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Edgewood Cabinetry kitchen cabinets Raleigh NC
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Big Considerations for Kitchen Remodeling

Like all home projects, a kitchen remodel can get out of hand without careful planning. According to data from the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence, 47% of homeowners who have undergone kitchen remodeling wished they could have done something different given a second chance.

The good news is such a scenario is entirely preventable. It just takes some careful considerations and forethought to make sure the process goes smoothly from start to finish. Though there are numerous factors to consider, the most important one is getting your hands on quality products that maximize functionality and provide lasting comfort. Regardless, failure to consider other factors will surely put your project at risk, so before you start tearing down those old kitchen walls, here are some considerations.

Consider a Flexible Budget

Edgewood Cabinetry kitchen cabinets Raleigh NCWeighing the costs of a kitchen remodel is one of the most challenging and essential tasks. Since a budget creates constraints, big decisions such as design changes, which appliances to be used, or type of lighting are influenced by it. If the budget doesn’t permit a specific desire, you will be forced to cut out other items to accommodate the change.

With a flexible budget, you are giving yourself more leeway to accommodate changes. This flexibility means that you are opening yourself up to more options and opportunities to weed out bad decisions, whether it be a more lavish design, brighter kitchen space, or updated cabinetry.

Since a kitchen remodel is a lifetime investment, you might pour in reasonable sums of money to your budget to make sure that you get your hands on your dream kitchen.

Stick to the Current Kitchen Layout

Basing the new kitchen design to the current kitchen layout will help you save you more money. In particular, significant parts of the kitchen, such as plumbing, electric circuits, or gas lines, shouldn’t be touched to avoid unnecessary expensive re-works.

Consequently, some design aspects will have to be based on the current kitchen layout meaning the fridge, outlets, fixtures, and sink will have to stay in place. However, this approach is not written in stone provided that you are willing to spend more. If your design preferences require a complete overhaul of the kitchen, including major re-routing works, then, by all means, do it.

Consider New Appliances

Edgewood Cabinetry home tips kitchen cabinetsSince you are remodeling for a better kitchen space, new appliances should be on your item list. The only downside of it is its high upfront cost. If your budget allows it, then, by all means, purchase the newest appliance in the market.

On the other hand, you can always opt for a downgraded version provided that it meets your expectations in terms of quality and energy-efficient features. The appliance is guaranteed to realize returns throughout its lifetime in the form of fewer utility bills, longevity, and convenience.

The placement of new appliances such as dishwashers or microwaves may require additional wiring or plumbing.

Seek Professional Help from Designers

No one knows better than you how you want your kitchen to look, but seeking professional help from designers can enhance your plans smoothly from start to finish. They are aware of the most common kitchen remodeling mistakes and will guide you accordingly. Since they are professionals, have the technical expertise to execute what you are envisioning. Years of experience under their belts make them the ultimate guide for your project, whether it be which products to purchase, how to reconfigure walls and ceilings, or what type of appliance to choose. The designer can offer fantastic advice based on your specific needs.

Kitchen remodels can be expensive, so let us make it unique with custom kitchen cabinets in Raleigh NC at an affordable price. Call Edgewood Cabinetry at 919-339-7300 to set up an appointment to help you with your dream kitchen plans.

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Edgewood Cabinetry cabinets

A Basic Guide for Keeping Your Kitchen Cabinets Clean

Proper maintenance of kitchen cabinets can save you a lot of money. It also gives the kitchen a good appearance boost. The kitchen is one of the essential rooms in the house. Clean, well- maintained kitchen cabinets could boost the value of the property. Here are a few simple steps that will keep those kitchen cabinets clean and glowing.

Basic Kitchen Cabinet Cleaning

Edgewood Cabinetry cabinetsStart by wiping the cabinets with a slightly damp, lint-free cotton cloth and use a second cloth to dry and buff cabinet finish. Use mild soap and water to remove daily spills, grease, and oil, then wipe with a soft cotton cloth. Avoid using a harsh detergent that might destroy the finishing. Don’t use soaps with dye, ammonia-based cleaners, self-polishing waxes, or abrasive cleaners. Using furniture polish on cabinets might seem smart, but it’s not recommended.

Clean Spills Immediately

Keeping the cabinets dry is vital to maintain them in good condition. Use a dry cloth to wipe spills immediately with a “blotting” motion. Areas where water is common such as around sinks and dishwashers, are prone to moisture. Wipe immediately and never allow detergents or water to dry on the cabinets.

Avoid Excess Moisture

Edgewood Cabinetry custom kitchen cabinetExcess moisture is the worst enemy of furniture finish. Wet towels shouldn’t be draped on the cabinet doors or surfaces. Towel racks shouldn’t be attached to cabinet door interiors, and tea and coffee makers shouldn’t be placed where the steam hits the cabinets directly. If you notice excess moisture when cooking, open the windows to help it dry off and wipe any remaining moisture.

Avoid Excess Heat

Don’t place cabinet appliances where heat is applied directly or directed on the cabinet surfaces. The wood’s stability and finish are heavily impacted by temperature.

Never Use Abrasives

Never use steel wool, scouring pads, or powdered cleaners to clean the cabinets. These cleaning methods penetrate the cabinet surface, allowing moisture to enter, therefore damaging the cabinets and the finish. If there are stains, use mild soap and warm water to clean but avoid scratching the cabinets.

The proper care practices recommended above extend the life and beauty of your kitchen cabinets. Remember, leaving water on the cabinet surface for a long time harms the finishing, and any warranties do not cover this. Wipe spills immediately and avoid using harsh detergents and scratching methods to clean the cabinets.

For more information on caring for your custom kitchen cabinets, contact Edgewood Cabinetry.  Call 919-339-7300.

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The Ultimate Kitchen Storage Solutions For 2020

The Ultimate Kitchen Storage Solutions For 2020

The right kitchen storage solutions make your entire kitchen easier to use. You’ll even be able to forget about rummaging around looking for that perfect pot or pan. Some storage solutions are as simple as adding a shelf or organizer. Others might require custom-built cabinets for your specific storage needs. The best part about choosing storage options for your kitchen is you can customize them the way you want. After all, you should always have the kitchen of your dreams.

Roll-Out Island Storage

The Ultimate Kitchen Storage Solutions For 2020Are you making the most of your kitchen island? Add roll-out shelves behind cabinet doors to easily reach larger countertop appliances, baskets of root vegetables and anything else you need easy access to. With fold-down legs built into one of the shelves, you can even convert it to a small desk for kids to help out. If you don’t have an island, you can always custom build a portable kitchen island to fit your space better.

Open Shelves For Easy Access

Who has time to deal with doors and drawers? One of the top kitchen storage solutions for 2020 is open shelving.  These provide easy access to your most-used pots, pans, utensils, plates and more. Plus, it adds a bit of decoration to your kitchen, as long as you keep everything stacked and stored neatly. Use hooks under shelves to hang utensils and potholders. You can even add a shelf over any windows for more storage.

Cabinet Slots

Home Kitchen Makeover On A BudgetIt’s never fun trying to get the right baking pans, cutting boards and serving trays when they’re usually stacked on top of each other. They might even be underneath a stack of pots in the back of the cabinet. Customize your kitchen storage by adding vertical slots for your more slender items to slip into. Then, you’re able to reach what you want without dealing with any stacks.

Sink Storage

The faux drawer at your sink doesn’t have to be fake. In fact, turn into storage for sponges and small cleaning brushes. A small, slanted drawer pulls out just enough to fit a few small items. While it might not seem like much, it keeps at least a few more items off of your countertops.

Miniature Pull Out Pantry

While a walk-in pantry is always wonderful to have, you might not always have room. Or, maybe you need even more kitchen storage space. Either way, opt for a miniature pull out pantry. These are small custom pantries that slide between two cabinets. They’re usually wide enough to store spices, cans of foods, cleaning supplies and other smaller kitchen supplies.

Pantry Doors Inside Cabinets

Miniature pantry not quite enough? Try pantry doors inside cabinets. While you’ll need to reinforce the cabinet doors to prevent sagging, add several inches of extra space inside your cabinet doors. This is a great addition to cabinets that typically store larger items, but don’t completely fill the cabinet.

Pot And Plate Drawers

A popular kitchen storage trend for 2020 is skipping cabinets when it comes to pots and plates. Instead, store it all in drawers. Instead of having to reach up to into cabinets for your breakable plates, you reach down into a drawer. Instead of trying to dig out pots in the back of cabinets, you simply pull out a drawer. Consider using pegs to create custom dividers for your plates and even bowls to stack between.

Custom Wine Storage

Your options are wide open when it comes to wine storage in your kitchen. As long as it’s a cool, darker place, you’re all set. Kitchen islands with custom wine racks built in work extremely well. You might also consider adding a wine rack under open shelves that connect the shelves to the countertop.

Corner Drawers

What are you supposed to do with that awkward corner space? A Lazy Susan doesn’t have to be the only answer. Instead, try corner drawers. They look a little weird when you pull them out, but they offer a far deeper storage space and it makes getting to things much easier.

If you’re ready to customize your kitchen storage, contact us today to find out how Edgewood Cabinetry can help make your kitchen easier to use.

Image: Cooktime

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what-to-consider-before-replacing-your-kitchen-cupboards

What To Consider Before Replacing Your Kitchen Cupboards

When you’re replacing your kitchen cupboards, it’s not as easy as taking them down and putting up a duplicate. Before you start replacing anything, you should do some careful planning first. Whether you’re replacing your cupboards due to damage or you just want something new, planning before you do anything else will make sure you get the kitchen you want. Take your time when choosing to replace your kitchen cupboards. After all, you’ll be using them for years to come. Make sure you get the perfect cupboards for your needs.

Come up With a Budget

what-to-consider-before-replacing-your-kitchen-cupboardsBefore you do anything else, decide on a budget. This will help you determine what’s most important and where to compromise. For instance, you might choose to go with a specific type of wood, but scale back on the hardware. It’s a good idea to look around at your cupboard options, such as pre-fabricated, different types of wood and custom options, just to better understand pricing.

You’ll also need to factor in whether you’ll be installing them yourself or having someone else do it as this will affect the cost.

Any Size Changes

When replacing your kitchen cupboards, do you want to keep the sizes exactly the same or try something different? For example, do you want to keep the space above your cupboards or add a few more inches of space inside the cupboards? Now is the time to adjust sizes to get better storage for your needs. You might choose to make some smaller and others larger, such as a larger cupboard for pots and pans, but a much smaller one for baking pans.

Pre-Fab Or Custom-Built

The Ultimate In Cabinet AccessoriesReplacing your kitchen cupboards leaves you with one major overall choice – pre-fabricated, semi-custom or custom-built? Each type has its benefits. Obviously, stock and pre-fabricated cabinets are usually cheaper, but you’ll be much more limited on your sizes and options. They also usually don’t last nearly as long.

Semi-custom cabinets are a blend of stock and custom cabinets. You can customize some features, but not all. They’re slightly more expensive. Finally, custom-built cabinets are the longest-lasting cabinets and offer full customization. While more expensive, they’ll stand the test of time and save you only costly replacements later.

Same Or More Customized

You’re not required to put up the exact same cupboards. Of course, if you love what you have, you’ll want to keep things roughly the same. However, consider customizing your cupboards a little. Add some organizational features. Change the shelves or turn some shelves into roll-out shelves to make things easier to reach. While you don’t have to go overboard, even a few simple customizations make your entire kitchen easier to use.

Integrating With Appliances

Think about how your cupboards will integrate with your appliances. Replacing your kitchen cupboards also gives you a great opportunity to hide some of your large appliances or take more advantage of the space around them. For example, you might want to build custom cabinets around your refrigerator or build a wine cooler into your cabinets. You can even create roll-down sections to cover up kitchen appliances like your mixer and toaster oven.

Creating More Storage Space

Storage space is always a top priority whether your kitchen is big or small. It’s kind of like closet space. There never seems to be enough. Before replacing your kitchen cupboards, think about ways to create more storage space. How could you change cabinet sizes to better fit your dishes? Do you need more drawers than shelves? Could you turn the baseboard into a drawer for pans? You could even take advantage of empty space around your doorframe to store smaller items.

The idea is to get creative and make the most of the room you have. Taking with a custom cabinet builder will give you a lot of great ideas.

At Edgewood Cabinetry, we want to help you replace your kitchen cupboards with ones you’ll love and make your kitchen easier to use. Contact us today to discuss your dream kitchen.

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Edgewood Cabinetry home tips kitchen cabinets

Why Do You Need To Buy Kitchen Cabinets Before Appliances Or Anything Else

A beautiful, well-designed kitchen is a showpiece for any household. Now when we talk about a well-designed kitchen, we start to ponder over appliances, tiling, and other details but tend to forget one essential part. Cabinetry is the foundation of the room, and it is mandatory to plan proper shelving and cabinets before proceeding with other details. The sequential order, while remodeling or constructing a new kitchen should be hiring a well-trained designer to design your kitchen, then planning the cabinets and finally purchasing appliances and kitchen goods to fit in the cabinet based on their sizes. If you’re still not sure as to why cabinet designing must be prioritized over other stuff, consider these reasons:

Why You Need to Design Around Your Cabinets

Edgewood Cabinetry home tips kitchen cabinetsPlanning and space utilization: As mentioned previously, cabinetry forms the foundation of any kitchen. You can always exchange your appliances for newer ones, but cabinet building can only be changed while undergoing renovations. Most people are not fond of the exhausting task of redesigning and renovating frequently. Once the cabinets have been designed, overall placement, sizes, and adjustment of everything else can be decided.

Budget-friendly: It’s better to prioritize cabinetry and invest appropriately in quality so that there is no need to spend again and again to make adjustments. Cabinets should sustain throughout the lifetime of the home. Updating the kitchen can then be done by replacing doors, tiles, or lighting as per the resident’s changing mood or the latest interior decorating trends.

Don’t Cheap Out on Cabinetry

Edgewood Cabinetry kitchen cabinets Raleigh NCDo not skimp the budget when deciding on cabinetry. Overall budget allocation to cabinets should be around 30-50% of the total remodeling budget. Don’t exchange the dollar investment on this crucial element for purchasing some sophisticated fridge, microwave, or other feature that has a much shorter lifespan; however, if the budget is very low, save money on the countertops. Countertops are much easier to upgrade and less expensive than changing out cabinetry.

Custom-made cabinetry allows the client to get exactly what they want in the space available. Many space-saving elements can be incorporated into a small space. For more home tips on the best cabinetry for your kitchen, contact Edgewood Cabinetry at 919-339-7300.

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What To Look For When Designing Your Dream Kitchen

What To Look For When Designing Your Dream Kitchen

Designing your dream kitchen gives you the chance to finally get the look, storage and function you want. But, you’ll probably discover there are quite a few choices to make. Maybe you like several types of design styles. What kind of storage works best? How can you choose between those stunning grey and beige granite countertops? It all comes down to knowing what to look for to not only get your dream kitchen but a kitchen you’ll truly love for years to come.

Try A Transitional Style

What To Look For When Designing Your Dream KitchenIf you’re having a hard time deciding between styles, a transitional style is the best choice to look for. Designing your dream kitchen means choosing something that you’ll want to use for years. A completely modern style might not make you happy a few years later. On the other hand, an older style might get boring quickly.

Kitchen trends come and go, but you probably have certain styles and features you still love no matter what. A transitional style means you merge more traditional themes with modern elements. Transitional styles are the most popular choice for kitchens, but you can definitely customize them to your dream kitchen.

Look For Innovative Storage

Drawers and cabinets aren’t the only storage options for kitchens. When designing your dream kitchen, look for innovative storage ideas customized to your needs. For example, you might have a wine rack in between two upper cabinets. Or, you might use your baseboard area to add a pan drawer. We have quite a few guides to help you see just how many storage options are available:

Opt For Custom Cabinets

When designing your dream kitchen, always look for custom cabinets. Stock cabinets can work, but you’ll always feel like you’re compromising in certain areas. Plus, it’s difficult to fully maximize your space when you’re forced to only use a few specific sizes.

Custom cabinets give you choices. Choose the size, function, organization and much more. You can even choose the materials used. Your kitchen will thank you for going custom and your friends will envy your unique kitchen.

Combine Elements From Various Sources

Edgewood Cabinetry cabinetsWhile you may already have a dream kitchen in mind, take some time to look at other kitchens. Browse through images on Pinterest. Check out friends’ and family’s kitchens. Look at current trends and various styles.

Now for the fun part. Don’t try to just copy someone else’s kitchen. Combine the elements you love into your dream kitchen. A specific color, type of lighting, cabinet style, organization methods and so on can all come from different sources. Together, they create a kitchen you’ll love.

Think About Function And Convenience

Designing your dream kitchen also means deciding on the right layout. You’ll want to look for cabinets and appliances that best fit the layout you want. Think carefully about the function and convenience when designing a layout. You’ll want to design your cabinets to make it easy to reach things as you cook and entertain. The more convenient and functional, the more dream-like it’ll feel every time you walk into your kitchen.

Match Your Home At Least A Little

It’s easy to get carried away, but the last thing you want is to design your dream kitchen and discover it clashes horribly with the rest of your home. While your kitchen doesn’t need to match exactly, it shouldn’t be a shock to the eyes when you walk in. Add design elements that help your kitchen match, at least a little. This is especially true if you have an open kitchen that connects with your dining room and/or living room.

Designing your dream kitchen is fun. Contact us today to find out how we can help create the custom kitchen cabinets of your dreams.

Image: Sidekix Media

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How To Choose The Best Kitchen Cabinets For Your Needs

How To Choose The Best Kitchen Cabinets For Your Needs

A large part of getting the kitchen of your dreams is being able to choose the best kitchen cabinets for your needs. Picking the cheapest or quickest available isn’t always the best idea in the long term.

You’ll want to think carefully about how you use your kitchen, what theme you’re going for and how long you want them to last. After all, you probably don’t want to go through a full kitchen remodel every 3-5 years.

By picking the right kitchen cabinets for your needs, your kitchen is easier to use. You’ll spend less time searching for what you need and more time cooking and entertaining.

Consider Your Overall Theme

The first step is to choose your kitchen theme. This will help you choose the best kitchen cabinets to fit your theme. For instance, if you’re thinking of a more rustic theme, you probably won’t want bright white cabinets with an ornate raised door design. You don’t actually need a theme, but pick kitchen cabinets that fit the overall style and look you want. Countertop Epoxy and HGTV have a variety of themes to inspire your own kitchen.

Choose A Door Profile

You want to think about function and style to choose the best kitchen cabinets for your needs. A good place to start when it comes to style is choosing a door profile. Do you want a flat slab, recessed miter, raised arch or something else? Odds are, you probably aren’t sure what most of those terms even mean, so the best idea is to take a look at cabinets and take pictures of what you like. This helps you figure out your options and if you’re having custom cabinets built, you can show the builder exactly what you want.

Pick A Wood And Finish

Particleboard might sound like a fabulous idea, mainly because it’s cheaper. However, it’s not so friendly when it comes to wet areas, such as around your sink. This is why if you want your cabinets to last longer, you’ll want to consider a hardwood instead. We’ve created a guide to helping you choose between different types of wood.

Of course, you’ll also want to think about your finish, such as stained, natural or painted. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, paint tends to peel over time, but stain typically soaks in deeper, making it harder to change later.

Think About Unusual Spaces

When you choose the best kitchen cabinets for your needs, they should fit your space perfectly. This means cabinets that fit in those odd corners or even around doorways. Instead of just going with the standard kitchen cabinet layout, think about how you could fit cabinets into more unusual spaces to create more storage space.

This even applies to how you use your kitchen. For instance, small custom cabinets around your range hood give you access to the utensils you use to cook with most often. Or, add extra space for moving around by creating a cabinet that folds out into a table and stores the chairs.

Skip One Size Fits All

Pre-fabricated cabinets are great for quick remodels, but they only come in a select few sizes. Your kitchen is unique and isn’t going to feel like yours with one size fits all cabinets. You’re severely limited in how you place the cabinets, how much you store in them, types of organizational features and so much more. Custom gives you the best variety of options as you can get the exact cabinets you need to fit any space or function.

Consider Function As Well

It’s easy to get hung up on the looks. However, to choose the best kitchen cabinets for your needs, you have to think about function. For instance, a standard cabinet with one or two shelves might not be the best option for storing numerous cans of food. A cabinet with pull out shelves that can handle heavier weights allows you to pull out the shelves and reach exactly what you need without any hassle.

Picking the perfect kitchen cabinets might seem difficult, but don’t worry. Look at your friends’ and family’s cabinets. Visit a custom cabinet builder to see samples of what’s possible.

When you’re ready to choose the best kitchen cabinets for your needs, contact Edgewood Cabinetry. We’ll help you design the right cabinets for your kitchen.

Image: Pixabay

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Renovation Tips - Kitchen Cabinets Buying Guide

Renovation Tips – Kitchen Cabinets Buying Guide

A large part of renovating your kitchen means buying new cabinets. While you can repair or reface, sometimes it’s time to start from scratch for the look and feel you want.

To better understand what your options are, it’s a good idea to use a kitchen cabinets buying guide. You’ll learn the types of cabinets and what factors to consider before you buy.

From storage options to the color, picking the right cabinets drastically changes your kitchen and makes it perfect for your needs.

Decide On Your Budget

The first thing to consider is your budget. For most people, you’ll want to strike a balance between cost and quality. You have three main options to choose from:

  • Stock – Pre-fabricated cabinets that often use cheaper materials. You can buy and install them quickly, but you’re limited on options. They also may not last as long as custom or semi-custom.
  • Semi-custom – These offer a bit better construction and materials and allow you to customize some features. This gives you a better fit if you have odd spaces or non-conventional measurements in your kitchen.
  • Custom – These offer the most flexibility for customizing the look, feel and function. Plus, they’re made from superior materials. The downside is they do cost more and take longer to make.

We’ve provided a kitchen cabinets buying guide that compares these three types in more detail to give you a better idea of the differences. We’ve also detailed the benefits of going with custom kitchen cabinets.

In most cases, semi-custom and custom are your best options. They’ll last longer and offer you the chance to customize your kitchen. You can save money on both by choosing different types of wood and finishes. Cutting your budget in other areas allows you to buy higher quality cabinets that will last much longer. Some people opt for a mix of cabinet types, such as using custom hardwood around the sink and in odd spaces, while buying stock with custom doors for the rest.

Consider Construction Quality

No matter what type of kitchen cabinets you choose, always check for construction quality. For instance, if you’re opting for stock, check to see how edges are fastened, how thick the wood is, how easily the doors and drawers open and so on. Some stock cabinets are made fairly well. However, they typically use particleboard or a medium-density fiberboard that doesn’t last for the lifetime of your kitchen.

Even with custom cabinets, enquire about how they’re made. Ask about the materials used. If you visit in person, reputable builders should have samples to look at and pictures of past projects.

Think About Color

The next part of any good kitchen cabinets buying guide is choosing your color. You usually have three main options. Lighter woods, darker woods and painted. For a natural wood look, choose between lighter or darker woods. These are then stained to protect the wood and customize the final finish. Painted can be any wood type, but painted a non-natural wood color, such as red or white.

Painting works well, but be careful about your color combinations so you don’t make your kitchen look too dark or dingy. HGTV offers advice on picking the perfect color based on the theme of your kitchen.

For stained wood, darker woods like mahogany look beautiful, but opt for lighter floors to prevent your entire kitchen from looking too dark. With lighter woods like oak, accentuate with darker elements, like countertops and backsplashes.

Think About Extras

Sometimes, it’s easy to think of kitchen cabinets as just a box, but they can offer so much more. As part of this kitchen cabinets buying guide, stop to consider built-in storage and organization options. For instance, you may want to buy cabinets with slide-out shelves or a Lazy Susan. While you can’t always get these extras with stock, semi-custom offers some additional options. Custom cabinets are still the only option that offers fully customized built-in storage.

Choose One You Can Trust

Finally, no matter what cabinets you choose, always opt for a brand and/or builder you can trust. Beware super cheap brands and cabinetry services. The prices sound great, but do they have a solid reputation and positive reviews? Research brands, stores and services before buying. This ensures you’re getting the best quality for your money. Plus, look for cabinets that come with a warranty. After all, you don’t want to have to renovate out of pocket in a few months if something goes wrong due to poor construction or bad materials.

Interested in renovating your kitchen with custom cabinets? Contact us today with any questions and to find out how we can help.

Image: Fran Hogan

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Kitchen Storage Ideas Whats In and Whats Out

Kitchen Storage Ideas – What’s In And What’s Out

Kitchen storage ideas are everywhere, but which ones are best for your kitchen? It’s a good idea to take a look at what works and what doesn’t before you invest in any kitchen cabinet remodel.

The most important rule when it comes to kitchen storage is to do what’s most practical and convenient for you. After all, it’s your kitchen and you want it to be easy to use.

As you try to decide, consider ideas that work for all types of kitchens. Also, consider ideas that look great on paper, but rarely work out well in an actual kitchen.

In – Retractable Pan Racks

Stacks of pans are never fun to deal with. They’re heavy and you can easily scratch your pans. Instead, opt for a retractable pan rack that slides into your cabinet. Store your pans and their lids neatly. Simply slide out the rack to get the pan you need.

Out – Space Above Cabinets

On the surface, this might seem like one of those absolutely genius kitchen storage ideas. After all, you can use the space to store decorative items or items you don’t use often. In reality, that’s just space collecting dust. You could use it for taller cabinets and an extra shelf inside those cabinets to store more items without worrying about your kitchen turning into an army of dust bunnies.

In – Under Cabinet Hanging Storage

For some, this idea might seem more like an out. However, if you have ample space between your upper cabinets and your countertop, adding a rail to hang commonly used cups and cooking utensils can be an ideal way to save space and quickly reach kitchen items. You can hang items directly from the bottom of your cabinets, but a rail along the wall or under the cabinets looks neater.

Out – Storing Items Too Far Away

One of the top kitchen storage mistakes you can make is storing items too far away from where you’ll use them. For instance, if you store most of your dishes in the dining room, but usually eat in the kitchen or living room, you’ll waste a lot of time going back and forth. The same holds true if you store your favorite pot on the other side of the kitchen from your stove.

The best kitchen storage ideas make it easier to use your kitchen. Always organize your storage so items are close to where you’ll use them the most.

In – Side Cabinet Storage

Side cabinet storage is one of the top kitchen storage ideas that never goes out of style. While you can go overboard with this one, it’s a great way to store smaller items. Adding small shelves, racks or hooks to the sides of cabinets allows you to gain more space for spices, cookbooks and cooking utensils. You can also add small herb pots on cabinets near windows to grow your own fresh herbs all year.

Out – Relying On Organizers

Cabinet and drawer organizers are great, but not if they take up all your space. Only use these if they help. Adding too many plastic organizers and Lazy Susans can harm your storage potential. Use these sparingly and opt more for built-in storage options.

In – Inside Door Storage

Prefer kitchen storage ideas that hide your items? Add small racks and baskets to the inside of your cabinet doors. While you shouldn’t store anything heavy, this makes a great place to store small or thin items that could easily get pushed to the back of your cabinets. Storage bags, cutting boards, spices and cooking spoons all store well on the inside of cabinet doors.

Out – Too Much Open Shelving

Open shelving is one of those brilliant kitchen storage ideas that gets overused. Having a few open shelving areas works well for commonly used items or even a few knick-knacks. However, this is also an opportunity for things to get knocked off easily or gather dust. Use glass doors to store items you want to see without the risk of them getting broken or lost. Save open shelving for very specific items that you’ll use almost every day.

In – Other Great Kitchen Storage Ideas

If you’re looking for even more inspiring kitchen storage ideas, use the following resources:

Now that you’re feeling inspired to add different types of storage to your kitchen, contact us today to learn how we can build custom kitchen cabinets for your unique storage needs.

Image: Josh Hemsley

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