Mr. Jackson
@mrjackson

Want to Add a Coffee Station to Your Kitchen?

With families spending more time in the kitchen together, it can get a little crowded! One way to be together without bumping into each other is to install a coffee station.  From grinding beans to making specialty coffees to simple coffee pods - it adds convenience and style to your kitchen. You just have to decide how you want it to look. If your coffee maker always ‘sits’ out in the open: Add open or closed shelves directly above the maker to store everything from colorful cups and saucers to coffee syrups. Consider floating shelves for a modern look or mount coffee crates on the wall for a little whimsy. Add a pull-out shelf beneath the countertop for more preparation surface. Want to hide the station while not in use? Stash the coffee maker and all accessories behind pocket doors. For a station tucked in a corner or located above the countertop, small appliance garages have cabinet doors that lift up and out of the way to make more room. How about drawers instead of doors? Pull-out drawers are best placed at a height where preparation is comfortable, usually the space that falls between your waist and elbow. Accompany it with a second pull-out drawer to store the accessories. For coffee stations that include or only use a pod style brewer, it’s easy to add a custom coffee pod holder to the inside of the cabinet door. Another feature is to incorporate a water faucet and small sink to rinse cups and pot in the same place. Finally, no matter where your coffee station is located, under-shelf lighting allows...

Kitchen cabinet trends: Wood makes a comeback

“Riding a wave of more interest in natural looks and warm colors, wood and wood looks are making a strong comeback in kitchen cabinet design trends. In some sectors, the trend is seen as so strong it might dethrone the omnipresent white kitchen that has dominated in recent years. Major studies from the National Kitchen and Bath Association and others as well as anecdotal data garnered from interviews with designers, manufacturers, and custom builders, all point to a resurgence in the demand for wood cabinetry and cabinetry that effectively mimics the look and texture of wood. Other trends of note include transitional, timeless, and contemporary looks as the dominating designs, warmer colors, increasingly complex and varied lighting schemes, elevated use of islands with integrated appliances and sinks, as well as more focus on practical storage solutions and heightened emphasis on sustainability.” Click here to continue...

Rustic Versus Farmhouse Kitchens – What Differentiates The Two?

In “Farmhouse kitchens are more popular than ever” we discussed how reclaimed wood, wrought-iron accessories and a pallet of neutral colors define the farmhouse look. But what if you want to get even closer to nature? Rustic style kitchens share many of the same characteristics and it’s not unusual to confuse the two. In spite of their similarities, there are enough differences that if mixed together – you’ll come out with a confused appearance. Both styles cater to home owners who seek a country-like appearance that evokes a homey and comfortable nod to the past. They also use natural elements like exposed beams, stains to enhance wood finishes and incorporate marks or “flaws” by design. What’s important is to know which style really appeals to your taste. If you’re looking for a rougher essence, then rustic is the answer. This means the wood should be more natural looking and could even be unfinished. Cabinets and furniture will have a “thick cut” appearance and the joints are usually exposed. The idea is to create more of a woodsy feel using darker colors and totally natural wood grain. Farmhouse is also traditional but has a fresher feel. Instead of totally natural wood, kitchen elements more often use color and the designs are more complex. This is where “distressed” cabinets and furniture shine. Chairs may have spindle backs while the other elements are smoother. Colors tend to be lighter with a solid feel. What’s most important is that you don’t have to live in the country or Midwest to play with either design. It just takes working with a few basic elements...

Redo outdated spaces!

“When designer Harry Young Parmenter moved into a mid-century modern home in Atlanta’s Chamblee neighborhood, he was excited to make his mark on the space. At the time, he worked in real estate at his family’s business but wanted to make the move into interior design. When he showed this home to a client, and they passed it up, he knew it was meant to be.” Click here to continue...

Ordinary to Extraordinary

Because kitchens are so complex, even minor changes redefine its appearance. It’s why mixing metals, glass and lighting are such good tools for a custom look. Even relatively small details establish a kitchen “aura” that’s distinctly your own. For example, when it comes to hardware, mix finishes such as satin nickel, polished chrome or nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze for faucets, cup and bar pulls. To get started, consider using different metals to complement different cabinet types. This mix now opens more options for the hardware around your sink. The same applies to lighting. Whether you prefer chandelier, drop down or ceiling mounted lighting, there’s no reason why you can’t incorporate more than one style. The goal is to have enough light while creating an atmosphere the whole family can relate to. Our network of resources gives you access to hundreds of vendors and manufacturers world-wide. There’s almost no limit to what can be done to make any kitchen the best it can be. Use the Cornerstone Cabinet Company experience and expertise to find the right combination for...