President's Message

Heavenly KITCHEN CREATIONS

By Tracy Ellison

Cabinet and Countertop Ideas for a Distinctive Design

It’s easy to follow a recipe and decorate remarkable confections, but

what rule of thumb do you follow when choosing kitchen cabinets and

countertops? With so many tempting choices, it helps to stay focused on

a few key items. Take a cue from our helpful hints on kitchen design and

combine the perfect mix of hardscape elements with a dash of aesthetics to

serve up the ultimate pièce de résistance for your kitchen!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Designing your kitchen is a big undertaking, so consider choosing

elements that will benefit you most in the long run rather than the short

trend. Start with the two principal components of the room, the cabinets

and countertops, and think along the lines of longevity in style and color.

A monochromatic effect looks ultra-modern, however, contrast between

cabinets and countertops provides more depth of design. Allow only one of

these to take center stage and let the other assume a supporting role. The

main design features need to work in unison, playing off texture, tone and

a combined sensibility. Staying neutral in color and classic in style will offer

the utmost in versatility as trends change. Countertops and cabinets that

can cleverly adapt next to easily refreshed wall paint colors and decorative

accessories are a sure bet. Count on these staples of kitchen design to

remain steadfast and timeless, and for years to come, you’ll enjoy this all-

important room that’s the heart of the home.

FORM AND FUNCTION

Open the door to a world of cabinet options, from extra tall ceiling-height

designs to blind-corner cabinets that make the most of the space. Basically,

there are three types of cabinets to choose from: stock, semi-custom and

custom cabinets. Stock cabinets may have fewer bells and whistles than the

rest, but they’re an excellent and affordable choice to upgrade an out-of-

date kitchen. Semi-custom cabinets offer more styles, finishes and features than stock cabinets. And luxury custom cabinets offer the widest choice

of woods, finishes and details. Another option is cabinet refacing. Doors

and drawer fronts are replaced, while matching wood veneers are applied

to the exterior of existing cabinet boxes. With so many cabinetry options,

today’s cupboards offer more than the bare minimum of storage – they add

functionality, style and a good return on investment.

GATHER AROUND THE FAMILY STONE

A natural choice for kitchen countertops originates from the ground up.

Gorgeous offerings brought to us by Mother Earth include coveted marble,

granite, soapstone, slate and quartz stones – cool to the touch, smooth

and sumptuous. Materials such as these can define the rest of the kitchen’s

aesthetic and set a spectacular tone. From polished, glossy and gleaming

slabs to rough, honed stone – perfect as is, in all its natural beauty. To

add even more character and declare your stone countertops modern or

traditional, choose from several styles of beveled, blunt or bullnose edges.

Or go over the edge and create a dramatic draped effect with a cascade of

stone in an island waterfall countertop.

COUNTERCULTURE COUNTERTOPS

Of course, there are many familiar and popular countertop materials that are

affordable and reliable like modern laminates and cultured stone options. But

for a truly over-the-top countertop wow factor, opt for unexpected alternative

materials: exquisite, illuminating onyx; retro recycled glass; modern malleable

concrete; sleek space-age stainless; intricate, detailed mosaics; end-grain

butcher block tops; saturated pools of colored glass; or counters wrapped

in captivating brass. The possibilities are endless and limited only by the

breadth of your imagination.

If you’re hungering for something more in the kitchen that will add a little

oomph, stir up some excitement by switching out your cabinets, countertops

or both. Because no matter the size or the seating within, a kitchen has the

magical quality to draw us together and become the room where we all long

to be – the place that feeds the mind, body and soul.