Let’s discuss kitchen trends. White or off white is still the most popular choice for cabinets. When your cabinets ( the elephant in the room) are a neutral color, they act as a canvas. Adding paint or accessories defines your style and personality.
Homeowners in the Northeast with the short dark days of long winter months choose white cabinetry to lighten up their kitchens. Adding more light with bigger windows or more windows is also a trend.
An open concept floor plan, with more window space doesn’t allow for much wall space. Pantries are making a comeback to allow for dish and food storage.Grandma did know best. If there is enough space, walk in pantries are the most popular. Food items are displayed on open shelves and dishes are often stored in cabinetry in the pantry. Some pantries are used as dish storage with a sink and dishwasher in them. The kitchen is then used for food preparation, serving and entertaining. With the pantry door closed, the noise and mess is confined and the kitchen is truly part of the family room.
Some kitchens are too small to allow for a walk-in pantry. There are several cabinet storage features in today’s kitchen cabinets. Drawers designed to store dishes are replacing wall cabinets. Tall storage cabinets available in different depths are great for dish or food storage. Base cabinets with specialized features for food storage are gaining popularity.
Our showroom has many of these features on display and our knowledgeable designers can suggest storage solutions for your floor plan. Even though Frank LLoyd Wright didn’t coin the phrase “Form ever follow function”, it’s truer today with the open concept and bigger windows trend. Good space planning is so important for today’s kitchen.
Kitchen remodeling seminar, Saturday, February 13, 2:00-4:00
Now that you have set a budget for your project , visit kitchen and bath showrooms. You will see many different displays of not only cabinet door styles and finishes, but countertops, sinks and faucets. Try to focus on one thing at a time. It can be overwhelming. Ask for brochures from the different cabinet companies. Start a file of what appeals to you. The brochures often have photos of complete kitchens with appliances, lighting , tile splashes, and paint colors. You can supplement your idea file with downloads from design sites, such as Houzz, Pinterest, HGTV, to name a few. Don’t forget the interior accessories that add conveniences to your kitchen.
Shop for appliances. Don’t purchase yet, just decide on the finish of the appliance, the sizes, as well as the function. Do you want a professional style range or a cook top and wall ovens. How do you use a microwave? Are French Door refrigerators right for you.
Return to those kitchen/bath showrooms and ask about the construction and finish of the cabinetry.
Almost all American cabinet companies use a catalyzed varnish system on their wood cabinetry. The painted cabinets have a sprayed and baked on finish which improves durability.
Open the doors and use the interior accessories as intended. Do they work with ease or are they awkward and difficult. Are the drawers all hardwood and do the drawer glides offer more space for a bigger drawer.
Showroom displays are to be used don’t be shy. Now you are ready to have an initial consultation with a designer.
When people visit our showroom for the first time, they frequently ask, “How do I get started”
Start with setting a realistic budget for your project. This should include everything, floor, window, cabinets, appliances, plumbing, painting, etc., everything you need to complete the project. The least expensive remodel is to keep the same floor plan as your existing kitchen. This is upgrading your cabinets, appliances, and countertops. Adding under cabinet lighting and recess cans will add to the price, as well as new flooring, a new window, and changing the plumbing.
Keep a file with pictures of things you like. Sometimes it’s not cabinets, but might be a paint color counter top, or a light fixture. There are many design idea sites on the internet to inspire you. This helps to move along the process and keeps you focused. Make this file part of your wish list.
No matter the size of your project, lighting is very important. Under cabinet lighting is the best task lighting. Fluorescent fixtures are obsolete. LED is the future now for under cabinet, recess can fixtures, all lighting. Don’t skimp on the lighting budget, it’s a very important to add and bring your lighting into the 21st century.
A kitchen designer is very important. The designer will measure, consult with you, and draw a floor plan that meets you and your family’s needs as well working within your budget. Answers to questions like do I have room for an island, is there room for wall ovens, can I add a bigger window, will be addressed.
The next step is design preference. The designer will advise you on door and cabinet styles, considering the design of your home and furnishings.
In order to make your home improvement or remodeling project process a little easier we have provided you with a few hints and guides to a kitchen remodeling.
In addition to the tips below, we encourage you to fill out and bring the Kitchen Planning Questionnaire with you to the first visit to Currier Kitchens. The Questionnaire will help us better judge your needs and requirements.
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Choosing a kitchen counter is an important part of your kitchen design. It is important to choose something that you like, can handle the stress of your household’s activity and that you can afford.
Here is a list of popular kitchen counter top materials, their strengths, weakness and pricing.
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