This and next week, we have partnered with the Food Bank of Contra Costa to do our part in feeding some of the 130,000 hungry people in the Contra Costa area.  If you would like to donate, please feel free to stop by our showroom in San Ramon, or drop off your donation to one of the many donation locations in Contra Costa and Solano Counties.

Workspace

Kitchen islands can be an added value to the home if you plan correctly. As an additional workspace, an island gives you a feeling of ease and comfort while working in the kitchen. No one wants to be cramped up on a small counter when you have the huge open space of your island. There is nothing worse than two people preparing a meal and tripping over each other.

Storage

Another woe in kitchen remodels is storage space. Where will items go once you change your kitchen? Will you be able to find more space so there is less clutter on the counter? The answer is yes, you can find the space for everything you have with an island. The beauty of the island is that it provides ample space on the counter for working and tons of space for storage and organization. Use this area for things that aren’t regularly used or are too large for your countertop like some small appliances.

Appliances and Creativity

Islands are a wonderful place to customize and show your creativity too. If you are looking to add a little spice into your new kitchen design, taking a chance on the island is your best bet. With the opportunity to change the countertop, add customized pieces and introduce color in the island, it’s smart to upgrade this area. When it comes to customization, the island provides you with even more options for appliances. An island is the perfect place for a wine cooler, second microwave, dishwasher or a prep sink.

Consider creating a stellar island in your kitchen remodel and you won’t be disappointed with how it adds space, functionality and personality into your kitchen.

Via Companion Cabinet

We hear the word “trend” associated with many of the products we purchase. In the world of design, trend describes a design approach currently being used by numerous designers. When the word “trending” is used, that information is typically based on market research of what people have actually purchased in recent fiscal periods.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association recently did a survey of over 350 designers across the United States and Canada to determine overall Kitchen and Bath trends for 2012. The list they compiled included things such as darker finishes, glass backsplashes, and shades of gray.

But just how important are trends when deciding on a unified kitchen or bath design? A good kitchen and bath designer will consider many things when helping clients choose their cabinetry such as the architectural style of the home, the way the family uses the kitchen or bath, the style of the furnishings the family owns, and the color tones used in other rooms throughout the house.

While it might be fun to consider trendy materials when compiling your project wish list, be prepared to leave them out of the overall design. For instance, glass backsplashes might look sparkling in one setting and gaudy in others, and dark or gray stains can look very rich in some spaces while they might make other rooms seem gloomy. Trendy materials should bring cohesiveness to a design and should not be incorporated just for the sake of the trend itself.

Family House depends on continued donations in order to provide free accommodations, food and support for the families of children receiving treatment for life threatening illnesses at UCSF Medical Center.

http://familyhouseinc.org/?p=home

One of the most common questions we hear from people who visit our showroom for the first time is, “Generally speaking, how much does it cost to remodel a kitchen?” We wish there was an easy answer to that question, but there are too many factors to consider. Here is a short list of variables that will impact the overall cost of a kitchen remodel:

• ·         The size of the kitchen, and whether the space is being reconfigured.
• ·         Plumbing and electrical needs and changes.
• ·         The quality of the cabinetry, the options, and the trims.
• ·         The type of countertop material.
• ·         The brand of appliances.
• ·         The type of flooring material.
• ·         The quality of plumbing and lighting fixtures.
• ·         The going rate for a dependable licensed contractor in your area.

Before you begin to consider the items listed above, first determine the total amount you can comfortably afford to spend. Next, let your designer know, to the best of your knowledge, what the scope of the work will include. Be realistic about the cost of adding numerous options and trims to your project. Finally, keep in mind that the most visible item you will purchase is the cabinetry, so be sure to choose a reputable cabinetry showroom with experienced designers to help you make the best selection for your project and budget.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry, NARI, has a helpful worksheet for determining how much you can afford to finance for a home remodel project:

Go to > http://www.nari.org > Homeowners > Budget

The Craftsmen Network has a helpful cost calculator:

Go to > http://www.craftsmennetwork.com/calculators-kitchen.html

December is a special time because we have a sense of wrapping up the calendar year at work while gearing up for the holidays. This year, as part of our holiday activities, we decided Diablo Valley Cabinetry would sponsor a food drive. Thanks to the participation of many of the contractors and manufacturer representatives with whom we do business, we were able to make a nice donation to the Contra Costa Solano Food Bank. Many thanks to all who participated and Happy Holidays to all!

http://www.foodbankccs.org/

Happy Holidays from Diablo Valley Cabinetry!

As we finish out 2011, I am thinking of all the beautiful new kitchens our clients will be enjoying as they prepare their holiday meals.

While books seem to have given way to eReaders, I still think a cookbook is a wonderful gift for any cooking enthusiast. Epicurious has a list of the best cookbooks of 2011 if you are still trying to fill out your shopping list. http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/howtocook/cookbooks/best-cookbooks-2011

Our best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season!

There is no time like the holidays to make us realize the value of a well-organized home. Decorating the house makes all the out of place items look like meaningless clutter. One home improvement that is growing in popularity is the built-in mail center or home office. Whether converting a small hallway nook or entire room, there are many options for creating the perfect organizational center for any space.