Guest Post - Is it worth it to replace kitchen cabinets?

Do you want new kitchen cabinets, or do you need them? If you ask you wife, you’re probably going to get an emphatic and surprisingly detailed explanation for exactly why you need to invest your hard-earned money into a new set of kitchen cabinets. Despite their meticulous and spirited argument, one question keeps burning in your head. Do you actually need to spend the money to replace your kitchen cabinets or not? Sure you might end up sleeping on the couch for a while if you demur, but do you really need new cabinets? We’re here to help you make the best decision by supplying you with a little information. 

Replacing Cabinets Is a Big Decision

If you’re thinking about replacing your kitchen cabinets, you’ve got a big decision to make. Some people think that replacing cabinets is the same as painting a wall a different color. Unless all you are doing is repainting your cabinetry, it’s not the same. 

Deciding to replace your kitchen cabinets represents a significant cost, one that you need to take into account before tearing your old cabinets off of the walls. 

Replacing Vs Refacing

There is an alternative to fully replacing kitchen cabinets, it’s called refacing. This refers to a process in which the fronts of the cabinets, doors, etc. are redone, leaving the underlying material from the rest of the cabinetry alone. 

If your cabinets are still structurally intact and are not showing any signs of giving out and falling down. If you spot sagging or see that the hinges are corroded or stressed, you should seriously consider having your cabinets fully replaced. 

Remember, it’s not just the face of the cabinet that matters. Although aesthetics are important, it’s the overall function of the cabinet that really matters. Another thing that you should look for is water damage. This type of damage is sometimes left over from when someone cleaned the cabinets improperly, perhaps by soaking them. 

Things to Keep in Mind When Replacing Kitchen Cabinets 

Once you’ve made the final decision to replace your kitchen cabinets, you’ve got a lot of thinking to do. There will be many critical decisions to make. These choices range from what color to go with to what type of finish, material, style, and price range etc. 

When you tear down your old cabinets, take a look at the color scheme of your kitchen. Are you going to repaint anything to update the rest of the space or are you going to leave the rest of the original colors alone? 

The colors that you have in your kitchen need to be considered when picking out new cabinetry. It doesn’t do any good to tear out the old outdated kelly green cabinets just to replace them with something just as unfashionable. 

As a general rule, you should try to maintain uniformity between materials in the kitchen. That is to say, that is generally not recommended to mix and match wood cabinets with plastic or metal ones. The same logic applies to cabinet fixtures and hardware. 

When Is it Worth it to Have Your Kitchen Cabinets Fully Replaced?

Replacing an entire set of kitchen cabinets is an expensive undertaking. You will want to make sure that the investment will be worth the expense. If your cabinets are beyond refacing and have structural issues, it’s time to bite the bullet and get them replaced.  

Many of us load up our kitchen cabinets to the point of abuse. We shove pile upon pile of dishes into them every other day. The more weight that you load into your cabinets, the more they will be weakened over time. Likewise, the more time that passes, the more damage the cabinets will incur. This means that if you have been overloading your kitchen cabinets on a regular basis for many years, you will most likely need to replace your cabinetry very soon.   

Look for common signs of distress like rust on your hinges, or corrosion. Also be sure to look for cracks in the material, especially on wood cabinets. Aesthetics aside, a single crack isn’t much to worry about, but when you incur a large number of cracks running in different directions, you should look into having your cabinets replaced as soon as possible. 

What to Look for in New Cabinetry

When you start shopping for new cabinets, there are some specific qualities that you should look for. First for all, you should look for cabinetry that is durable and long lasting. That way you can literally buy yourself some time in between purchasing another set of cabinets in the future. 

Although durability and longevity are important qualities, you should also look for value, and economy. Ideally, you will be able to find a set of cabinets and hardware that are aesthetically appealing, durable, and long-lasting, all at a conservative price.  

Madera Interior Solutions offers quality cabinets and countertops catered around their client’s individual inspirations and vision. If you are looking for a hands-on, boutique design experience and quality products that hold up, look no further. Madera is currently offering remote design consultations to do our part during this uncertain time. Visit maderacabinets.com or call their Mesa Arizona showroom at (480) 664-0343 to learn more.

Madera Interior Solutions is an experienced professional kitchen cabinet company. Specialized in working with retail customers to channel their kitchen inspiration into reality.

Guest Post - How Important Is a Chill Area in Your Offices

Ping-pong tables, beanbag seats, a functioning kitchen, and TV rooms are now common to find in a modern workplace. It would have been hard to find this in any office a decade ago. This rapid shift has been largely influenced by the demand to have an enhanced working life by the modern worker. That is the reason why coworking spaces have not been left behind. For instance, most coworking spaces are redesigning the working areas to include chill-out areas in a bid to attract the modern worker. The question remains, are all these for the workers benefit, or does the workplace also stand to gain? If you are in a tussle whether to include a chill area in your office or not, the points below will have you changing your mind:

 1.      Talent retention 

The modern employee is after job satisfaction. In addition to other amenities, he wants a workplace where he enjoys waking up to. A chill-out area can greatly influence how an employee perceives a workplace. Most employers measure performance by how long an employee stays at his desk, and this is the mindset employees are running from. A chill-out area will tell him that it is okay to take a break. In this era where businesses are in a war for the best talents, workplaces have to match up with the modern employees’ demands if they are to gain a competitive edge in this area. Hiring and training new talents is expensive and that is why retaining talents is critical for any business.

 2.      Increases productivity 

Happy and healthy employees translate to increased productivity. We all know that working for long hours can adversely affect the back and neck, and thus lowering productivity. By allowing employees to take breaks from their desks, you are ensuring that their backs and necks are staying healthy. A few minutes off the screen is also essential in keeping the eyes healthy. In addition, a chill-out area helps the employees change the scenery and catch a break from working on a stressful project. Just being able to relax is enough to relieve stress, refresh the mind and rejuvenate the body. A chill-out area improves creativity, and a stressful project can turn out to be easy after a relaxing break.

  3.      Enhances teamwork 

Good workplace relationships are essential if a business desires to influence teamwork within the workforce. Moreover, there is no better place to cultivate these relationships than a chill-out area in the office. When employees are confined behind a desk, interactions are minimized. At the chill-out, however, the setup encourages communication. Employees are able to switch off from work and engage in conversations that grow their relationships. They get to be free with each other, and the need to help one another in difficult tasks flows naturally in the workplace.

 4.      Encourages employees participation 

Company meetings held in the conference room seem serious and might even limit employee participation. A chill-out area on the other hand provides a relaxing environment away from the stresses of the office. If the managers want to encourage employees to air their views on particular issues or projects, the chill-out area poses a perfect alternative from the conference room. They say that creativity flows when the mind is relaxed, creative solutions are bound to come from employees when the meeting is held at the chill-out area. In addition, everyone feels included as part of the team as participation is not limited.

  5.      Allows alternative workspace 

From non-stop ringing phones to loud conversations and noisy printers, the office can have endless distractions. This can pose a challenge for an employee who needs the quiet to have ideas flowing for a task. A chill-out area in the office provides a perfect workspace that he or she can hibernate to and get work done. The ability to change the scenery and work in a relaxing setup is also a plus because creativity gears will be rolling, and tasks will be completed without much struggle.

 How to design a chill area in the office 

Now that we have established that a chill area in the office is a necessity, let us discuss some ideas that you can incorporate in the space. You need the chill area to serve the purpose of having employees relax and reenergize for tasks ahead. Ideally, you should ask the employees to put in their suggestions, so that space can bring out their different personalities. However, the following ideas can serve as an inspiration for a start.

 1.      Include a variety of furniture designs 

Being a space to get away from work, the furniture included should not remind them of work. It should include creative furniture options that give the room a relaxed feel. Remember your employees have different personalities and each like to relax differently. Ensure that you have a variety of designs that they can choose from. The room can assume a picnic set up with bean bag seats and wooden picnic tables. Another corner could have a coffee shop design with high stools and a counter. Do not leave out couches, sleep pods or a mattress for those who like low sitting.

 2.      Incorporate inspiring colors 

The colors used should be able to give the mind that ‘switch’ from work mode to a relaxation mode. Play around with colors, mixing different shades for the walls and furniture. Furniture soft furnishings such as pillows and throw pillows should also take different colors and textures. This is the area that employees’ suggestions should greatly play a part. Ask them to bring in wall hangings that inspire them. Let them suggest color themes that bring out their creativity.

3.      Have a coffee station 

Coffee breaks are common with most workplaces. For most employees, coffee is the inspiration beverage that gets them going through the day. It is important to include a coffee station at the chill area complete with a coffee machine. This will allow employees to brew their own coffee, which will trigger conversations that grow their relationships. Make the station exciting with customized mugs and napkins for each employee, lovely sugar and coffee jars and a vase of fresh flowers. 

4.      Include a snacks bar 

Healthy snacks are a great way to keep hunger pangs that tend to distract employees away. In addition to a coffee station, it is great to have a healthy snack bar as well. Include a variety to choose from such as nuts, apples, bananas, baby carrots, granola and many more. Anything that can provide a refueling at any time of day is a great healthy snack choice. Besides having them refueled, providing snacks is a great way of making your employees happy and productive. 

5.      A gym is a worthy addition 

Not everyone wants coffee and snacks for their break. Some employees, especially those that lead active lives would want a simple workout to relax their minds. Working out works well in relaxing the body and refreshing the mind and can greatly improve one’s productivity. Provide such employees a workout corner with simple workout equipment. You can include free weights, dumbbells, yoga mats, exercise balls and treadmills. If the budget allows, let the gym be in a separate room to avoid others getting hurt. 

6.      Include a games area 

One purpose of a chill area is to have employees socializing in the workplace. One thing that can get them talking is including games in the breakout area. Games are a great way to have fun and re energize. Have a variety of board and card games such as scrabble and jigsaw puzzles. Include video game equipment, a pool table, a foosball table, a basketball hoop or a snooker table. Again, this area should be excluded from the office. Noise in the games room is inevitable with people getting excited of their wins. 

7.      A quiet room as well 

There are a bunch of people who just need a quiet place to relieve stress. They will even get away from the office to find an alternative workplace and get away from loud conversations. Consider having a quiet room for such people. The room doesn’t have to be large, just a small space with soft lighting. The ideal furniture for this room is a couch or reclining chairs. Have some scented candles and yoga mats for the lot that will hibernate to this space for meditation.

8.      A library would be great

Some people like getting away with a book and get lost in the author’s world. Books are a great way to relax the eyes after looking at the screen for a long period of time. It also provides a worthy break away from a stressful project. In addition, it helps the mind with creativity and coming up with a new angle to tackle a problem. Provide such employees with a library at the office. Ensure that the space is well lit; natural light is the ideal lighting option here. Have a variety of books in the library that employees can choose from. It is a great idea to include books about your line of work. This way, employees can get enlightened in their work and learn a skill or two while at it.

 Conclusion

A chill-out space spells to the employee that his or her wellbeing and happiness is valued. And to the employer, employees’ wellbeing is essential in driving productivity as it reduces laxity and absenteeism. Besides, a chill-out area in the office is among the amenities the modern employee will be looking for in an ideal workspace.

Author Bio: Lena Linetti is an architect based in San Francisco.

A Guide to Buying Used Furniture

Used furniture can be a great investment. Used furniture is typically more aged and intricate in its design. This is perfect for a conversation piece. It’s easy to repurpose and refinish used furniture, making it a custom piece for your home. Check out this guide to buying used furniture.

Look around for the best pieces

Don’t just settle for an okay piece. Keep looking in different spots for the perfect item for your home. There are tons of pieces of used furniture for sale online and in secondhand stores. Be sure to download resale apps, watch social media markets, and visit local resale shops to find the best deals and the coolest pieces. The best pieces often take a bit of hunting to find. Do a little research into different styles so you’ll know what kind of furniture to pursue. This can help you narrow your search and find the best spots to look for.

Learn the lingo

Knowing how to speak to furniture dealers can help you to find your perfect piece with ease—not to mention, get a fair price. Do a little investigation into the differences between estate, vintage, and antique items before you start going to different shops. A little bit of research on different eras of furniture decor and style can help you to identify and communicate the best type of furniture piece for you. Learning the lingo also tells dealers that you know what you’re looking for, so they’ll have an easier time helping you find the perfect item.

Consider the potential of the piece

When buying used furniture, remember that each piece has limited potential. Learn to correctly assess the damage done to a piece and the ability you or your enlisted furniture refinisher have to remedy it. Minor scratches and outdated finish are easy fixes that can be a DIY project. Deep cracks and broken legs are much more difficult to fix and may require the aid of a professional woodworker. Take time to assess the piece before committing to it, and realistically price out the cost of repairs before bringing it home.

Easy Ways to Revive an Old Kitchen

The Kitchen is the only room in your house where you spend the most time preparing healthy and nutritious recipes for your family. Moreover, it’s considered the heart of your home. That’s why you need to be careful about the latest designs and trendy choices while refurbishing your old kitchen. 

If you’re looking for trendy ways to revive your old kitchen, here are some really cool ideas to ensure you adore your cooking space for many years.

1. White Kitchen

The white kitchen is always in trend – maybe because it’s easier to blend into any layout or style. You can achieve the white look by installing complete white Silestone kitchen worktops material, white flooring and white walls, as well as white appliances. You'll be surprised to know that a white kitchen is easier to clean than other hues, which tend to get dull over time. White does have the staying power and you must consider it for minimalist and contemporary appeal. 

2. Upgrade flooring

You can even opt for engineered quartz for your kitchen flooring to make it blend seamlessly with the countertop or walls. You can select a particular theme of a kitchen and then build the colour scheme as per your pre-selected theme. Even try to install minimalist and smaller kitchen appliances in your multi-generation home. Since micro-living is getting bigger for retirees and millennials, small kitchens with tiny appliances seem to be a lasting kitchen trend. 

3. Quartz Countertops

You can consider Silestone quartz worktops for renewing your old kitchen. Quartz worktops are toughest and able to resist day-to-day burns, scratches and chips. You can even mix your crushed quartz stone with resin for creating countertops ranging from solid hues to the appearance of real granite or marble. However, quartz beats natural stone when it comes to toughness. Moreover, it is easier to maintain, unlike marble and granite, which require annual sealing to prevent stains. 

4. Modern Storage Saga

The trendy redesigned kitchens have all sorts of modern accessories, such as tall cabinets, wicker baskets, drawer accessories and pantry-pull out. You can opt for membrane finish shutters for giving natural look to your kitchen. The kitchen may even include a cabinet with a stylish metallic shutter that can double up as crockery unit. This modern storage would be a huge upgrade to your refurbished kitchen. 

5. LED Rope Lighting

The LED ribbons are one of the wonderful kitchen trends in 2019. It is a really cool kitchen upgrade to make your cooking space stand out. These LEDs are available in various colors, from soft white, blue and green to bright colors. One major advantage of installing LEDs to kitchen cabinets is that these lights emit no heat, so prevent your cabinets from burning. Moreover, LEDs are energy efficient and last five times longer compared to CFLs.

6. Touch-Activated Faucets

2020 is all about smart homes with smart devices, including kitchen gadgets and kitchen appliances. So, why keep your faucets deprived of technology. You can install the latest touch-activated faucets to your refurbished kitchen. 

These smart taps are quite expensive but great for the times when you have dirty hands and when you’re too lazy to turn the water on/off between tasks. Furthermore, these touch-activated taps are designed to save gallons of water, which is really important in today’s times. Another plus point is that you’ll save your water bills to a great extent.

We recommend you to use these touch-activated faucets to enjoy the completely hands-free experience in your kitchen. You can even install them to your outdoor kitchen sink to clean dishes and hands while preparing or after your meal has been prepared. 

7. Transitional Design

The old decorative and fussy doodads in kitchens are out for sure. Over 60% of designers today are inclined towards contemporary kitchen designs due to its simple and sleek layout. You can achieve this look by opting minimalist Silestone worktops in subtle colors.  

The contemporary design does appear clean and sleek, as it encourages a clutter-free look. However, it’s difficult to maintain non-cluttered look in a busy house. In this case, you can bet on the transitional design that elegantly combines both contemporary and traditional. It offers you the best of both worlds, meanwhile, a good option for busy homes.