Which of these three scenarios for changing kitchen cabinet knobs and drawer pulls are you facing?

Life used to be a simple when it came to kitchen appliances.  You had your standard refrigerator, range, and oven. Today we have a variety of kitchen appliances that are wonderful to use in the kitchen, but take up space and can sometimes create a dilemma as to where to store them.  From blenders, waffle makers, bread machines, stand up mixers, to coffee makers many of these appliances have become a part of our everyday lives. Where can you keep those appliances but still have easy access and not have them clutter your kitchen counters? 

Each homeowner’s lifestyle is different and the way people do things are different.  You can have a similar kitchen layout but the cabinet interiors and appliance layout and storage may be completely different.  That is a good thing because if you have a good kitchen designer that means they are not only designing a beautiful kitchen space but customizing the organization and work zones of your kitchen to fit the lifestyle and needs of your family. It will save a lot of headaches in the future and prevent those common kitchen traffic jams that can happen. 

The corners of your kitchen can be some of the most valuable space that is often overlooked. They are a great place to add extra storage or even a fun seating arrangement to give your guests a place to hang out.  Utilizing your corners will not only maximize the space you have but also improve the function of your kitchen.

Whether you are considering a remodel or a few minor updates to your Chicagoland kitchen, the following are a few ideas to help you make the most of your kitchen corners.

When it comes to designing a kitchen island the possibilities are endless.  Depending on the look and how you choose to utilize your kitchen island it will not only change the look and style of your kitchen, but also affect your kitchen work zones and how you function in the kitchen. 

Laundry rooms are evolving and changing. They are no longer just a place to wash clothes. If you haven’t seen a newly remodeled laundry room you will be amazed at what a custom laundry room looks like today. From patterned tile to a rustic farmhouse look there are definitely some trends we are seeing that seem to be sticking. 

The National Kitchen and Bath Association recently released the top trends that they think will shape kitchen and bath design in 2016. Experts from all over the country who are working professionals in the cabinet industry came together to discuss the future of the kitchen and bath industry. Industry professionals predict homeowners can look forward to streamlined storage solutions, increased function, and clean lines. In addition they shared the following kitchen and bath trends for this year.

Whether you live in a tract home or a custom built home our homes reflect our personality. No one wants a kitchen or home that looks exactly like his or her neighbors. So when it comes to adding personality to your Chicagoland kitchen you want to do those little things that will make a statement and make your kitchen stand out. So why not design a kitchen that is less predictable and integrate function and style with personality.

No one wants to spend a lot of money on a kitchen that will be outdated in just a few years. So what kitchen trends are staying popular and not going out of style?

A recent Houzz study found that homeowners are more concerned with the color of their cabinets, storage and appliances. They are not so concerned with technology beyond having an Ipad and flat screen television in the kitchen. Most homeowners want a pull out trashcan, recycling bins, more storage and new appliances and kitchen cabinets.

Most homes have a familiar sound in the kitchen — an annoying “bang” when you shut or slam a cabinet door. The reason is that until about 2005, it wasn’t very common to see the soft-close hinge or soft-close drawer option offered for new kitchen cabinets. So most homes have the standard hinges and drawer glides that do not prevent slamming.