How to Decorate a Modest Kitchen

Modest kitchens should understand the allotted apace they’ve been given. They’re all about a clean, crisp look. This doesn’t mean you can’t introduce your personality within the space. Just be aware of the space limitations you are working within.

Neutral colors continue to win over the hearts of homeowners. They’re the perfect choice for smaller kitchens as they create the illusion of more space. We love the look of white cabinets which help extend the height and width of your walls. For your minimal accessories, try incorporating greens, browns and grays into the space. Choose black accents and outlines to pop against the white. Also, a burst of red will add a refreshing, modern feel.

If you’re looking to create a contemporary feel, then stainless steel appliances are the way to go. These appliances give a sleek look that’s sharp and clean. What’s so great about stainless steel is how well they blend into neutral kitchens.

Now, our favorite design feature for a modest kitchen is the backsplash. Serving as the focal point of the entire space, kitchen backsplashes are a great decorating element for small spaces since they are clutter free. There are numerous material options to select from, including tile, wood, stone, granite and porcelain. We love the burst of color and shine that comes from a chic glass backsplash, or a creative mosaic made from tiny tile pieces.

Why Choose Custom Cabinets

When it comes to home renovations, the big debate is not which refrigerator to buy. The hot topic question is whether or not to hire a designer for the cabinetry. No matter how big or small your renovation may be, custom cabinetry can play a starring role.

Planning

By hiring an interior designer, you can avoid costly mistakes while increasing the overall value of your home. Store bought cabinets will deteriorate over time compared to the extraordinary durability of custom cabinets. Also, our kitchen designers have a trained eye that will maximize the beauty and efficiency of your space.

Wow Factor

Every kitchen should be designed to impress. Designers are trained to think outside of the box and see an overall picture that clients often cannot. When it comes to cabinetry, custom and semi-custom provide a myriad of options and details. These will not be available at the big box stores. By working with a kitchen designer, your space will look more unique and pulled together.

Your Home’s Value

If your home is for sale, you certainly don’t want it to sit on the market forever. By hiring a kitchen designer, you can increase the value of your home by upgrading your kitchen, which in turn should accelerate the sale process. A kitchen upgrade could have as much as a 70% return on investment!

4 Wood Choices for Kitchen Cabinets

When it comes to selecting cabinetry for the kitchen, homeowners should be aware of the different wood options available. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, cherry wood continues to dominate in kitchens. With its rich tones and color, cherry wood sets itself apart from other types of wood. However, since 2010, designers are slowly shifting to other options. Take a look at a few other types of wood that are growing more prevalent in the kitchen.

Maple

Coming close to stealing the top spot from cherry, maple wood is an attractive choice for homeowners. The grain patterns in maple are generally tight and uniform giving them a smooth and consistent appearance. The wood contains mineral streaks that may be fine lines or curling waves. These unique grain patterns become more distinct when stained and increase the aesthetic value of the wood. Also maple’s reputation as a tough wood makes it a great material for kitchen cabinets today.

Oak

Described as the “American Wood”, oak is the hardest of the hardwoods. Its dense grain makes it relatively heavy and damage resistant. With its distinct appearance, the graining patterns reveal different color grades when stained and can appear striped, wavy, very fine or broad. Today, oak has increased in popularity as homeowners enjoy it’s durability to withstand rough treatment. Oak will even resist dents or scratches better than other wood choices.

Hickory

One of the more distinct grain patterns is found in hickory wood. Instead of streaks and waves, the grains in a hickory cabinet are flowing and sweeping. They create stark shades within a single piece of wood. Both designers and homeowners love how easy it is to stain hickory wood. Hickory is perfect for a rustic style kitchen.

Birch

If you’re looking for a softer or more lush beauty, take a look at birch wood. Like cherry, birch stains extremely well and is smooth to the touch. With its subtle waves and flows within the graining patterns, birch gives a warm and cozy charm to any home’s kitchen.