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Cabinet Designer

7 Questions To Ask Your Cabinet Designer Before The Build

Your cabinet designer serves as a partner for helping your remodel dream come true. However, you should ask a few important questions before jumping right into the build.

From getting a little background to ensuring they understand what you want, stunning custom cabinetry involves communication at the beginning of the project.

Take the time to fully discuss what you want and get valuable insight to help make your next remodel even better than you thought possible.

1. Can I See A Few Samples?

If you’re looking for something specific, it’s perfectly okay to ask your cabinet designer if they have any similar samples from past projects. By showcasing what they’ve worked on, you’ll know for certain if they understand what you’re looking for.

Plus, you’ll ensure they have the expertise to deliver the high-quality cabinetry your kitchen, or any other room, deserves.

2. Have You Ever Worked On This Theme Before?

Take a moment to discuss the theme of your kitchen remodel with your cabinet designer. This can drastically affect the final design of your cabinets. Maybe you want a traditional look or something more modern. Perhaps you love the earthy feel of the farmhouse style. No matter what style or theme you’re considering, tell your designer about it.

You should also ask if they’ve ever tackled your theme. If not, it’s a good idea to show them samples to give them an idea about specific features, such as the type of wood or door styles.

3. What Type Of Finishes Should I Consider?

Before you start building, it’s important to ask about finishes. You might think painted works best, but after discussing the care of painted cabinets, you might opt for stained. Of course, the opposite may be true. This is another reason to discuss your theme. Having a gloss stain might be ideal for your theme or a matte paint could be exactly what you need to make your cabinets pop.

4. Does This Design Fit My Budget?

Budgets are always something you should discuss. No matter how much price comparisons you do, only your cabinet designer is going to know for sure how much your design is going to cost. To avoid getting your hopes up only to have them dashed when the estimate comes in, discuss your budget with your designer.

Even if your design costs more than you hoped, your designer can still help you make tweaks to the design to still get you the cabinets you want.

5. Are There Any Trends I Should Consider?

You likely have at least a basic vision for your cabinets, but have you considered any new trends? Ask your cabinet designer about the latest trends in cabinets. You might just find that adding in a trend or two could make your remodel even better.

Remember, don’t get too carried away with trends. Ensure you’re still getting cabinets that you’ll love for years to come.

6. What Layout Options Do I Have?

Bring in measurements of your kitchen along with the sizes of your major appliances. Then, ask your cabinet designer about your layout options. You don’t always have to keep the exact same layout. However, your designer can quickly tell you which layouts work best based on your kitchen’s dimensions and the placement of appliance outlets. For instance, without some rewiring, your stove doesn’t have much wiggle room to move around.

7. What Is The Timeline For This Design?

The final question you need to ask is about the timeline for completing the design you want. If you’re hosting a party soon, you’ll likely want the cabinets finished and installed by then. Talk about this with your designer.

By getting a timeline estimate upfront, you’ll know how to better plan around the remodel. You’ll also have an idea of when to invite everyone over to check out your new kitchen masterpiece.

Want to discuss your custom cabinetry options with an expert team? Contact us today to find out how we can help with your cabinet remodel.

Image: Helloquence

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Remodeling Your Kitchen

What To Consider Before Remodeling Your Kitchen

Before you start cutting or demolishing anything your kitchen, it’s important to think things through carefully.

Once you start remodeling your kitchen, it’s hard to just stop and go back to what you had before. Plan out what you want before you do anything else.

Think about what type of kitchen you’ll be happy with years from now. After all, most people don’t want to go through a kitchen remodel often.

Consider Trends, But Design For You

Trends are great, but every trend isn’t for you or your kitchen. The problem with kitchen trends is sometimes they go out of style. Ultimately, remodeling your kitchen should be about you, your home and what you want from your kitchen. If it means skipping the trends, that’s okay. You’re the one using the kitchen, so plan with your needs in mind.

Cabinets Are The Most Important Feature

Cabinets are often a focal point for kitchens, but they also get pushed to the side when it comes to a remodeling. After buying all new appliances, changing the floors, expanding the size of kitchen and other tasks, there’s not enough budget left for high-quality cabinets.

You usually choose between plywood or particleboard cabinets. The first is more expensive, but lasts longer. The second is cheaper, but can break down over time and is much more sensitive to moisture. Ensure your budget has room for long lasting cabinets. Consider custom cabinetry for a solution that’s unique to your kitchen.

Think Realistically

Maybe you’re absolutely in love with the open shelving trend. It does make the room look more open, but think realistically. The more open shelving you have, the more often you have to clean all the objects on those shelves. When remodeling your kitchen, think about how you really use it. If it’s not a feature that’s beneficial to you, skip it. Save your budget for what’s most important.

Look At What You Already Have

When you’re trying to figure out the right layout, number and size of cabinets, counter space and height, look at what you already have. How many pots and pans do you need to store? What small appliances do you wish you could hide out of sight? What organizational features have you always wish you had? Looking at what you have and what problems your current kitchen has is a great start to figuring out your remodel.

What Appliances Do You Need

Remodeling your kitchen doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. It’s far too easy to kill a budget simply by buying all new appliances. If your oven is still fairly new, does it really need replacing? Is it worth buying that trendy new smart fridge right now, or could it wait? You’ll design your kitchen around your appliances too, so consider the possibility that you might soon have something smaller or larger.

Ease Of Use

You’re under no obligation to keep your kitchen’s current layout. Of course, if it works for you, keep it similar. No matter what, think about ease of use before your remodel. For instance, if you’re working with a small space, is an island actually beneficial or more of a hindrance?

As you plan, think of how you want to move, which appliances and gadgets you use most, how many people might be in your kitchen at once and other ways you use your kitchen. If it’s not easy to use, it’s not right for you.

Space Available

No matter what your dream kitchen looks like, you’re still limited by the space you have available. Of course, you may be able to steal some room from adjoining rooms. Even if you can’t gain extra room, the way you arrange cabinets and appliances help give you additional space and the illusion of a much larger kitchen.

Budget

Finally, consider your budget when remodeling your kitchen. If it’s going to cost more than your home to remodel, you might be going overboard. Set a realistic budget and plan your remodel based around that. It’ll also keep you from immediately being drawn to all the trends and most expensive appliances.

Don’t forget to compare your options for custom cabinetry during your kitchen remodel. See how our kitchen cabinet expertise help bring your kitchen vision to life.

Image: George Pastushok

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Kitchen Cabinetry Trends

Kitchen Cabinetry Trends To Consider In 2018

If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen in 2018, you might want to consider the latest kitchen cabinetry trends.

With a wide range of trends to choose from, it’s easy to get the perfect kitchen to match your style and personality. Of course, the most important thing to remember is to always go with a style that you’ll love for years to come.

From keeping things hidden to gorgeous accessories, 2018 is full of trends to make your kitchen a one of a kind masterpiece.

Multi-Color Designs

Usually, you see kitchen cabinets in a single color. One of the more quirky kitchen cabinetry trends of 2018 is multi-color designs. For instance, you might go with a sea green and burgundy color scheme where inner door panels are one color and the rest of the cabinet the other.

Some kitchens feature the design where only the island is a different color. Others only use a varying color on the baseboards and trim. If you’re struggling to find the right color combo, This Old House has some inspiring combos to consider.

More Than Shelves

Why stop at just shelves behind your cabinet doors? Instead, consider pull-out drawers, spice racks, dish organizers and anything else you desire. The idea is to use your cabinets to better organize your kitchen and keep your counters clutter free. Sometimes, you’ll need more than shelves to accomplish this.

Neutral Tones

Neutral tones is actually an on-going trend, but it’s one that’s still popular going into 2018. Instead of traditional wood tone colors, neutral tones help brighten a kitchen and make it look larger. It’s the perfect trend for smaller kitchens that want to give the illusion of more space. White, gray and other light colors are always great choices.

Hidden Appliances

It’s hard to imagine walking into a kitchen and not immediately having your eyes drawn to the refrigerator. However, one of the biggest kitchen cabinetry trends of 2018 is going to hidden appliances. Smaller appliances, such as toasters and coffee makers will have dedicated cabinets. Your microwave and refrigerator will be hidden behind special doors designed to blend into your cabinets.

For a cleaner look and to confuse your guests, it’s a trend you’ll definitely want to consider. It’s even better if you also have a refrigerator that tends to collect fingerprints.

Display Cases

You don’t have to add in a china cabinet to display your best crystal or cute kitchen collectibles. Instead, try a new trend. Turn a few cabinets into display cases. Instead of standard doors, use glass paneled doors to provide a window to the cabinet. For taller kitchens, you could even consider having a row of small display cabinets that line the top. A little back lighting adds a classy effect and makes your kitchen both functional and decorative.

Reaching The Ceiling

How often do you wish you had more cabinet space? If you’re like most people and answered yes, you’ll love this next trend. Instead of large trim around the tops of your cabinets or just empty space that gets filled with odds and ends and dust, take your cabinets all the way to the ceiling.

You’ll usually gain a least an inch or two of extra space. While it might not sound like much, you’d be surprised at how much more you’ll be able to fit in. Plus, you won’t have to dust the empty space any more.

Shelves Versus Cabinets

One of the more unique kitchen cabinetry trends of 2018 is free-standing shelving. For items you use often, you might consider having open shelving in place of some cabinets. The shelves could be used just for displaying cute things you’ve collected or the plates and pots you use every single day. You could even place them next to a window and use the shelves to hold pots of fresh herbs. This is a highly versatile trend you could use for any number of things.

You don’t have to give up traditional cabinets though. Even replacing just a slim vertical cabinet with shelves gives you plenty of new ways to organize your kitchen.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is starting to appear more and more on kitchen counters. Unlike granite, quartz isn’t porous, which means anything you spill on your cabinet isn’t going to become a life-long resident of your counter. It’s only recently that quartz has been designed to give the same kind of flair to your kitchen as granite.

With counters that are easier to keep clean, it’s the ideal trend to try during your next remodel. Keep an eye out for increasingly more quartz designs.

Smarter Storage

The trend towards smarter storage is a welcome one. Instead of just having a bunch of cabinets with shelves, turn your cabinets into organizational tools that work for you. For instance, have drawers with built-in dividers versus buying plastic dividers later. Replace a cabinet with a wine cabinet. Have small racks built into the doors for storing pot lids, spices and cooking utensils.

Be creative. The more ways you can customize your cabinets to keep your kitchen and counters clutter-free, the better.

Furniture Meets Cabinets

If you’ve always thought kitchen cabinets seemed kind of plain, you’ll be amazed at some of the kitchen cabinetry trends that are spicing up the design. For instance, islands are getting carved feet, much like elegant chairs. An open shelving area might have a decorative arch to add some flair. Gorgeous carved moldings make standard cabinet trim just seem boring.

When you start thinking of your cabinets more like furniture, it’s easy to see unique ways to accessorize them. It’ll also add some elegance to your kitchen.

Turn Dining Into Storage

Kitchens are becoming more open and including dining areas. Why not embrace this latest trend and turn your dining area into extra cabinet storage? Yes, instead of an open table, you have more of a kitchen island style table. The island sinks in to provide space for chairs or stools.

To avoid anyone getting a leg caught on a handle, use recessed handles within the doors. This is a great place to store smaller appliances you don’t use often or bulkier cookware. When designed right, no one even has to know they’re sitting at cabinets. You need a table anyway, so combine table and cabinets to save space.

Considering using any of these kitchen cabinetry trends in your new kitchen? Contact us to find out the best ways to implement these in your home.

Image: Aaron Huber

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kitchen remodel-edgewood cabinetry

5 Top Home Projects and What They Will Cost You

You have been cooped up in the house all winter, and now the sun is finally beginning to show itself. Chances are that you are ready for some serious spring cleaning.

What better way to do that then to take on that home improvement project that has been on your mind for months? A clean and new space will add value to your home and make it feel fresh and exciting.

Below you will find a helpful list of the top five home projects and what they will cost.

1. Face Lift

Revamping your home’s exterior may not seem as exciting as some other options, but it is often the most practical and definitely the most noticeable. Replacing your old front door with a new steel model will not only update your curb appeal, but also improves energy efficiency. Also, you can completely transform the look of your home with some fresh, new siding.

You can expect this project to cost around $13,000.

2. Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is the center of the home and keeping it up-to-date is a priority to many homeowners. Replacing tired, old cabinets and adding new flooring will increase the functionality and appeal of your kitchen. Kitchen improvements can easily range from minor to major, which will directly affect your out-of-pocket cost. Determine your budget and go from there.

Kitchen remodels can range anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000.

3. Add a deck or patio

Adding outdoor living space is especially tempting for the upcoming spring and summer months. A wood deck is by far cheaper than an add-on and can still offer the same entertaining benefits. The possibilities are endless.

You can expect this project to come in around $10,000 to $15,000.

4. Bathroom upgrade

Pick a bathroom in your home and revamp it. The master suite remodel is by far the most popular with homeowners.  It provides a place to relax and unwind in the comfort of your own home.  Add a two-sink vanity, a new tub, and modern tile to make the most of this remodel.

The price of this project is about $15,000.

5. Window replacement

Replacing the windows of a home is another popular and practical project. Besides the visual benefits of clean, new windows, you will notice better energy efficiency and noise control.

Depending on the size of your home, this project will cost between $9,000 and $15,000.

To find more average estimates on many different remodeling projects, go here.

For more information on how we can help you tackle one of these projects, contact the Edgewood Cabinetry team.

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under cabinet fridge drawer-edgewood cabinetry

Top Eight Advantages of Under Counter Refrigerator Drawer

Most people at some point or another wish they had more refrigerator space. If you’re one of them, under counter refrigerator drawers could be the solution to your dilemma. Here are eight of the top reasons why adding an under-counter refrigerator drawer is ideal.

  • Saves Space

Because they fit underneath your existing countertop, and are installed flush with their surrounding cabinets, refrigerator drawers take up very little space. As such, there’s no need to struggle with finding room for them, which is something that might be necessary when adding a dorm-sized refrigerator.

  • Can be added anywhere

You may use them in a family room, game room or even an outdoor kitchen to help with entertaining.

  • Less costly than upgrading your refrigerator to a bigger sized unit.

You could actually save hundreds of dollars by choosing a refrigerator drawer instead of a slightly-larger appliance.

  • Easy to keep clean

Since there are no shelves or brackets to remove, all that’s needed is to wipe the sides and bottom down with a damp cloth to remove spills.

  • Can be used to store other things when not being used as a refrigerator.

You could even use your refrigerator drawer to hold pantry items such as flour, sugar and rice to prevent weevils from getting into them.

  • A refrigerator drawer works well with any décor

It can even blend in with existing cabinetry to provide your kitchen with a seamless look.

  • Available with a variety of features

Refrigerator doors have features such as door alarms that will alert you when the door has been open for more than 10 minutes, and additional lighting to make finding things easier, even in the dark.

  • Energy efficient, and costs very little to operate.

These are just a few reasons why adding refrigerator drawers could be beneficial to you. To find out more, contact us.

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kitchen design showroom-edgewood cabinetry

When Planning a Kitchen Remodel Is A Showroom Necessary?

You have been dreaming about remodeling your kitchen for years. You have looked a photos online and in magazines of the types of kitchens you want, and you have a general idea of what you want. You choose a contractor, and decide on a plan for the design of the space.

The standard procedure would be to take the next step and go to a showroom to choose your kitchen cabinetry. But really, is a showroom necessary for you to get the kitchen design of your dreams?

While there are certain advantages to walking into a showroom and being able to actually see and touch certain styles and patterns of doors and drawer fronts. You will also be able to see the inner workings of the cabinetry.

A showroom only has a limited number of samples, and those set up in “test kitchen” settings, so there really is no correlation between how they look in the showroom and how they will look in your home. Besides that, the cost of the stock tied up in the displays in the showroom becomes part of the cost of the business model, and passed along to the customer, thus making their services more expensive in the long run.

With the technological advances of the internet, a competent custom cabinet shop will take the measurements of the client’s kitchen and give a three-dimensional representation of any number of configurations of cabinets, doors, drawers, options, and materials. The shop can match any style of cabinets you want, and help you to decide between options for hard to fit places and new innovations.

When all the decisions are finalized the company ships the cabinets made to your exact specifications to your home for installation. The installation process should run smoothly. If any problems arise the guaranteed installation provides for cabinets that need to be refitted to meet your satisfaction.

If a showroom free Kitchen remodel is the freedom you are looking for contact us for a consultation.

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microwave drawer-edgewood cabinetry

Remodeling Your Kitchen? Decide Where To Put the Microwave in Your Plan

Remodeling the kitchen is always an exciting time, and since it will be a long time before you change it again, it’s important to think about all aspects before starting the project.Decisions such as cabinetry, counters, lighting, and storage solutions are all important. Another important question is where to put the microwave in your new kitchen design.

A few years ago, this was no quandary at all. Newer kitchens simply installed a microwave with a fan above the stove. Today’s trend includes a more substantial hood, either wood or stainless steel, above the stove. Whether people prefer it aesthetically or for functionality, the result is the same. The microwave has been evicted from its home above the stove, so where do you put it?

Take heart, there are many options for your microwave that don’t leave you resorting back to a countertop model. With a custom kitchen, you can decide what location works best for you and work it into your design. Some people opt for a microwave built into the wall. This popular space-saving idea has been used for conventional ovens for decades, and it’s a great idea for its fast-cooking partner. Even if your oven won’t be in the wall, you can still place a microwave there for easy access.

Drawer microwaves are trending right now too, as they seamlessly fit into a re-designed kitchen and are extremely convenient. Like any drawer, simply give it a little pull and it opens easily, giving you easy access to your microwave.

When planning their kitchen design, others have included a custom open shelf that is designed to hold a microwave. Others try to find a space behind a door for their microwave so they can access it, but it isn’t taking up space in the main work area of the kitchen.

Whatever you decide for your microwave, it’s always best to confer with a kitchen renovation expert. Microwaves come in all different sizes, and most are deeper than a standard cabinet depth so it’s important to have an expert involved in the kitchen design to confirm its success.

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel and need to find a place for your microwave that is functional and convenient, contact us. Our years of building custom cabinetry give us an experienced perspective and will help you find the best placement for your microwave oven.

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plans-blue prints-kitchen remodel edgewood cabinetry

Avoiding the Hidden Cost in Kitchen Remodeling Can Be Tricky but Not Impossible

Avoiding the hidden cost in kitchen remodeling can be a difficult task, but doesn’t have to be.

There are so many issues that can pop up in any remodel and the kitchen can be one of the most difficult because of the size and scope of the project. While some problems are bound to pop up here and there you can avoid a majority of hidden costs by taking a few pre-remodeling precautions.

Get Blue Prints

This is especially true when you are renovating the kitchen in an older home. Having the original blueprints to the home will let you know of any structural characteristics that may have been hidden by previous renovations; characteristics that could cause you to change your plans and spend more money. It may also be a heads up to any plumbing, electrical, or HVAC that you may want to avoid or work around.

Know What You Want and Stick to It

One of the biggest problems that drive up the cost of a home remodel is changing your mind in the middle. Whether you don’t like the color of the floor or decide to move the dishwasher across the room these little changes can ring up to big bucks. If you are going to do a kitchen remodel you must have a solid plan and stick to it exactly if you want to stay on budget.

Get Quality Components

People are always looking to save a buck during a remodel, and they should, it is an expensive process. Where you can really go wrong is getting substandard components that will not only be guaranteed to cost more money in the future they could end up costing you a small fortune during a remodel. Cabinets are one example of an item where quality counts the most. Your best bet is to go with custom cabinetry to get everything that you want out of your cabinets but the last thing you want is bargain basement cabinets that will split in half while you are mounting them on the wall.

To find out more about how our quality cabinets can take your kitchen remodel to the next level or to get more information for your next project please contact us we would love to help.

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temporary kitchen for remodel-edgewood cabinetry

Surviving a Remodel: Practical Ways to Prepare Food While We Design Your New Kitchen

The term “surviving a remodel” might sound like complete disruption of your life while a contractor redesigns your kitchen.

But while it takes some time for a remodel to get done, it doesn’t have to work that way. In order to make it fair for both the contractor and you, you have ways to compromise so you can still prepare food in convenient ways while the work is being done.

Here at Edgewood Cabinetry, we frequently have to work with our clients on figuring out a kitchen remodel for them without too much disruption. Around the holidays, this might be more of a challenge when you want to use your kitchen for food preparation. It’s one reason why a complete kitchen remodel should be done before the holidays begin so we can have it ready for you in time.

However, try these tips when you still want to entertain while a kitchen remodel is underway. They aren’t too obtrusive, and you can still manage to make food decently without it being awkward.

Designate Another Room as Your Temporary Kitchen

This is always going to be important before the remodel begins. When things are under construction, there’s no way you’ll be able to use countertops in your kitchen for food preparation. Your only way is to set up a makeshift room as your temporary kitchen. Whether its a second bathroom you don’t use regularly, or perhaps a guest room that nobody else is using, any other room can easily be turned into kitchen with some ingenuity.

Setting Up Your Temporary Kitchen

You probably wouldn’t need any more than one sturdy table to act as your counter space. Make sure it’s sturdy, though, if your food preparation is heavy. Equip your temporary kitchen with easy-to-lift appliances like a small refrigerator, and a microwave to heat your foot properly. Bring in other small items that are easily transportable like can openers, coffeemakers, and all your basic utensils for stirring and pouring.

What About the Use of Water?

Finding access to a sink can sometimes be a challenge. We can work with you on that, and sometimes we can set up a utility sink so you can still get water from your kitchen. However, many people have other sinks in the house for water sources. While it may seem strange to use a sink in a bathroom, sometimes just using bottled water you filled ahead of time can be helpful so you don’t have to use a sink multiple times.

Also consider if you’re entertaining this holiday season while your kitchen is being remodeled, outdoor grilling is still a great idea to avoid kitchen areas. Wintertime grills can be great fun, depending on how cold it is outside.
Contact us here at Edgewood Cabinetry so we can design a kitchen remodel for you and help you survive in the interim. Even though we work quickly and work closely with you to build what you want, we also want to find ways to help you feel less inconvenienced. In the end, you’re going to love our designs, and the new year is going to feel refreshed having a kitchen of your dreams.

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