Learn About the Types of Wood Cabinets You Can Have Installed in Your Kitchen

If you have decided to get the popular wood cabinets for your kitchen, your journey and decision-making are only just beginning. While wood cabinets are extremely popular, there are a number of different types of wood and styles that can enhance the look of your kitchen. Remember that cabinets are going to be one of the most focal points of any kitchen, so it is important to select the right wood cabinets that go with your decor.

Common wooden cabinet styles

These days, oak is the most common wood that is used in solid wood cabinets. The reason why it has gotten so popular is because it has a strong flower grain in the wood, and looks best in country settings. In addition to this, individuals can stain oak wood cabinets to virtually any color and the grain will continue to shine through the stain. For anyone looking to offset the reddish coloring that comes naturally with oak, one can choose white oak which is naturally lighter or a red oak. One can then go browner and darker with the stain selection. A cherry stain will greatly enhance the redness in oak wood cabinets.

Oak is not the only option for cabinets. People can consider cherry, rift oak, hickory, birch, ash, pine or maple. There are even more exotic options like wormy chestnut or cypress. Wormy chestnut gives a highly distressed finish, while cypress has a yellowish cast and easily pairs with gold or white tones. Below is more information on several types of wood to choose from.

Cherry wood

Cherry wood cabinets are usually for formal cabinets with raised panels. Cherry wood cabinets are typically either French or English in style because cherry is an elegant wood with a natural reddish coloring. the coloring is much deeper than that of oak wood cabinets.

Birch

Birch is a white wood with natural coloring and stainability that serve it well to make all kinds of contemporary style cabinets. It takes to stain easily and often makes contemporary cabinets as well as raised or recessed panel doors.

Pinewood

Pinewood cabinets are also increasing in popularity. Pine, which has a yellowish cast, takes distressing and antiquing beautifully. The cast is one of the reasons why it is commonly used in all three, English, French and American country settings. Unfortunately, pinewood has a drawback in that it is an extremely soft wood, which means the kitchen cabinets will have to be properly cared for since pine can break easily.

Rift oak

Rift Oak is a veneer that is often sought out by architects and designers. In order to get rift oak, the oak flower pattern is cut away and this leaves the vertical grain. Professionals use white oak for rift oak selection, so it becomes very light when it is stained. Typically rift wood cabinets are used as a flush overlay construction in which no frames are visible.

We can go over these options with you in greater detail and help you to select the wood cabinets that are right for you.

 

Plan for a Spectacular Kitchen Remodel Near New Orleans

We can make a kitchen remodel near New Orleans truly spectacular. You can have the kitchen of your dreams and we can handle the entire project for you from start to finish. Before we get going, there are some things you can do to prepare for a smooth and fun remodel.

5 Ways to Plan for a Kitchen Remodel Near New Orleans

#1 Spend time thinking about what you want

You need to spend time thinking about what you want from your kitchen. There really is no limit so it is up to you to determine how you want your kitchen to function on a daily basis. For example, if you are not a cook but you love to throw parties, having warming ovens built-in and fridges that can accommodate large party platters is going to be important.

If you are a baker that loves to spend time cooking with the kids, you are going to need a double oven, plenty of counter space, and storage that can accommodate all of your equipment. We can help during this planning process so let us know what your cooking style is like and how your space is used or how you would like your kitchen to function going forward. Your kitchen needs to be functional for the specifics of how you operate, not just how the standard family uses a kitchen.

#2 Find out how long it will take

Understanding the timeline is critical for your planning process. For a while, your kitchen will be unusable and so you'll need to consider if you want to remain in the house or somewhere else. As long as your kitchen is out of commission you are going to need a backup plan for how you are going to prepare family meals. We can give you some suggestions for this, including using an outdoor grill and relocating a refrigerator and microwave to another area of the home temporarily.

#3 Hire the right contractor

We recommend that you hire us to complete your kitchen remodel near New Orleans because our experience is top-rate. Our projects are stunning and our customers are satisfied. We can show you a variety of examples so that you can make a decision that you feel confident with.

#4 Work with a designer

We can help you to design a new kitchen by giving you options for cabinets and countertop materials, or you can hire an interior designer to help with this process and they can let us know what materials you want to use. In any case, working with a designer can be a valuable way to select everything ahead of time. Otherwise, if you make decisions as we are in the middle of construction, it can delay the process.

#5 Buy appliances early

If you are having some unique appliances installed, it could take time for them to arrive. Order them at the beginning of the process to ensure there are no delays.

Call for a Kitchen Remodel Near New Orleans

Begin the process of remodeling your kitchen by planning for the best possible results. We can help you during all phases of the process so call today.

Add Charm to Your Bath Room Remodel Near New Orleans

Our office can help with a bathroom remodel near New Orleans. Call our office for tips or to schedule an in-home visit. We can add charm to your bathroom and transform it from a boring space into something truly spectacular. After all, a lot of time is spent in this small room and you should have a beautiful one.

Ways to Add Charm to Your Bathroom

When planning a bathroom remodel near New Orleans, we often look for ways to add a southern charm or New Orleans style. Here are just a few of the ways that we do so:

Black and white floors

Black and white tile floors scream New Orleans and your bathroom is an excellent location to place them. They will make a dramatic impact here and are out of the way if you don't want the flooring continued through the rest of your home. Remember that in small spaces you have the opportunity to add drama but keep it contained when it suits you.

Vintage hardware

We love the vintage style hardware. A lot of times it can be reclaimed from other homes in the area as people are demolishing or remodeling buildings. However, we can also look for replica vintage hardware that can add a touch of charm that will not be found in your neighbor's home.

Interesting lighting

Who says that bathroom lighting has to be boring? In our opinion, bathroom lighting should be extravagant and fun if you really want to make a statement. We can add a chandelier or vintage wall sconces that will provide the lighting you need and create a stunning effect every time someone opens the door.

Beautiful mirrors

Whatever you do, you must get rid of the solid wall of mirrors. This is incredibly dated and boring. Adding charm to your bathroom is simple when you apply interesting touches like mirrors with beautiful intricate artwork on the side or incorporating anything from gold flecks to platinum circles. There are so many options, you can go crazy when selecting a fun mirror.

Plenty of storage

A bathroom without storage is not going to be charming. It is going to be cluttered. You need to have built-in storage but it doesn't have to look like a boring box. We can evaluate your space and then make suggestions for how to incorporate storage that will continue to look charming but keep the mess and the extra toilet paper out of sight.

Stunning sinks and vanities

Instead of having a vanity sink combination straight out of the 1980s or 90s, select something interesting. The vanity itself can be a statement piece with intricate woodwork. You can have a sink that rests on top of the vanity, rather than one that is built-in, and this will provide for more artistic options.

Schedule an Appointment

There are so many options available to you for a bathroom remodel near New Orleans. We can give you a plethora of ideas when visiting your home, getting a feel for your taste and measuring the space. Bathroom remodels are fun, so get started today!

Bath Room Remodel Ideas for Small Bathrooms

A bathroom remodel can add value to your home and make it more comfortable to use on a daily basis. After all, people will spend more time in the bathroom than they realize. The larger a family is, the truer that will be. Thus, your bathroom needs to do double and sometimes triple duty. But what if your bathroom is super small? What options do you have then? More than you might imagine actually. Here are some of our ideas:

Use Wall Space Wisely

When you are dealing with a small space, the amount of square footage you have is incredibly limited. Instead of spreading things out like some people might consider how you can wisely use your wall space. For example, in the small bathroom, you may want to mount your toilet paper roll on the wall, instead of using a stand on the ground.

Instead of filling your wall space with knickknacks or even paintings, hang things that are either functional or will make the room appear larger. For example, a large mirror is a reflective surface that allows for more light and makes the area feel more expansive. Likewise, installing a mirrored medicine cabinet will provide you with storage and a reflective surface at the same time.

Install Built-Ins

Installing built-in shelving in your bathroom is smart regardless of how big it is. The difference is that small spaces require the shelving to have limited depth. However, think about what you actually need to store in your bathroom and you will see that you really do not need deep shelves for most of those things.

Hand towels, wash cloths, soap, makeup, and shampoo are all naturally very narrow anyway. Installing deep shelving is a waste when it comes to these particular items. The only difference is your large bath towels will need to be rolled instead of folded.

Switch to a Pedestal Sink

After installing the built-in storage, there is no need for a vanity underneath the sink. Switching to a pedestal sink as part of your bathroom remodel will give you more floor space and make your small bathroom appear to be open. Plus, they look incredibly nice from a design perspective, making it an all-around win. As an alternative to pedestal sinks, you can get a farmhouse-style one that has two legs. A farmhouse-style sink allows you to put baskets underneath for storing things while still creating an open and airy feel.

Purchase a Narrower Toilet

Consider the size of the family to determine whether or not you truly need a larger toilet. The size of the toilet may not be a problem for most people. However, by purchasing a toilet that is more in line with what your needs are, you can effectively save space while helping people remain comfortable.

Install a Custom Tile Shower

If you want to add a shower but do not feel that you have enough room, we can look at your space to determine if a custom tile shower will fit. With a tile shower, we can make it in any dimension. Thus, there are possibilities outside of what you would require with a pre-made shower stall.

Get more ideas for your bathroom remodel by calling and scheduling an in-home consultation.

Granite Countertops for Your Kitchen Remodel: Why We Love Them!

If you want to install granite countertops for your kitchen remodel, give us a call. Both beautiful and durable, granite is a popular material that stands the test of time. We can use granite for your standard kitchen counters and carry it throughout your kitchen in order to create more counter space beyond the usual areas. For example, many people take this opportunity to make a butler's pantry right outside of their kitchen by incorporating the same granite materials in a small hallway.

Others will take the same granite and use it to create a desk inside the kitchen that acts as a surface for homework, paying the bills, or sitting and relaxing while waiting for dinner. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you may also want to incorporate granite into the middle of the room by using it to create a lovely island. These are all things that we can help you with. We can also make recommendations for possible ways to utilize granite when you call and schedule an in-home consultation.

Benefits of Granite

When you compare granite countertops for your kitchen remodel with the alternatives, granite tends to stand head and shoulders above the rest. Here is why:

• Variety. Since granite occurs naturally, you can select from numerous styles, shades, colors and pattern combinations. Granite is a truly incredible option for anyone that wants to add a unique touch to their kitchen. Since a lot of people are not interested in having counters that look the same as their neighbor's or best friend's, granite can be an excellent solution to consider. After all, you may select a piece of granite that looks like nothing you have ever seen and will not appear in anyone else's home.
• Durability. One of the best things about granite is its durability. It is unlikely that your granite will crack or chip even after years of use. Your granite can stand up to the daily abuse that your family dishes out, even if that involves chopping the occasional vegetable on your counter. While not recommended, it is nice to know that you can have a material in place that will stand up to even careless or busy decisions made by prep cooks.
• Easy to Clean. Granite is not as likely to soak in stains and dirt as some other counter materials. This means that it is far easier to clean and to look good no matter what. This is good news for any busy families that might not have as much time to clean as they prefer.
• Price. Granite is certainly not cheap and when you compare it to other solutions like laminate, it will definitely cost you more. However, it is also less money than something like marble. This makes it an affordable and glamorous solution when you are on a budget.

Schedule An In-Home Consultation

For ideas, tips, or suggestions on how to use granite countertops in your kitchen remodel, call our office and schedule a consultation.

Custom Cabinets: A Worthwhile Trend

Getting custom cabinets  for your kitchen has become a growing trend among people who are realizing that the kitchen is arguably the most important room in their home. Over the past decades, homeowners have been using the kitchen as a multi-purpose room where they not only cook, meet with the family but also socialize and show off the elegance of the house. One key to a successful kitchen design is to have custom cabinets.

Many homeowners love having custom cabinets for the kitchen, which add a sense of sophistication, allowing people to customize the overall look and feel of their kitchen.  Unfortunately, there are also many misconceptions when it comes to getting custom cabinets for a kitchen. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, or simply want to replace your existing cabinets with custom cabinets, give us a call. In the first phone call, we can provide a real-time estimate of the cost, the necessary time for installation, and work to discover the design for your custom kitchen.

One of the most popular myths when it comes to custom cabinets for your kitchen is that you can buy custom cabinetry for a partial kitchen remodel. While many homeowners would love to simply tear out the existing kitchen and put in a full new remodel, not all people can afford to do this.  This has led to many people looking for customized solutions and wanting to get custom cabinets put into a partial kitchen remodel. If you were getting all of your cabinets replaced this is truly an option.

However, it is a misconception to believe that custom cabinets can be mixed and matched in a partial remodel. In other words, it is extremely complicated to get a custom cabinet installed when you already have existing cabinets that you want to keep. This creates design problems, quality problems, and will ultimately not give you the cohesive feel that you want from the custom cabinets in your kitchen.

Another myth that is popular among homeowners looking to do a kitchen remodel without spending a lot of money on a complete remodel is that they can simply resurface the cabinets and achieve the same look as custom cabinets. The reality is that while there is great advertising out there for cabinet refacing, cabinet refacing will not give you the same look as custom cabinets. Why is that the case? This is because over time your cabinets are going to warp and the hinge alignments are going to be off.

In addition, resurfacing does not address the interior of the cabinets and there's usually a problem trying to get an exact match in the coloring of your cabinets.  The result is often a disappointing mismatch of kitchen cabinets that look like exactly what they are, resurfaced or refinished cabinets that do not have the cohesive and complete aspect of a custom cabinet job. You are far better off spreading your budget over time, and getting the beautiful custom cabinets you always wanted in the first place.

Learn more about custom cabinets and how they can improve your kitchen by calling our office.

Myths Surrounding a Classic Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodels can be some of the most intense, and important, projects that people will ever undertake in a home. The kitchen is very often the central place in the home, where people eat and socialize together. As a result, it is very important to make sure that you have the perfect style in your kitchen when you are undertaking a kitchen remodel. Often times people get caught up in all the things that they want in the kitchen remodel and fail to take into account factors such as the amount of space, budget, lighting, or other limitations that are so critical in any remodel.

If you are planning a kitchen remodel, the best option is to speak with a professional who can guide you on the many facets of the remodel and ensure that you take the best advantage of the kitchen's existing features. In addition, having someone work with you on the design can help you to avoid traps that many people fall into and stay away from many misconceptions that could be both costly and lead to delays. Here are a few of the more common myths that find their way into the mix when it comes to a kitchen model.

One of the most common mistakes that people make is believing the myth that they have to create a perfect kitchen by following the current trends precisely. The reality is that when you are having a kitchen remodel done you need to go with more classic lines because the classics never go out of style. While there are many trends, they never last forever. What this means is that the style that was in vogue today may not be in vogue tomorrow, and if you follow these trends precisely you will find that your kitchen is out of style very quickly.

Another mistake that people make, when doing a kitchen remodel, is to believe that they can do it piecemeal. Too many homeowners start a project, believing that they can keep working on it over time and as funds become available. Good intentions never really come to fruition for many of the homeowners that start a kitchen remodel, with the intent of a piecemeal finish. Instead, many times folks find themselves with a variety of styles and mismatched collections that make the kitchen look even worse than it was before the remodel was started. A kitchen remodel has certain elements that are necessary, and so you should speak with a kitchen remodel professional who can guide you on the best place to begin, and also give you the ability to budget properly.

The final myth that often takes hold, when it comes to a kitchen remodel, is the idea that people can do some or all of the remodel themselves. It is always better to get a professional to do the kitchen remodel since it is one of the most important rooms of your house. It takes more than a basic knowledge of how to do remodeling to create the perfect kitchen, so you should have us come in and give you an estimate on what it would cost to give you a dream kitchen.