PAINTS AND GLAZES ADD VARIETY TO KITCHEN CABINET OPTIONS
November 25th, 2006

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Cabinetry with painted or glazed finishes can add warmth and life to a kitchen, just as color can help transform the heart of the home into a unique reflection of the homeowner's personality.

  While wood cabinets with natural finishes remain popular, more people today are opting for painted surfaces, with hues ranging from traditional white to whimsical blues, greens and yellows.

            Whether a homeowner chooses naturally finished wood, paint or glaze, it is important to purchase quality cabinets.

            Look for features like three-quarter-inch end panels and shelves, which offer more durability than the more typical half-inch size. Dove-tailed drawers are superior to those in which sections are simply butted against each other.

            Most people spend a lot of time in their kitchens. "Whether you are building a new home or remodeling an existing one, it's a good idea to engage the services of a kitchen designer to provide the most effective layout and help you make the most of every inch of space.

            "We offer more than 200 style, color and wood species combinations," said Pat Perez, sales representative for Cardell Cabinetry.   "Clients tell us that painted cabinets give a homier, less formal feel, and transport them back to the friendly kitchens of their childhoods."

            Choose a reliable designer who will finish the job within budget and on time. "At Distinctive Kitchens and Baths, you'll find design professionals to help you through every step of the process, as well as a large showroom where you'll be able to view a variety of cabinetry, flooring and countertops." 

            The designer will first ask about your lifestyle, and then create a plan to complement it. A double oven will allow you to prepare different dishes at the same time, while convection heat will speed the process.

A cook top with a warming burner can be especially useful if you make delicate sauces. If, on the other hand, your idea of preparing a meal is venting the wrapper of a microwave entrée, you probably won't want to waste space or money on extra features.

            In the early days of America, the kitchen was the heart of the home, where the family gathered near the fireplace for light and warmth. Later, the kitchen became a place to keep out of sight. The cook prepared the meal while family members and guests waited in another part of the house. When dinner was ready, the cook carried food into the dining room and closed the kitchen door again.

            Today, the kitchen has returned to its earlier role, but with much more style and flair. Homeowners use their kitchens for entertaining as well as preparing meals, and modern floor plans reflect that. Most kitchens are open to other spaces, such as a great room or family room, so people can move easily between the areas and feel as if they're together.

            Homeowners are also investing in furniture-quality bathroom cabinetry that is as beautiful as it is useful.

            Bathrooms today have become glamorous retreats that offer an escape from the stress of the outside world. In most new homes, the master bath has distinctive areas for each partner. Many larger homes go further and are designed with his and her baths that are completely separate from each other.

            Today's larger vanities may be as long as 10 feet, and are likely to be the height of a kitchen counter rather than the lower level of the past. They often offer storage designed for specific needs, such as shallow makeup drawers.

           Retro-style open shelving is another trend. It allows you to exhibit colorful fluffy towels, beautiful perfume bottles and vials, photographs, and even personal collections.

            A beautiful, well-designed kitchen adds value to the entire home. It's usually the first area that buyers view when they are considering a purchase. Investing in this important space will bring a return in personal pleasure every day you enjoy yourself there, and again if you ever decide to sell your home.