Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops

All white Kitchens and one cabinet color or stain designs are shifting to two-toned cabinetry adding drama with variety and color. Stained lower cabinets take a lot of abuse and lighter color wall cabinets add depth and interest to the kitchen. Clear glass doors look great if clutter is not an issue or translucent glass doors provide a lighter and can conceal the clutter. Open floating shelves are popular especially in smaller Kitchens where openness creates the illusion of more space. Must have kitchen cabinet organizers include – Cookie sheets and tray cabinets, Spice Pullout, Pullout Waste and Recycling base cabinets and Cutlery Trays and Knife Blocks. Expensive tall pantry cabinets with pullout, rotating gadgets are awkward. We typically order 15-18” depth tall Pantry cabinets with adjustable shelves that allow better sight of all items.  A walk-in pantry closet is the best for all pantry items, vacuum, cleaning supplies and large bulk items.  Tall cabinets reduce precious countertop space in small Kitchens.  In larger Kitchen’s banking tall cabinetry on one wall with the refrigerator provides a cohesive balanced design.

Numerous options Countertop Materials exist, and each material has its’ place depending upon use and where you live. Polished concrete is a modern minimalist surface yet in the No. Virginia it can affect a home’s resale value. Popular options for our area tend to be granite, quartz and occasionally soapstone in both polished and honed looks.  Granite and marble are porous meaning they will absorb water and liquids and therefore can stain. Boiling hot water, Dawn dishwashing soap and a facecloth can draw the stain out. Quartz countertops, Cambria, Silestone and others are composite materials with many new patterns and beautiful designs to choose from. Quartz a non-pourous material is great for bathrooms where water tends to sit on the countertops. Wood butcher block counters add warmth and visual interest and require oil be rubbed into the surface every so often after a thorough cleaning.