Mr. Jackson
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The Color Palette That Gives Black Kitchen Cabinets An Elegant Look

“Bold, luxe, timeless, and chic — these are but a few words to describe black cabinetry. Ironically, choosing the right black cabinets isn’t the tricky part; it’s finding the right color palette to pair them with. We all know black goes with everything. However, you’ll want to be extra mindful of your color choices when swathing this moody finish on a surface as prominent as cabinet doors. We’re not just talking about wall paint; we mean everything from the color of your range hood to your kitchen island stools. Too many dark tones can give the kitchen a cave-like feel. Meanwhile, overly bright accents can create a jarring effect on the eye. Tricky, right?” Click here to continue...

Guide to a Timeless Kitchen

It’s not as easy to switch styles after a kitchen renovation as it is to donate an out-of-fashion jacket to charity. Decorating fads come and go, but consider kitchen elements proven to stand the test of time. Painted cabinetry has been popular for several years and isn’t going away anytime soon. While the appeal of kitchen cabinets painted grey or blue is definitely strong, for longevity, white is the winner. White cabinets go with any design style and appeal to a wide variety of home buyers at resale. Complete the look with white appliances which are easier to keep clean than stainless. Glass front cabinets are a staple in traditional kitchens but have been appearing in transitional or modern kitchens too. They are great for displaying interesting serving pieces, decorative accessories and heirlooms. Glass front cabinets usually line the uppers, which makes the kitchen look more open, but a few closed cabinets are more functional to hide everyday items. LED lighting can be creatively installed along toe kicks as nightlights, on the inside of cabinet doors to show off china, and concealed in crown molding to wash ceilings with light. LEDs are energy efficient and emit virtually no heat so you can keep them on forever without burning cabinets or walls. Quartz countertops require less upkeep than granite or marble and offer lasting appeal. Plus the shimmering surface is less dominant than other materials so you’re unlikely to tire of it. Ideas that used to be great but are on their way out include a microwave installed over the range and a hanging pot rack.  An updated trend is...

Build a Smart Kitchen

The kitchen is often called the “heart of the home” but it can also be the brains. A smart kitchen features devices that are connected via Internet technology, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. They can be controlled remotely with a mobile app or a voice assistant like Amazon’s Alexa. Smart products make cooking more fun, easy, precise and safe. You don’t need a total renovation to create a smart kitchen. Consider a refrigerator that streams music and video, features a touchscreen, adds to a shopping list with voice commands, and has cameras to see inside. A smart dishwasher can be controlled remotely. A touch faucet can pour specific amounts and warm up water with voice commands.  A smart stove connected by Wi-Fi to a mobile app can send get alerts when burners are left on. You can even remotely operate your stove - preheating the oven before you arrive home or shutting it off when cooking is complete. Cabinets play a major role in smart kitchens. Custom cabinets must be designed to work with tech gadgets for maximum efficiency. Having a lot of electrical outlets and a few USB ports right where you need them can make all the difference so they can be installed directly into cabinetry. A beverage station provides extra storage for water, wine, and juice items while keeping your fridge free for more important tasks. A microwave with a recessed control panel built into the kitchen island can make quick snacks accessible for the whole family. A heavy-duty lift that turns a shelf into extra countertop space can be great for infrequently used smaller smart appliances like...

Here’s What to Expect for the Cost of Kitchen Cabinets in 2025

“Managing a kitchen remodel or renovation can be a huge project. Not only do you need to consider functionality, style, and budget, but you risk burning out if you don’t plan properly. No one wants to get halfway through a kitchen redesign without enough funds. That’s why understanding costs is crucial—starting with your cabinetry, which can take up to 25% to 40% of your total kitchen renovation budget. To learn more about kitchen redesign costs and explore ways to avoid unnecessary expenses, we talked to Shannon Ggem, interior designer and National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) member, for her expert insights.” Click here to continue...