by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Apr 4, 2024 | Architects, Homeowners, Interior Designers
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...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Apr 3, 2024 | Homeowners
“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...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Mar 28, 2024 | Homeowners
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...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Mar 27, 2024 | Homeowners
“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...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Mar 20, 2024 | Homeowners
“The reason a black-and-white kitchen always looks so flawless is because of that infallible color palette. Though each hue can obviously stand alone (and is often done to great effect: We love black kitchens and we love white kitchens), when paired, that tried-and-true contrast makes for magical results in any kitchen. Much like peanut butter and jelly, black and white simply belong together. And because it’s such a classic combo, it’s also extremely versatile; black and white can be incorporated into classical kitchens, modern kitchens, and every style in between.” Click here to continue...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Mar 14, 2024 | Homeowners, Interior Designers
The idea of Universal Design tends to confuse homeowners because people think it’s only for those with special needs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only does Universal Design adapt homes to residents, it makes homes beautiful. Technology - like faucets with lever handles or touch sensors - allow anyone at any age and capability to get the water they need to drink or cook with. New, elegant designs fit in seamlessly with every style kitchen to complete that up-to-date look. It also places appliances in more convenient locations to operate. Instead of microwaves up over the stove, new cabinetry designs with pull-out drawers make them easy to reach with enough room to operate. When not in use, they can be “tucked away” to create a clean overall look. Not only more convenient, it’s much safer than reaching over potentially hot burners when heating or thawing food. Universal Design also recommends raising the dishwasher at least eight inches off the floor. This reduces stooping over to load and unload those items on the bottom rack which tend to be the heaviest. It also creates a different level counter top to accommodate taller adults or to store items out of reach of the children. New designs in cabinetry also help homeowners keep their balance by opening access to all items, even those stored in the very back. Cornerstone Cabinet Company partners with companies like Rev-a Shelf who specialize in designs that include levers and springs that gently lift, pull down or pull out shelves. They bring whatever you need right to your fingertips, make use of every inch...
