White Kitchens

When it comes to a kitchen renovation, many homeowners enjoy the subtle and elegant feel white can bring to the space. Here are a few examples that are sure to provide you with the inspiration you need.

Sophisticated French Flair

From end to end, this galley kitchen provides sophistication with its glass door cabinets and wood paneled refrigerator. The black countertop and matching cabinet handles accent the room perfectly, providing a bit of artistic flair.

Vintage Perfection

Take a step back through time with this beautiful Victorian folk kitchen. This space brings a vintage twist to modern design with its hanging fixtures and old fashioned style sink faucets. Also, the mix of glass door and closed-in cabinetry completes the antique look.

Bistro Art Decor

Bonjour! We love how this kitchen delivers a clean, crisp look that is full of eclectic designs. The tile along the wall is accented with a striking black outline that really pops. Bringing in a contrasting color, the yellow patterned wall paper completes the artistic and refreshing atmosphere.

Rustic and Timeless

The family in this home wanted a kitchen that was timeless, yet had a rustic appeal. The use of maple and oak cabinetry were mixed in throughout the space, and the cabinets above the countertop have glass doors for an antique look. What we really enjoy about this kitchen is the grey island that acts as the room’s focal point.

French Country

This beautifully detailed kitchen makes you feel you are in a country house in France. The kitchen cabinets were recessed in antique white to bring a traditional feel within the space. Creative accents, lattice inserts in the wall cabinets and stacked crown mouldings were used to compliment the design aesthetic.

Home Design Trends

With a new year underway, I asked a few of CCW’s designers to share their favorite kitchen trends for 2012. Below, Amy and Ray share some ideas that will have the heart of your home cozy and stylish.

Multiple Finishes

Although having all of your kitchen cabinets in the same finish is certainly a popular design approach, interesting effects can also be achieved when multiple finishes and textures are used. Ray believes kitchens are all about layering and using a wide variety of finishes breaks up the room and adds warmth. He suggests using a different finish on the island or bar area that will stand on its own from the rest of the kitchen. This particular trend is very popular, especially with white kitchens.

Corner Banquette

Amy admits that her clients have fallen in love with the corner banquette and are eager to incorporate the design into their kitchens. It’s a beautiful trend that can bring a warm and cozy eating area into the kitchen without sacrificing too much space. Even if you only have a small corner available, you can build a banquette that comfortably seats six, eight, or more. An added bonus is banquettes offer plenty of storage beneath the bench.

If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, be sure to checkout our Top 5 Kitchen Trends for 2012 for the latest interior design styles.

-Laura

Ali’s Favorite Things for the Bathroom

As a vital asset at CCW, our office manager, Ali, is consistently assisting our designers with the most efficient resources and keeping the comedy alive in the showroom. Below, Ali shares her favorite things that will bring convenience and fun into your bathroom.

Moen Destiny Hands-Free Faucet

For a convenient and functional tool in the bathroom, a hands-free faucet will be perfect for any day. The Moen Destiny Hands-Free Faucet is designed exclusively for the powder room. With its modern and minimalist design, the faucet features curves and hard angles that blend seamlessly with the benefits of touchless activation. Another plus, the faucet is temperature controlled!

Thermique Towel Warmer

The wall-mounted Thermique Towel Warmer is a work of art. The elegant glass heating surface is a stunning design element that can serve as an accent or centerpiece of your bathroom decor. With a wide range of metallic finishes to choose from, you’ll love how the heated-glass brings luxury to your room. It may not be a necessity for the bathroom, but it’s a great way to pamper yourself and allows you to create your own spa in your home – who wouldn’t want that?!

Kohler DTV II Custom Shower Interface

Create a spa-like environment next time you shower with Kohler’s DTV II Custom Shower interface. The interface allows you to combine shower, music, lights and steam. You’ll be amazed how your shower syncs with the lights and music. There are six user presets enabling for one-touch access for your custom showering experience. Even the shower experience alone is wonderful since you can set your own preferred temperature and choose between eight shower components with just a touch of a button. This would be amazing in any shower!

Robern M Series TViD Medicine Cabinet with Integrated TV

Whether you catching up with the news in the morning, or don’t want to miss part of the game, having a TV in the bathroom would be helpful for any homeowner. Electronics have come a long way in the home, and Robern introduces a stylish integrated TV within your bathroom’s medicine cabinet. The medicine cabinet also has electrical outlets and a hook up for a MP3 player and an interior with glass shelves. What a perfect option for busy mornings!

Evit Vetro Tile

When it comes to tiling the bathroom, it’s important to leave plenty of room for creativity. These glass tiles from Evit offer a stylish and interesting look to any bathroom.

Storing Wine in the Kitchen

In a recent article published by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, homeowners are deciding not to install wine refrigerators.  These popular cooling options, made to protect wine from heat, humidity, light and vibration, are becoming too costly.  Designers have noticed that throughout 2010, unchilled wine storage has grown in demand.  But when considering a wine storage unit, forget about the wine rack you buy and place on your kitchen countertop.  Check out these creative designs for building wine storage into your kitchen cabinetry:

Protecting the Wood-Mode/Brookhaven Cabinetry in Your Home

Although you receive a life-time warranty with any Wood-Mode/Brookhaven order, it’s important to know how to take care of your cabinetry.  Through the years, wood will react to environmental changes.  Excessive exposure to sunlight can gradually mellow the wood and wood finishes.  Also, the chemicals from our skin can break down the finish over time around knobs and handles.

Below, I’ve outlined instructions that can help minimize finish wear.  DO NOT use abrasive cleansers or pads!  They will scratch cabinet surfaces quicker than anything else.  On laminate cabinetry, scratches may be irreparable!

Stained Finishes

Use a soft cloth and a mild soapy water solution to remove dirt & grease.  Rinse immediately with a clean cloth and dry with a clean soft cloth, using light pressure.  Avoid vigorous rubbing, as this tends to raise glossy spots, marring the original finish.  Never use strong soaps, detergents or liquid wax cleaners with dirt cutting agents on wood finishes.  I suggest a mild mixture of two cups of water and two teaspoons of liquid dish detergent in a spray bottle.  Dawn is very mild.  You can get it at the grocery store.

Opaque Painted and Matte Finishes

NEVER use waxes on opaque or matte finishes!  Simply wipe clean using a soft cloth with a mild soapy water solution.  Rinse immediately after with a clean damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth.

Plastic Laminate Cabinets

Clean with a mild soapy water solution, rinse and wipe dry using a soft cloth.  If necessary, remove stubborn stains with a grease-cutting agent.  Clean afterward with a mild soapy water solution, rinse and wipe dry.

Metallic Laminates or Insert Panels

Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, powders, sandpaper or steel wool.  These will permanently damage the surface and appearance!  Acids, solvents, alkaline or ammonia-based cleaners or other liquids (other than mild soap and water) may etch, oxidize or otherwise damage the surface and appearance.

To Remove Fingerprints, Oil or Sugar-Based Stains

Use a mild (diluted) liquid dish detergent and a soft damp cotton cloth.  Clean in the direction of the metal grain, pattern or texture; avoid harsh rubbing.  Rinse and remove any residual moisture with a clean, dry cotton cloth.

Hinges

Lubricate hinges annually for extended life and optimum performance with white lithium spray grease.  If hinges loosen over time tighten screws to restore hinges to their original operating condition.  Remove the hinge cap on frameless cabinets to access the hinge screws.

Please note that this is a basic guide to protect your cabinets.  For further details, contact Columbia CabinetWorks or Wood-Mode for advice.

-Laura

Top Five Kitchen Trends for 2011

   

Going Green

Earth friendly products continue to increase in popularity as appliances become more energy efficient and products are manufactured with less impact on the environment.  When it comes to cabinetry, Wood-Mode has been recognized as leaders in the green building movement for its manufacturing processes.  You can also find great countertops like Treenu which is made from tree pulp and recycled paper.    

High-Tech

Forget the Joneses and keep up with the Jetsons.  Technology has come a long way in the kitchen and appliances are incorporating unique features like high-definition televisions in refrigerators and halogen surface lights in ventilation hoods.  Induction cook-tops also continue to impress because no heat is wasted as energy is supplied directly to the cooking vessel.

White and Black

 Life should be colorful, but should your kitchen?  As more kitchens are designed with all white or black cabinets and countertop, homeowners are turning to a crisp, polished look for their home.  

Porcelain Tile Planks

When it comes to flooring, don’t be square and consider planks made from porcelain tiles. Tile is great because of its durability for being fire, stain and moisture resistant.  With the improvements made in recent years, this decorative choice allows you to experiment with colors and tones that offer a warm look of wood floors.

Convenience

Life is easier in the kitchen when you can open a cabinet and find what you’re looking for.  Today’s convenience options such as slide-out interior drawers, tilt-out bins and pull-down faucets can make the Lazy Susan feel like work!

Which Countertop is Best for You?

When it comes to home renovations, customers always ask which countertop would be best for their home.  They’re looking for excellent quality, durability, something that matches their overall design and taste, keeping in mind that countertop is also an asset in their kitchen or bathroom. From granite to soapstone to quartz, countertop comes in a variety of styles and colors.  My personal favorite is granite because the colors and combinations are always unique. 

You can click the chart below to help choose the countertop best for you:

- Laura

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone for coming out last night.  I couldn’t have hoped for a better evening with friends who truly made it a remarkable event for CCW.  I also hope no one forgot to grab a sponge on their way home!

Our CCW Sponge

Also, I have been feeling a little guilty and want to apologize to anyone I didn’t get to speak with last night.  The showroom was just filled with so many wonderful people that even though I tried to circle the room as much as possible, I hope no one was overlooked!

And for those of you who were unable to make it, a special thank you goes out to our designer Justina for carving that extraordinary pumpkin!

The CCW Pumpkin

-Laura

Best Master Bathroom at the Parade of Homes

CCW and everyone involved with The Elms project couldn’t be happier!  Last night was the award ceremony for the CRBRA’s Parade of Homes, and BCI Construction won every category.  We’re very thrilled that our master bathroom won for its cabinetry and design.  Thank you BCI Construction for extending us the opportunity to be a part of this amazing home project! 

For those who may not know, this project was also recently part of the Showcase of Homes a few weeks ago.  There were a few minor changes, but you can check out our past blog posting below to learn more about our involvement.

Showcase of Homes Post

Two of our designers, Justina and Amy, will be checking out the homes this weekend and we’ll have updated photos soon.  If you’re in Saratoga, you should purchase tickets to check out this award winning home!

Purchase Your Tickets for the Parade of Homes

-Laura

Saratoga Showcase of Homes

So this past weekend, the Saratoga Builders Association presented their 15^th Annual Showcase of Homes.  This was CCW’s first time being a part of the showcase as we teamed up with BCI Construction to design the master bath in Natalie’s house.  For those of you who are not familiar with the Showcase of Homes, the event celebrates the Capitol Region’s finest builders and allows people the opportunity to tour the finished homes. It’s a great way to check out design ideas and possible contractors for renovations you may be considering.  Also, if you’re in the market to buy, each home is up for sale. 

Brookhaven Vista Cherry with a Bistro Stain

The Elms was the home we worked on.  Although we didn’t design the house, we did assist with the master bathroom. Unlike many of the master baths in other entry homes, ours was smaller in size. After careful consideration to detail, measurements and renderings, we were able to design the master bath Natalie had envisioned.  For the final product, the cabinetry used in the home was Brookhaven Vista Cherry with a Bistro Stain. The finish was selected because it blended well with the furniture in the adjoining master bedroom. 

As part of the showcase, Chef’s Night took place last Friday to give people the chance to explore the homes, see designs and taste the delicious foods cooked by chefs in the Capitol Region.  As people jumped from home to home, everyone had great things to say about The Elms, especially the master bath.  Natalie’s interior decorations and design ideas definitely paid off.

The night before was the awards banquet and BCI was recognized for 6 awards!  Our master bath didn’t win, but we were against competition that had larger scaled rooms.  All in all, I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with BCI and am happy that the night ended on a positive note. 

And special thanks to my old classmate Steve Van Zandt for being a wonderful comedian during the awards banquet.  I had heard he would be entertaining everyone for Thursday’s event and told him I would be attending.  Well, who knew that when it came to announcing the awards for best kitchen that he would bring up my name?  I can remember what he said, “Thinking about kitchens, my old friend Laura Naughton is in the audience.  She works over at Columbia CabinetWorks. Stand up Laura.” After standing upon his request, he then concluded, “And she promised me 50% off cabinetry!” Steve Van Zandt, you haven’t changed.

-Laura