Home Improvement and Renovation

Well-designed kitchen lighting with different options and controls will add great value to your kitchen and offer a very good ROI (return on investment)

Whether you're remodeling your kitchen, or having your home built from the ground up, it's essential to arrange all elements to make the kitchen functional and attractive.

Accidents happen, and in a home the most common area for accidents is the kitchen. So when designing your modern kitchen you need to be aware of this fact.

Why do you need to be aware of it I hear you ask. Well when you are planning your new kitchen you need to consider the following common accidents. Then in your planning process you can plan to minimise the risk of these accidents occuring.

This way you will ensure:

1. That you don't have to carry hot food or dishes to far before you place them on a benchtop or counter.

2. If you are having as cooktops think about leaning across to stir a dish and you have loose clothing that may catch on fire.

3. The type of floor surface and how people move through your kitchen, ie is the kitchen a place people are going from one room to another?

So when planning your kitchen consdier these  6 most common accidents:

1. Burning Yourself While Removing Something From the Oven

This typically happens after the item has already been removed from the oven and is still scalding hot but now sitting innocuously on the counter.
While there's really no reason any person would touch something that's hovering around a couple hundred degrees, chances are, pretty much everyone has done it anyway.
From carelessly brushing the side of the oven while putting something in, to foolishly trying to move a pan that's just been taken out of the oven, there are few things that give you an embarrassed, "I can't believe I just did that" reaction like burning yourself while cooking.

2. Burning Clothes

Leaning across a burner or forgetting to put a mitten on.
As dumb as it sounds, fire related accidents are the most common ones and the ones that could cause you more harm, as well.
Avoid wearing loosely fitted clothing while cooking. Sleeves, sashes and shirt tails can get caught on knobs or catch fire.

3. Fire
Never leave a cooking pot unattended. It’s extremely easy to forget whatever you’re cooking if you’re living your life on the edge!
Work, family, life… From a small knock on the door to the telephone, if you have something cooking and you leave the kitchen, check back frequently!
Be careful how the handles of the pots are facing and that small hands can not touch them as well.

4. Slipping on Something in the Kitchen

The floor of a kitchen can be full of hazards, and way too many people end up slipping and falling.
Of all the possible ways to injure yourself while cooking, slipping on something you just spilled is easy.
One can only imagine the majority of these accidents go unreported, since there aren't a lot of people anxious to brag about their own accident.
However, between all the oils, liquids, and even flour that gets tossed around in the average kitchen there's plenty of ways to create your own little skating rink.
Even small puddles of liquid can cause you to slip and fall.
Leaving spills on counter-tops can cause cross-contamination.

5. Spilling Boiling Water

Another seemingly avoidable accident that typically comes about from just not paying close attention to what's going on.
Knocking over a pot of boiling water (or a similar hot item) is a great way to immediately ruin even the best of days.
Sometimes it's the result of a handle that was left askew, and other times it's a misplaced elbow bumping into something it shouldn't have.
Either way, spilling hot water on yourself is a clumsy accident that can do a huge amount of damage.

6. Cutting Yourself

Cutting yourself while attempting to slice food claims more fingers and palms than any other item.
Knives Are More Threatening Than They Look! Be sure to keep your knives in safe place in your counter or in your kitchen.
If you’re not a trained cook, be sure to slice slowly and in a dry enough place.
Do not lose attention and be careful of those little scares of the day! (Your phone ringing, your phone vibrating, etc…)

That is why a well designed kitchen can help prevent these accidents.

Have a great week.

Talk soon.

 

Adding colour to your kitchen will create character and life. Here are 7 ways you can easily add colour to your kitchen, no matter the size of your budget.

A kitchen renovation can be a big issue for everyone, including the most experienced renovator.

As a result of all this feedback and knowledge we have compiled the top 10 tips to a good renovation:

Storage is a big part of any kitchen. Can you ever have too much storage? Essentially your storage options can be split into four distinct areas. Learn the 4 main areas of storage options for your kitchen.

When designing your modern kitchen there are 4 Vital things you need to know and understand.

These 4 things are cooking, washing, preparation and storage. 

When renovating your kitchen it is important to consider the younger ones in your family if you have children. In Australia around 14,000 children under five years of age are admitted to hospital each year with kitchen related injuries in Australia. This is a sobering statistic that means when you are designing your kitchen you need to be practical yet stylish and consider child-friendly options.

Here are our 5 tips to consider when you are planning your renovation:

1. Appliances

• If you have an under the bench oven ensure that it has a minimum of triple glazed door that is cool to touch.
•  Ensure you have the oven and sink and bench tops in close proximity to minimize the carrying of hot dishes and to prevent scalding. Always remember your work triangle
•  Position electrical outlets close to the bench surface where appliances are
•  Explore a new technology, like induction cooking. “With induction, no heat is generated unless there’s a pot on the burner. It’s the pan that gets hot, then, not the cooking surface, so when the pan comes off, the burner is cool.
•  Refrigerator drawers (or mini fridges) are also great for your kid-friendly kitchen zone. It means your youngster can help him or herself to a drink after school or play without opening the main refrigerator. You can also store healthy snacks like carrot sticks and have them on hand for your child.
•  Putting a microwave at the end of the island keeps the child out of your workflow, creating a safer kitchen environment for your young one.

2.  Think about safety

• The more people using the kitchen, the more opportunities there are for something to go wrong.
•  If you have a toddler, view the room from their perspective. Sit on the floor of your present kitchen and survey the scene. You’ll probably see cabinets and drawers begging to be explored, sharp corners and lots of tools and objects that might look interesting to a curious child.
•  At a minimum, you want to make sure things like cleaning supplies, knives and small appliances are out of reach or in cabinets that lock, and that any unused electrical outlets are covered.
•  If you are thinking of child proof locks for cabinet doors keep in mind that as your toddlers grow up, you will want to easily deactivate these locks, thus be sure to make an allowance for this.
•  Shallow base cabinets make it easy for your kids to reach their cups, glasses and plates without having to climb on a countertop to get items from a wall cabinet, or interrupt your dinner prep.

3. Look at your Space

• The most family-friendly kitchens have a place for kids to work on homework, craft projects or just play without getting in Mom or Dad’s way. How much space this requires depends on several factors: the age of your children, the number of children and others using the room on a daily basis, and the activities that take place? A family with preschoolers has very different needs than one that has teenagers.
•  Younger children most likely need a play space while teens need a computer. The bottom line is that there are no hard-and-fast rules for the amount of space that should be devoted to these various activities. If your children don’t do their homework in the kitchen, there’s really no reason to allocate space to that function.
•  A homework station could be an oversize dining table with electrical outlets nearby for powering laptops, or it could be a complete desk that matches your kitchen cabinetry set off in its own corner.
•  A play space could be as simple as a toy-filled drawer just above the kickboard, or it could be a corner cabinet fitted with shelves for craft supplies, books and playthings.
• When planning a desk or homework area, make sure there is plenty of surface for spreading out books and papers, and don’t ignore the wires.  The last thing you want is a cord stretching across the room.
•  A message centre is crucial in a family hub. It could be as simple as hanging a chalkboard near the door, but most families need a way to handle all of the school papers, notices and mail that tend to pile up on counters. Maybe install a cabinet fitted with a plate rack and designating each section to a different family member. Place a corkboard below for important reminders and notes. You can even hide the corkboard on the inside of a cabinet door.
•  Kitchen islands can make great kid-friendly zones, as they tend to have at least one end that's not in your work zone, and they can be planned with your particular family's needs in mind.
•  The back of this island leaves plenty of space for older or taller children to pull up a counter stool and enjoy a healthy after-school snack. Counter-height seating won't work well for smaller kids who can't — or shouldn't — climb up, or for wheelchair users.
•  If you’re renovating, pay particular attention to the materials you select. Always round the corners on countertops. Also consider counter heights as standard heights may be too tall for a child to reach without a stool. To avoid creating an environment where kids have to climb to reach everything, consider working in a seating area centered on a table rather than a counter.

4. Keep it Clean

• Think about upkeep.

•  Stainless steel may have a nice, modern look, but it’s a chore to maintain, especially when you have lots of little hands touching it. Avoid using natural stones like granite or marble in highly trafficked family spaces because they stain too easily.

•  Bench tops should be made of solid surface or quartz.
•  Cabinet finishes should not be too shiny. A cabinet with a glossy sheen is definitely scrubbable, but it will show everything—you’ll be scrubbing it often.  Consider  semi-gloss, which has a more muted look.
•   Choosing durable materials that are easy to maintain and won’t easily scratch.

5. What Happens In your kitchen

• Know how your family plans to use the space, think about how these activities—a seating area for watching television, a craft corner for the kids, plus preparing and serving food—will work together in the space, and how individual areas or zones should interact. For example, cooking and food-prep areas are sacred space. “The cook or cooks should be able to move from refrigerator to stove to sink without having to step over toys or move piles of paper out of the way,”
•   If your kids like to cook, design an area that’s sized so they can help. May be a lowered section of counter or a low shelf that pulls out from an island. Make sure there’s a drawer or cabinet nearby to hold their supplies.
•  Island seating or a kid zone where it won't interfere with someone working at the range, wall ovens or main kitchen sink.

  When you have children there are some extra things to consider when renovatiing your kitchen. Have a good week.   Talk soon.....

When renovating your kitchen it is important to consider the younger ones in your family if you have children.

In Australia around 14,000 children under five years of age are admitted to hospital each year with kitchen related injuries in Australia. This is a sobering statistic that means when you are designing your kitchen you need to be practical yet stylish and consider child-friendly options.

Here are our 5 tips to consider when you are planning your renovation:

1. Appliances

• If you have an under the bench oven ensure that it has a minimum of triple glazed door that is cool to touch.
•  Ensure you have the oven and sink and bench tops in close proximity to minimize the carrying of hot dishes and to prevent scalding. Always remember your work triangle
•  Position electrical outlets close to the bench surface where appliances are
•  Explore a new technology, like induction cooking. “With induction, no heat is generated unless there’s a pot on the burner. It’s the pan that gets hot, then, not the cooking surface, so when the pan comes off, the burner is cool.
•  Refrigerator drawers (or mini fridges) are also great for your kid-friendly kitchen zone. It means your youngster can help him or herself to a drink after school or play without opening the main refrigerator. You can also store healthy snacks like carrot sticks and have them on hand for your child.
•  Putting a microwave at the end of the island keeps the child out of your workflow, creating a safer kitchen environment for your young one.

2.  Think about safety

• The more people using the kitchen, the more opportunities there are for something to go wrong.
•  If you have a toddler, view the room from their perspective. Sit on the floor of your present kitchen and survey the scene. You’ll probably see cabinets and drawers begging to be explored, sharp corners and lots of tools and objects that might look interesting to a curious child.
•  At a minimum, you want to make sure things like cleaning supplies, knives and small appliances are out of reach or in cabinets that lock, and that any unused electrical outlets are covered.
•  If you are thinking of child proof locks for cabinet doors keep in mind that as your toddlers grow up, you will want to easily deactivate these locks, thus be sure to make an allowance for this.
•  Shallow base cabinets make it easy for your kids to reach their cups, glasses and plates without having to climb on a countertop to get items from a wall cabinet, or interrupt your dinner prep.

3. Look at your Space

• The most family-friendly kitchens have a place for kids to work on homework, craft projects or just play without getting in Mom or Dad’s way. How much space this requires depends on several factors: the age of your children, the number of children and others using the room on a daily basis, and the activities that take place? A family with preschoolers has very different needs than one that has teenagers.
•  Younger children most likely need a play space while teens need a computer. The bottom line is that there are no hard-and-fast rules for the amount of space that should be devoted to these various activities. If your children don’t do their homework in the kitchen, there’s really no reason to allocate space to that function.
•  A homework station could be an oversize dining table with electrical outlets nearby for powering laptops, or it could be a complete desk that matches your kitchen cabinetry set off in its own corner.
•  A play space could be as simple as a toy-filled drawer just above the kickboard, or it could be a corner cabinet fitted with shelves for craft supplies, books and playthings.
• When planning a desk or homework area, make sure there is plenty of surface for spreading out books and papers, and don’t ignore the wires.  The last thing you want is a cord stretching across the room.
•  A message centre is crucial in a family hub. It could be as simple as hanging a chalkboard near the door, but most families need a way to handle all of the school papers, notices and mail that tend to pile up on counters. Maybe install a cabinet fitted with a plate rack and designating each section to a different family member. Place a corkboard below for important reminders and notes. You can even hide the corkboard on the inside of a cabinet door.
•  Kitchen islands can make great kid-friendly zones, as they tend to have at least one end that's not in your work zone, and they can be planned with your particular family's needs in mind.
•  The back of this island leaves plenty of space for older or taller children to pull up a counter stool and enjoy a healthy after-school snack. Counter-height seating won't work well for smaller kids who can't — or shouldn't — climb up, or for wheelchair users.
•  If you’re renovating, pay particular attention to the materials you select. Always round the corners on countertops. Also consider counter heights as standard heights may be too tall for a child to reach without a stool. To avoid creating an environment where kids have to climb to reach everything, consider working in a seating area centered on a table rather than a counter.

4. Keep it Clean

• Think about upkeep.

•  Stainless steel may have a nice, modern look, but it’s a chore to maintain, especially when you have lots of little hands touching it. Avoid using natural stones like granite or marble in highly trafficked family spaces because they stain too easily.

•  Bench tops should be made of solid surface or quartz.
•  Cabinet finishes should not be too shiny. A cabinet with a glossy sheen is definitely scrubbable, but it will show everything—you’ll be scrubbing it often.  Consider  semi-gloss, which has a more muted look.
•   Choosing durable materials that are easy to maintain and won’t easily scratch.

5. What Happens In your kitchen

• Know how your family plans to use the space, think about how these activities—a seating area for watching television, a craft corner for the kids, plus preparing and serving food—will work together in the space, and how individual areas or zones should interact. For example, cooking and food-prep areas are sacred space. “The cook or cooks should be able to move from refrigerator to stove to sink without having to step over toys or move piles of paper out of the way,”
•   If your kids like to cook, design an area that’s sized so they can help. May be a lowered section of counter or a low shelf that pulls out from an island. Make sure there’s a drawer or cabinet nearby to hold their supplies.
•  Island seating or a kid zone where it won't interfere with someone working at the range, wall ovens or main kitchen sink.

 

When you have children there are some extra things to consider when renovatiing your kitchen.

Have a good week.

 

Talk soon.....

 

When renovating your kitchen the floor is always an area for discussion. Today we investigate nine different types of flooring and examine the good and bad of each. This should give you some good information about what will the best flooring for you and your families.

Ceramic Tile The quintessential kitchen flooring surface, ceramic tile is a fail-safe bet for just about any style and budget. Your options for colour, size, shape and pattern are virtually limitless, so you can create the look that suits you best, whether that's sleek and contemporary or lavish Old World. Pros: Ceramic tile stands up to wear and tear, from muddy footprints to spills and splashes, like a champ and is super easy to clean. The huge variety of low-priced options makes it one of the most affordable flooring choices. And thanks to tile's modular, DIY-friendly nature, you can easily come up with a custom pattern even on a tight budget. Cons: Tile can crack as floors settle, and a dish or glass dropped on it is virtually guaranteed to shatter. It also can be cold and hard underfoot, so use a rug or a cushioned mat to offset the discomfort. Moisture makes tile slippery; a honed or textured surface can provide slightly more traction. Grout needs periodic sealing and special cleaning to keep stains at bay. Natural Stone Whether they're made from limestone, slate, granite or travertine, natural stone floors have one major asset: their variation. No two pieces of stone have exactly the same colour, pattern or texture, and the differences create a visual depth that's hard to replicate. Stone also creates an elegant, gracious look that instantly makes a kitchen feel more upscale. Pros: Stone floors  have been around for centuries, so it doesn't get more classic than this. Like tile and concrete, they're cool underfoot, a boon in hot climates. They're durable and require little day-to-day maintenance. And did we mention the natural beauty? Cons: Stone is expensive and not for the DIY-minded. The tiny crannies in its surface can trap dirt. Scratches and chips can be an issue with softer stone, such as travertine; slate's layers have been known to peel over time. Porous stone will need protective sealing at regular intervals. Solid Wood Nature is a terrific artisan — it's tough to match the warmth and charm of solid wood. Even in a space with a lot of moisture and heavy foot traffic, wood can last indefinitely if it's properly treated and cared for. It's a perennial classic, and it develops a rich patina with time and use. Pros: Whether you want thin strips of pale maple or wide planks of pine, there's a wood that will look just right in your kitchen. Wood never goes out of style, so you won't have to worry about updating it as your home evolves. It can be sanded and refinished to keep it looking its best. Cons: You'll have to stay on top of spills; liquids can cause damage if they're not wiped up right away. Wood dents and scratches easily, so it will need periodic refinishing. Although it's not as unyielding as concrete or tile, it also isn't as comfortable as cork or vinyl. Vinyl It used to be that vinyl's main advantage was price — it wasn't exactly considered chic. But that's changed: Nowadays this material comes in a sophisticated range of designs and finishes. It's available in sheets or tiles that mimic stone, wood, ceramic tile and more, embossed with textures that look and feel surprisingly realistic. Pros: One of the most inexpensive flooring options on the market, vinyl can approximate the look of pricier materials at a fraction of the cost. It's a snap to clean, easy to patch if a spot gets damaged, and comfortable underfoot. Plus, you can usually install it on your own, which eliminates the expense of hiring a pro. Cons: Vinyl can dent, bubble or curl over time. Sharp objects may tear it, and grit and dirt can scratch and dull its finish. It also can fade in strong sunlight. Compared with other flooring materials, its life span is shorter (it will begin to show wear after five years or so). Linoleum People tend to confuse linoleum with vinyl, but it's a completely different substance. A staple through the first half of the 20th century, linoleum — an all-natural material made from linseed oil, resins, wood flour and more — fell out of favour as synthetic flooring came into vogue. But in recent years, its green cred and retro-cool look have caught the attention of ecoconscious consumers and style savants. It's perfect for old-fashioned cottages and midcentury interiors. Pros: Much of linoleum's appeal lies in its versatility. Because it comes in just about every color you can imagine, you can go as subtle or as bold as you want. It can be easily cut into one-of-a-kind patterns, such as the circular motif pictured here. Plus, it's affordable, durable and easy to maintain. Cons: Linoleum can wear and fade with time and use. Many manufacturers add a protective coating before the material is sold; without this coating, the floors may need periodic waxing and polishing. Linoleum is also tricky to work with, so even hardcore DIY-ers will likely need help from a pro. Cork Sustainably harvested and all natural, cork has grown in popularity in recent years. While its distinctive look isn't for everyone, people who love it appreciate its strong patterns and texture, its warm look and its ecofriendliness. Pros: Resilient and flexible, cork provides a great deal of comfort underfoot, and it can absorb the shock from a dropped plate or cup (translation: less chance of breakage). It holds warmth and absorbs sound, lending a cozy feel. And it's rich in suberin, a natural substance that guards against mold, mildew, rot and pests. Cons: Cork holds up well, but not without a little TLC. Because dirt and grit can scar it, you'll need to stay on top of sweeping and vacuuming, and you will also need to reseal it regularly with polyurethane or wax. Small dings, such as from a dropped knife, will "heal" on their own, but major scars are harder to fix. Cork also can fade over time. Concrete Concrete flooring has come a long way from the days when it was relegated to basements or hidden under carpeting. Its star has risen in the design world because of its edginess and industrial-chic look. No longer does a concrete floor mean a dull swath of gray; today, it can be stained, stamped, scored or acid etched for visual panache. Pros: Concrete stays cool even in the hottest weather, so it's ideal for warm climates. It's virtually indestructible, no matter what you spill on it or drag across it. And if you get tired of the look, you'll have a ready-made subfloor for carpeting, tile or another surface. Cons: Concrete is difficult to work with, so you'll almost certainly need professional installation. As with tile and stone, concrete can be unforgiving on feet. It's porous, so sealing is a must to ward off stains — especially in a high-traffic area such as a kitchen. And some folks find it just plain cold. Laminate Laminate flooring, which is composed of several layers of engineered material  sandwiched together, is designed to imitate the look of wood or tile. It resists scratches and scuffs, thanks to an internal "wear layer," so it's great for homeowners whose kitchens must contend with small kids, pets or extremely heavy use. Pros: Laminate requires very little maintenance — just sweep and damp-mop. It's easy to find in "floating," or glueless, versions that make DIY installation a breeze. Costs generally are moderate. Cons: Although it may look like wood or tile from a distance, it won't substitute for the depth and texture of those substances. Unlike wood, laminate can't be refinished — if it starts showing its age, it will need to be replaced completely. Bamboo Although bamboo looks like wood, it's actually a grass. So you might be surprised at how durable bamboo flooring can be. Its density allows it to stand up to busy spaces and active lifestyles. It has become popular in recent years not only for its sturdiness, but also for its affordability relative to hardwood and for its subtle, variegated appearance. Pros: Bamboo grows so quickly that it's considered a sustainable choice for green building. It's low maintenance, requiring no special care, and springier underfoot than wood. And it lends a touch of worldly style without the expense of a tropical or other exotic hardwood. Cons: The range of colour choices is narrower than with traditional woods. It isn't as moisture resistant as many other materials — in high-humidity climates or spaces, it can warp. Much of the bamboo on the market is imported from countries that may have less stringent quality regulations than in the United States, so it's important to research sources. As you can see there are a number of different alternatives to consider for you and your home.  Have a great weeeknd and talk soon....

When renovating your kitchen the floor is an important part and should be the first area you consider. Discover the 9 different flooring options for your kitchen and the pros and cons of each

With all modern kitchen designs and renovations the style of cabinet doors is an important aspect. There are a number of different styles and designs that you can use for your kitchen. Your kitchen is your design  and it is unique to your self and your personal desires and tastes.

To help you with your decision making we have put together a list of the various styles and designs that you can use with your kitchen. Shaker. The Shaker style cabinet door is the most common door style in kitchens today. This five-piece flat-panel style has a frame made from four pieces and a single flat centre panel for the fifth piece. Shaker cabinetry gets its name from the distinctive Shaker furniture style, which uses simple, clean lines and emphasizes utility. Shaker-style doors became popular because their simple style lends itself to just about any decor — from contemporary to traditional — with variations in wood species, stains, paint colours and hardware. This classic style can work with a variety of budgets, depending on the wood used. Louvered. Horizontal wood slats are typically used on windows, furniture pieces and interior doors, but they add a distinct architectural style to kitchen cabinetry. However, be aware that these beauties come with a heavy price tag. Many louvered doors have spaces between each slat, making them great for cabinets that require ventilation — like a cabinet near a radiator, a dedicated clothes drying cabinet in a laundry room or cabinetry for cable boxes and DVD players. Flat.  Simple but stylish, the flat-panel cabinet door is void of any expensive details. Its hard lines and minimalist form make it a great fit for contemporary and modern interiors. Many flat doors come in decorative laminate or wood. Laminate tends to be more budget friendly and offers a greater variety of colours and sheens. Inset.  Although this style tends to be one of the most expensive on the market, it's a classic look that will last for generations. The inset door gets its name because it is set inside of the cabinet frame — typical cabinet doors rest on the outside of the frame. The door is designed and constructed with extremely precise measurements so that it nests inside the frame and opens and closes properly, even when the wood expands and contracts. This door style usually requires exposed hinges rather than the typical concealed hinges of other door styles that are included in the cost of the cabinet box. Make sure that your budget takes this into account — two hinges per door will quickly add up. Distressed.  If you've always dreamed of having an antique-style kitchen, then you'll love the distressed-looking cabinets available from most manufacturers. Choose any door style and opt to have the corners rubbed off or have other distressing techniques done for that age-old feeling. Beadboard. Love cottage style? It doesn't get more cottage chic than beadboard. The centre panel of the cabinet doors in this style are made to look like traditional beadboard panelling. Beadboard was used in the past as a decorative wall treatment before plaster, drywall and paint became common. While all-white beadboard cabinetry can give your kitchen a bright and clean feel, all the little cracks and crevasses on this door style can be a pain to keep clean. Thermofoil. These doors are molded out of MDF (medium-density fibreboard), wrapped in a plastic-type coating and then baked under intense heat to create an impervious seal. Durable and cost effective, they come only in solid colours and imitation wood grain. It's durable, but it's also extremely difficult to repair any damage to it. Some lighter colours can also yellow from sunlight and heat over time. As you can see the style of your cabinet doors will be an individual thing to suit your tastes and stlyes and how you want your kitchen to look.  Have a great week and we will talk soon.

With all modern kitchen designs and renovations the style of cabinet doors is an important aspect. There are a number of different styles and designs that you can use for your kitchen. Your kitchen is your design  and it is unique to your self and your personal desires and tastes.

To help you with your decision making we have put together a list of the various styles and designs that you can use with your kitchen.

Shaker.

The Shaker style cabinet door is the most common door style in kitchens today. This five-piece flat-panel style has a frame made from four pieces and a single flat centre panel for the fifth piece.

Shaker cabinetry gets its name from the distinctive Shaker furniture style, which uses simple, clean lines and emphasizes utility. Shaker-style doors became popular because their simple style lends itself to just about any decor — from contemporary to traditional — with variations in wood species, stains, paint colours and hardware.

This classic style can work with a variety of budgets, depending on the wood used.

Louvered.

Horizontal wood slats are typically used on windows, furniture pieces and interior doors, but they add a distinct architectural style to kitchen cabinetry. However, be aware that these beauties come with a heavy price tag.

Many louvered doors have spaces between each slat, making them great for cabinets that require ventilation — like a cabinet near a radiator, a dedicated clothes drying cabinet in a laundry room or cabinetry for cable boxes and DVD players.

Flat. 

Simple but stylish, the flat-panel cabinet door is void of any expensive details. Its hard lines and minimalist form make it a great fit for contemporary and modern interiors.

Many flat doors come in decorative laminate or wood. Laminate tends to be more budget friendly and offers a greater variety of colours and sheens.

Inset. 

Although this style tends to be one of the most expensive on the market, it's a classic look that will last for generations. The inset door gets its name because it is set inside of the cabinet frame — typical cabinet doors rest on the outside of the frame. The door is designed and constructed with extremely precise measurements so that it nests inside the frame and opens and closes properly, even when the wood expands and contracts.

This door style usually requires exposed hinges rather than the typical concealed hinges of other door styles that are included in the cost of the cabinet box. Make sure that your budget takes this into account — two hinges per door will quickly add up.

Distressed. 

If you've always dreamed of having an antique-style kitchen, then you'll love the distressed-looking cabinets available from most manufacturers. Choose any door style and opt to have the corners rubbed off or have other distressing techniques done for that age-old feeling.

Beadboard.

Love cottage style? It doesn't get more cottage chic than beadboard. The centre panel of the cabinet doors in this style are made to look like traditional beadboard panelling. Beadboard was used in the past as a decorative wall treatment before plaster, drywall and paint became common.

While all-white beadboard cabinetry can give your kitchen a bright and clean feel, all the little cracks and crevasses on this door style can be a pain to keep clean.

Thermofoil.

These doors are molded out of MDF (medium-density fibreboard), wrapped in a plastic-type coating and then baked under intense heat to create an impervious seal. Durable and cost effective, they come only in solid colours and imitation wood grain.

It's durable, but it's also extremely difficult to repair any damage to it. Some lighter colours can also yellow from sunlight and heat over time.

As you can see the style of your cabinet doors will be an individual thing to suit your tastes and stlyes and how you want your kitchen to look. 

Have a great week and we will talk soon.