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Kesseböhmer storage solutions for the ultimate kitchen-edgewood cabinetry

Kesseböhmer: For the Ultimate Storage Solutions

Most people have ordinary cabinets in their kitchen and Most people don’t know what they’re missing.

They don’t have Kesseböhmer storage solutions.

These are but a few examples of the ultimate in storage meet elegance.

Tandem

Looking for tall cabinetry?  The Tandem offers you one of those ‘a-ha’ moments as you open the door, and not only are the shelves on the door easily accessible, but the rear shelves move forward.  Gone are the days of trying to hunt at the back of a dark cabinet for that jar of pasta sauce you thought you shoved in there long ago.  The Tandem can also go smaller in unexpected ways.  If you want a coffee maker or oven integrated into the unit, the Tandem can fit neatly underneath, giving you storage right where you need it.

Convoy

Convoy Centro, the beginning of the Centro line, is an amazing pull-out pantry system that shows you everything you have. It’s soundless, dampened opening and closing are a world’s first, and all the shelves are fully easily adjustable.  Convoy Lavido offers pull-out shelves that will win you over with their easy accessibility including shelves that pull out to give you 270 degrees of access to your stored good.  Usable even with sliding doors, this is the one that is truly versatile in design while offering you not only ease of access but access in a beautiful way.

Dispensa

Rather have a pull-out pantry with even more options? Dispensa is the one for you.  With the ability to swing 90 degrees in either direction once fully extended, you can see everything you have on either side of the cabinet.  Using every bit of space, nothing is wasted.

Interested?  We thought so!  Contact us so we can help you design the kitchen of your dreams with Kesseböhmer storage solutions for the ultimate kitchen.

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cast metal art kitchen backsplash-edgewood cabinetry

Using Cast Metal Art in Your Kitchen Backsplash Design

Looking for a way to jazz up your kitchen backsplash?

While there are lots of beautiful ceramic tiles you can use, have you thought about using cast metal as well?  Cast metal, used in your backsplash, creates a kitchen unique to you.

Tiles–

Add in with your remodel when you choose your tiles.

You can bring nature indoors with 8″x8″ leaf tiles.  Cast in aluminum and finished in antique copper, these tiles will add an old world charm.  Available in ginkgo, oak, aspen and more, you can get a variety and space them out along your backsplash for a really different touch.

For those wanting to get their feet wet but not go so large, there are metal accent tiles that will compliment the tile of your choice.  They will add sparkle and design while being understated.

Wall Accents–

Perfect for the kitchen that needs something big to give it ‘wow’.  Leave space clear when designing your kitchen.

You can try a topper over your stove like this Grapevine French Country Old Tuscan style original piece.  Adding old world charm to your kitchen was never so easy!

Are you daring?  Try a Birds and Branches medallion over your stove.

Trivets–

Adding cast iron trivets to your walls as decor is a fast and easy way to reinforce the style of your kitchen.

There are several cast iron trivets available with a sense of whimsy. A cat, a teapot, a fish and a rooster are all available, as are several more.  Are you a boating fan?  There’s a trivet for that!

For a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor, add vintage cast iron trivets to your wall.  With amusing sayings, these trivets will make guests smile.

Cast metal is not a material we go to automatically when thinking of kitchen design.  However, there are many ways it can be used to beautify your space.  Ready to change up your kitchen and add a fresh look?  Contact us for more ideas for your kitchen and how you can achieve the style you want.

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black board backsplash-edgewood cabinetry

Add Pop to Your Kitchen Backsplash to Reflect Your Personality

You spend a lot of time in your kitchen.  Shouldn’t it reflect some of your character?

Have you considered adding pop to your kitchen backsplash by using something unusual?  If you want to venture just a little into something different, consider the vast array of tiles available. Tile mosaics are available in much more than square or subway tiles.  From cubes to circles, fans to ovoids, tiles aren’t just tiles anymore.  But what if you’re a little more adventurous?

If you have light cabinets, you might consider wood for your backsplash!  Horizontal planks pull a modern kitchen back to the outdoors, and you won’t believe how beautiful it looks against those stainless steel appliances.

An option with more versatility is wallpaper.  Infinitely customizable to fit your kitchen, wallpaper is available that is more sturdy and made to take the punishment it will see in a kitchen environment.

For a super edgy look, metal wins hands down.

There are so many options for metal backsplashes, you may have a hard time deciding!  You can go with a corrugated metal, which looks surprisingly beautiful in a country setting, or you can try a steel penny tile that will stun everyone with its modern twist.  Meantime, a tin tile backsplash adds character to a retro kitchen in a new way.

Want to go really different?  How about a blackboard backsplash (say that 5 times fast!) so you can have a new look whenever you want, or just make notes?  Or go artsy and put in a mosaic using whatever makes you happy in the kitchen from plates to tiles to glass.  Or you can try a mosaic inspired by a particular artist like Klimt, Monet, or Van Gogh (think Starry Night).

Not ready to go that permanent in your change?

You can still give your kitchen a lift by painting the backsplash, then hanging art in the space you have.  That way, when your mood changes, so can your kitchen!

There are so many ways to give your kitchen a touch of personality that is unique to you.  If you have questions about your kitchen, or we can help you figure out what you need to make your kitchen work better for you, contact us.

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wire mesh cabinet door inserts-edgewood cabinetry

Cabinet Door Inserts Are Budget Friendly

Kitchen upgrades increase the value of your property.

It is common knowledge that upgrades to a kitchen have a 100% return on investment.

Or perhaps you want to improve your kitchen’s look and functionality for your own pleasure of use and visual appeal. Everyone’s budget to remodel their kitchen is different.  If you are searching for a method that fits your budget, cabinet door inserts will offer you a large variety of choices at a reasonable price.

Cabinet door inserts replace your existing door panels while keeping the door frame, handles, hinges and the remainder of the cabinet intact. However, refinishing the door frames or replacing handles will add options to achieve the new look you want while keeping within your budget.

The trend today is to replace solid doors with a cabinet door insert that allows either a full view or a limited view of the cabinet’s contents.  The point often is not to expose your dishes and cups, as in a display hutch, but to give a hint as to what is behind the door.

The most popular styles today are the frosted glass and wire-mesh door fronts. Both have the property of shading the contents when the lights are low during the times of non-use, yet allow enough view to find the objects when the lights are high. This property varies by the degree of frosting or the size of the holes in the wire mesh.

Another popular door insert is the cloth style which fits well with a colonial style interior. This allows a wide variety of patterns from a flower or paisley-type pattern for the matriarch to geometric patterns that reflect American-Indian or Eastern cultures.

Adding a central mullion may achieve the Gothic look you desire.

There are many choices of cabinet door inserts available . Contact us today.

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fresh kitchen herb garden-edgewood cabinetry

Plant Your Fresh Herb Garden in the Kitchen Now

Cooking with herbs gives food a unique taste and an unusual flair.

Medicinal herbs are often neglected but are useful in treating a range of ailments. Some herbs fend off pests in the home, such as the use of  peppermint and lavender to displace ants and repel mice. Get these benefits quickly by starting a fresh herb garden in the kitchen.

Getting started

Spring and summer are a perfect time start this project. Herbs are widely available and at the peak of growth and flavor. Start the kitchen herb garden now while it can become established outside. If you do not have a sunny porch or deck on which to start the herb garden, a sunny window indoors will work just fine.

Choosing a container

Select a container for the herb garden that matches or complements your kitchen decor. Choose a container that is sturdy, yet lightweight enough to move outside on occasion. Long, narrow pots work well on a countertop. Round, deep pots sit well on a table or even the floor. One internet site recently showcased a herb garden planted in Mason jars. Be creative and plant your herb garden as uniquely your own.

Drainage holes in the container are helpful, but if you pick a pot that cannot be drilled, a layer of small stones will keep your soil and roots above water. If you choose a container without drainage holes, empty the water from the top.

Choosing fresh herbs for the indoor kitchen garden

Plant selections for the kitchen herb garden are seemingly unlimited. Choose perennial herbs that last for years or annual herbs which allow you to change varieties seasonally. Many flavors and colors of basil and parsley are a good starting point. Dill, chives and cilantro grow quickly and are attractive in containers. Rosemary, lavender, and lemon thyme add enticing aromas even before the cooking begins.

Once you have your fresh herb garden in the kitchen established, use it regularly. Clip herbs from the outside and clip often. This encourages growth while making herbs bushy and full. Contact us to install the perfect space to locate your kitchen herb garden.

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custom kitchen island-edgewood cabinetry

How Much Room Do You Need For a Kitchen Island?

Many homeowners have one item that is high on their wish list when planning a kitchen remodel: an island. Fortunately, even most small kitchens can accommodate a modest island, especially if they have a U or L-shaped layout. A larger kitchen allows for more choices when designing an island.

However, without sufficient clearance, an island can make even a large kitchen feel cramped, crowded, and inefficient. An especially large island might even act as a barrier, interrupting the flow and making the kitchen feel much less user-friendly.

When deciding on an island, it’s important to make sure that everything can still function as it should. After all, you don’t want to find out too late that you can’t stand at the stove while someone else is trying to do dishes! Even worse would be tripping over that dishwasher door while carrying a hot pan or sharp knife. Adding a poorly designed island to a kitchen is not only frustrating but also dangerous.

All of the cabinet doors, drawers, and appliances need to open without interfering with each other. An ideal layout gives you safe, easy access to all of your cupboards, drawers, appliances, and work surfaces. You might want to consider trash and recycling, too, if the island is intended as the main prep area.

So, how much space does an island need?

  • Allow at least 3 feet on all sides of the island. Allowing another 6 – 12 inches on a working side is optimum.
  • For the sake of convenience, the distance between the island and other work surfaces shouldn’t be more than about 4 feet. Any farther, and you’ll have to take a step after you turn around, which makes in less convenient.
  • Two fully extended, opposing drawers should still leave walking room between them. A minimum of 30″ is recommended.

When designing your island, you’ll also need to decide its primary use:

  • additional prep space
  • the main work area
  • part of the work triangle
  • a place to eat
  • an entertainment space
  • a combination of uses

If you plan on using it mostly for casual meals, allow plenty of room for seating. The minimum recommended overhang is 12″, although 15″ or so feels more comfortable; leave a minimum of 24″ of width for each diner. A height of 42″ on the seating side allows for regular height bar stools and clearly delineates the eating area from the lower working side. Another option is for a seating area that is simply a continuation of the workspace. This allows the entire island to serve as a workspace when needed.

If the island will include appliances or a sink, you’ll need more space to accommodate them; experts recommend at least 4 – 8 feet, depending on their number and size. A cooktop will require an exhaust hood; make sure you have space for one. Just remember to keep the scale of the island in proportion to that of the kitchen.  

If you’re ready to add an island to your kitchen, contact us. We’ll help you design the functional island of your dreams.

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cherry kitchen-edgewood cabinetry

10 Things You Can Expect With Your Remodel

Taking on a huge remodel can make the homeowner feel nervous.

There are many concerns to consider. For example, the overall cost of the project, completion time and expectations throughout the remodel can keep the homeowner up at night.

Below, we have addressed some of these concerns and given you 10 things to expect during your remodel.

  1. It’s rare that any project comes together according to plan. Expect to make a few changes along the way.
  2. When modifications are necessary, it is possible that additional materials will need to be ordered. This could cause delays to occur.
  3. Additional Expenses. It is also difficult to hit a budget exactly. It’s usually suggested for you to expect about 20% more expenses than your original budget.
  4. No remodel would be described as quiet. For this reason, many homeowners choose to stay away from the home while the construction is taking place.
  5. Since a remodel will likely take several days or weeks to complete, you should expect to be inconvenienced during the construction process. For example, you may not have access to your kitchen while it is being remodeled.
  6. Construction and remodels are messy. Sealing off the construction area from the rest of your home will help keep dust in its place.
  7. It is efficient for your construction team to leave supplies lying near where they will be used next. So, don’t expect to come home to a neat construction area.
  8. After you have started the demolition project, you will probably second guess your decision to remodel. This is completely normal, but the finished product will put those fears aside.
  9. Good Working Relationship. Developing a great relationship with your construction team early is both desirable and necessary, and will be something your construction crew strives for.
  10. A Grand Finale. After everything is said and done, you will be excited about the finished results and about enjoying your home a bit more.

Remodels are stressful when you don’t know what to expect.

But, by learning more about these items, you can put some of your fears aside and look forward to the finished look of your new home. To get started with a remodel of your own, contact us today.

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adding a range hood-edgewood cabinetry

What to Consider When Adding a Range Hood [Part Two]

Adding a range hood part two and if you missed part one click here. We will wrap it up next week with part three.

A range hood is hardworking, yet sometimes overlooked component of a kitchen remodel.

It removes smoke, food odors, airborne grease, mold-promoting humidity, and dangerous VOCs from your home. It can also help reduce your air conditioning bills by keeping your kitchen cooler and more comfortable for the cook.

Frying or sautéing produces fine, airborne particles of grease that will settle on your walls and cabinets if not promptly removed from the air.

Once it settles on a surface, it becomes a dust magnet. The filter in a range hood collects that grease before it has a chance to spread throughout your kitchen. Not only will your kitchen remain cleaner, but the air you breathe will be healthier, too!

So, what should you consider when choosing something as important as your new range hood?

  • A grease trap that is convenient and easy to clean. The rest of the vent should be equally easy to clean – a nice smooth surface and fully enclosed bottom helps with that.
  • A vent fan that exhausts to the outside with as few bends and the shortest run possible. The duct should also have a flap or baffle on the exterior to keep out cold air and moisture, as well as insects and other critters!
  • A low sones rating for the amount of air moved. If two fans move the same amount of air, but one has a sones rating that is half as high as the other, that means that it’s only half as loud at its highest speed. For reference, a quiet refrigerator produces approximately one sone.
  • Good lighting is always helpful when cooking and your range hood can help with that. Look for one that provides even lighting that reaches every corner of your cooktop. An Energy Star rating can help keep your utility costs low.
  • A variable speed control allows you to adjust the fan speed to suit your needs at the moment. At the very least, the fan should have multiple speed settings.

Optional features you may appreciate include:

  • Automatic heat sensors that sound an alarm or increase the fan speed in response to increased heat coming off the stove.
  • Automatic shut-offs that turn the fan off after a predetermined time. If you leave for a movie right after that delicious fish dinner, you won’t come home to a ‘fishy’ smelling house or a fan that’s been running needlessly for hours.

Of course, you’ll also want a range hood that suits the style of your beautiful kitchen! There are a variety of options available. We’ll discuss those options, as well as the correct size fan for your kitchen area, next.

[contact us]

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custom wood hood-edgewood cabinetry

Design and Functionality: What to Consider When Adding a Range Hood

With all the options and details to consider when planning your dream kitchen, the ventilator hood might not first come to mind.

However, many homeowners discover that it is one of the most-used appliances in their kitchens, likely on a daily basis.

So what do you need to consider when adding a range hood?

  • First things first, is your project a remodeling job, a replacement hood for one that is passed repair, or is it a new installation? If you are fitting your new hood into an existing design, size and style will be nonnegotiables when making your selection. Appliance compatibility is a must, both for design and functionality and a very slightly larger hood may be accommodated more easily than one that is smaller than the space to be filled. Custom cabinetry can be designed to fit your new range hood as well.
  • Will your new range hood be the centerpiece of the kitchen, or does it need to blend into the overall design? The kitchen is referred to as the heart of the home for many reasons. A standout hood can set the tone for the entire kitchen and by extension for your home as a whole. The reverse is also true: select more a subtle style and material to allow your range hood to blend into the background. Our design process allows you to envision your kitchen’s overall look and feel before build out even begins.
  • Which functions are most important to you when selecting your new range hood? Is task lighting a priority? Do you need more than one light level for different needs, i.e. cooking and prep vs. ambient light? Or is fan power a bigger factor? What kind of cooking do you anticipate? A built-in grill will obviously need more ventilation power than will more traditional range-top cooking.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the many factors to consider during your kitchen project. Contact us today and put our experience and expertise at your service!

Stay tuned this is only the beginning part 2 to follow.

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