Friday, June 5, 2009
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Upgrades Put Kitchen Cabinets to Work
You've navigated the kitchen cabinet design minefield: the layout, the doors, the finishes and — gasp — the prices. Now you're ready to order the most expensive feature of your new kitchen — but wait! What options do you want? Lazy Susans, trash pullouts, full-extension glides? These things can make your kitchen more efficient and attractive, but they can also make it much more expensive. You need to really think about what options you will actually use, or regret not having, before you order your cabinets.
ADD TO WHAT YOU'VE GOT
Even if you're not starting your kitchen from scratch, you can upgrade your existing cabinets. Some cabinet manufacturers get many of their gadgets from companies such as Rev-a-Shelf or Haefele, which also sell directly to consumers. If you've longed for an appliance shelf that lifts a mixer or food processor from a cabinet to operating height, you can add one for about $100 to any full height base cabinet. Other upgrades like an in-drawer knife block (about $150) or cabinet door storage shelves (from $20-40) are great for organization and easy to install.
This in-drawer knife block by Rev-a-Shelf keeps knives and hands safe.CHECK IT OUT
Cabinet upgrades vary in both cost and function depending on the manufacturer (or carpenter). If you've yet to choose your cabinetmaker, you may want to consider what accessories each offers before deciding. If you've already picked a cabinet source, then check out their accessory line-up. Some upgrades are practical, making your life easier, such as full-extension drawers, which come out all the way to let you use 100 percent of the drawer. Other upgrades are aesthetic, making your cabinets more beautiful, such as molding or a plate display rack.
KraftMaid's storage solution line includes this pot organizer.ONE WOMAN'S STORY
For Carolyn Hegge of Middleton, Wis., both form and function were considerations. She and her husband, Jeff, chose DuraSupreme cabinets for the kitchen in their new home. One reason was that the company offers quarter-sawn oak, where the log is cut into quarters and then into boards. It shows off the grain and was often used in Mission and Arts and Crafts furniture. For Hegge, it was "purely an aesthetics issue." Her other upgrade choices, however, were purely practical.
She has full-extension glides in many of her drawers, and only regrets not putting them in all the drawers. Full-extension drawers slide completely out from the cabinet. They also are stronger and can handle a lot of weight, so you can store pots, pans and dishes in them. Hegge also has an appliance garage with an outlet inside to hide some appliances and other items as well. "Things like coffee filters and big bags of chips seem to find their way into it, too," she notes.
Hegge also opted for a 9-inch base cabinet that she "thought would be useless" but has turned out to be a workhorse for tray and cookie-sheet storage. "I wish that I had another one," she says.
KraftMaid also offers pullout pantries for extra food storage.THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY
There are several options for those 9-inch base cabinets, says Tom Stanley, president of Cabinet Solutions, a member of the SEN Design Group in the Chicago area. With shelves, they can hold a wealth of spices, which is particularly handy next to the oven. With taller shelves, you can store cooking oils and condiments. Stanley has gone even narrower with other base cabinets.
"For one client, we put 3-inch roll-out cabs on either side of the sink. One side has shelves for cleaning supplies and bottles of cleaner. On the other side, this client wanted somewhere her kitchen towels could dry without being out in the kitchen. We just put in bars at a couple different heights," says Stanley.
Another customer favorite are shelves that slide out from the cabinets. They're ideal for pots and pans because you can get to them without breaking your back. And Stanley says they've installed them as pet-feeding stations, too. When it's time for Fido's dinner, simply roll out the shelf.
Stanley says these full-extension slides are very popular, as are the slow-close drawers, which finish closing automatically — and slowly — once you start them on their way. He says a few companies now offer this function on cabinet doors as well and predicts the rest will follow.
Appliance garages with outlets are still popular, he says, and now even drawers and slide-outs are coming equipped with outlets for appliances. "There was a client who used his carving knife all the time, so we put an outlet in the drawer so he could keep his carving knife plugged in," says Stanley. "That's how crazy people are getting with saving movement and time."
A SAMPLING OF WHAT'S OUT THERE
Here are some of the accessories and upgrades now on the market. They vary by manufacturer and in price. These are expensive items, so do your research and choose carefully.
Dishes and Pans: A dish storage drawer can hold up to 150 pounds of weight and has pegs to keep stacked plates and bowls in place. Slide-out shelves are ideal for pots and pans, and a plate display rack looks charming in a period kitchen. These items range from $20-70 for simple pullouts to upwards of $300 for more elaborate pot caddies.
Storage: A lazy Susan or turntable is a rotating wheel set in the cabinet so you can easily reach everything; it is often used in corner cabinets. Toe-kick drawers are thin drawers set in the toe-kick area below the base cabinets. Other options include wine cabinets; a TV shelf; an appliance garage; skinny base cabinets (as thin as 3 inches); sliding wicker basket "drawers;" a trash pullout; drawer dividers; a knife-storing drawer; a hidden cutting board; pull-down bins; pantries; a tilt-down sink front (for storage); a breadbox drawer; a spice cabinet or pull-out; dividers for cabinets; and bottle pull-outs (tall, narrow open-sided drawers).
Pretty Things: Molding; "legs" for cabinet bases that make them look more like furniture; corbels; and custom appliance fronts and hood fronts.
Another Option: Open Shelving
Another Option: Open Shelving
Another alternative for homeowners with older cabinets in good condition is to remove the doors altogether and convert their existing cabinets to open shelving. Interior shelves can be removed or reconfigured inside the existing cabinet frames for a thoroughly modern and updated look.
"(With conversion to open shelving) there is an opportunity to refinish interiors in another color from the exterior or add beadboard backs," says Cavanaugh.
However, even if your original cabinets are solidly built and in good condition, refacing or converting to open shelving may not be the best option if your current cabinet design or layout isn?t efficient or functional. If the cabinets you have now aren't deep enough to hold your saucepans or tall enough to accommodate your cookie trays, replacing them completely may be the better option.
"If a homeowner is looking for major design or layout changes, those can be better achieved by starting over," says Reynolds.
What about a mix-and-match option, where some existing cabinets are rehabbed while others are completely replaced? Experts say this is a practical and cost-saving option many homeowners overlook.
"We often leave original glass upper cabinet doors and replace just the base cabinets to improve functionality," says Cavanaugh.
Not For Every Kitchen
Not For Every Kitchen
Even with the potential cost-savings, however, refacing isn't right for every kitchen remodel. Before making the decision to reface, rather than replace, homeowners need to consider a number of factors, starting with the "bones" of their current kitchen cabinetry.
"If they are not high-quality cabinets to begin with, it usually makes sense to replace the entire piece," says Deborah Ramos, an interior designer in St. Petersburg, Fl.
Lorey Cavanaugh of Kitchen and Bath Design Consultants in Hartford, Conn., agrees.
"The old adage about not throwing good money after bad comes into play here," says Cavanaugh. "Don't spend money to refront products that are truly worn out."
Gary Reynolds, a cabinet craftsman in North Carolina, encourages homeowners to take a careful look at the quality of their existing cabinets before going with refacing.
"Cabinets built prior to the 1980s were generally built of better materials than newer ones. Back then, ¾ inch plywood was actually ¾ inches thick and particle board was used for floor underlayment," explains Reynolds, who handles both refacing and new cabinet construction.
Affordable and Convenient
Affordable and Convenient
Fans of refacing say this mini-makeover can give a kitchen a whole new look at a much lower cost than installing all-new cabinets.
"Cabinet refacing can save up to 50 percent compared to the cost of replacing," says Cheryl Catalano, owner of Kitchen Solvers, a cabinet refacing franchise in Napierville, Ill.
Cabinet refacing is also a much less involved process than removing old cabinets and installing new ones.
"Refacing is an ideal option for many people because of its convenience," says Catalano. "The process doesn't require removal of the appliances, so the kitchen stays functional while the work is being done."
Reface, Don't Replace
Reface, Don't Replace
Many homeowners today are saving money by "refacing" rather than completely replacing their existing kitchen cabinets. There are three primary ways to reface cabinets:
1. Refinish or paint existing cabinet and drawer fronts.
2. Install new wood or laminate veneer over existing cabinet and drawer fronts.
3. Install completely new cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
In all three cases, new hardware such as hinges and pulls help to complete the update. The interiors of the cabinets can also be sanded and painted or stained for a completely new look.
Consider Your Cabinets
Consider Your Cabinets
Whether you're planning a simple kitchen spruce-up or a complete overhaul, deciding what to do about your cabinetry is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. New cabinets can take up nearly 50 percent of your total budget for a kitchen renovation — and functional cabinets can mean the difference between a kitchen that works and one that doesn't. But what if you can't afford to buy all-new cabinets with the latest storage features and styles?
Light Up Your Cabinets With Rope Lights
Problem: Areas under kitchen cabinets often have insufficient lighting, and typical under-cabinet lights are often unattractive and illuminate only isolated areas.
Solution: Rope lighting, available at most specialty lighting stores, provides an attractive, low-cost light source under the entire cabinet.
Materials and Tools:
Drill with spade bit
Circuit tester
Flathead screwdriver
Diagonal cutter to cut rope lighting
Coaxial cable clips (nail-in or stick-on) large enough for rope lighting
Pencil
String
Safety glasses
Steps:
1. Run a piece of string along the route you plan to use for your rope lighting.
2. Tighten the string and use it as a reference for marking the areas to be drilled.
3. Using the marks as a reference, drill holes in the sides of the base portion of the wall cabinets. Use a bit that's just large enough to allow the rope lighting to fit through.
4. Rope lighting is flexible and comes in lengths that can be cut at 18" intervals. Be sure to cut the rope light only where indicated or it will not function properly.
5. Thread the rope lighting through the holes and support it with cable clips where necessary.
6. Place a plastic cap (included in rope light kit) on the end of the rope light farthest from the power source.
7. On the end closest to the power source, insert male electrode spikes into the conductors on the rope light.
8. Slip the collar and sleeve (supplied with the kit) onto the rope light, and tighten the collar to the sleeve.
9. Insert the female connector (attached to power cord) to the male connector on the rope light.
10. Screw the support connector in place to ensure that the male and female connectors don't come apart.
11. Secure the remaining rope lighting to the cabinet and plug in to activate.
12. To eliminate the need for plugging and unplugging the light, you can install a switched outlet.
13. At the circuit breaker box, shut off the power supply to the outlet you'll be working on.
14. Test the outlet with a circuit tester to make sure the power is off.
15. Remove the faceplate and outlet.
16. Disconnect the wires from the outlet.
17. Connect the wires to the terminals on the switched outlet. Switched outlets vary. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
18. Install the new outlet and reattach the cover plate.
19. With these easy DIY instructions, your kitchen will have a new glow in no time.
Clever Kitchen Ideas: Cabinet Facelift
Transform unused kitchen nooks, walls and even appliances with this affordable decorating idea sure to perk up a tired kitchen. Kitchen designer Heidi Karpa shows you how.
Materials and Tools:
large print
various picture frame sizes
kilim carpet
decorative wooden trivets
decorative metal handles
measuring tape
paper and pencil
masking tape
level or laser level
drill
drill bits
screws
industrial scissors
glue
Steps:
1. Use masking tape on your cabinet doors to outline the potential picture frame size each door can take. Helpful hint: Smaller cabinet doors are good locations for different decorative items, like wooden trivets.
2. Stand back, review and readjust. You're looking to create a consistent line with some of the frames and provide a variation point as well. For example, one larger cabinet door could have two smaller frames instead of a large one. This creates visual interest in a run of cabinets. Keep border sizes constant for similarly sized doors, but allow for one variation.
3. Make a drawing of your cabinets and frame placements, listing how many frames you'll need in each size category.
4. Clearly review the design elements present in your kitchen, especially those you don't like. Use that design element to your advantage in this project. Crisp, white laminate cabinets provide good contrast to dark wooden frames. So, instead of hiding the laminate, use it to your advantage.
5. Determine the materials you want for your frames and decorative elements. Make a list or pull photos from a design/kitchen magazine to take with you to the store.
6. Make a detailed list of how many new handles you'll need for the cabinet doors. Helpful hint: Note whether the handles run horizontally or vertically. This will matter when it comes time to buy.
Inexpensive wood frames and fabric will jazz up kitchen cabinets.Purchase your materials:
1. At your local home store, review the selection of frames available. Select different frame styles for each size category, but keep the frame color consistent.
2. At your local home or import store, review a selection of "design elements:" carved wooden trivets, interesting serving trays or platters. Anything flat, decorative and drillable can be considered. Refer to your drawing and measurements list to keep the decision making process easier.
3. Select a large print that will go above the sink.
4. Select a style of kilim carpet that accents the colors in the print.
5. At your local home or hardware store, select new handles for your cabinets. Keep in mind the wood tones of your picture frames. Dark metal handles work well with dark wooden frames.
Measure and cut your chosen tapestry to fit the frame.Pre-installation:
1. Lay your frames against the cabinet, step back and review.
2. Take apart the frames and use the cardboard backs as guides for determining where you'll cut the carpet.
3. Readjust and rotate these guides until you're happy with the design elements you're highlighting. This is an important step. Think it through and experiment.
4. With a magic marker, outline the cardboard guides on the carpet.
5. Cut out the carpet pieces following the marker outlines.
6. Run glue along the backside of the carpet to adhere it to the cardboard.
7. Reassemble each frame with the carpet as the piece of artwork. Critical step: Do not use the glass inserts when you reassemble the frames. You don't want reflections to interfere with your design, and you'll need the extra space within the frame to accommodate the carpet.
8. Make sure the screws you're using to install the frames are just long enough to go through the door and halfway through the frame.
Arrange your frames before attaching them to the cabinets.Installation:
1. Hang the largest category of frames first. Helpful hint: A laser level makes the process go very smoothly.
2. You must pre-drill your holes to prevent the cabinets from splitting. Remember to drill through the cabinet door into the back of the frame, but don't go through the frame.
3. Always work from top to bottom and largest to smallest when installing your picture frames and decorative items. Periodically step back to review your work. Are the picture frames level? Are your borders around the frames consistent? Adjust as necessary.
4. Install your new cabinet hardware.
5. Hang your focal point picture over the sink.
6. Step back and enjoy your new space!
The $70,000 Dream Kitchen Makeover
$70K or Under: Cabinets
Best for: Someone who plans to spend more than seven years in their house. Forget what potential buyers might want in a kitchen and think more about what your dream kitchen should include. "Most people put off what they want to do with their kitchen for too long," says Costa. At this price point, you can invest in what your ideal kitchen would have. Nevertheless even at this cost, Costa reminds us, "Everyone cares about value, even at the high end."
While custom-ordering cabinets is de rigueur when you can spend this type of money, this is also where you can personalize the detailing. Want ornate French country or Queen Anne-style moldings? Here's where you can take the chance on more luxurious woods, like mahogany, and decorative styles. In fact, highly decorative or period styles, advises Costa, should only be chosen at this price point because, at the lower budget ends, the risk of authenticity is too high.
Kenneth Brown on the Functional Kitchen
Interior designer Kenneth Brown doesn't cook, but he still loves the kitchen in his L.A. loft. Glass windows line the walls, with "dark, dark walnut cabinets" below and a white countertop of Calcutta marble. A concrete floor and huge sisal rug complete the space. But even though Brown uses the cabinets to store non-kitchen items (and the microwave more than any other appliance), his clean, streamlined kitchen works for his busy life. It's also a reflection of the driving philosophy behind his designs: "Build for what you're gonna use."
L.A. designer Kenneth Brown says bigger isn’t better for kitchens.Brown, host of HGTV's redesign, believes that kitchens should "fit what you need in how you use your kitchen. Some people are happy with a hot plate and a mini fridge; others are gourmet cooks and make meals for 100 people a month." He's encouraged that more people are starting to realize that "these gi-normous kitchens are a waste." Many large kitchens don't function well, he points out, because they're so big that the distance from fridge to stove is too far, or they have two work triangles, requiring lots of extra steps. Brown encourages everyone who's contemplating a kitchen redo to "be more responsible about creating what we really need, and not doing it to impress." With that in mind, here are some tips from Brown on creating a workable and beautiful kitchen:
Streamline everything. Make sure you have enough room for storage so there's no clutter on the countertops, Brown says. If you want to take the clean look a step further, use Brown's favorite trick: Install all the electrical outlets underneath the upper cabinets so you don't have visible outlets cluttering up the backsplash.
Create family space in the kitchen. "At the end of the day when everyone's home the kitchen is the place where everyone recharges." There should be a safe place for kids to hang out or do homework, and a spot for a computer. "People enjoy surfing the web in the kitchen, and it's great to have it right there for pulling up recipes for cooking."
Let the kitchen reflect your personality, and not the standards of what you think a kitchen should look like. One of Brown's favorite projects was the redesign of a kitchen on a very tight budget. Brown took the doors off the cabinets to expose freshly painted shelves as an alternative to installing new cabinetry. He brought in a 1950s banquette for seating as a place for the family to hang out, and hung photos of the owners as goofy eight-year-olds on the walls. "We sort of broke the rules," Brown says. "But it was all about customizing the kitchen for the homeowner."
Make tough choices. There are so many products available now, from cabinet finishes to hardware, that making a choice can seem paralyzing. "That's the biggest problem every homeowner faces," says Brown. "You have to learn to edit and just accept that you're going to stick with one element that's the main feature." If you're in love with your countertops, then choose a backsplash that won't compete with it. "Find other elements to balance it out that won't steal the show."
Function should always come first. Brown says his biggest design mistake ever was when he honed Carrera marble for kitchen countertops. "When you hone marble you're stripping off its finish to give it more of a flat, matte look," he explains. "But you're also stripping off the layer that keeps things from soaking into it." As soon as one wet glass touched the countertop, it was "marked for life." Brown was good friends with the homeowners, and replaced the countertop with a glossier, but much more functional, intact Carrera marble.
Gather 'Round: The Family Focused Kitchen
Designing a kitchen to suit an active family isn't that much different than designing for restaurants, says Rick Glickman, owner of Dream Kitchens Inc. in Chicago. "I've designed residential kitchens since 1992, but for a dozen years before that I was in food service design," he says. "There, the client would have a menu in mind and would tell me, 'Make the kitchen so it can produce this.' Now, I ask homeowners, 'What do you want to produce in this kitchen? Do you entertain? What do you cook? Or do you just phone in?' That's what I plan the space around."
Glickman works with a team approach, doing the space design himself and having associates follow up with interior design to "make it look great." Here, he shares tips for a family-friendly kitchen design:
The biggest challenge: "This house is in a wooded area and it's very open — full-height windows all around," says Glickman. "The kitchen had only two walls, with windows, so everything had to go on an interior wall and the whole design needed to look natural."
Strategies to suit the family: "These clients wanted a kitchen mainly just to enjoy being together as a family and hanging out," he says. "That's one of the reasons that the main focus is on food prep and a place to sit — the fridge and the wine fridge are down the hall and out of the way.
"We also added contemporary appliances and a faucet over the cooktop so the kids can help cook and clean up, and opened a wall so that when you're sitting in the kitchen you can see the relaxing fireplace in the family room."
A combination of dark cherry and maple cabinets adorn the kitchen."The cherry matched the rustic beams in the rest of the house, while the maple went with the cherry and made it brighter," says Glickman. "The two tones blend with the rest of the house without being exactly the same."
On the left side of the kitchen, Glickman employed the dark cherry inside an open cabinet. "It's eye-appealing but it's also hiding the ductwork," he says.
Glickman also opted for wood floors. "There are plenty of other nice options," he says, "but wood floors were present throughout the house and I had to make sure this floor went with them."
A clue about concrete: Glickman used a concrete counter for the space he knew the family would congregate around daily. "Not that concrete's necessarily more durable, but it is meant to be used," he says. "After it's been around for a while, it gets little nicks and becomes patinaed to the house? It looks better after heavy use."
Glickman featured an Internet connection in his family-focused kitchen and he recommends it for most anybody. "You can use it to look up a recipe, check homework while you're cooking, send e-mail," he says. "I particularly like the Beyond iCEBOX, which is a countertop computer, television, DVD, Internet radio and so forth all in one, designed specifically for kitchens."
Meet the designer: Rick Glickman is the owner of Dream Kitchens Inc. in the Chicago area. His group works as a team and he also offers seminars across the country where he teaches the team-selling method to other kitchen dealers.
Cabinet Facelift
Materials and Tools:
large print
various picture frame sizes
kilim carpet
decorative wooden trivets
decorative metal handles
measuring tape
paper and pencil
masking tape
level or laser level
drill
drill bits
screws
industrial scissors
glue
Steps:
1. Use masking tape on your cabinet doors to outline the potential picture frame size each door can take. Tip: Smaller cabinet doors are good locations for different decorative items, like wooden trivets.
2. Stand back, review and readjust. You're looking to create a consistent line with some of the frames and provide a variation point as well. For example, one larger cabinet door could have two smaller frames instead of a large one. This creates visual interest in a run of cabinets. Keep border sizes constant for similarly sized doors, but allow for one variation.
3. Make a drawing of your cabinets and frame placements, listing how many frames you'll need in each size category.
Arrange your frames before attaching them to the cabinets.4. Clearly review the design elements present in your kitchen, especially those you don't like. Use that design element to your advantage in this project. Crisp, white laminate cabinets provide good contrast to dark wooden frames. So, instead of hiding the laminate, use it to your advantage.
5. Determine the materials you want for your frames and decorative elements. Make a list or pull photos from a design/kitchen magazine to take with you to the store.
6. Make a detailed list of how many new handles you'll need for the cabinet doors. Tip: Note whether the handles run horizontally or vertically. This will matter when it comes time to buy.
Inexpensive wood frames and fabric will jazz up kitchen cabinets.7. At your local home store, review the selection of frames available. Select different frame styles for each size category, but keep the frame color consistent.
8. At your local home or import store, review a selection of "design elements:" carved wooden trivets, interesting serving trays or platters. Anything flat, decorative and drillable can be considered. Refer to your drawing and measurements list to keep the decision making process easier.
9. Select a large print that will go above the sink.
10. Select a style of kilim carpet that accents the colors in the print.
11. At your local home or hardware store, select new handles for your cabinets. Keep in mind the wood tones of your picture frames. Dark metal handles work well with dark wooden frames.
12. Lay your frames against the cabinet, step back and review.
13. Take apart the frames and use the cardboard backs as guides for determining where you'll cut the carpet.
14. Readjust and rotate these guides until you're happy with the design elements you're highlighting. This is an important step. Think it through and experiment.
15. With a magic marker, outline the cardboard guides on the carpet.
Measure and cut your chosen tapestry to fit the frame.16. Cut out the carpet pieces following the marker outlines.
17. Run glue along the backside of the carpet to adhere it to the cardboard.
18. Reassemble each frame with the carpet as the piece of artwork. Do not use the glass inserts when you reassemble the frames. You don't want reflections to interfere with your design, and you'll need the extra space within the frame to accommodate the carpet.
19. Make sure the screws you're using to install the frames are just long enough to go through the door and halfway throughthe frame.
20. Hang the largest category of frames first. Tip: A laser level makes the process go very smoothly.
21. You must pre-drill your holes to prevent the cabinets from splitting. Remember to drill through the cabinet door into the back of the frame, but don't go through the frame.
22. Always work from top to bottom and largest to smallest when installing your picture frames and decorative items. Periodically step back to review your work. Are the picture frames level? Are your borders around the frames consistent? Adjust as necessary.
23. Install your new cabinet hardware.
24. Hang your focal point picture over the sink
Outdated Kitchen Remodel
Dan Nelson is due to finish his deployment in Afghanistan in less than four months. As a surprise, his wife Melissa wants to remodel their kitchen before he returns home.
BeforeThe kitchen is for the most part functional and it is nice and bright, but the room sorely needs some updates. Many of the cabinet doors don't close all the way. The linoleum floor and countertops are scratched and stained. Melissa has already purchased new appliances, but she hasn't installed them yet, they're sitting out in her shed.
Materials and Tools:
hammer
air compressor and hoses
brad nailer
drill
electric miter saw
painting supplies
pry bar
safety glasses
utility knife
3/4" birch plywood for cabinet doors
granite-style laminate countertop
concrete board
pre-cut stainless steel for backsplash
primer
paint
Steps:
Prep — very carefully
Start with removing all furniture and appliances from the kitchen. Before removing the stove, be sure to turn the gas line off.
Empty the cabinets. Using a utility knife, pry bar and hammer, carefully remove the crown molding at the top of the upper cabinets and the baseboard trim around the floor. Using a screw gun, remove the cabinet doors and hardware. Label each door and cabinet so they can easily be matched up later.
Unhook the plumbing from under the sink. Unscrew the countertop from underneath and score the silicone caulk with a utility knife. Once the countertop is removed, the fridge and surrounding cabinets can be removed.
The old linoleum floor can stay until the cabinets are refinished.
The paint is sanded off the cabinets to get them ready for repainting.Cabinet Prep
Unscrew the base cabinets and set aside. Use 3/4" plywood to fill the area under the dishwasher and the footprint of the base cabinets. This will allow the cabinets to be the same height of the new tile floor. It also makes moving the new appliances much easier if they ride on the same plane.
Using an orbital sander, sand down the cabinet frames. We are priming and painting, so the sanding only needs to take off the finish.
The new countertop is installed and a hole is cut for the sink. Cutting the Hole for the Sink
With the countertop in place but not fastened, trace the inside of the base cabinet on the underside of the countertop. This helps assure that the sink cutout will be aligned correctly. Then, place the sink upside down on the underside of the countertop, positioning it correctly side to side and front to back. Trace around the edge of the sink with a pencil.
Using a circular saw or a jig saw, cut out along the marked line to remove the area for the sink. After installing the countertop, install the sink using provided hardware. Attach all necessary drain and water lines.
Installing the Backsplash
The stainless-steel backsplash comes with mounting hardware that will allow easy installation to the wall and cover any cut edges. Measure and cut to fit. The bottom edge should be seamed with a silicone caulk sealant.
Cabinet Doors
Using the table saw and circular saw, cut the new cabinet doors and drawer fronts out of 3/4-inch birch plywood. It's a good idea to label each door so they don't get mixed up in the installation. Using a table router, rout the edge of each cabinet door to add a decorative element to the cabinets.
The next step is to prime and paint. When dry, use a hardware template to set all the handles and hinges in the same place. Install the cabinet doors using a level and screw gun.
Sorting Through Kitchen Cabinet Choices
Cabinets usually devour the bulk of a budget during a kitchen remodel. Because they are a major investment (and one that's not likely to be made again anytime soon), you'll need to sort through the available options and make choices with confidence. Here's how:
FRESHEN UP
If existing cabinets are of good quality, are in excellent working condition and the layout functions well, the most affordable option is to freshen them up by restaining or painting. Another alternative, refacing, involves installing a new veneer on the exterior of the cabinet box and replacing the doors and drawer fronts, and should be handled by a professional. The process is much faster than installing new cabinets because the cabinets remain intact and the work is done onsite. However, be forewarned that when it comes to cabinets, doors and drawer fronts account for the greatest expense.
"Sixty to 70 percent of the cost of the cabinet is the door," says Jeff Cannata, past president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and president of Designer's Showcase Kitchens & Baths Inc. in Carol Stream, Ill. "So, if you're paying for someone to put a new door or a new drawer in... it might be more affordable to shop new."
And with new cabinets, there's an added bonus: the freedom to explore different layout possibilities.
NEW AND IMPROVED
The decision has been made to install new cabinets, but there are other choices ahead. Are custom cabinets required, or will stock cabinets fit the bill? Custom cabinets are built to exact specifications and offer endless options with regard to materials, designs, finishes and accessories. Choosing custom cabinets requires the longest lead time and is the most expensive route.
Semi-custom cabinets are just that: semi-custom. While the cabinets are made to the homeowner's size requirements, the manufacturer produces them in predetermined increments. Often a spacer may be needed to conceal unused wall space, and that sacrifices storage. The range of materials, designs, finishes and accessories will not be as broad with semi-custom cabinets, but they cost less than fully custom cabinets.
Stock cabinets, which are the least expensive of new cabinet options, are pre-made and come in standard sizes. Though stock cabinets often get a bad rap in terms of quality of construction, there are many on the market that are made of solid wood.
"I will say that eight out of 10 kitchens could probably be done with stock cabinetry. And what I mean by that is a good designer can design with any line," Cannata says. "Anyone can say, `Oh, I need this cabinet to be 21 ½ inches.' But a good designer should be able to design using a 21-inch cabinet."
No matter what type of cabinet is selected, it's important to evaluate the quality of hinges, doors, drawer systems and finish. Homeowners should choose cabinets that offer at least a five-year warranty, according to Al Pattison, president of NKBA.
CONSTRUCTION AND STYLE
Next, consider the construction type and door style. Framed cabinets, which are popular in traditional kitchens, have a front frame around the cabinet opening. The door attaches to the frame. Frameless, or European-style cabinets, have no front frame. The door attaches directly to the side of the cabinet. Frameless cabinets, which are often used in contemporary kitchens, offer an advantage over framed cabinets. Because there is no front frame, there is open access to the cabinet interior.
When it comes to door styles, there are several choices. Traditional-overlay doors cover some of the frame, full-overlay doors cover the entire cabinet frame and inset doors sit inside the cabinet frame.
ACCESSORIZE
After giving thought to the cabinets' exterior, turn some attention to their intended use and interior features.
"It used to be that we would place cabinetry in the room and make it functional," says Pattison. "[Now] every cabinet has a purpose." Pull-out drawers for pots and pans, oversized drawers for baking sheets and designated cabinets for trash and recycling are some examples. Accessories like lazy Susans, built-in spice racks, drawer organizers and other cabinet extras make the kitchen a much more efficient and enjoyable place.
HARDWARE
As a finishing touch, add pulls, knobs and handles to cabinets. Hardware comes in a wide variety of styles at all price points and contributes to a truly customized look.
Ergonomic Kitchen
Bend. Stretch. Twist, turn, duck, reach.
No, this isn't boot camp. This is you, making dinner. And if you're a woman, you may be doing all this wearing high heels on a ceramic tile floor.
Ouch.
Fortunately, designers and architects are paying more attention to the science of ergonomics, or creating rooms that are designed to encourage productivity, efficiency and comfort. By coupling ergonomically designed appliances and fixtures with careful planning, working in your kitchen can become a pleasure, not a pain.
CUSTOMIZE COUNTERS
Counters are important considerations, says New York architect Oreste Drapaca, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Designing Your Own Home (Alpha/Penguin, 2007). Drapaca recommends customizing counter heights, rather than forcing your body to adapt to standardized sizes (unless you happen to be the right height for them anyway). Consider installing two or more counters at varying heights — a lower one (34 to 38 inches tall) for food preparation, like slicing and stirring and another at bar height (44 to 46 inches) to hold foods ready for serving, or items you are not currently using, like the bowl of melted chocolate that needs to cool before you add it to the egg whites. When choosing custom sizes, Drapaca says, a good rule is to consider the height of the countertop in relation to the height of your elbow. When a kitchen acts as a social center, guests or family members can also gather at the bar — which can go as high as 48 inches — and chat with the cook comfortably, rather than perching atop a dishwasher or leaning against the fridge.
Bamboo flooring is as beautiful as it is comfortable underfoot.GIVE FLOORS SOME "BOUNCE"
Even floors count, says Drapaca. In place of terra cotta, stone or ceramic tile, Drapaca recommends using "bouncy" materials like wood, rubber and especially cork, which are easier on feet and legs. Alternatively, you can try placing mats or small rag rugs (with non-slip padding) in strategic areas — say, by counter, stove and sink.
Little bending is required for dish drawers like this one.GO FOR DRAWERS, NOT DOORS
Drapaca also recommends cabinets with large drawers for plates, cookware and small appliances, allowing you to see and retrieve the contents without having to duck under a counter or crawl into the cabinet to find what you need.
Drawers also appeal to Los Angeles actress-turned-designer Jenna Levenstein. "I have two dish drawers in my kitchen," she says, "one on each side of the sink. You don't have to bend all the way down — you just pop the drawer open." However, when it comes to refrigerators, Levenstein prefers side-by-side models to drawer types, which, she says, "force unnecessary bending." But whatever drawer units you select, go for the ones with self-closing glides.
Flip-up doors make storing kitchen items a cinch."FLIP" OVER CABINETS
When developing your design, Levenstein also recommends rehearsing the way you'll use your cabinets to make sure the doors open properly. "If they're placed to open the wrong way, it adds a lot of ducking and double maneuvers," she says. Drapaca suggests another option: European-style cabinets in which the door flips up, rather than to the side.
Bar stools are perfect perching places for cooking.STORAGE, OUTLETS AND SEATING
As with most things, details count. Lazy Susans and multi-tiered storage racks save leaning deeply into an upper cabinet, says Drapaca, as do shelving and other storage options installed on the inside of cabinet doors.
Think, too, of the placement of electrical outlets: Levenstein particularly favors what she calls her "secret outlets," which she hides 'everywhere!'" she says. "I design my upper cabinets to extend about three inches down past the bottom frame. That way I can run a channel of outlets all the way across the bottom of my upper cabinets, and you can't see them. But any time you need to plug something in, you just reach up and plug it in, from wherever you are standing — no need to lug appliances around. These are especially great on islands — and when you are getting a recipe off your laptop."
Levenstein is also a big advocate of that old standby, the classic kitchen stool. "Always have one handy," she says. "I like to design ample, open space to house one, or preferably, two stools. It looks sharp, as well. The stool should have a cross-bar so you have someplace to rest your feet. You can sit down while mixing or doing any kind of food preparation." An added bonus, Levenstein notes, is that "when most people sit on a stool, they sit balanced, and practice better posture."
DESIGN FOR LEFTIES
Left-handers will also want to pay attention to things like stove placement. If you tend to hang utensils on the wall, situate the stove so the wall is to your left, making it easy to grab your spatula. Dishwashers should also be placed to the left, rather than to the right side of the sink.
Creating an Eclectic Kitchen
Mixing Elements
When homeowners haven't given much thought to how they'll put a room together, or they're living with a decade's worth of haphazardly collected furniture, it's common to hear them joke about having an eclectic style. But in terms of interior design, "eclectic" doesn't mean "unfocused" or "random." It means linking unexpected design elements and incorporating fun, funky or even outrageous items in visually cohesive ways.
"I see 'eclectic' as more of an old-meets-new mentality," says designer Erinn Valencich, owner of OmniArte Design in Los Angeles. "I like to mix modern and traditional elements in my designs. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and more and more people are turning to a cleaner, more updated kitchen, even if the rest of the home stays very traditional."
Contemporary Kitchen
Clean and Sleek
The contemporary kitchen borrows high functionality and streamlined surfaces from the modernist design movement, but its style often incorporates traditional ideas as well for a sleek but livable feel.
"Clean and simple is the underlying philosophy for contemporary design," says designer Cameron Austin of Beth Haley Design in Nashville, Tenn. "My approach differs from client to client, but I really love using simple white cabinetry with clean lines and then adding texture and warmth with things like interesting tiles or a dark hardwood floor."
Unlike the term "modern," which refers to an actual historical design movement and has a strict interpretation of what elements can and can't be included, "contemporary" simply means "in the now." Popular contemporary retailers such as Pottery Barn, West Elm and Crate & Barrel carry items that usually sport clean lines but are inspired by a host of design styles: Danish modern, Arts and Crafts, traditional, '50s ranch and modern industrial, for example.
Vintage Kitchen
Vintage
Whether you desire a cheerful '50s retro space or a graceful Victorian renovation, the vintage kitchen is the style for a chef who wants the special charm from a past era. A '50s kitchen conjures up ruby, yellow and turquoise shades while subdued colors mark the Victorian palette. Stock the ultimate vintage kitchen with the ultimate finds from the era you want to portray.
Tuscan Kitchen
Tuscan
Italy's region of Tuscany has achieved renown for its great food, so why not bring that rich flavor into your own kitchen? For your flooring, choose durable options like tile or tumbled stone. Tuscan walls are characterized with faux finishes and sun-drenched colors in shades of terra cotta, orange and yellow. Aged wood and open cabinets create an unstructured look, so complement the woodwork with rustic, handcrafted hardware
Tropical Kitchen
Tropical
You don't have to live on the beach to have your own laid-back tropical kitchen. A bright and breezy color palette in citrus shades and oceanlike blues can be combined with natural elements like rattan and bamboo. Tile backsplashes or countertops are the perfect places to add bold color, and be sure to bring the outdoors inside by incorporating botanical prints or artwork.
Rustic Kitchen
Rustic Kitchen
Inspired by a mountain lodge, the rustic kitchen evokes a cozy, cabin-style ambiance, but it can easily blend into a modern home. Organic materials, like timber and stone, which maintain a natural finish are combined with polished tile and glass. If you live in an older home, highlight the original architecture to bring personality and a timeworn quality to the space.
Modern Kitchen
Modern
If you really want to make a statement, the modern kitchen is the way to go. Keep it simple with clean, straight lines on your cabinets, and use industrial materials like concrete or stainless steel for countertops and backsplashes. For your color palette, stick with black and white or choose one bold color to use throughout the space.
Mediterranean Kitchen
Mediterranean
A Mediterranean kitchen is vibrant, but combined with aged texture and warmth. The style is characterized by architectural details, such as arches and recessed nooks, and uses a color palette of soft yellows, wheats, oranges and reds. A big family table is a must for gatherings, so be thoughtful about food prep and seating areas. Add color and Old World character to the walls, and use rustic hardware on distressed cabinet doors.
French Country Kitchen
French Country
The French country kitchen serves up a warm, comfortable gathering place for family and friends. A color palette of blues, reds, greens and yellows echo nature, and walls and cabinets often feature a distressed, Old World look. Worn, antique furniture, the layering of fabrics, and accessories of bottles and baskets add the perfect French country touches.
English Country Kitchen
English Country
Casual and cozy, the English country kitchen combines traditional style with a bit of farmhouse flair. A crisp, clean color palette, vintage furniture and flowing drapes in casual flower and fruit prints give you simple ways to add the style to your kitchen. If you're making major changes, stick with easy-to-care-for surfaces, like subway tile and stone countertops, and pick cherry cabinets to add warmth to the space
Cottage Kitchen
Cottage
The cottage kitchen is all about simplicity. Relaxed and informal, this easygoing style is perfect if you want a relaxed feel to your kitchen. Look for cabinetry and furniture in light woods or paint your existing pieces in a low-sheen white. Requisite open shelving lets you display your dishware, collections or family heirlooms
Asian Kitchen
Asian
If you're looking for a style that brings harmony and balance to your kitchen, create a serene Asian interior. Natural elements, like bamboo flooring and stone countertops, are combined with clean architectural lines. Keep the color palette simple and light, and add appliances that blend into the overall design. Authentic Asian touches, like artwork or paper lanterns, provide the perfect elements to complete your new look.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)