A long-standing trend in home design has been the idea of an open floor plan – where rooms aren’t separated by walls but instead unified into one large space. This continues to be one of the most popular requests among home buyers, but like any trend the open concept is undergoing some transformation.

Part of the appeal is that the open concept allows people to spend more time together and signals a casual, informal lifestyle.  Family members can be together while performing different tasks, yet sharing the same space.  Most open floor plan designs combine the kitchen, dining and living space into what’s often called a great room.  Someone can be at the kitchen island with an IPad, another watching TV, someone cooking and another doing homework – all within eyesight of each other.  If you don’t want a completely open floor plan, kitchens opening onto the family room can accomplish many of the same goals.

If you have limited space, an open floor plan is also a creative way to make a home feel larger.  Walls, hallways and doorways can rob valuable space and give more of compartmentalized feel.  Taking them out makes more use of the footprint.

For those who like to entertain, open floor plans are a great way for people to mingle and not be separated into different groups and smaller gathering spaces.   It also allows the host to be part of the festivities while preparing things in the kitchen.

Take out the Noise

        The reality is when rooms with multiple functions spill into each other, the noise level can be out of control.   You can avoid some common pitfalls while reaping the benefits with a few simple changes. Try incorporating sliding pocket doors to split off a noisy play room or to let someone have privacy for homework or a phone call.  This will give your open floor plan more flexibility.  Consider designing a convertible space – there may be times when you’ll need to slide those doors back into the wall and enlarge the room.   This idea is also ideal for doors that open to the outdoors.  In warmer weather, opening a space to the outdoors will make a dramatic difference in the size and feel of your home.

Bring in the Charm

To maintain character you can incorporate columns or molding and add area rugs to define a space. This allows a room to flow and function easily while also providing intimacy and charm so it doesn’t feel like a giant ballroom.

Keep out the Clutter

Lots of people doing lots of different things in one area equals a lot of stuff!  When designing an open floor plan make sure there is plenty of built-in storage that blends in with the architecture. Purchasing furniture that serves dual purposes, like storage benches or coffee tables with hidden storage compartments, can provide quick cleanups for toys, blankets, or other items.

Another possibility is to have a butler’s pantry right off the kitchen to store your items from the latest Costco run and bulky appliances that aren’t used every day.

By combining cabinetry, shelving and a cleanup area, the open kitchen looks more organized and less cluttered.   Built-in storage also provides a place to store all the power cords and chargers required to keep gadgets functioning properly.

If flexibility, open space and an informal lifestyle appeal to you, consider looking at homes with open floor plans or where you can easily create the concept. This might be the right fit for you!

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Probably more than any other element, cabinetry sets the tone for the look and feel of your kitchen.  There are so many choices to make, from materials and finishes to styles and hardware, it can all be a little overwhelming.

In this blog we’re focusing on one of the first steps in kitchen remodeling – deciding what kind of cabinets you want to install.  Making the right choices will help the room feel welcoming, efficient and easy to use.  According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, nearly half of the average kitchen remodeling budget goes toward cabinets. There are three basic categories to choose from:  stock, semi-custom and custom.  The categories are not necessarily an indication of quality; fine cabinetry can be had in all three.

Stock Cabinets

Stock cabinets come in many styles. They can be ordered through retailers, home improvement centers, or from manufacturer’s catalogs.  The cost is between $60 and $200 per linear foot.  These are usually the most economical choice because they are readily available.  Unfortunately, because they are already built, they don’t come in special sizes. Filler strips can be used to close gaps between walls or appliances, but that’s pretty much the extent for customization.

    Semi-Custom Cabinets

These cabinets are basically stock cabinets with extra detailing options. Basic cabinet sizes still apply, but you can change certain dimensions.  Storage units and accessories such as pullout bins and lazy Susans can be integrated into the design.  There is also a broader selection of finishes and cabinet depths that will give a more custom look to your kitchen. Semi-custom cabinets usually run between $100 and $650 per linear foot.   The disadvantages are their higher price tag and they may take a month or longer to be delivered.

  Custom Cabinets

These units are usually built by a local cabinetmaker and are highly personalized.  You can choose any material, size, shape, or configuration that fits into your design and whatever finish you prefer.  Custom cabinets usually cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot.  The obvious advantage is that your kitchen will look and function exactly the way you want.  If you have an oddly shaped kitchen, or a curved wall, it can be perfectly fitted with custom cabinets.  You can also accommodate specialized storage needs.  Far and away, the biggest downside of creating custom cabinets is their expense.  For those who like quick results, don’t expect to unveil your dream kitchen any time soon; true custom cabinets take at least 10 weeks – and often longer than that – to complete.

   When comparing cabinets, ask about construction details and look for these signs of lasting quality (details are a little “dry” but important to consider):

• Solid-wood face frames with doweled-and-glued joints, unless the cabinet is frameless.

• Solid-wood drawer fronts and door frames; solid or swell-veneered door panels.

• Solid-wood or plywood drawer sides at least ½” thick, with doweled or dovetailed joints.

• Self-closing drawer and tray glides able to bear at least 75-100 pounds each. Ball bearings are best.  (Full-extension glides increase storage space).

• Corner braces, plywood sides, and rear panels in the cabinet box.

• Adjustable shelves in wall cabinets.

• Pullout trays instead of fixed shelves in lower cabinets.

Congratulations! You’ve graduated from Kitchen Cabinets 101!  Hopefully this guide will help get your project started and make the process of creating your dream kitchen a little less overwhelming.

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