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

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

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

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

1. Shaker Cabinets

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

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

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

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

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

2. Kitchen Islands

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

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

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

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

Learn more about kitchen island accessories and options.

3. Natural Wood

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

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

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

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

4. Classic Countertops

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

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

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

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

Learn about installation.

Design Your Timeless Kitchen

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

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

 

 

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kitchen with island and wood floor

7 Kitchen Design Amenities You Didn’t Know You Needed

Are you preparing to upgrade your kitchen? If so, it’s the perfect time to add useful features to your kitchen. Whether you want the luxury of a home bar or desperately need more storage, custom kitchen amenities offer solutions. Here are seven kitchen design amenities you didn’t know you needed.

1. Drawer Organizers

How often do you find yourself searching through a jumble of utensils for the one that you need? Or do you find that large utensils, like spatulas, frequently shift and block drawers from fully opening at all? Thankfully, drawer organizers are a simple solution to prevent this. That’s because they separate and neatly store utensils, lids, small accessories, and more. So you’ll have no problem reaching into your drawers and finding what you need!

2. Lazy Susans

Like drawer organizers, lazy Susans help you make the most of your space. So they’re especially helpful for cabinet spaces that are difficult to reach and would otherwise go unused. Instead, cans, spices, jars, and more become easily accessible just by spinning your lazy Susan. We recommend choosing lazy Susans with multiple levels to maximize your space.

3. Pull-Outs

Pull-outs are one kitchen design amenity you’re sure to appreciate. After all, no one likes to see visible trash or recycling. Fortunately, with pull-outs, garbage and recycling are stowed neatly out of sight. And you’re sure to love all the space you’ll gain. In addition, pull-outs are excellent for making use of narrow spaces. So they’re perfect for storing spices, jars, or even utensils.

4.  Home Bar

Do you love hosting friends for game night? Or are you a wine connoisseur with a collection of vintages you can’t wait to display? Alternatively, do you simply relish the idea of relaxing with a chilled cocktail at the end of the day? If so, a home bar is the amenity you didn’t know you needed. Whether you want a simple wine rack and glass storage or a full wet bar with refrigerated cabinets, Edgewood Cabinetry is able to help all your home bar dreams come true!

5. Coffee Bar

A coffee bar is the perfect place to grab a pick-me-up in the morning or to brew beverages for your family or guests. So why not include one in your next kitchen remodel? For instance, include custom storage for your coffee maker, espresso machine, or French press. And don’t forget designated spaces for all your utensils and accessories! Likewise, be sure to add compartments for coffee pods, sugar, coffee grounds, creamer, flavored syrups, and more to finish your custom coffee bar.

6. Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands have become increasingly popular–and for good reason! They’re truly multi-functional and add tons of utility to your kitchen. So whether you’re dreaming of a breakfast nook with built-in storage for stools or you want space for a second cooktop and prep area, a kitchen island fits the bill. Furthermore, it’s the perfect place to gain additional counter space and storage or add specialty appliances. There are so many possibilities!

7. Pet Food Station

You have your table or bar, but where does your pet eat? Are your pet’s bowls sitting awkwardly in a corner of your kitchen, taking up valuable floor space? Or do you frequently deal with messes from your sloppy eater? Fortunately, there is a solution. Many homeowners are adding pet food stations to their kitchens. A simple built-in nook provides an out-of-the way space for pets to eat. Alternatively, add storage for pet food bags and treats to keep everything organized and within reach. Or go all-out with space for leashes and a cozy bed!

If you’re thinking of upgrading your kitchen, consider adding these amenities. And if you have something else in mind, don’t be afraid to ask! If you can dream it, we can build it! So reach out and share your ideas with us! We can help you work through the design process so you get exactly the amenities you need.

Unsure whether it’s time to upgrade your kitchen cabinets? Check out these 4 Signs Your Kitchen Cabinets Need Replacing!

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7 Tips For A Better Kitchen Island

7 Tips For A Better Kitchen Island

A kitchen island gives you extra space for cooking, prep, storage and more. However, all islands aren’t created the same.

Much like your kitchen, the best kitchen island is completely unique to you. There isn’t just one design to pick from.

Boost your island to the next level and make it even more useful and amazing. All it takes is a few tweaks to make it exactly what you need.

1. Decide Why You Want A Kitchen Island

The first step is to decide why you want a kitchen island. Most kitchens, even small ones, are able to accommodate an island. However, before you add one, you need to decide what you’ll use it for. For instance, if you’ll use it for cooking, you’ll want to add a stove, vent hood and maybe even a sink. If you’re using it mainly for prep, you probably just need a sink. However, if it’s mainly for extra storage and more general prep, you might just need a countertop and no sink.

Picking the right purpose helps you make the most of your space. For instance, if you don’t need a sink in your island, you’ll have more counter space for other things. HGTV and The Trending House both have incredible island ideas to show you just how unique these can be.

2. Consider A Duel-Height Island

You’ve probably seem most kitchen islands have a single height. There’s nothing wrong with it, but you may want to consider a duel-height island. This gives you a handy nook for hiding smaller items and can even help prevent items from falling off the back while you’re prepping food. It’s also a nice way to provide a separate area just for eating or as a small bar.

3. Optimize Storage Space

No matter what your kitchen island is for, the best way to make it better is to optimize the storage space. Back to back cabinets are always a great option. In the work side, you’ll store more commonly used items. These will vary based on your island’s purpose, but pots, pans and countertop appliances are great things to store on this side.

On the opposite side, cabinets are often shallower. This gives you space for storing smaller items. Of course, you can get as creative as you want with storage options. If you don’t have a sink or oven, you may choose to have drawers at the top and open space at the bottom with shelves or baskets. You can have shelves or bins on each end to store random items, such as frequently used cookbooks or even kids’ toys.

4. Create A Small Eating Area

A kitchen island often replaces a dining area in smaller kitchens. This is also where a duel-height island works well to separate the eating area and the prep area. However, this isn’t necessary. To make it more comfortable to sit at the island, add an indented area for your stools or chairs to slide under. For stools, you may also consider adding a bar near the bottom as a foot rest. Carefully measure your island to ensure you get the right height chairs to work for your island.

5. Make It Functional

Sometimes, it’s easy to get so excited about a kitchen island that you forget to make it functional. Yes, they look great, but if it doesn’t make your kitchen more useful, it’s not helping you. Place your island to give you ample space to move around while still making it easy to jump between your island and your main kitchen cabinets, oven, refrigerator and so on.

Store items in the island that you would actually use on the island. If your oven’s in the island, store your most frequently used pots and pans just to the side of the oven inside deep cabinets. Your island should be functional and make using your kitchen much easier.

6. Add Ample Lighting

Since your island is supposed to be functional, you’ll need to be able to see what you’re doing. Typically, kitchen lighting is focused around your cabinets. This may mean your kitchen island isn’t lit as well as it should be. Add lighting directly over the island. A single bright light may be all you need or two smaller lights.

7. Expand The Island

Finally, consider ways to expand your island, especially in smaller kitchens. For instance, you might have a few feet of extra counter that slides out to add extra prep space or even an eating area. Legs on either corner can fold out to stabilize it. This can be added to both sides. You may even have a panel that looks like a flat panel covering shelves on either end that lifts up to create extra space.

Want to design a better kitchen island for your kitchen? Contact Edgewood Cabinetry today to discuss your plans.

Image: Jason Pofahl

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kitchen island-peninsula-edgewood cabinetry

How to Solve the Kitchen Peninsula or Island Problem

We’re pretty sure we’ve discovered the most frustrating part of dealing with the kitchen peninsula or island problem. Fortunately, we’re also pretty sure we’ve discovered the best way to deal with that. There are many factors that go into which options to choose. A peninsula is attached to a wall on one side, so there is only access from three sides. An island is a separate four-sided entity that floats in the middle of the kitchen. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of each and how to choose which one is right for you.
Key Deciding Factors:

• Kitchen size. • Do you want separation from other living space or more of an open plan? • Mobility while cooking.

Peninsula

A peninsula is widely used in smaller-sized kitchens. It’s a way to add more storage and seating. It’s also a great way to add a better sense of separation from other rooms. Peninsulas can vary in size, but making it slightly shorter than the corresponding counter adds room for an extra chair at the end. Also, the asymmetrical look adds visual interest. Peninsulas offer a back and forth motion while in the kitchen. The larger counter space is more practical for kids, decor, or necessity.

Island

Islands are the trend for spacious kitchens. You need to carve out at least 36 inches for walking space around the island. They are great for the circulation of traffic since they’re open on all sides. You can incorporate cabinets, shelves, stools, and smaller kitchen appliances into the island. Many people add a prep sink. Islands offer more of a turning motion while cooking. Whether you need a peninsula or island is dependent upon how you use your kitchen. If your space is large enough, you can incorporate both. With custom designs, you’re only limited by your imagination and budget. If you have any kitchen design concerns, please contact us. Thanks.

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Breakfast Nooks & Islands

Open kitchens with connected dining areas are a signature feature of the modern home.  Most families choosing a more comfortable dining environment for the family on the go.  This new living style puts an emphasis on having features like kitchen islands and breakfast nooks.

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