Deciding where to put and store things has always been a dilemma.  Especially those extra bulky items that seem to clutter up your counters.  Today we have gadgets for everything in the kitchen.  While they are great and convenient, sometimes finding a place for them, and making them accessible, is an even bigger concern. 

Who doesn’t wish for an organized kitchen pantry? There is nothing worse than being in the middle of your favorite recipe and you can’t find that one ingredient.  So you stop what you are doing to run to the store to get what you need, only to find three cans of the same item a few days later.

We can all relate to this story.  Utilizing tools to have an organized pantry will not only save money, but time and frustration as well.

Here at Brakur we understand the demands and challenges that go with raising a family.  Many of our employees are parents as well.  So when it comes to designing a kitchen for a family we have some pretty good ideas of what you might be looking for.  We probably have even thought of things that you haven’t. We can help bring some sanity to your sometimes crazy lives.  With kids nothing is ever the same and things are constantly changing.  One thing we have found is making sure everything has a place can alleviate a lot of those hectic crazy days.

We have some tips that we think you will find helpful in planning your kitchen.  

People underestimate how cabinet knobs and pulls can affect not only the look and feel of their kitchen, but how well they function in their kitchen.  They are the one item we put in our kitchen and bathrooms that can either add the perfect finishing touch or in some cases distract from the look we are going for.

Most people are looking for that extra little effect that will “knock your socks of” in their kitchen remodel. Hiding appliances through the use of appliance panels, appliance garages, or built-ins may be just what you’re looking for to create a kitchen free of clutter and one everyone will admire.

Over the years the use and function of kitchens has changed. Kitchens have become an extension of our living areas.   With this in mind more and more homeowners are choosing appliance panels and other options for a more inviting and polished look. Kitchens are becoming a part of our living and entertainment space and some appliances can interrupt that flow.

No one wants a kitchen where the appliances jump out at you and scream, “Here I am!” unless you have that amazing “Rolls Royce” of an appliance, which most people can’t afford. Nor do they want the distraction of clutter and unnecessary stuff on their countertops. By choosing to use appliance panels or other methods your appliances can intermingle with your kitchen cabinets and living space and can bring a sense of “ooh, ah” and elegance without a lot of effort.

Many consumers wish they could buy cabinets directly from a manufacturer, instead of being forced to buy from a cabinet dealer. There are many reasons builders, contractors, and homeowners feel like they would do better by buying “direct”. In the typical market consumers may not have that option.

In the Chicagoland area consumers have a few choices.

It’s not difficult to keep up with what the trends are in kitchens. There are typically many annual studies that boil it down for us to help us stay up to speed.

The reason you will want to keep up with them if you’re thinking about remodeling is that you’ll want to know what’s HOT and what’s NOT. ESPECIALLY if you’re remodeling to sell at some point in the near future. 

Here we give you the highlights and more...

Some days, it can be a challenge to remember an important date or even to put two matching socks on – so, we understand completely why homeowners often feel overwhelmed when it comes to planning their remodels. Luckily, there are plenty of people who have taken the leap before you, and most of them are willing to talk about their mistakes in an effort to help others.

Make no mistake

To remodel, or not to remodel – that is the question when it comes to putting your home up for sale. Your first instinct may be to fix up the kitchen, since that is one of the biggest selling features of a home, but it is important not to rush into anything without asking yourself a few important questions and doing some research first.

A major remodel isn’t always necessary

It’s a terrible feeling to notice a scratch on your beautiful kitchen or bathroom cabinets – especially when you know you did everything in your power to keep them looking nice. Even if the scratch isn’t your fault, you’re likely to go through a series of emotions, much similar to the five stages of grief:

Grief of a damaged cabinet

• Denial: You may first try to tell yourself it is just a smudge or that you’re seeing it wrong.
• Anger: When you notice that it’s actually there, you’ll likely become irritated, blaming loved ones, and maybe even yourself (although it couldn’t possibly have been you).