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Kitchen Lighting: How to Showcase Your Cabinets with Light

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where everyone gathers and where memories are made. So naturally, you want a beautiful, welcoming kitchen. Cabinets make up a big part of your kitchen’s overall look, so it’s important to accent them with the right lighting. Here’s how to showcase your cabinets with light.

Make Use of Natural Light

The first way to showcase your cabinets with light is simply to make use of natural light. If your kitchen has windows, a skylight, or a glass door, don’t cover them up! After all, the natural light they provide offers a beautiful way to showcase your cabinets. So, either leave windows uncovered or choose sheer window treatments that still allow plenty of light to come through.

If your kitchen doesn’t have any great sources of natural light and you plan to remodel, consider adding some strategically placed windows. Even small kitchens typically have places windows or skylights can be added, and it’s well worth the investment to add natural light to your kitchen.

Layer Your Lighting

It’s important to understand the three main types of lighting in your kitchen. Each has a role to play and layering them gives the best results. That’s why you should include ambient, task, and accent lighting to showcase your kitchen cabinets.

The first layer, ambient lighting, is soft, warm light that extends throughout your kitchen and typically comes from overhead fixtures. Next, add task lighting to illuminate workspaces, like countertops and kitchen islands. Finally, accent lighting is perfect for illuminating specific areas or objects you want to display. Accent lighting is perfect for showcasing China cabinets, highlighting design elements, or spotlighting countertop decor.

Pay Attention to Spacing

Exactly where you place your lighting matters more than you may think. For example, pendant lights are a beautiful way to showcase kitchen islands. And LED light strips are perfect for under-cabinet lighting. However, both types of lighting may result in a glare if they are spaced incorrectly. And that’s particularly true for glossy surfaces, such as marble or granite.

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution. Simply spacing lights correctly reduces glare and shows your cabinets in the best light. For instance, pendant lights should be centered above features like kitchen islands. However, they should not be closer than 2.5 feet from the surface of the island. Similarly, LED lights should be placed between one and three inches away from the front of the cabinet to avoid excessive glare on the countertop below.

Choose Warm Tones

Not all lighting is the same. Both your cabinets and your kitchen as a whole look better with warm lighting. Thankfully, it’s easy to choose the right lighting by looking at color temperatures.

A color temperature between 3500K and 4100K is perfect for ambient lighting. That’s because it’s bright enough to illuminate workspaces, like countertops, while still appearing warm. In contrast, it’s best to choose a color temperature between 2700K and 3000K for accent lighting. This range brings a warm, beautiful light to the inside of cabinets. It’s also perfect for lighting countertops below overhead cabinets.

Take Advantage of Custom Options

One of the biggest perks of installing custom kitchen cabinets is getting everything exactly the way you want it, including lighting. So if you want to add lighting to the interior of all your cabinets, you can do it. Can’t wait to highlight the ornate details on your European style cabinets? Consider it done!

The sky is the limit when it comes to designing and lighting your custom kitchen cabinets. So be sure to discuss your ideas with us during the design process. We’re happy to accommodate your wishes and to work with other professionals, such as electricians, to make your cabinet dreams come true.

Ready to get started on your dream kitchen? Contact us today for a free estimate or to begin the design process.

 

 

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Design the Perfect Couple’s Closet With These 5 Tips

Sharing a closet with your spouse or partner is often a source of frustration. If there’s not enough space, items get lost, clothing is wrinkled, and your closet enters a perpetual state of messiness. Fortunately, it’s possible to have harmony in your home and your closet. Follow these five tips to design the perfect couple’s closet.

1. Add Built-In Wardrobes

If you’re working within a large walk-in closet, consider including two built-in wardrobes. That way, while you’re still sharing the same space, you’ll each have your own wardrobe within it. No matter how much you love your partner, it’s common to disagree on how to organize your closet. And if one partner is messier than the other, conflicts inevitably arise.

Separate wardrobes give you each your own designated space to use however you like. That means you can say goodbye to fights over hanging space, clothing on the floor, or scarves lost in the abyss. Sometimes, the key to getting along is holding on to a bit of your own autonomy, and that’s exactly what you get with matching built-in wardrobes.

2. Include an Island

Want to avoid piles of clothing on your chair or bed? Then, consider adding an island to your couple’s closet. An island can be as big or small as you’d like, ranging from a small folding table to a fully customized island built for your specific needs. Remember, having a designated space to set clothing and accessories while you change keeps clutter down and makes getting ready for the day easier on both of you.

So consider including drawers, shelves, and dividers for extra storage. Or opt to add a mirror and lighting so your island doubles as a vanity.  You’ll appreciate having extra space while keeping your floors clear.

3. Maximize Space With Custom-Sized Hanging Areas

Many couples wear clothing of significantly different size from one another. Hanging everything in the same area creates gaps around shorter items or leaves longer pieces potentially becoming bunched and wrinkled. Thankfully, custom-sized hanging areas offer a perfect solution.

Create separate hanging areas for long items, like suits and dresses, and shorter items, like shirts and skirts. Similarly, if one partner is significantly taller, creating individual hanging areas makes sense. You’ll get the most use out of your space, keep everything organized, and avoid squabbles over where to hang clothing.

4. Install a Shoe Rack

Make that jumble of shoes a thing of the past by adding a shoe rack to your couple’s closet. You’ll free up floor space and potentially keep shoes from being left strewn about your home or bedroom. Plus, having your shoes organized makes it easy to find the pair you need, saving you precious time.

Consider installing side-by-side shoe racks so you each have your own space. Alternatively, opt for a custom-built shoe rack designed to fit your shoes. With customized spaces for everything from boots and heels to flats and loafers, you’ll never have to worry about rummaging through your closet to find a matching pair again.

5. Make Use of Custom Organizers

Getting the most use out of your available space is the key to happily sharing a couple’s closet. Fortunately, custom closet organizers give you the ability to transform your closet into more storage space than you ever dreamed possible. Furthermore, with so many options, you’re limited only by your imagination.

For example, is your partner always dropping laundry on the floor? Then, add a pull-out laundry bin to stow it out of sight until laundry day. Or do you have tons of scarves, ties, and jewelry? Then, keep them accessible and neat with lazy Susans. Alternatively, perhaps what you really need is more space for smaller items. In that case, drawer organizers and behind-the-door storage are great options to maximize your space and create a place for everything you need.

Do you need assistance creating the perfect couple’s closet? Reach out today, and we’ll be happy to help.

 

 

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The Best Storage Ideas for Small Homes

Living in a small home presents some big storage challenges, particularly if you’ve just moved from a bigger space. Thankfully, you don’t have to resign yourself to parting with all of your posessions. You just need to find the right solutions for your space, and we’re here to help. Here are the best storage ideas for small homes.

Storage Benches

Space is at a premium in small homes, so make the most of it with dual-purpose items. Installing storage benches in your mudroom, entryway, library, or anywhere else you could use extra seating allows you to use that same space as storage. Instead of purchasing extra chairs, you’ll be able to use the top of the bench for seating while you store shoes, sports equipment, or linens within the bench. Your home will look neater, and you’ll have plenty of space to tuck items away out of sight.

Under-Stair Storage

The space under staircases frequently goes unused. If your home is small, utilizing the space under you stairs is a great way to gain more storage. Install slide-out shelves within each stair, or opt to create a small closet under the staircase. You can even include a safe to stash your valuables out of view. And since you probably aren’t currently using this space, turning it into a closet or drawers will greatly increase the storage capacity of your home.

Shelves

Adding shelves to a small home helps you stay organized and display some of your items. Since most small homes have limited floor space, floor-to-ceiling shelves are a great option for adding storage. That’s because they transform your walls into usable storage space while leaving the floors clear. Consider adding shelves above windows and doors, too. It’s a great way to add storage for knick-knacks, potted plants, or cookbooks to otherwise unused space.

Kitchen Island

If you’ve already maxed out the cabinet space in your kitchen, a custom kitchen island could be just what you need. Kitchen islands look great, and they can double as breakfast nooks. You’ll gain counter and storage space all in one. Plus, with countless custom options and accessories, like spice racks, drawer inserts, and cabinet organizers, you’ll finally have a space to store all your pans, utensils, and kitchen appliances.

Custom Closet Systems

Closet space always seems to run low, even in large homes. So if you have a small home, chances are you’re lamenting your lack of closet storage. Fortunately, you can multiply your usable space with a custom closet system. Instead of relying on a single rod and stacking boxes on the floor, you can create custom hanging areas that fit your clothing without wasting space. Add shoe racks, shelves, accessory drawers, and behind-the-door storage to create space for everything you need to store. You won’t believe how much space your closet truly had all this time!

Bathroom Vanity

Bathrooms in small homes frequently lack adequate storage space. One of the best ways to gain the space you need is by installing a new bathroom vanity. We can customize your vanity to fit your bathroom so there isn’t any wasted space. Don’t forget to add accessories like small appliance storage, slide-out laundry bins, towel racks, and organizers for even more storage.

Custom Entertainment Center

Entertainment centers from big box stores frequently take up a lot of space, while providing very little storage and functionality. Instead, opt for a custom entertainment center that’s built to fit your television and your home.  You’ll be able to add all the shelving, cabinets, and accessory storage you need. We can even build around fireplaces to maximize every inch of your space!

Are you ready to increase the storage in your small home? Contact us today to discuss your needs.

 

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Organization Mistakes You’re Probably Making

Having an organized home creates a sense of peace and may even improve your mental health. That’s because when things are tidy, we feel less stressed and anxious, sleep better, and are able to better focus on other areas of our lives. Yet as beneficial as organization is, it’s also sometimes challenging, especially if you haven’t developed a routine.  Here are some common organization mistakes you’re probably making (and how to fix them).

Creating Stacks

Stacks look better than piles, right? Well, not much. If you’re in the habit of creating stacks of items around your home, you’re contributing to it looking cluttered instead of organized. It’s easy to create stacks of mail on the counter, stacks of papers on your desk, or stacks of laundry on the table, but that doesn’t really get rid of the clutter or help your home feel more organized.

Instead, set aside time every day to file your papers and put laundry away. That way, the stacks don’t become overwhelming. And consider storage options that make staying organized easier. Try adding cabinets and folding areas to your laundry room, installing a new shelf, or adding custom storage to your closet to hold the items that are currently stacked around your home.

Inconvenient Storage

When we choose storage areas that are inconvenient for us, we’re less likely to use them. For example, if you keep all your cleaning supplies in one downstairs closet, it’s less likely you’ll want to do all the extra walking to return them to their place. This results in cleaning supplies left strewn around your home. Some people also inadvertently create disorganization by trying to keep everything out of sight. Haphazardly packing your cabinets and closets makes it difficult to see what you have, so items may be forgotten and repurchased.

Instead, think about convenience when it comes to storage. In the case of cleaning supplies, store needed appliances and cleaning supplies near where they will be used. For example, keep bathroom cleaner in the bathroom. And instead of shoving everything into closets and cabinets, keep frequently used items like coffee makers on the counter and consider open storage for things like coffee mugs and frequently used dishes. Save your cabinet space for items like food storage containers and infrequently used specialty appliances.

Keeping Too Much

Many of us are guilty of keeping too much. Maybe it’s a junk drawer in the kitchen filled with random parts to things you’ve long-since forgotten. Perhaps it’s a rack of outdated or too-small clothes you’re hoping to wear again one day. Or maybe you have boxes of items you thought you would use but never really have. Whatever the case, it’s not uncommon to have unused items taking up space in our homes.

A good rule of thumb to follow is getting rid of anything you haven’t used at least once a year. So keep things like Christmas decorations, but consider letting go of those pairs of jeans you haven’t worn since 2010. It’s fine to keep sentimental items, but in general, aim to sell, donate, or throw away anything that has outlived its usefulness. Decluttering your home immediately helps it look more organized and gives you more space for the things you do use.

Not Enough Storage

Finally, not having enough storage is a big mistake many people make. It’s hard to keep even a modest number of possessions organized if you lack cabinet space, have only single-rod closets, and don’t have adequate shelving. Unfortunately, not having enough storage space forces you either to go with a very minimalist aesthetic or deal with cluttered surfaces.

Instead, invest in custom storage. That way, you have space for everything you need. And because custom cabinets are built to fit your home, there’s no wasted space that could otherwise be functional. If you’ve been living with stacks of items all over your home, it’s time to get organized. Contact us today to see how custom storage can help.

 

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Moving Into a New House? 6 Ways to Make the Kitchen Feel Like Home

You’ve just moved into a beautiful new house, but something about the kitchen doesn’t feel quite right. It doesn’t feel like home. So what’s the problem? And more importantly, how can you fix it? Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as you may think.

Kitchens are particularly prone to feeling cold and sterile. That’s because so many kitchens have harsh lighting, tile floors, stainless steel appliances, and plain cabinets. Thankfully, there are a few easy things you can do to give your kitchen the warm, welcoming feeling you’re looking for. Here are six ways to make your new kitchen feel like home.

1. Add a Fruit Bowl

Something as simple as adding a fruit bowl to your kitchen can inject a much-needed dose of cheer to the room. The great thing about fruit bowls is they also give you a chance to display your personality. If you don’t already have one, you can select a fruit bowl that fits your style and fill it with your favorite fruits. Then, whenever you look into your kitchen, you’ll see a beautiful display of delicious fruit inviting you to sit, have a snack, and enjoy your space.

2. Start an Herb Garden

Plants add warmth and a homey feel to your kitchen. Why not brighten up your kitchen window with an herb garden? You’ll impart a happy feeling to the room and have fresh herbs when you cook. There are many herb garden kits on the market, so you can choose a style you love. Or take it a step further and build your own hanging herb garden. Opt for natural wood, or personalize your planter as much as you like by painting the pots and boxes.

3. Include a Rug

A well-placed kitchen rug adds softness and texture to the room. Choose a rug that fits in with your overall color scheme, or select bright patterns to add a pop of color instead. If you have a favorite rug from your last home, placing it in the kitchen brings a touch of familiarity to the room. And if you have tile, you’ll appreciate the literal warmth of the rug on cold mornings, too.

4. Fix Lighting Issues

Having the right lighting in your kitchen is everything. If your kitchen is too dark, brighten it up by installing lights under your cabinets. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it makes. On the other hand, if your kitchen has harsh, bright lighting, choose softer bulbs or consider replacing your light fixtures with a style that fits your personality.

5. Show Your Love

It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. So doesn’t it make sense for your kitchen to reflect your love? Place items that make you feel good on display in your kitchen. This can be anything from the teapot you inherited from your grandmother, to your most-loved stock pot. Having a familiar item in sight helps your kitchen feel more like home. Alternatively, focus on items that show your personality, like favorite paintings, ceramics, or canisters. The more of yourself you put into your kitchen, the more it will feel like home.

6. Update Your Cabinets

Cabinets are a focal point in your kitchen, so making changes to them can give the room an entirely different appearance. Custom kitchen cabinets allow you to add style, warmth, and personalized functionality to your home. Brighten your kitchen or add an elegant touch with all-wood cabinets, or install a new kitchen island to create a cozy breakfast nook. Your kitchen will feel like home in no time.

Ready to update your cabinets? Edgewood Cabinetry has a plethora of design options, colors, features, and accessories so your cabinets can be truly personalized. And you’ll be able to customize as much or as little as you like, so whether you want to add a new china cabinet to display treasured knick knacks and fine china, or you want to replace all your kitchen cabinets and design every element, we can help. Contact us today to get started.

 

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Breathe New Life Into Your Kitchen with These 7 Simple DIY Tips

Changing the look of your kitchen is easier than you might think. If your kitchen is in need of a refresh, you don’t have to wait until you can do a full  remodel. Breathe new life into your kitchen with these seven simple DIY tips.

1. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

Painting your kitchen is one of the easiest ways to give it a fresh look. Furthermore, it can be accomplished in a single weekend! Choose light colors to brighten your space. Or go for a two-tone look, with a dark color on the bottom and light on top.

2. Choose a New Backsplash

Adding a new backsplash will instantly refresh your kitchen. Bright colors and patterns will add a focal point and pop of color to an otherwise monotone kitchen. In contrast, if your kitchen already has a lot going on, choosing a more muted backsplash will lend a calmer vibe to the room. HGTV has some great ideas here.

3. Organize Your Counters

Clearing counter space will help your kitchen feel larger and more relaxing. Accordingly, you’ll want to store anything you’re not using out of sight. If you must store items on the counter, choose functional storage containers that are also decorative. Colorful canisters, decorative bottles for oil and vinegar, fun or sophisticated fruit bowls, and stylish bread boxes are all great choices to clear counter space while adding personality to your kitchen.

4. Bring the Outside In

Including plants or other natural elements in your kitchen is a wonderful way to increase the ambiance, to say nothing of the indoor air quality! There are plenty of plants that thrive in the kitchen, even if you’re not a master gardener. Good Housekeeping has an excellent list of hardy plants here.

Adding cut flowers is another excellent option. Alternatively, in the fall and winter, you can opt for decorative touches like dried corn, pumpkins, berries, and pinecones.

5. Put a Rug Down

Rugs have the ability to instantly transform the look of any room, and that includes your kitchen. If your kitchen has a neutral color scheme, a brightly-colored rug could be just the pick-up you need to lend a cheerful note to the room. Additionally, keeping a selection of rugs around allows you to refresh your room as often as you want simply by switching them up!

Remember that you should always choose rugs that have a rubber backing for use in the kitchen. Since most kitchens have smooth floors, a rubber backing is essential to prevent accidental slips and falls.

6. Change Your Window Treatments

Hanging new window treatments is one of the simplest ways to breathe new life into your kitchen. Sheer curtains add a light, flowy touch to your kitchen, while heavier fabrics like burlap can be perfect to offset dark colors, like navy. Or opt for blinds to add a clean look. Keep in mind that patterned window treatments may make small windows look even smaller, so save those for large windows instead.

7. Reconsider Your Lighting

Having the right lighting can make or break your kitchen. Consider adding a new light fixture to make a dramatic difference in the look and feel of your kitchen. Alternatively, just experimenting with different bulbs can give your kitchen a fresh new look. Keep in mind that counters look best with bright lighting, so something as simple as strips of stick-on lighting underneath your cabinets can really brighten up your room.

Breathing new life into your kitchen doesn’t have to break the bank or require an extensive time commitment. Try the above tips to quickly and easily refresh your kitchen.

While simple DIY projects can go a long way toward breathing new life into your kitchen, sometimes you need a professional touch. If you’re ready to remodel your kitchen with customized cabinets and kitchen solutions, check out just a few of the ways you can get the customized style and storage you need here.

Need help? Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to walk you through our options and design process.

Image: Pexels

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Elegance and Sophistication: Moulding in Layers

At Edgewood Cabinetry, you can customize your cabinets to achieve the exact look that you want. Gone are the days of prefabricated (or stock) cabinets that can often be bland or boring. Because the kitchen is the room where the most time is spent, you want to make sure that your kitchen reflects your design taste and style. The cabinetry is often the focal point of the kitchen because it takes up the most space, therefore you should hire craftsmen that will take their time to build and install the cabinets that will bring life into your kitchen through craftsmanship, design, and color.
Edgewood Cabinetry feels that “custom cabinetry makes a kitchen.” This is the reason that the craftsmen pay special attention to detail, ensuring that every element you desire in your cabinetry, from extra storage; knobs, handles and pulls; islands; and built in appliance units, can be brought to life. Edgewood Cabinetry will draw the plans out for you, and provide you with 3D images that include texture, color, and style, so that you can see a realistic depiction of what you’re paying for, before process begins.
Some design elements that Edgewood Cabinetry can include are:
Layered, stacked or stepped, crown moulding. Moulding in layers gives your cabinets, and kitchen, a uniquely elegant and sophisticated appearance.
Ample storage allows you to have cutlery; appliance; pots and pans; as well as food, wine and spice storage where ever you want it.
Islands provide you with more counter, cabinet, and storage space.
If you’re looking to have custom cabinets designed, built, and installed in your kitchen, and you’re in the Clayton, NC area, Edgewood Custom Cabinetry is the company for you. Contact us, and let’s get started on your project right away!

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The Mesa Home

Define Your Dream Home

Edgewood Custom Cabinets is dedicated to helping homeowners bring their dream home to life. Whether you are renovating an existing home or building a new home, we can listen to your dream and turn it into a reality. Our fresh designs, elegant cabinetry, inspired kitchens, professional offices, and comforting bathrooms are just the beginning of what we can design and create for you. We have designed cabinets and crafted living spaces of every style. So whether your style is traditional, contemporary, country, rustic, modern, or classical, we have done it.

Make It A Reality with Creative Cabinetry Throughout Your Home

Many homeowners are looking for innovative, functional living spaces all throughout the home — beyond the kitchen and the bath. In these situations we enjoy crafting unique concepts and living solutions that brings all the rooms together with an interesting, but common design element. Entertainment centers, mud rooms, breakfast nooks, unique islands, custom offices, mantles, bookshelves, laundry rooms and walk-in closets are all part of what we do.

Explore These Custom Home Galleries

See what Edgewood Cabinetry can do to bring together the style, design and feel of all the rooms in your home.

 

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Contact Edgewood Cabinetry for a Free Quote Today!

  • Online Quote Request or Call (919) 369-2687
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The Merendino Home

Define Your Dream Home

Edgewood Custom Cabinets is dedicated to helping homeowners bring their dream home to life. Whether you are renovating an existing home or building a new home, we can listen to your dream and turn it into a reality. Our fresh designs, elegant cabinetry, inspired kitchens, professional offices, and comforting bathrooms are just the beginning of what we can design and create for you. We have designed cabinets and crafted living spaces of every style. So whether your style is traditional, contemporary, country, rustic, modern, or classical, we have done it.

Make It A Reality with Creative Cabinetry Throughout Your Home

Many homeowners are looking for innovative, functional living spaces all throughout the home — beyond the kitchen and the bath. In these situations we enjoy crafting unique concepts and living solutions that brings all the rooms together with an interesting, but common design element. Entertainment centers, mud rooms, breakfast nooks, unique islands, custom offices, mantles, bookshelves, laundry rooms and walk-in closets are all part of what we do.

Explore These Custom Home Galleries

See what Edgewood Cabinetry can do to bring together the style, design and feel of all the rooms in your home.

 

Contact Edgewood Cabinetry for a Free Quote Today!

  • Online Quote Request or Call (919) 369-2687
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