Kitchens of Colorado

What is Cabinet Distressing?

One of the hottest trends in interior design right now is mixing old, rustic décor with contemporary and chic furnishings. A simple way to achieve the “shabby chic” look that is filling up the pages of design magazines around the country is to incorporate distressed fixtures and woodwork into your custom kitchen remodel. Let's take a closer look at cabinet distressing.

Methods Used to Distress

Distressed cabinets are cabinets that have been artificially worn down in order to create a more aged or antique facade. Your custom kitchen remodel company may use one or several methods to achieve this look, including sanding, rasping, and painting. Each of these techniques is directed at areas of the cabinets that naturally age over time, such as the corners, edges, and within cracks featured between the  different levels of woodwork.

Possible Looks That Can Be Achieved

A common misconception about distressed furniture lies in the idea that the end result is always the same. There are numerous looks that the distressing process allows you to achieve during your kitchen remodel. These looks include simulated wormholes, spotting that resembles fly specs, and antique joinery. Select custom kitchen remodel companies can assist you in choosing a distressed pattern or design that fits your style and décor.

Benefits of Choosing Distressed Cabinets

In addition to the fashionable boost that distressed cabinets can bring to your kitchen, they also offer practicality and durability. As your kitchen remodel contractor will share with you, modern cabinets that are distressed to look dated are more likely to last a long time than reclaimed wood that has naturally worn on its own. Not only will dinner guests and visitors be impressed at the sight of your new cabinetry, but so will your family as they confidently rely on them for years to come.

If you are interested in incorporating distressed cabinets into your future kitchen makeover, then speak with the professionals at Kitchens of Colorado. We carry one of the largest selections of brand name cabinets in the state and can customize any product to fit your personal style. Call us today at (720) 420-1107 to learn more about our design services.

Tips for Caring for Your New Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances have the power to instantly transform the look of any kitchen and give it that modern edge that homeowners often strive for. If you have recently decided to include a stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, or other major appliance in your kitchen remodel, then it's important that you take a moment to learn about the basics of maintaining the chic appearance of each machine. Here are a few helpful tips for caring for your new stainless steel appliances.

Stick to Basic Ingredients for Everyday Cleanings

Despite its hardness, stainless steel is in fact highly sensitive to damage from abrasive materials. That's why it's a good idea to stick to the basics—mild soap and water—when cleaning your major appliances throughout the week. This simple solution should be applied to a gentle rag or microfiber cloth that won't leave any scratches or visible water spots.

Intensify Your Regimen with Help from Glass Cleaner

Although everyday cleanings are best conducted with water and soap, deep cleanings should incorporate products that are tougher on food spatter and fingerprints. To begin the deep cleaning process, dampen a cloth and place a drop of dishwashing liquid upon it. Gently scrub the stain in a circular motion until it is no longer visible. Finish by spraying glass cleaner on the surface to give the steel a clean, polished look.

Keep Scratches at Bay Using Stainless Steel Solution

As your custom kitchen remodel professionals will inform you, stainless steel can scratch if it is not properly cared for. To prevent unattractive scratches from occurring, invest in a mild, non-abrasive stainless steel cleaner. Be sure to apply the cleaner in the direction of the natural grain of the metal so as to not exacerbate any existing scratches.

You can get more tips on keeping your major appliances in top form by speaking with the professionals at Kitchens of Colorado. With 11 showrooms for you to choose from throughout Colorado's Front Range and Mountain communities, you will never be far from excellent customer service. To find out which of our locations is the most convenient fit for you, call (720) 420-1107.

The Basics of Upgrading to Natural Wood Cabinetry

Wood cabinetry is a top choice for homeowners who are preparing to remodel their kitchens, thanks to its attractiveness and durability. In order to ensure the best long-term results, anyone who has purchased wood cabinets should take several precautionary measures prior to installation, including sealing and finishing the material.

An effective sealant will keep moisture out—thereby preventing damage such as swelling or cracking—without distracting from the look of the cabinets. Since buyers can choose from a variety of finishes for their wood cabinets, any interior design preferences can be easily accommodated. As you will learn in this video, however, the more exotic finishes, such as solid cherry or walnut, are typically more costly than simpler styles such as pine.

The experienced professionals here at Kitchens of Colorado can assist you with your future upgrade to natural wood cabinetry. To discuss the cabinet selection and installation process with us, call (720) 947-1107 today.

Kitchen Lighting And Design Ideas

If you are preparing to remodel your kitchen, lighting and design are two important components that you will need to consider. The experienced consultants of Kitchens of Colorado can help to provide insight on both of these key kitchen elements. In the meantime, be sure to visit the links below for some information you can put to good use.

• If you are interested in learning more about space-efficient appliances, check out this article from Better Homes and Gardens.
• Find out more about lighting your kitchen effectively with this informative article from HGTV.

• Before you can begin lighting your house, you need to know what the different components are.  You can learn about the differences between ambient and accent lighting and more with this article from DIY Network.
• Visit this link from House Beautiful for some modern kitchen design ideas.
• Do you need some inspiration for your kitchen remodel? Check out these before and after kitchen designs from This Old House.

Let the team at Kitchens of Colorado help to make your kitchen remodeling dreams come to life. If you are located in the Denver, Boulder, Aspen, Vail, or Steamboat Springs area, visit our showroom for inspiration and ideas. Contact our team today at (720) 420-1107 to set up a consultation.

The Role Lighting Should Play in Your Kitchen Remodel

Lighting can make or break a room. It can mean the difference between a serviceable space and a warm and welcoming room. To further complicate matters, the options for lighting are nearly endless. Before you begin your kitchen remodel, read this article to learn more about the different types of kitchen lighting and how you can incorporate them into your project.

Task Lighting. Task lighting, or lighting put in place to directly illuminate a work surface, is the most practical of lighting sources. Task lighting is particularly important in the kitchen where meal preparation tasks will take place. With that in mind, consider mixing high and low task lighting components. For example, in addition to overhead lighting, strip lights installed underneath a kitchen’s cabinets can help to brighten countertop workspaces. Ask your kitchen remodeler about mounting under-cabinet lighting near the front of the cabinet as opposed to the back to avoid casting shadows over your countertop.

Accent Lighting. Accent lighting is designed for just that—accenting or highlighting key kitchen elements. If you have an architectural component or a favorite piece of artwork that you would like to showcase, accent lighting can help. This is also the type of lighting most responsible for adding visual interest to your room. Spotlights, table lamps and pendant lights are a few common forms of accent lighting.

Ambient Lighting. Ambient lighting, often thought of as mood lighting, can help to add character and warmth to your kitchen. It is put in place to provide a comfortable level of brightness without glare. Ideally, ambient lighting will be installed with the intention of providing a variety of lighting levels and options. For example, a dimmer switch will allow you to adjust the mood of your room quickly and easily. Ambient lighting can be accomplished by installing chandeliers, recessed lighting fixtures, wall sconces, or track lights.

If you are considering undertaking a kitchen remodel, contact Kitchens of Colorado today at (720) 420-1107 or stop by our Denver area showroom. Featuring today’s best cabinets, appliances, and more, our showrooms will give you the inspiration you need for your kitchen remodeling project.