Where the designers are pros, and the views are yours
Visit a Kitchen Views showroom to see and feel the quality of the cabinetry you’re purchasing, an important aspect missing from an online shopping experience. What looks good in a picture can be disappointing when seen in person. Kitchen Views sells quality brands that will impress you when you experience them in our showrooms. The construction quality of cabinetry differs, and you want your investment in this foundational element to stand the test of time with solid construction.
The striking blue wall color in this photo adds vibrancy to this kitchen with traditional white cabinetry and black countertops. Remodeling your kitchen is one of the best times to put a splash of color into your home. Painting the wall another color is a fairly easy, inexpensive way to change the ambience of your home.
White kitchen cabinets have been extremely popular for many years. On the flip side, black cabinets, when paired with lighter countertops and other colors as accents, are also growing in popularity. But, of course, kitchen design doesn’t have to be black and white. There are so many color options available. The trick is to not overpower the space with too much color coming from foundational elements. But since black goes with everything, you may actually find that you have a different range of color choices that you may not have considered with white, neutral cream or gray cabinetry or countertop.
Usually, monochrome kitchens focus their color palettes on white, grays, and black, then include accents of color in their backsplashes, countertops, flooring, and accessories. By having a contrasting color for cabinets in the island, for example, you can add depth to the visual design of your kitchen. If your kitchen is too white, it can look washed out and some of the details of the cabinetry can be overlooked. But if you select an unusual custom color cabinetry and end up not being happy with it later, that will be expensive to change. However, if you splurge with paint to accent your cabinetry, you can always repaint it later.
North Kingstown, RI Kitchen Designed by Lisa Zompa. Image © Kitchen Views
Darkly stained wood cabinets are another popular option when you don’t want your kitchen to look whitewashed. Keep in mind that the overall visual effect will be dramatically different depending on your choice of countertops and/or backsplashes.
Here are two examples of how different it looks when you choose either dark or light countertops with dark cabinets.
Black hutch designed by Lisa Zompa. Image © Kitchen Views
Media Kitchen designed by Lisa Zompa. Image © Kitchen Views
If you really want to make a strong statement, black countertops and/or backsplashes are a great complement to lighter colored cabinets. Black is bold, especially when set against plain white, off-whites, silvers, or grays.
New kitchen designed by Amy Mood. Image © Kitchen Views
Whatever you decide to do, there are a range of color palette options available. You want to keep in mind the style of your home and the neighborhood you are in. While having a stunning kitchen is cool, if it doesn’t fit the rest of your home, that will hurt your home’s potential resale value. However, if you don’t care about reselling your home, you can go wild with it. Consult your friendly local kitchen designer to discuss the colors you have in mind.
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HomeCrest Cabinetry
2016 Design Trends Move Toward Versatility
Trends are developing toward elements to make kitchens more versatile – from how the space is used, to how it is decorated. Technology is making its way into kitchens with items such as Tech Top by LG, which charges your cell phone, exercise tracker, or portable speaker automatically. The wireless charging transmitter is embedded into the countertop surface, so when you put down your device it can be recharging while you do other things nearby, such as prepare and eat meals.
The popularity of white cabinetry is being challenged by gray stains and paints. This neutral color comes in a range from lighter to darker, works well with other neutrals, and enhances a wide range of accent colors.
Look at new finishes for hardware such as brushed bronze, rustic oil rubbed finishes and polished finishes that complement a wide array of design styles. Selecting a finish that doesn’t show fingerprints easily would be a good choice for busy households.
Single level islands have become the most popular because they comfortably sit people of different ages and sizes, while offering a comfortable height for meal preparations.
The popular choice of material for countertops is moving away from granite that requires surface maintenance to keep it sealed, to quartz that is gaining ground because it carries warrantees, is non-porous and has a high resistance to stains. Quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, but white is the trending choice of color.
By designing the layout with versatility of tasks in mind, your kitchen will be ready to handle both the constant and the changing needs of its occupants. By selecting cabinetry, countertops, and decorative hardware that are the most versatile colors and finishes, your home will remain stylish for many years to come, with only simple changes to appliances and accessories as needed. Trusting an experienced designer to guide your selections will give you the best return on your investment.
Brandy L. Souza
Designer & 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
Schrock Thermofoil White Cabinetry
An important consideration when planning to remodel your kitchen is how much time you plan to spend cleaning and maintaining the cabinetry. It will only look beautiful for years to come if you care for it on a regular basis. With today’s hectic lifestyles, few people want to spend their precious free time cleaning. Of course, if you can afford it, you could hire someone to do this work. But for the moment, let’s say that’s not an option.
White cabinetry is very popular, and one type of white cabinetry is particularly easy to clean. Thermofoil cabinets are an easily maintained product. Sleek and smooth-surfaced, Thermofoil cabinetry from Schrock offers a sophisticated appearance along with exceptional durability and ease of maintenance for today’s hard-working kitchen. You should be aware that White and Cashmere color may change slightly over time, depending on environmental conditions.
Thermofoil is a process where heat and pressure are used to bond a thin layer of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) film to a shaped and glued component made from MDF (medium density fiberboard). The result is a seamless surface that covers a panel’s face and edges. The component back uses a white, seamless melamine surface – excellent for easy cleaning.
Cleaning guidelines from Schrock Cabinetry:
A soft cotton cloth dampened with warm water is usually sufficient to clean your cabinets. If more thorough cleaning is required, please use a fresh solution of mild hand dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water. After cleaning, wipe all surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. Dry immediately using another soft, clean cloth. Click here to read more, such as cleaning products to avoid.
Next time, we’ll talk about easy to clean and maintain countertop material.
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As white kitchens have continued to grow in popularity, especially in the New England region, Merillat has responded by creating their new Cotton paint finishes. Inspired by the timeless appeal of white kitchens, Merillat has introduced the new Cotton, Cotton with Tuscan Glaze, and Cotton with Tuscan Accent finishes. They are on-trend, bright white paints that can serve as a perfect backdrop to colorful accents and a complement to a wide range of appliance finishes, floor treatments and countertop materials. Merillat’s new Cotton finish is available on select Maple door styles in the Merillat Classic line.
Merillat Classic Cabinets with Cotton Finish on New Bellingham Door Style
In addition to the new finish, Merillat has expanded their Classic additional styles and finishes. Their new Bellingham door style offers updated cottage charm, while the LaBelle door style brings traditional sophistication to the home. Merillat has also added a 3-piece drawer option to their popular Tolani door style to add extra storage. These new door styles and finishes give you more design options than ever before.
Merillat kitchen and bath cabinets are available from all Kitchen Views at National Lumber showrooms through New England.
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Being in New England, not only are our needs different from the rest of the country, but we also have such rich history and tradition. This makes design fun and exciting because every client is so different. With that said, I’ve found that white cabinetry can be included in most design trends. It is clean, classic, and timeless. I have found that most of the clients that I work with want a white painted cabinet of some sort included in their design either for an accent piece, main part of the kitchen, island, or built-ins in a den or office.
The constant always starts off with a white painted cabinet and then goes from there. This would include some version of white, or with a glaze. As for countertops, Black Granite or White Carrara Marble and white cabinetry with white subway tile is classic. Browns or grays also always work with corresponding tile options. Wood is always a nice touch on an island or accent piece. (Craft-Art wood countertops are a great example.)
Whatever your cabinetry or countertop needs, Kitchen Views has a wide selection of great brands and the expert advice to help you find just what will fit your needs and style.
Lisa Zompa
Kitchen Views at National
3356 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886
401-921-0400
Email: lzompa@kitchenviews.com
Web: www.kitchenviews.com
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