We know how many questions pop up when you’re dreaming of a new kitchen! Here’s some tips to help guide your journey.
Hardware vs. Finger Pulls: While handle-free cabinets offer a sleek aesthetic when going for an ultra-modern look, please be aware that they may require more maintenance. Without knobs or handles, grease and oils from your hands transfer directly onto the cabinet faces. Over time, this residue can degrade the finish and necessitates frequent, full-surface cleaning. Handles are much easier to wipe down and protect the longevity of your Refaced cabinets.
Strategic Storage Solutions: Pacific Kitchens’ can help you maximize your footprint with organizational tools like ‘Lazy Susans’, pull-out spice racks, and hidden trash receptacles. By moving clutter off the countertops and into dedicated interior spots, you reclaim valuable prep space and improve kitchen flow.
Floating Shelves vs. Cabinets: You may want to consider limiting open shelving to decorative accents rather than primary storage. Floating shelves are magnets for dust, steam, and cooking grease, requiring you to wash your dishes before you even use them. Traditional cabinets act as a protective barrier, keeping your dinnerware clean and grease-free. The decorative floating shelves shown in the photo are installed within the kitchen/dining area, away from the cooking area.
Ceiling-Height Cabinetry: If you’re just looking for more storage, evaluate your storage needs before extending cabinets to the ceiling. High-up cubbies are often inaccessible for daily items. If you need frequent access, focus on optimizing your lower cabinets with the storage solutions mentioned above rather than adding hard-to-reach overhead space.
Appliance Placement & Steam Damage: Steam is the enemy of cabinet finishes. Small appliances like coffee makers and toasters can peel or discolor the undersides of upper cabinets. When in use, always pull these appliances forward so steam can dissipate into the room rather than being trapped against your cabinetry.
When selecting stone slabs for your countertops: Bring samples of your cabinetry, flooring, and wall colors to ensure a cohesive look. Because stone naturally features a wide spectrum of whites, greys, and earth tones, it is vital to choose slabs that complement your existing palette. For example, pairing a stark white quartz with cream cabinets can inadvertently make the cabinetry appear dingy. Additionally, keep in mind that slab dimensions and material types influence total costs. The size of the stone determines the number of slabs required, which directly impacts your budget. Please Note: At Pacific Kitchens, our fabricators strategically plan the layout of your stone to minimize seams and highlight the material’s natural beauty.
