of the trends of today. Warmer Colors Are Hot More people are nixing the all white kitchen and moving in to a warmer ‘white’. Soft gray is big as we are in the midst of 2014. With the changing shift toward warming up the hub of the home, your kitchen will use warmer metals of copper and brass moving away from your chrome and stainless steel cold metals. Natural is Back Fitting right in with the warming trend are natural products. From natural stone tops and floors to open beams natural is warming the kitchen with beauty. We see brick hitting the kitchen with a design flair as well. Be sure your design specialist knows your design wishes. Functionality is Key With the thought and time put into your new kitchen design, functionality is a must for your individual needs. There are many manufacturers that offer just about any accessory for your cabinetry. From the must for every kitchen of hydraulic door hinges and self closing drawer guides to pull out pantries. Be sure not to design to many extras, space is always a consideration. Many accessories use extra storage space. In smaller kitchens we must utilize every inch of storage to enhance the home owners needs....
