Kitchen
Where to StartIn the introduction to this cabinet series, we reviewed the first steps to consider when selecting new cabinets. Once you’ve determined your project scope and the purpose of your new cabinets, you’re ready to start tackling more specific questions. One common reason for a cabinet project is to create a distinctive look or style. Many of you have a specific picture in mind, and the cabinet selection process begins by carefully studying that picture and breaking down the details so they can be replicated. For others, the purpose is more utilitarian — you simply need new cabinets to store your things. In either case, to make an informed choice, you must thoroughly understand the options.
Q. Why should homeowners consider going the custom route rather than buy off-the-shelf stock cabinets?Vince Lisanti, CCS Woodworks, Rock Hill, New York: The two biggest factors for choosing custom are attention to detail in the design phase and having the ability to seamlessly match millwork, trim or furniture pieces with the custom cabinetry. True custom cabinets offer customers the ability to have complete flexibility in their project designs. Special sizing constraints, uncommon wood types or finishes, and complicated design elements are not an issue when choosing a custom cabinet and millwork shop.Erin Braam and the team at Braam’s Custom Cabinets, Toronto: When you order stock cabinetry, you have to stick to standard cabinet sizing, and the fillers accommodate any unused space. This limits your choices in many ways and creates a lot of unused space that you won’t run into if you go the custom route. Custom guarantees that your designer is always working with a fresh, new perspective and you’re getting something uniquely you.
1. What is the island’s function?Before you start thinking about smart storage solutions and what range you want, decide what your island’s main function is going to be. Most islands have a side devoted to cooking and a side devoted to eating, but what will your emphasis be? Prep work, cooking, cleaning, eating or entertaining? Or will you use it for everything, including homework and house projects? If you want appliances and sinks in your island, you’ll need more space. If it will be used just for casual meals, seating should be your priority. “The discussion regarding a kitchen island is really just a small subset of issues which the overall kitchen design and surrounding space must resolve,” says Ahmann. “In the overall scheme, what gets delegated to the island is part of the overall flow of working and living patterns. The island is part of a solution, and this is where most of the discussion should focus. Then the details will fall into place.”
Cabinet Color
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