Tag Archive 'kitchen cabinets'

Jan 17 2010

Kitchen Cabinets- Choosing the Right Materials

Published by Modesto Decorator under Cabinets

With the summer arriving, homeowner’s are looking for projects to improve the look of their home, both inside and out. Whether you’re looking to brighten your home, make it more modern or even take it back to the Victorian age, remodeling your kitchen is a great place to start. New kitchen cabinets can add value to your home and completely change the atmosphere of the room. Whatever kind of cabinet set you’re looking for, you should know a few things about the materials from which kitchen cabinets can be made.

One of the most popular materials for wooden kitchen cabinets is maple. Maple is both durable and versatile. It can be used with many finishes because of its fine, uniform grain. Maple can be painted or stained with ease and can match a variety of kitchens. One of the only downsides of maple is that it tends to yellow in the sun, which isn’t a problem if it’s painted.

Rivaling maple’s popularity is oak. Oak is quite durable, but it isn’t as versatile as maple because of its distinct look. The distinctive grain of oak lends itself to old-fashioned, country-styled kitchens, but it doesn’t match well in modern kitchen styles. Stains and varnishes take to oak very well and can allow its unique grain to really stand out. There are many different colors of oak since it’s one of the most common trees in North America.

If you’re looking for something completely different from traditional wood kitchen cabinets, try a set of metal cabinets. From stainless steel to copper, the variety of metals used in modern kitchen cabinets keeps growing. Stainless steel may seem somewhat institutional, but with the right accents it can help create a cozy kitchen. Burnished copper and brushed nickel also are two popular finishes on metal cabinets. Metal cabinets can be noisy, so look at all the materials used in the cabinets. Manufacturers often lay the metal over other, less noisy materials such as plywood or pressboard. This takes the noise level down, but can seriously affect durability. Cabinets will be more or less durable depending on the materials used underneath the metal. Spend a little extra to be sure your cabinets will last a long time.

Melamine cabinets are another option. Melamine is a coating that goes over a base material and provides protection against scratches, stains and flames. It can come in a retro-style, plain white or faux wood grain. The durability of melamine also is dependent on the quality of the base material. The coating doesn’t allow moisture into the base material, but if the coating is cracked, melamine cabinets can sag quickly. Otherwise, they are an aesthetically pleasing and relatively durable choice for a kitchen cabinet set.

With the social push towards a green home, a new trend in cabinet making materials is bamboo. Bamboo is a fast growing plant that is considered sustainable because of how fast it regenerates. It creates a unique look that accepts stain fairly well. Since bamboo doesn’t grow thick enough to create planks, bamboo cabinets have to be veneered. Much like the metal and melamine cabinets, the strength of the bamboo cabinets is dependent on the type of material used as the base material.

Whatever the choice of material, a new set of kitchen cabinets will make your entire house look and feel different. The right cabinet set will make your kitchen feel more like home or more like a professional kitchen, depending on your preference. Take the time to check out each material and style available before committing to a new set of kitchen cabinets. The right choice will last for years, or until you’re ready to change the atmosphere again.

I have been able to save thousands of dollars on discount kitchen cabinets by buying RTA cabinets. If you are interested in finding out my secrets, go to my Kitchen Cabinets article at Hubpages.

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Oct 25 2009

Combining Functionality and Style in Your Kitchen Cabinets

Published by Modesto Decorator under Cabinets

People take their kitchen cabinets seriously. In fact, they are often the most prized components of a kitchen and their design and aesthetics can make or break the entire room’s overall appearance.

Consumers have become more educated about everything related to their homes, and their kitchen cabinetry is no different. With consumers being more knowledgeable about the products that are available and the features they are looking for, there is less of a dependence on interior designers and kitchen designers.

An overall trend toward furniture-grade cabinets has taken a firm hold in the marketplace. Now that Ready-to-Assemble or RTA Kitchen Cabinets are even being made of higher quality materials, consumers are turning their attention toward more particular aspects, such as pull-out waste cans, slide-out towel bars and pull-down shelves. These accessories often are requested by clients who are aging or may have special physical needs, but many others see the benefits as well. This points to an overall customization movement that puts as much emphasis on function as it does on form.

Homeowners expect their kitchen cabinets to perform at a high level. They’re even paying attention to the hidden hardware by specifically requesting self-closing undermount slides on cabinet drawers, and the fully concealed European hinges. Another cabinetry trend has grown from the consumer’s demand for professional-grade appliances in the kitchen. In addition to high-end stainless-steel refrigerators and commercial-quality cooktops, such things as warming, cooling and dishwashing drawers have become very popular. By integrating these cabinets into the drawers, or using customized panels to hide the appliances, homeowners are trying to make the appliances less noticeable.

Wood-finished cabinets are still the style of choice; they represent about 80 percent of all kitchen cabinets purchased, according to a 2002 survey conducted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. And even though consumers are demanding furniture-quality styling, they are opting for a more casual appearance overall. Many of these have multi-step finishes and glazes to make them look like antiques that have weathered generations of use.

While consumers are looking for that antique or old world look, they want all the latest features. Glass-front kitchen cabinets are also in demand, although only on certain cabinets where contents are easily arranged and kept neat for an uncluttered appearance. Many manufacturers offer a mullion door option which allow you to display your fine china or glasses. Appliance garages that house microwaves, blenders and other countertop appliances help keep the room looking neat and clean.

Maple and cherry are still the most popular wood species, but a lot of people are taking advantage of the new choices out there as well. Wood types such as alder and beech have been getting a lot of attention. But so have some more unusual species like lyptus, which comes from a quickly renewable tree, so it is considered a ‘green’ product.

I have been able to save thousands of dollars on discount kitchen cabinets by buying RTA cabinets. If you are interested in finding out my secrets, go to my Kitchen Cabinets article at Hubpages

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Aug 04 2009

Installing Kitchen Cabinet Islands – 4 Tips

Published by Modesto Decorator under Uncategorized

A lot of people today install kitchen cabinet islands for various reasons. The most common reason is so that they would be able to organize their kitchens better.

It is most often the case that people install kitchen cabinet islands in order to separate various areas of the kitchen and so that utensils and other kitchen items can be stored properly.

However, you should know that just putting up a kitchen island cabinet is inadvisable. You have to plan the installation carefully in order to make sure that the kitchen cabinet island you put up will truly help you instead of becoming a hindrance.

Here are some tips to help you install the kitchen cabinet island:

1. Plan the space carefully

Since a kitchen cabinet island requires a lot of space, you have to make sure that building one does not cramp your kitchen area.

Planning a kitchen cabinet island requires you to make sure that building one still leaves you with enough space to move and to cook freely around in the kitchen.

2. Decide the purpose of the kitchen cabinet island

Although organization is the main purpose of building a kitchen cabinet island, you should really think about how specifically you wish to accomplish this.

Do you want a kitchen cabinet island to serve as extra workspace or do you just want additional storage areas? This will ultimately help in deciding the design of the kitchen cabinet island.

3. Maximize the function of the kitchen cabinet island

Although it is a common practice to build kitchen cabinet islands to serve merely as an extra tabletop, a lot of people are realizing the advantage to actually turning the area into a whole new station.

That is, people are starting to realize the fact that adding a sink to the kitchen cabinet island can help speed up various processes such as cooking or cleaning up.

There are also those who install stoves into their kitchen cabinet island to help them handle cooking a lot of dishes at once. This is actually only advisable if you cook often for a lot of people.

4. Plan the necessary features

Of course, if you are planning to build a new sink or even a new stove, you need to make sure that you prepare the kitchen cabinet island area properly.

This means you need to install plumbing and gas lines where necessary. In doing so, you will be making sure that the kitchen cabinet island will function as intended.

For tips on choosing kitchen cabinets, visit http://www.kitchencabinets101.com

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Aug 03 2009

Drawer Pulls – They Make Or Break The Look Of Your Kitchen Cabinets

Published by Modesto Decorator under Uncategorized

In your kitchen, there is one thing that can really make or break the look of your space. Now, this is a small thing that you would not notice if it was on par. So, do you give up? The answer is drawer pulls. Now, you might not think that something so little would have such an impact, but it does, which is why you need to purchase ones that match the look and feel of your kitchen cabinetry.

Drawer pulls are available in a wide variety of designs, styles, and sizes while being made from many different materials that have a slew of different finishes. So, it is easy to find ones that would perfectly complement your kitchen cabinetry. For example, maybe your kitchen has more of a country feel to it, like your cabinets are a classic, natural wood color. A lovely option for you would be ones made out of polished metal that have like a cream stone handle or center, which would really add to the look of your cabinetry. Or, the look and feel of your kitchen is quite a bit modern, it has bold features and smooth, stylish lines along with that fact that your cabinetry is a rich, dark mahogany color. Then a wonderful choice for you would be ones fashioned out of stainless steel that have a straight design and a brushed finish. Really, there are many, many options to choose. You can get other ones made from brass, wood, stone, iron, even glass and ceramic. Plus, there are many finishing options to choose from as well, like polished, satin, dull, and rubbed. If you want a fast and easy way to see them all, no do not get in your car and speed down to the nearest hardware store, instead just log onto your computer and do some online shopping.

Your kitchen is also filled with other cabinet hardware, so, if you purchase new drawer pulls for your kitchen cabinets, it is also important that you purchase the other matching cabinet hardware to go along with it. The other ones that you will need are available in the same styles and designs as the drawer pulls while also being made from the same materials and having the same finishes. Those other hardware items include knobs and hinges that are essential for opening and closing cabinets, and drawer slides because without them, your drawers would not go anywhere. Along with the kitchen, you will find the same hardware throughout your entire home, including on end tables, in your bathroom on your cabinetry in that space, and basically on all different kinds of furniture throughout your space. So, if you want to give some a new, fresh look, all you need to do is paint or re-stain it and then buy some new hardware for it, it is that simple.

When it comes to your kitchen, you might not know it, but it is the little things that really make or break the look of your space. So, to ensure that your kitchen’s space is on point, make sure to purchase drawer pulls and kitchen hardware that brilliantly complements your kitchen cabinetry. If it does not, then that small detailed piece will overshadow everything else in your space, and not in a good way.

Jennifer Akre, owner of many home decorating sites focusing on cabinet hardware, gives the consumer a chance to find a variety of cabinet hardware and cabinet knobs. Learn how to decorate your home with class. Click today – Shop: drawer pulls

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Aug 02 2009

The Evolution of Kitchen Cabinets

Published by Modesto Decorator under Uncategorized

Most kitchens today are already providing what used to be the living room’s main purpose – entertainment and relaxation. These contain cabinets, which provide storage and beauty to the entire kitchen space.

The pre-20th century homes did not have any of the comfort, amenities and cabinets found in today’s kitchen. The kitchens in America prior to the 20th century were equipped with closet pantries, built in cold larders and freestanding furniture. Most often there were tall hutches that served to provide additional storage for food supply and dinnerware. In the center was a long harvest table, which usually served as the food preparation area. A cast iron or large stone sink served as an area for cleaning and washing the dishes.

With the advent of the 20th century came a lot of changes in the way people live. There was the post-war housing boom that created major changes in the way kitchens were built and furnished. The eating habits of most Americans also underwent changes. People became too busy and they wanted quick food preparation. This resulted to the consumption of more packaged foods. Together with the post-war housing boom and new eating habits of Americans, the kitchen’s basic concept underwent a major evolution.

Cabinetmakers began to specialize in building kitchen and bath cabinets. Most of them abandoned traditional furniture making and focused on the newfound specialization. They began building kitchen cabinets made of plywood as the basic material. Tall hutches, pantry rooms and the long harvest tables began to disappear and were replaced with cabinets. The 20th century America began to enjoy the new face of their kitchen. It now consisted of contiguous runs of upper and lower cabinets with a work counter most often made of plastic laminate. These cabinets ran along the walls of the kitchen.

With the new kitchen cabinet specialization came along new techniques, tools and materials to serve the demand. New cabinet materials like hardwood veneer plywood, medium density fiberboard and other man made sheet goods became readily available in most building materials stores. New cutting tools, edge banding and joining tools also became available. A lot of new hardware started coming out of the market. Hardware used for hanging cabinets, door hinges and shelf supports. Additionally, new developments were made for hardware used in hanging cabinet doors and for drawing the boxes in and out of the cabinets. New innovations were also made for various fixtures including slide out bins, tilt out sink trays, baskets and various shelving. All these new developments in hardware and fixtures added to the convenience and adaptability of the 20th century kitchen.

The new tools and kitchen building materials meant good news to woodworkers and enthusiasts who wanted to build their own kitchen cabinets. The wide availability of these products made their work easier, quicker and more accurate. Mail order tool supplies also became readily available. Tools including guide drill bits for fitting installation, jigs and biscuit joinery tools all helped for the quick assembly of the kitchen cabinets.

The primary goal of most cabinetmakers is construction efficiency. All the new tools, materials and fixtures helped in providing cabinetmakers the necessary requirements to build their kitchen cabinets and attain their goal. Today, we all savor and enjoy the comforts and functions of our kitchens. From the very basic harvest table, hutch and pantry rooms, we now have well functioned and organized kitchen spaces.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Cabinets

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