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custom cabinets-edgewood cabinetry-clayton nc

Best Ideas for Adding Color to Your Kitchen Cabinetry

If your kitchen looks a bit drab these days, you might want to consider adding some color by updating your cabinetry.

It doesn’t take a lot to change the visual appeal of your cabinets, nor do you have to go crazy with color to get that added interest.

Even using different wood tones or different tones of one paint color can greatly spruce up the look of your kitchen.

Some of the Best Ideas for Adding Color to Your Kitchen Cabinetry:

Mixing Woods

Keep in mind that your kitchen cabinets don’t all have to look the same or have the same stain. Using a lighter wood stain or even natural wood on upper cabinets and a darker stained wood on the lower cabinets will add contrast and often makes the room appear larger because it’s less monochromatic. Or consider simply staining your drawers a different tone to make them stand out.

Black & White

Instead of having all white or all black cabinets, mix them up. For a kitchen with white upper and lower cabinets, try using black cabinets on the island to make the area look less stark. For a kitchen with black upper and lower cabinets, use white cabinets for the island and even for the wall pantry, if you have one, to brighten up the room.

Custom Paint Colors

For a modern look, choose a custom color for your cabinets. Blue or a soft green, or even a pastel yellow will make your kitchen cabinets stand out from everyone else’s in the neighborhood. You can do all of your cabinets in one color, but for maximum effect, choose two complementary colors. Use one of the colors for most of the cabinets and the other on a couple of side cabinets or just for cabinets with drawers.

Mixing It All Up

Try all of the above! For something really bold in the kitchen, consider all black for your upper and lower cabinets, then a natural wood for your pantry area or any open shelving you might have, and a green or a red tone for your center island cabinets. Your choices are only limited by your imagination.

Contact us for even more ideas. Edgewood Cabinetry designs cabinets of all styles. We’re dedicated to helping homeowners bring their dream home to life.

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kitchen island cart-edgewood cabinetry-raleigh nc

3 Reasons Your Home Needs a Portable Kitchen Island Cart

Every kitchen has limited counter space and storage, and stand-alone pieces have long been the answer.

These beautiful islands work well in homes with large kitchens, but a lack of floor space has been an issue in many homes. For years, home cooks with small kitchens have felt their needs were not addressed. It is now possible to add a portable kitchen island cart that will solve counter space needs as well as storage solutions.

 Preparing Everyday Meals

Modern families are often rushed for time, and preparing any meal is an exercise in scheduling. Finding time and space to get all the preparations done and cooking completed may frustrate cooks with small kitchens. An island cart alleviates the need for more counter space while providing an area to store tools used on a regular basis. The cart moves near the sink for food prep, and it is then shuttled to the stove for cooking. It also offers a fun way to serve the family meal.

Teaching Children to Cook

Cooking is a family event in many kitchens, and this is a great way to help children learn this important step in caring for their own needs. When space is at a premium, a portable cart in the kitchen is a wonderful way to help them succeed. It provides the child with a defined space to keep them from being overwhelmed. Keeping them in an area teaches them to work within their own space, and it helps with acquiring organizational skills. They benefit from learning how to stock their own preparation space. If the cooking lesson requires multiple steps, the cart moves to the areas needed.

Help with the Holidays

Inviting friends and family for large holiday dinners is a wonderful tradition, and it gives people a way to enjoy each other while sharing treasured family recipes. Many large gatherings of this type require several cooks working together while preparing and cooking the meal. A portable island cart has plenty of uses in this setting. It provides extra preparation space, easy access to necessary tools, and it serves as an area for finishing cooked dishes right before serving. The use of this island cart extends right into the dining room for easy service options.

Modern life requires great solutions in many areas and the kitchen, often the heart of the home now has one more great tool.

If you want more information on ordering your new kitchen island cart, please contact us today.

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doubled stacked cabinets-edgewood cabinetry-raleigh nc

Double Stacked Kitchen Cabinets, Yes or No?

 When it comes  to getting a beautiful new kitchen, nothing can be more exciting, but at the same time frustrating.

You have probably been pouring over the design publications, as well as finding your favorites online at some of the popular sites.

You think you know what you want, but need to investigate seriously if it is a good option for you.

This post will help you with a decision on double stacked kitchen cabinets.

Pros

  • Utilizes space above cabinetry.
  • Solid doors provide storage space for bulky items or items not often used.
  • Glass front doors can also be lit and provide a decorative accent space.
  • Completes the look of the kitchen.

Cons

  • May not be enough space above cabinetry. It depends on the height of your cabinets, and height of your ceiling.
  • Inconvenient to access so need to use some type of step stool.
  • Could add a danger factor in trying to access items that are overhead.
  • The cost may be prohibitive.
  • They may make your kitchen look too busy or cramped.
Reading a list like this may help you to decide if double stacked kitchen cabinets are right for you.

There are other options, such as an angled corner cabinet with lighted glass to use as an accent display. Or a pantry cabinet designated for bulky items. But, you have always dreamed of the look of double stacked cabinets in your kitchen. In fact, it is all you can think of that you really like. You will never know what will work for you unless you contact us to get a professional design for your new kitchen. We also provide you with a 3D design with the color you have chosen.

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Raleigh NC-double nestled drawers-edgewood cabinetry

An Even Dozen of the Most Popular Kitchen Storage Ideas

Storage is an ongoing problem in most kitchens.

Just when you think you’ve found a home for everything, that new must-have appliance comes out.

Or dear Aunt Elsie gives you a set of hand-embroidered dish towels that you know won’t last a week if you leave them out in your busy kitchen.

So, how do you cram more storage into your already packed kitchen? We’ve rounded up a dozen of the most popular kitchen storage ideas. These run the gamut from hideaway trash and recycling bins to a shallow drawer that’s perfect for Aunt Elsie’s treasured dish towels.

An organized pantry

This is high on most people’s wish list! Installing custom organizers makes it easy to keep your pantry neatly organized.

Dedicated spice storage

Many home cooks have expanded their cooking repertoire to include international dishes. Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme are no longer enough when you’ve added dishes like pad thai, moussaka, and chicken tikka masala to your dinner menus! It’s easier to make these delicious dishes when your spices are neatly organized and easily visible.

Rolling cart

A rolling cart with a butcher block top offers additional prep space, storage, and the convenience of moving it to where you need it the most at the moment.

Corner drawers

It seems like there has never been a really good storage solution for those kitchen corners – until now. An ingenious set of long drawers can tuck some much-needed storage into that awkward corner. A good cabinet designer can even design the drawers to fit what you need to put in them!

Vertical utensil drawer

If you love storing your most-used utensils vertically in bins, but also love uncluttered countertops, this is the drawer for you!

Multi-level drawers

Adding an extra, movable shallow drawer in the top of a deeper drawer gives you a handy place to store things like cookie cutters, potholders and trivets, or Aunt Elsie’s dish towels. You can even install several  levels if your drawer is deep enough!

Drawer dividers

Dividing a drawer into multiple configurations allows you to have a place for everything. It also makes it easy to put everything back in its place! 

Vertical storage for large flat items

Vertical dividers will let you store large flat items like cookie sheets, muffin pans, cooling racks, and cutting boards neatly and efficiently. No more pulling out the entire stack because the piece you need is inevitably on the bottom!

Full-extension slides

Adding these slides allows you to easily reach everything in your cabinets by pulling out the whole shelf. Replacing the cabinet doors with drawer fronts makes them even more convenient!

Under-sink pullouts

The area under the sink is a popular place to keep cleaning supplies. The only problem is trying to find that can of cleanser that’s hiding somewhere in those deep, dark crevices. The solution is to install a large shallow drawer or set of wire baskets that pull out to expose all of your cleaning supplies to the light of day.

Pullout trash and recycling bins

These bins free up floor space while keeping the trash handy. They also make recycling easy. You can get a four bin setup that will even let you sort the recyclables!

Well, there you have it – the dozen best storage solutions for your kitchen. When you’re ready to implement them in your kitchen, contact us.

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kitchen remodel budget-raleigh nc-edgewood cabinetry

Top 10 Reasons a Kitchen Remodel Goes Over Budget

You’ve decided to remodel your kitchen, come up with some great ideas, and set a budget.

Unfortunately, going over on a remodeling budget is a common complaint.

How can you avoid those kitchen remodel budget buster blues and keep your budget on track?

Here are ten of the most common reasons for a kitchen remodel budget going bust:

Starting in a rush

This is a major project with lots of decisions to make. Budgeting time for design and decision-making beforehand will prevent costly mistakes later.

Not hiring an experienced designer

A good designer can help you get the kitchen you want at a budget you can afford.

Dilly-dallying over decisions

Not choosing paint colors, tile, faucet, cabinet hardware, etc. is like throwing a monkey wrench in the works. The tile guys can’t finish their work on schedule if you decide that you just have to have that special-order tile for the backsplash, after all. Remember, delays equal money!

Changing your mind – a lot

Everyone changes their mind about something during a remodel. However, making frequent changes can cause a domino effect. Changing your mind about the sink at the last minute might mean rescheduling the plumber!

Oh, and make sure everyone knows about any changes you’ve made. Otherwise, you may discover you’re paying to have things undone.

Stretching the budget with the contingency fund

Every remodeling project needs a contingency fund. Any time you’re dealing with electrical, plumbing, or even walls, there will be surprises. That’s why you need a contingency fund.

If you raid the contingency fund in order to buy that fabulous (but pricey!) apron-front sink or antique light fixture, what will you do if a nasty surprise shows up?

Distracting the workers

Talk to them about the job, of course, but don’t just chit-chat or get in their way. Especially don’t let your kids and pets get in their way! Not only is it dangerous, but do you really want to pay them for helping you catch the cat that darted out the door while the drywall was coming in?

Not keeping track of what you’re spending!

It is so easy to spend a few dollars more for an upgraded faucet or prettier light fixture or… After all, it’s just a few dollars more – until it isn’t! A few dollars here and there can add up to hundreds or even thousands if you don’t keep a running total.

Accept the reality that if you want to spend a little more on one item on your wish list, you’ll have to spend less on another.

Adding extras

If you didn’t need a wine fridge at the beginning of the project, you probably don’t need it now.

As long as you’re here…

Contractors carefully schedule their workers’ and subcontractor’s time. If you ask the plumber to fix the leaky faucet upstairs, you’re throwing off that careful schedule. Guess who’s going to pay?

Not listening to your designer and contractor 

You hired them because they have the experience and expertise that you lack. Their suggestions will often help keep your project on budget – and on time!

 A lot of different elements must work together harmoniously in a kitchen. If you want your new kitchen to come together as a beautiful and functional workspace, contact us. We can help you achieve that – and stay on budget in the process!

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prepping you kitchen for most money at resale-edgewood cabinetry-raleigh nc

Prepping Your Kitchen for the Most Money at Resale

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, you may already know that a really great kitchen can help ‘seal the deal’.

But how do you get that great kitchen without investing a lot of money, time, and effort into a home you’re leaving behind?

To help you get your home sold, we’ve rounded up some quick, easy ideas that can update your kitchen and give it a fresh look. Make a list of the changes you want to make in your kitchen and then prioritize your list according to what’s needed most, your budget, and your timeline.

Do your research

It’s a good idea to know what buyers in your area are looking for and what your competition looks like. Devote a little weekend time to visiting open houses in your area. Who knows? You might get some great ideas for your house!

Break out the paint rollers

A fresh coat of paint does wonder for making your kitchen look fresh and new. Just make sure that you properly prep your surfaces before painting. Fill and sand all nicks and holes or your fresh paint won’t look so fresh!

Choose low VOC paint. Its lack of odor won’t bother home buyers who might be sensitive – and it won’t have people guessing what you’re trying to cover up!

Upgrade the lighting

Add lighting wherever you can or at least upgrade old light fixtures. Brushed stainless steel and nickel are popular choices for many buyers.

Remove or replace window coverings

Take down window treatments and leave them off if you can. If you need something for privacy, choose something light and minimalist. It’s important to bring as much natural light as possible into the kitchen.

Add a new backsplash

Invest in glass, mirror, or metal tiles for a modern looking backsplash that bounces light around the room.

Change your kitchen hardware

Replacing cabinet hardware, switch plates, etc. is one of the most cost-effective changes you can make. This article has tips for choosing new cabinet hardware and you can find installation instructions here.

Add at least one power outlet with USB ports

Replace at least one regular outlet with an outlet that has built-in USB ports. They’re easy to install and are especially popular with younger buyers.

Just don’t install it near a sink, stove or baking station; water, grease, and flour don’t play well with electronics!

Clear off those counters

Clutter makes counters look smaller and indicates there might not be enough cabinet storage. Don’t scare away potential buyers by letting them think there’s not enough room for their kitchen items. Remember, less is more.

This is a great opportunity to start packing and the more you pack now, the less you’ll need to do later!

Add storage

If you don’t have a pantry, it’s time to create one! There are many options available for adding extra storage to your kitchen or making it more convenient. Remember, buyers need to be able to picture their stuff in your kitchen. Don’t cram your newly organized cabinets – keep them looking as spacious as possible.

Keep it smelling fresh

If you can, leave a window open to let in fresh air. Use odor neutralizers in sink cabinets and near the trash.

Pots of herbs smell nice and help buyers picture themselves cooking in your kitchen. If they can picture themselves using a kitchen, they’re more likely to remember that kitchen when it’s time to buy.

Contact us if your kitchen needs more extensive work. Our experience and expertise will let us design a kitchen that could start a bidding war!

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adding color to your kitchen-edgewood cabinetry-raleigh nc

6 Best Ideas for Adding Color to Your Kitchen

Adding color to a space can be a scary process for some, but remember, you can always change it.

If you want to experiment with color, start slowly and with items that are a little less permanent than cabinets and big appliances. Here are 6 Best Ideas for Adding Color to Your Kitchen

1. Paint The Walls A Daring Color

Chances are your kitchen doesn’t have much wall space showing due to cabinets, drawers and appliances. If all of those items are neutral in color, you might want to think about making the walls a non neutral color. A pop of color on the walls will make your cabinets and appliances stand out. For example, if you have white cabinets and black or white appliances, make the walls a bright red. The cabinetry will stand out and because the walls do not show as much, the color won’t be overbearing.

2. Accents/Accessories

One of the best ways to add color to a kitchen is to do so with kitchen accessories. These items can include but are not limited to; flour and sugar canisters, vases, plates (for display), utensil holder, and small appliances such as toasters, can openers and stand mixers. If you’re feeling really bold, take a chance on getting a retro refrigerator in a funky color like baby blue or cherry red.

3. Backsplash 

Adding color to a kitchen is easy especially when they have all sorts of backsplashes to experiment with. Finding a backsplash that has some difference in color can really dress up your kitchen and give it that colorful feel without being too much.

4. Pulls and Handles

An easy way to add color to a kitchen is to get all new drawer handles and cabinet pulls. There are so many fresh, colorful options out there you really can go wild. Pulls and handles can be found anywhere and actually be made of almost anything. You could buy or make them out of seashells, cogs, glass, rope, etc. and all of which can be colorful. Not only will you be adding some subtle color but you are also giving your kitchen a whole new look. You’d be surprised how different your kitchen will look after just revamping some small accessories.

5. Rugs, Hand Towels, Curtains

A cheap, extremely easy way to add color to your kitchen is with the use of linens. Add a colorful rug with a brilliant pattern to your sink area, cover windows with bright curtains, and place some colorful hand towels on the oven handle and voila, you’ve got some color.

6. Table And Chairs

Last but not least, look for ways to incorporate colors into the table settings. That might include a vase, table runner, table-cloth, napkins, and seat cushions.

For more information and help on adding color to your kitchen contact us and we will be happy to help.

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bathroom renovations-resale-edgewood cabinetry

Do Luxury Bathroom Upgrades Help Sell Your Home?

Experienced and seasoned real estate agents advise home sellers that upgrades and renovations make a big difference to home buyers.

They often state that luxury bathrooms and kitchens are what buyers want most.

A recent first-ever Remodeling Impact Report, by the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, proves it true.

Bathroom renovations ranked third in projects that appeal to home buyers. Only kitchen upgrades and complete kitchen renovations listed higher for desirability. Adding a new bathroom ranked fifth. This makes bathrooms and kitchens the most important areas to focus on when considering upgrades or renovations.

Even better, bathrooms and kitchens are the top four for increasing the value of a home resale. An estimated bathroom renovation costing $26,000 adds $15,000 to a home’s price, or a 58 percent recoup of the job cost. Adding a bathroom with an estimated cost of $50,000 increases the home’s value by $26,000, or 52 percent of job cost.

Remodeling magazine confirmed the return on investment in their 2016 Cost vs. Value report. They examined 27 common remodeling projects, and their finding showed a luxury bathroom remodel or luxury bathroom addition has a 56 percent and 58 percent cost-value ratio.

Moreover, Remodeling magazine found the demand and value for such remodeling projects have increased since 2015. They stated, “Bigger and more expensive projects, rising new-home prices, curb appeal, and energy efficiency all contributed to a slight gain in remodeling projects’ payback at resale, the 2016 Cost vs. Value report shows.”

If you would like to talk more about luxury bathrooms, or need more information, please contact us.

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update backsplash-edgewood cabinetry

Change Your Kitchen Style!

It’s summer, and you feel like your kitchen needs an update.

Want to change your kitchen style?  How can you transform your kitchen easily?  With some inspiring ideas.

Backsplash

Freshen your kitchen with a new backsplash.  There are countless styles of tile, like these beautiful honeycomb tiles, or this amazing take on subway tiles in gray.

You don’t have to be tied to tile, though. Tin makes an unusual and timeless statement, and mirror will make your kitchen look much bigger!

Cabinet Style

Feeling ho-hum about your cabinets?  You can get new cabinet fronts and avoid the whole tearing-everything-out remodel scene.  Available in so many styles, one is sure to fit the look you’re shooting for.  Whether your kitchen is country or classic, modern or retro, there is sure to be a new style of cabinet front that will make your kitchen sing.

Hardware

Changing out the hardware on your cabinetry can change the look of your kitchen in an instant. Black hardware on white cabinets gives a sleek modern look, while bronze gives a warm feel on dark cabinetry.

Decor

What you place around your kitchen also has an immediate effect on the feeling and style.  You can get copper accessories like cookie jars, a paper towel holder, even a toaster and stand mixer for a bright lift.

A new area rug with some sizzling colors and jazzy patterns will make your kitchen come alive for summer, and is easy to switch out come fall.  You’ll change the whole look of your kitchen in one easy step!

Would you like more ideas on how to update your kitchen’s style?  Contact us and we will be glad to speak with you.  There is so much you can do quickly and easily to bring your kitchen back to life!

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