Most people have heard the phrase that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Regardless of how inviting the rest of your home may be, people tend to gather where they can enjoy the comforts of the kitchen. The color of your cabinets will affect the way your kitchen looks and feels, so making the decision between light or dark cabinets plays a significant role in creating the atmosphere you want in your kitchen. Before making that decision, here are some pros and cons of each finish.

WHAT THE LIGHT SIDE HAS TO OFFER

Timeless and Trend-Proof
It’s a pretty safe bet that white or lighter colored cabinets won’t be going out of style any time soon. They have been popular for decades and are still the recommended choice for those who are planning to sell their home. White cabinets are versatile and go well with almost any paint color, countertop and backsplash. Lighter cabinets allow you to easily achieve the look you want, whether you want to go modern, contemporary, traditional, or country in your kitchen design. If your kitchen starts to feel dull after a couple of years, a simple change in wall color and kitchen decor can go a long way without having to invest in new cabinetry.

Clean & Bright
If your kitchen space is on the smaller side, light colored cabinets work much better because they make the space feel bigger. They bring a fresh, bright look to your kitchen and enhance both artificial and natural light. White cabinets evoke a clean and sanitary look, while creating a light and airy feel to your kitchen.

Upkeep of a Light Cabinet
White or light colored cabinets show dirt and grime more quickly than dark cabinets and require constant cleanup. This is something to consider, especially if you have a large family or small children. They may also show signs of wear and tear, showing cracks and discoloration and other signs of aging more quickly than their dark counterpart.

GOING TO THE DARK SIDE

Rich & Formal
If you are looking for a cozy and elegant kitchen, dark cabinets may be the way to go. They provide a rich and formal feel to your kitchen, creating an atmosphere of luxury.

Design Matters
Whereas white cabinets are pretty versatile in any situation, darker cabinets work best when you know how to make them compliment the space they are in. For this reason, darker kitchens require more design skill.  If your kitchen is small or poorly lit, adding dark cabinets may make the room feel heavy and closed in. Likewise, dark kitchens need light colored elements to offset the dark cabinets. Lighter colored countertops or floors are good ways to create contrast and to help ensure your kitchen doesn’t become cave-like.

Trends Change
Dark cabinets may be trendy now, but they don’t have the proven longevity that lighter colored cabinets have. Color stains and paints are always changing to compliment current times and trends, meaning the color you have now could become dated rather quickly. This is something to consider if you plan to sell your home in the near future.

Upkeep of a Dark Cabinet:
Unlike white cabinets, dark cabinets hide dirt and grime pretty well, making them a great choice for kitchens with heavy use or small kids running around.

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: COMBINING DARK AND LIGHT

If you can’t decide between light or dark cabinets, a mix of both is fine too. The key is how you use the elements to your advantage. Consider using light colors for your wall cabinets and dark cabinets for your base; the reverse is not recommended as the dark cabinets could make the room feel too top heavy and unbalanced. Alternatively, try using dark cabinets for your walls and bases and light cabinets for your island, or vice versa.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Kitchen designs are complicated and can be overwhelming when doing on your own. Our design professionals understand that every kitchen and family is unique and would love to help you create a kitchen that you’ll love for years to come.

Come see us today!

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Photo Credits:
Photos used with permission from masterbrand.com

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‘Tis the season for holiday cleaning and remodeling. Many of us play host to all sorts of family and friends during the holiday season, so it’s no surprise that getting our homes in tiptop shape becomes a priority this time of the year. One of the most popular rooms to remodel before the guests begin to arrive is the bathroom. No one wants their guests to see an out-dated, or dilapidated bathroom. If you are thinking about a bathroom remodel for your home, here are a few ideas that can be done in a short amount of time, and leave your bathroom ready to impress. When you are ready to start your remodel project, be sure to visit the Williams Outlet, where you can find great prices on all the products mentioned in the post below. Let us help you save some money this holiday season.

1. THE SMALL DETAILS

Updating your bath cabinet hardware and accessories are easy enhancers that will make a big difference to the look of your bathroom. Add a few matching accessories such as towel bars, hooks, and toilet paper holder. Switch out your knobs, pulls and other hardware to create a unified look throughout the bathroom. The small details say big things about your bathroom style.

2. MIRRORS & MEDICINE CABINETS

Your mirror or medicine cabinet is often a focal point of your bathroom so a mirror makeover will go far in your remodel project. If you have a flat, plate-glass type of mirror try adding a stylish framed mirror instead. From boring to beautiful with one easy change. If you want some extra storage in your bathroom, a nice wall cabinet over your toilet is a great option. Another popular choice for storage is a medicine cabinet. Just like with the mirror, opt for a more stylish medicine cabinet. They don’t have to be the plain jane slab mirrors like the medicine cabinets of old.

3. REPLACE YOUR VANITY CABINET AND/OR VANITY TOPS

Replacing an old, outdated vanity can transform your bathroom into an entirely different space.  A new vanity can greatly enhance the storage, functionality and look of any bathroom. If you are replacing your entire vanity, check to see if there is a coordinating vanity top and or matching mirror. If you’re happy with your current vanity, consider replacing the top to add a new texture, style and color to your bathroom. Don’t forget to add a coordinating sink or select a vanity top with a built-in bowl.

4. UPDATE YOUR PLUMBING FIXTURES

You can completely change the look of your bathroom just by installing new faucets and shower head. These improvements are affordable, easy to do, and will give the room a fresh new look. Opt for fixtures that are designed for improved efficiency and you can also reduce water usage and your monthly water bill.

5. GET A NEW TOILET

Most people think of toilets as purely functional, but today’s models offer a level of performance, efficiency and style that was not available a decade ago. Choosing an economical, high-efficiency or ultra-low-flow toilet offers substantial water savings without sacrificing performance or aesthetics.

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Photo Credits:
Toilet and shower photos used with permission from totousa.com
Medicine cabinet photo used with permission from fairmontdesigns.com
Cabinet hardware and vanity top photos are owned by Williams Kitchen & Bath

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Remodeling the kitchen can be an overwhelming project. For many homeowners, the expense and inconvenience of such a project may give them pause when considering such an undertaking. The good news is that kitchen makeovers don’t have to cost a fortune. Read our tips below on easy ways to not break your budget, and make this the year that your dream kitchen becomes the envy of your neighborhood.

1. Include a Kitchen Designer in your Master Plan.

Many homeowners choose to be their own contractor in order to cut costs on their remodel project. However, don’t let your confidence with a hammer and nails overlook the value of working with a professional kitchen designer. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) the “services of a professional designer usually represent only about 4% of a total project budget.” This is a real bargain considering that a designers’ expertise saves you time and money in the long run by ensuring that you don’t make expensive errors. Designers can also visualize the best ways to maximize the functional use of your space, and in many cases may create a layout that you didn’t even consider.
(Source)

2. Bigger Is Not Always Better

Many people make the mistake of assuming that to get more storage and function out of your kitchen you must go bigger. The truth is, your goal should be to increase efficiency, not size. There are many products available that maximize kitchen organization, even in the smallest of spaces. Consider upgrading your cabinets to include dividers, pull-out trays, lazy susans or other cabinet accessories. If you are not planning on replacing your cabinets, these same products can also be bought aftermarket. If the price tag of these cabinet accessories seem pricey, just remember that if your alternative is to knock down walls and/or add square footage, the cost of accessorizing is most likely much cheaper.

3. Have Everything On-Site Before You Get Started

In an article for HGTV, Robin Siegerman, Chief Design and Renovation Officer at Sieguzi Kitchen & Home Inc. in Toronto, Canada, advises to have everything you want in the kitchen on-site before a single inch of space sees the sledgehammer. She explains, “One of the factors that sends a budget spiraling out of control is a homeowner picking products during the renovation.” If a product is backordered, the homeowner is often faced with a choice: pick a different item that is often pricier, or wait for their original choice, when their trades people may have other jobs scheduled and the homeowner may be charged extra for the work.
(Source)

4. Keep Plumbing and Appliances Where They Are

Simply put, moving plumbing equals more money and time. Plumbing is located underneath the floor, behind the walls, and in most houses it impacts other rooms in your home. The process isn’t as simple as moving a sink from location A to location B. Moving your appliances around requires a major rethink in terms of where the plumbing sits within the structure of our home. To keep your remodel on budget, it is always recommended to keep your plumbing and appliances in the same spot whenever possible.

5. Big Box Stores Aren’t Your Only Option

Get to know your local cabinet shops and discount home stores. These stores often sell off old displays or unused products at deeply discounted prices. If the store has a scratch-and-dent or Outlet center, take advantage of the great prices. In most cases, if you can’t find all the pieces you are looking for, the store will still be able to order the remaining product. It’s also common for contractors and builders to donate or sell their overstock and/or unused products which you can then buy at a great value. Additionally, these smaller stores are usually happy to recommend builders and contractors if you need assistance with this aspect of your remodel.

6. Get Creative With Your Architecture

You can give your kitchen a custom high-end look without spending too much money. Adding toe-kicks or bun feet to your cabinetry is a small detail but one that has a big impact on the finished project. It’s a simple way to spruce up a standard stock cabinet with a custom, furniture style look. Be trendy with your textures by adding beadboard paneling, stacked brick or stone, or a wood planked focus point. Islands and back splashes are two areas that work well as a canvas for creativity.

7. New Hardware Goes A Long Way

Don’t overlook the importance of cabinet hardware. The shape and finish of your pulls, knobs and handles can make a big impact on the look and feel of your entire kitchen. With the unlimited variety of shapes, sizes and colors available, it’s a simple and inexpensive way to freshen up your existing kitchen and add a flare of personality to your home.

 

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Image Credit:
Image purchased at bigstock.com

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