Cabinets are often the most visible part of a room, especially the kitchen where they represent the overall design motif. Custom cabinetry built to your exact specifications of height, width, depth and detail represent your own unique taste and style. This includes selection of wood species, color, finish and door details. From that base you add the finer details of and custom fitted storage options according to you individual needs and desires.

Functional custom cabinetry in the kitchen should focus on efficiency regarding the storage and working areas. Special focus is placed around the refrigerator, stove and sink areas (see our earlier post on the kitchen work triangle). Functional space design emphasizes the ease and efficiency of daily functions performed around specific work stations.

There are many ideas for functional storage options. Here are some popular suggestions:

•      Cabinets above the fridge with vertical organizing slots make storage and retrieval easy and keep clutter to a minimum.
•      Vertical slots for storing and organizing dishes, pots and pans avoids time wasted looking through crowded cabinets.
•      Organized drawers for kitchen cutlery will keep it uncluttered and make it faster to find what you want.
•      Supported roll-outs allow organization and easy access to frequently used cooking utensils and equipment. Other roll-outs are used as cupboards for cooking ingredients and spices.
•      Cookbooks are always close at hand when stored in shelves installed in an island.
•      Cubbies at the base of overhanging cabinets allow easy access to frequently used plates, cups and bowls.
•      Pullout drawers for trash and recycle bins to keeps them neat and out of sight.
•      A built in wine rack adds an artistic touch to island or cupboard spaces while displaying your collection of fine wines.
•      Drawer functionality can be maximized by replacing solid drawers with mesh baskets. These are perfect for storing dry baking goods, fruits and vegetables.
•      Storage areas for kitchen appliances on counters can be set off behind cabinet doors.

In any new home or renovation project, cabinets are a major part of the design. The opportunity to plan for maximum functionality is an unique opportunity to design your home’s storage to suit your individual taste and lifestyle. It’s up to you to decide your own list of how you want to organize your house. Cabinets by Graber works with you and your designer to build the long lasting and original cabinets that will give you the storage solutions you need and the beauty you desire, please feel free to contact us or give us a call at 800-478-9488

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So how can you achieve a gorgeous contemporary design in your kitchen?

Door Style

For a modern, contemporary design look, less is more when it comes to door style.  The goal is strong, clean lines, so modern kitchens tend to have very minimalist doors.  Great examples of our door styles with a modern feel are Broadway, Chandler, Fifth Avenue, and Metro.  Each of these styles fits in perfectly with a modern kitchen atmosphere.

Wood Choice

Most often, darker wood species are chosen for kitchens with a contemporary flare, such as walnut and mahogany.  However, a modern kitchen with an eco-friendly vibe is also a great place for bamboo cabinets, or even a super-sleek, all-white look.

Hardware

Many homeowners seeking a contemporary look are moving towards finger pulls, instead of more traditional decorative pulls.  Finger pulls are cut into the actual lip of the door, preserving a sleek look and reducing unnecessary decorative hardware.

Integrated, Enclosed Appliances

Integrated appliances that blend into the surrounding cabinets are becoming extremely popular in modern kitchens.  They maintain the clean lines of the cabinets by appearing to simply be part of them, making your kitchen look sleeker, cleaner, and more organized.

Great Islands

One way to streamline your modern kitchen is with a large, multi-purpose island.  An island large enough to accommodate both prep work and dining may eliminate the need for a kitchen table, reducing the clutter in your kitchen and making the work space the focal point of the room.

Contact us to view samples of our kitchens with contemporary design.

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Here are some helpful tips from Houzz for keeping your countertops stunning–and sanitary:

• Wipe down regularly.  Since wood absorbs stains and blemishes more easily than stone, be sure to wipe down your butcher block thoroughly with a mild soap after cooking, and use a towel to absorb any moisture.
• Keep vinegar handy.  Believe it or not, spraying undiluted vinegar can be a safe way to rid your butcher block countertops of harmful bacteria without using harsh chemical cleaners.
• Break out the spatula.  A steel scraper or spatula is an effective tool for removing both food particles and moisture.

Beyond that regular maintenance, there are also several ways to safely remove stains from your butcher block countertops:

• Lemon.  Pour salt on the stain, then cut a lemon and half and use the cut side to rub the salt in.  Let it sit overnight and then wipe clean with a sponge.
• Baking soda.  Work baking soda into the stain and let it stand for a few minutes, then wipe away clean.
• Scrape.  That same fine-edged spatula can help remove stain marks as well.

To keep your butcher block looking polished and warm, occasionally re-finish it with mineral oil or tung oil.

Contact us to learn more about installing gorgeous butcher block countertops in your home!

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The Strength of a Face Frame

Providing a frame around a kitchen cabinet provides much more strength that helps the cabinet hold up for many years. That’s because the installed hardwood will prevent any cabinet sagging as time goes on. And frames have been a standard practice in every American home for many decades, even though frameless cabinets have caught on from the Europeans. It’s overseas where the frameless cabinet craze began after World War II.

The Stylization of Framed Cabinets

Another reason face frames have been popular in America is because of the ability to stylize them so each one looks different. One such style includes inset doors where you blend in the door with the frame so the frames aren’t as noticeable. But one of the most popular and common is an overlay where the door is placed over the frame so the frame isn’t even visible. It’s a style you’ve likely seen in many kitchens for most of your lifetime.

Visible frames also provide a chance to be painted in a way that gives interesting and colorful decorative looks for your kitchen.

What is Racking? And How Can Frames Prevent it?

A major con to frameless cabinets that isn’t mentioned enough is racking. This happens when a frameless cabinet is installed on a wall that’s eneven or with a sloping floor. Without the added strength from the frame, the frameless cabinet can end up looking misshapen. In turn, you’ll have the added expense of having to tear those out to put in face frame cabinets to assure prolonged strength.

While framed cabinets vs frameless cabinets is quite the discussion, the disadvantages of frameless are more numerous than ever reported.  Be careful to do your research before buying frameless!

Let Cabinets By Graber be your key designer in building luxuriously framed cabinets. Using a wide array of high quality wood from around the world, we cater to the very best materials to ensure your kitchen cabinets hold up for a lifetime. Contact us about our four-step plan that goes from implementing your dream to delivery of your cabinets to your door for contractor installation.

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The Benefits of Using Red

Better Homes and Gardens claims that red enhances the appetite when it’s used in a kitchen. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should go wild with red, unless you have a wild personality. For most people, it’s best to utilize any bright red sparingly in some of the kitchen cabinetry and hone in on using it on something such as chairs. However, a lighter raspberry color used on some of the cabinets can give the subtle feeling of hunger and perhaps thoughts to guests of you baking something with raspberries.

Orange or Pumpkin Color as a Sense of Class

The color of orange is always classy in any part of the house. Placing a pumpkin color on the cabinetry of your kitchen provides a warm and inviting feeling to guests. It’s also perfect for around the holidays when you’re baking pumpkin pies and you want to convey a subtle sense of hunger. Mixing that with perhaps ebony cabinets creates even more of a warmth that works well for entertaining during the fall months.

Green or Lime for Relaxation

Another food-related color that can also represent your personality is the use of green or lime in your kitchen. Painting your cabinets with these shades can tell guests that you’re a more calm person who appreciates the same attitude when preparing food. This sense of relaxation can cross over to your guests who step into your kitchen to be sociable. Green can also remind guests of certain foods like green apples, pears or lettuce. Lime, as well, can bring the feeling of serenity as found in a straight or alcoholic drink.

Utilize the green with some stainless steel appliances, and you have an aesthetically pleasing combination.

Golden Brown or Pecan Color Combines Food with Style

A color that represents pecans might be one of the classiest shades you can go for in a kitchen. That’s because pecans are appealing to many people in eating outright or used in mouth-watering desserts. An upscale party would do well with a kitchen using this color, particularly used on the majority of the cabinets. Combined with a golden brown color on the walls, a kitchen of this type would have a classy glow.

Going Neutral with White or Vanilla Theme

There’s nothing wrong about going with a vanilla theme when white makes everything look classier and more spacious. Painting the cabinets in that color can also brighten a kitchen if you don’t have a lot of windows. However, it might be a good idea to have splashes of color around your kitchen so you’re not overly neutral. That can easily be attained by bringing in a brightly colored piece of kitchen furniture.

Contact us if you’re looking to design luxury kitchen cabinetry that represents a color that fits you and your food theme. At Cabinets by Graber, we’ll custom build the cabinets you want and paint it to your exact specifications. Our work is handcrafted using high quality materials that guarantees you having many years of enjoyable entertaining with your hungry guests.

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Many styles can be fabricated from the same material as the rest of your cabinets. These hoods can also contain similar details such as crown molding to help them blend well with your kitchen cupboards. They can be designed in a number of finishes that are aesthetically pleasing in addition to being easy to clean.

Custom range hoods can contain simple or elegant lines. They may fashioned like an arch or be slightly curved along the bottom.  Some of them somewhat resemble a fireplace mantle, with pillars on either side and a shelf for storing plates or knickknacks.  Many also contain cupboard space in the very top of them in order to maximize the amount of storage that’s available.

Like traditional kitchen hoods, custom designed ones also contain exhaust vents that whisk away steam and smoke while you are cooking. They also have lights built in to make it easier for you to see. The difference between these fixtures and traditional ones is that they are typically designed to blend in with kitchen cabinets so as to present a more refined appearance.

When choosing custom hoods, wood makes a nice choice because it has a soft appearance yet is extremely durable. It also withstands heat well, and is easy to clean whenever grease gets on it. Wood can also be painted easily if you later decide you would like to change the finish on your kitchen cabinets.

When it comes to creating an elegant looking kitchen, a custom hood can make all the difference in the world.

To see more ideas and custom kitchen hoods we have designed and built, check out our Houzz account here!

Whether you’re planning on remodeling or would simply like an upgrade, contact us to find out more.

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Coastal Charm

White kitchen cabinets are the centerpiece of the clean, fresh look favored in coastal homes. They are reminiscent of linen curtains blowing in the breeze, fresh sea air, and endless blue skies. But no ocean view is required to recreate this open and airy feel. Our master craftsmen can create just the kitchen environment you want by helping you choose from a variety of door styles, distressing techniques and finishes. Whether you are looking for a vintage beach cottage or a clean, classic resort feel, white kitchen cabinets will get you there.

Modern Edge

White kitchen cabinets are not just for country homes. They are so versatile that they provide the perfect back drop for the modern kitchen as well. Add a splash of color with bright chairs, accent walls, art or other decorations. Choose the door style and wood species that give your kitchen the bright, modern feel you want. Add bold, black countertops for a striking contrast. Let white cabinets provide the blank canvas to which you can add your own artistic and creative touches!

Endless Possibilities

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. So shouldn’t it reflect yours? The possibilities are endless when you begin with a set of customized white kitchen cabinets. Contact us to discover the many ways that we can help you create a kitchen that is not only beautiful and inviting, but uniquely you.

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These are just a few of the quality features found in the premium custom cabinetry you’re dreaming of.

It has been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home and we thoroughly agree. A well-designed, custom-built dream kitchen can create a warm and inviting ambiance that makes family and guests alike feel welcome, comfortable and “at home.” It is a special place where you will spend many hours together, so ensuring that all of your desires are incorporated into the style, layout, finishes and functionality is of the utmost importance.

Do you envision glistening glass doors to highlight your heirloom china? Hideaway storage for small appliances or specially-sized drawers for oversized utensils? Perhaps a mini-office area so you can easily stay organized is on your list of must-haves. With true custom cabinetry, you’re not limited to “standard” sizes or features, so whatever you imagine is possible.

And your dreams aren’t confined only to the kitchen…premium cabinetry can flow seamlessly throughout your home. Coordinating dining room built-ins, luxurious spa-style master bath cabinets, personalized closet elements, highly-functional laundry cabinets and tech-savvy home theatre enclosures bring a welcome continuity and elegance only available with custom cabinetry construction.

Whatever you’re dreaming of, you can have it. The craftsmanship of luxury Cabinets by Graber springs from over 100 years of combined experience…from time-honored methods to the latest technological advancements. Our dedicated cabinetmakers take pride in exceeding your expectations and it’s our honor to ensure that our premium cabinetry will enhance the beauty and comfort of your home for generations to come.

Contact us today and let us help turn your dreams into reality.

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Made with the best quality material glossed over with a finish, kitchen islands are styled to your satisfaction. Companies like Cabinets by Graber will build one from scratch and make it fit according to the space available in your kitchen. Choose the color, material, size and shape. Make decisions on what features you want the kitchen island to have. The design must match the theme of the kitchen, yet look like separate furniture. For inspiration read these below.

• Some ideas to add to your kitchen island are a dishwasher, garbage disposal, trash compactor, storage space and a kitchen sink. It’s impossible to add all those things at once, but add only the things that will benefit the kitchen.
• Homes with children should get islands with rounded edges instead of pointy square ones.
• Countertop space at the top of kitchen islands should match the function: butcher block for chopping; marble or granite for pastry dough.
• Small kitchens should go for an island with storage or a kitchen cart.
• Use the kitchen island as a mini dining area if there’s isn’t space for a separate dining room.
• Add legs for the shape of furniture or wheels to move it wherever you please.

Customizing a kitchen island is expensive, but worth every penny. As long as you save enough money to pay for it a kitchen island is a design away. There won’t be another kitchen island like yours on the market because you make the decisions from start to finish. The options are limitless. Contact us for more information about designing a kitchen island for your home. You can view some more custom kitchen islands at our website or on our Houzz account. You will love your new island.

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Frame Construction:

Accuracy and precision are paramount when constructing your cabinet frame. The frame determines how your doors and drawers fit and affects the functionality of your cabinets over time. We understand there is no room for forgiveness here, so we double dowel your cabinet frames with two wooden dowel pins in each corner, to ensure accuracy and sturdiness.

Door Construction:

Cabinet doors must not only be aesthetically pleasing, but they also must be built to perform. Each joint has a single wood dowel for reinforced support. In addition, the precision of the traditional mortise and tenon joinery ensures strong unbreakable joints. Cabinets by Graber is one of the few custom cabinet makers who go the extra mile to provide you with top quality construction throughout. Our lumber meets stringent quality requirements. We reject lumber that doesn’t meet our standards for moisture content, color consistency and grain pattern consistency.

Drawer Construction:

Drawers are subject to heavy usage so we make certain they will last for generations to come. We use the highest quality hardware available and time honored construction methods to ensure the longevity of the pieces. Our thick and sturdy 5/8” maple drawers are furniture dovetailed on all four corners, providing you with maximum strength. We hand sand the edges for a satin-like feel to the fingertips. Maximizing your space is important. We outfit our drawers with top-quality, invisible, undermounted drawer guides that include full extension and self/soft-closure. Our undermount guide system is the best on the market.

Contact us today and let us help turn your cabinet visions into reality!

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