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Open Shelving vs. Closed Cabinets: 6 Insights to Consider

You might have your dream kitchen in mind when you start your kitchen renovation project. But you weren’t necessarily prepared for all the detailed decisions that come with it, especially when it comes to cabinetry. One of those decisions involves whether to choose open shelving for your new space or more traditional closed cabinets. There are advantages and unique design elements for each. Today, we’ll compare your options with helpful insights. Choose confidently when you see how both open shelving and closed cabinet layouts can elevate your kitchen.

1.    Aesthetic Appeal of Closed Cabinets and Open Shelving

One of the first considerations for shelving and cabinetry is about your personal style preferences. With open shelving, for example, you can invite an open and airy vibe to your kitchen, allowing you to showcase your dishware and décor. On the other hand, the closed-style cabinets introduce a more polished kitchen appearance, allowing you to keep all your wares neatly hidden behind closed cabinet doors.

2.    Organizational Features to Consider

Another insight for choosing open or closed styles involves your personal level of organization. With open shelving, your everyday items will all be on display, usually requiring a little more organization. Alternatively, with the closed-door cabinet, you can adopt a more relaxed approach to how you store your dishes and kitchenware.

3.    Cleaning, Maintenance, and Upkeep of Your New Cabinets

As vibrant and stunning as your new kitchen will be, it won’t clean itself. When choosing between open shelving layouts and closed cabinetry, think about the maintenance of everyday life. Open shelves will collect more dust and potential grease buildup, more so in busy kitchens. The closed cabinet door will keep those airborne particles off your dishes better and require less cleaning and maintenance.

4.    Storage Capabilities and Functionality

It’s your dream kitchen. Design it with every functional detail you need to make it work for you. This involves storage and ease of access for all your cookware essentials. Consider all your everyday dishware. But don’t forget about how you plan to store smaller appliances, pantry supplies, and backup kitchen utensils that will need to go somewhere in your newly renovated kitchen.

5.    Market Appeal and Resale Value

This particular insight to consider when choosing between open shelving and closed cabinets isn’t about your preferences. Instead, it might be worth thinking about what others might prefer in a kitchen. If you plan to sell your home, a remodeled kitchen will already add market appeal and resale value. Choosing a broader, appealing kitchen design, with prioritized storage and low-maintenance design, can contribute to both resale and marketability.

6.    The Size Factor

When you make design decisions about your new kitchen, the size and space itself will play into which options work best. And you might try to incorporate elements that make the area feel more spacious, like open shelving. In other kitchen layouts, creating open shelves might not work as well as closed cabinetry. Your renovation design team can help you find the solutions that complement your new kitchen look, within the confines of what your kitchen’s size and space allow.

 

Let Edgewood Cabinetry Help You with All Your Kitchen Remodeling Decisions

Of all the challenging decisions you’ll have to make about your kitchen renovation project, choosing who to work with should be fairly easy. Our team at Edgewood Cabinetry can help you bring your dream kitchen to life with every detail. We will help you weigh your design options, including the key considerations for aesthetics, functionality, storage, layout, and more. Contact us with your kitchen cabinetry and remodeling questions – we’ll make sure you have all the information you need to get started.

 

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Pros & Cons of Painting Cabinets

The finish you choose for your cabinets drastically impacts your kitchen’s overall appearance. That’s why choosing whether or not to paint your cabinets is a bigger decision than many people realize. It’s important to think through all the aspects, from your visual preference to future maintenance. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of painting cabinets.

Pro: You Have More Color Choice When Painting Cabinets

In comparison to staining, you have more color choice when painting cabinets. In fact, it’s usually possible to match any color you wish, so the sky is the limit when it comes to painting custom cabinets. And even if you stick to a company’s normal list of colors, there’s typically plenty of variety for most homeowners. Whether you are purchasing new cabinets or refinishing older cabinets, Edgewood Cabinetry is happy to work with you to bring your vision to life in any color you choose.

Con: It’s Often Difficult to Touch Up Painted Cabinets

Although painting cabinets gives you more color variety than staining them, it’s important to consider the upkeep you need in the future. For instance, if your toddler learns to decorate with permanent marker, your dog scratches a cabinet door, or you accidentally chip the paint, it’s often difficult to DIY the repair. You may not remember the particular shade of paint you need. Plus, you may have to purchase a far larger quantity of paint than you need. Additionally, because cabinet makers often spray paint on for an even finish, you can’t easily achieve the same results at home.

Pro: Painting Gives a Clean, Smooth Finish

If you want your cabinets to look smooth and sleek, painting them is the way to go. Since paint sticks to the surface of the wood, rather than sinking into the woodgrain, it’s the best choice if you want a clean finish. So, if you want your eye to travel smoothly along your kitchen instead of up and down the woodgrain of your cabinets, painting them gives you the aesthetic you’re looking for. There are also a variety of finishes within paint itself, so whether you want glossy modern cabinets or a more muted European-style finish, there’s a paint to match.

Con: Certain Species of Wood Work Better When Painting Cabinets

Although painting cabinets allows a smooth finish, it only works with certain species of wood. For example, maple and birch are a dream to paint. They offer smooth, nonporous surfaces that hold paint well and don’t show the woodgrain. On the other hand, oak has a prominent grain that shows through paint. And while pine wood is smooth, it often contains visible knots. However, if you want to refinish and paint old cabinets, we have methods to improve the appearance of any wood species.

Pro or Con: Painting Cabinets Hides Unique Features

Painting your cabinets hides, or at least mutes, unique features of the wood. For example, imperfections, like knots and wormholes, and the woodgrain itself either aren’t visible or are more difficult to see. So, depending on your preference, that’s either a pro or a con of painting cabinets. If you prefer smooth, unblemished surfaces, it’s a definite pro. On the other hand, if you enjoy the charm of natural woodgrain, staining your cabinets is a better choice.

Let Edgewood Cabinetry Take the Hassle Out of Painting Cabinets

Painted cabinets are beautiful, but painting them yourself can be a headache. Instead, let Edgewood Cabinetry take the hassle out of painting your cabinets. Whether you are interested in purchasing custom cabinets or want to refinish your existing cabinets, we can help. We sit down with you to discuss your vision. Then, we work to make it a reality. And with decades of experience, we know how to get the results right. Contact us today to discuss your project.

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5 Reasons to Hire a Cabinet Pro Instead of DIY

It’s often tempting to take on DIY projects. After all, why pay a professional if you can do the work yourself? When it comes to installing or refinishing cabinets, however, you may want to think twice about tackling the project on your own. Here are five reasons to hire a cabinet pro instead of DIY.

1. Cabinet Work May Be More Complex Than You Think

Installing or refinishing your cabinets probably sounds easy. However, cabinet work may be more complex than you think. For example, painting or staining your cabinets may sound simple, but if you don’t know how to work with natural woodgrain, you may not like the results.

Additionally, it’s incredibly easy to make mistakes when building or installing cabinets yourself. It’s often more difficult than it seems to get cabinets perfectly level. And if your measurements are even slightly off, your cabinets won’t fit the way they should. Plus, large projects may require moving plumbing or electrical wires. That’s why it’s best to hire a cabinet pro instead of DIY, especially for complex jobs.

2. DIY Cabinet Projects Aren’t Always Less Expensive

One of the main reasons people take on DIY cabinet projects is to save money. However, homeowners often fail to consider the full cost of DIY projects. For instance, do you have all the necessary tools to complete the work? If not, purchasing or renting tools adds a significant amount to your project’s price tag.

Similarly, just getting your cabinets or materials to your home is often expensive if you don’t own your own truck. Delivery and rental fees add up. Plus, there’s always the possibility that something goes wrong during your project that requires a professional to fix. As a result, it’s often better to hire a pro in the first place.

3. Your Project Could Be Dangerous

While a DIY cabinet project might not sound particularly hazardous, it could be more dangerous than you think. In fact, falls from ladders are one of the most common accidents that send people to the emergency room. And that’s particularly relevant if you’re installing cabinets near the ceiling.

But falls aren’t the only thing you need to worry about. Working on cabinets often involves working near electrical wires or even needing to move or install new electrical outlets. That’s always hazardous if you’re not a pro. Plus, even the dust and fumes generated when working on cabinets may be dangerous if you don’t have the proper protective equipment.

4. Time Is Valuable

Have you ever gotten into a home repair and then realized it was going to be way more work than you first anticipated? That’s a common problem for DIY projects, including cabinets. So one question you need to ask yourself is, how valuable is your time?

If you can’t afford to take off work to finish your project or live without the use of your kitchen until your cabinets are complete, hiring a pro is a better option. Your time is valuable, and sometimes, it just makes more sense to have a pro do the work.

5. You Want Professional Results

If you’ve never worked on cabinets before, they may seem like one of the easiest DIY projects to try. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. There’s a lot to learn about different wood species, stains, paints, finishes, etc. And if you don’t have that knowledge, you may be disappointed in the results.

As you know, cabinets play a huge role in the overall appearance of your kitchen. Beautiful cabinets give your entire kitchen a facelift, but messy paint jobs, crooked doors, and imperfections have the opposite effect. In reality, it’s all too easy to make mistakes with your cabinets. So if you want professional results, it’s best to hire a pro to do the work.

Edgewood Cabinetry offers a variety of cabinets and cabinet services to suit your needs. If you are ready to begin your next project or would like more information about the services we provide, contact us for a free quote. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Timeless Kitchens: 4 Cabinet Designs That Never Go Out of Style

Some homeowners love updating their kitchens every few years to embrace the latest trends, while others prefer more timeless designs. If you belong to the latter group, this post is for you!

Do you adore the rustic charm of natural hardwood cabinets? Perhaps you love the stately elegance of mahogany. Or maybe you dream of a provincial country kitchen. Whatever your style, we have cabinets to fit the bill!

Ready to learn more? Here are four cabinet designs that never go out of style.

1. Shaker Cabinets

There’s a reason Shaker cabinets have been popular for hundreds of years. Their simple yet beautiful style fits with any decor!

Shaker cabinets are so named because they were developed by the Shakers in the 1700s. However, they achieve timeless appeal through their clean, minimalist lines and sturdy construction. In fact, Shaker cabinets are well known for their simple design of two rails, two stiles, and flat doors with recessed panels.

Shaker cabinets are traditionally made from hardwoods like maple, oak, hickory, and cherry. That’s because these are the types of woods that were easily available to the Shakers. But these species are also beautiful and durable.

Shaker cabinets look great with either a natural wood stain or paint. As such, you have plenty of options to give your kitchen a facelift without needing new cabinets. It just takes a new coat of paint. Perfection!

Learn more about our painting, staining, and refinishing services.

2. Kitchen Islands

Kitchen islands are both stylish and functional. Like Shaker cabinets, kitchen islands have been in demand for centuries. In fact, they first functioned as a useful workspace in front of the hearth.

Today, however, kitchen islands fill many purposes. For example, kitchen islands provide extra workspace. They also offer additional storage. And they sometimes incorporate sinks, cooktops, or home bars.

Additionally, many families use kitchen islands as a breakfast nook. They’re also perfect places to do homework. Or create your own home coffee bar. So versatile!

Kitchen islands remain part of a timeless kitchen because they look great and work well. Plus, they fit into any design. And with so many options available today, it’s easy to find a kitchen island that fits your needs and your decor.

Learn more about kitchen island accessories and options.

3. Natural Wood

Natural wood is both gorgeous and durable. And hardwoods, like mahogany, oak, and maple, are especially long-lasting. As a result, natural woods continue to appeal to homeowners who want a timeless kitchen.

However, it’s important to protect natural wood. Stains and glazes bring out the innate beauty of natural wood and give your kitchen a timeless charm. Some homeowners opt for a smooth, stained finish. Meanwhile, others prefer to highlight knots, wormholes, and other unique characteristics. Just imagine the warmth!

Natural wood cabinets are great choices if you like traditional European designs or country/rustic cabinets. They are perfect for creating elaborate designs in traditional cabinets. And natural woodgrain features prominently in country/rustic kitchen designs, too.

Choosing the right wood species helps your design. Cherry and walnut are elegant choices. And pine and oak work well for country/rustic decor. Don’t forget the perfect hardware!

4. Classic Countertops

Countertops are an expensive investment. You want them to stand the test of time. Fortunately, several tried-and-true materials never go out of style.

Marble is a classic choice but is easily damaged. Because of this, many homeowners opt for quartzite instead. Quartzite looks like marble but is more durable, so it holds up better in the kitchen. Win!

Granite countertops look amazing. Plus, they are durable and heat resistant. That’s so important for a kitchen!

Finally, butcher block has a timeless appeal. After all, it’s hard to match butcher block for bringing warmth to your kitchen. However, butcher block requires regular upkeep. Reseal your butcher block monthly to keep it in top shape.

Learn about installation.

Design Your Timeless Kitchen

Would you like to design your own timeless kitchen? We’d love to help! Edgewood Cabinetry has over 30 years’ experience creating cabinets that never go out of style.

Contact us here to begin your next project. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

 

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6 Ways to Maximize Storage Space in Your Kitchen

If there’s one thing that nearly all homeowners can agree on, it’s that there’s never enough storage space in your kitchen. After all, today’s kitchens often need much more space for all the electronic gadgets and appliances that weren’t available in generations before. (Hello, electronic rice makers and stand mixers!) But designers and contractors don’t seem to have gotten that memo. As a result, many homeowners face constant frustration with the lack of space in their kitchens.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to get the additional storage space you need. Start by trying these six ways to maximize storage space in your kitchen.

1. Remove Unnecessary Items

The first way to maximize storage space in your kitchen is by removing unnecessary items. That’s because kitchens often become a catch-all for whatever we need to set down. From school papers to mail and files, it all seems to end up in the kitchen. So if your kitchen is feeling cluttered, go through and remove anything that doesn’t truly belong there. That way, you have more space for the things that do.

2. Find Another Place for Seasonal Items

If you have holiday-themed cookie cutters, platters, cookbooks, or other seasonal items, it doesn’t make sense to store them in your kitchen all year long. Instead, keep your valuable kitchen storage space for regularly used items. Anything seasonal is better off stored with your holiday decorations and only brought into your kitchen for the time period you are actually using it.

3. Utilize Your Wall Space

Often, kitchens have large areas of empty wall space. And that translates to a wasted opportunity. Just imagine if all that empty wall space could be turned into storage space instead. Fortunately, it can! And one of the best ways to do that is by installing custom kitchen cabinets. That’s because custom kitchen cabinets are built to fit your room, so you get usable storage space from floor to ceiling. And there’s no better way to maximize storage space in your kitchen.

4. Add Organizers

Add organizers to your kitchen to instantly create more storage space. Drawer inserts, lazy Susans, spice racks, and wine racks all help you store more items without making a jumbled mess in your cabinets or on your counters. Choose knife racks, lid organizers, and racks for pots and pans to store awkward items. And don’t forget about corner and base cabinet organizers! They’re perfect for corralling the inevitable mess of plastic containers and lids that too frequently take over cabinets. And they’re great for storing large appliances, too!

5. Get a Kitchen Island

A custom kitchen island is one of the best purchases you can make for your kitchen. After all, a new kitchen island instantly gives you more counterspace and storage space. Plus, today’s kitchen islands often include cooktops or home bars, so it’s easy to make them into exactly what you need for your kitchen. And because they’re customizable, all the storage and organization options available for cabinets are also available for kitchen islands. Wine racks? Spice racks? Drawer inserts for all your utensils? Done, done, and done.

6. Use Pull-Outs and Pull-Downs

Are you tired of seeing unsightly trash cans and recycling bins in your kitchen? Or is it hard to move around in your limited space because of them? Then, use pull-outs and pull-downs to discretely store your garbage and recycling out of sight. Pull-outs are also excellent for making better use of large or awkwardly shaped cabinets. That’s because they allow you to pull items forward instead of reaching (or climbing!) into the back of your cabinet and fishing around for what you need.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, so it should feel warm, welcoming, and inviting. But it’s hard to feel a sense of peace when there’s clutter all over your countertops and table. Fortunately, gaining storage space in your kitchen is easier than you might think. Just try the above six ways to maximize storage space in your kitchen. And when you’re ready for some professional help, let us know! We’d love to help you design your dream kitchen and maximize your storage space!

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Cabinet Paints, Stains, and Finishes: 5 Things to Know

You’ve made the decision to get custom cabinets, and you couldn’t be more excited. But it’s so hard to decide between colors and finishes! Should you choose that divine blue paint color you saw? Or would your kitchen look better with an elegant cherry wood stain? Then again, an antique finish through glazing could be amazing, too. So how do you decide? Here are five things to know about cabinet paints, stains, and finishes.

1. Paints Allow You to Choose Any Color

Out of all the options for finishing your cabinets, paints give you the biggest variety of choices. That means you can base your kitchen design on your cabinets or match your cabinets to your existing decor. Plus, it’s possible to match virtually any color, so you have a nearly unlimited array of choices. Whether you want a nice, neutral gray, modern white, or bold red, it’s easy to get the cabinets of your dreams. Remember, the final appearance of your cabinets will depend on the species of wood you choose. For instance, maple has a smooth finish when painted, while the wood grain on oak remains visible, highlighting its texture.

2. Wood Stains Accent the Natural Wood Grain

Wood stains accent your cabinet’s natural wood grain. They come in many colors and soak into the wood, so you never need to worry about chipping or peeling. It’s typical to choose natural wood colors, such as cherry, maple, or walnut for a gorgeous finish. At Edgewood Cabinetry, we have a wide variety of beautiful stain colors available, and we always stay on top of the latest trends. So whether you want a traditional reddish-brown cherry wood stain or an elegant weathered gray wood stain, we have a stain to match.

3. Glazes Create Complexity

Glazes create complexity and add character to your finished look. If you love rustic or antique cabinet styles, glazes are perfect for you. They are applied, then hand rubbed to give your cabinets the desired appearance. Glazes are also perfect for highlighting ornate details on your cabinets. Because of the labor-intensive process involved in hand-rubbed glazes, they are often more expensive, but they create a stunning finish.

4. Natural Finishes Are Perfect if You Love the Look of Natural Woodgrain

Do you love the way natural woodgrain looks, all on its own? Then, natural finishes are perfect for you. Natural finishes are achieved simply by applying oil or a protective coating to the wood. This allows the natural woodgrain to shine through in all its beauty. Wood can be sanded for a clean, smooth finish. Or leave features like knots and wormholes in the wood to show off its unique character.

5. There Are a Variety of Protective Finishes to Choose From

Cabinets typically have some sort of protective finish on them. This helps them last longer and ward off damage from things like humidity or scratches. Depending on the finish you choose, the protective coating may also add a beautiful sheen or gloss to your cabinets. Some common protective finishes include varnish, lacquer, and polyurethane. We can help you choose the best protective finish for your cabinets. That way, your cabinets look exactly how you want them.

6. Refinishing Gives Your Old Cabinets New Life

New custom cabinets are always nice. But if you have older wood cabinets that are still structurally sound, refinishing may be a good option for you. After all, older cabinets often have fine craftsmanship and historic charm. Plus, refinishing is an economical and environmentally friendly choice, too. With a little work, a new coat of stain or paint, and a protective finish, your old cabinets will have a fresh new look and continue to serve you well for years to come.

At Edgewood Cabinetry, we offer a wide selection of cabinet paints, stains, and finishes so you can get exactly the look you want. Plus, we make sure you’re satisfied at every step of the process. Contact us here to begin your next custom cabinet project.

 

 

 

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Understanding the Cabinet Design & Installation Process

Getting custom cabinets for the first time? You’re going to love them! After all, new cabinets are like a facelift for your kitchen. Plus, they add value to your home.

However, upgrading to custom cabinets isn’t like going to the store and choosing a new piece of decor to bring home and enjoy immediately. A lot of work goes into making custom cabinets. And you’ll enjoy the process much more if you know what to expect. That’s why understanding the cabinet design and installation process is so important. Here’s what happens at each step of the process.

Initial Consultation

The first step is your initial consultation, which can happen in person or through email. We’ll discuss your ideas, and you can share any plans or drawings you have. If we’re in person, we’ll also take measurements of your kitchen.

Next, we’ll come up with a preliminary design together. Once you’re happy with the design, we’ll also give you a quote. And we can make adjustments if necessary to fit your budget.

Plans and Contracts

In the next step, we’ll finalize the design. Then, once you are satisfied with the design, we’ll create a contract. You’ll need to sign the contract and pay your deposit before we progress further.

After those steps have been completed, we’ll give you a copy of your floor plan and the drawings we have made to keep for your records. You’ll be able to refer back to them at any point in the process.

Preparation

Next, we need to prepare for the actual project to begin. We’ll help you choose the hardware, wood species, color of paint or stain, and door design of your cabinets. You’ll also choose the accessories and options you want to include.

At this stage, we also take detailed measurements of your kitchen so we can custom build your cabinets. And we provide you with a cost estimate based on those measurements.

3-D Design Rendering

Once we’ve settled on all the specifications for your cabinet and completed our detailed measurements, it’s time to create a 3-D design. This allows you to see what your custom cabinets will look like in your space.

It’s important to look closely at your 3-D design and ensure you are satisfied with it. This is the model we build your cabinets from. So be sure everything looks exactly the way you want it. If you want to make changes, we’ll revise the design until you are happy.

Building and Inspection

After you have approved your 3-D design image, we begin building your cabinets. Follow our Facebook page for updates as we work. We post images there. You can expect this part of the process to take approximately 4 to 8 weeks. We want everything to be perfect!

Once we finish building your cabinets, we invite you to come to our shop to inspect them. Inspect your cabinets closely to ensure they look the way you expected, and take the opportunity to test out the functionality of your cabinet components. This is the last step before we install your cabinets, so now is the time to let us know if there is anything we need to revise.

Installation

As soon as you complete your inspection and approve your cabinets, we set a date to install them in your home. This step often goes much more quickly than you imagine! That’s because our detailed measurements and building process mean we’ve already designed your cabinets to fit precisely into your space. And that means installation is quickly completed!

The exact amount of time this step takes will depend on the size and scope of your project. If your new cabinets involve working with other vendors, like plumbers or electricians, we’ll also coordinate with them to complete everything in a timely manner. And we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.

Enjoy Your New Cabinets

Once your cabinets are complete, you’ll take a final walk-through with us to ensure you are satisfied. And that’s it! There’s nothing left to do but enjoy your new cabinets.

Are you ready to get started on your own custom cabinet design? Contact us today to begin.

 

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6 Incredible Kitchen Cabinet Designs That Are Hot in 2023

Time to refresh your kitchen cabinets? We have all the inspiration you need! Here are six kitchen cabinet designs that are hot in 2023.

1. Warm Woods

Warm woods are making a comeback. So if you love the look of woods like cherry, mahogany, and hickory, this is the perfect time to get new cabinets. And you’ll love showing off all that natural woodgrain!

Light, warm colors really open up and brighten your kitchen. So cabinets made from warm wood tones provide instant cheer to the room. And that’s an atmosphere you’re sure to appreciate in the heart of your home.

2. Traditional Elements

Do you love the old-fashioned elegance of traditional cabinets? If so, it’s your time to shine! Cabinets with traditional elements are on trend for 2023. So whether you yearn for the elegance of a Parisian kitchen or Americana is more your style, adding traditional elements to your custom cabinets can make your dreams come true!

Ornate molding, arched designs, and raised panels bring a traditional feel to your kitchen. And with custom cabinets, you can embellish your design as much or as little as you like. Finally, you can design your own unique cabinets and be in style!

3. Flat, Sleek Doors

Simplicity is in style for 2023, and that includes cabinet doors. Sleek, flat doors are really having a moment. So if you love the simple, modern look, this is a great time to upgrade your cabinets.

Furthermore, flat, sleek doors go perfectly with the latest trends of open kitchens that extend into both indoor and outdoor living space. The simple, sleek design allows for uninterrupted visual lines. And that makes your kitchen feel larger and more open.

4. Hidden Storage

Cabinets with hidden storage are one of the hottest design trends in 2023. That’s because no one likes cluttered countertops. So opting for cabinets with plenty of interior storage options makes sense. They keep all your unsightly clutter and unused appliances tucked neatly out of sight.

For instance, add corner cabinets with organizers to store specialty appliances. Or move your garbage and recycling to hidden pull-outs. Alternatively, include lazy Susans to organize your cans and jars. Or opt for built-in spice racks to organize your collection of spices. There are tons of options and accessories available to fit your needs!

5. Simple Hardware

When it comes to hardware, simplicity is once again on trend. That’s why bar pulls are so hot right now. In fact, an overwhelming 72% of homeowners are choosing them. But don’t worry if you’re not a fan of bar pulls. Knobs and cup pulls are still solid choices.

The most important thing to remember is that your hardware should fit with your cabinet design. So if you’re trying to achieve a sleek, minimalistic look, bar pulls are the obvious option. But if you’re opting for a more traditional style, knobs and cup pulls are often better choices.

6. Tried and True

Cabinet trends come and go, but some styles have remained popular. So if you’re not a fan of some of the new trends, you’ll be happy to know that some tried-and-true cabinet styles are still hot in 2023.

For example, shaker style cabinets are still the most frequently chosen design. So if flat panels don’t appeal to you, you can’t go wrong with a nice set of shaker cabinets.

Additionally, white remains the most in-demand color for new cabinets. So if showcasing natural woodgrain isn’t your style, it’s perfectly fine to choose white cabinets. Your kitchen will get a refresh, and you’ll be following 2023’s hottest color trend.

Are you ready to make one of these incredible kitchen cabinet designs your own? We’d love to help you design your dream kitchen! Contact us today for a free estimate.

 

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Are Some Woods Better Than Others for Kitchen Cabinets?

One of the best things about purchasing custom kitchen cabinets is you get to choose every detail, from the wood color and species to the hardware and accessories. But with so many options available, it’s often hard to decide what’s best. Frequently, one of the most difficult decisions customers face is selecting the wood species they want.

So are some woods better than others for kitchen cabinets? Absolutely. Here’s what you need to know.

Some Woods Are More Durable

Your kitchen is hard on wood. Steam from cooking, moisture from washing dishes, and chemicals from household cleaners all take a toll on your cabinets. Plus, there’s all the wear and tear from opening and closing all those doors and drawers. So you definitely need to choose a wood species that is strong enough to handle a kitchen environment.

Close-grained hardwoods like cherry, hickory, and maple are excellent choices for your kitchen. That’s because they’re not easily warped by the wet environment in your kitchen. And they’re strong enough to hold up to years of use without becoming distressed.

Some Woods Look Better Stained

Another factor you need to take into consideration is whether you want the wood grain in your cabinets to be visible. For example, rustic cabinets typically feature natural wood grain, including knots, worm holes, and other unique characteristics. So if you enjoy the natural wood aesthetic, you need to choose a type of wood that looks good stained.

Pine, cherry, hickory, alder, walnut, and oak all look beautiful stained. So think about the color and characteristics of the wood you would like to have in your kitchen. Then, choose a species to match.

Some Woods Are Better for Painting

On the other hand, if you prefer painted cabinets, you need to choose wood that is smooth. Typically, maple works best for painted cabinets. It’s a durable hardwood that will stand up to use in your kitchen. But the grain of wood is small, so it won’t interfere with a smooth finish.

Modern and contemporary cabinets are typically painted, so maple is a great choice if you prefer these styles. Maple also works well for Shaker cabinets, since they are frequently painted, too.

Some Woods Better Fit Certain Cabinet Styles

Custom wood cabinets are a sizeable investment, so you want to be certain you’ll love the finished product. To that end, it’s important to consider the cabinet style you want when selecting a wood species. Some woods better fit certain cabinet styles.

As we mentioned above, maple is typically featured in modern and contemporary cabinets, but it can also be used in Shaker and rustic/country cabinets, too. In addition to maple, country/rustic cabinets often feature hardwoods like oak, hickory, and pine. Shaker cabinets most often feature woods native to the Northeastern United States, like maple, oak, hickory, and cherry. And traditional cabinets make a formal statement with woods like mahogany, cherry, and walnut.

Some Woods Are Easier On Your Budget

Some species of wood, like pine, tend to be cheaper. And other species, like mahogany, tend to be on the more expensive side. So you may need to take your budget into consideration when choosing a wood species.

However, because we use high-grade materials and construction techniques, we find that the type of finish and style of door you choose have the most impact on the price of your cabinets. So before you discount a particular species of wood, it’s worth getting a quote to see whether it fits in your budget after all.

When it comes to kitchen cabinets, some woods are definitely better than others. But don’t worry, we’re happy to help you choose the right species to fit your vision. Give us a call or contact us online to begin the process.

 

 

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