Cupboards Kitchen and Bath

The Economics of Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:30:00 +0000

It's Valentine's Day again and lots of folks will be snacking on yummy chocolates and admiring pretty flowers for the next couple of days.

Interestingly enough, I've done granite counters for Valentine's Day. Forget jewelry, I want a rock on the counter!

Via: Online MBA Blog

Capital Cooking Offers COLOR!

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:05:00 +0000

I've never tried to hide my love for the Capital Cooking line of ranges. They just scream awesomeness to me in all the right ways.

Recently, Capital launched an awesome spectrum of 10 colors on three of their best models, Culinarian and Precision Ranges plus Maestro Wall Ovens.

Range in....

Flame Red

Pale Green

Signal Blue

Yellow

Other colors available include: Black, Cobalt Blue, Oyster White, Red Wine, Ruby Red, and White. You can check out the other colors available from Capital Cooking on their Facebook page.

So what do you think? Ready for an appliance that's bold and among the best in the industry?!

Sunday Inspiration - Not Just a Log Pile

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:33:00 +0000

Novelty isn't a bad thing. When a space or building has a personality and talking points of its own and still functions as a highly refined area it's all the better.

I've always been a big fan of having a separate work and home space. I'm for sure the pot calling the kettle black because I'm typing this from my kitchen table. If you have the ability and opportunity to take your work stuff out of your house do it!

This awesome little building was built by Piet Hein Eek for his pal Hans Liberg in The Netherlands. Hans uses it as a recording studio. Takes the log cabin concept to all new levels!

The pale blue interior not only opens up the small space, but provides a calm environment for knocking out those to-do lists(surely I'm not the only one that makes at least one list a day).

all photos via

With the push toward small living and minimizing environmental impact, this work space is surely a hit. Now that many people can work from home thanks to web and tele-commuting, this would be the sweetest office on the block!

Would it go well in your back yard?

Is It Really Green

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:30:00 +0000

This is a serious problem in the products industry right now. It's important that as consumers we are paying attention to labels and not getting "greenwashed". Be aware that there are products out there that are green in name only.

Read the labels!

Via CSG

So You Want(ed) To Go To The Super Bowl

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:30:00 +0000

I know that the Super Bowl is in a few hours, but had you planned a bit ahead this is some good info on the cash you might have spent to get to Indianapolis for the big game. Seems like a lot for a single game, even for those of us in SEC Country.

What do you think? Who've you got tonight?

The History of Rickrolling

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:30:00 +0000

And now a break from your regular programming... Time for a funny bit of information- I'm not going to RickRoll you, but it's not because I don't want to. Ha!

Rick Astley forever!

Happy Groundhog Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Happy Groundhog Day! Here's to an early Spring! Wait a minute... we haven't really had any winter yet. Oh well, cheers to Phil and Birmingham Bill and Beauregard Lee and all the other fun groundhog prognosticators around the country!

Hope it's warm where you are!

via

#WordlessWednesday - Ski Jumping Potty

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:30:00 +0000

*Photo via DivineCaroline - "A Japanese coffee company, Georgia Max Coffee, modified the bathrooms of ski areas around Japan to promote their coffee energy drinks. This is probably the most exciting bathroom I've ever seen!"

Have a Cuppa Sink!

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:04:00 +0000

ArtCeram unveiled these cup-shaped lavatories to the delight of java-junkies the world over. They're available in a tall(like Starbucks smallish) to venti(all the way to the floor) but only in black and white.

See?

photos via ArtCeram

Do you see a coffee-cup shaped bathroom sink in your future? Is this fun or folly?

Sunday Inspiration - White Can Be Bold

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:24:00 +0000

White walls, floors, ceilings, trims, on and on...

Sounds plain, right? You just need the right designer.

This apartment is currently for sale in London- Here's the description from the realtor:

"An amazing family apartment with excellent lateral space situated on the third floor of a handsome red brick mansion building. This beautifully maintained building benefits from a lift and porter service. It is also well located close to Notting Hill Gate, Kensington Gardens and nearby Wetherby House and Pembridge Hall schools. The property has been extensively refurbished with incredible flair and character and comes with a state of the art integrated AV system. Predominantly south facing it is airy and bright with cosy limed wood floors and a light colour scheme. A pair of large reception rooms and an impressive Clive Christian kitchen/breakfast room, with built in snug, make up the generous living space. The master bedroom suite is luxurious and elegant with a separate dressing area and en-suite bathroom. There are two further double bedrooms both with en suite bathrooms and a divine guest cloakroom."

See? Some good accessories and bold choices can make even a simple space look wild!

All photos: DomusNova

Everything You Need To Know About Pigs

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

No one can dispute my love for all things bacon...

Via Cell Pig.com

A Wooden Fashion Statement

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:39:00 +0000

I joke a lot that cabinet folks have "sawdust in their veins"... it's the kind of mentality that reacts to a project with the "wish we could have gone two feet further" attitude.

Nonetheless, the wood working people in our lives need something to wear when they aren't covered in sawdust and wood glue.

Enter the wooden tie. It's amusing and brilliant all at the same time.

Wood Thumb is a fairly new start-up in San Francisco headed up by two young guys(hey, it's cool to see more young people in biz!) that uses all reclaimed woods in their rockin' cool wood neck ties.

Now I've never claimed this blog to be a fashion beacon, but I like these ties. I think that it's an awesome conversation piece and would make waves at the International Woodworking Fair later this year. Hey, maybe I'll wear one!

All photos via Wood Thumb

It's a great gift work the woodworker in your world, whether professional or just a hobbyist. Hey, it's guaranteed to get lots of looks!

17 Things You Didn't Know About Your Morning Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

One of my psuedo-New Year's resolution was eliminating caffeine from my diet... So long Starbucks, except for my occasional iced passion tea.

Pretty interesting things about your morning cuppa!

Via Espresso Machine Advisor.com

Friday Find - Dreamfarm Temji

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:35:00 +0000

Dreamfarm is easily one of my favorite innovative companies. They're always coming out with something neat and new. The last time that I had Dreamfarm on the blog we were trying to drink from the sink...

This time, the creative folks at Dreamfarm have come up with a unique way to dial up the perfect shower temperature every time you're ready for the bath! This is the Temji!

Initially, I thought these would be awesome for me to have just because I'm half asleep during most morning showers anyway and the shock of a too hot or too cold shower isn't my preferred way to become mentally alert. The more I thought about this, the more I realized how awesome this is for kids and even more important for older people who may be more sensitive to temperature.

via

The cool little wraparound pieces are brightly colored(and in universal red for hot and blue for cold) with easy to read numbers.

I couldn't be more impressed. Just another product from Dreamfarm to help make life a little bit easier.

Check out this video from Dreamfarm about the Temji!

Genius Moment - Carlon Pop-Up Receptacle

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:05:00 +0000

There are some kitchen innovations that I must have. Here's another:

The Carlon Pop-Up Kitchen Receptacle from Thomas & Betts provides a GFCI outlet on islands or peninsulas where general wall outlets aren't necessarily practical. Aside from being better looking that an end mounted outlet, it prevents lots of potential safety hazards from lower hanging electrical cords.

In the rare event that a spill gets near the outlet, a gasket seals the electrical components from liquids preventing an damage or unsafe moments.

It's really easy to use... just lightly press down and the outlet pops up!

The Carlon Pop-Up Receptacle fits neatly in any kitchen or other workstation top. It also meets the new UL and FEC specs for counter receptacles.

As always, you should check your local code to make sure they are compliant.

photos via Thomas & Betts

Sunday Inspiration - Alligator House

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:08:00 +0000

The Alligator House is a project by buildingstudio designed to go back in to lower-income areas of post-Katrina New Orleans.

The design is stunning!

At just 13 feet wide, the home fits nicely on the narrow lots in already crowded parts of the city. It really reminds me of the shotgun houses around here!

The 872 square foot home has two bedroom and a bath and a half. Perfect for a small family!

via

Kudos to buildingstudio for helping make New Orleans a better place and certainly adding a bright spot to the landscape!

What's Really Scary About Social Media

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

First of all, thanks to all of you that follow us on twitter and other social media outlets... If you aren't following us, you need to get with the program.

Keeping up with the Jones' is something that will always be around in social media. I love this info about what is scary about social media.

Are you scared? Ha!

Click to Enlarge
Via Shoutlet

Not-so-Friendly Guest Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:45:00 +0000

I admittedly like furniture that may not be so comfortable... But this?!

*knocks at the door*

"Oh come in! Have a seat..."

"What in the..."

"Oh it's new- I call it my pile of scrap wood chair... You'll love it!"

photo via

Sunday Inspiration - Hill Plain House

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:02:00 +0000

Sometimes I feel like the best way to have a home is one that embraces the land and country around it. Most of our local areas are quite rural and even though it's no mountain range or beach scene, the country is beautiful and why try to create an artificial scene when you have something incredible right out your door?!

This house was designed by Wolveridge Architects and won some pretty hefty Australian design awards last year. It's exactly the kind of space that brings the beauty of outside in.

Don't you just love the open design and minimal clutter? The yellow accent in the kitchen brightens up the dark wood walls.

If this was the view from my shower, I'd have a less than desirable water bill and shriveled up fingers and toes. Isn't it awesome?

Photos by: Derek Swalwell

The Tale of the New Year's #Fail

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:14:00 +0000

I must admit, like many of you out there, I've vowed to lose some weight in the new year... My pants are a bit snug and I'm not buying a bigger size. Ha!

Check out these statistics on holidays and weight gain/loss... What have you resolved to do in 2012? Still sticking with it 7 days in?

So long 2011! Hello New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:26:00 +0000

2011 was a banner year here on the blog and there's no one to thank but you loyal readers out there in blog-reading land.

AHH! What is this, Halloween?! Scary!

There were definitely some ups and downs this year and I've been called everything from smart, witty and good looking(well, maybe not) to shill and time-waster for posts you may or may not have read here in 2011. After all, there were 218 posts in 2011 and it wouldn't be difficult to miss a couple!

So I thought it would be fun to recap some of the most read and popular posts on the blog last year. Without further adieu...

The year started off with a bang. When Trends Attack! Granite Tile Counters ended up being the most search engine referred post EVER on the blog. I don't think too many DIY-friendly folks found me too entertaining... the comments were AWESOME!

After that, Stop Spreading Germs taught us to sneeze in the back-pockets of coworkers. No sense in getting folks sick...

Pirates landed on the blog with When "Go to Your Room" isn't Punishment and showed just how innovative design has become even in kid's bedrooms.

In another set of inspiring photos, Your Wallpaper Will Never Be This Cool took wall coverings and lighting to an entirely different level.

You'll see some changes on the blog this year, and some things will stay the same. Don't expect me to start liking granite tile counters anytime soon.

If you have something you'd like to see on the blog please feel free to shoot me a message and let me know. Want to do a guest post? I'd be game for that, too!

All the best wishes for you in 2012! Thanks again and keep reading!

Have a BLAST this Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

From our family to yours, we hope that the holiday season finds you safe and in good health surrounded by those you love!

Merry Christmas!

via

Visual History of Christmas Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

It's Christmas Eve and what better time to talk about Christmas Trees?! We have an "upside down" tree at Cupboards this year... I love the unique ones!

What did you do at your place this year?

Nearly #WordlessWednesday - Another Wassail?

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

This holiday season, take some time and spend it with those you treasure most... the stories, laughs and time are better than any material gift.

Try it out... And have another glass!

Pallet-Gardening(Responsible Pallet Usage)

noreply@blogger.com (Nick @ Cupboards) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:51:00 +0000

Some days it seems like my whole identity here is pallets(and some granite tile for good measure). I really don't hate DIY. In fact, some DIY is pure brilliance.

I'm fortunate to have good readers that send me good stuff along the way(yes, even DIY stuff). I was unfamiliar with Life on the Balcony, but I'm a devoted reader now.

Fern(head balcony guru) over at Life on the Balcony has used pallets to create gardens. Now, I like to do some patio gardening but would have never thought about this!

This is really good-looking stuff! I know that it's December but you can start your planning for next spring now.

Dirt on pallets.... Seems like I've said that before. Ha!

photos via Life on the Balcony

Fern even created a pallet garden that attracted bees and butterflies! If you don't like bees, get with the program... how else do you think all our pretties get pollenated?

So there you have it... RESPONSIBLE pallet use. I love it... Even think I might like it hanging on the wall!

Here are lots of links you need to check:

Life on the Balcony - How to Turn a Pallet into a Garden

Life on the Balcony - Create a Bee and Butterfly Friendly Pallet Garden

and just for funsies....

Cupboards Blog - When Trends Attack! Shipping Pallet Edition