The Latest Kitchen Cabinetry Styles Emphasize a Simpler Space.

Product Monitor - Part #1 - The Latest kitchen cabinetry styles emphasize a simpler space

excerpted from PROSALES Magazine, 2010-10-4As open layouts remain popular and ceilings get taller, homeowners want a kitchen that complements the clean, open style of their homes.Five years ago, consumers picked doors with heavy moldings and intricate hardware. Now, they're "playing it safe" and picking simpler, higher-quality, and more long-lasting choices. "We keep hearing, 'I don't want a lot of fuss in the kitchen,'" says Angela O'Neill, director of marketing for Wellborn Cabinet. "'I don't want pots and pans or anything on top of the cabinets. I want them to go up with no clutter.'"That is why the manufacturer introduced a taller, 54-inch cabinet that extends closer to high ceilings for a cleaner look. Today's popular door styles (particularly Shaker), colors (either dark or white), and storage choices (increasingly for the elderly) also emphasize this desire for a pared-down kitchen.Today's "transitional" aesthetic fits a homeowner's need for minimalism, while not being as cold as European-style modern design, dealers and manufacturers say. "Flat panel and slab doors are popular. Many are moving away from traditional raised panel oak doors. It is not a hard-core contemporary look, but simpler and less complicated." Not only does this style result in a less cluttered feel, but it helps homeowners feel they are choosing designs that are longer-lasting and a good investment. For example, Shaker-style products were a popular "cost-conscious pick for consumers," the National Kitchen and Bath Association found this year in a value-centered survey of 822 design professionals.Five years ago, consumers were choosing doors with heavy moldings and intricate hardware. Now, they are "playing it safe." - what's emerging is better quality, and solutions that will last and be appreciated. The NKBA says cherry has been the most popular species, followed by maple, and predicts alder wood will make a resurgence. "Cherry has been replacing maple as the species of choice; alder has replaced hickory." At Wellborn Cabinet, maple is toppling oak and cherry comes next. With the fall of oak comes the popularity of maple. Maple has a cleaner look because of its tighter grain, O'Neill says. Cherry, a premium over maple with an even closer grain, is the next most popular species for her company.

Reviews

From start to finish Kurtis was a great company to work with. From the initial contact and design concept with Gregory Holster to the cabinet drop off team, the install team led by project manager Jeff Tuomi and the countertop company, the project was on time and all work was performed beyond expectations. This was greatly appreciated seeing as it was completed on December 23. All the people involved were professional and did an excellent job.

Ken M.

Shanna was our project consultant. Picking out cabinets along with counters can be somewhat overwhelming but her knowledge & experience helped us make the right decisions. Dylan & Juwan unloaded truck & Dylan check off ship ticket to make sure all boxes were accounted for. Courteous & pleasant to talk to…nice job of stacking everything neatly in our garage. We couldn't be more pleased with the service & so happy with our kitchen

Deborah D.

We recently worked with Lauren on cabinetry for a master bathroom renovation. She was great to work on the design and selections. Lauren was efficient and responsive from cabinet selection through ordering. Our overall installation was smooth. We had some unforeseen circumstances impacting our ability to accept delivery of our cabinets on the initial agreed upon date. Kurtis was very accommodating in rescheduling delivery given our project challenges. We couldn't be happier with our cabinets for this project.

Shannon O.

We had complete renovations to our kitchen and main bathroom. From start to finish, the design with Shanna was exactly what we asked for and Jeff stayed on top of the renovations, communicating each step of the way. Every worker was professional and the final product is elegant and functional. We were very happy with Kurtis and would choose Shanna and Jeff again.

Eileen M.

We love our new kitchen! Kurtis Kitchen & Bath did an outstanding job, and Adrian at the Clarkston location was exceptional to work with—creative, patient, and really listened to what we wanted. The project was well-organized, and we went from demo to a fully functioning kitchen in just 30 days. Highly recommend!

Carter C.