cabinets Articles
What Is Your Kitchen Design Style?
Filed Under: Cabinets By: East Coast Granite & Marble on October 26, 2023
A well-designed kitchen can make all the difference in creating a space that is not only functional but also beautiful. Kitchen design styles have evolved over time, from traditional to modern and everything in between. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect design style for your kitchen. In this blog, we will explore various kitchen design styles, their unique characteristics, and how to incorporate them into your home. Whether you're a fan of sleek and modern designs or prefer the warmth and charm of traditional kitchens, we've got you covered.
Traditional
Traditional kitchens are known for sophistication and classic design. Cabinets are usually painted or stained. Natural stone countertops, distinctive hardware, formal light fixtures, and elegant molding and trimwork are elements of this design style. An accenting tile backsplash in a neutral tone is also usually present.
Traditional Style Granite Choices
Traditionally designed kitchens usually feature a neutral countertop choice. Granite is typically a good selection for this design style. River White, Moonlight, and Snowfall Granite are all nice neutral granite countertop choices for this design style.
Modern Farmhouse
Modern farmhouse style is known for its warmth and simplicity. This design style features natural textures such as wood tones and galvanized steel. Beautiful quartz countertops are showcased in this design. Creams and whites are the most popular color palettes for this style. However, pops of color go a long way to show off your individual style. Farmhouse style also emphasizes well-used and loved items.
Modern Farmhouse Quartz Choices
The Modern Farmhouse kitchen looks best with countertops that have a clean smooth look or a subtle pattern. Quartz is a perfect option for this design style. There are many quartz options that have the timeless look of marble but are highly durable and low maintenance. Some great choices for kitchen countertops are Calacatta Laza, Carrera White, and Marquina Midnight. Marquina Midnight is a beautiful black quartz if you are looking for a darker countertop.
Contemporary
Contemporary kitchens are warm and stylish. This design features clean lines and full overlay cabinets in natural wood stain. Full overlay cabinets are where no frame from the cabinet shows. This reinforces the clean lines of the design. Contemporary design focuses on horizontal lines and geometric forms which you can see in this waterfall island and the spherical lighting fixtures. Sleek, simple hardware complements the clean lines of the contemporary style.
Contemporary Granite Choices
Granite countertops remain the favorite in Contemporary design. Natural materials are often the focus in this design style. Granite is available in a wide variety of colors and variations. You can go bold and bright, minimal, or neutral. There are many beautiful granite option choices available. Some favorites for this design style are Viscon White, Blue Bahia, and White Orion granite countertops.
Transitional
Transitional design is the most popular kitchen style. If your style is somewhere between Traditional and Contemporary, then Transitional is where you fit. A Transitional kitchen features elements from both styles. Usually this means sleeker cabinets and hardware, minimal accents, a neutral color palette, and natural surfaces. Both granite and quartz are wonderful selections.
Transitional Quartz Choices
Quartz, granite, and marble are all seen in transitional kitchen designs, although quartz seems to be the most popular. Kitchen islands are a key element in the transitional design style. A waterfall island is also a nice added design flair.
5 Reasons To Design Kitchens With Shaker Cabinets
Filed Under: Cabinets By: East Coast Granite & Marble on October 26, 2023
Shaker cabinets are one of the best choices for timeless kitchen design. These cabinets are a versatile design choice, working well for transitional, contemporary, modern, or traditional designs. Shaker style emphasizes simplicity and functionality.
1. Timeless Style
Shaker cabinets create a modern, clean, inviting style. These cabinets will not go out of style. Shaker cabinets have been popular since the mid 18th century when the Protestant sect named Shakers created them. The understated elegance and versatility can explain their ongoing popularity.
2. Classic White Shaker
White kitchens continue to be popular with homeowners. Shaker cabinets are a popular choice for all kitchen styles. The clean lines and sleek design make these cabinets an excellent choice for contemporary and modern design. Stainless steel appliances and modern decorative accents complement white Shaker cabinets well. However, they can just as easily be used with a traditional classic kitchen style. Adding the right countertops and hardware can definitely give Shaker cabinets a more traditional feel.
3. Shaker Cabinets Pair Well with Statement Countertops
The sleek design of shaker cabinets complement a more engaging statement piece for your countertop. The key is to find the right balance between the two design elements. You do not want your cabinets and countertops to be competing for visual interest. Open shelving is also an excellent design element to pair with Shaker cabinets.
4. Easy to Clean
Cabinets with embellished detail are beautiful, however they can be a cleaning nightmare. The simplistic design of Shaker cabinets mean they attract less dust and grime, making them easier to clean. To clean your Shaker cabinets use a mild cleaner and a damp cloth to wipe down.
5. Simple, Calming Design
Shaker cabinets are built with a flat center panel with square edges and minimal detailing. This is a practical design with clean symmetry. This type of design creates a visual calming effect. If you are looking to create a low-stress environment, Shaker cabinets are a great choice.
Kitchen Cabinet Color Trends
Filed Under: Cabinets By: East Coast Granite & Marble on March 30, 2023
Looking to update your kitchen cabinets but not sure what to choose? Whether you are interested in a deep color choice or something more neutral there is an option for everyone. Take a look at what is trending in 2023.
Espresso Cabinets
Espresso kitchen cabinets are quickly becoming one of of the hottest design trends. Espresso cabinets are a sophisticated shade of dark wood that can create a modern feel with a timeless touch. One of the great things about Espresso kitchen cabinets is that they can stand alone or be paired with a lighter kitchen island for contrast to create a two tone kitchen design. If you want a rich, elegant look in your kitchen or bathroom, then Espresso cabinets are a great choice.
Green Cabinets
Green cabinets have become all the rage, adding a spark of color and interest to your space. All shades of green are appearing in kitchens, from blue-green, hunter green, sage green, to a calm light green. Green can add personality and an unexpected beauty to your kitchen. Greens are also a very earthy organic color that can go well with a rustic or farmhouse design.
Gray Cabinets
Gray kitchen cabinets have come a long way from their “blah” reputation. Gray kitchen cabinets give a since of sophistication to your kitchen while still maintaining a clean design. Gray cabinets offer a balance of warmth and neutrality. Gray works well with virtually any countertop or design style. The neutral hue is a timeless choice so it won't go out of style in a few years.
Blue Cabinets
One of today’s hottest trends is the use of blue cabinets in kitchens. Blue can be used for its calming effects, and the feeling of harmony it brings to those in a room. This color has proven to be popular in kitchens and bathrooms alike, given its bold yet versatile appearance. Light blue tones can bring energy to a space while navy blue finishes are best for traditional, conservative kitchen designs. You will often see blue cabinets used in two tone kitchen cabinet designs as well.
Does A Kitchen Renovation Increase Your Home Value?
Filed Under: Cabinets By: East Coast Granite & Marble on March 30, 2023
The kitchen is the center of your home, where families gather for meals and celebrations and memories are made. The kitchen is the focal point of your home and updating this space can make the most impact. You can add your personal style with a beautiful kitchen renovation while also adding value to your home. Remodeling projects that offer modern upgrades typically result in a higher resale value. What features add the most value in a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are one of the most versatile and customizable feature in a remodel. There are many designs and colors you can choose to add your personal style. Blues and greens are becoming a very popular choice to add some interest to your space. New cabinets also add improved functionally and storage with many organizational options now available, such as pull out drawer for trash cans, pull down rack for spices, pull up stand for mixer, and many other options. Adding new hardware is a great way to dress up your cabinets and create the finishing touch.
Door Styles - These are some of the most popular door styles. You may see variations on each of these styles.
Recessed Panel
These cabinets get their name because their center panel rests inside a center frame. These cabinets are typically called Shaker cabinets and are probably the most popular with homeowners. The pared back design works well in modern and traditional design styles. Recessed panel cabinets are an affordable option in a kitchen remodel.
Raised Panel
On this cabinet door, the center panel is raised instead of recessed. These type of cabinets are more frequently seen in a traditional kitchen. Raised Panel cabinets have a varying degree of detail depending on which one you choose. Raised Panel cabinets tend to cost more than recessed because of the increased amount of detail.
Slab/ Flat Panel
Slab Panel cabinet doors are a very modern choice. Their door panel is completely flat with a very simplistic design with no trim. Because of their design it makes them very affordable and easy to clean.
Open
Open cabinet paneling exposes the interior cabinet shelving. Adding mullion glass doors is also an option. However, these can be used completely open. The open cabinet is a great choice if you have dishes, or glasses you would like to display. Pricing depends on choice of glass doors chosen.
Countertops
Countertops are an important investment and one that makes a huge impact in the appearance of your kitchen and its resale value. New countertops give an instant “facelift” to your kitchen and will definitely attract buyers. Upgraded countertops can give your kitchen an upscale modern feel. There are a lot of kitchen countertop options on the market right now, but the most popular and profitable for resale are granite, quartz and marble.
Granite
Granite countertops have long been the most popular surface chosen by homeowners. It has been considered a luxury countertop option for decades. Granite is a favored choice because it is a natural stone that has many variations in colors and designs. There is nothing as stunning as a natural stone, and each granite slab is unique. There is a huge amount of granite slabs to choose from. Granite is beautiful, durable, and has an organic charm.
Quartz
The popularity of quartz countertops have definitely been on the rise. Quartz is an engineered material that is made of crushed quartz mixed with resin. Because of this quartz countertops are non-porous and don't require a sealer, making them very low-maintenance. They will not harbor bacteria and are scratch and stain-resistant. As a man-made material, quartz countertops have a vast array of color, veining, and pattern options. One of the most popular quartz varieties you will see is white quartz created to look like marble. These quartz countertops look great in most design styles and will create a timeless appeal.
Marble
Marble countertops are one of the most luxurious updates you can add to a kitchen. It is definitely one of the most sophisticated, elegant, timeless materials you can choose. Marble is also a natural stone and is known for its rich color and deep veining. Nothing surpasses the natural beauty of marble. Marble countertops are often a great choice for a kitchen island. Marble countertops are softer than granite or quartz and will require a sealer. Marble naturally stays cool. They are a great choice for bakers.
No matter what material you choose, to add the most value to your home, find an experienced fabricator to cut, finish and install your new countertops. Countertops that are not properly installed are more likely to chip, crack, or stain. And as always, working with an experienced professional who can get the job done right will add the most value to your home! Remember, we offer free in home estimates for countertops and cabinets!