Stock Kitchen Cabinets: Off-the-Shelf

Some stock cabinet options sold at home centers are an affordable and convenient option, designed for quick, off-the-shelf purchase. These pre-manufactured cabinets come in standard sizes and a limited selection of styles and finishes, making them ideal for budget-conscious projects or tight timelines. While customization is minimal due to mass production, these cabinets are instantly available with a straightforward selection process. Typically, you can choose from a few predetermined door styles and finishes, along with a small range of cabinet configurations to fit your space.

Stock Kitchen Cabinets: Made-to-Order

Made-to-order stock cabinetry offers a budget-friendly solution for homeowners looking to update their space without the high costs of custom options. Their affordability doesn’t mean sacrificing quality—many stock cabinets are built with durable materials and offer a variety of stylish finishes to complement different design aesthetics. Additionally, their simple selection process makes them easy to purchase and install, making stock cabinetry a great choice for those seeking a cost-effective and efficient kitchen or bathroom upgrade. Aristokraft Cabinets is the perfect example, offering on-trend finishes and styles, as well as those must-have storage solutions.

Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Semi-custom cabinets provide significantly more flexibility than stock options, making them a great choice for homeowners looking to personalize their space. While they still follow standard 3-inch increment sizing, they offer modifications in height, width, and depth to better fit your layout. With a wider selection of styles and finishes—often including custom paint options on various door styles—you can achieve a more tailored look to match your design vision.

Beyond aesthetics, semi-custom cabinetry also offers enhanced durability and functionality. Upgraded construction features, such as all-plywood box construction and dovetail drawer boxes with soft-close glides, add to their long-term value. Additionally, these cabinets come with a broader range of storage solutions, including specialized organizers, pull-out trays, and cutlery solutions, helping you maximize efficiency in your kitchen or bathroom.

Diamond Distinctions Cabinets fall into this semi-custom category, providing an extensive selection of styles, finishes, and organizational options to create a space that’s both beautiful and highly functional.

Premium Kitchen Cabinets

Premium, or custom, cabinets are built to your exact specifications, offering the highest level of personalization. From unique dimensions down to the 1/16 of an inch to specialized finishes, the possibilities are nearly endless. Dura Supreme, for example, offers both framed and frameless construction with semi-custom to full custom capabilities, allowing you to choose features that align perfectly with your vision and budget. While custom cabinets come at a higher price point and longer lead times, they provide a tailored solution that reflects your individual style and meets specific functional needs.​

Making Your Choice

When selecting cabinetry, it’s essential to consider your budget, timeline, and desired level of customization. Stock cabinets are the most affordable and readily available option, though they offer limited styles and modifications. Semi-custom cabinets provide a balance between cost and personalization, allowing for greater flexibility in design. For those seeking a completely customized look with premium craftsmanship, custom cabinetry offers unmatched quality and tailored solutions.

Understanding these distinctions will help you choose cabinetry that not only fits your space but also complements your style and functional needs. MasterBrand Cabinets offers a diverse range of cabinetry brands to suit every home project. Visit our website to explore our collections and find a local dealer to bring your vision to life!

The post Stock Kitchen Cabinetry vs. Custom: What’s the difference? appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

Planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel can be an exciting design adventure, but with so many details to consider, the process can also feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why having a solid plan is essential to ensure everything runs smoothly—whether you’re a homeowner pursuing a dream renovation or a design professional helping a client bring their vision to life.

This guide will walk you through key steps to plan your remodel effectively while highlighting how MasterBrand Cabinets can support your project with a variety of cabinet brands designed to suit every style and budget.

Before You Begin

The foundation of any successful kitchen or bathroom remodel starts with careful preparation. Here are three things to consider before starting your project:

1. Define Your Vision

Think about what you want to achieve with your remodel. Are you looking for modern functionality in your kitchen? Or a spa-like retreat in your bath? Collect inspiration through Pinterest, design magazines, or even MasterBrand’s Inspiration Gallery to get ideas for your dream space.

2. Measure Your Space

Take precise measurements of your kitchen or bathroom to ensure everything fits perfectly. This step will make the design process more efficient and help you decide what’s possible in your given space. If you are not comfortable measuring your own space, a design professional is happy to help! We also have a handy blog to help guide you through taking measurements linked here.

3. Locate Trusted Dealers

Good news! MasterBrand Cabinets makes finding an expert designer easy with its Dealer Locator. Enter your zip code and connect with one of more than 4,500 trusted dealers across North America and Canada, ready to help with your kitchen and bathroom remodel.

Setting the Budget

No remodel is complete without a clear budget. Here’s how to allocate your funds wisely:

• Set Realistic Expectations

Be honest about what you can spend. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends setting aside 20-25% of the home’s value as your renovation budget.

• Plan for Surprises

Always keep 10-15% of your total budget for contingencies—it’s common for unexpected costs to arise during remodeling.

• Cabinetry that Fits Your Budget

MasterBrand offers cabinets for every budget, from affordable yet stylish options to custom-made cabinets for premium designs. No matter your price range, you’ll find something that doesn’t compromise on quality or design. Use our Budget Estimator to get an idea of the cost of your cabinetry.

Designing Your Space

Now that you have a clear vision and budget, it’s time to start designing! Here are some key tips and resources to help navigate each step:

• Consider Functionality

Think about how you use your kitchen or bathroom on a daily basis. What features and layout will make it more efficient? Consider storage needs, traffic flow, and ergonomics.

• Choose the Right Cabinets

Your cabinets will be one of the most prominent design elements in your space. Take into consideration factors such as cabinet brand, door style, material, finish, and hardware options to find the perfect fit for your vision and budget.

Timeline Expectations

Remodeling isn’t an overnight process, but knowing what to expect can help you plan:

• Consultation & Design Phase: 4-6 weeks. This includes working with your designer and finalizing your plan.
• Material Sourcing: 4-8 weeks. Cabinets, countertops, and custom pieces must be ordered in advance.
• Demolition & Installation: 2-4 weeks, depending on the scope of the remodel.
• Finishing Touches: 1-2 weeks for painting, hardware updates, and cleanup.

Being aware of these timelines can help you avoid surprises and set realistic expectations.

Must-Have Checklist

Don’t forget the essentials! Here’s a quick checklist to review as you plan your dream remodel:

• [ ] Establish a clear budget.
• [ ] Find a trusted designer or dealer to help with cabinetry selections and layouts.
• [ ] Choose the right MasterBrand cabinet style that fits your aesthetic and budget.
• [ ] Select your room finishes such as paint, countertops, flooring and backsplash.
• [ ] Select new appliances – determine before your cabinet layout begins.
• [ ] Plan a timeline and set realistic expectations. Delays and obstacles will likely occur.
• [ ] Book your contractor early.
• [ ] Plan logistics of your remodel.

Ready to Begin?

Planning a kitchen or bath remodel takes effort, but with the right preparation and partners, it becomes an exciting and rewarding process. MasterBrand Cabinets makes it easy to bring your vision to life with a variety of cabinet styles, quality materials, and reliable support for any budget size.

Use our Cabinet Dealer Locator to connect with experienced professionals near you and start bringing your kitchen or bath remodel dreams to life today.

Don’t wait to upgrade your home—start planning your perfect space!

The post Planning for a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

In today’s fast-paced, budget-conscious world, cabinet companies need to offer quality products, reliable services, and quick shipping to meet tight deadlines. This makes Mantra the ultimate choice for DIY enthusiasts aiming to exceed their renovation goals! Mantra is known for its speed, service, and quality, and we have the customer reviews to back it up!

On-Trend Cabinet Styles

Mantra offers a simplified selection of on-trend door styles and finishes to help customers avoid feeling overwhelmed. You can confidently choose the right style without second-guessing your decision!

Door style names from left to right: Classic / Omni / Spectra (all shown in painted Snow)

Mantra’s door style and finish selection ranges from traditional to transitional interior styling that hits on today’s most sought-after aesthetic. From the classic all-white kitchen to adding an accented island, Mantra has the palette for everyone! To see all available cabinet styles, visit MantraCabinets.com.

Must-Have Kitchen Storage

Mantra offers the most sought-after kitchen storage solutions like cutlery dividers, roll trays, and waste/recycling bins. Prioritizing these functional features ensures that your kitchen not only looks stunning but operates seamlessly. Elevate your daily tasks and enrich your culinary journey with Mantra!

Cabinet Quality, Durability, and Affordability

While functionality is essential, cabinet construction upgrades are equally important. With Mantra, all-plywood construction and soft-close hinges come standard on every cabinet. Enduring durability, superior quality, and affordability are key factors in driving Mantra’s immense success.

Ready When You Are

In the world of DIY, sometimes projects can be a spur-of-the-moment idea. Our cabinets are ready when you need them. Mantra promises industry-leading delivery in just 15 business days! Our quick delivery ensures your renovation project stays on track and meets your expectations.

When you’re ready to start your next renovation, Mantra is here to help! Start your journey by visiting Mantra’s Dealer Locator and find a dealer close to you!

The post Mastering DIY with Mantra Cabinets appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

Step into the heart of the home, where warmth and simplicity merge into the trending world of Hygge-inspired kitchen interiors. Pronounced “hoo-guh,” this Danish concept of coziness is driving the transformation of kitchens into a snug haven, and StarMark Cabinetry is following the trend!

As we embark on a journey to redefine the kitchen space, the focus is on creating an environment that not only pleases the eye but also nurtures the soul. That’s why we’re excited to be introducing five brand-new finishes and nine new door styles to the StarMark Cabinetry brand! These additional styles and colors aim to inspire interior spaces and cultivate an environment with broad appeal.

A Neutral Haven

These new neutral finishes not only embrace simplicity but also cultivate a timeless and sophisticated ambiance. They create a versatile backdrop for various design elements and personal styles. Mix and match the finishes or let them be stand-alone colors in any space!

Simple Shaker Steals the Show

Simple cabinet door designs take center stage this year, exuding an understated elegance that invites a sense of calm and design flexibility. StarMark Cabinetry’s newest styles are all-inclusive, ranging from Full Overlay to Inset construction, making the design possibilities nearly endless!

Shaker-style inset doors allow for clean lines and uncluttered design styles. These doors effortlessly blend modern and classic elements, offering a sophisticated yet approachable look that resonates with the contemporary taste for simplicity and functionality.

The appeal of the full-overlay shaker is steadily growing, as their ability to inspire design aesthetics with simplicity gives homeowners the flexibility to craft a variety of design styles. StarMark Cabinetry has carefully crafted six more styles to bring your vision to life!

In a world that often feels fast-paced, these cozy interior kitchen vibes offer a retreat, a place to unwind and connect. These kitchens, with their minimalist yet inviting aesthetic, redefine the art of living. The trend isn’t just about design; it’s a lifestyle shift towards mindful living, where the heart of the home becomes a sanctuary. So, let the allure of Hygge guide you to a kitchen where simplicity meets warmth, and every moment is a celebration of comfort and togetherness.

StarMark Cabinetry offers endless design styles and finishes and we encourage you to get inspired at their website today! Visit our Dealer Locator to find an experienced designer near you.

The post Hygge Kitchen Trend Inspires StarMark Cabinetry Launch appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

Social media influencers and home DIYers, Lauren and Tyler Bouldin are known for sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly while in the midst of renovating their 1830s home, known as The Forge House, in Central Pennsylvania. Tyler’s dry humor and Lauren’s eye for design resonate with their 2.3M followers as they take them through their ongoing three-year restoration. As you can imagine, this isn’t an easy endeavor but with the help of StarMark Cabinetry, we were able to give The Bouldins some vanity relief!

StarMark Cabinetry is a custom line under the MasterBrand Cabinets’ portfolio. This brand wasn’t just chosen for The Forge House for its quality, function, and beauty, but also for its customization. Lauren needed these vanities to fit perfectly into the unique space that was given and StarMark helped do just that!

Lauren and Tyler gave us an exclusive interview about their design process and how StarMark fits The Forge House’s aesthetic perfectly!

Tell us about yourself and your design process for The Forge House.

We have been on a three-year journey of restoring The Forge House, an 1830s historic home in central PA, the Bouldins told us. Our goal for the interior design of this home is to do a blend of traditional and modern touches. When picking out items for the bathrooms that are longer lasting, such as vanities and tile, I wanted pieces that are functional and adaptive to design changes. I wanted pieces that would not only fit the home but that could really thrive throughout the years.

What were the must-haves, the nice-to-have, and any never-want-to-haves?

Both vanities we chose needed to be custom-sized because of the nooks that were already pre-established in these rooms. We also needed a chase cutout drawer in the guest bathroom to clear the plumbing. This gave e us maximum storage in that drawer. I was thrilled with the fact that we could customize the size of this cutout. We also were able to add a pullout drawer in our “kids” bathroom to help with storage space. The nice-to-haves would be the in-set drawers. This look really elevates the vanities. I also loved the fact that I could pick custom colors for the vanities to fit my design for each room. I don’t have any never-want-to-haves.

What StarMark cabinetry did you choose for the renovation and why?

For the kids’ bathroom, we went with the Knottingham Maple Black with inset construction. This was a custom 53” wide vanity and custom apron front to fit our vanity top overhang. I chose this style for this bathroom because the center doors add a more traditional look. The flat drawers tie in the modern design. This bathroom has a black-and-white theme throughout it. I have hand-painted black and white pattern tile on the floor, subway tiles on the shower walls, and a solid black backsplash with concrete countertops. The black vanity really is a statement piece in the space. It ties in well with all the design elements in this room.

In the guest bathroom, we went with Ballinger Maple Custom Color Dusky Blue from Benjamin Moore – Custom 38” vanity width, inset construction, and a higher apron to accommodate the vanity top. I wanted the overall design of this space to be warmer, lighter colors, and more elegant. This room does not have a window so keeping the space bright and airy was important for me. I designed this bathroom around the color I chose for the vanity. I wanted the vanity to be my solid pop of color and I layered other elements in the room to highlight it. The Ballinger profile has a softer look with the rounded edges and the inset drawers are the perfect touch. Our concrete countertop also has a scoop bowl. The wall molding I added has a rounded profile as well to tie these elements together.

What would you do differently?

I wouldn’t do anything differently with my vanities. The one thing I wish I had done differently that affected the vanities was making sure the floors and nooks were level before installing our cabinetry in The Forge House. We had to add our own toe kicks to both vanities because they were not sitting level on the floors. When dealing with such old framework it is hard to accomplish this.

What are a few tips you’d share about starting a bathroom renovation/cabinetry project for those who don’t know where to start?

I would say contract MasterBrand/Starmark. When it comes to renovating a bathroom there are a lot of choices that need to be made. Choosing the right vanity is very important. There are a lot of vanities that are made out of MDF or particle board. Those won’t last you more than a year. With the amount of water and dampness in a bathroom they will start to fall apart. We installed one in our barn when we renovated this space initially and it did not hold up for more than six months. So the lesson we learned is to spend money on items like quality hardwood vanities, tiles, and hardware. Choosing quality pieces will save you in the long run. You can always change paint color or wallpaper but the items that you want to last 10+ years is where you should put most of your budget.  

We encourage you to follow along on Lauren and Tyler’s TikTok (@ouroldhouse) and Instagram (@theforgehouse) pages as the restoration continues!

Start your own restoration journey at StarmarkCabinetry.com.

The post StarMark Cabinets a Perfect Fit for The Forge House appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

While paints are very popular finishes in the kitchen right now, they are mainly offered on Maple or MDF because of the smooth surface they provide, letting the color take precedence. Stains are often selected when you want to see the dimension or characteristics of the natural wood.

Since stains are making their beautiful comeback, it’s important to understand that deciding on the right wood species is just as critical as choosing a finish. As you can see from the example image below, the same stain on different wood species can enhance the look of your favorite finish drastically.

When choosing a species, you also need to take into consideration the varied characteristics of each style of wood as they can dictate style choices.

To be confident in your species and stain combination, always remember to order a large door sample of the wood of your choice with your favorite stain applied. Ensure you are reviewing the sample in your home. Your home’s natural light, interior light, and other interior surroundings can adjust the look of the cabinetry throughout the day.

Characteristics of Wood

Below are informative descriptions of the most popular options of wood species so you can better understand what works best for your space. Each species has its own nuances so it’s best to be educated on them before making your final decision.

CHERRY

Cherry is characterized by its red undertones but may vary in color from white to a deep, rich brown. This color variation can occur in a single-door panel. Cherry is a close-grained wood with a fairly uniform texture, revealing pin knots and curly graining. All wood will age with time and the finish will darken. This is especially true for Cherry. This is a sought-after quality in Cherry cabinetry, and those who select it expect this evolution.

MAPLE

Maple has a close-grained hardwood that is predominately white to creamy-white in color, with occasional reddish-brown tones. While Maple typically features uniform graining as compared to other wood species, characteristic markings may include fine brown lines, wavy or curly graining, bird’s eye dots, and mineral streaks. These traits are natural and serve to enhance Maple’s natural beauty.

OAK

Oak is a strong, open-grained hardwood that ranges in color from white to pink and reddish tones. Streaks of green, yellow, and even black may appear due to mineral deposits. Oak may also contain wormholes and wild, varying grain patterns. This distinct graining is considered a desirable quality and has made Oak one of the most popular woods used for cabinetry.

QUARTERSAWN OAK

Quartersawn Oak features a tight grain or “comb grain.” This grain will reveal a fairly straight pattern that can range from very close together to quite far apart. It displays a slight curve in the grain on the verge of creating a cathedral pattern similar to that of flat-cut Oak. Medullary rays, sometimes called “tiger striping” or “flecking,” may occur. These rays are a common characteristic of Oak and are evident as shiny patches or scars which cut across the grain of the wood. They reflect light differently than the general grain, especially when finished. They are not usually seen in standard Oak. These medullary rays will occur at random and are not considered a defect.

RUSTIC ALDER

Rustic Alder is characterized by its light brown and reddish undertones and may contain a variety of pinholes, open and closed knots of various sizes and colors, small cracks, bird pecks, mineral streaks, and grain variation. Some knots may have small holes through the panel. In addition, the wood will contain color differences caused by variations in minerals found in the soil, creating visible mineral tracks.

ALDER

Alder has a straight fine textured grain similar to Cherry and Maple. Although classified as a hardwood, it is moderately light in weight and considerably softer than other species. Therefore, care must be taken as it will dent and mar easily. Alder may exhibit grain and color variations. Sapwood can be distinguishable from heartwood. Tight pin knots are sometimes present

WALNUT

Walnut features smooth grain, with a color variation that can range from deep chocolate to lighter tones of red/gray/brown. Sapwood areas will be present within Walnut and are lighter in hue, from yellow to light brown Walnut ages opposite of expectation, becoming lighter and more mellow in color over time and with exposure to light.

To learn more about wood stain finishes that are becoming ever so popular, head on over to our blog article titled, Kitchen Stains! And to get started on your design journey, visit our website.

The post Which Wood Species is Right for You? appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

Picture this: Your beautiful kitchen has been installed and you can hardly contain your excitement to start using it! But don’t forget one of the last items to check off your list…decorative hardware installation! But where do you place it? It seems like common sense once you’ve seen it installed, but when it comes down to making the decision – is it an easy one?

Did you know that cabinet manufacturers typically do not pre-drill your cabinets for hardware? This is because hardware is an essential style component for functionality purposes and aesthetic reasons. Because all hardware styles range so drastically from sizes to finishes and style, the manufacturer doesn’t want to limit a homeowner from choosing their perfect match.

It’s important to understand that once your decorative hardware is in place, it most likely cannot be moved. Don’t find yourself having to reorder cabinet doors because the hardware placement isn’t what you had in mind. Follow these simple recommendations and tips and tricks when determining where and how to place decorative hardware.

Decorative Hardware Placement on Base Cabinet Doors

To find the correct placement for hardware on a standard base door, follow this simple process:

If your doorstyle has a profile, locate where the rail and stile meet in the inside top corner of the door.

Then, after deciding placement on the left or right side, place painter’s tape along the stile to allow for pencil marks. Do not mark on the finished cabinet. Starting from the inside profile, draw a straight line to the outer edge of the door as a guide. Typically, it would look best not to install your hardware above that area.

Next, find the center of the flattest space on the stile and mark with your pencil. You will then measure the distance from the center of one of the drill holes to the center of the other hole (this measurement is commonly called center-to-center or c/c) of the drawer pull you want to install.

Finally, mark your c/c on the tape and lay the decorative hardware over on its side. Line up the screw holes with the pencil marks for a final check before drilling. If you are installing knobs, you’ll find the center of the straight line and drill your hardware in that location.

This is a great general guide for knobs and pulls as this allows for plenty of clearance around the decorative hardware and is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

When installing on slab doors, a general rule to follow is to place knobs and pulls 1 inch over and 3 inches down from the top of your base cabinet door.

DESIGNER TIP: Typically, a hardware template works well for cabinet doors if you are wanting to place all pulls or knobs in the same location throughout the kitchen. But placing hardware on drawers can have challenges from a consistency standpoint. Typically, not all drawers are equally sized. This requires hardware placement to vary throughout the kitchen. A template might become more of a frustration than helpful in this case.

DESIGNER TIP: When placing hardware on wall cabinets, follow the general guide for base doors, but reverse the rules. You’ll find where the stile and rail meet in the bottom left or right corner as the decorative hardware will be towards the bottom of the door for functionality purposes.

Hardware Placement on Drawers

Drawers come in all different shapes and sizes, so it’s important to keep that in mind when determining the best hardware placement. Before you start, the most crucial detail is adjusting all your drawer guides throughout the kitchen. Ensure that each drawer is perfectly plum and all are aligned to fit your needs. If this step is missed, you risk the misalignment of your hardware once installed. Check out this quick video tutorial to learn how to properly align your cabinets.

The most appealing place to install hardware on drawers is in the center, but ensure that any interior storage won’t interfere with that placement.

To start, remove the drawer box from the cabinet and stand upright on a flat surface. Place painter’s tape in the approximate center of the drawer and then use a tape measure and pencil to mark the center. If you are installing a single knob, that is the drill location. If you are installing a pull, you will measure the hardware’s center-to-center. Once that measurement is determined, divide that number by two. Find the center mark again and measure out to the right and then to the left to mark the screw holes.

Don’t forget to then check if your hardware is straight by either measuring from the top of the drawer down to your pencil mark or by using a small level.

Keep in mind that the screw length needed when installing hardware on drawers is typically longer as it needs to go through the drawer front and drawer box. Typically, the screws included with the hardware will have multiple locations to snap off excess length as needed.

DESIGNER TIP: If your drawer is 12″ to 30″ across, typically one decorative pull will suffice. If your drawer width exceeds 30″, place two pulls or one longer pull on that drawer to allow for proper weight distribution when opening. Plan ahead to determine how many pieces of hardware each cabinet needs before ordering. You can also add painter’s tape to each cabinet where the hardware will be placed to visualize whether a pull or a knob is needed, especially if you are mixing hardware in the space.

Wall and Base Pullout Cabinets

The popularity of base and wall pullout storage is growing rapidly and because these function differently than regular base cabinets, the guideline differs on hardware placement.

Waste and recycle bins are in the top five of cabinet must-haves. When installing decorative hardware, it’s always best to consider using a drawer pull on the top rail of the door. A knob is more difficult to use as it’s a heavier cabinet door, so a pull makes it easier and more efficient.

This is also the case with most other base pull-out cabinets. Since the components on the interior add extra weight, always consider a reasonably sized pull placed horizontally in the center like the images below. The same rule applies to wall cabinet pullouts. Be extra cautious that you don’t interfere with any of the interior components before you choose the location and start drilling.

Hardware, in most circumstances, is a functional piece of your cabinets. It adds character and can be a great design element to any space. Our Masterbrand website has plenty of inspiration to get you started and our designers are ready to help! Click here to find a designer near you today!

The post A Guide for Decorative Hardware Placement, from a Kitchen Designer appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

The outcome was not only awe-inspiring but educational for her followers along the way. We encourage you to head over to her Instagram page to dive into the design process and get a better understanding of the renovation and how important the planning phase is for any successful home improvement project.

Shavonda graciously agreed to talk to us about her renovation after her kitchen was complete. Here is what she had to say:   

Tell us about yourself and your design process for your new kitchen.

“My name is Shavonda Gardner and I’m an interior designer and lifestyle content creator based in Sacramento CA. My family and I committed to a downsized lifestyle and traded in our large newer construction home for our 1942 cottage bungalow, half its size,  seven years ago. Going into the kitchen renovation, I had a very clear idea of what our exact needs and desires were after living with the original kitchen for so many years.  At the core of the renovation was my desire to create a space as a homage to my grandmother’s kitchen in Louisiana. I’m also very much a fan of classic European kitchens so the idea was to create a space that felt like a rustic French kitchen meets quirky English kitchen and they go on vacation to Africa.”

What were your cabinetry goals for your new kitchen?

“I really wanted our cabinetry to be reminiscent of traditional English kitchen cabinetry. I wanted beautiful quality and great old-school craftsmanship. I wanted COLOR and I needed to be able to customize it to accommodate a lot of storage for our small space.”

What were the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and any never-want-to-haves?

“Must-haves: Very specific storage! Pull out drawer for trash and recycle bin, integrated knife block, a custom storage hutch for dinnerware, and space to store my enameled Dutch ovens.

Nice-to-haves: Fun storage ideas I didn’t know were possible like the toe kick drawer!

Never-want-to-haves: Upper cabinetry.”

What doorstyle from Omega Cabinetry did you choose for the renovation and why?

 “I chose Benson doors with inset construction because I love the classic Shaker style door, but it has just a bit of extra detail on the interior profile. I also loved that it’s a solid wood door. It’s just beautiful and exactly what I imagined.”

If you renovated again, is there anything you would do differently?

“I only have one regret about the entire renovation and that is the size of the cabinet to the left of the range. I really, really wanted to go with a larger drawer, but we weren’t sure what the allowance would be with the corner cabinet once the range got in so we were conservative with the size. In the end, we have about five inches to work with so we could’ve gone with one size larger and been flush with the door trim.  I know it doesn’t sound like a lot, but every single inch counts in a small space.”

Do you have any tips you’d share about starting a kitchen renovation/cabinetry project for those who don’t know where to start?

“The biggest piece of advice I have is to know and understand what your NEEDS are and address those first. Also, prioritize the way you live in your home over what is trendy, popular, or all over Pinterest at the moment. Kitchens are meant to be workhorses and they really do need to work, so make sure you are leading with your needs first.”

Any surprising or previously unshared details about the project fans would be curious to know?

“Nope!  I shared the entire renovation project through a vlog series so you get to see the good, the bad, the mistakes…. all of it!”

Thank you for taking us behind the scenes of your kitchen renovation using custom cabinets from Omega!

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation of your own, make sure to follow Shavonda’s vlog series as she explains the planning and execution involved in her kitchen renovation project. Shavonda also shares images and short videos of her hand-chosen storage and shows the viewer how each one functions.

If you are planning a remodel or new build, head over to Omega Cabinetry’s website to get inspired and explore their beautiful custom cabinets! Happy planning!

The post Shavonda Gardner: Maximizing Small Spaces with Custom Cabinets appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

No Special Skills Required

No special skills are required when measuring for your kitchen project. All you need is a tape measure, pencil, paper, ruler, and a level. Below is a list of steps to take when measuring your kitchen space. This checklist of steps goes into further detail in the video below. 

Steps for Measuring For Kitchen Cabinets 

1.     Draw an outline of your kitchen, labeling all the openings and obstacles.  

2.     Measure solid walls from corner to corner.  

3.     Measure the width and height of openings.  

4.     Measure ceiling height.  

5.     Add in your appliances.  

6.     Mark plumbing and gas locations.  

Once all the steps above are completed, make sure to take photos and videos of your space from a variety of angles. You can either send your measurements to a designer or get started by using our dealer locator on our website, masterbrand.com.  

The post How to Measure for Kitchen Cabinets appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.

TRADITIONAL KITCHEN STYLING IS ON THE RISE

Transitional (or casual) styling has been at the forefront of cabinet design for years. This style halted many previously popular ornate details and pivoted cabinet design to a clean-lined, simple, and cohesive modern feel.

This year, traditional elements, like elevated door styles, larger mouldings, and more ornate architectural details, are slowly mixing with the transitional feel.

Aristokraft’s newest partial overlay door style, Dana, is helping to lead that change.

Dana is the perfect mix of both trending styles. It can be used in any room of choice. This door style has a flat center panel, a 5-piece drawer front, and is available in our durable Purestyle offering (read all about the benefits of Purestyle here). If you are new to the world of cabinets and aren’t quite sure what partial overlay means, below is an excellent example of partial overlay versus full overlay for comparison.

Partial overlay leaves a portion of the cabinet face frame revealed at all times. An advantage to this style includes not necessarily needing decorative hardware for the cabinet to function. It also provides more clearance space for the opening and closing of doors. These doors are almost always more cost-effective as well!

IMPACTFUL KITCHEN ENHANCEMENTS

Beautiful, functional kitchens include great storage and organization. They go together like bread and butter and Aristokraft loves to keep its designs simple, yet impactful.

Deep drawers are especially popular right now, replacing wall storage solutions so homeowners can include bigger and more abundant windows in their homes. This allows for natural sunlight to shine through, an assured increase in our health and wellness. So it’s no wonder Aristokraft has added a deep drawer to its tall oven cabinets. Imagine the storage possibilities! Deep cabinets can handle everything from pots and lids to Tupperware for leftovers. There are no wrong answers when it comes to storage and no one cabinet has to be dedicated to just one category of household essentials.

When considering what items you need hidden storage for, keep in mind that you may have some decorative essentials that might be better stored behind glass! Don’t be afraid to show off those mugs you’ve been collecting through the years. Dedicate a space to display them to bring joy to yourself and your guests. Displaying items behind glass can give your kitchen the personality it deserves.

WORK FROM HOME OFFICE ENHANCEMENTS

Working from home is all about form and function in your space. Simple cabinet enhancements elevate your work environment while helping you keep organized and motivated to get those daily tasks completed.

Aristokraft has introduced a simple way to keep all of that paperwork filed away, but within reach, with the Desk File Drawer Cabinet. Keep your work-from-home files organized and within arm’s reach with this newly redesigned cabinet. Its taller opening makes it even easier to retrieve files.

And they don’t stop there! Make your dream office come to life by adding an open built-in bookcase, cabinet drawers, and an under-counter knee drawer. All of these cabinets will work hard to keep your space aesthetically beautiful and functional for years to come!

If you’d like to read more about the work-from-home trend, please visit our Design Blog to learn more.

Aristokraft Cabinets have a variety of cabinetry styles to enhance any room in your home.
Visit our website to learn more or stop in at a Dealer near you to begin creating a space that fits your needs.

The post From Trending to Traditional, Aristokraft Cabinets Offers It All appeared first on MasterBrand Design Blog.