The Post-COVID Kitchen
COVID-19 has changed the landscape of our lives in myriad ways. Certainly, our responses to germs have changed since the beginning of the year. With COVID continuing, and regular flu-season upon us again, it’s time to contemplate what changes you might need to make your home as healthy, comfortable and stress-free as possible. I’ve put together these 5 tips to consider when thinking of remodeling your kitchen.
1. Has your cooking changed?
If you have more cooks in the kitchen, are eating more fresh foods or pre-packaged meals, you might want to consider adding a refrigerator or freezer drawer in your prep area. It helps keep all ingredients handy for whatever you need. Maybe even in a breakfast bar area or baking area. Speaking of baking areas, how about this tricked out drawer to hold all your baking needs? Talk about reducing countertop clutter!
2. Do you need WFH space?
Do you need to carve out some WFH or remote learning space? We can do that in a number of ways. From commandeering an under-utilized pantry or corner nook to incorporating charging drawers for laptops, tablets and phones, we can help you keep your sanity with a dedicated work area that seamlessly flows into the rest of the space.
3. What about light and air quality?
Air quality is so important. Good ventilation not only removes cooking odors and grease, but harmful gasses that are created during cooking. Whether it’s a down-draft, chimney hood or one that’s built into cabinetry, good ventilation is a must. Regarding lighting options, there are so many great options these days to light up the interiors of cabinets to help you find everything you need, and I always encourage clients to have multiple light sources to enhance function in the kitchen. Check out the lighting in this blind corner unit:
4. How about clutter control?
When it comes to controlling clutter, Greenfield and Siteline cabinets allow me to help clients customize the interiors to keep countertops free of “stuff” and make working in the kitchen easier. From dedicated plastic container storage to unique ways to access and utilize the cabinet above the fridge, there is something for just about every storage need.
5. How do you promote cleanliness?
We’re all more concerned with cleanliness and reducing the spread of germs, so here are some great options for you to consider. The first one is a trash drawer that opens when you break a beam of light with your foot. No more chicken hands touching the trash handle!! To close it up you can just wave your foot underneath again or give it a gentle push with your knee. Or how about this handy step-stool to help the little ones get to the sink for washing their hands? When not it use, simply fold it up and slip it back into the slot beside the sink.
Lastly, one of the most anti-microbial surfaces you can use in your kitchen is (drumroll, please) manufactured quartz countertops like the Cambria samples you see here! They are far less porous than granite countertops and so easy to maintain and they come in so many gorgeous styles.
These are just a few helpful tips of things to consider when it’s time to make your kitchen a family-friendly place! For even more ideas, including video clips of innovative new products, check out our pinterest board.
Exciting Announcement!
We are proud to announce that Catherine Schager Designs is now a dealer for Greenfield Cabinetry and Siteline Cabinetry. We are excited to be able to offer these custom-made, high-quality cabinet options to our clients in-house. This will allow us to better streamline the process for our clients. Better control over the process equals a faster time to completion, something every homeowner can appreciate. Being an official dealer for Greenfield and Siteline also gives us the ability to offer our clients excellent quality cabinetry without the showroom overhead adding to the budget. Win-win-win for everyone involved!
Both cabinet lines are part of The Corsi Group, cabinetmakers that offer custom-made cabinetry with a special blend of old world attention to detail, combined with modern technical expertise.
Greenfield Cabinetry prides itself on creating superbly crafted, richly finished cabinets filled with a huge array of options for organization and convenience. They offer a myriad of styles, finish combinations, materials, and accessories. Here is a bathroom project we completed using Greenfield Cabinetry. The clients chose the Estridge door style in composite veneer with Quartered Wenge finish. Stunning!
Siteline Cabinetry offers style for miles! They are a made to order cabinetry company with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that allows them to deliver in less than the typical custom cabinet lead-time while still creating gorgeous, high-quality cabinets. They also offer a huge variety of styles, finish combinations, materials, and accessories to fit any tastes. Here’s a master bathroom project we completed using Siteline Cabinetry’s Libby door style in Cotton with grey glaze. Simply beautiful!
Stay tuned for more Greenfield and Siteline projects! Scroll through more images for both of these cabinetry lines on our pinterest board.
Innovative Cabinet Storage and Organizing Trends
- At September 10, 2018
- By catherineschager
- In Design Trends
0
Last week we showed you some of the exciting cabinet trends in 2018 that are making our kitchens and bathrooms a feast for the eyes. But what about when you open those lovely doors and drawers to the storage spaces within? One of the biggest trends in 2018 cabinetry is organization. The options are simply fabulous! Scroll through the images below for a look at some of the innovative storage and organizing solutions available to turn our cabinets into functional, orderly spaces:
Pullouts and Deep Drawers
-
- Greenfield Dinnerware Drawer
-
- Greenfield Rollout Storage
-
- Greenfield Pot and Lid Drawers
-
- Greenfield Adjustable Organizer
-
- Greenfield Peg Drawer
-
- Greenfield Canister Pullout
-
- Dura Supreme Vertical Tray Storage
-
- Dura Supreme Spice Pullout
-
- Greenfield Baking Drawer
Appliances and Cleaning
-
- Greenfield Sink Pullout Drawer
-
- Dura Supreme Sink Pullout
-
- Wood-Mode Trash Pullout
Drawer Storage
-
- Dura Supreme Spice Drawer
-
- Greenfield Tech Drawer
-
- Greenfield K Cup Drawer Insert
Corner Storage
-
- Greenfield Corner Pullout
-
- Dura Supreme Corner Pullout
-
- Greenfield Corner Organizer
Bathroom Storage
-
- Rev-A-Shelf Vanity Drawer
-
- Rev-A-Shelf Hamper Pullout
-
- Dura Supreme Bathroom Pullout
Check even out more kitchen and bath organizing options in our pinterest board.
Exciting 2018 Cabinet Trends
How would we function without kitchens and bathrooms? We couldn’t! Cabinets are integral to the comfort, function and design of these vital rooms. So just what do homeowners desire most in new cabinetry today? Beautiful and functional options abound. Here are some of the trends exciting homeowners most in 2018:
Transitional and contemporary styles are growing in leaps and bounds. Shaker cabinets continue to be highly popular as well as timeless white, both of which work well for transitional style kitchens. Homeowners who seek sleek contemporary or modern styles are often opting for flat panel and slab door cabinets. Homeowners are frequently mixing in glass door cabinets with interior lighting and open shelving is increasing in popularity.
Left: Northbrook White Kitchen; Right: Lincoln Park Condo Kitchen both by Catherine Schager Designs
Two-tone cabinets are on trend with any style, often with light perimeter cabinets and contrasting dark island cabinetry. Dark wood stains are most popular for the contrasting color but personalized color choices are making a comeback too with homeowners often opting for shades of blue and green. Chameleon neutrals are gaining interest – colors that look slightly different from various angles and in different lighting. Modern cottage and modern farmhouse styles are growing in popularity too. The “X” motif is becoming a common sight, either in cabinet doors, chair backs, or on the ends of island cabinetry.
Another huge trend is mixing an opaque and a stain or a stain and a glaze to create an array of flexible and personalized color choices.
Heavy wood grain finishes are popular even in sleek, contemporary cabinets. Laminates are becoming more popular, especially with new technology that allows realistic wood looks. Tailored shiplap is also on trend.
Left: Dura Supreme Laminate Skyline Walnut by Kitchen Design Partners (photo by Dennis Jourdan); Right: Dura Supreme Bria Sterling Ash textured laminate from 1st Choice Cabinetry (photo by Greg Scott Photography)
Pale wood and raw wood looks are on the rise as finish choices, as is accepting wood imperfections. Oak had fallen off in use for a while but it is once again a popular choice, including cerused oak finishes. Weathered and distressed finishes are popular and not just for traditional or farmhouse styles. Adding a splash of rustic to transitional styles is a currently popular trend too.
Left: Greenfield Qtr Sawn White Oak; Right: Greenfield Knotty Alder with Heavy Distressing
All these gorgeous cabinet options are a treat for the eye, but don’t you want to open these doors and see orderly, functional storage spaces? That essential cabinet function is top of the list for homeowners. Stay tuned for latest in cabinet inserts that make storage a breeze.
Left: Spa Retreat Master Bath; Right: Delightful Contemporary Update both by Catherine Schager Designs
Check out our pinterest board for more cabinet styles and finishes. What is your favorite?
Spring Cleaning Tips for a Long-Lasting Kitchen
- At April 13, 2017
- By catherineschager
- In Uncategorized
- 0
Finally, warm weather is on the way! You are probably in the midst of your annual spring cleaning activities. A freshly clean home is always a favorite way to welcome spring. Here are some tips for spring cleaning your kitchen that you might not have considered and will help extend the life of the heart of your home.
Hood Exhaust Filter
Undoubtedly your range hood will get scrubbed and shined, but remember to check the filter on the exhaust too. (This is the metal mesh covering the exhaust fan.)
A functioning exhaust is one of the best ways to keep grease and grime from depositing all over your kitchen, so you want to keep ypurs in prime condition. If your filter looks grimy, try soaking it in a mix of hot water, baking soda and liquid dish soap. After a soak, it should clean up nicely.
Refrigerator and Oven
When you clean your refrigerator and oven, take a few minutes to check for issues that could lead to a repair bill later. I recommend having your appliances serviced by a professional on a regular basis to extend the life and efficiency of the working parts.
Check the rubber seals on the doors. If they are getting dry, cracked, or caked with grime, they won’t seal properly. They might need cleaned and lubricated, or they might need replaced. Bad seals will cause the appliances to overwork to replace the heat or cold they are losing at the seal.
The coils and condenser fan on your fridge needs to be cleaned annually as well, especially if you have pets, and dust and pet hair can clog up the back of slide-in ranges.
Cabinets and Countertops
Your countertops get cleaned regularly, but at least once a year be sure to move any countertop appliances, canisters, or other items that “live” on the surface all year and check the surface underneath. Only use cleaning solutions approved for your countertop type. If you have granite, check to see if it is time for your countertops to be resealed. Don’t let this go if it is needed. If you have tile, check the grout for damage.
Cabinet surfaces don’t get cleaned as regularly and can accumulate a lot of grease and grime. Cabinets are often beautiful furniture pieces and since they are exposed to kitchen grime, they need to be cleaned annually. Be sure to only use cleaners approved by your cabinet manufacturer. Often a tub of mild soapy water and soft sponge is recommended, but always check first. For deeper grime, your installer or manufacturer can recommend the right product to use as well.
Windows, Curtains and Lights
What better way to let the bright spring light in than freshly washed windows? Like everything else in the kitchen, your windows are exposed to cooking grease and will get a build up on the inside.
Some curtains are machine washable and their is no better time to toss them in the laundry. Many must be professionally cleaned. Take them down annually and drop them at the dry cleaners, or have a professional come to your home depending on the time of window treatments you have. Blinds can usually be wiped with a damp cloth but in the kitchen, grease may make an appearance here too. Use cleaning solutions recommended by the manufacturer.
Don’t forget your lights! Dust bulbs with a dry cloth. Take down glass shades and globes and wash in soapy water. Metal shades and casings can usually be wiped with a damp cloth. Again, the manufacturer can recommend cleaning products depending on the type of metal.
After you’ve done all that cleaning, be sure to celebrate by bringing in some fresh, spring color! Visit our pinterest board to get some inspiration. Happy Spring!
Innovations that Make Your Kitchen Cabinets Work for You
One hot topic of National Kitchen and Bath Month is learning the latest in cabinet accessories that add convenience and organization to our kitchen storage needs. We’ve asked Shari McPeek, Public Relations & Advertising Manager of Rev-A-Shelf LLC to share her expertise in kitchen storage solutions.
What are the newest innovations available in kitchen cabinet accessories for organizing and storage?
There are several innovations not only storage solutions but their sizes and finishes. A great example is with the increase of demand for Full Access cabinetry you are seeing more organization and storage products being designed specifically for it. You also have an array of finishes and materials being used in products that compliment more kitchens. As for products themselves you are seeing almost all with features like soft-close slides and designs that answer more specific storage needs for food storage containers, K-Cups, etc.
Do you have any tips on the best way to plan ahead for storage needs in a new kitchen?
The first thing I suggest is making a pros and con list of your existing kitchen. Note the areas you are not happy with i.e. having to strain and reach into cabinets to find things, no room for spices, messy plastic ware, cutlery, pots, and pans. In addition, break your kitchen down by workflow for example where you want to prep meals you would want to add knife storage and a compost/waste container or around the stove you would want storage for utensils and pots and pans.
Also, think future forward, do you have kids and what items do you want them to access or not, do you have aging parents who may come to live with you then you might need lower storage for plates or an in cabinet waste container to maximize your floor space for a walker/wheelchair. Finally, don’t forget the lighting! I know it is a bit off task from storage aspect, but it is the perfect time to ask yourself if you want to add lighting, either in cabinets or under cabinets. If not now you will still want to take advantage of having professionals in your home and have the electrical run in order to add it at a later date.
What does your company do best?
Rev-A-Shelf is the industry leading manufacturer of cabinet storage and lighting accessories.
What makes Rev-A-Shelf unique?
With over 38 years of expertise, we are known for bringing innovative products to the market that provide storage and lighting solutions for the kitchen, bath, office, and closet. We use this expertise to create innovative functional products for Face Frame, Full Access, and Inset cabinetry.
How would consumers find your products?
Rev-A-Shelf and Tresco Lighting products are sold primarily through distribution. We do however have some products that are available at Brick & mortar stores and online.
Can your products be installed in existing kitchens (aftermarket), or is it best if they’re ordered along with new cabinetry?
The majority of our products can be installed in existing kitchens, vanities, and closets. To learn more about our products you can visit us at Rev-A-Shelf.com and Trescolighting.com.
Thanks so much Shari! For more kitchen organization options, be sure to visit out the Rev-A-Shelf website. Also, check out these cool storage solutions on our pinterest board.
Kitchen Change-Up
I’ve been working with one of my very favorite clients on her kitchen for the past few months. It has been great fun and we’re almost at the finish line! Yea!! I’ll give you an overview of the project and a couple of “before” shots, and next week I’ll have some (non-professional) shots of the finished project for you to see.
Here’s what we started with:
You can get a peek at her beautiful view here
View of the windows, and space for table and chairs
Refrigerator wall
Our Challenges:
- Very small kitchen
- We wanted to be able to give her the greatest amount of counter space, yet we have to allow for access to the window in case of a problem with it.
- Better access to cabinets and more organized storage
- Strange placement of outlets with the inability to change their location (we’d have to put a plate over the existing location)
- The overall footprint would remain the same
- We didn’t want to block her view, which is of the lake and is fabulous but wanted to allow for some privacy from a neighboring hi-rise in the evening.
- The space for a table & chairs is very small
We changed:
- Lighting
- Flooring
- Cabinetry
- Paint instead of the wall paper
- The range and microwave (she had replaced the dishwasher and fridge a couple of years ago)
- Sink & faucet
- Window treatments
- Backsplash
I look forward to showing you some pictures of the completed project next week!
Creating Your Dream Kitchen- Part 4
I hope that you all had a moment to remember and reflect on that tragic day 9 years ago this past Saturday. Like most people, I’ll never forget where I was and who I was with when we got the news. I pray that we shall never again know the pain and anguish of that day and that someday we can achieve world peace.
I love my country!
Ok, now back to our kitchen. Today I have some tips on selecting cabinetry from Justin Oliver, owner of Vision Built Custom Furniture- a craftsman in the highest sense of the word! Here’s what he has to say about choosing cabinets:
Take a walk through any cabinet show room, and you will be confronted with an array of styles and choices, but what makes a really good cabinet? To answer this we need to break the cabinet down into some simple parts.
1. Carcass- This is the body of the cabinet, the sides, bottom, top and shelves.
2. Door/ drawer arrangement- The parts you see from the outside.
Let’s start with the carcass. We’ll discuss 3 common options here. The one most people are familiar with is stock, carcasses that are mass produced, and available in only a few set sizes. Stock cabinets tend to be simple in finish, not allowing for customization in any way.
Semi-custom is similar to stock, but tends to be available in a wider array of sizes and finishes, and allows for a little more choice and customization.
Custom cabinets are built to suit, and offer infinite choices regarding size, materials and finish. Custom cabinets are normally made with the best materials, and will stand up to use much better than stock cabinets.
The door and drawer arrangement is where things get really interesting. There are two principle styles, face frame, and euro or frameless.
Cabinet types
With a face frame cabinet, a frame is fixed to the carcass, and doors and drawer fronts are then hung to the frame, either inset into it, or over laid.
The other option is euro, also known as frameless. In this instance, the doors are hung from the cabinet carcass, and the drawer fronts mounted to the drawer boxes giving a very sleek, more modern look.
As for how to pick, a lot depends on the size and space available to you, your ideas on design, and your budget. If you are not too worried about the inside of the cabinets, and can find sizes that work for you, then stock is the way to go. You can use the stock doors, or get custom doors if you cannot find something stock that you like. If you have an interesting space, or some design ideas that are not available off the shelf, then custom is the way to go.
Traditional style custom cabinets
It is most important to find the look, style, size and quality that you like, and that fits in your budget. Don’t be afraid to explore options. Cost effective stock cabinets can transformed into a stunning kitchen if you, or your designer, have a great idea for door and drawer fronts, and can get them custom made. You can get the custom look of very high end, unique kitchen for a fraction of the cost. -My addition- Sometimes you can even combine stock and semi-custom or custom for a kitchen that will suit your needs for a special size, finish or look while not blowing the budget.
Thanks for your expertise, Justin!
To see some of Justin’s work visit:http://www.custommade.com/by/justinoliver and check back here to see the beautiful bathroom vanity, dresser, and night stands he created for my client!
