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Welcome 2014 Design Trends!

Published January 7, 2014 backsplash , cabinetry , cabinets , Color , Designer Blog , Kitchen Design Trends , kitchens , Uncategorized 3 Comments
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Brandy Souza, Kitchen Views at National Lumber

If you’re looking for kitchen design inspiration, below is a list of my favorite trends for 2014. Remember, you can subscribe to receive Kitchen Views blogs via email. Look at the top of the right-hand column to find the place to sign-up. In the weeks to come, we’ll be discussing these trends and providing inspiring photos.

1) Transitional design is growing in popularity. Even with traditional design having a strong arm here in New England, consumers want  sleek, clean lines rather than a great deal of detail in the doors.

2) Neutrals, which have played a large role as wall colors, have now jumped into kitchen cabinet finishes. Greys, grey/whites, putty and tans are now preferred colors over pure white for cabinets.

3) Large single bowl sinks still reign king, but now with more interesting materials and textures. Copper, polished chrome, fireclay and soapstone are a few fun finishes consumers are putting in their kitchens.

4) Glass mosaic backsplash is sold everywhere now, but the 2014 twist is to have a single pane of glass with the back painted in any accent color you wish. It is easier to keep clean as it has no grout lines, and it is a sleeker look.

5) Access to Wi-Fi is a must for the kitchen area. More consumers work from their islands, look up recipes on their kindles and they are checking their favorite social media pages over coffee in the morning.

6) Multiple refrigeration is key for the many different diets consumers are following in their homes. From Paleo, Vegetarian, Vegan, to Gluten free and my personal favorite, wineo, you need to plan for different ways to preserve foods. Different humidity levels are key with vegetables and grains while light and temperature are critical to wine and cheese.

Contact Kitchen Views at 1-508-DESIGNS (337-4467) to arrange a personal consultation with a designer who will guide your design journey to a new kitchen you will enjoy for years to come.

Brandy L. Souza
Assistant General Manager
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
120 Welby Rd, New Bedford, MA 02745
Office: 508-990-8020 x3163
Fax: 508-742-1498
bsouza@kitchenviews.com

As More Homeowners Remodel, Universal Design Becomes More Relevant

Published November 14, 2013 Bathroom Remodeling , cabinetry , cabinets , Countertops , Household Tips , Kitchen Design Layouts , Kitchen Design Trends , Kitchen Remodeling Advice , kitchens , Remodeling , Storage Solutions , Uncategorized 2 Comments
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spacious kitchen with low ovens and storage options

Having space to maneuver around, along with lower placed storage and cooking options will allow for possible handicap accessibility

When you think of home remodeling, do you think of upgrading to add value, or do you think of the remodel lasting into your golden years? An upward trend shows more homeowners are considering the longevity and accessibility of their remodeling projects. One factor in this consideration is the option to do what is referred to as age in place.

Aging in place refers to the concept of designing for senior living in the residence they choose, in order to maintain a healthy and happy quality of life. Having a home that will accommodate for future needs such as physical restrictions and safety will offer great value whether you choose to stay in the home or sell.

Kaitz Kitchen - Kitchen Island

This kitchen was designed with a desk area, refrigerator drawers and open space, just to name a few options, in order to accommodate the homeowner who is handicapped.

Universal design in spaces such as the kitchen and bath areas includes wider doorways, storage options that are below the countertop height, refrigerator and microwave drawers, seamless thresholds, grip bars, high friction tiles and roll-in showers, just to name a few. There is an idea that designing for a universal fit will leave the space looking sterile and institutional, having a bland aesthetic, rather than feeling like home. But as you can see with these pictures of homes designed by Kitchen Views, a home that is designed for future needs and physical challenges can be beautiful.

corner kitchen drawers for easy access

This is where you work hand in hand with your designer. As a team, you will be able to come up with the look and feel you want while your designer has the expertise to inform you of potential issues that may impact the functionality of your space in the future. To give you an example of how unexpectedly things in life can change, and how your surroundings directly impact your life, read this article on page 5 of our Kitchen Views magazine, summer 2009, titled Things Change.

Thinking of the future may be a challenge, but our design professionals are here for you and happy to help every step of the way. For more inspiration, visit us online at kitchenviews.com and on Houzz.com.  To speak with one of our designers, click on his or her photo for contact information.

Kitchen Views – Where the designers are pros, and the views are yours!

Resource:  Universal Design Becoming Common in Bathroom Design – JLC Online Nov 13 | jlconline.com

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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

Granite, Marble, Quartz or Laminate – Which countertop is right for you?

Published July 23, 2013 Countertops , Kitchen Design Trends , Kitchen Products , Kitchen Remodeling Advice , kitchens , Remodeling , Uncategorized 1 Comment
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With our great nation’s holiday now behind us, did you take time to pay special attention to your cooking habits as we suggested in our last blog post? Cooking, at any time and for any occasion, is a necessity that is as simple or as extravagant as you wish to make it.

couple preparing a meal in their newly designed kitchenHaving a well-planned space, enough storage and decent work areas to prepare meals makes any cooking experience more efficient and enjoyable. Your countertops are also an important factor in how you use your kitchen for meal preparation. Do you slice and dice fruits and veggies right on the counter or do you use a cutting board? Using a cutting board will protect your countertop from scratches and stains, especially if your countertop is made from porous materials such as granite, marble or a laminate material that can be damaged from cutting.

Untidy kitchen table

Take extra care to prevent stains and scratches on your countertop

Do you tend to make big splashes when you’re cooking? Something to consider if you like making your own homemade tomato sauce, turkey dinner or roasting a delicious prime rib with an au jus sauce, is the possibility of splatter, drips and spills. This is where having a solid design plan for the specific needs of your future kitchen  will make a world of difference. Like cabinetry and decorative hardware, countertops also come in a wide variety of material, colors and textures, styles and capabilities.

Some of the most beautiful and decorative countertops are granite and marble. Both are natural resources and offer an abundant array of visual aesthetics with their color striations and patterns created by the environment over time. One caveat with these materials, however, is the fact that they are both porous and can absorb elements that will leave a stain on your counter. Be sure to take extra care during your kitchen activities to avoid damaging your countertop.

A great alternative to the natural beauties mentioned above is engineered stone known as quartz. The engineering process includes natural materials and man-made materials. The colors and patterns can be bold and vibrant for a fun and active kitchen, or more neutral for a space that is more traditional in caliber. Quartz countertops are becoming more widely known for durability against heat, stains and scratches. SileStone has just expanded their product line and now offer more vibrant colors and new collections that more closely resemble true granite. Speaking of scratches, solid surfaces, such as products made by Corian can be renewed if they are damaged.

silestone countertop sample tiles

Let our professionals here at Kitchen Views at National Lumber help you decide what type of countertop will work best for your home, your budget and your family!

What “Special Somethings” Would Make Your Kitchen Incredible?

Published May 23, 2013 Designer Blog , Kitchen Design Trends , Kitchen Remodeling Advice , kitchens , Remodeling , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Everyone fantasizes about the ultimate “dream” home. It’s fun to flip through design magazines, pin things you like on Pinterest and add your favorite room ideas to your Ideabooks on Houzz. You can see what styles and amenities others like, and share what you find pleasing and useful.

The real challenge for a homeowner comes when you decide to remodel or rennovate your space. You begin to think about all the different ideas you have seen and wonder how to implement some of those into your very own updated home. While you may have some ideas and likes that are truly over- the-top extravagant, here are a few suggestions that are very practical. Once you have these amenities, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

Kitchen with plenty of seating space for entertaining and ambient lighting

This kitchen was designed with under the cabinet lighting as an added feature

If you are updating your kitchen, you may want to consider some, if not all, of these items for your new space.

Soft-close hinges on cabinets and drawers: This will help save fingers from getting pinched, reduce noise upon closing and help with multi-tasking.

Large drawers: If you have limited space for cabinets, install large drawers into lower cabinets. It may be easier to pull open a drawer and see what’s in it, rather than peer into a low, dark cabinet and possibly have to move items around until you find what you’re looking for.

Keep your countertop clear: You can install a built-in soap dispenser, eliminating the need to leave out the bottle of soap. Another idea is to build in a microwave with a cabinet door to hide it.

If you dine, or like to entertain in your kitchen, create an ambiance by installing dimmer switches to control the lighting for the occassion. Adding under-cabinet lighting can also add charm to your room. We have some wonderful visuals of lighting in our Kitchen Views Gallery.

For more inspiration, take a journey through our gallery to see some of the wonderful work created by our talented kitchen designers.

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Do It Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

Published May 1, 2013 cabinetry , cabinets , Countertops , Decorative Hardware , Kitchen Design Trends , Kitchen Remodeling Advice , kitchens , Remodeling Leave a Comment
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Image of woman's thought bubbles dreaming of a new kitchen.

Want your dream kitchen without the nightmares? Hire a pro.

How many times have you ever thought about remodeling or changing something in your home, but felt a little intimidated? It seems the more you talk about your project idea to friends and family, you get a rainbow’s wide spectrum of “You can do that yourself,” to “I can help you with that,” or “Call so-and-so. They do that kind of work, on the side. You’ll save some money.”

While you may be feeling ambitious and confident with the DIY advice you’re hearing, take time to really think about the scope of the work that will need to be done to complete your project perfectly, as well as the budget you’re going to set aside for it. Everyone offering you suggestions will have the best intentions for you and share your excitement, and will undoubtedly be as anxious to see the finished project as you are to show it.

Hiring a reputable, professional contractor may offer you peace of mind while you are in the midst of your project, and save you money, in the long run. You will need to consider the ability of those you choose to help you, whether it is a professional contractor or someone else. Choosing to forgo hiring a professional contractor may end up more costly than you expected. Click here to read this article from Cultivate about how just purchasing a new stove created costly turmoil for this homeowner.

We, here at Kitchen Views and National Lumber, sell more than just building supplies. In fact, our professionals help you plan out your project and, perhaps, alert you to issues you may not anticipate. We have everything in building materials PLUS the services you deserve!

The Pros and Cons of Under Counter Appliances

Published March 27, 2013 Countertops , Kitchen Design Trends , Kitchen Products , Kitchen Remodeling Advice , kitchens , Remodeling , Small Kitchen Design Ideas , Storage Solutions Leave a Comment
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Designed to Inspire

Are you planning a kitchen remodel in the future? Do you often find yourself longing for more counter space? While you are planning, and determining your budget, you may want to consider some of these space saving ideas suggested by Shelly Amoroso, a designer in San Francisco. Knowing your spatial and financial limits, you will have the ability to really maximize on your new kitchen’s functionality.

under counter warming draw is great kitchen appliance to include in your kitchen design if you do a lot of entertaining

A warming draw is great option if you do a lot of entertaining

From a modular refrigerator to double duty drawers, the following article enlightens the homeowner on how to make the most of your kitchen using under the counter appliances. As with any design project, there are pros and cons to consider.  While you plan your wish list, think about what matters most to you. Then you can decide to integrate the best system that will work for you.  Click here to read the full article about The Pros and Cons of Undercounter Appliances, by Leilani Marie Labona.

Kitchen Views
1-508-DESIGNS
http://www.kitchenviews.com

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops: Amy Mood

Published August 2, 2011 Countertops , Designer Blog , Kitchen Design Trends , Kitchen Remodeling Advice 5 Comments
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Amy Mood, Designer at Kitchen Views in Mansfield, MA

Granite vs. Quartz… What’s the Difference?
by Amy Mood, AKBD

Two examples of Granite countertops

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard this question… well, I’d probably still be designing kitchens… But my answer has actually changed over the years, especially recently. It used to be that if you wanted a beautiful one of a kind countertop with variation and movement, that natural granite was the right choice for you — as long as you didn’t mind the maintenance associated with it. For those who did not want to add to their “To Do” list and have to think about sealing their countertop periodically, then a Quartz countertop would be the likely choice; the tradeoff being that the patterns were very uniform in appearance because it is a man-made product.

Six samples of Cambria's latest colors

Six samples of Cambria’s latest colors

Well, the new evolution of Quartz countertops is actually offering consumers the best of both worlds: beautiful, super-durable countertops that most would be hard pressed to tell apart from a natural material. Plus, they need little more maintenance than soap and water cleanup. In fact, I recommend that you view some of these Quartz slabs much like you would with a Granite slab, because of the variation.

Some of my favorites are by Cambria, and Silestone has just released some great options, as well. Some of their countertops actually have the feel of Carrara Marble, which many would like to utilize in a kitchen, but are fearful of damaging. You can view these products through the Countertops section on the Kitchen Views website with links to the manufacturers’ websites, or better yet see them in person at your nearest Kitchen Views showroom.

Amy Mood, AKBD
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
71 Maple Street, Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: 508-339-8020
amood@kitchenviews.com
www.kitchenviews.com

Small Kitchen Designs That Work: Small Galley Kitchen

Published May 4, 2011 Kitchen Design Trends , Small Kitchen Design Ideas 6 Comments
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There are many things you can do to make a small kitchen space feel more open. Previously, we’ve discussed knocking  a wall down to a suitable height for a countertop. However, this is not always a suitable option.

One alternative is to have a “window” into an adjacent room. This is particularly good for a galley kitchen design, as you can see from the picture below. You could also put storage cabinets both above and below the opening, which would maximize storage space.

Galley Kitchen Design with Open Wall "Window"

This opening keeps anyone in the kitchen from being isolated from the living area. Conversations can flow easily between the rooms during family time together, or when entertaining guests.

Be sure to check back often as we continue our “Small Kitchen Design That Work” series. As always, if you have any good ideas or design solutions that you know work, feel free to leave a comment and share them with us.

First in the series: Small Kitchen Designs That Work

Kitchen Views
www.kitchenviews.com

Kitchen Ideas for Small Kitchens: Small Kitchen Designs that Work

Published April 27, 2011 Kitchen Design Trends , Small Kitchen Design Ideas 6 Comments
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No matter the size of your kitchen, if you’re looking to remodel, there’s plenty you can do even with a small space. Certainly, there are many times in which homeowners will completely knock down a wall to open up their kitchen space to the rest of the living area. There is quite a trend towards having the kitchen be the most central room of the home both socially and functionally. However, this is simply not the case in every living situation. Small kitchens, in fact, can prove to be most efficient and the limiting space can actually lead to a great deal of inspiration design-wise.

Furniture quality, plus all the conveniences.

Furniture quality, plus all the conveniences.

A perfect example is this small kitchen in a condominium. Because this kitchen is also seen from the adjoining living space, the owner wanted the cabinetry to look like furniture more than like kitchen cabinetry. The cabinet door in the foreground at right is actually concealing the refrigerator.

Corner drawers provide convenience and maximize the use of available space.

Corner drawers provide convenience and maximize the use of available space.

In order to get the most function storage space and usable counter space in this small kitchen, the designer used special corner drawers and a specially designed storage section for small appliances.

Custom designed folding doors reveal convenient placement of small appliances.

Custom designed folding doors reveal convenient placement of small appliances.

Everything is easily at hand for use, the counter space provides plenty of prep areas, and it all stores away behind beautiful cabinetry fronts.

We’ll be offering more small kitchen design ideas on our blog in the near future. If you have a small kitchen, and would like to offer your ideas for a redesign of your small kitchen space, please feel free to leave a comment and share them with us. We’d love to hear from you.

Next in the series: Small Galley Kitchen

Kitchen Views
www.kitchenviews.com

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