EASY TO MAINTAIN

Shaker doors are low maintenance and easy to clean. They don’t have ridges that can easily trap dust and grease.  They are a quick wipe-down.  This type of door style is ideal for growing families.

COST EFFECTIVE

The more detail the door style has the more expensive they are.  It will usually fit within most budgets.  Since they don’t really go out of style your kitchen won’t either.  No need to remodel again anytime unless 20 or 30 years down the road you are ready for something new.

LOOK GREAT IN ANY COLOR OR STAIN

Shaker style doors look great in any color or stain. So whether you are looking for a particular color in any room of the house you can’t go wrong choosing this style. Shaker doors are versatile and really show off the beauty of the cabinet.  The different stains will emphasize the natural and beautiful wood grain patterns.

APPEAL TO ALMOST ALL HOMEOWNERS

Whether you are looking for a traditional kitchen style or want something more modern and contemporary, they fit almost any kitchen style and appeal to almost all homeowners. They have simple lines with a clean and fresh look. You can use more ornate knobs and pulls or the popular pull bars.

If you are considering a Chicagoland kitchen remodel and would like a free estimate of what it might cost, you can contact one of our experts here.  Our expert kitchen designers at Brakur Custom Cabinetry will come to your home and design a kitchen that is perfect for the needs of you and your family.  They can also show you other door styles that might appeal to your taste and style.

Don’t miss out on our Popular Style Guide packed with great style info. Download it here!

The post Why a Shaker Style Door Will Work with Any Kitchen Style appeared first on Brakur.

If you’re thinking about a new closet, here are some keys to help you prepare and get the best closet design and most enjoyable closet space.

The big question – How Much do you Hang vs. fold? To meet your needs, consider the required space for all the clothing that you actually hang up (height and width), and plan for that. At the same time, look at the quantity and size of folded clothes you will want to store and plan for drawers, shelves or cubbies based on what you have.

Here are some helpful guidelines for sizing and planning:

• Depth – Most clothing (shirts, blouses, jackets, coats, etc.) will fit inside a 24-inch deep area. Anything less may result in wider clothing protruding.
• Folded Sweaters and Shirts – These require 9 to 15 inches of linear space.
• Coats – Coats can take up to 68 inches in height necessary to hang.
• Pants and Jeans – These require up to 50 inches to hang vertically (half that if folded).
• Skirts – Skirts require up to 45 inches of vertical space hanging. And don’t forget to include dress space based on your height.

In addition to these planning items, below are more design ideas:

• Separate into Double & Single Hanging Areas – Evaluate your wardrobe. For shirts stack 2 hanging rods one above the other. For dresses have a single hanging area with possibly shelves or cubbies above it.
• Watch Your Corners – Corners are tricky in closets just like everywhere else. Consider corner shelves if possible to make the most of the space.
• You’ll LOVE an Island – If you can fit an island, you’ll love it. To pull it off you’ll need 30 inches on each side (24 if you want to really squeeze). 36 inches is ideal. Islands are great places to put drawers or cubbies and a place to set things as you get ready.
• Shoes – This is the creative part. If you’ve got room for a shoe rack of any kind, do your homework and make it fit the shoes you have. A rule of thumb is 7 to 12 inches of space per pair (deep).
• The Little Things – Don’t forget to plan the space for things like jewelry drawers, tie/belt racks, purse hangers and such.

Sit back and relax while you design your closet and imagine getting ready every day with everything you need. Make a list, then ensure you design in as many things as possible to make your closet life amazing. It’s the perfect way to start your day right!

Our experts at Brakur Custom Cabinetry can help you get the best of every part of your new home or remodel. Contact our experts here to get started.

Our Remodeling Quote Guide will give you tons of guidance on your project. Download it here. 

The post Keys to the Best Closet Design appeared first on Brakur.

The right answer for you will depend on many things. Some of the most important are as follows:

• What’s The Market Like in Your Area? If it’s hot and houses sell quickly it may be time to “cash in”. OR if you want to roll the dice because it may continue to appreciate in your area then consider how to you can make it better and wait for payday later.
• Schools – The Big Purchasing Motivator– How are your schools? This is the 1^stquestion from so many buyers, because they only want the best for their kids. If yours’ are good that bodes well for getting motivated buyers. If they’re not good, then time can change that when either the schools get better or the boundaries change.
• Do You Need More Space? Are you having more kids? Or is any other family going to move in? If so, consider your future requirements.
• How Does Your Home Compare? Is it above or below what your neighbors are living in? If many of them have renovated, but you haven’t, it presents a challenge at selling.
• Do You Have the Money? Do you have a way to borrow or get the money to spend on making your home better? Like one of these?
• How Long Will You Stay? If you don’t think you want to stay there for the next 5 to 7 years, you’ve got a very important decision to make.

Take the “Sell or Renovate” quiz to see how your answers steer you in your decision.

At Brakur Custom Cabinetry, we have the experience to help you may all the right decisions when it comes to your home. Our experts are here to help you in any way you need. Contact an expert here.

If you’re thinking about remodeling, don’t forget our Remodel Survival Guide to help you along the way. It’s a free download.

The post Should You Sell or Renovate Your Home? appeared first on Brakur.

2018 is full of surprises and some long-standing trends are finding their way out the door.  So what should homeowners want to consider who are planning a kitchen remodel in 2018? Houzz recently released their kitchen trends for 2018, described below.

1. More color in the kitchen – White cabinets will remain but expect more color. You will continue to see more blues and grays but also neutral wood tones replacing painted cabinets. Homeowners will be using color to help them personalize and make their kitchens unique.

2. No more white or stainless steel sinks – Kitchens will be taking on more of an industrial look with more concrete, copper, and stone fixtures. Darker hues of gray, bronze or black will be a popular choice for kitchen sinks.

3. Florals are making a comeback – You can expect oversized blooms with black white and gold contrasts. You might even see them in a wallpaper backsplash.

4. Vintage lighting – This trend started to pick up last year. With brass coming back in early 2017. Copper and pendant lights will be a hot commodity.

5. Deep wide sinks – Farmhouse sinks have been popular over the last few years. They will continue to rise in popularity as they are practical and easy for many in the kitchen to use. They are practical and look great!

At Brakur Custom Cabinetry we are up to date on all the current trends. You can be confident you will get a unique kitchen that fits the needs and style of your family, but one that won’t go out of style anytime soon.

If you would like to have a conversation with one of our kitchen experts about your upcoming Chicagoland kitchen remodel you can contact us here.

Don’t forget to download our FREE invaluable Kitchen Remodel Survival kit for anyone doing a kitchen or bath. 

The post Predicted Kitchen Trends for 2018 appeared first on Brakur.

So what is it that most empty nesters are looking for in a new kitchen remodel?

Efficiency and Organization –  Most empty nesters want a kitchen that has a clean look and is well organized.  We recommend a better use of drawers and pullout shelves.  It prevents reaching and makes it easier to see and get to items.

If you don’t have one, it’s probably time to have a pull-out trash can.  We also recommend vertical tray storage.  You can see what you have and it is easy to slide trays and cooking pans in and out without having to lift or stack items. There is a variety of other storage and organization options to choose from to have the most efficient and organized kitchen.

Universal Design –  Accessibility to the kitchen no matter who may be using the kitchen whether it is grandchildren, aging parents, or anyone else regardless of height or ability is a high priority for empty nesters.   Many designers will recommend placing the cabinets and most used items above your knees and below your eyes.  Many empty nesters prefer a wall oven instead of one that is under the countertop.  Instead of a large refrigerator you might consider a smaller refrigerator with a few pullout refrigerator draws for snacks and drinks.

Low Maintenance:  There are so many different types of cabinet and countertop materials.  Some will require more maintenance than others. Choose a door style with limited detail. A flat panel door style gives you those clean and simple lines that everyone wants in their kitchen design. A raised panel door has more crevices where dirt can collect. Choose a quartz countertop. They are durable, scratch and stain resistant. They don’t require sealing. You can learn more about low-maintenance cabinets and countertops here.

Space to entertain – It’s a great time to invite friends over and create a space that is easy to entertain and socialize in.  The open concept where the kitchen runs into the living room is still very popular. Many people are opening their entertaining to connected outdoor areas.  We suggest including a few warming drawers, creative seating, and even a beverage station.

At Brakur Custom Cabinetry, we don’t just design and sell you a kitchen.  We design a kitchen that’s customized to the needs of you and your household. We know a lot about designing kitchens for empty nesters. If you have recently hit that empty nester’s stage and are ready to explore your Chicagoland kitchen remodel we would love to have a conversation with you.  We will come to your home to measure your space and find out how to customize and design a kitchen that is just right for you.

To contact one of our experts, click here.

Also, don’t forget to download our guide to other very popular design elements:

The post Designing Kitchens for Empty Nesters appeared first on Brakur.

When remodeling a kitchen, there are obvious questions, and remodel questions that you wouldn’t know to ask until you’re in the middle of it.

The following questions are ones you may not know you’ll be asking, but ones that are great for you to know in advance to think about.

1. What are the “rules”? – meaning the building codes and other rules affecting your design based on your local area and project conditions.
2. How should my cabinet doors and drawers open? – A tricky part of cabinet design is determining how and where the hardware is installed, and how many and style of each piece.
3. What profile should I use for the countertops? – The shape of the edge of your countertop may seem unimportant at first, but it can make a world of difference to the look and function of your countertops.
4. What finish should my fixtures be? – Metals come in various finishes, and you may even want to mix them for a subtle contrast.
5. How will I mount my sink? – One early consideration is whether you’ll have a drop-in sink or an undermount model, as they affect more than just the look of the sink.
6. What finish should my stone be? – in addition to choosing a stone, you will choose a finish of that stone. Some stone can take on a polished finish, giving it a reflective look. A honed finish appears much more soft and organic.
7. What material should my toe kicks be? – You might assume your toe kick has to match the material of your cabinets. There are times when your cabinets may not be one consistent color. Or you’ve used a sparkling white cabinet, but you don’t want a white toe kick that gets dirty every time someone “kicks” it.

For all the details about these questions see the full article here…

At Brakur Custom Cabinetry, we’ll get into the questions that matter early on to steer you in the right direction through the entire process of remodeling your kitchen.

To contact one of our experts, click here.

To see more questions you should ask your remodeler, download our FREE guide below: 

Questions to Ask a Remodeler

The post 7 Remodel Questions You Didn’t Know You’d Ask appeared first on Brakur.

Laundry can feel like a grueling chore sometimes. One way you can lighten your load is to create a more relaxing laundry room. Color can give a soothing and relaxing feel where you can feel more serene when doing the chores.

These are 7 color palettes that will make your laundry room a better and more inspiring place to work. If you’re not doing a laundry room remodel, maybe you can do a paint job and achieve some of the results anyway.

• Pale Aqua and White – This gives a soothing laundry space. Start with white then add some light color to the cabinets or walls to make it perfect.
• Green and White – This example shows a mint green backsplash with white cabinets giving a spa-like environment to enjoy.
• Beige and White – Lighter shades of warm colors visually expand a room by reflecting light more warmly.
• Gray and White – White next to gray ads a crisp contrast and these two colors can be brought together for a very clean airy feel.
• Gray and White PLUS Yellow – Add yellow to bring a cheery feel to your relaxing gray and white backdrop.
• Blue, Gray and White – Adding another texture to gray and white for larger rooms helps to widen the feeling of your relaxing space.
• Black and White – The right combination of black and white can also create a soothing environment for your laundry room. Possibly a mix of cabinet colors and some blending in dark color in the floor material as well.

To see these colors in action and see the full article, click here.

Our experts at Brakur Custom Cabinetry can help you design the perfect environment with the right selections of colors for your Chicagoland laundry room or kitchen. Contact an expert for more information.

Download our other great Design Ideas with this FREE download:

Popular Designs Guide

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What things might affect your ability to sell your home? Even in markets where many homes are going under contract within a month or two, there are certain things that may make it harder to sell your home.

These are 3 features that, if your home has them, may increase the time it takes to sell your home. You might want to consider what to do about them before you put your house on the market.

1 – An Awkward Layout

One thing to consider when selling your home is “weird doesn’t sell”. If your home has something out of the ordinary in your kitchen, bathrooms or other rooms that might only appeal to a specific group of people, you’ll likely go through more people before you find a buyer. Possibly with a lower offer as well when it finally comes. You’ll want to normalize as much as possible before selling.

2 – Not Enough Bathrooms

If your home has less bathrooms than should be expected, or if they are poorly placed, you may have to go through more potential buyers to find one. Bathrooms should be adequate in number to the number of bedrooms and be in convenient locations. For example, if your house has no bathroom on the main level, but only on the upper level close to bedrooms, you will experience more hesitation from buyers.

3 – Distinct Décor

Not everyone has the same taste in décor, which is fine unless you’re selling your home. Everyone has their own personal touches, but when selling, “neutral” is what appeals to the masses. Any updates you make should be done to bring the most value. Think conservative, not flashy.

To see more detrimental aspects of homes in terms of selling, see full article here.

Our designers at Brakur Custom Cabinetry know all the things you can do to increase the desirability and salability of your home. To discuss it Contact one of our experts here.

Let us help you not blow your budget as well. Download our FREE guide here to know how:

Remodel Budget Busters

The post 3 Kitchen & Bath Features That May Make It Harder To Sell Your Home appeared first on Brakur.

Keeping a small kitchen looking tidy and clean can sometimes be tricky. It doesn’t take much clutter or stuff to make it look unkempt or untidy.  Following these few simple design tricks will help you to have a clean and attractive small kitchen.

Small kitchens can be a great encouragement to help you to live more simply and only keep and store those things you really need.

DESIGN IDEAS FOR A TIDY KITCHEN

• Assign designated storage areas – Certain cupboards should have specific uses. For example, all the baking products should go in one cupboard.
• Take advantage of corner spaces and use them for specific purposes.
• Optimize storage options and rollout drawers to help you see in the back of your cabinets. Consider hooks or even dividers.
• Overlap kitchen work zones where similar items will be used.
• Use smaller appliances so you increase your cabinet and storage space.
• Include recessed shelves like around a refrigerator where the space is too small or awkward to put cabinets.
• Reduce the number of things you store. For example, do you really need 15 coffee mugs?

In the Chicago area, we see many small kitchens, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a clean and tidy kitchen. Our kitchen design experts at Brakur Custom Cabinetry are used to working with small spaces and can help you design the best kitchen that is set up to stay clean and organized.

If you have a small kitchen and would like to discuss more design ideas with one of our kitchen design experts, contact us here.

Find other ideas in our Popular Designs Guide. Download it FREE:

Popular Designs Guide

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TALL BROOM CLOSET CABINET

Instead of looking at the side of a tall cabinet at the end, make it a usable broom closet to put brooms, mops, supplies and other tall things in. It can appear that it’s just a standard cabinet end, but it opens up to a storage closet.

What more convenient place could there be for those types of things? Save the effort of walking out to the laundry room or pantry to get the broom.

LARGE STORAGE PANTRY

A great way to end a run of cabinets is with a large, wide storage pantry. You can accessorize with rollout or organizers in a way that gives you a ton of space to keep things organized in one place.

END CAP BOOKSHELVES

Decorate the end of your cabinet run with bookshelves to put your favorite things on. This can help to transition the kitchen into the adjacent rooms.

ISLAND WINE FRIDGE

Instead of a decorative door or finished end of a cabinet, try ending your island or peninsula with a wine fridge.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES OR MESSAGE BOARDS

You can hide school supplies or message whiteboards or other ways to communicate in the end of your cabinet run. It can be the place where everyone knows to look to find certain things or check for messages.

At Brakur Custom Cabinetry our professional kitchen designers can help you find a place in your kitchen that is convenient to store your broom and cleaning supplies. To explore more storage options for your upcoming Chicagoland kitchen remodel and for a free consultation you can contact us here.

Also download our FREE Popular Designs Guide to help you with your ideas. 

The post Creative Kitchen Ideas for the End of Your Cabinets appeared first on Brakur.