Archive for the 'Design Guides' Category

Living Well by Design

Published December 23, 2021 cabinetry , cabinets , Countertops , Design Guides , Designer Blog , Healthy Living , Home Design , kitchen cabinets , kitchen design , Kitchen Design Trends , kitchen island , Kitchen Remodeling Advice , kitchens , Omega , Remodeling Leave a Comment
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A greenhouse full of lush green tropical plants.
A greenhouse full of lush green tropical plants.

Have you ever entered a solarium full of plants and felt your body relax? Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? There is actually an innate human instinct to connect to nature — it’s called biophilia. Some people may feel it more strongly; many people may have been so cut off from nature by their manmade environment that they don’t realize the difference it would make to their physical and mental well-being to have natural elements present in their daily life.

As we’ve all had to make adjustments to our daily lives because of the pandemic, some people have been altering their home environments to be healthier for their physical well-being. The natural result is that such changes are also better for mental well-being.

Kitchen Herbs - Growing herbs in the kitchen has been gaining popularity with cooks who will use them.

Growing herbs in the kitchen has been gaining popularity with cooks who will use them.

Continue reading ‘Living Well by Design’

Planning is Everything

Published November 18, 2021 cabinetry , Countertops , Design Guides , Designer Blog , Determining Your Budget , Home Design , kitchen cabinets , kitchen design , kitchen island , Kitchen Remodeling Advice , kitchens , Planning Checklist , Remodeling Leave a Comment
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Woman imagining the style of a new kitchen she's planning

Thinking About the Result You Want

A kitchen remodel is so much more than selecting a style and color for cabinetry. Because selecting those things is fun and inspiring, most homeowners begin there – saving pictures they like of styles and colors. The strong desire to make a change is important because it will take time to achieve the finished result. It’s also helpful for the designer to know your preferences, along with your budget, so they can guide you through the deeper choices that arise from there.

As an integrated part of a house, changes made – even if it is one separate room – impact the entire house in ways you may have not expected. Everything from building code requirements and permits, electrical capacity, and heating/cooling systems need to be addressed by experts. This is why a DIY remodel is not a wise idea. It is so important to work with an experienced designer who knows all about remodeling a home. Whole house style is important to consider, so the new kitchen will feel like it was always meant to be part of the whole. Unless of course you plan to start remodeling an entire house with the kitchen as the first part. Even then, you should have the whole house style in mind for the final outcome.

Continue reading ‘Planning is Everything’

Minimize the Kitchen Footprint with Single-Wall Design

Published February 23, 2017 Design Guides , Home Design , Household Tips , kitchen design , Kitchen Design Layouts , Kitchen Design Trends , Small Kitchen Design Ideas , Small Kitchen Designs , Uncategorized 2 Comments
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3D rendering of modern kitchen in a loft.

Kitchens are most commonly laid out in one of three floor plans, L-shaped, U-shaped, and galley. A less popular, but still functional design is the single-wall kitchen. Single-wall kitchens are designed with the elements of the typical work triangle along one wall. Typically seen in apartments or other small homes where maximizing space and efficiency is at the forefront of design, this style of kitchen is gaining popularity in larger homes with open concept floor plans.

Kitchen interior sketches hand drawing front view. Contour vector illustration kitchen furniture and equipment. Cupboard shelves dishes table lamp clock crane dishwasher fridge microwave.

These kitchens work well because they keep all appliances and cooking tools within reach. This design often has the sink set in between the range and the refrigerator, offering easy clean up and usually has counter space on either side of the range.  With the kitchen viewed as a social hub within the home, the small kitchen footprint creates a feeling of openness and flows seamlessly with other rooms.

3d illustration of interior design loft style kitchen and livingroom. The concept of commercial interiors "My room" for gatherings with friends and Leisure. You can watch football and play computer games

A common challenge in single-wall kitchens is the lack of work space with the range, sink, and refrigerator taking up valuable counter space.  A solution to this in apartments or small homes is purchasing a counter height dining table that doubles as work space or a rollaway island.  In larger homes, a permanent kitchen island is a popular addition to provide supplementary storage and work space while maintaining the open floor plan.

Kitchen interior in modern flat with stove dining table picture on wall. Concept of cooking at home. 3d rendering. Mock up

Maximizing storage space is one of the most desirable features in any kitchen. With the compact design of the single wall kitchen, it becomes even more important. Tall upper cabinets, bridge cabinets, and creative use of built in shelving will help to maximize storage. Additionally, the use of an island (both permanent and rollaway) will help to increase the amount of available storage.

an image of Modern Kitchen drawers and Granite Countertop

No kitchen is too small for the talented designers at Kitchen Views. Visit one of the six Kitchen Views showrooms to meet with one of the designers and begin designing the perfect kitchen for your space.

Arctic cold weather is keeping us indoors

Published January 24, 2014 Design Guides , kitchens , Remodeling , Testimonials , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Keeping cozy together by a warm fire

With days more of arctic cold forecast across New England, many of us will be keeping cozy indoors. To help pass the time, Kitchen Views has several PDFs of our design magazines available on our website at http://www.kitchenviews.com/magazine/index.html. You might also like to look through our True Stories section and see videos of our clients talking about their design journeys with Kitchen Views.

By Boat, RV or Expo – Kitchen Views Goes The Distance For You

Published September 27, 2013 Bathroom Remodeling , Bathroom Vanities , cabinetry , Countertops , Decorative Hardware , Design Guides , Green Products , Kitchen Design Trends , Kitchen Products , kitchens , News , Remodeling , Storage Solutions , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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NKBA Boston Harbor Dinner Cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston ship September 10, 2013

“Where the designers are pros, and the views are yours.” That is our motto here at Kitchen Views. We are here to design for you with integrity and the highest quality products possible.

This summer, we hosted an open house style RV showroom displaying counter materials from Cosentino. They drove to Mansfield and parked their RV in our lot and were there to meet with designers, builders, and homeowners about their different product lines. Most recently, the KV designers met with various vendors to see what is trending for 2014. Here are a couple of examples from the evening.

Kitchen Views Assistant GM scheduling a meeting with a cabinetry vendor.

Cabinets – The designers at KV joined cabinet dealers to take a look at new product on the NKBA‘s Boston Harbor Cruise. Cabinet vendors showed the designers the new textured doors and rich grays that are available cabinetry swatch showing textured veneer finishfor 2014.  Kitchen Views stays ahead of the curve by making sure new product is available to customers right away. Contractors that work with KV enjoy the fact that their customers are getting the most current products on the market.

Counters – Countertop material has changed dramatically in the marketplace. New finish processes prevent staining more than ever. The designers tested the new SileStone Suede finish by attempting to scratch and stain it.

Kitchen Views designers speak to Cosentino vendor about new line of counter top materials and quality

Each designer took a different approach to test the material to make sure customers were going to be satisfied with overall durability. Some attempted to scratch it with glass, knifes and tile. Others tried to stain it with cherries, red wine and soda. The product performed exceptionally well and KV will be displaying the new product in the Newton store next month. These types of meetings give the designers a real trial of how these products will perform in the field.

20130910_allen-turner-cosentino

KV Designers John Allen and Lee Turner converse with Jim and Merry from Cosentino about the quality of their new product line.

It is our duty to those we service to research various products and find those that consistently match the quality we expect to deliver to our customers.

If you would like more information on how our designers can assist you, or if you have questions on the products we carry, feel free to visit or call a Kitchen Views showroom closest to you, or visit our website at kitchenviews.com.

Brandy Souza | Kitchen Views Assistant General Manager
Kitchen Views  | 120 Welby Rd., New Bedford, MA 02745
View Brandy’s portfolio

A Special Offer To Help You Remodel Your Closet

Published August 30, 2013 cabinetry , Closets , Design Guides , Household Tips , Remodeling , Storage Solutions , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Closet Factory Logo

If you’re ready to tackle your closet and get organized, you may want to enlist a design professional who has the experience to guide you in your design to maximize the capability of your space. Kitchen Views recommends working with Closet Factory for your project because they have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with the best system that will work for you and your home.

Currently, they are offering $500 in free accessories with your purchase of $2,500 in product. This special promotion is running through October 30, 2013.

Contact Debbie Anastos, Senior Designer at Closet Factory – Call 617-620-8963 or email debbie.anastos@closetfactory.com. To receive this special discount, mention that you are a customer or an employee of Kitchen Views or National Lumber.

We’d love to hear more about your project, Like us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kitchenviews and share your story!

beautiful maple wood closet designed by Closet Factory, MA

Photo credit: Closet Factory, Boston, MA

An Amazing Hideaway Closet – An organized storage space helps you enjoy life

Published August 30, 2013 cabinetry , Closets , Design Guides , Household Tips , Remodeling , Storage Solutions , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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beautiful maple wood closet designed by Closet Factory, MA

Photo credit: Closet Factory, Boston, MA

Creating a space that affords you the luxury of streamlining everyday tasks is an ongoing objective for most of us. With daily chores and household tasks to be done, having your living space organized will allow you to spend more time doing things you love. No one wants to get bogged down sorting through a stack of papers or spend hours looking for that something you put in a “safe place.”  Have you ever hidden something in your closet for a little while, only to find it years later? That closet just may need some TLC to make it function fully for you.

To get you started, grab a paper and pen to write down your ideas and answers to the next few questions. Spend some time looking at your closet. Think about where it’s located and how it’s used.

  • How big is the space?ventilated shelving unit for storage and organization
  • Who uses the space and how often?
  • What is stored in there?
  • What do you need to store away for daily or weekly use?
  • Where do you store seasonal items?
  • Is the space used in a practical way?
  • Or are things just piled in there?

Once you read your own responses, you will have a better understanding of how that closet can be better utilized. If the project seems overwhelming, you may benefit by working with a professional closet designer. Our Kitchen Views division recommends Closet Factory for custom closet design. If you wish to work with a more economical budget, we can help with that! One of the many services we offer is installation of ventilated closet shelving systems, through our Pro Insulators division.

Depending on where the closet is and how it will be used, shelving is always a must have. Whether you opt for a custom closet cabinetry system or a budget friendly ventilated shelving system, the ultimate goal is to design a space that fits your specific needs. Depending on the design and style you like, you can decide if you want to include drawers or baskets, where you want hanging rods and space for loose items and small storage. Decorative boxes and accessories can be added to store things such as hats, shoes and handbags.

organized closet storage space

Photo credit: Closet Factory, Boston, MA

The fall is a great time to start a closet redesign. This time of year brings the end of summer, the start of the school year and preparations for the upcoming winter and holiday seasons. Each occasion has items associated with it that you may need to shuffle in and out of storage. Having a well-organized system will make moving things around more manageable and make more efficient use of your time.

Making your spaces organized, and practicing a more streamlined life, is easier than ever, with tons of options sure to suit your individual needs. Find ideas you like and create the space to work for you.

Now that you’re not spending hours looking for that gift you know you hid in the closet a while ago, what will you do?

Berenson’s 3 Steps to Choosing the Right Cabinet Hardware

Published June 21, 2013 cabinetry , Decorative Hardware , Design Guides , Kitchen Products , Kitchen Remodeling Advice , kitchens , Remodeling 2 Comments
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Berenson's 3 Steps to Choosing the Right Cabinet Hardware

You don’t want to rush your decision on cabinet hardware. It may seem like a small thing, but your choices will affect the everyday usability of your cabinetry and influence future changes.

Decorative hardware runs the gamut from simple knobs and pulls to unusual shapes to antique reproductions. Understated, stylish or attention-grabbing—it’s all a matter of finding the look that fits your personal style, and the shape that will fit your needs.

You may want to consider how much use a cabinet knob or pull will get. How will it feel each time you pull on it? Read more on our website.

Kitchen Views recommends Berenson decorative hardware for their huge selection of hardware in materials, finishes, sizes and styles to enhance the appearance of cabinets and furniture. Berenson recommends narrowing hardware into a manageable selection, which is crucial to the decision making process.

STEP 1 | Identify the Project Style | When it comes to choosing decorative hardware the number of options can be overwhelming. Their design style segmentation is extremely helpful. Click below to find more about these styles:

Berenson Transitional Style decorative Hardware

Classic Comfort: Casual, Refined, Transitional

Berenson Modern Style decorative hardware

Uptown Appeal: Sleek, Modern, Contemporary

Berenson Traditional Style decorative hardware

Timeless Charm: Formal, Balanced, Traditional

Berenson Artisan Style decorative hardware

Artisan Inspired: Detailed, Craftsmanship, Artisan

Step 2 | Request Samples | It can be very difficult to choose hardware without physically seeing it in person. Photos may not always accurately represent the size and color of a piece of hardware. Kitchen Views showrooms have a wide selection of decorative hardware. You can also ask the designer to order a special sample.

Step 3 | Confirm Your Hardware Choice | The ultimate way to confirm a hardware decision is to place the hardware directly on the cabinetry within the actual design space.

Berenson sample clip for decorative hardware

A complimentary sample clip ships with every Berenson sample request. Use this innovative clip to slide hardware samples directly onto your cabinetry to get an early look at the final product before the commitment of drilling holes.

Discuss your decorative hardware needs and desires with your Kitchen Views designer so that this personalized finishing touch will make you happy for years to come.

Kitchen Views | Where the designers are pros and the views are yours

The Quandary with Color: Online Photos vs. Showrooms vs. In the Home

Published January 29, 2013 Bathroom Remodeling , Bathroom Vanities , cabinetry , cabinets , Design Guides , Designer Blog Leave a Comment
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Why is the color in the photo you see online never the same in person? There are a variety of reasons for this. Some of it has to do with the source photography, which may have originated from a camera which had color settings that weren’t well calibrated. But even high-quality professional photography can look different online than in the home where it was taken. In many cases, color is different because of how much color is affected by lighting conditions. Whether the lighting is poor, or the lighting is too bright, the color you see in the picture is almost never going to be the true color you would see in person. On top of that, computer monitors almost never display true color because of the palette of colors available to a computer monitor is different than that of real life, so while the approximations can be very good, in combination with the source photography, you’re going to get a different perception of what the color might be versus what it actually is.

Mint Julep Bathroom Vanity

The designer used a cabinetry color called “Mint Julep”, which sounds like it should look green, but that is not the impression given by this photo. Photo Copyright: Julie Megnia Photography www.juliemegniaphotography.com

Even in print, the color of a cabinet or paint on a wall in a photo may not be the same as what you would see in person. Photos in magazines and printed catalogs, just like online sources, are intended to give ideas and suggestions of colors for decorating, not precise colors for decorating.

For this reason, Kitchen Views always recommends that you take your cabinet door samples home with you. In addition, it’s also a good idea to take countertop samples home with you. If you are looking for paint, it is recommended that you get paint samples to try on your walls. This is because not only does color look different in person in the showroom as it does online, but in your home, in different lighting conditions, it can look even more different! There is really no way around the fact that color is quite a difficult thing to get perfect, which is why it’s important to trust the experts that deal with color issues all of the time like the experienced designers of Kitchen Views with finding just the color you’re expecting.

Kitchen Views
www.kitchenviews.com

Design Checklists: Refrigerator Buying Guide

Published November 8, 2012 Design Guides 2 Comments
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Stainless steel refrigerator in white kitchen

When you’re ready to shop for a refrigerator, there are many different factors to consider when finding just the right unit for your needs. You may need a little help choosing the right one. This is the first of several shopping guides we will be publishing covering numerous aspects of kitchen design. We want to make sure that you go into the marketplace with confidence knowing just what you’re looking for, and not be sold something that is more than what you really need. Or worse, less than what you really need or not right for your space.

First and foremost, if you’re going to be placing your new appliances in the same place as your current ones, know the exact dimensions of the areas where you will be placing them. If you intend to move the location of your appliances, make sure that they will not only fit there but be easily accessible. Also if you’re moving the location of your appliances, especially in the case of a refrigerator, you need to be able to open the doors on all of the surrounding cabinets with ease, in addition to confirming that the refrigerator doors can open properly.

Another important thing to consider is the type of doors you would prefer for your new refrigerator. It’s very important to know if you want doors that open on the left, doors that open on the right, or a side by side appliance. You may also be interested in a refrigerator with a freezer on the bottom rather than the top.

Next, it’s very important to consider capacity. Think about how much interior refrigerator and freezer space you will want, and how many people will be using it. It’s especially important to consider the freezer size if you are planning to keep large amounts of frozen meals or bulk purchases of meats, etc. If you’re working with a small space, you may even consider a compact or portable refrigerator, which could include one that could be installed under a cabinet. You may even have interest in a drawer refrigerator or one that can fit under a countertop.

Lastly, think about what types of features you want for your refrigerator. Such features might include an ice maker, a water dispenser, door dispensers, or a water filter unit. Don’t forget placement of water lines for the freezer to produce ice cubes and/or cold water. Also, consider what types of compartments you need for my refrigerator. Do you want specialty shelving, climate control compartments, or wine holders? If you don’t need these, then it is wise to not buy a unit that has them integrated. Also, if you are interested in appliances that will conserve electricity or water, it may be well worth it to spend more on a energy-efficient unit now in order to save money on future utility bills.

Kitchen Views has many printable questionnaires to take with you when you go shopping for your various appliances. Check out the Design Guides section of kitchenviews.com. The questions in these guides are a good way to help you narrow your options and make the right choices. Consider printing out these questionnaires and taking them along with you when you shop.

Kitchen Views
www.kitchenviews.com

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