fbpx
Kitchen Reveal: A Modern Kitchen With Two-Toned Cabinets

Kitchen Reveal: A Modern Kitchen With Two-Toned Cabinets

by

All-white kitchens have certainly been popular for a while, and homeowners still love the crisp look it brings to their home, especially Farmhouse Style.  But for the last several years the kitchen with two-toned cabinets has been increasing in popularity.  And I love it! 

What started out as a tip toe into the “world of two colors” has morphed into multiple ways to bring your favorite colors into the kitchen in a way that works for you.

A lot of color makes me happy!  But since we tend to move a lot, my first thoughts are to go neutral with most improvements so that they’re something a future buyer would like.  Even before we sold our last home, I remember thinking, “you love bright color, so why aren’t you using it?”  And so I did! 

With our new 18 year old fixer upper, I stepped totally out of the box (in the end).  The entire time I was designing the kitchen I visualized white cabinets around the room with a dark navy blue island.  Clean, simple, and uncluttered was the plan for this kitchen.  It would still be a kitchen with two-toned cabinets, just a little ordinary.  And I needed to have it finished ASAP! 

You see, when we moved into our new home, the kitchen was very outdated with a lot of wasted space cabinets.  Storage was minimal.  The gold cabinets had so much glazing in the corners that they looked dirty.  We were anxious to make a change.

MLS image of our original kitchen

But good design needs a well thought out plan, not one that’s rushed.  And that’s what we were able to create..once I took a step back and slowed down.  Remember, I love color and being a little bit different than everyone else.  On my first trip to the cabinet showroom I found exactly what I was looking for, and it wasn’t white and navy blue!  This meant taking a leap of faith and stepping out of my “play it safe” comfort zone.  I had my happy colors at last!!!

two toned cabinet samples

Shiloh Cabinetry: taupe stain on alder and aqua stain on alder

Ta-Da!  Here is the big reveal of our new kitchen, which we love.  Even though the footprint is basically the same, the amount of storage space we gained is amazing.  Work areas were arranged to suit the way we like to work in our kitchens.  A vent hood was added where a downdraft had been.  And a fun backsplash was added in my favorite shades of blues and turquoise.

Destefano full view kitchen

 

Destefano kitchen refrigerator wall

Destefano island

Are YOU ready for a kitchen renovation?  Remember that it doesn’t always need to be a full reno to make a big impact.  Making simple changes like painting your island to create your own two-toned cabinet look and installing new cabinet “jewelry” can be a big improvement to a dated kitchen. 

And when you’re finished, you might need a break to focus your time, energy, and money on another big project. It’s OK if your kitchen becomes a work in progress as you add the Finishing Touches like window treatments, counter stools, or rugs.

I’m here to help!  Email me here: AskADesigner@randidestefano.com  

Remodeling Your Kitchen: A Happy Thought or One That Fills You with Dread?

by

fan deck and blueprint

Whenever I hear women talking about remodeling your kitchen, it’s usually a conversation filled with animated excitement. They talk about the new appliances they’re going to buy, the colors they’ll use, and the beautiful cabinets filled with every convenience.

But every once in a while, the “remodeling your kitchen” talk turns to the horror stories they’ve heard from friends about remodels gone bad. They bring up things like project budgets that have gone way beyond what they planned for. They worry about all the chaos and clutter that they’ll have to deal with. And worst of all, they agonize over the lengthy process and whether they can even stand to do it.  Does this ring a bell with you?

Remodeling projects don’t need to end this way.  It should be a fun and exciting time for you.  Now, I’m not saying that it will all go perfectly.  But I am saying that I’m passionate about helping you have a successful kitchen remodel.  It’s what I love to do!

But I can’t do that if I don’t know what your biggest concerns are.  You know, the things that fill you with dread, and might even keep you from starting your project. So please take a minute to complete this poll I’ve created, and then look forward to making memories in your own dream kitchen!


 

Power Up In Style: Hide the Cords and Keep Your Counters Clutter-Free

by

 
 
     Have you finally taken the big leap and started working from a home office?  Maybe you’ve started your own business, or the company you work for lets you work from home a few days a week.  Maybe, like the rest of us, you have too many hand held devices and charging time becomes a race for the next available outlet.  If this sounds like you, you’ll be excited to learn about these hot new products.
     The first one, from Mockett and Company is brand new to the market, and brings us the latest in clean lines and technology…wireless charging made easy.  They have designed a power grid station built right into the lid.  All you need to do is rest your mobile device on the top, and voila!  Charged!  Inside you’ll discover outlets and a USB port, which means that while your phone is charging, so can you laptop.  I love it!  And it comes in a satin aluminum finish with either black or white plugs.
     
     
     One of the first power and communication grommets to focus on the kitchen and home office is also from Mockett and Company.  It’s pop-up style allows you to plug in up to 3 cords.  And when you’ve finished, it easily retreats back under your counter top. 
 
    
     Another product from Evoline USA works in almost the same way, but with a few added bells and whistles.  The top is available in black, white, or stainless so that it blends a little better with your counter top.  The tilt-up top makes it easier be pulled up and pushed back into place.  But the feature that really sets it apart is the tilted outlets that allow you to plug in, push down, and stay connected…all at the same time!  Imagine the possibilities for your desk, a communication center, your kitchen island or buffet area. No more outlets exposed and on view for all to see.  No unsightly outlets cut into your beautiful new cabinets. 
 
     This was our product of choice for the island in our new kitchen.  It blends into the countertop and is easy to use.  The only tricky part was deciding which cabinet to install the outlet in, and to make sure it was accessible once the counters were installed.
 
     If you love the idea of these products, and want more information, give me a call at (404)213-8571 and I’ll be happy to help.