UseYour Space in Large Kitchens Wisely

You have all the square footage you could ever desire for your dream kitchen. Now What? Be careful at this point to find a qualified kitchen designer. It would be a shame to find your new kitchen just cabinets and countertops. Let's get some design flair and excitement in your home's hub. Not only do we want to customize the cabinetry to your wants and needs, we want to make your statement heard as your visitors view your masterpiece. A WOW factor that will catch that coveted 'gasp' of excitement each time your visitors return. Lets get serious, the contented joy you will feel each time you walk into your kitchen is your end desire. It's your domain, so make it yours.

Good Design is a Great Place to Start in Your Kitchen

Even though money might not be an issue, it is best practice to set an investment range to stay within. In a remodel there are many elements to consider. Adding or removing walls can be considered. Are you going to completely alter the existing kitchen space or leave your major components such as appliances in place? In new construction it is always best to design your cabinetry needs prior to walls. In this way we can tell your builder precisely where you need the walls going up.
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Bells and Whistles

There is so much fun looking at and specifying all the accessories, cabinetry and countertops. What is important to each person varies as the shape of snowflakes vary. Start early with your lists. Are you baking a lot and need an oven with convection? Hate pre-washing your dishes and want a highly efficient dishwasher? You might choose a three bowl sink in your cleanup area. Prep sinks are a great option as well. Be sure you don't go to small. A small notebook with sleeves/pockets is a great way to organize your thoughts and lists. Magazines and books are very helpful too. Be sure to write a note on each page you mark. It has been to often our clients cannot remember why a page is marked. The options are much more than there is room in this blog to post. So get started sooner than later.

 

Island Ideas in a Large Kitchen 

Having a larger kitchen has it's perks. An island or Islands are one of those perks. I will state again this is why you need a Professional Qualified Kitchen Designer. Designing kitchens now for nearly 30 years, I have found the increased desire for large kitchens. It can be more difficult to design for larger kitchens because of their size. My homeowners don't really want to skate through their kitchens. Placement of islands is even more important. And making the decision of station placement is important too. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind:

• Work stations might require extra appliances. You might have two or three sinks in your kitchen. Prep, clean-up, bar etc.
  
• Island seating could be aligned in different areas of the kitchen.
  
• Materials for your countertops come in various sizes. Be sure to consider the size restrictions of your choice before moving forward.
  
• Be sure to take to heart the recommendations of your designer, you really do not want a ping pong sized island in your kitchen.
  
• A jog in your cabinetry height can do two jobs. Add flair and interest to your kitchen and allow you the choice of materials you desire.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Ultimately the choice is yours. With guidance from your Kitchen Designer along with your personal desires and research you will be well on your way to the dream kitchen you deserve.

At Cornerstone Cabinet Company, an ASID Industry Partnered Phoenix/Scottsdale cabinetry company we specialize in cabinetry for your kitchen and your entire home. We will work with you to be sure your desires are met. Whether you are putting in the kitchen of your dreams or remodeling to sell, our designers are ready to serve you in bringing your dreams to reality. Cornerstone Cabinet Company in Phoenix AZ and surrounding areas is here to serve you. Call Chris today to set your appointment 480-710-7363 for your design consultation. With the expertise we have in the kitchen & bath design industry, we will handle your project as if it were our own. Our goal is your total satisfaction.

Solutions for Very Small Kitchens

So many people are straddled or blessed with small to tiny kitchens. Depending on your views it could be either for you. The question for those of us with small kitchens is how to best design the space. We will look at some ideas to help you in preparation of your small/tiny kitchen remodel or 'small space living' new home. It is all in the design how well your small kitchen will flow and function. As always we suggest you find a qualified Kitchen Designer that has the expertise to design the best kitchen for you no matter the size.

Let's Start by Going Vertical

 

 

That's right vertical, the walls are our friends in a small kitchen. Between a shallow depth decorative rack pushed up against an unused wall, utilizing the space above your cabinets and/or wall organizing systems that can be ordered for any area in just about any finish, we can add so much storage to your small kitchen. It becomes a fun task for your designer to work with you finding the perfect mix of styles, colors and functional accessories to please your senses.

Rising to the Designing challenges of Small/Tiny Kitchens 

 

One of our challenges is the pairing up of a great hardworking, neat & tidy minimal kitchen. As designers we take pride in producing a kitchen with your needs and wants. We help you to make the decisions necessary to fit your new digs. Our owners are encouraged to start thinking in a minimalist attitude and hone down their kitchen collection to the bare minimum. It is a good practice to remove your non-essentials from your kitchen anyway.

Of course we have a large assortment of small European style appliances to choose from nowadays that help to alleviate space issues.

Time to get to the Design

We have the list of wants, needs and the essentials you plan to bring to your new kitchen. Now the fun begins. Very small/tiny kitchens have a tendency to attract clutter. To avoid this we will put all our skills toward finding a home for each item. We can achieve this by ordering custom cabinets that can be made any size or shape to allow for best designing. From pull out spice, deco appliance fronts, pull out tall thin pantries to open shelves we can design every inch to work on your behalf.

Laying out your kitchen becomes more important in a small kitchen. We have to give thought to each cabinet and appliance that is used. This is why it is so important to get with a qualified Kitchen Designer. A Kitchen Designer will be able to work in tandem with you to provide you with the best solutions for your design needs.

We at Cornerstone Cabinet Company, are an ASID Industry Partnered Phoenix/Scottsdale cabinetry company specializing in cabinetry for your entire home. We will happily work with you on your small/tiny or any size kitchen, bath, office or entertainment area. Our designers are ready to serve you in bringing your dreams to reality. Cornerstone Cabinet Company in Phoenix AZ and surrounding areas is here to serve you. Call Chris today to set your appointment 480-710-7363 for your design consultation. With the expertise we have in the kitchen and bath design industry, we will handle your project as if it were our own. Our goal is your total satisfaction.

Kitchen Myths – The Rules Don't Always Work in Today's Kitchens

 

Common Design Myths Debunked

When did designer ideas become rules we are to follow? Many of these rules do not make much sense at all. Whether you plan to build or remodel it can become a taxing and difficult project. There are decisions most would never think to ask. Then of course those complicated rules. Rules that could cost you efficiency in your kitchen. Or rules that destroy the design and look you had hoped for. So let's take a look at a few of my most common so called rules I come upon frequently.

• The amount of space between the island countertop and other countertops needs to be more than 36”. I prefer 48” when possible and is a must for a two cook kitchen. If you have a single cook kitchen then plan for at least 42” of space.
  
• Many people feel the dishwasher should be placed in conjunction to whether you are right or left handed. Not true. Dishwashers can be designed into your kitchen design where it works best for you. Since humans are creatures of habit, it won't take long to become pleased with the dishwasher location.
  
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  Stop and think about how often you actually look out your window when washing dishes. Exactly! Why be forced to put the sink under the window then? In the early days of kitchens the sink was needed there to toss out the used water. In our present day kitchens we are free to design the kitchen sink where it works best for you.
  
• Even though the rules would allow a tiny island in the kitchen, why? You might have a small landing space while you destroy the flow of the kitchen. Your kitchen becomes cramped and not as enjoyable.
  

We all know we are required to follow common sense and building codes guidelines. All myths and rules must be reconsidered on each project. The work triangle is not as important as once believed. The kitchen of today is the hub of the entire home. The ergonomics of the family to the space is what matters most. We must take into consideration who is going to be working in the kitchen and what their needs are. We like to have committed work domains and storage area for your needs.

The Expense for Designers is to Great

We disagree -

When you try designing your own kitchen usually there are mistakes that have to be fixed along the way. This extends the down time which usually cost money and patience. By hiring a professional you can avoid many of these headaches. Give us a call now with your design and cabinetry needs 480-710-7363 Cornerstone Cabinet Company Bringing Your Dreams To Reality.

Serving in the Greater Phoenix / Scottsdale / Tempe / Mesa / Gilbert Arizona areas.

Answers to Your Home Cabinetry Questions

Choices Choices Choices, Yes You Do Have Kitchen Design Choices

When designing your homes cabinetry needs whether you are building new or remodeling, the choices available are endless. So we suggest you start your search early in the process. The multiple wood species, cabinetry door styles and finishes alone can make your head spin. With a designer that will help you narrow the choice to the one that satisfies your wants and needs, the project becomes manageable and fun. This should be the goal of your project. Find the designer that will help you have fun in your project. After the cabinetry is specified and you have decided that contemporary, traditional, rustic or maybe the old farmhouse look is what you want, we have many more decisions to make. Again, we highly recommend you start the process of cabinetry in the early stages of the total project.

Cabinetry

The choices of cabinetry are many. Oak, Eastern Hard Rock Maple, Hickory/Pecan, Fir (very soft), Quarter Sawn/Rift Oak, Laminate Wood Designs are just a few of your choices. Door Styles come in just as many choices as well. If you know exactly what you are looking for your choices will be easier to make. We do suggest taking a tour of the designers showroom to help finalize your decisions. There could be a wood or cabinet door style you will fall in love with. At least give yourself the chance to see all that is available. We also suggest you look through magazines then sticky note what you like. It helps when you are working with your designer.

Cabinetry Accessories

Now this is where you can have a lot of fun. The choices here are seemingly endless. Be careful, many of the accessories take away some of your storage space. If your kitchen is large that might not matter. When designing a smaller kitchen, we must consider the benefit of the accessory verses the space taken. To list a few:

• Roll-out / Slide-out Shelves
  
• Cutlery Dividers
  
• Pullout Spice Racks (great for small spaces)
  
• Stainless Pullout Trash Bins (easy to clean SS)
  
• Swing Out Pantry Units
  
• Pop Up Mixer Stand (every baker needs one)
  
• Spice Drawer Insert
  
• Pull out Pots and Pans Drawer
  

The list goes on. Let's get you with your designer and they can guide you through your choices. As you take the time in the beginning of building your new home or your remodeling project instead of waiting until the cabinetry is needed, your choices will be made with ease rather than rushing through the project quickly.

As we have touched in today's blog on just a few of the choices you will need to make when building or remodeling, we suggest you give yourself the time you need for making your best choices. At Cornerstone Cabinet Company, an ASID Industry Partnered Phoenix/Scottsdale cabinetry company, we specialize in kitchen cabinetry and cabinetry throughout your entire home. Our designers will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. As experts in the artistic creation of your new Kitchen, Bath, Home Office, Entertainment Center or Custom Built-ins - Cornerstone Cabinet Company in Phoenix AZ and surrounding areas is here to serve you. Call Chris today to set your appointment 480-710-7363 for your design consultation. With the expertise we have in the kitchen & bath design industry, we will handle your project as if it were our own. Our goal is your total satisfaction.

Kitchen Design – How to Avoid the Biggest Mistakes

Kitchen Design – How to Avoid the Biggest Mistakes

It is known the heart of the home is thew kitchen. It can easily become useless when it doesn't function to the homeowners needs. When building or remodeling be sure to find the designer that is going to listen to your needs and wants. Yes, your designer should know all the rules of design and be able to weave your needs and wants with the rules into the kitchen you desire.
We all tend to assemble in the kitchen. From the kids homework to our guests, off to the kitchen we go. The kitchen is one of the best and most used rooms of the home. When you move forward with updating your existing kitchen or begin designing your new home, your designer must preserve the style you want and the function you need. As designers, adding value to your home as well as more efficient time spent in your new domain is our main focus.

Top Kitchen Mistakes to Avoid

As professional kitchen designers we will offer you design suggestions to help you avoid these unwanted design faux pas. Most if not all of these issues can easily be avoided.

• Be fun and and creative with your new kitchen. There is so much more than just placing cabinetry and countertops. Be sure your personality is a part of your new kitchen.
  

• Lack of counter top space is a huge complaint in many kitchens. Function needs to be a priority right up there with the decorative aspects of your kitchen. Your designer should discuss with you how you use the space in you kitchen. By knowing your habits in the kitchen, we can design a better fitting experience for you. And of course the size of each individual kitchen will be taken into account when the final design is presented.
  
  
  
  
  
• Not preparing for enough storage or the specified storage that the client needs is all to often missed. Be sure you find a qualified designer that knows how to incorporate your needs into the design.
  
  
• Be sure to understand trends! Colors come and go, styles change with a breeze. If you are building your dream kitchen, then it must be your style no matter the trend.
  If you are planning on moving within five years or less, you should consider not getting to trendy.
  
  
• And the perfect triangle is always the best design practice. Don't make a common mistake in planning the location of your sink, refrigerator and cooking surface. The spacing and placement are paramount in a well functioning kitchen.
  
  
  
  From small to large your designer should be able to design all the elements of a perfect kitchen for you. Be sure to find a designer that can accomplish designing you your perfect kitchen.

Cornerstone Cabinet Company

As you make your plans to remodel your kitchen, consider our designers and cabinetry at Cornerstone Cabinet Company. We are an ASID Industry Partnered Scottsdale/Phoenix Area cabinet company At CCC we specialize in cabinetry for the kitchen and entire home. We will couple your new cabinetry with the beautiful countertops you desire. As experts in the art of kitchen design, remodeling and installation, Cornerstone Cabinet Company provides you excellent design and service. When it comes to your cabinetry needs Cornerstone Cabinet Company in Phoenix AZ is your go to source. Call Chris for your appointment today 480-710-7363.

As experts in the kitchen & bath design industry, we will handle your project with expertise. Our goal is your total satisfaction. We specialize in cabinetry for your entire home. From kitchens, entertainment cabinetry, baths, laundry, offices or that special custom unit Cornerstone Cabinet Company will satisfy.

Are you ready for the 2014 Must See Kitchen Trends?

As we enter the second half of 2014 we have a strong feel for the trends of the year. Over the years of designing kitchens we have seen trends sweep by in cycles. A cycle that brings back the old design statements with a new flair. There are some things that won't ever be revived, like the colors of avocado and harvest gold. They were revolutionary in their day; however, they won't return. Let's take a look at some of the trends of today.

Warmer colors are hot in 2014

More people are nixing the all white kitchen and moving in to a warmer 'white'. Soft gray is big as we are in the midst of 2014. With the changing shift toward warming up the hub of the home, your kitchen will use warmer metals of copper and brass moving away from your chrome and stainless steel cold metals. 

Natural is Back

Fitting right in with the warming trend are natural products. From natural stone tops and floors to open beams natural is warming the kitchen with beauty. We see brick hitting the kitchen with a design flair as well. Be sure your design specialist knows your design wishes. 

Functionality is Key

With the thought and time put into your new kitchen design, functionality is a must for your individual needs. There are many manufacturers that offer just about any accessory for your cabinetry. From the must for every kitchen of hydraulic door hinges and self closing drawer guides to pull out pantries. Be sure not to design to many extras, space is always a consideration. Many accessories use extra storage space. In smaller kitchens we must utilize every inch of storage to enhance the home owners needs. 

Bold Bold Bold

You can add bold to you kitchen with color. A rich dark veneer slab contemporary cabinet is a great way to get started. Color can be used as an accent that pulls the eye to the desired focal point. Fixtures can add that bold WOW you are looking for as well! Being creative with your accessory pieces will be a great way to add pop to your bold new kitchen. Contrast is a tool we implement to complete the full impact of your kitchen design. 

Ready for Your Outside Kitchen?

When Spring through Fall are upon us, we want to be outside. Who wants to be the one inside cooking while everyone else is outside having fun? Outside kitchens have become popular in the USA. Many families are adding outdoor kitchens as an extension of their living and entertaining space. In addition these outdoor kitchens are adding value to the home.

A Look-Alike Can Save Money

With many of our man made materials, the home owner today can get a product that looks natural. We can put laminate tops in that look like natural stone thus saving money to the home owner. The home owner can get a high end look for a smidgen of the cost. 

About Cornerstone Cabinet Company

While making your decision to get your new kitchen in motion, consider Cornerstone Cabinet Company as your source for quality design council. As an ASID Industry Partnered Phoenix/Scottsdale cabinet company, Cornerstone Cabinet Company specializes in cabinetry for the entire home. We will pair your new cabinetry with the beautiful countertops of your choice. Experts in the art of kitchen design, remodeling and installation, Cornerstone Cabinet Company will provide excellent design and service. When it comes to your cabinetry needs Cornerstone Cabinet Company in Phoenix AZ is your go to source. Give Chris a call for your appointment 480-710-7363 today.

As experts in kitchen & bath design industry, we handle projects with expertise. Our goal is your total satisfaction. We specialize in kitchens, custom built-ins and entertainment centers, baths, home offices and laundry rooms.

Create The Perfect Entertaining Kitchen

Traditionally we have all loved to gather in the kitchen. The popularity of an open plan kitchen is in vogue more now than in past years. We purposely plan for no separation between the kitchen, living, outdoors and dining areas. This encourages ideal interaction as it allows your guests room to move freely. Our kitchens are designed to fit the needs of our present day lifestyles. With the many small appliances and gadgets we have, the design is much more important today. As we plan for multiple cooks, school homework and parties it is very important to bring the design together. There can be challenges in creating your perfect social kitchen. So we will look at a few ideas to help you build the benefits into your perfect entertaining kitchen.

Create Life Action Areas

• When entertaining, an area for preparing and serving beverages is a must. A custom beverage hot spot stocked with all the needs for your bartender is a must.
• Warming drawers will be another consideration to give the host and hostess more time to enjoy their guests.
• Appropriate refrigeration units placed in your kitchen is also an important part of your entertainment open kitchen.
• An open layout with room to roam throughout makes a more pleasant atmosphere for your family and guests.
• Be sure to plan several sitting areas for your guests to sit down to chat and eat.
• Of course you can easily boost your hosting scores with your great looking appliances. Not to mention their fantastic function.
• Get with your kitchen designer for more great options.

Prepare Storage To Hide The Mess

There is no reason to resist open social kitchens because you are worried about the possible mess your guests might see. We can offer solutions to this concern. With sizable countertop spaces and countertop cubbies in your cleanup area the mess will not be noticeable while entertaining. With the addition of a specialized serving area or a raised counter top bar you will have all the distraction needed to pull your guests eyes elsewhere.

Television

When your having a casual gathering to watch a sports event a TV in the kitchen is a great touch. Food and sports in the hub of your home makes for great entertaining.

Cornerstone Cabinet Company

As the plans evolve for your new entertaining kitchen consider Cornerstone Cabinet Company. An ASID Industry Partnered Phoenix/Scottsdale cabinetry company, Cornerstone Cabinet's specializes in cabinetry for the entire home. We will couple your new cabinetry with beautiful countertops. As experts in kitchen design, remodeling and installation, Cornerstone Cabinet Company provides excellent design with our service. When it comes to your cabinetry Cornerstone Cabinet Company in Phoenix AZ is your source for quality design and cabinetry. Give Chris a call for your appointment 480-710-7363 today. Experts in kitchen & bath design, we handle projects with skillful expertise. Our goal is your 100% satisfaction. We specialize in kitchens, home offices, custom built-ins and entertainment centers, baths and laundry rooms.