The Pros and Cons of Wood Cabinetry
Wooden cabinetry has always been a beloved favorite amongst homeowners. However, throughout the years many other cabinet materials have tried to take the front runner position for household favorite. The growing amount of cabinetry options can be overwhelming when undergoing a remodel of any size. The use of wood in cabinetry is a timeless classic and sure to make a statement in your kitchen. If you are seriously contemplating wood for your cabinets, here are the pros and cons of implementing it in your home.
Pros
There are many pros to installing wood cabinets hence it’s widespread popularity amongst homeowners. Wood is easily re-stained and easy to repair. If you get a scratch on your cabinets, it’s an easy fix by using filler wax sticks to smooth over the damage. Yes, wood is considered a classic appearance and can enhance a luxurious ambience in your kitchen. Although it provides a timeless look, wood cabinetry can also be customized into a wide array of styles and patterns. Its versatility is what makes this material a fan favorite. Wooden cabinetry has a long lifetime. Although it seems like a lot of money upfront, wood cabinets are worth the money in the long run.
Cons
There are many pros to installing wood cabinets. Like most things in life, there are also some facts to note before going through with the entire process. Wood is submissible to humidity. It expands and contracts with changing weather patterns. Wood can also be more high maintenance than other materials. It requires special wood products to clean. Although it can be a pain to acquire these specific cleaning materials, it’s worth it in the long run to upkeep your beautiful kitchen. The highly durability, quality, and versatility of wood comes at a little bit of a higher price than other materials. The last thing to take into consideration is the long installation process because wooden cabinetry requires each piece to be measured so it fits together perfectly and then built, it can take more time to produce and install.
Kitchen Solvers
There always seems to be an abundance of options when choosing your new cabinetry. This abundance of options means the kitchen of your dreams can become a reality. But it can also mean feeling a little overwhelmed with your choices. When you’re in the process of a remodel, overwhelmed is the last thing we want you to feel like when upgrading your kitchen. At Kitchen Solvers, part of our core belief is providing each homeowner with the most Peasant Remodeling Experience. From the moment you call, we will meet you where you are at in the buying process. Call your nearest kitchen solvers for your consultation! If you’re looking to gain a greater insight on what a kitchen remodel entails make sure to visit our blog articles like Looking for a Financially Savvy Cabinet Restoration? Cabinet Refacing could be your Solution! And What are the Steps in a Kitchen Remodel?
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Flexible Design in the Kitchen
Today’s kitchens are delivering more multi-tasking than ever, as islands and niches now act as places to do homework, bill-paying and game playing in addition to eating breakfast and entertaining. Function remains vital to the way a kitchen is designed, and as lifestyles change, so do the elements of the overall space.
In addition to multifunctionality, trends impacting kitchen design include advancing technology and wellness. Aesthetically, color is upping its presence in appliances, tile and countertops, so cabinets need to provide the right complement – whether that means a striking, bold selection or calm, neutral backdrop.
Key trends impacting the kitchen cabinet segment include:
–The selection of flexible and specialized storage features continues to expand as homeowners try to make use of every inch of space in the kitchen.
–Wood tones are making a comeback, with finishes ranging from pale, natural wood looks to rich, dark grayed browns.
–Texture continues to trend, with weathered woods and soft-touch options among the most popular.
–The interest in color is skyrocketing, with painted and powder-coated finishes now available in an almost endless selection.
–Among the most popular colors trending for cabinets are blues and greens with a hint of gray, as well as black and, of course, white.
–Creative storage for cabinets includes pullouts, peg systems, pull-downs and blind-corner options, while drawers feature dividers and elegant organization for utensils and other items.
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Builder Confidence Steadies as Material, Labor Woes Persist
WASHINGTON, DC — Builder confidence inched up this month on lower lumber prices and strong housing demand, even as the housing sector continues to grapple with building material supply chain issues and labor challenges, the National Association of Home Builders reported.
According to the latest in a series of monthly NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Indexes, released yesterday, builder sentiment in the market for newly built single-family homes edged up one point, to 76, in September, ending a three-month decline, the NAHB said.
“Builder sentiment has been gradually cooling since the HMI hit an all-time high reading of 90 last November,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. “The September data show stability as some building material cost challenges ease, particularly for softwood lumber. “However, delivery times remain extended, and the chronic construction labor shortage is expected to persist as the overall labor market recovers.”
“The single-family building market has moved off the unsustainably hot pace of construction of last fall and has reached a still hot but more stable level of activity,” added Robert Dietz, chief economist for the Washington, DC-based NAHB. “While building material challenges persist, the rate of cost growth has eased for some products, but the job openings rate in construction is trending higher.”
The NAHB said it expects housing affordability will be a key demand-side challenge in the coming quarters, given the rapid rate of growth for home prices and construction costs over the last year.
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Salone Showcases Design
A special, abridged version of Salone del Mobile.Milano took place last week, amid much fanfare at its return and trepidation amid COVID-19 concerns. The safety of visitors was paramount, with all exhibitors and attendees adhering to protocols at all times, and an abbreviated show floor that often resembled an art gallery, with products hung on walls and shown in unique displays to keep visitors moving and at a safe distance.
“supersalone” did not disappoint, with more than 60,000 people attending the six-day show, which opened with an impromptu visit and remarks from Italian President Sergio Mattarella welcoming guests and 425 exhibitors, who showcased everything from opulent tables and chairs to modern cabinetry and lighting.
Up-and-coming trends were seen throughout the space. Kitchen cabinets sheathed in metal and metallic looks and a wide range of wood tones, and included complementary metal and glass shelving units. Disappearing kitchens were also displayed, with sliding countertops that tuck everything neatly away when not in use.
Faucets reflected a range of geometric shapes, and delivered on the desire for customization with changeable handles and a multitude of finishes that went far beyond the metals of the past. And LED lighting is revolutionizing the shape and size of pendants, sconces and chandeliers, delivering intricate shapes and modern vibes. LED lighting are also prominent in kitchen and closet shelving and interiors, and even in faucet spouts and showerheads.
Following are a few of the products that made a statement during the event.
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How can I make my kitchen more luxurious on a budget?
Are you tired of looking at your kitchen in dismay? Are you hoping to improve the face value of your space? Do you just want to step into your room and say, Wow!?” Well look no further, Kitchen Solvers is here to aid you on your journey of adding value to your home. Here are simple additions and changes which will make your kitchen more luxurious on a budget.
A Strong Sink
Your kitchen sink is always in battle, fighting against the daily wear and tear. Since a kitchen sink is either running water, holding dirty dishes, or fighting off bacteria, it’s worth the money to invest in a high-quality appliance. And if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, we recommend you install a stainless-steel sink. This great investment can double as a centerpiece and can help aid in functionality. When contemplating gauge sizes, our homeowners have found the greatest satisfaction with our 16-gauge steel option.
Change Out Your Hardware
Sometimes the simplest of changes is what makes all the difference. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add value to your home, changing out your hardware is for you. A new set of more up-to-date hardware gives your kitchen a quick and mindless facelift. Start by just removing one handle to make sure you are able to do an easy switch without any staining from the existing hardware. You’ll want to purchase hardware that is the same size to cover the same drillholes.
Replace or Add a Backsplash
Never underestimate the power of adding or replacing your backsplash. Not only does a backsplash act as a protective surface, but it gives a kitchen depth and dimension. Although a backsplash functions as a seal that protects the wall beneath from bacteria, it simultaneously brings character to your home. With a variety of patterns and color schemes, you’ll never be at a loss for choices.
Reface Your Cabinets
Cabinet refacing allows you to have the look you’ve always dreamed of without the additional expenses and time commitment of a full kitchen renovation. Refacing is a quick and painless way to give a fresh new look to your cabinetry without a complete cabinet remodel. Here at Kitchen Solvers cabinet refacing is one of our specialties. We simply replace all the existing doors and drawer fronts with a door style, wood species, and finish of your choosing. We then apply a matching refacing material to all exposed end panels and face frames of your existing cabinets. If you’re looking to upgrade the aesthetic in your kitchen look no further, the cabinet refacing process is as painless as a kitchen update can get.
Kitchen Solvers
Now that you know how to make your kitchen more luxurious on a budget, it’s time to find the experts to do it. That’s where Kitchen Solvers can help. Contact us today to learn more! Regardless of what you’re project entails, Kitchen Solvers will take the time to show and educate you on all the appropriate options for your project to help you get the best value, style, and function that suits you.
And be sure to check out our helpful blogs, Complimentary Color Schemes to Last You a Lifetime and How Much is a Kitchen Remodel Going to Cost Me in 2021-2022.
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Complimentary Color Schemes to Last You a Lifetime
Color schemes have a tendency to come and go as popular trends begin to fade out of style. If you’re anything like me, when it comes to your kitchen, you’re looking for a color palette which will not only take your breath away but which will also last you a lifetime. The first thing someone sees when they enter your home is the colors which you’ve incorporated into the room. If you’re looking to remodel or redesign your kitchen, here are some complimentary color schemes which will ensure your kitchen is always up-to-date and stylish.
Black and White
A black and white color scheme is the ultimate classic look. This pairing has been around since the dawn of time and is still a beloved favorite amongst homeowners. Black and white stands strong on its own, but it also paves the way for some flexibility within your kitchen. This dynamic color scheme duo easily allows for statement pieces to be added or for a bright pop of color to be incorporated.
Blues and Brown
Another amazing choice for your kitchen color scheme is blues and browns. This versatile look can be used to create a natural aesthetic which loosely encompasses earth and sky. Oftentimes, homeowners like to use a toned-down, dusty blue in their kitchen. This exudes and enhances a soothing and relaxing feeling within the room.
White on White
Yes, you read that correctly. White on white is a color scheme if you can believe it or not. Introducing an all-white kitchen into your home, opens the door to endless possibilities. White on White gives a sense of openness and pristineness. It brightens up your kitchen while simultaneously working to enhance the natural light in your room. As well as providing a refreshing feeling in your home, white on white allows you to play around with all sorts or accents colors. If you’re in the mood for a kitchen switch-up, simple accent pieces provide an easy transition for change.
Gray and White
If you’re in a smaller kitchen and want to provide more depth in your room, a gray and white color scheme is the way to go. In comparison to the white on white color scheme mentioned above, adding gray into the mixture creates greater dimension in the room. It’s also less likely to fall victim to the daily wear and tear a kitchen encounters throughout the years. Gray plays well off of other materials such as stone countertops, concrete tiles, exposed wood, etc.
Kitchen Solvers
We want your kitchen to feel like home. Here at Kitchen Solvers, it’s our goal to ensure you have the Most Pleasant Remodeling Experience. From choosing your kitchen’s color palette to deciphering which countertop material is the perfect fit, we are here to answer all your question on this process. Feel free to call us today for your kitchen consultation or read some of our latest blog articles like Confused about Cabinetry? A guide to a Cabinet Reface or Replace! or Classic Kitchen Color Palettes.
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Homeowners Seeking Functionality, Style
NEWPORT NEWS, VA — As the nation approaches the year-and-a-half mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, homeowners continue to reevaluate their living spaces, “with many looking for ways to put the ‘home’ back in a more functional house.”
That’s the key conclusion of a major new consumer survey conducted by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery in an effort to better understand how the global public-health crisis impacted trends in home renovation and updates. The survey, fielded this spring on behalf of Ferguson by G&S Business Communications, involved some 1,100 U.S. adults aged 18+, according to the Newport News, VA-based distributor of plumbing, lighting and related products.
The Ferguson survey, whose results were released in July, found that 64% of Americans made an update of some kind to their home, or to a room in their home, during the pandemic. The most popular reasons for the update included being tired of the home’s current style (34%) and needing to make changes for better functionality (32%), Ferguson reported.
The kitchen (47%) and the bathroom (44%) were the top choices when it comes to specific areas of the home people would want to redesign or upgrade based on spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. A growing number of Americans say they would want to redesign or upgrade their outdoor space (30% in 2021 compared to 23% in 2020), Ferguson reported.
Interestingly, the room people spent the most amount of time in last year compared to previous years was the living room (50%), with 33% of Americans working from home in their living rooms during the pandemic. A third (33%) spent more time in their bedrooms and nearly a third (32%) spent more time in the kitchen. Younger generations were more likely than older generations to say they spent more time in the bedroom and bathroom, but just as likely to say they spend more time in the living room.
“There are likely a number of reasons why the living room grew in importance over the past year, since it was used as a gathering place during quarantine, for home schooling and other activities,” Ferguson reported. “We may also see this trend, in part, because people who work from home often set up their workstation in their living rooms.”
Just over a third of respondents (34%) said they started working from home during the pandemic, Ferguson said. Within this group, a third said they have been working in the living room and a third have been working from an existing office, the company added.
Among other survey findings:
- Among those who started working from home during the pandemic, 62% made changes to their lighting in their home office space. Americans prioritized functionality over aesthetics when changing lighting in these spaces. Twenty-eight percent changed their lighting to see their work/computer better, and 22% changed their lighting to look better on video.
- Americans also spruced up their office space in general during the pandemic, creating a more multifunctional space. Eleven percent put a coffee maker in their office and 10% installed a refrigerator to hold coffee creamer, water and other beverages for easy access.
- Nearly half of Americans say they would buy smart home products to make their lives easier (49%), while others say they would buy them to save time (32%) or to improve the energy efficiency of their home (31%).
- As an example of the desire for convenience and hygiene, 41% of surveyed Americans say they would like touchless faucets in their home. Almost a third (32%) would like a refrigerator that notifies them when the door has been left open. And although bidets haven’t traditionally been standard in America, 17% of Americans say they would like a bidet in their bathroom and 26% would like a bidet seat. A quarter (25%) said they want a smart toilet. Younger generations, not surprisingly, are likely to want these products and features (see graph above).
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Obstacles Linger, Even in Face of Uptick
Supply side challenges continue to hamstring both new housing and the residential-construction trade, even as both market sectors continue to exhibit significant 2021 gains. Among the key statistics and forecasts released in recent weeks by government agencies, research firms and industry-related trade associations were the following:
HOUSING STARTS & NEW-HOME SALES
Despite recent gains in housing production, concerns linger over weakening permit numbers, a slowdown in new-home sales and rising materials costs, the National Association of Home Builders said. Overall housing starts were pegged at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.64 million units, according to the latest available figures, as strong demand helped offset supply-side challenges. Builders continue to contend with rising home prices and materials delays, as well as with shortages of buildable lots, a dearth of skilled labor and a challenging regulatory climate, said Robert Dietz, NAHB chief economist. “The weakening of single-family and multifamily permits is due to higher material costs, which have pushed new home prices higher since the end of last year,” Dietz said. “This is a troubling sign for future housing production (and) a challenge for a housing market that needs additional inventory.”
RESIDENTIAL REMODELING
Residential construction professionals experienced their busiest quarter since at least 2015 in the first three months of 2021, with confidence among remodeling construction and design firms running high, according to Houzz Inc. The online platform for home remodeling and design reported positive results for its “Q3 2021 Houzz Renovation Barometer,” a quarterly gauge of residential renovation market expectations, project backlogs and recent activity among businesses in the construction, architectural and design services sectors. However, the heightened activity is not without challenges, according to Houzz, which reported that supply chain delays, extreme weather patterns, rising product and material costs and labor shortages “continue to create major headwinds for the industry.” In a related development, annual gains in homeowner improvement and maintenance spending are poised to accelerate in the second half of 2021 and remain elevated through mid-year 2022, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), released in by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The LIRA projects that annual growth in home renovation and repair expenditures will reach 8.6% by the second quarter of 2022, with annual expenditures expected to exceed $380 billion.
EXISTING-HOME SALES
Existing-home sales, despite several months of declines, were up 22.9% from a year ago, and available supply has improved in recent months due to gains in housing starts and existing homeowners listing their homes, the National Association of Realtors reported. “Home sales continue to run at a pace above the rate seen before the pandemic,” said Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the Washington, DC-based NARI, which pegged the latest seasonally adjusted annual rate for resales at 5.86 million units. Total inventory was down 18.8% from a year ago, while unsold inventory is down year to date, from 3.9-month supply in 2020 to a 2.6-month supply at the same time this year, the NAR added.
APPLIANCE SHIPMENTS
Reflecting gains in new construction and residential remodeling, domestic shipments of major home appliances continued their rebound from the impact of COVID-19 in the first half of 2021, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers reported. According to the Washington, DC-based AHAM, an April-to-June spike of 23.7% over the same quarter a year ago was largely responsible for an overall year-to-date gain of 26.6% in major appliance shipments compared to the same six-month period in 2019. First-half gains were posted in all key product categories, including food preservation (+31.6%), home laundry (+27.7%), cooking (+24.1%) and kitchen cleanup (+17.4%), AHAM noted.
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Different Approach Delivers Local Vibes
San Francisco, CA — When you hear that your clients recently moved from Japan after having lived in Tokyo for two decades, it might seem logical to incorporate Asian influences into the renovation of their home to make them feel comfortable. However, Jeni Gamble knew they wanted a different approach.
“There would be no bamboo, no shoji,” says the founder/creative director and LEED AP/NCDIQ at gamble + design in San Francisco, CA, who worked in collaboration with Arrow Builders to remodel this home in the Presidio Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. “That would have felt too contrived. Instead, they were interested in learning more about their new city and creating a home that reflected that area. They also wanted to keep the renovation within the community, so they were also very interested in meeting and working with local artisans who could show them something new.”
Subtle, carefully crafted details
With a sophisticated design eye, Gamble’s clients wanted to transform the previously gaudy and heavily ornamented home into one that showcased a pared-down elegance and serenity imbued with subtle, carefully crafted details and custom pieces from California artisans.
“The home previously had a ton of layered ornamentation,” says the designer. “That may be okay for an old historic home. But for my clients’ home, with its more modern architecture, it just didn’t make sense. So, we stripped away the applied finishes and brought the home back to its original architecture.”
As such, gone was the hodgepodge of random, highly patterned tiles that made up the kitchen’s backsplash. Gone, too, was the painted blue floor – which was stripped and returned to its natural walnut state – as well as the overabundance of matching blue elements that overtook the room.
Jeni Gamble included materials and finishes that provide texture and depth, such as the Jura limestone countertops and custom white oak cabinetry that reinforce the feeling of nature. To highlight local artisans, she accented the cabinetry with custom knobs and pulls crafted by Marin County’s Alice Tacheny.
In their place, Gamble brought in materials and finishes that provide texture and depth, such as the Jura limestone countertops that reinforce the feeling of nature, along with the custom white oak cabinetry from local cabinet maker Bachmann Woodworking.
“We love working with white oak,” says Gamble. “It’s a staple for us because of its density. We also love it because it has a very fine grain pattern, which offers warmth when allowed to show through the stain. Often, we play with stain, but for this kitchen, rather than allowing the wood to take on a yellow cast, we purposefully lightened it to control the color palette. We also carried the oak throughout the rest of the home, using it for the dining room table as well as the staircase.”
The designer accented the lightened cabinetry with end panels and frames for the tall cabinetry, painted with Farrow & Ball’s deeply hued Hague Blue paint.
“Blue was everywhere in the previous kitchen,” she says. “Our clients do like blue; they just didn’t want so much of it, so we toned it down. The blue color also serves as a ‘bookend’ for the cabinetry. I often like to bookend, or sandwich, elements to give them a beginning and an end. Sometimes I use different materials or finishes. In this case,
I used the blue paint.”
Gamble also used the dark shade to draw attention to the custom niche she created within the refrigerator/pantry wall.
“We like to incorporate niches into our designs that can be used as coffee or tea stations,” says the designer. “They have become a signature feature for us. Carving out a space that can be used specifically for this purpose helps keep the counter clear so it doesn’t get cluttered. Often, people’s favorite part of the day is their coffee, so we like to celebrate it!”
To fulfill the desire to highlight local artisans, Gamble accented the cabinetry with custom knobs and pulls, crafted by Marin County’s Alice Tacheny. The blackened metal is on-trend with current kitchen design and matches the MGS Black Steel faucet and trio of peninsula pendants from Michael Anastassiades’ Brass Architectural Collection.
Outdoor Sanctuary
While the living room offers views of Presidio and the Golden Gate Bridge, the kitchen grants glimpses to the homeowners’ outdoor living space. Patio doors provide physical entry to the barbecue/seating area, while their transparent glass offers visual access to a large painted mural of a mountain range. Boasting calming shades of grays and whites, the mural also serves as artwork for the kitchen and gives the homeowners some privacy from their neighbors.
“Having a kitchen adjacent to an outdoor space is always coveted,” indicates Gamble. “For these clients, their outdoor courtyard is sheltered for barbecuing and is quickly accessible from the kitchen prep area.” 
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Cabinets Plus Changes Name, Expands Franchise Effort
AUSTIN, TX — Cabinets Plus USA, the kitchen-related franchising operation headquartered in Austin, TX, has changed its corporate name to Cabinet Q as part of a nationwide expansion effort.
The expansion initiative, which launched last month, will enable the newly named Cabinet IQ to rolling out its franchise program, replicating its business model nationwide, the company said.
“The Cabinets Plus USA brand has been a robust and fast-growing fixture in the Austin, TX area (and) has become well known for its step-by-step system to provide quality, service and design in kitchen and bath remodeling,” said company owner Michael Hartel. “Strong demand for services has spurred our growth, and this name change better reflects our position as the most innovative cabinet and kitchen remodeling company, and now franchise opportunity.”
The rebranding does not affect any existing orders or projects, the company said, adding that corporate ownership, billing address, shipping addresses and invoicing information remain the same.
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