Kitchen Remodel

Why You Should Create Furniture Pieces With Cabinets

November 30, 2017 by Kathi C.

Using Cabinets to Create Furniture-Style Pieces

Have you ever considered creating custom furniture pieces using cabinets? Most of us think of cabinets as boxes that are permanently fixed to the wall in our kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Today we can do so much more with these ‘boxes’. In this blog, I will share some reasons you might want to consider using cabinets to create furniture-style pieces. For more information on creating custom furniture pieces with cabinets in Nashville, TN, Brentwood or Franklin, TN, contact By Design Cabinetry, today!

Let Us Count the Reasons

Finishes
You may be asking what is the benefit of using cabinets to create furniture pieces? For one thing, you will have more finish options to match the cabinets in your home. In addition to the paint, stain, and glaze choices for cabinets, distressing options are also available such as softened corners, rub through, or worm holing.

These matching linen cabinets offer symmetry and much-needed storage in the bathroom.
The bun feet of the cabinets coordinate with the shape of the legs on the sink.
Pairing the distressed finish of the cabinets and the old-fashioned style of the
floor tile adds character to this space.

Statement Pieces

Instead of matching your cabinets, you may want a statement piece such as an armoire, china hutch or wine bar. This wine bar features glass doors, flush toe kicks, and crown mold. Glass doors are a versatile feature with options from clear, to frosted, and even textured. They will make the space seem larger, and if you use lighting inside the cabinets, the space will be brighter. Notice how the lights behind these frosted glass doors bring warmth to the room.

The china hutch shown below was created with wall cabinets that are varied height
and depths. Visually this gives the appearance of a freestanding piece of furniture.
Adding crown mold to any piece offers detail with a high-end look.

Custom Fit

You are also more likely to get exactly the size you need when creating a desk or bookcase, for example. Plus you will have a piece that looks like fine furniture while having the advantages of cabinetry such as pull out trays.

A Leg Up

Time for some fancy footwork! Let’s look at the options for base cabinets that help create the look of furniture. Furniture Feet options are available for base cabinets. I’ve shown two of them below. The Tapered Foot carries on the clean lines of the cabinet doors. On the other hand (or should I say, foot), The Pedestal Corner Foot offers a more whimsical feel.

In case toe kick options are new to you, let me explain. A cabinet’s toe kick is the recessed space at the bottom of a base cabinet. It allows your foot to rest underneath the cabinet when you are standing in front of it. This is great for task oriented areas in kitchens or at vanities. However when you want your cabinets to look and feel like furniture, the flush or valence toe kicks are better options.

The flush toe kick goes straight to the floor with a place for molding to be attached. The Valence option has a specially cut space at the base of the cabinet that opens it up, allowing you to stand comfortably in front of the cabinet. The flush toe kick and the base molding gives this kitchen island a solid look while the bookcase offers a deliberate, built-in look. Notice the cabinets on the opposite wall. They have the recessed toe kick.

Turned posts can be decorative as in the picture of the kitchen sink base below. Not only do the posts create a focal point, but they give the sink base a custom look. Turned posts, also referred to as legs, can extend the workspace of a kitchen island giving it the appearance and function of a table.

Cabinets Nashville, TN

Find cabinets in Nashville, TN at By Design Cabinetry. Contact us today for more information about the lines and cabinets we carry and the options that are available to you. By Design Cabinetry proudly serves Nashville, TN, Brentwood, Franklin, Cool Springs, Spring Hill, and Columbia, TN. Click or call today!

www.bydesigncabinetry.com
931.451.5588

Bringing it Home: Tips for Creating an Efficient Home Office

August 31, 2017 by Kathi C.

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Thanks to the advances in technology, home offices are rising in popularity. According to an article on Forbes.com, approximately 30 million people report working from home at least one day a week. That number is expected to increase 63% by 2018.

Find Your Purpose
Home offices serve different purposes according to your needs. You may need a fully equipped office (possibly with a place to meet clients); maybe a studio or hobby room fits the bill for you. If your kids are school-aged, your priority may be for them to have a place to study and work on school projects. Perhaps you simply need a space for paying bills, catching up on your social media, or planning a grocery list. Whatever the purpose of your home office, here are some tips for creating and defining an efficient space.

Find the Space

If you are lucky enough to have a spare room in your home that can be a dedicated home office, you can skip this step. If not, don’t worry because creating a workspace in your home is easier than you might think. First, think of any unused space in your home, or a space that can serve a dual purpose. For example, a guest bedroom can double as a home office during the day. If you eat in the kitchen more often than in the dining room, consider turning this room into a dual-purpose space. A closet can even be turned into a workstation that can be closed when you are done working. Combining a craft room with an office space is ideal because both benefit from lots of natural light and a large working table. The space you choose will need to be away from foot traffic or other household activities that could hinder your productivity and/or creativity. Lighting is also something you will want to consider. Natural light, when possible, is the best.

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Essentials for Every Home Office
Every home office- no matter the location or size- has four basic necessities: desk, chair, storage, and light. Workstations that are designed specifically for the intended space are ideal because you can customize the available space for the storage you need. Plus, they provide a built-in look. Make sure your chair is comfortable, and that it’s the right height for the desk or table you will be using. Ensure there is ample room to accommodate the equipment needed for your home office. Shelves, drawers, and cabinets with doors are a must for storing different types of office supplies and equipment. Free standing storage cabinets are good options because they can be easily rearranged if necessary. Remember, natural light is best for your office space. However, you will want to supplement as needed, with ambient and task lighting. Overhead lighting is necessary, but you don’t want to work in your own shadow! A good desk lamp will give you light exactly where you need it, and it will help prevent eye strain.

The Color of Success

Colors stimulate our brains, and we react emotionally to them. For instance, blue or green has a soothing, relaxing effect; and yellow makes us feel happy. Orange is associated with enthusiasm, creativity, and success. It is a ‘yang’ color that kindles focus, concentration, and organization. It seems like a no-brainer for the color of your new home office or work space. If orange is too bold for you, try something more ‘peachy’, or even a warm gold hue will have the same effect. If that’s still too intimidating, use pops of orange in a more neutral setting.

bathroom cabinets home depot

For ideas and help with your new home office or home project, contact By Design Cabinetry today! 931-451-5588. We proudly serve Nashville, TN, Spring Hill, Columbia, Franklin, Cool Springs, and Brentwood, TN.

Mid Continent Cabinetry: Where Quality Meets Style

August 10, 2017 by Kathi C.

By Design Cabinetry is an authorized dealer for Mid Continent Cabinetry. If you are unfamiliar with this cabinet line, let me introduce you to what you can expect from this company.

Let’s Get Acquainted

mid continent cabinetry kitchen cabinets Brentwood tn

Mid Continent Cabinetry, part of the Norcraft Companies brand, is a leader in the kitchen cabinetry and bath vanity industry. Their versatile line of products can also fit your cabinet needs in the home office, laundry room, mudroom, or home theatre. The 13-step finishing process on their products ensures a top of the line finish that will have your friends and neighbors green with envy. Speaking of green, MCC takes its impact on the environment seriously. They are the recipient of KCMA’s (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association) Environmental Stewardship Certificate for their efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle as well as their commitment to the use of sustainable forest products. Taking part in a number of programs that give back to the environment, the largest being the 10K Trees Program, their goal is to plant 10,000 trees each year. That’s pretty green!

Cabinets with Options

Cabinets from MCC are made in America from wood species that are native to the United States. With over 2,500 combinations of styles, finishes, and wood species, creating customized cabinets for your home is a breeze. Mid Continent Cabinetry specializes in custom cabinets, painted cabinets, glazed cabinets, and much more! There are 37 door styles and 45 colors. Finishes include Standard (with 24 paint/glaze combos) and Inspired, as well as Designer Paints and Custom Paints. Door styles include Traditional, Contemporary, and Ornate. Mid Continent Cabinetry offers options galore! Glass & Grille options are available for doors, while drawer and Toe Kick and Base Options are offered for cabinets. Accessories for the kitchen include storage for spices, cutting boards, mixing stands and more. Make the most out of your space with storage options such as sliding trays, two-tiered lazy susan cabinets, and wine racks. Tilt out trays keep cleaning products tucked away under the sink or cook top. Accessories, like cabinets, extend beyond the kitchen with pull outs for laundry hampers, medicine cabinets, and file drawers.

Idea Central

Mid Continent Cabinetry kitchen cabinets Brentwood tn

MCC offers some great online tools to help visualize their product lines. If you need inspiration, I suggest browsing through their Idea Book . I did, and every page was my new favorite! Another tool that I found helpful is the Cabinet Designer. This lets you choose wood species, door style, and color. It’s helpful to see how your preferred finish will look on the wood species you have chosen. My suggestion is to complete steps 3, 2, 1, and then go to step 4 for the results. That way, only the color options that are available for the door style and wood species you have chosen will show on the list. Below is an example of my results when comparing the same finish on two different door styles.

mid continent cabinetry kitchen cabinets Brentwood tn

Another feature they offer is the Custom Paint Program. MCC will paint your custom cabinetry any color you choose- from any paint manufacturer. They have provided five handy color palettes such as Serene, Harvest, and Neutrals for inspiration. Choose a palette that represents your personality and style. Using colors from one color palette will help achieve a seamless flow throughout your home.

Warranty
Mid Continent Cabinetry offers a limited lifetime warranty on its Signature Series products. For as long as you own your home, MCC guarantees their cabinets to be free from defects in materials and workmanship.

Custom Cabinets

Contact By Design Cabinetry today to learn more about custom cabinets in Nashville, TN. Let’s get started on your next project! 931-451-5588

We proudly serve the Nashville, TN, Brentwood, Franklin, Spring Hill, and Columbia areas.

Kitchen Design Layouts – Which One is Right For You?

July 6, 2017 by Kathi C.

Planning a kitchen remodel in Nashville, TN? Building a new home? Here’s your chance to choose the kitchen layout that best suits you and your family. The kitchen is the most important room in the house. I suppose that’s why they call it the heart of the home. It’s no wonder that so much time and thought goes into making choices for your dream kitchen. After all, you want it to be everything you envisioned it would be. In this blog, I want to breakdown some of the most popular kitchen layouts and offer some helpful information you may not have considered before.

Laying It All Out
The Galley Kitchen, also called Corridor or Walk Through, consists of two walls facing each other. Usually, the sink is on one wall and the range is on the other. This layout maximizes space and keeps everything easily within reach, and works best as a one cook kitchen. It typically is separated from the rest of the house.

kitchen design layouts brentwood tn

The L Shaped Kitchen offers more privacy since it keeps traffic out of the kitchen. This style consists of two adjoining walls with the sink or range on the main wall and a shorter run to create the L-configuration. If you have more than 15 feet to use on the long run of cabinets, you may want to consider a different layout that will make better use of the space.

l shape kitchen design brentwood tn

The U Shaped, or Horseshoe, Kitchen consists of three walls of cabinets. This layout works best if there is at least 10 feet of space between the two opposite walls. This style can easily accommodate more than one cook since there will be plenty of workspace.

U Shape Kitchen Design Brentwood TN

Kitchens with islands offer more workspace, storage, and seating. In addition, islands can be used to turn an L-shape layout into a U-shape or a One Wall Kitchen into a Galley. For all of their function, islands won’t work in every kitchen. There must be ample room to walk around the island. There also needs to be enough room for all cabinet/appliance doors to open on the island as well as on kitchen perimeter.

Kitchen with Island Brentwood TN

Peninsulas are much like islands, with two main differences. They are attached and they don’t take up as much space. Peninsulas can turn an L-shape layout into a U-shape or a U-shape into a G-shape.

peninsulas kitchen design brentwood tn

Codes and Key Measurements

The following measurements were taken from the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) website. These guidelines are all about ease of motion and function. Most importantly, they help keep you and your family safe. For a more detailed list, click here.

Doors and Interference
A doorway should be at least 32 inches wide. A door shouldn’t interfere with a cabinet/appliance door, nor should cabinet/appliance doors interfere with each other. Make sure to give special attention to the doors at corners. Also, in a Galley style kitchen, you will need enough space for doors to open on opposite sides without interfering with one another.

Walkways and Work Aisles
You will need at least 36 inches for walkways. Work Aisles require 42 inches for one cook and 48 inches for two cooks. This gives space to maneuver around open doors, and each other, while working.

Working Triangle
The Work Triangle consists of three primary work centers: cooking, cleanup/prep, and refrigeration. The placement of these work stations in relation to the others will determine the efficiency of your kitchen. Also, keep in mind that each leg of the triangle should remain between 4-9 feet. If possible, make sure no major traffic patterns cross through this triangle.

Traffic Clearance at Seating
If no traffic needs to pass behind the seating area, allow at least 32 inches from the edge of the table or counter to the wall or any other obstruction. On the other hand, if traffic does pass behind the seating area, allow 36-44 inches to pass.

Landing Spaces
For function and ease, you will want to have 24 inches of countertop space on one side of the sink and at least 18 inches on the other. Give yourself at least 15 inches on either side of the refrigerator as a landing space. It is also acceptable to have a landing surface no more than 48 inches across from the refrigerator. Safety is the priority of the following specifications. There should be 12 inches on one side and 15 inches on the other side of a cooktop. Add a minimum of 9 inches behind cooktops that are in islands or peninsulas. You will need 15 inches above, below, or adjacent to the handle side (when closed) of a microwave. Ovens require 15 inches on either side or above for adequate landing space. Instead, if you have a landing space that is not more than 48 inches across from the oven, that is acceptable as long as it doesn’t open into a walkway.

Kitchen Remodel Nashville, TN

Whichever kitchen layout you prefer for your kitchen remodel, we can customize it for you and your family using these national guidelines. You spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and it should have the form you want and the function you need. If you are interested in a kitchen remodel in Nashville, TN or the surrounding cities, contact By Design Cabinetry, today! We proudly serve Nashville, TN, Brentwood, Cool Springs, Franklin, Columbia, and Spring Hill, TN. Call By Design Cabinetry today and let’s get started on your dream kitchen!

5 Reasons You Will Love Waypoint Cabinets

June 14, 2017 by Kathi C.

At By Design Cabinetry, we are a proud partner of Waypoint Living Spaces. If you are not familiar with this company, allow me to introduce you.

waypoint kitchen cabinets Brentwood tn

So Many Doors, So Little Time

We all want our home to reflect our individual personality. Waypoint offers tools so homeowners can find a style that is uniquely their own. When it comes to doors for your cabinetry, there are three things to consider: style, finish, and wood species. First, choose from the raised panel, flat panel, or the slab door style. Now select from these available finishes: paint, paint with glaze, stain, stain with glaze, or thermofoil. Then, select cherry, maple, or oak wood for your cabinets.

cabinet Brentwood tn

Quality Cabinets from Square One

Waypoint cabinets are made in America. Each cabinet is constructed of 1/2” thick plywood sides; 1/2” thick top, bottom, and floors; and a 1/8” thick back. All drawers feature a dovetail joint which gains its strength from the interlocking parts. Full extension drawers pull all the way out so you can easily access items in the back of the drawer. Soft-close doors and drawers are a standard feature on all Waypoint cabinets.

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Specialty Pieces

As the name suggests, these are no ordinary pieces. Along with the WOW factor, they are also packed with functionality. Single and Double Oven Cabinets give a nice, built-in look, while Appliance Garages are the perfect way to get rid of clutter on your countertops. Wine Storage Cabinets are extremely versatile. Use them in the kitchen for storing (you guessed it) wine bottles, but don’t stop there. Organize towels in the bathroom, or sort clothes and shoes in a kid’s room. Add storage space and increase function with pull outs. Pull out trays bring items in your base cabinets to you. Isn’t that better than getting on your hands and knees to reach the back of your cabinet? Try wall or base unit pull-outs to keep small items handy or stash baking sheets in one strategic place. Storage cubes add charm, and pose an unexpected opportunity for organization. It would be a shame to talk about specialty cabinets without mentioning the popular Lazy Susan Base Corner Cabinet. Keep essential items at your fingertips with the two-tier rotating carousel. Try some out-of-the-box thinking by modifying key pieces in your kitchen, bathroom, or any room you are updating or remodeling. Some of these options include increased/reduced depth, matching interior, furniture ends, and all plywood construction.

painted linen cabinets

Waypoint Stands Behind You

The warranty extended by Waypoint goes above and beyond. For as long as you own your home, Waypoint guarantees their cabinets and accessories to be free from defects in materials or workmanship. They stand behind their product with a hassle-free approach that puts customers first.

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Incentives

A great deal just got better! With frequent manufacturer promotions, the savings really add up. Who doesn’t love more cash in their pocket? Contact By Design Cabinetry today for more information about the current special being offered.

By Design Cabinetry proudly serves Nashville, TN, Brentwood, Cool Springs, Franklin, and Spring Hill, TN.

5 Things You Can Do to Jumpstart Your Remodel

May 31, 2017 by Kathi C.

Bathroom & Kitchen Remodel Tips

Are you thinking of taking on a remodeling project in your home? Here are 5 tips that can get you headed in the right direction and let you know what to expect.

Show and Tell
I’m sure you didn’t decide to remodel your kitchen or bathroom on an impulse. It is something you have thought about—a lot. You have a vision for this space, and chances are you have ideas and pictures galore! Be prepared to share this vision and provide as many details as possible. Here are just a few of the things your designer will want to know:

• Are you right or left handed?
• How frequently do you cook?
• What are your likes/ dislikes about your current kitchen?
• How do you need this space to function?

Crunch the Numbers
It’s important to stay on budget, but just as important is setting a realistic budget. In his article “Here’s the Right Amount to Spend on a Home Renovation”, Josh Garskof cites a breakdown of home renovation costs by the value of each room as a percentage of your home’s total value. Using this rule of thumb, a kitchen remodel should cost between 10- 15% of a home’s value. For a master bathroom remodel, you should expect to spend 10%, while a powder room/bathroom should cost 5%. Naturally, you will be willing to spend more on the things that are important to you. Your likes or must-haves will determine where you are willing to spend more of your budget. For example, if you are planning to be in your home for at least 10 more years, a product with a better warranty might appeal to you even if it costs a little more. Doing some of the work yourself can help stretch your budget. If you are a DIYer (I know you’re out there!), you may feel up to the task of doing the tear out, painting, or installing the back splash. The money you save on labor might allow you to have everything on your wish list and stay on budget.

Are We There Yet?
This remodel project didn’t just start for you. It started when you created that Pinterest Board or Houzz Idea Book. You already have serious time invested in this, and you were ready for this to be done—yesterday! I get that, and I feel your pain. Depending on the amount of work to be done, you might expect a complete kitchen remodel to take four to six weeks, after the designing and ordering part of the process. Make sure your timeline expectation is proportionate to the size of the job. Ask your designer/contractor specific questions about the time requirements since they will be able to give you a good estimation. If you are doing any of the work yourself, you can help stay on schedule by having your part finished by the time the installers/subcontractors are scheduled to start work on your project.

Expect the Unexpected
Remember to be flexible. During a bathroom or kitchen remodel, sometimes things happen that are out of your contractor’s control. Shipping delays or inclement weather can wreak havoc on work schedules. Speaking of the unexpected, we can’t rule out the possibility of unknown issues being discovered during the project. How to deal with these contingencies should be addressed before the project begins. Any reputable contractor will deal with these setbacks as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Do Your Part
Even if you are not a DIYer, there are things you can do to help the installation/construction part of the process. Plan to be home (or at least in town) when the work is scheduled to begin. Anything on your calendar that might conflict with your renovation will need to be addressed when the timeline is being discussed. Make sure you have a place where your ordered materials can be safely stored until the installation begins. Consider covering the floors if possible. It may also be necessary to move furniture to clear pathways and give plenty of workspace. Keeping pets and children out of the area being remodeled is crucial to safety. These steps can help prevent damages and injuries.

Kitchen & Bathroom Remodel Nashville, TN

Let’s get started on your kitchen or bathroom remodel in Nashville, TN, today! Contact By Design Cabinetry for an in-home consultation. We want to help you improve the place you call home. By Design Cabinetry proudly serves Nashville, TN, Franklin, Cool Springs, and Brentwood, TN.

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