Author: Justin C.

Chopping it all down The unique beauty of hardwood is partly in its individuality – no two pieces are alike. That’s why it’s such a popular choice for cabinets; its unique elegance is created by variations of grain and color. But if you prefer uniformity and consistency there are other options, and we’ll address those, too. But first, let’s explore the world of natural hardwoods… It’s becoming much more commonplace for homeowners to seek to offset the coldness of stainless steel and glass in their kitchen with the warmth of hardwood. It is crafted, joined and finished into the finest cabinets that...

Creating a romantic vintage vibe “Modern” has never been you. Sure, you may enjoy the current conveniences, but when it comes to design, you don’t find the contemporary look appealing. You’re an old soul. Maybe you want to recreate the care-free days of your youth or you’re really into an even further bygone era that you wish to emulate. Whether it’s the Roaring Twenties, the Fabulous Fifties, the Awesome Eighties, or a colorful mishmash of them all, you can have a lot of fun styling your kitchen after past designs. If you decide to remodel your kitchen and change its design...

Exquisite craftsmanship & healing properties - the merging of art and health Growing out of the ancient and mammoth cliffs of the Changbai Mountains, a mountain range that lies on the border between China and North Korea, are Eastern White Cedars - better known as “Trees of Life”. Historically, they are considered to have profound medicinal value, especially for treatments found in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). In this capacity these special trees are known under yet another name. For simplicity’s sake this is the one we will refer to it by for the rest of this text. It is, “Mountain Thuja”...

When you are buying new kitchen cabinets you have to decide if you want custom/semi-custom cabinets, RTA cabinets, or pre-assembled cabinets from a big box store. There are reasons to go with any of these three options but RTA cabinets are the best choice. Custom and semi-custom cabinets are thought of as the high end cabinets. They tend to offer quality products with a lot of variety for a premium price. On the other end of the spectrum, the stock cabinets that you would buy from a big box store cost less to make each cabinet because they are pre-assembled...

What to consider when creating a color scheme What do you need to know when choosing colors for the kitchen? Maybe you could save some time and opt for the basic black and white design. But, would that look okay with wooden kitchen cabinets? It’s time to step back, and think about it… There are no rules to choosing a color scheme for the interior design of your kitchen. Nothing is set in stone. Some folks hire designers to help them through. There’s certainly no shame in that. Others trust their instinct, their ability to assemble their kitchen tastefully. Whichever route taken,...

Ten code requirements you cannot ignore No matter what the project or what kind of remodel you undertake, you must be mindful of meeting the requirements of the building codes set forth by your local regions’ building and safety council. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing it yourself or working with a professional, it is your responsibility to ensure that all guidelines are obeyed. 1. The first safety requirement you should be aware of is of voltaic nature – your electric outlets. You have them everywhere, in your kitchen, bathrooms, in the garage and even outdoors. They all need to be GFCI...

How one of the most common kitchen styles has its roots in religion A term now widely used in Europe to describe a type of woodwork that has achieved worldwide appeal, “Shaker Styling” originated in North America and has become a kitchen standard. It represents a woodworking genre that is widely considered beautiful in its simplicity. It is gracefully designed yet basic in detail. The Shaker style has proven to be an enduring work of art. Its birth is attributed to the craftsmen of the Shaker villages located in the Northeastern U.S. They belonged to a religious faction known as –...

When they’re necessary & when they’re not You’re planning a remodel. You know what you want, but you aren’t entirely sure how to get it. Understanding that you may need one or more permits gives you an advantage over many others with similar aspirations. Going into a project aggressively and blind can lead to very serious consequences. And, no, naiveté is not a valid excuse. Below is a general overview that may help you understand the logic behind why building permits are so often necessary. Check it out and see if some of your questions have been answered or at least narrowed down....

A brief detail of kitchen styles Whether you’re buying a house, conducting kitchen remodels, or simply tweaking your existing design, it’s important to know the basics… Custom kitchens Newcastle area offer personalized solutions for homes in Morpeth to South Shields. These kitchens are designed to meet specific needs, ensuring functionality and style along the River Tyne. If you decide to start a kitchen remodeling project, consider hiring a remodeling contractor and book a dumpster rental for the cleanup of construction debris. U SHAPED-KITCHENSA design comprised of three walls lined by cabinets and appliances, the ‘U’ (also known as ‘C’) is commonly found...

Not every idea makes sense Remodels take on lives of their own, some you can control, and others you can’t. Sometimes a late-in-the-game decision will veer a project off course, or unexpected circumstances arise to throw a wrench in the machine. This is why we always urge our clients to be prepared. Give yourself a safety net. You have a budget that everyone needs to respect, including yourself. But ultimately you’ll have to ask yourself, “was the remodel worth it? Did it add to the resale value?” The answer may not be what you hoped for. Let’s look at examples of...