Different Kitchen Design Styles

Canyon Cabinetry / May 18, 2012 / No comments

If you’re looking around for kitchen design ideas in Tucson and you’re not too particular on something so Southwest, then look no further! We’ve put together a brief guide to various kitchen design styles for all your kitchen remodeling needs.

Is it extensive? Not necessarily, but just getting the gist of the different techniques in cabinet arrangement, décor, and other kitchen design and remodeling practices should get those gears turning enough to send you in the right direction! Right? Well that’s what we’re hoping, so without further ado…

Eclectic Style Kitchen

Eclectic Kitchen

Here’s an awesome example of an eclectic kitchen design. As you can see the cabinets and appliances almost have a Top Chef type feel. However, this concept is juxtaposed by the flooring and the more homey feeling of the décor. Also, if you notice, the rustic seating matches the décor as well, instead of being sleek and shiny like the focal point of the kitchen. Remodeling your kitchen into something similar to this would be most feasible for the avid chef, or culinary buff, looking to amp up their cooking experience while still keeping their kitchen integrated with the rest of their home’s interior design.

Italian Style Kitchen

Italian Kitchen Design

Italian Kitchen Design

Ornate Italian Kitchen Design

Next up is a favorite amongst “pinners” (Pinterest users) – the Italian kitchen. As you can see above, Italian Kitchen design can vary greatly. More modern kitchen designs include a lot more lighting and open space, with more of a dining room feel than an actual kitchen set up. Then there’s the more classic version: dimmer lighting, deeper color, greek/roman architectural design incorporations, and more detailed cabinets. Overall, the more modern italian kitchen has a great sense of simplicity and humbleness to it, where as the more classic design seems to be very ornate.

If the former better suits you, we suggest an off-white countertop and wall paint combination with deeply accented cabinets. Opt out of the island and bring as much natural light into the room as possible to really open up the space. As for the more classic version of this kitchen style, consider adding arches where possible as well as more detailed crown moldings for the actual cabinets. Granite countertops and similar colored/textured tile is a must along with dimming lights installed only where necessary to avoid flooding the area with too much light.

Classic Rustic Style Kitchen

Classic Rustic Country Kitchen

This design pulls from classic, rustic, and country kitchen styles. Minus the fine cabinetry and elegant country décor, this classic kitchen design is quite reminiscent of a small abode placed quaintly atop a set of rolling hills.

The rustic feel this design generates stems from the mixture of light and dark wood tones. The authentic support beams stretching across the ceiling add to the organic effect of the design as does the scarcity of stainless steel. Moldings and cabinet door fronts are simplistic and don’t offer much “pop” to keep the humble feel of the area. Natural light is a must here to bring about the overall solace that the kitchen provides. China and cookware is kept well hidden behind all-wood cabinets; and shelves for ornaments and display are limited and individually lit. Ahhh home, sweet home.

Country Kitchen

Country Style Kitchen

Looking for something completely country? Here’s a beautiful country kitchen design! Highlighted by its soft color tones and abundance of natural light, this kitchen sure says “home”. Swinging iron drawer pulls and iron door handles give the oak cabinets that extra authenticity. Also, notice the conveniently placed oven mitt and apron rack – a great addition to any earthy kitchen. The countertops, tile backsplash, and unique sponged wall paint with both dark and light tones – all these perfectly accent the custom cabinets. The crown moldings aren’t too fancy or prominent, and if you look closely you can see the island sits on stubbed leggings to help add to the overall authenticity of the design. Oh, and the nicely finished wood panel flooring – yes please!

Modern Style Kitchen Design

Modern Kitchen

A far stretch from the last design, this kitchen boasts its clean cut style with very modern crimson accents. A deep inviting color like you see here is a great way to really bring out the chic look of your modern kitchen. Of course a bit of stainless steel here and there, and crisp white cabinets, definitely does the modern theme some justice as well. The seats are quite unique and help to blend the grey tile into the the whole design as you look from bottom to top. If you notice there are very few visible lines splitting up the different pieces of the kitchen. The kind of “one-piece” approach matched with a flurry of natural light really helps to open up the space and reduce visible clutter. Of course the main feature of any modern kitchen is the well-finished, sleek look of every component. Exquisite indeed.

Contemporary Kitchen Style

Contemporary Kitchen Design Style

If the modern look is too overpowering for your taste, but you do enjoy the open feeling and crisp look of the bright white tones then maybe something more contemporary is your style. The wide, stainless steel cabinet drawer and door pulls really help to accent the other stainless steel additions to this kitchen. The cabinets themselves though, hold their own and draw much of the attention here. A mixture of subtle natural lighting and artificial LED ceiling inserts allow the light toned wooden floors to put a damper on that typical, over-shined look of a more modern kitchen design. An accent wall where the natural light comes through adds to the inviting feeling here. It’s like it’s saying, “come and relax!”

Southwest Style Kitchen

Southwest Kitchen

Last, but not least, we have the Southwest Kitchen. Yes, we know the point of the article was to bring other ideas besides the typical Tucson look to the table, but who’s to say that this kitchen design isn’t desirable. Square-tile countertops and beige walls capture shadows well and provide comfort that would otherwise be nonexistent if the sun was completely intruding. Authentic pottery and ceramic ornamenting is pretty much a must if you’re going for this style. Let’s not forget the main attraction though – notice the saguaro rib inserts that draw the eye to the cabinets more than anything else in the kitchen. Perfectly Southwest.

 

Hopefully some of these kitchen design ideas help you to sift through what you do and don’t want from your kitchen remodel, as well as point out what sorts of features go best together in the event you are dead set on certain cabinets, flooring, or another main kitchen component.

Category: Cabinets, Kitchen, Remodeling / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cabinet Maintenance and You

Canyon Cabinetry / May 2, 2012 / No comments

The Basics…

Cabinet Maintenance isn’t something that comes to mind when most home owners think about their typical upkeep; however, being that your cabinets are a huge part of your home’s investment, cabinet maintenance should be a regular task. Now, when we say maintenance, that doesn’t necessarily connote hard work. In fact, really it’s just advised that one take the necessary precautions to avoid any major repairs, or replacements, in the future.

Along with a few simple preparations – being conscientious of your cabinets is essentially enough to improve their longevity.

This means one must truly be wary of potential dangers to their cabinet quality – and at all times. Wipe up water splashes or leaks immediately, don’t slam things shut or pull on them with any sort of vigor. Basically, respect your cabinets as if they were another being.

Imagine getting a fabulous set custom cabinets from Canyon Cabinetry and having the ones below your sinks rot away in just a few years…terrifying – but realistic if you don’t pay any mind to their surroundings.

For example, if you have kids they may attempt to scale your cabinets in order to reach cups, a plate, or something else up in your higher cabinets.

It may seem obvious, but this kind of behavior should be prohibited. If you do find your custom cabinets are an undeniably desirable jungle gym just be sure to have back-up hardware – and a non-existent temper for larger damage like snapped doors or drawer fronts.

It’s smart to keep extra hardware (hinges, door/drawer pulls, and even back-up guidance tracks) for your cabinets. Anything could happen, but most of the time it involves a simple hardware fix/replacement.

Additionally, make sure to store a small amount of the stain or finish used on your particular cabinets in case your cabinets get scratched, start to fade, obtain water damage, or something else similar.

Worst Case Scenario…

If you fear the worst it may happen, but being prepared for the worst is a different story; therefore, always keep the contact information of your cabinet manufacturer. In the event you need a full replacement, you’ll be happy you didn’t completely forget it.

Think of it this way: if things go well and your cabinetry simply becomes outdated, at least you’ll be able to contact your wonderful cabinet maker from before and request a cabinet refacing in order to re-modernize.

Continuing on…

As for DIY cabinet repairs, a reliable wood glue is highly recommended. Yes, the glue squeezes out when you tape or clamp down the repair, and you have to clean it and deal with the weird, musty smell each time you walk by it until it’s dried, but if done right you can safely go back to your “be conscientious” strategy and not have to worry anymore.

Lastly, if you find yourself trying to rethread screw holes or needing to repair badly damaged ones (when your screws can no longer be tightened into the hole) just be sure to always use a drill and never drive a screw directly into a cabinet without having drilled it first.

Tip: look up matchstick/toothpick cabinet repair if you’re intent on repairing those overly-wide holes yourself. Basically, it involves taking that wood glue from before, and clumping the toothpicks or matchsticks into the hole then shaving the end off and re-drilling the hole once it’s dried and compacted.

Good Luck…

There really isn’t much to it, but cabinet maintenance is a must if you want to avoid making costly future “investments” to keep your home’s value.

Category: Bathroom, Cabinets, Kitchen, Remodeling / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hardwood Flooring Maintenance Guide

Canyon Cabinetry / April 20, 2012 / 6 comments

So you just bought all new cabinets and you’re about to undergo the cabinet installation process when someone suggests a flooring upgrade as well. It’s then you realize that you’ve never really put any upkeep into your hardwood floors and you’re starting to wish you had. What could you have done though?

Well, here’s that easy guide to hardwood floor maintenance you’re wishing you had…

Number one way to maintain upkeep on your hardwood floors: mats.

Mats at all entryways and possibly even a shoes-off policy (depending on your preference), will most definitely help to keep your wooding flooring cleaner. Also, put mats near sinks, toilets, and other plumbing in case of leakage or water splashing in that area. Unattended moisture is a real pain to your well-kept hardwood floors, especially when there is dirt in the mixture. Remember to shake out your mats frequently and buy ones made specifically for hardwood floors.

If it becomes habit for you and your guests to keep the majority of dirt and grime outdoors then you won’t be digging those elbows in when it comes time for the next step in wood floor maintenance, which is two part: sweeping and vacuuming regularly.

Yes, not the most fun activities, but a broom with the right bristles to sweep up any excess dust and dirt, and a vacuum with hard surface capabilities will be your best friend if you can remember to put in a little cleaning time here and there.

If you manage all this, you won’t have to apply step three as often, which is deep cleaning and sometimes resealing, but in more severe cases you may find yourself refinishing your wooden floors.

Other than that it would be smart to look into the investment of window treatments to prevent excessive UV exposure on certain areas of your wood flooring. Other tips include: not waxing urethane finished wooden floors, not using ammonia cleaners on wooden flooring, and not wet mopping hardwood flooring.

Follow this simple guide and maintain your wooden floors, so that only the most terrible disasters would require you to consider an upgrade on a whim.

Category: Floors, Kitchen, Remodeling / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tile Floors for Your Kitchen or Bath

Canyon Cabinetry / February 3, 2012 / No comments

Ripping up your floor to install tile? No sweat. Well, a lot of sweat, but no worries – we’re here to help.

If you’re planning on installing new tile floors, but aren’t sure what kind yet, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to discuss the pros and cons of the many types of tile flooring.

Let’s not beat around the bush either; we’ll go ahead and dive right in.

Let’s start with a more popular selection, marble, and move through to the more obscure picks.

MARBLE

Marble is a popular tile selection for one main reason – it’s beauty. Simply put: it’s good looks are why most people choose it. What’s also great about marble though, is that it comes in many shades and colors to match whichever home environment you’re uprooting.

If it’s sealed and cleaned regularly in order to maintain its beauty, then your marble floor won’t disappoint unless of course you crack it. Marble can actually be scratched or cracked rather easily if something weighted impacts it too violently. Besides that the only other real flaw is its porosity, or rather – how porous it is.

Marble can be stained or etched quite effortlessly due to its semi-porous formation. Not remembering to clean up spills or moisture rings could quickly cost you that gorgeous shimmer you managed to keep for so long.

Other Applications: walls, countertops, backsplash

Typical Cost per SqFt. of Marble: $5-15

SLATE

Slate tile is more widely used for roofing than flooring because of its reputation for longevity. Slate, with its sleek, soft, and almost matted down appearance, tends to be very prominent.

Like marble, slate requires professional installation because it must be set over a solid, even surface and grouted properly in order to ensure minimal chance of cracking. Slate has a tendency to form with weak bonds between layers and as such it will split easier if not laid correctly and completely flat.

Also, before installation, it’s important to double check that the weight distribution of the new flooring won’t compromise the structuring beneath it.

Slate comes in a variety of colors and schemes from golden tones, to reds and oranges to the classic, more eloquent blacks and grays.

Other Applications: roofs, countertops, backsplash

Typical Cost per SqFt. of Slate: $2-10

STONE

Stone (agglomerate) tile isn’t necessarily made of just stone, but instead it’s a mixture of marble and other rocks combined with an epoxy base.

Being that stone tile is man-made, it can come in a variety of colors and designs, and can also be cut to very particular and precise measurements.

Sealants for agglomerate tile don’t last quite as long as most sealants, and as such the tile can dull out over time if not maintained properly. Also, because of its relative hardness this type of tile has a tendency to chip easier than most.

Other Applications: countertops, backsplash, walls

Typical Cost per SqFt. of Stone Tile: $7-12

CERAMIC

Ceramic tile is extremely durable and versatile. Because of its varying degrees of hardness and sanitary qualities, it can be used literally anywhere you want a tile surface.

The softer types are more appropriate for walls and backsplashes, but for a floor you’ll want to pick something that ranges from semi to completely stiff.

Ceramic tile is easily installed, maintained and even purchased (due to its low material cost in production). The main issue though, is obtaining a suitable amount of the size and color of tile that you desire because ceramic tile is manufactured in series or rather “runs”.

Therefore, you may not always be able to collect enough of a certain “run” to cover the area that you’re trying to remodel if that particular series is near the end of its distribution.

Other Applications: countertops, backsplash, walls

Typical Cost per SqFt. of Ceramic Tile: $3-7

GRANITE

Obviously granite is a well-established countertop solution, but have you ever considered it for your floors?

Just as it would be for a counter, granite tile is extremely durable (hard to crack). This is due to its compact, crystalline structure as opposed to the more layered formation of sedimentary rocks like slate.

Not only is granite strong and sturdy, but it’s also relatively easy to maintain. Sealing the tile and grout periodically will keep your floor looking pristine.

The downfalls of granite are its limited trim options and high cost; however, the latter is counteracted when buying just tiles instead of solid slabs as one might do for their countertops.

Other Applications: countertops, backsplash

Typical Cost per SqFt. of Granite: $7-15

CONCRETE

It may seem a bit bland and unappealing, but concrete is actually a highly reliable floor material, and really not as ugly as one might think.

Being that it’s a mixture of stone, sand, and cement – concrete its immensely durable and surprisingly customizable. So long as a pre-fabricated mold of some sort can be created, then it can easily be filled with a concrete solution.

Depending on the mixture, concrete can either “pop” and bring life to an indoor environment, or compliment and blend in seamlessly with it’s surroundings.

The main obstacle with concrete tiling is the installation. You won’t be able to do it yourself, which means a professional should be hired. Preferably, you want someone who can recognize whether or not the structuring beneath the concrete will be able to withstand its weight as concrete tends to be quite heavy.

The installation costs however, are balanced with the generally low cost of the material.

Other Applications: countertops, roofs

Typical Cost per SqFt. of Concrete: $3-5

PORCELAIN

Looking for something tough and durable? Porcelain is a trending choice in tile selection for residential remodeling, but it’s not necessarily for its strength.

In fact, the biggest reason people are choosing porcelain over it’s softer-sided sister, ceramic tile, is because porcelain can be manufactured with virtually any design.

Typically, porcelain is used in a more commercial setting, but its design potential allows for it to make a suitable residential solution too.

Another benefit of porcelain is its extremely low porosity – meaning that it doesn’t readily collect germs and can be easily maintained and cleaned.

The only real obstacle to beautifying your home with this tile is that its low porosity is actually so low that it requires you use a special setting compound in order to install the tile, which fortunately you can still do yourself if you’re looking to save money on installation.

Other Applications: countertops, backsplash, walls

Typical Cost per SqFt. of Porcelain: $3-6

TERRAZZO

Terrazzo, also known as Venetian Mosaic, is a truly unique type of tile. You may recognize it from casino floors in Las Vegas, or lobby floors in other public or commercial buildings.

Its composition and appearance is very much like that of an actual mosaic. In order to create terrazzo, pieces (chips) of marble are set on top of concrete and then the surface is polished smooth.

This same method was applied on a smaller scale to singular concrete tiles and as such terrazzo tiles were derived. The design of this tile has a similar elegance to that of solid marble, but since it’s partially concrete it allows for your wallet to stay a little thicker.

Terrazzo can be polished and refinished repeatedly in order to keep that immaculate, brand new look; however, the way the surface is smoothed down causes this type of tile to be a slight hazard as it is somewhat easy to slip on, especially if wet.

Other Applications: countertops, backsplash, walls

Typical Cost per SqFt. of Terrazzo: $7-10

TERRA COTTA

Terra Cotta has been around since some of the oldest villages and forums were established. Coincidentally, this type of tile sports a very rustic and weathered appearance.

Bright colors are essentially flattened by the unpolished look of the tile giving it an eye-catching, yet soft sort of personality. If that’s the style you are looking for then make sure not to seal your terra cotta with anything too wild as some sealants provide an intentional “glazed” effect.

However, if your looking to make it “pop” a bit more, there are definitely sealants out there that will significantly enhance your tile in that manner. Terra Cotta needs to be sealed and maintained regularly, specifically in kitchens, and if the tile is high quality, then with proper maintenance its longevity is nearly unrivaled.

The only questionable feature of terra cotta would be its quality. It’s not that all terra cotta is of bad quality, but rather that the high-end, well-crafted terra cotta isn’t easily identified, even for the more prestigious of tile professionals. Regardless, at such an affordable price, if you get a good batch you’re guaranteed satisfaction.

Other Applications: countertops, backsplash, walls

Typical Cost per SqFt. of Terra Cotta: $3-7

VINYL

When you think vinyl tiles, think linoleum; the two are very much alike. Since vinyl is synthetic it’s not often considered a type of tile, but it can surely serve as an inexpensive substitute.

One plus is that virtually any pattern or color of vinyl tile can be manufactured. Also, vinyl tile can be installed directly over most materials often making demolition obsolete.

Vinyl’s resilience and give make it a highly practical solution for floors that are extremely uneven or that have excessive cracking.

If you’re going for beauty, try the non-synthetic sisters (stone, ceramic, porcelain); especially if you are doing work on a bathroom because vinyl is not suitable at all in damp environments.

Other Applications: countertops, backsplash

Typical Cost per SqFt. of Vinyl: $1-5

CONCLUSION

That about sums it up for all the types of tile one might come across. Glass tile could also be included, but it isn’t applicable to floors so we’ll just leave it at that.

Obviously, there are a lot of different choices one can make when it comes to their tile floors, from hardness and design potential, to ease of maintenance and pricing – each one varies slightly.

It’s all a matter of preference, but hopefully this guide helps you differentiate between each type of tile and the qualities that are most important to you.

Good Luck, and Happy Remodeling!

Category: Bathroom, Floors, Kitchen, Remodeling / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Join the Trend – Save on Your Remodel!

Canyon Cabinetry / January 9, 2012 / No comments

Holy smokes! It’s 2012! What’s it mean to you though? Well, if there’s one thing we all know it’s that with a new year, there’s always new ideas and new trends to follow. So what’s the new trend in home remodeling then?

Strangely, the latest fad in remodeling is to do everything you would normally do when remodeling – except the actual remodeling! Yes, that’s right, it’s a total paradox, but we’re here to help make sense of it for you.

The whole basis for this new movement in home improvement is that remodeling one’s home is typically more pricey than it needs to be. Sure it’s nice to have your dreams rise up around you, but when money is tight and your conscience is grounded it’s not always the greatest idea to do a full remodel.

Instead, this new trend focuses on being frugal with your remodel, mainly by not including the major parts of a project. If you just stick to the minor upgrades and hold out on actually replacing cabinets, countertops, and other expensive materials you can save a ton of cash and still feel like things have improved. It’s almost as if you are doing the prep/intermediate work for the eventual product. What are these minor parts then?

Things like replacing knobs, refinishing doors and drawer fronts, resealing countertops, painting walls, etc. – all of these can be done at a relatively cheap cost. Most of the minor upgrades in a remodel also have do-it-yourself potential; however, if you’re repairing damage to a cabinet or a surface you might want to hire someone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t buy them the supplies! Also, if you’re really looking to save some scratch, you can even ask any laborers you hire to help you with your mini project if there are any untapped materials from other job sites that they might be able to bring to you.

Another way to save money remodeling is to use the miracle of ReStores (Habitat for Humanity operated stores that sell salvaged homeowner-supplied materials). You can use your local ReStore not only to find cheap materials, but also to haul away (at no cost) anything bulky that you remove in your remodel.

One last thing to remember when doing your small scale remodel is that labor is priced seasonally. If you are serious about savings then don’t be looking around for help in the height of the remodeling season, which is usually summer through fall.

That’s about it! It’s not the most unique trend, but the latest craze – for small home improvements as opposed to huge, lengthy, time consuming, penny pinching renovations – seems to have swept the nation. Tons of homeowners are doing their own small scale remodeling projects to satisfy themselves until the time is right for the big deed.

After all, if it’s just the cluttered, tacky look you’re sick of, you don’t need to spend a fortune to change it into your dream, when you could easily be realistic and add a few crafty shelves along with a few touch ups and get the same renewed feeling for the time being.

 

Category: Bathroom, Cabinets, Kitchen, Remodeling / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Countertops for Dummies! What’s the Best Material?

Canyon Cabinetry / December 23, 2011 / 7 comments

So you just decided that you wanted to remodel your home – mainly the kitchen and bathroom counters. It turns out your old countertops are tile and in the process of ripping them up your cabinets will be destroyed too. The best option becomes that you replace not only your countertops, but all of your cabinets too. You’re looking for something to go hand in hand with your new cabinetry design, but you’re on a tight budget because you’ve had to allocate most of it to the new custom cabinets.

What do you do?

The ceramic tile you had previously was good for a couple things, but you’re looking for something new, something fresh – right?

Tile was cheap and there was a wide array of choices for color, pattern and texture. The worst part you found though, was that the grout needed constant resealing and cleaning, neither of which was your typical walk in the park process.

What’s a better solution then? Tile was heat, stain and scratch resistant, to some degree, but it was also prone to chipping. Considering that – you might want to check out laminate countertops, which are about as cheap as tile, but don’t normally chip.

However, isn’t the whole point of kitchen and bathroom remodeling that you “upgrade”? I would certainly think so.

Perhaps then a marble or quartz selection might better suit you. Stainless steel would be perfect if you were going strictly based on the durability of your new countertops, but you want to keep a relatively unique pattern or look since you used to have stylized tiling. Wood would be feasible for this, but the durability is sub-par and the general maintenance is just too much.

Your other options are concrete, granite, solid surface, or even paper composite counters. All of these – except paper composite – come with an abundance of colors and patterns from which you can choose. Concrete and granite would be the most expensive, while going with solid surface counters might be the most frugal choice.

Here is what countertopreview.com had to say about solid surface countertops:

Generally speaking, solid surface is one of the most repairable countertop materials available. It can be machined with typical woodworking tools (sanders, routers, saws). If scratched, burned or cracked, most patterns can have a section of the countertop removed and a “plug” glued in place, sanded out and the countertop is repaired with little or no noticeable damage.

Although solid surface isn’t the most heat resistant of your choices, it is completely non-porous, so no sealing is required. Marble, on the other hand, is quite porous, which brings up a sanitary issue to those of us who don’t keep things spot clean on a regular basis.

The other advantage of solid surface is that it also appears to be more one-pieced once it’s installed and seam lines are nearly invisible or extremely hard to identify. This is opposed to quartz which has very visible seams.

Overall, it seems solid surface countertops are the most economical and functional. Additionally, they come with a suitable amount of design options and   typically outlast most other countertop materials when maintained properly (and did I mention solid surface maintenance is extremely simple?).

Concrete is a close competitor to solid surface counters, but being that it’s porous, and not as repairable as solid surface it’s often overlooked when one’s budget is considered. This is because concrete counters are cast-in-place when installed, which can be quite pricey.

Obviously solid surface isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck with some decent style options, then you should definitely take it into consideration.

If you’re not convinced then check this out…

Here’s a comparison chart from CountertopReview that might help if you’re looking for the nitty-gritty details: http://www.countertopreview.com/consumer-toolbox/countertop-comparison-chart/

You can also browse around the site to read about the pros and cons of all the different types of countertops. Good luck! And happy holidays to everybody!


Category: Bathroom, Cabinets, Kitchen, Remodeling / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What You Get With Cabinet Refacing

Canyon Cabinetry / December 16, 2011 / One comment

It’s been a long day – grueling to say the least – but you’re looking forward to some old friends coming into town tonight, so you’re too excited to be tired. That is, until you walk through the front door and see your kitchen. Suddenly, you become lethargic, lazy, and enthusiasm quickly fades. How could you have let this go for so long? The cabinets look so worn, the hardware and countertops lack any sort of pizazz, and the whole kitchen in general is – well, depressing. Why though? Because, it’s old, it’s dated, and heck – it’s not even what you wanted when you bought the home in the first place.

Well, at this point, it’s too late to impress your friends; but it’s never too late to make yourself happy, right? Right. The night goes well, and you wake up the next morning determined to tackle the many home and life improvements you’ve been putting off. At the top of the list is your original inspiration for this newfound crusade of betterment – your beloved kitchen.

What to do with it though? Replace or reface? This is a question that most every homeowner runs into at the point where they decide that some sort of remodel is necessary.

Completely replacing cabinetry, countertops, appliances, hardware, flooring, etc., can be quite expensive and time consuming. Not only will you be eating out more due to the construction in your kitchen, but at the same time you’ll also be enduring the typical home intrusion of a lengthy remodel. Additionally, choosing custom cabinets can be even more pricey than just picking a cabinet design straight from your local showroom.

However, sometimes frugality doesn’t trump practicality. For example, if your kitchen is so disorganized and non-functional that the actual layout is the main flaw, then you might want to consider redoing it from the ground up. After all, what’s the sense in making those old cabinets look so fresh and stylish if there aren’t even enough of them to hold everything in your kitchen, or worse, if they aren’t even in the right places (i.e. no cabinets by your sink, or pots and pans being stored 10-20ft from the stove area).

Also, if your cabinets are already thoroughly worn, or have bad structure or framing, you may still want to consider replacing them. No one really wants their new custom cabinet doors to fall off when the structure or frame of the original cabinets fails because of water damage or some other flaw that was previously identified, yet foolishly overlooked.

If you’ve weighed the options and you still can’t decide to replace or reface, maybe the answer is that you need a little bit of each. It would surely be less expensive to reface a few cabinets while switching others with brand new ones, instead of just buying all new custom cabinetry. A whole new set of cabinets can cost nearly 50% of your budget, and that could very well end up being the solution to your dreary kitchen problem, but if you do decide to reface your cabinets there are a few notes to be made.

First off, by choosing the cabinet refacing route, you’ve already saved yourself a ton of time. The average kitchen or bathroom remodeling project can take anywhere from weeks to months, whereas a refacing usually can be done within a week or less. Also, there’s a couple key things you’ll have to decide upon when it comes to how you want your refacing done. Do you want wood or plastic veneers? Or perhaps you’d prefer rigid thermofoils (RTF), which from a short distance look distinctly realistic, but are also much cheaper than a real wood veneer.

In any event, if you’re taking this route – as opposed to simply refinishing/painting your already existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts – then you still need to choose whether or not you want to use the veneers or RTF on those doors and drawer fronts. Your other option would be using the RTF or veneers on the framing and other faces of the cabinets, but not on the actual doors and drawer fronts themselves; instead, you would completely replace those and pick a matching veneer for the frame to go with it.

Keep in mind that real wood veneer can be 10-25% more expensive than a plastic laminate or RTF; however, the benefit of this is that you can choose from nearly any type of wood and match it directly to the new look you’ve been wanting. As for the actual work being done, you can expect one to three workers for at least a few days. They’ll begin by removing the doors and drawer fronts of your old cabinetry and sanding the face frames and side panels behind them in order to prepare for the veneer or RTF of your choice. Afterwards, you’ll have your toekicks replaced, and the new, or redone, doors and drawers will be attached along with up-to-date hardware (your choice again) to go along with the design that you’ve made come to life.

If you need countertops, sinks, new flooring, etc., you can inquire further to see about getting a feasible quote for those additions. Overall, the work done is pretty unobtrusive of your daily routine and the outcome is always something more appealing and likable compared to the original disaster. The main decision to make is whether or not it’s worth redoing your entire kitchen, when there’s a possibility that a simple cabinet refacing job could solve the problem, give you a great return on investment, and still cost you only about half as much as a full renovation. Remember to get as many quotes as possible for both types of remodel, and don’t forget to compare economically the financial damages and overall quality of the home improvements that are associated with each of your options.

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What You Avoid When You Choose Canyon

Canyon Cabinetry / December 7, 2011 / No comments

Have you ever dreamt about the perfect remodel? Lots of us have, but what about having nightmares about the worst possible remodel, or better yet actually living that nightmare?

Imagine this: you just spent the past 3-4 months dealing with a flaky contractor, who demanded 30% of your project cost up front despite the actual plans for the remodel being unapproved and minimally detailed. Your hopefulness fades soon, as not only is your entire house leaking and constantly unsupervised when being worked on, but now you’re getting searing headaches and having other health problems.

Seems unrelated right? Sure, until you find out that the unsupervised workers left the water heater vent torn open and you’ve been poisoned with carbon monoxide. Now your doctor tells you you’ll be experiencing symptoms for the next 2 months, and after those 2 months your remodel still isn’t even nearly completed; it’s only been getting worse – not only is the city inspector continuously failing your contractor’s work, but the plans for your stairs that were supposed to be submitted along with the original plans are still non-existent.

This is just the beginning of one of the most horrid remodeling stories probably to have ever been publicized. If you want to read more (warning: not for the optimistic homeowner) you can go here: http://www.contractorsfromhell.com/my-horror-story/

So what’s the point of scaring the living bejesus out of you (as the Irish might so crudely put it)?

Simple: to remind you as a homeowner that remodeling is a serious investment. A kitchen or bath remodel can do wonders for your home and it’s value, but is it really worth it when it takes an entire year of living in a rain soaked, overlooked, plastic-laced, bare-bones abode just to see the final result? Remodeling projects can easily turn completely 180 on you if you don’t properly plan and hire trustworthy and dedicated contractors.

That’s the greatest part about Canyon Cabinetry & Design! There’s no struggle to solve problems that arise, there’s no scapegoating between us and the contractors or the other professionals involved, and best of all you get supervision on all levels! That way, the job gets done right no matter what, and with as few mistakes as possible.

The story from above happened over a decade ago, but the lesson is still very apparent – don’t hire the wrong people! Let Canyon Cabinetry be that business that makes you smile when you look at the results of your freshly remodeled home, not the one that brings back that headache you got from the poisoning they gave you in the process.

Category: Bathroom, Cabinets, Kitchen, Remodeling / Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas and Storage Solutions

Canyon Cabinetry / November 28, 2011 / One comment

As with any remodeling project, a bathroom remodel requires a planning process. A good start is always to identify the things in your bathroom that are displeasing to you. Are there too many unsightly storage units? Does the use of different wall colors make the area seem smaller to you than what is typically comfortable? Those are just a couple things that might bother you with your bathroom as you begin to visualize your remodel.

The idea is to pin point each of these flaws and generate an affordable and tidy solution to them. If you need more storage, but the bathroom already feels cluttered, maybe consider adding wall cabinets, open shelving, or some other sort of vertical storage. Often times, only the larger, or master bathrooms, have enough space to install extra cabinets to the floor (besides the main vanity), and still provide a breathable bath area.

If it’s just small toiletries and gadgets taking up your counter space that bothers you, some feasible solutions would be either decorative baskets or possibly a spice-rack type cabinet drawer like the one pictured below.

In any event, make sure to take down all the floor dimensions of the bathroom. If the bath design you come up with includes anything besides upgrading cabinetry and replacing fixtures then it will probably require a bit of technical planning. If the sizes of things like the vanity, shower, sinks, etc. are going to be modified then you’ll have to plan accordingly around those changes.

When your bath design ideas involve a great deal of added storage, and the space you’re working with isn’t too small, you may consider a dresser like cabinet installed nearby the sink. Good for large amounts of storage room – a cabinet like that will keep most things unseen, which in turn leaves your countertops and bathroom feeling significantly more open and inviting.

Some people may loathe having to dig under the sink through bottles of extra hair product and body wash that don’t fit in their shower, just to get to a curling iron or other gadget that they try to keep hidden. If that’s the case, then think about adding cabinets with pull out shelves there. That way, you no longer have to orient the space under your sink for only seldom needed items.

The ultimate goal is to have a bathroom that is clutter-free, but is still able to store all of your necessities. Remember to spread out the amenities and only to add storage space where it makes sense. Don’t install that extra cabinet if you can just as easily put something simple and functional on the wall above the toilet. Make sure to ponder thoroughly all the possible storage solutions when you are planning a bath remodel. If towel racks aren’t your thing, but you have no room to add shelving amongst the rest of the new cabinetry that you’ve chosen, then get innovative! Have that space cut out under the countertops near the edges of your new cabinets – as seen in the bottom right in the picture below.

These are just a few creative things you can do to make your bathroom remodel more unique, but still functional. Hopefully, they can help conjure some useful ideas for redoing your bathroom. Enjoy! And as always – remember, don’t rush into any home remodeling project without proper planning and budgeting!

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Things To Consider When Remodeling Your Kitchen

Canyon Cabinetry / November 11, 2011 / No comments

When it comes to home renovation, the kitchen is one of the most popular choices for a remodeling project. Bathroom remodeling follows closely, but is not nearly as important because the kitchen is really the heart of most homes. It’s a must that a kitchen brings comfort and elegance to your abode – as it is the lifeblood of the household. Remodeling your kitchen can be costly though, and as you’ll read below, can be even more expensive if not planned properly.

According the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) the average kitchen remodel these days sums around $15,000. Changing orders mid-project typically runs costs up about 10% or more, which in a larger remodel can mean quite a bit of money lost.

Here’s some things to look out for in order to avoid having to change your plans after you’ve already began your kitchen improvement project:

  • Make sure to take dimensions for EVERYTHING. This can’t be stressed enough! Don’t just measure the nooks and crannies of your actual kitchen and cabinetry space; collect data on even the accessories and appliances you plan to be installing. Everything needs to fit, and if it doesn’t you could run into some costly problems.
  • Don’t skimp on the storage. Be sure to give enough room for all of your china, pots, pans, silverware, etc. Cabinets should be installed near your sink and dishwasher with enough room to fit all your dishes and glasses comfortably. Larger cabinets should also be placed near the range or stove for cooking instruments, pots, and pans.
  • Don’t cramp your kitchen with an oversized island. A common mistake in redoing a kitchen area is to actually increase the size of the island or to make it TOO bulky and obstructing. Depending on your kitchen size, an island should fit somewhere between 3-10 feet in length and up to 4 feet in depth. Overdoing it will cause the area to feel congested and give you a lot of unnecessary and hard to reach storage space.
  • If possible go for frameless cabinets. Also known as European cabinetry, frameless cabinets are generally more durable and have thicker side panels. Framed cabinets are typically weaker in structure and they can deter one from being able to easily clean the cabinet space, and store their larger kitchenware. The difference is that frameless cabinets don’t have horizontal rails and vertical stiles that block cabinet space and accessibility.
  • Don’t expect a speedy remodel. Projects can take up to several months depending on the contractors and the plans you have in store for your kitchen. Don’t rush things or you may end up with a finished product that simply doesn’t satisfy.

With careful planning, your remodel can turn out just as you imagined it and still stay well within your budget; however, with poor planning, you might find yourself cutting corners and making rash decisions (like downgrading appliances) to solve small issues that may arise.

If you’re reading this and still feeling a bit reluctant about doing a kitchen remodel, just know this: many older homes aren’t as efficient as they could be energy-wise. With energy saving appliances and lighting – overtime your new kitchen will usually end up costing you a lot less. On top of that, don’t forget to remember that a kitchen redo is an investment. Your home value can be significantly increased if you put in the time and effort to remodel your kitchen into something much more desirable than it was previously.

 

 

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