Blog

Interview with Tom Steffan: South Texas Factory Rep For Wood-Mode & Brookhaven Cabinetry

Describe your background info and how you got into your current position?  I grew up in the kitchen business & went to work for my dad in 1975 (he was the Wood-Mode rep before me).  I was lucky to have my dad as my mentor since he was a pioneer in the sales & design of custom manufactured kitchens.  I started out servicing builder business and eventually got involved in the retail kitchen business before taking over the rep territory in 1992.

The Importance of Warranties

war * ran * ty – noun: a usually written guarantee of the integrity of a product and of the maker’s responsibility for the repair or replacement of defective parts.The warranty is an important part of product guarantees, but when we make big purchases we don’t always read the fine print as carefully as we should. Anytime you endeavor to make a major purchase—be it cabinetry, appliances, or other household goods—it is important to determine what warranties are offered and what they require for you to implement them should you experience loss or damage. Most job-site cabinetry offers a one-year warranty, while factory cabinetry offers a warranty between three and ten years. Our lines of Wood-Mode and Brookhaven Cabinetry offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty, which offers you extensive, comprehensive protection from damages or loss.

Mini-Renovations: Give Any Room a Face Lift

Are you itching to give your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom a new look? If you don’t have the time or the budget to start a major remodeling project right now, you can still achieve a big impact by making small changes. Here are a few of our favorite tips for freshening up any room of your house with small, relatively inexpensive changes.

Contemporary Cabinet Offerings from Brookhaven

Successful companies earn outstanding reputations and achieve longevity by changing with the times while remaining rooted in their core values. Wood-Mode cabinets have been a trusted name in cabinetry for over sixty years, and have been well-known for their traditional-style cabinets but like any great business they have continued to respond to industry trends. The result is the emergence of Wood-Mode as a major player in the world of contemporary cabinetry. Wood-Mode has maintained their traditional styles while branching out into modern design to offer customers a wide array of styles to choose from, ranging from minimalistic contemporary to European contemporary, and even “retro” contemporary. With slab door, shaker door, and simple recessed door styles, Wood-Mode has remained relevant and timely, without ever sacrificing the high-quality design and production that has allowed them continued success for the last 60+ years.

Multigenerational Concepts and Design

Here at Cabinets & Designs the concept of “multigenerational” is an important one. From a design standpoint we have talked about multigenerational and transgenerational design before; it’s sometimes referred to as universal design as well.

Your 2012 Remodeling Resolution

We hope all of our readers enjoyed a fantastic holiday season, full of family, friends, and fun and we hope that your upcoming New Year celebrations are equally wonderful. If you are like us, you are already thinking about your New Year resolutions for 2012---and if you are like us, there are more than a few remodeling resolutions on your list. We know how hectic, and even intimidating, planning big projects can be so we have compiled some suggestions to help you organize your thoughts and make 2012 the best year your home has ever seen.

Designing for the Season

We all love to decorate our homes at this time of year, but it seems a shame to limit ourselves to just holiday decorations, that often come down right after the New Year. We love to extend the holiday cheer by adding seasonal decorations that can be put up earlier and left out later, so that your home retains the warm, cozy feeling of the holidays longer!

Designer Showcase: Laura Minor

After completing my internship and graduating earlier this year, I became the newest member of Cabinets and Designs, Inc.

Gift Ideas for Design Lovers

It’s that time of year, when we are all frantically trying to find the perfect gift for our loved ones. We love to help our friends and clients with ideas for their shopping lists. If you have a design lover or two to buy for, we have a list of suggestions to help you stock the tree and stuff the stockings with plenty of goodies.

Where Do You Find Design Inspiration?

Design inspiration can come from the most unlikely of places, or it can come directly from the pages of a design magazine. Creativity, fluid and unique to each individual, is often inspired by something that resonates with us on a personal level; perhaps it reminds us of our childhood, or a favorite vacation spot. When the muse calls it’s important to listen to our inner voice and follow the path toward our individual vision. Creating a space for our families to live, and filling that space with interest and inspiration is an art form, just like painting, drawing, or sculpting. Creating and recreating our homes to reflect our personalities is a form of self-expression. We recently asked our clients where they go to seek design inspiration.

Ask the Client: Where do you look for the latest trends?

We are always on the lookout for the latest trends for home and interior design. Whether a trend is function-based or rooted in the latest design aesthetic, we want to give our clients the inside track on fresh new ideas that they can incorporate into their homes.

Unique Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year, full of delicious, comforting foods and time-honored traditions. Holidays can be hectic, but finding a quiet moment or two during the Thanksgiving season to reflect on what we are most grateful for. 

Designer Showcase: Ashley Scherch

Ashley Scherch brings a fresh and energetic approach to the design industry. She is the VP of Communications/Technology for our NKBA Texas Gulf Coast Chapter where she writes the monthly newsletters.  Ashley also contributes to Cabinets & Designs blogs and newsletters.  She loves being involved in all things relating to design.  While designing is her passion, her clients are her favorite part of the job.  She loves working with different people and creating the space of their dreams.  Ashley took some time to sit down and answer some grueling questions for us:

Customer's Choice: Kitchen Gadgets

When we are shopping for kitchenware and kitchen accessories, searching for the latest kitchen gadget is often one of our favorite places to start. Kitchen gadgets can solve all kinds of inconvenient problems for the home cook, and they can be fun to play with, too! We turned to some of our clients to find out what gadgets they find most useful in the kitchen.

Halloween Fun for the Whole Family

This week’s blog is dedicated to the spooky, scary, and sweet fun that goes along with Halloween. We found some great activities and recipes for the family to get into the Halloween spirit, and thought we would share them with you. 

The Evolution of Kitchens

We spend so much time thinking about “what’s next” when it comes to our kitchens, but have you ever wondered, “What came first?” The evolution of the kitchen concept has taken place over hundreds of years. What was once a room hidden from view, and used primarily by servants and house staff, is now often a focal point of our homes; a place where we not only allow guests to roam, but use as the centerpiece of our family gatherings. To illustrate, let’s take a brief look at kitchens through a decade progression:

Dave Jr. Interview

David Steffan, Jr. has worked in the cabinetry industry for over 35 years.  He enjoys working with clients or industry professionals to create spaces that equally incorporate beauty and functionality.  To learn more about David read his responses to our grueling interview questions:

Gun Room

At Cabinets & Designs we do so much more than kitchens and baths! We can help you transform any room of your home into something special. One of our most exciting projects recently has been the creation of a custom gun room for a client in Hockley, TX. New cabinet installations can help you repurpose any space in your home to make that space more useful and enjoyable for you and your family.

AIA ARCHITECT INTERVIEW with JIM EVANS

Architect, Jim Evens, received two degrees from Rice University in 1995 & 1997, a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Architecture.  He worked for the Renzo Piano Building Workshop in Paris for just over a year before returning to Houston. Jim briefly worked with Ray & Hollington Architects and then at Kirksey for 7 years. In 2004 Jim opened his own firm, Collaborative Designworks. The firm primarily concentrates on high end modern design for residential and small commercial projects.  To sum up his view on architecture,

Modular Refrigeration

It is interesting to see how the industry is working towards making the kitchen more accessible to multiple cooks by providing several work areas.  One way is integrating the latest trend in refrigeration which is modular refrigeration drawers. Refrigeration is being moved around the room to better serve the cooks in their work areas.

Kitchen Remodels: A Return on Your Investment

Have you been thinking about remodeling your kitchen, but you have been waiting for “the right time”? One of the best reasons to remodel your kitchen lies in the long-term investment value. A kitchen remodel has traditionally been one of the best interior remodeling projects in terms of “ROI,” or return on investment. This consistently high ROI, combined with our current Brookhaven promotion which can save you up to 50% off either your wood finish or door style, means that the right time for your kitchen remodeling project is now.

Want a New Kitchen for the Holiday Season? Better Start Now!

It means weeks of take-out and paper plates, workmen and dust.  However, the pay-off for the upheaval is THE KITCHEN OF YOUR DREAMS.  Imagine the joy of preparing your family holiday feast in your newly remodeled kitchen.  No more tripping over each other, room for all your extended family and all your seasonal or fine china? Though it seems far away, if your kitchen is to be ready for this holiday season, the time to start is now.

Designer Showcase- Laura Scott

Laura Scott received her BS in Interior Design from the University of Texas Austin and studied art at Edinburg Art College.  She worked for three design companies before starting her own design company.  She is actively involved in NKBA and has her CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer) Accredidation and is now a CAP (Certified Aging in Place) Specialist. 

ECO by Cosentino

Several weeks ago, we took you on a virtual tour of our Cosentino product line, via an interview with Lorenzo Marques, VP of Marketing for the Cosentino company. During his interview Lorenzo shared everything from his own inspiration to market trends and new product developments, including the ECO by Cosentino line of environmentally-friendly surfaces. ECO surfaces are made of 75% recycled content composed of post-industrial or post-consumer materials, and bound by environmentally friendly resin derived in part from corn resin.

Storage Solutions: Using Vertical Space

Vertical space is often unused space. Take a slow walk around your house; observe the vertical space available in each room, including bathrooms and closets. Think about each room, and take note of places where you think the room could benefit from additional storage using the available vertical space. What does each room need, or how could each room benefit, from the increased use of space? Using vertical space is great for spaces like high rises or small kitchens, where going “up” with cabinetry is beneficial for additional storage, particularly if you do not have a lot of closet space, or a basement, attic, or garage.

Factors that Affect Pricing

There are many factors that can influence price when it comes to selecting cabinetry.  When choosing between cabinetry lines cabinet construction is a major factor.  Once a line is selected, door style, finish, and wood specie can all affect pricing.  Layout, sizing, and decorative materials all have a direct link to pricing, as well.

Innovative Floors and Walls

This summer our blogs have focused on innovative new products: bathroom vanities, tub and shower design, and new surfaces from Silestone have all been featured on the Cabinets and Design blog. This week we want to explore innovations in walls and flooring, but first let’s briefly discuss practical considerations when choosing flooring and walls for your bathroom.

Designer Showcase: Grace Coffman

Grace Coffman has been in the design industry for over nineteen years and worked with Cabinets & Designs for the past four years. Her experience, talent and attention to detail make her an asset to the team.  Grace took some time to answer a few questions so that you could get to know her better.  Enjoy!  

Innovations for the Bathroom: Vanities

Continuing our series on innovative new products for the home, this week we are spotlighting some of our favorite products for the bathroom; specifically, innovative new vanity designs. In our blog about shower and bath renovations we addressed functionality issues surrounding “aging in place,” and the way designers are finding better ways of combing form and function to reduce the “institutional” appearance of these bathroom features. Designers are also applying these goals in regard to vanity design; here are some of our favorites.

Designer Showcase: Robert Crellen with Cabinets & Designs

Cabinets & Designs wants to wish a very happy birthday to designer Robert Crellen, who recently turned 80 years young. 

Innovations for the Tub and Shower

The movement toward trans-generational and universal home design has ushered in a new era of innovation in the bath industry. The concept of “aging in place” is taking hold, but today’s home owner doesn’t simply want to age in place, they want to age with grace—and that extends to a desire to have elegant, stylish options when renovating their homes. Companies like Kohler and Moen are leading the way by offering consumers beautifully designed products that will look gorgeous and prove functional as you age in  your home, or as multi-generations come to live in your home. We want to share some of our favorites from the latest in cutting-edge tub and shower innovations.

Preparing for the Installation Process

It’s time for the installation process to begin!  Elation or trepidation?  When our homes are under renovation or construction it can be a frustrating experience, but there are many ways to navigate the difficulties and make the process smoother for you and for your family. Before installation begins, a bit of prep-work will help you figure out how to create a comfortable living environment for your family, and working environment for the men and women who will be working on your home.

Appliances and Fixtures

When it’s time to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, choosing appliances and fixtures can be a hugely overwhelming task. What better way to navigate through the myriad of choices than to consult with experts? We’ve asked Mark O’Brien and Beth Bryan Maley of Morrison Supply to share their expert opinions on these topics; read on for their professional insights:

New! From Silestone

We have exciting news about new products from Silestone by Cosentino! Silestone is an industry leader in natural quartz surfaces, providing customers with the most beautiful, highest-performing products on the market. Strong, scratch-resistant, anti-microbial, durable, and attractive, Silestone by Cosentino surfaces will enhance any room in your home. 

Kohler

Some of our favorite products from the 2011 Kitchen and Bath Design Show (KBIS) were products by Kohler, a leader in kitchen and bath products. Kohler combines design, functionality and sustainability, and offer a beautiful array of choices in terms of color and finishes, and of course they offer the highest of quality. In a recent blog on KBIS Grace shared her thoughts on the Kohler Elevance Rising Bath Wall, a stylish bath that is on-trend with the latest in universal and transgenerational design. 

A Few Notes from KBIS

Attending industry shows is always exciting, and this year’s trip to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show proved both productive and creatively stimulating. KBIS is the world’s largest international trade event dedicated exclusively to all aspects of kitchen and bath that specifically serves kitchen and bath dealers, designers, architects, remodelers, wholesalers and custom builders. Many of our favorite brands and designers were on-site, showing off their newest, most innovative products. Wood-Mode was out in full force, further expanding on their tradition of combining beauty and quality performance; never sacrificing style for substance, or vice-versa, Wood-Mode offers the best in contemporary and traditional styles to suit any home.

A Look Into Cosentino

We at Cabinets & Designs exclusively carry Cosentino Products.  Silestone, SensaGranite, ECO, Prexury, Scalea (natural marble), and Marlique (man-made marble) are displayed in our showroom.  We recently had the opportunity to interview Lorenzo Marques, VP of Marketing for Cosentino, and wanted to share his responses.

Transgenerational design and your home

According to Transgenerational Design Matters, the concept of “transgenerational design” means: The practice of making products and environments compatible with those physical and sensory impairments associated with human aging and which limit major activities of daily living. We think you can take the concept of transgenerational design a step further, and apply it as it pertains to homes in which multiple generations live and use the same space in different ways. How can you design your kitchens and bathrooms so they are safe for children, functional for parents, and usable by grandparents? TDM Principles says it best: “In short, transgenerational designs accommodate rather than discriminate, and innovate rather than replicate.” Let’s talk about that a bit further... 

Designer Spotlight: Maggie Grants

Maggie Grants has been in the Kitchen and Bath Industry for over 20 years.  She passed the National Kitchen and Bath Association Certified Kitchen Designer Exam in 1989.  Maggie’s kitchen designs have been featured in the September 2008 issue of Houston House and Home and various other publications.  Maggie contributed to the design and layout of Cabinets & Designs’ beautiful showroom.

The Forgotten Room: The Laundry

Most of us don’t do much in our laundry room besides the laundry, right? Even if it is a combined space—like a laundry/sewing room or laundry/bathroom—most of us think of the laundry as a work area; like most work areas, a few thoughtful updates can make that area work for you. 

Barbeque Season: Grills, Griddles and More

Whether it’s hot dogs and hamburgers, a “low and slow” brisket, or a load of vegetables from the farmers’ market, everything tastes better when it’s cooked on the grill. Here in Texas barbeque is practically an art form, and because every artist wants to work with the best tools, this week’s blog is all about the best in indoor and outdoor grilling—complete with a recipe from professional “barbeque artist”, Chef Garth Blackburn, Executive Chef of Sub-Zero/Wolf.

Pantry Systems

In last week’s blog we talked about some of the latest interior features for cabinetry. This week we’re talking about pantries: styles, features, options and the specialized storage and organization they can offer you when designing--or redesigning--your kitchen.

New Cabinets, New Feature

A beautiful new exterior isn’t the only design improvement you get when upgrading cabinetry; advancements in interior design features have improved efficiency, organization and accessibility for interior cabinet spaces. From kitchen remodels to home offices and media rooms, modern cabinetry can offer you improved space utilization in just about any room in your house. In the Bedroom

Interview with David Steffan, Sr.

Cabinets & Designs is going to feature a member of our team once a month in a blog.  We chose to start with the legend himself, the founder and owner of Cabinets & Designs, David Steffan, Sr.

The Finish Story

All finishes are not created equal.  Multiple hand and machine sanding and oven-baked drying operations are used on every finish to insure long-lasting quality and durability.  Wood-Mode/Brookhaven use a process of wetting the wood to raise the grain, along with one-and two-step hand staining, producing deep colors with enhanced wood grain and beauty.  Uniform color in the wood is achieved with toning and spray staining applications.  Catalyzed sealer, hand-sealer sanding, spec distressing and catalyzed matte or standard sheen varnish spray operations are used to create lifetime durability and beauty on our stained custom cabinet wood products. Wood-Mode’s catalyzed oven-baked varnish top coat with ultraviolet screen inhibitors provides maximum resistance to scuffing, dents, moisture, UV fade and most household chemicals.  The opaque finishes receive high quality sealer, primer and catalyzed color coats to insure beauty and lifetime durability. An extensive hand-sanding operation is performed between each spray application.  A multi-step hand-buffing process creates the smoothest, richest patina imaginable.

KBIS

The theme of this year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show is “Collaborate. Innovate. Inspire.” These three aspects of home design will be explored in detail by trade and industry partners, April 26-28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. KBIS is the largest international trade event focused exclusively on every aspect of kitchen and bath design, and that caters specifically to kitchen and bath dealers, designers, architects, remodelers, wholesalers and custom builders. Described as “the ultimate destination to discover the latest products, designs, trends and education that industry has to offer, the show boasts:

Commercial Applications: Cabinetry

Are you thinking about an office remodel, or are you getting ready to build a new office facility? If you are embarking on a commercial project that requires installing new cabinetry we would love to help you! Our designers can help you choose the right cabinets for your project, as well as create an attractive and functional design for your offices. When in doubt we always recommend you Ask An Expert!

Line of Sight: What is it and Why is it Important

When you are designing a new space or redesigning an old one much of the fun is in picking out your new “stuff”: new cabinets, furniture, and decorative notions. It can get a little tricky when it comes to your design; where to put these things to optimize form and function? It’s important for space to have flow cohesion contributes to an aesthetic sense of continuity. The goal is to maintain a cohesive look while allowing each space to have its own identity through distinguishing characteristics. Let’s use a clothing analogy, where your entire living space is your “outfit” and each room is an individual piece of clothing or an accessory: you want your kitchen (a sweater) to go with the living room (your jacket) but you want to be able to distinguish one from the other; for each to be distinctive, but taken as a whole they create a total look. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you achieve line of sight between rooms in your home. Read on:

Media Room Cabinets

A media room is a place in your home that could benefit from the addition of cabinetry. Are you ready to dedicate an entire room to an entertainment area? Or are you looking to make your current family room/media room hybrid a more functional space? Either way, we offer design and cabinetry solutions that will make a difference. Like the kitchen, a media room is a space where we are likely to spend a lot of our time when we are at home, so installing cabinets serves to both organize the space and provide aesthetic appeal. After all a media room is full of equipment, right? DVDs and CDs (and their cases), wires and chargers, books and manuals, not to mention all of the high-tech toys themselves: gaming consoles and controllers, media players and remote controls, speakers...the list goes on and on. Looking for ideas? Read on!

Ask The Expert

We have received so many great questions on our ASK THE EXPERT page on our website that we thought we would share them with you.  We figured if one person had a question, surely someone else would be wondering the same thing.  We hope you find our answers helpful and informative.

Create a Kid Friendly Kitchen In Time For Summer

For many of us the kitchen is the real “family room” of our homes. It’s important to remember that when kids spend time in the kitchen, safety is important. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for safety. This checklist of suggestions can help you incorporate kid-friendly features into your kitchen space. Use these ideas to help you create an accessible space that is safe and comfortable for users of every age. Keep the kids safe and make them feel like the kitchen is theirs, too, with these kid-friendly kitchen tips.

The 3 C’s of Working with Your Designer: Collaboration, Communication and Clarity

When you are embarking on a new home construction or remodel project it is important to communicate clearly with your designer. Communication is the cornerstone of any project, and when it comes to renovating your home openly conveying your ideas is crucial; after all, these changes are not only an investment, they are decisions that you will have to live with every day.We’ve compiled a list of suggestions and tips to help you and your designer collaborate on your home renovation. It’s not just about communication, but effective communication. Read on:

Back to Backsplashes

Is your kitchen the heart of your home? If your kitchen is where you gather with family and friends we know how important it is to you that it always look its very best. And that is where we come in! At Cabinets and Designs we are committed to helping you update your kitchen and to make the remodeling process as easy as possible. So let’s bring the conversation back; specifically, back to backsplashes.

Sugarland Home Show Highlights

We’d like to thank everyone that came out for the Sugarland Home & Garden Show this past weekend.  We were lucky enough to have a prime location near the entrance.  On Saturday over 2,000 guests attended the show and on Sunday, 1,500 guests.  Cabinets & Designs proudly showcased our new door samples including metallic finishes, knotty alder, and an artisan crackle finish.  Wood-Mode’s DVD played featuring the history of the company, how the cabinets were made, and different themes from traditional to contemporary.  We also had our design software, Chief Architect, running to show floor plans and perspectives of recent and upcoming projects. 

Sugar Land Home & Garden Show

This weekend Cabinets & Designs will be participating in the Sugar Land Home & Garden Show (space number L7).  The show is on Saturday, January 15th from 9am-7pm and  Sunday, January 16th from 10am-6pm.  

HOW TO CHOOSE A DESIGNER

Remodeling projects are often a large undertaking and can last months, therefore it is essential to choose your designer wisely.  The right designer will use your input, follow your budget, and try to make the project go as smoothly as possible.  If you follow the guidelines below you will have a good foundation for making your project a pleasant and worthwhile experience.

NEW YEAR’S REMODELING RESOLUTIONS

Sometimes remodeling can seem like a daunting task.  We at Cabinets & Designs have come up with a variety of projects to suit any level of ambition.START SMALL… Even small changes can have a big outcome.

Traditional to Contemporary

Wood-Mode and Brookhaven offer a wide variety of door styles, finishes, and mouldings to create the perfect look for your space.  Design theme collage boards are used to help clients narrow in on their style.  The themes include traditional, transitional, and contemporary choices for any room in your home. The American Traditional theme features a raised panel door which is classic in traditional style.  Queen Anne legs, pediments, egg and dart and dental mouldings are used to accentuate the time-honored look.  Burnished brass pendants and sconces top off the design.  The cherry wood and pewter glaze give it a slightly worn look providing depth and sophistication to the cabinetry.  The American Traditional theme is the epitome of elegant, old-world style.

Spotlight on Melanie Dauphin Brown

If you’ve been to the new Cabinets & Designs showroom, you’ve seen the glass accents which complement our lines and provide the finishing touches to your kitchen or bath. Whether you want a glass sink, countertop, tub enclosure, etched mirror, or decorative glass wall to perfectly finish your project, our advice is to see Melanie at Dauphin Sales. For 28 years, Dauphin Sales has been the premier glass company in Houston. Founded by Melanie Dauphin Brown when she recognized a need in our community for superior frameless shower doors, the company has grown both in scope and range of products. Dauphin Sales has been an active Industry Partner of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, since 1985, and is a lifetime supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The company has received many honors and distinctions, including The Ellouise Abbott Distinguished Service Award 1998 - 1999. Melanie is active in the community, serving on the Cystic Fibrosis Board of Directors and as Event Chair for annual fund raising galas. Entrepreneur and philanthropist, Melanie Brown sat down to answer a few questions, so we could all get to know this amazing woman a little better.

A Dream Kitchen on Any Budget

Wood-Mode can show you how to create your dream kitchen on any budget.  Using the same floor plan (see photos) but different door styles, finishes, and/or decorative accents you are able to produce the same look at a lower price.  At the highest price point, Wood-Mode cabinetry is used.  The Wood-Mode line is custom, so if you can think it, if we can draw it; they will build it!  There are some very interesting custom details in this design.  There are Louis Phillippe Drawer Heads (con-caved drawers), bead board end panels, rosettes, decorative legs, arched valance wall cabinets and refrigerator, and a 3-piece crown moulding.  All of those decorative accessories combined with the door style selection and glazed finish have made the price point where it is.

Universal Design: Kitchens Designed With Everyone in Mind

The architect Ron Mace, often considered to be the father of “universal design”, coined the term in the 1980s and defined it as “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” Mace believed in his idea so much that he launched the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University and began putting it into practice. At first the focus was universal design for public areas. The first universal design options for the home were regarded as ugly or institutional. Today, this couldn’t be further from the truth. With interest growing in the area of universal design, manufacturers are designing useful, attractive products that meet the needs of everyone in the home.  Architects, builders, and designers are embracing these exciting and beautiful options. Universal design choices can now blend seamlessly into home interiors, not calling attention to themselves, yet making designs more functional and comfortable for all.

Five Minutes with Chef Garth

Chef Garth Blackburn is the executive chef for Sub-Zero/Wolf, the name in professional kitchen appliances. In his role for the company, he oversees executive cooking classes, events, parties, and demonstrations. In addition, he sits on the advisory board of Recipe for Success, a nonprofit organization which teaches inner city students healthy eating habits. He’s a favorite guest at Cabinets & Designs, stopping by once in a while for a cooking demonstration right here in the showroom.

Gadgets to Help Make the Perfect Thanksgiving Meal

At Cabinets & Designs, we’re all about making your kitchen a comfortable, functional, enjoyable space. However, around the holidays, no matter how great your kitchen, you may need a little extra help with your holiday meal. To that end, we’ve found some helpful gadgets to ensure your Thanksgiving meal is easy to prepare and tasty to eat.Inject a Little Flavor: Baste your turkey from the inside out with flavor injectors.Sur la Table has two items for this task: 1-The traditional flavor injector comes with a graduated window for easy measurement, and a needle that stores in the syringe when not in use.  2-The iSi® Gourmet Whip Plus includes two tips for flavor injecting, but is a versatile tool that creates hot or cold foams, creams, soups, sauces, batters, and beverages. The Turkey Cannon from chefsource.com can be filled with wine, beer, soda or any liquid of your choice and placed inside the cavity of the bird. It is described as “beer can chicken on steroids.”For Perfectly Roasted Turkey: Now that it’s flavored, make sure it is moist on the inside and crispy on the outside with these gadgets.

There’s No Better Time To Replace Your Cabinets!

We are excited to announce The Wood-Mode/Brookhaven “PICK-A-PREMIUM” Savings Event! Through November 12, all Door/Drawer head, Wood Species or Finish Premiums are 50% off! Your most difficult decision will be which one to choose!Door/Drawer head: If you use your discount for these, you can choose whichever style you like without worrying about cost! Your style choices for doors or drawer heads are no longer dictated by your budget, only your imagination! Between the Wood-Mode and Brookhaven lines, you have over 120 styles from which to choose. Wood Species: Now, you can have premium wood without the added cost. Wood-Mode/Brookhaven select the finest woods to ensure superior quality. You can choose from:Cherry: A richly elegant hardwood, characterized by a close grain pattern, gum streaks and subtle color variations. Cherry tends to darken with age—a natural process that enhances its warmth and charm.Knotty Cherry: All of the natural character of Cherry, including knots and checks, gives it a true rustic Cherry Look.Maple: A finely grained hardwood favored for its distinctive burl patterns.Heartwood Maple: The rustic natural beauty of Maple, including its mineral streaks, checks, and heavier burl, is usually found in the wood that comes from the center of the tree.Oak: A hardwood valued for its resilience and prominent grain, beauty and strength.Pine: A warm softwood with swirling grain and random knots, purposely distressed to give it a softened antique quality.In addition to the above wood species, decorative rattan, herringbone, olive ash burl, and bird's-eye Maple veneers are available as inserts.Finishes: Choose this option for your discount and you can have a premium finish without the premium price. Wood-Mode/Brookhaven finishes are designed to highlight the beauty of the wood, and all are protected with a catalyzed coating for lifetime durability. Multiple hand and machine sanding and oven-baked drying operations are used on every finish to insure long-lasting quality and durability. You can achieve any look you desire with over 85 standard wood finish colors, two standard finish sheen levels and 30 standard laminates. In addition, Wood-Mode will custom match unique finishes to customers’ specifications.The “PICK-A-PREMIUM” sale makes it the perfect time to replace your old cabinets or add new ones. But remember, Wood-Mode/Brookhaven must have your order by November 12 for you to qualify. So, come into our lifestyle showroom now to view all your options!

Setting Up Your Guest Bed and Bath For The Holidays

We’ve been told the holiday season brings much joy to all. Unless, of course, you are the one hosting all the festivities at your house. In that case, the holidays can feel less joyful and more stressful. However, if you prepare your home in advance for your guests, you can avoid some of the holiday tension. In fact, you can set up a guest bed and bath which are so inviting and relaxing, even your most demanding relative will feel too good to complain. In the Bathroom:Consider placing travel sized toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash on a small tray or coaster. Make a shower caddy for your guests. In order to economize, buy reusable travel sized bottles and fill with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion you already own. Label the bottles with your guest’s name and contents. (Nobody wants to mistake conditioner for body lotion!) Add a washcloth or body pouf, bar of soap still in the packaging, and a disposable razor. Remember to customize your baskets for your male and female guests, or buy unscented products.Place a scent diffuser or flameless scented candle on the vanity. Place extra rolled towels in a basket. Your guests will appreciate not having to ask every time they need one.Remember to have a hamper in the bathroom for dirty towels. You could even provide each guest with a personalized laundry bag so their dirty laundry does not end up with yours. If your guests include children, consider placing a step-stool in front of the sink so they can easily reach the faucets.For an extra bit of luxury, provide your guests with a fluffy, white bathrobe. In the Bedroom:

Go All Out With Your Wet Bar

Some say that big things come in small packages. We say, make a big statement with your small spaces. Your wet bar is the ideal area of your home to get creative and make a big impact with your design choices. New storage solutions combined with luxury materials make your wet bar functional and stylish. Whether you want to integrate the wet bar into the existing look of your home or feature it as a showpiece, there are some timeless elements you should include.

Teresa Staley: Murals & Faux By Design

As our name implies, Cabinets & Designs is about more than just providing you the best cabinets on the market. Our favorite part of our job is design. We enjoy helping our clients create a unique space they love to use. To do so, we partner with some of Houston’s finest companies and artisans. Over the coming months, we’ll introduce you to a few of our favorites, starting with Teresa Staley.

Halloween Memories

While driving by a pumpkin patch on the way to work, I started thinking about my favorite Halloween memories. Somehow, they all involved being gathered with my family in the kitchen. Whether carving pumpkins on the kitchen table with my dad or roasting the seeds with my mom, we were always in that heart of the home. So, when I arrived at Cabinets & Designs, I started asking my coworkers about their favorite halloween memories. Surprisingly, the answers were all similar: memories of early childhood halloweens, helping their parents prepare in the kitchen. So, to get you in the halloween spirit, we’re sharing some of our favorite memory making halloween tips and treats.

October is National Kitchen and Bath Month

October is traditionally the most popular month for homeowners to renovate their kitchens and bathrooms. That is why the National Kitchen and Bath Association has designated it National Kitchen and Bath Month. To celebrate, throughout the month, Cabinets & Designs will share some of our favorite tips, tricks (and treats), and inspiration. 

Silestone Sponsors MoMA Exhibition Counter Space: Design and the Modern Kitchen

We were excited to learn that Silestone is sponsoring an exhibit at The Museum of Modern Art in New York. The exhibit, Counter Space: Design and the Modern Kitchen, will run through March 14, 2011. The exhibition explores architectural modernism by chronicling the transformation of the kitchen in the 20th century. In a recent press release, Lorenzo Marques, VP of Marketing for Cosentino North America, Silestone’s parent company, said, "We are honored to sponsor this incredible exhibition and to partner for the first time with The Museum of Modern Art. The Silestone brand is synonymous with the sophisticated modern-day kitchen, and shares a deep appreciation for the important, ever-changing, role of this room in the home. The evolution over the decades is truly impressive. We hope that Counter Space inspires visitors to consider kitchen design and its significance in a whole new light." 

Environmentally Friendly Cleaners for Your Kitchen and Bathroom

You can “Go Green” and “Save Some Green” just by changing your cleaning supplies. While there are specially formulated eco-friendly cleaners on the market, you probably already have some of the best in your fridge or pantry. Here are a few of our favorites:

Green Gadgets for Your Kitchen

We’ve decided to share some of our favorite green gadgets for your kitchen and where you can find them.Wood-Mode’s Recycle CenterWood-Mode makes dividing your recycling easy with their four compartment recycling center. This one unit has sections for paper, glass, plastic and aluminum.Bamboo Cutting BoardsBamboo is all the rage for those seeking a renewable, sustainable alternative to wood. Some of our favorite bamboo items for your kitchen are from the Malibu Company. This company uses the Moso strain which yields a durable bamboo tube, 16% harder than maple wood. It is a fast growing bamboo, no reseeding is required and all parts of the plant are used.GreenPanThe GreenPan is the first environmentally friendly non-stick pan. Conventional non-stick pans and cookware are coated with PolyTetraFluoroEthylene, a synthetic substance which starts to degrade at temperatures over 260 degrees. GreenPan’s non-stick surface is made of Thermolon which can be heated to 450 degrees. It also uses fewer toxic chemicals and emits 50% fewer green house gas emissions during production. You can find a wealth of information about the environmental benefits of this product on the GreenPan website.Hand Crank Coffee GrinderSave electricity and boost your morning workout by grinding your own coffee. The Bodum grinder holds enough coffee for an 8 cup coffee maker.Hand JuicerHand juicers use no electricity and preserve the nutrients in your beverage. The citrus juicer is probably the first to come to mind. However, manual crank-style juicers are perfect for wheatgrass or carrot juice. Best of all, if a storm knocks out your electricity, you can still enjoy the health benefits of fresh juice.Owl Electricity MonitorThe Owl electricity monitor is the perfect kitchen gadget for getting real-time information on your home’s overall energy use. You’ll know at a glance how much electricity you are using, what it is costing you, and your home’s CO2 emissions.Water Powered ClocksThese clocks use the electrolytic power of water to generate enough energy to display the time on a digital face. Best feature, you can even use the water cell for fresh flowers to brighten your kitchen!Filter AeratorsLow-flow aerators are the easiest, most cost-effective way to reduce your home’s water consumption by 50%. They are available at any hardware store and screw easily onto your existing kitchen faucet.Induction CooktopsThese are the most energy efficient cooktops on the market. Electromagnetic elements allow the cooktop to heat almost instantly and perfectly evenly. They are so fast, they can even boil a pot of water in 3 minutes.WaterWeek Water BottlesThese reusable water bottles come in five different colors so you have water ready for every day of your work or school week. Just fill with water at the beginning of the week, pop the bottles into the included tray, and place in the fridge. You’ll no longer feel guilty about throwing out hundreds of plastic bottles a year.One of our other favorite stores for green products is Crate and Barrel. They have a great selection of bamboo, recycled paper napkins, glass, and other eco-friendly products. 

Featured Green Company of the Week: Wood-Mode

As you’ve probably guessed by now, everyone at Cabinets & Designs loves Wood-Mode cabinets. We could, and have, gone on for pages about all the benefits of Wood-Mode/Brookhaven cabinetry. However, we have yet to mention one of our favorite aspects of the company: its commitment to the environment.In its environmental policy statement, Wood-Mode’s stated goals are to:Promote the protection and sustainability of forests and other natural resources through our suppliers.Pursue the inclusion of environmentally friendly products and materials into our manufacturing processes where feasible.Protect land, water, and air quality by complying with all environmental permits  and regulations.Employ energy efficient technologies in our manufacturing processes where practicable.Promote our environmental policies and practices to our employees and the public.Wood-Mode will strive to meet these goals and show our commitment to being a conscientious corporate citizen by working to protect our environment and conserve our natural resources.However, goals without action are meaningless. Wood-Mode has taken definite actions toward their stated goals and achieved nationally recognized results.Wood-Mode is certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) as meeting the standards for its "Environmental Stewardship Program" (ESP).To qualify for and maintain certification, manufacturers are evaluated annually on compliance in five categories, including air quality, product resource management, process resource management, environmental stewardship, and community relations, as well as energy conservation and recycling programs. Wood-Mode earned 100 out of 105 possible points.In 1989, Wood-Mode installed and began operating its Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) for the destruction of emissions generated in the cabinetry finishing process.  The RTO destroys 99.4% of captured Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). Under optimal conditions, the RTO operates in a self-sustaining mode and does not need any fuel input, significantly saving energy.Wood-Mode complies with all local and state regulations for the discharge of any waste water, as regulated by the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Steam condensate is recovered and re-circulated back to the boiler systems. Sawdust and wood scrap are ground into particles and used as fuel for the entire factory and offices. Scrap recycling also eliminates having to deposit wood waste into landfills. This self-produced fuel, recycled from scrap, is a renewable natural resource, and the most environmentally responsible fuel possible.Wood-Mode employees have taken initiatives such as using recycled product packaging materials, wrapping paper and packing foam; re-using in-coming packaging fill for out-going shipments; monitoring water consumption for maximum conservation; installing energy-efficient light fixtures and high-pressure humidification equipment to reduce compressed air and electricity usage. All of these steps and others have led Wood-Mode to be eligible for certification or points toward certification from LEED, REGREEN, NAHB National Green Building Standard, Forest Stewardship Council, CARB, Environmentally Preferable Product and EPP Downstream Program.

Cosentino Exceeds Industry Environmental Standards

This month, we’re dedicating our blogs to the Earth. In September, we’re all about going green and celebrating the products committed to the environment. We’re starting with one of our favorite products, Silestone by Cosentino. Silestone products qualify for points toward Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for builders, companies and individuals. In addition, Cosentino has a long history of environmental responsibility. Both you and your builder can feel good about using Silestone Quartz in your home.

What Is A Lifestyle Showroom?

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a Lifestyle Showroom is worth a thousand images. Our lifestyle showroom is where your vision meets innovation, and design begins. Cabinets & Designs is Houston’s largest showroom currently displaying cabinetry and related products for every room in your home. We showcase kitchens, bathrooms, dressing rooms, study/office areas, entertainment centers, and wet bars. While we do have hundreds of pictures and samples to inspire your design, we most enjoy witnessing your surprise when you encounter our many ingenious interior cabinet storage options.  Here are a few of the surprises you’ll find in our Lifestyle Showroom:

What You Need To Know About Remodeling in a High Rise

Living in a high rise has many benefits: on-site maintenance, higher security, free use of a pool or gym. However, if you’re remodeling your high rise unit, you may see a few drawbacks to the lifestyle. There are challenges specific to owners and contractors when renovating in a high rise. Keep in mind, the rules are in place for the safety and comfort of all the residents and the workers. All property management companies have different rules and regulations about remodeling, so always check before you start a renovation. However, here are a few standard practices across the board:

Using Interior Glass for Distinct Design

When remodeling or upgrading your home, glass elements can solve typical design dilemmas. Mirrors have traditionally been used to add the illusion of extra space in a room. Transparent or partially opaque glass panels or doors separate rooms into distinct spaces without obstructing light. Decorative and colored glass features give your home a unique look and feel while unifying its design. However it is integrated into your design, glass adds sparkle to your room and personality to your home. In The Kitchen:Cabinet Door Inserts: Clear and opaque glass can be backlit to add light to your cabinets. Your decorative china can be displayed while remaining protected from dust and debris. Etched or leaded glass enhances your kitchen’s design and personality.Back Splashes and Wall Coverings: Glass tile is a spectacular alternative to ceramic. Glass is non-porous, it resists stains, mold and mildew. It reflects light, making your kitchen look brighter and more spacious. For the look of even more space, mirrored back splashes are available and becoming more popular. Cast glass back splashes add a clean, modern look and are available in many colors.Counter and Table Tops: Glass slabs come in a variety of thicknesses, colors and coatings to add a distinct look to counters and table tops. They are durable, non-porous and easy to clean, making them a dramatic alternative to granite, marble and composites.In The Bathroom:

Want a New Kitchen for the Holiday Season? Better Start Now!

Remodeling a kitchen is a major task, even at the best of times. It means weeks of take-out and paper plates, workmen and dust. The pay-off for all the upheaval is the kitchen of your dreams. At the very least, it’s a kitchen in which you can prepare a holiday meal for the extended family without wanting to scream. Though it seems far off, if you want your kitchen to be ready for the in-laws this holiday season, you need to start now. Kitchen Remodeling Timeline: Week One (Say August 1) - The Planning Stages: Assess your kitchen with your family. Discuss what key features you want, the appliances you can keep, and aesthetic design ideas. Set a budget and meet with your banker if you need a loan.Weeks Two to Four (To end of August)- Meeting with the Designer: At this stage you can confidently discuss your needs, budget and tastes with your designer. Your designer can help lay out a plan, choose materials and colors. You should also discuss with your designer what permits will be necessary and interview general contractors. Note: If you are a little indecisive, this step may take longer.Weeks Five to Ten (month of September, possibly through October) - Preparing Your Kitchen: While waiting for your custom cabinetry, countertops and other items, begin packing up your kitchen. Whether you like it or not, you are going to have to pack the contents of your kitchen before the remodel can begin. If you have a spare sink in which you can wash dishes, keep out your daily set. Move your microwave to a convenient location for cooking or re-heating. Decide where you can move your refrigerator or if you will live out of ice chests. Everything else should be put in boxes out of the way. If you are planning on getting all new appliances, this may be a good time for a garage sale.Week Eleven (mid-October) - Demolition: This really shouldn’t take a week for a professional crew. However, given Murphy’s Law, it’s always good to factor in a little extra time.Weeks Twelve to Twenty (Through the beginning of December) - The Actual Build: Typical remodels take eight weeks from the time construction begins. Of course, this will vary depending on the extent of your remodel and the materials you choose. All that’s left is to unpack those boxes and decorate your new space. If you start now, you should be ready to prepare your Holiday feast in your beautiful, new kitchen.

Stop! Do Those Cabinets Have a Lifetime Warranty?

When you’re comparison shopping for new cabinets, one consideration should be the warranty. Obviously, various manufacturers will offer different warranties. However, manufacturers may also offer different warranties for their various product lines. Typically, the higher the quality of the cabinetry line, the better the warranty. Since your cabinets are meant to last, make sure your warranty will, too.  The first thing to consider when comparing warranties is the coverage period. Most warranties fall into one of three categories: one year, five year, or lifetime. High quality cabinets should always come with a lifetime warranty. If a manufacturer is not willing to stand behind its product, you should be leery. However, not all lifetime warranties are created equal. Some manufacturers consider 10 years a lifetime. Unless you are planning on moving or remodeling in 10 years, it is probably not what you would consider a lifetime. Instead, look for a warranty that covers the cabinets for the full period of time you will live with them. Both the Wood-Mode and Brookhaven Cabinetry lines offer limited lifetime warranties that cover your cabinets for as long as you own your home.If the period of coverage is only limited by how long you own the cabinets, the next consideration is what exactly is covered by the warranty. It is standard to cover defects in workmanship or materials for the original owner at the original installation site. Some manufacturers will cover drawer slides and hinges, as well. Generally, any defects arising from misuse, neglect or modification of the product will not be covered by a standard warranty. Since even lifetime warranties differ on what will or will not be covered, you should carefully review the options with your sales person before deciding on your cabinets. As some warranties vary by state, your sales professional should also be able to tell you which exclusions apply where you live. Ideally, you won’t have any claims. However, you need to make sure you know what compensation you will receive if you do make a claim. Most companies provide repair or replacement of the defective part. While the cost of replacement may be covered, additional costs may ensue if the workmen need to remove countertops or appliances during the repair. Always check with your dealer so you know their policies ahead of time.Your manufacturer’s warranty is only as good as the company ensuring it. Should you need to make a claim, you’ll have to go through the company who initially installed the cabinets. Therefore, you should start by choosing a reputable, established dealer in your area. Make sure to ask as many questions of your salesperson to feel comfortable with the terms of your warranty and the people backing it. If your warranty is for a lifetime, you should want a relationship with the company to last as long.

New Showroom, New Award, Same Great Design Company

Earlier this week we were thinking about all the major changes that have taken place at Cabinets & Designs, Inc. the past few months.  If you’ll indulge us a bit, we would love to share some accomplishments with you.  At the beginning of this year we moved into our new showroom on Westheimer at Mid Lane.  We expanded our displays to include custom closet, bathroom, media center, wet bar and, of course, more kitchens.  The showroom features our own interpretation of Wood-Mode Themes of Hudson Valley, Linear Solutions, Provence and Lakeshore among others.  Since we have a fully built display for every room in the house, Wood-Mode awarded us with the title “Wood-Mode Exclusive Lifestyle Designs Showroom”.  This distinction is reserved for a very small number of showrooms across the country and we’re number one in Houston.Not only are we Houston’s Newest Lifestyle Showroom, we are the first showroom to feature the new crackle finish and the X-Mullion Medallion door style.  Also on display are a Caramelized Bamboo Chef’s Pantry encased with a contemporary Java frame, a French Country Sub-Zero Armoire and much more…To celebrate our new showroom we had a grand opening event throughout March.  To share our joy with our valued customers, we had a drawing for some valuable prizes.  The lucky winners are listed below.Grand Opening Prize Winners

Father's Day Has Us Thinking About Dad and the Kitchen

As Father’s Day approaches, pictures of Dad grilling steaks while drinking a beer with his buddies spring to mind. However, newer generations may be replacing this quintessential image with a more sophisticated version of Dad: placing the finishing touches on a Boeuf Bourguignon while sipping a wine from the accompanying region. We’ve noticed that men have become more involved in their kitchen makeovers, and think it’s because they are spending more time in the kitchen. We have a few theories as to why:The kitchen has become the heart of the home. Contrary to popular belief this has not always been the case. In the early and mid-twentieth century, kitchens had a utilitarian function and design, serving as a “work-place” for stay at home moms. When the work was done, the family gathered in a separate, aptly named, “family room.” However, as women entered the workforce and household chores became divided more equally between the couple, kitchens grew to accommodate families working together. The kitchens became large enough for two or more cooks, enabling men to help their wives prepare the family meal. In addition, the once separate family room became integrated into the kitchen design, allowing children more time with their busy parents. In modern constructions, a large percentage of space is dedicated to these multi-functioning kitchen/dining/family rooms; and an equally large percentage of time is spent there. It’s no wonder Dad feels more comfortable in the kitchen.Men love gadgets. As a result of the expanded size and function of the kitchen, they became more technologically advanced. Large screen TVs, easily viewed while cooking, mean Dad never has to miss the big game while helping out. Computers integrated into the front of the fridge or in the cabinetry allow him to follow along with a cooking demonstration in real time, anytime. While performing these tasks on large, professional-grade ranges from names like Wolf, make him feel like a professional chef.Men follow trends. Let’s face it, men want to be cool. The rise of cooking shows and macho celebrity chefs probably has much to do with men hitting the gourmet aisles in the supermarket. The panache of the Galloping Gourmet has been replaced by the bravado of Gordon Ramsey coupled with the excitement of game shows. Shows like Iron Chef have turned cooking into a sport, a competition, and men do love sports. Many of these shows, such as Top Chef, emphasize the pairing of food and wine, and restaurants often have pairings on their menus. Cigar bars have given way to wine bars, and men have followed suit. Instead of humidors filled with Monte Cristos, men have begun collecting rare wines, housed in refrigerated storage units from Sub-Zero. Keeping up with the Joneses means keeping up with their wine collection.Of course, the reason may be as simple as women love men who can cook. So, this Father’s Day encourage Dad’s love of fine food and wine; but, remember, even the best chefs like a night out.

Keeping a Shared Closet Organized

Many of us get used to having our own personal closets when we live alone.  Life does not always remain the same and we may go on to share our rooms with friends, colleagues, or significant others. Transitioning from having your own closet to sharing a closet with someone can be difficult.  You may need to adjust the way you organize to make space for two where there was once only one!Start by each person designating a personal storage space within the closet. Try to make this as fair as possible while keeping in mind one person may have more to store than the other.  Consider yourself lucky if your partner does not require much storage space and allows you to have the lion's share. Following the division of storage space, you should clean up the clutter. You have to be ruthless in this case. Just do away with items that you are not using anymore; some of them might be useful to others.  You can always donate items to friends, family, or those less fortunate than you.  Cleaning the clutter is an activity that should be redone periodically otherwise you will find your closet getting filled with things you do not need or use. Now comes the organizing part.  Invest in shelf dividers, hangars, shoe-holders, hanging sweater organizers, and other compartmentalized products; they are extremely useful in keeping your closet organized.  Consider storing items that are not used very often (holiday decorations or seasonal clothing) in a different place, such as in suitable containers under the bed. 

Choosing the Perfect Type of Wood for your Custom Cabinetry

Are you considering custom cabinetry for your kitchen? Incorporating custom cabinets can enhance the beauty of your kitchen while adding resale value to your home, since they can be customized to coordinate with your home décor. However, in order to maintain the perfect balance between beauty and durability of cabinets, you need to make sure they are built of the right species of wood for you. Here are some of the most popular woods used in custom cabinetry. Take your pick:

Why You Should Use Frameless Cabinets in Your Kitchen

Kitchen cabinets add definition to your kitchen and also help in maximizing utilization of available space. This comes in handy particularly if you have a habit of keeping your kitchen chock full of supplies at all times. Cabinets will play an even bigger role in keeping your kitchen organized if you have a smaller kitchen with limited available space. There are two main kinds of cabinets that you can have in your kitchen, with face frames or frameless. Both will serve you well, but frameless cabinets have some significant advantages over cabinets with face frames. These include:

Keeping Bathroom Cabinets Organized

Cluttered bathroom cabinets are a frequent sight. Not only do they look bad but they can also make it difficult for you to locate required items especially when you are in a hurry. Moreover, people with cluttered bathroom cabinets sometimes repurchase items that they already have but were not able to locate. However it is not very difficult to organize a bathroom cabinet in a useful manner and keep it neat with a little conscious effort. The first step towards organizing your bathroom cabinet is to take out all the stuff and then sort them into similar categories. For example, the razor, shaving cream and after-shave would belong to the same space. Next you should scrupulously discard anything that you are not using as well as those items that are way past the expiration dates. This step would alone reduce a lot of clutter and make space for the required stuff.After you have sorted all the required items into groups you can begin the process of arranging them in the cabinet. One useful tip in this step would be to place things that you use more frequently in the lower shelves and those that you use less frequently to rarely in the upper ones. If you have under-counter storage, then you should invest in boxes or bins - whichever fits best in the available space. A three-drawer plastic unit can be very useful, as it will help you keep three groups of items neatly organized.After you have successfully organized your bathroom cabinet, you should keep in mind that in order to maintain it that way you should develop the habit of keeping items back in their designated places after using them. Also keep track of expiration dates, other than needlessly occupying space; they can also be harmful if used.  When it comes time to remodel your bathroom, consider integrating organization options into your new cabinets.  Our expert designers can help you find the right cabinets to fit your needs.   

Creating your Home Office

Do you run a small business from your home?  Purchasing the right kind of cabinetry will improve productivity, efficiency and make your office look more professional to visiting clients.Finding the right custom cabinetry for your home office is not an easy task.  Here are some tips that can make the process less complicated and more enjoyable;

Buying the perfect bathroom cabinets

Your bathroom is never complete without a bathroom cabinet, no matter how good the quality of your plumbing and furniture is. A properly designed bathroom cabinet will let you keep your toiletries organized, and will considerably improve the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Choosing the proper cabinet for your bathroom is important. Here are some quick pointers on how you can get great quality custom cabinetry for your bathroom.

How to Choose Custom Kitchen Cabinetry for Your Kitchen

When planning to revamp your kitchen, remember to pay special attention to cabinets. When planning to revamp your kitchen, keep in mind that custom cabinetry can transform your entire space, and increase the value of your home.Choosing the perfect custom cabinetry to match your kitchen décor is not an easy task. You need to consider the construction, color, and design of the cabinetry. Here are some pointers to help you choose the perfect cabinet for your kitchen.Making sure the designers know what they are doing

Why You Should Install a Quartz Countertop in Your Kitchen

Are you planning to get a new countertop for your kitchen? Why not go for a quartz countertop this time? These countertops are made of slabs of quartz bonded together with a special type of epoxy resin. The result is a high durability countertop that goes great with any kind of kitchen décor. If your old wooden countertop has been showing signs of age, it is high time you replaced it with a much better alternative.Here are the top 5 reasons why you should get a quartz countertop:

Get more out of your media center by better organization

Media centers are a source of great joy to movie and sports buff. They provide endless hours of entertainment whether the owner wants to use them alone or share the experience with like-minded friends and family members. But behind all this fun lies the reality of a tangled mess of wires and cables and discs scattered here and there separated from their cases, or worse, placed in the wrong cases. All this can dampen the enjoyment home media centers can provide. If you are someone who is facing the problem of a disorganized media center, then you might be familiar with instances when you couldn't find the remote or the DVD that you wanted to see. The only way to prevent such undesired occurrences is to keep the media center well-organized. In order to optimally organize your home media center you would need to buy a few things. These are mostly storage boxes meant for DVDs, CDS and video games; also you can get a media rack. You would also need to purchase cable/wire tubing and ties. After you have purchased all this stuff, you can set about getting your media center organized. Begin by unplugging all wiring and cables and then untangling them. Once you have untangled the mess of wires reconnect them to the various devices and pass the wires/cables through the slit in the wire tubing. This will prevent the wires and cables from entangling in future.

Effective tips for organizing a kitchen

The kitchen might just be among the most difficult spaces to organize, but it is certainly not unconquerable. In this article we will show you how the application of some simple strategies will transform even the most badly organized kitchens into the most well organized ones. The most important principle that one should keep in mind while organizing any space is to discard stuff that is not required. A lot of us have the tendency of keeping items that we don't use and probably never will, so even if these things are in a working condition they are effectively useless and taking up unnecessary space. It's a lot better to donate such items to people who might use them.