by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Dec 14, 2023 | Contractors, Homeowners, Interior Designers
More than just expanding cabinet storage and countertop surfaces, kitchen islands have evolved into a gathering spot where family and guests hang around. Island design and comfort now draws cooks and visitors together to increase functionality, aesthetics and socialization. Along with food preparation and meals, kitchens are more open. Kids do homework and adults take care of paperwork. Additional activities like these promote family time as meals are prepared. For those whose children have moved away from home, this time goes to enjoying a glass of wine with guests before dinner gets to the table. And dinner is more likely to stay at the island with more comfortable seating. Still used for storage and counter space, islands also accommodate appliances like stoves with downward vents. And don’t forget about sinks where approximately 90% of the time is spent. The convenience of doing multiple tasks in one place shortens steps and work time. The ability to socialize more makes everything feel easier. Universal Design further expands function with varying countertop heights. This enables anyone at any height, especially children, to participate in food preparation and other activities without having to climb stools or reach overhead. Incorporating different materials from the rest of the kitchen adds even more appeal. One way is to use fabrics for surrounding stools and chairs. Fabrics contrast well with hard surfaces to soften the overall look. As a result, islands stand out as design objects and look more like furniture that seamlessly blends into the living room. The future will see more variation in island shapes and heights. Seating room will be expanded and rather than...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Nov 23, 2023 | Homeowners, Interior Designers
The increased popularity of farmhouse kitchens is easy to understand. With kitchens becoming the focus for friends and family interaction, this style is comfortable, cozy and loaded with charm without being cluttered. While similar to country, farmhouse style uses salvaged materials like reclaimed wood that retains a certain level of sophistication. Even antiques fit it but not ones that are too delicate. The idea is to create a down-home feeling that invites everyone to relax and enjoy each other. Typical materials include: reclaimed wood wide plank floors wrought iron and vintage accessories larger, comfortable furniture particularly pine furniture architectural salvage To get started, you want to work with a color palette of warm or cool neutrals. Colors like cream, beige, grey and silver sage make good starts. What’s important is to use the colors you like but stay with light or neutral shades. Since woods are a key component, look for pieces with some wear and tear but not ravaged. Details like scratches, knots and nicks add authenticity and individuality. Mix woods with metals, but don’t forget fabrics like cotton, canvas, wool and chenille. It’s important to use a variety of textures to prevent the space from looking flat. When it comes to metals, layer in a mixture of light fixtures, hardware and accents like railings. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than three metals per room. Organic materials keep an ‘outdoor’ connection. Wood floors are best but don’t rule out stone. When it comes to additional architectural details consider wicker, rattan, sisal and other natural materials. Whatever you choose, don’t try to cram in...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Nov 16, 2023 | Contractors, Homeowners, Interior Designers
Glass and wood work so well together. Using glass in your cabinets offers a million possibilities to customize and dramatize your kitchen. Cornerstone Cabinet Company works with you to design and install beautiful cabinets to make your vision a...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Nov 9, 2023 | Contractors, Homeowners, Interior Designers, Uncategorized
Universal Design is an interior design that adapts homes to homeowners, not the other way around. The goal is to make the entire home safe and easy to use. When it comes to kitchens, here’s one design tip that adapts your kitchen to your needs plus transforms it into a dining area with ambiance. You’ll be amazed to see how one small addition to your cabinetry can make such a difference. When it comes to base cabinets, most manufacturers include an indentation to make room for your feet called the toe kick space. Typically 3 inches deep and about 3 1/2 inches high, this space allows people to stand closer to the countertop so they don’t have to lean forward. Standing closer puts less strain on the back, shoulders and arms and minimizes discomfort, posture issues and chronic pain. The addition of light to this space adds both safety and ambiance. Here’s how. First, it clearly defines the break from floor to cabinets. Especially advantageous at night, you minimize the possibility of bumping into things. This definition also aids early morning and evening meal preparation. Another advantage is that lighting placed within the toe kick can’t cause a glare. One goal of Universal Design is to balance lighting. It doesn’t matter if you have 20/20 vision, wear glasses or have a family member with sight issues; too much light is just as dangerous as too little. Foot level lighting balances overhead lighting and the combination eliminates shadows. Finally, toe kick lighting sets the ambiance of a kitchen. The soft glow creates an atmosphere that makes your meal more relaxed…...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Nov 2, 2023 | Architects, Homeowners, Interior Designers
When it comes to making a room cheerful, nothing lightens the mood better than sunshine. Happily in Arizona we have lots of it and one way to get your share is to install floor to ceiling cabinets. If you find that surprising, you’re not alone - yet it could be the change you’re looking for. Depending on where they’re placed, not only do they add light, they make kitchens more efficient and can create a unique style. Here’s how. When it comes to storage, floor to ceiling cabinets supply the most space by concentrating storage along one wall. As a result, overhead cabinets placed along exterior walls can be eliminated - giving you the option to add more windows. It’s even possible to place floor to ceiling cabinets on walls with windows, but, you need to plan carefully. Either leave enough of a gap beside the window so you don’t lose light you already have, or add a corner shelf to transition from cabinet to window without wasting space. And there’s no reason why you can’t have some fun with function and style. Vary shelf widths and heights to accommodate anything from canned goods to brooms and mops. Incorporate appliances such as wall ovens and microwaves at heights that suit your needs. Or make room for a niche to prepare drinks and quick meals away from the main food preparation area. This allows multiple cooks to work in the kitchen without bumping into each other. For style, cut out some of the middle cabinets to create a space partially filled with open shelves or wine glass racks. Now you...
by Cornerstone Cabinet Company | Oct 19, 2023 | Contractors, Homeowners, Interior Designers
There was a time when “kitchen islands” consisted of sturdy tables set in the center of the room and… only in kitchens large enough to accommodate them. In the 1930s, Frank Lloyd Wright brought kitchen islands to suburban homes with his “open plan” living space. They have continued to evolve ever since. Currently, the island has literally become the hub of our homes for doing more tasks than just cooking. They’ve become the center for socialization. If you’re looking to modify an island already in place or add one to your kitchen, it’s best to work with a professional to draw up a floor plan. An island should have about three feet of space around it. If it’s too large, the kitchen becomes crowded. Too small and not only does it not look good, it may not fit in with the normal workflow. Bottom line, it shouldn’t be too close to doors or other countertops but you don’t want it to be standing off by itself. The next consideration is how you want to use it. Islands can be strictly functional by providing additional countertop space and storage. But as suggested above, islands are where people interact. While the cook is chopping tomatoes, he can talk to family about their day, help the kids do homework, and just show off a little as guests nibble on appetizers as dinner is prepared. This brings up the question of how many people do you want to be able to sit around it? And do you want one level or two? Take a look at our Projects to see what we can...
