Whether you have new, unfinished cabinets or want to repaint the ones that are in your kitchen, it can sometimes be challenging to decide what color you should use for the project. Luckily, there is a large spectrum of colors out there, so many that it’s hard to mess it up. But if you want a bit of guidance along the way then here are some tips to help you choose your colors.

Think in Themes

One great way to choose a color for painting kitchen cabinets is to think about the theme that already exists. For instance, if you are going with a country theme then you could benefit from lighter kitchen cabinets like white, yellow or even a tan color that resembles natural wood.

If you have a traditional kitchen then darker colors are often the order of the day. In this case, you could go with a dark cherry, brown or even black color to give it the depth you’re going for. But if you have a retro kitchen then you could consider some bright colors like red, blue or green.

Look at Your Surroundings

If you don’t have a specific theme then you could consider working with what’s already in the space. For instance, if you have dark countertops then you might consider a lighter cabinet color to help them pop. Or if you want your lighter countertops to be the star then you could paint your cabinets a darker color.

Also, you could consider thinking of your decorative elements. For instance, if you have a retro kitchen with black countertops and red accents then you might paint the countertops white to make your accents stand out.

Consider Color Blocking

If you’re having a difficult time making up your mind when then you could also consider color blocking. This means that you paint your cabinets two different colors. Typically, when you take this route, you will paint the upper cabinets a lighter color than the lower ones.

In this case, the lower cabinet color tends to match your countertop color so that there’s some unity in the space. Taking this route allows you to bring extra life into the space while simultaneously offering more color options.

Choosing a color for your kitchen cabinets is just one of many fun aspects of developing your space. So whip out the color wheel, look at your surroundings then have a ball choosing the perfect color for your cabinets.

After you’ve purchasing unfinished kitchen cabinets, you realize just how many options you have to work with when it comes to finishing them. But before you can create the masterpiece you desire, you have a bit of work you. There’s sanding them to create a smooth finish. Then, of course, you choose whether to stain or paint. The good news is that you have a chance to let your creative juices flow while giving yourself the cabinets of your dreams.

Sanding Your Cabinets

Whether you want to stain or paint your unfinished cabinets, you have to first start with sanding them to ensure the finish is smooth. To do this, you start by removing all of the handles, knobs and fixtures on your cabinets with a screwdriver. Then you want to remove the doors from the cabinets’ bases.

Next, you sand every wood surface, including your doors and drawer fronts with a finishing sander that is fitted with a small triangular pad. Using 320-grit sandpaper offers good results. You start by sanding from the top of each section and working your way down. Be sure to go with the grain. The idea is to remove grime or marks and to make the wood even and smooth.

After you have sanded your doors, bases and drawer fronts, then you can vacuum the dust on and around the cabinets and wipe them clean with a tack cloth (a cotton rag with a light adhesive on it). All that’s left is to lay out newspaper and begin the process of staining or painting.

To Stain or to Paint?

You’ve already accomplished your sanding goal. Now it’s time to decide whether you want to stain or paint your cabinets.

If you’re thinking about staining, it’s good to know that staining typically allows you to hide some dents and scratches that paint can’t because the focus is placed on your wood grain. However, stain often does not make your cabinets stand out as much as paint does. Also, if you want to re-stain, you have to strip your cabinets down to bare wood to start over.

On the other hand, paint allows you to bring more life to the kitchen because you can add any color you choose. But the downside is that paint often shows more dirt than stain because the color is uniform throughout. Also, paint won’t hide scratches and dents as easily as a stain.

Getting the Work Done

If you choose to paint, your job is easy. Simply apply a sanding sealer to the cabinets to make sure your finish will be smooth then paint your surface in two or three thin, even coats. After they’ve thoroughly dried then you can reassemble your cabinets.

However, if you choose to stain then you’ll have a few more steps to go in the process. You’ll need to put on your rubber gloves and begin brushing your stain on at the highest point, going with the grain. Brush it on heavily then let it sit. After about a minute, you can wipe of the excess with a paper towel then let it dry overnight.

The next morning, brush on a polyurethane gloss in the same manner as the stain, but keep it light and avoid bubbles. After about eight hours, lightly hand sand the gloss surface with your 320-grit sandpaper (don’t use the sander), clean the dust with your tack cloth then repeat this cycle two more times. After 48 hours, it will be safe to reapply your hardware.

Finishing your cabinets is a great way to enjoy what you’ve just purchased. So once you make the decision about whether to stain or paint, you have the pleasure of standing back and enjoying your work for years to come.

Santa Fe kitchens are known for their eclectic flair. While they are known for being warm and soothing, they bring enough color to bring a drab kitchen to life. There are a lot of elements that can add to the Santa Fe kitchen of your dreams. So why not get started with the biggest element: Santa Fe kitchen cabinets?

Add Santa Fe Kitchen Cabinets to Bring Your Kitchen to Life

Santa Fe kitchen cabinets were created to bring a taste of New Mexico to your home. So it makes perfect sense to add these cabinets to your Santa Fe kitchen. Their gold and yellow highlights with a hint of red bring out the lovely brown like you’ve never seen. With these added to your kitchen, now all you need are the extras to create the space you want.

Try Darker Countertops

Since your warm cabinets will be the star of your kitchen, it’s good to choose sultry countertops to help them stand out. You could consider darker brown marble or granite countertops to offset all of the decorations you plan to add to your space. Or if you’re really adventurous, you might even consider black countertops.

Consider Linens with Natural Tones

Because Santa Fe kitchens very often follow a Native American theme, it’s good to consider brown, tan and red tablecloths. Also, if you want to add a decorative flair to your kitchen table, you might add Native American-themed place mats as well.

Pots, Pans and Dinnerware

When it comes to the items you cook with and eat from, keeping them in line with a Native American theme is good for bringing the best out of your Santa Fe kitchen. For the pots and pans, you could hang cast iron pans over your center island and add pottery to give the kitchen a desert feel.

And for your dinnerware, you could purchase Native American sets like dinner bowls, platter sets and salt and pepper shakers. Just be sure to stick with simple earth and sand tones.

As For the Extras

If you want to add some extras, you might consider hanging suns, moons and other southwestern designs around your kitchen as well as sitting large pottery vases on the floor. Also, live plants like wildflowers and cactus’ could add extra hints of New Mexico.

There is no doubt that Santa Fe kitchens are about as beautiful as they come. By adding the right elements–and starting with your Santa Fe kitchen cabinets–you’ll definitely have a kitchen that your friends and family love.

There are so many great faucets out there with amazing features that it’s often hard to choose which is the best for you. Even smaller details like whether to choose a pull out faucet or one with a side spray could give a faucet buyer a headache.

If you have reached this very crossroad in your search for faucets then let’s take a look at some details of each. You might find that, after some thinking, you clearly like one more than the other.

Side Spray Faucets

Homeowners have had side spray faucets in their homes for decades. This is the faucet that comes with a separate faucet source that allows you to spray high-pressure water from a spout by pressing a handle or button. The side spray is normally used to move water to areas of the sink that the spout couldn’t reach. It is also used to move food down the drain that was stuck to the sink.

While some love their side spray function, there are others who get tired of the work involved in pulling the spray out of its holder, pressing the handle then re-aligning the spray so that it fits back in its space. If this is not your issue then you’re on the right track.

But before you purchase, it’s also good to keep in mind that with the side spray faucet, you need at least two holes for a faucet space. This should not be a problem in most homes, but still is something to consider when making your choice.

Pull Out Faucets

The pull out (or pull down) faucet is different than the side spray because the spray function comes from the faucet’s main spout. In other words, if you’re using your faucet to run water and then want to use a spray function, you pull on the end of the faucet spout and it will expose a hose. This allows you to spray around the sink as you would with a side spray, but without pressing a button or handle in some instances.

As for the number of holes you need for the pull out faucet, it only requires you to have a single-hole because all of the functions are combined into one. Also, it’s good to know that you may be able to control the water pressure for the spray function as you would if you were using just the faucet spout to run water–with your handles, knobs or lever.

Of course, whether you choose side spray or pull out kitchen faucets for your space is completely up to you. Making the right choice will come down to deciding what you desire most then making that dream a reality. Happy shopping!

Isn’t it a wonderful feeling when you’re able to add some beautiful new cabinets to your home? Whether you go with cherry, maple or hickory, there’s no doubt that your kitchen will come to life by bringing in this addition.

If you’ve been able to add new cabinets then you’re probably thrilled as well, especially if they happen to made of gorgeous natural oak. But now that they’re home, it’s important that you take care of them to bring out the best in them. Here are some tips to consider to get this done….

Dust Your Cabinets

One of the first ways to bring out the best in your natural oak cabinets is to dust them at least once a week. This may seem like a tedious job, but it stops your cabinets from have the dust and moisture buildup that could make your cabinets sticky.

To get this done, it’s good to use a dry rage with a tight weave. One of the best options would be a microfiber polishing cloth.

Rinse Your Cabinets

It’s also a good idea to rinse your cabinets after you bring them home. After you’ve first purchased the cabinets, the oak’s tannins may still be leaching out of the wood if it was oiled but not sealed with a hard coating. To rinse the cabinets, you would simply dampen a polishing rag with warm water then give them a once over a few times in the first few months of ownership.

Clean Them with Soap and Water

After you’ve had your cabinets for a few months, it’s good to get in the habit of cleaning them with soap and water every 30 days or so, especially if you do a lot of cooking. The grease and steam could easily leave an unappealing residue on your cabinets, so you want to get that off as often as possible.

To clean them, you simply need to add a mild soap (Ivory dish soap is good) to warm water. Then moisten your cabinet’s surface, wash them in a circular motion to remove dirt, wipe the surface until clean then dry with a cotton towel. Also, when washing, but sure to rinse the cloth constantly to avoid adding more dirt to the cabinets.

Polish the Cabinets

Finally, after dusting and cleaning your cabinets thoroughly, it’s good to maintain a good polish so that your cabinets can be scratch resistant as long as possible. A good way to get this done is by using a silicone-based polish that you spray directly onto a cloth (not the wood) then rub on the cabinet’s surface. If you don’t want the polish buildup then you can use an oil-based polish, but keep in mind that this polish will not create a scratch-resistant surface.

There’s nothing better than knowing that you’ve brought out the best in your beautiful oak cabinets. After you have taken the steps above, you should undoubtedly have some cabinets that you can step back and be proud of.

When you’re in the middle of a cabinet door painting project, sometimes the paint can end up in places you didn’t anticipate, including your door hinges. If the paint dries without being wiped off, it could become very difficult to remove.

Of course, paint on your hinges is not something you desire if you want your cabinets to look great overall. So let’s take a look at some ways that you could safely and easily remove paint from your kitchen cabinet door hinges.

Remove the Hinges

Many do-it-yourselfers try to remove paint from hinges while the hinges are still intact. With very careful execution, this could work. But most people who take this route run the risk of stripping paint from the door itself, which is what you don’t want to do. This is why the best way to get started is to remove the hinges and other hardware from the doors first.

The Not-So-Recommended Ways to Remove Paint

There are three ways people have been known to remove paint from door hinges, two of which are not highly recommended by experts. One is to scrape the paint and the other is to remove it with a paint stripper.

By scraping, you could remove some of the paint, but getting it all off isn’t guaranteed. In the meantime, you run the risk of scratching your hinge’s surface permanently.

And if you strip the paint, you may not do as much damage to your hinges but the stripper itself is extremely harsh and can be dangerous if you breathe the fumes or get it on your skin. Also, this method sometimes leaves smears of paint behind that require additional cleaning.

These two methods are not heavily advocated because of the damage they can cause to the hinges and the danger they could pose to you. This is why many suggest you instead use the crock pot method.

Try the Crock Pot Method

The crock pot method is most advocated by experts because of its safety and excellent metal restoration benefits. To get it done, you only need an old 2-gallon cooking pot (doesn’t need to be an actual crock pot but definitely one you won’t cook in again), water, dish soap, tongs, furniture polish and either a soft toothbrush or nylon brush.

Next, fill your pot halfway with water and add about 3 tablespoons of dish soap. Drop your hinges in the water and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and let the water simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the paint to loosen from the hinges without the need for abrasive chemicals.

You can use your tongs to lift one hinge out of the water after 15 minutes to see how loose the paint is. If you can easily slide the paint off with the straight edge of a butter knife then they’re ready. If not, let them go for 10 or 15 more minutes.

Once they’re ready, you can remove them all from the water, place them on cardboard, take them outdoors (or open your windows for ventilation if you stay inside) and begin using your brush to remove the paint while hot (don’t touch them with your bare hands).

If you still have bits left after you’ve removed as much as possible with the brush, you could use a very small amount of paint stripper to remove the rest. Finally, apply a bit of nonabrasive furniture polish to give the hinges a gorgeous gleam then stand back to applaud your work.

Isn’t it great to know that the safest way to remove paint from door hinges is the cheapest and easiest? So if you haven’t done so already, now’s the time to remove the paint the right way.

When you’re choosing among your many cabinet hardware options, one thing that you want to consider is what type of hinges you want. Most often, the decision to purchase a certain type of hinge has a lot to do with whether you have a face frame or frameless cabinet type. To help you determine the difference between the two types of cabinets–and therefore what hinges you want–let’s take a closer look at them the types of cabinet out there.

Hinges for Face Frame Cabinets

If you’re not familiar with face frame cabinets, they’re described as cabinets that are surrounded by front facing frames. In other words, the cabinet door sits within the frame like a picture. Because the cabinet doors are fitted inside the frames, the hinges show clearly. This means that you have to be careful about which hinges you choose.

For these types of cabinets, most would suggest that for the face frame cabinets, you would purchase overlay. However, depending on the layout of your cabinet design, 3/8 inset or full inset hinges could work too depending on the position of the cabinet door when it’s closed.

Hinges for Frameless Cabinets

If your kitchen cabinets have doors that are the same size as the cabinet dimensions then you have frameless cabinets. In this case, the doors completely cover the frame. Typically, frameless cabinets come in European style cabinetry, whereas the face frame cabinets are traditional.

If you need to change the hinges of your frameless cabinets then you may need different hinges. Experts suggest half overlay, full overlay or full inset. As with face frame cabinets, you need to take a look at the way your cabinets are position to determine which hinge is best. But unlike them, you don’t have to worry as much about them matching because they’re more difficult to see.

If you are thinking of upgrading your cabinet doors then it’s good to know what types of hinges you may need to replace your current ones. The more you educate yourself now, the easier the process will be when the time comes to make your upgrades.

There’s nothing like having options in this world. And with Kohler kitchen faucets, you get tons of options to choose from, which makes shopping that much more exciting. But while shopping is fun, sometimes it’s good to narrow down your options before diving in, so if you’re not sure what type of faucet you would like to buy, let’s explore the different types of Kohler faucets available.

Standard Kitchen Sink Faucets

While there really are no standard faucets in the Kohler line, there are some that offer typical functions for your kitchen sink. These faucets sit atop a sink and pouring water out of the spout but still offer additional features, including the side or pullout spray, one or two handles and extras like a high-arch spout design or three-function spray head to give them added appeal.

Entertainment Faucets

If you have a bar in your home or need a second faucet in another area of the house then Kohler has entertainment faucets for you. These faucets differ from the standard ones because, very often, they only offer cold water via one lever. However, some are fully functional and are used as a second faucet, which stops you from having to walk to your main one. 

Laundry/Utility Faucets

If you want a faucet and sink in your laundry/utility area then Kohler has options for you as well. Depending on your needs, you could find faucets with fixed heads or high arching swivel heads. Also, you could choose one that’s wall-mounted or installed in the laundry tub or utility sink. And of course, your faucet could be dual or single handled. The choice is up to you.

Water Filtration Faucets

If you are sick of sitting the huge jug of filtered water in your kitchen then you might consider purchasing a Kohler faucet with built-in water filtration. Currently, there are three available, two of which are beverage faucets. They are accompanied with filter cartridges or filtration systems and make it easier for you to have the clean water you want without the hassle that water jugs bring you.

All Kohler kitchen faucets come in a variety of styles and finishes, so the look you want is sure to be available. If the time is now to purchase a new faucet, you might want to consider giving Kohler a try.

The search for a kitchen faucet can be a tedious one if you have an idea of what you like but haven’t yet narrowed it down. Sometimes it’s the minor details that make all of the difference and that makes things more difficult because it means we don’t want to purchase something close to what we want when we know the perfect match is out there.

One element that makes faucet shopping even more difficult is the time it takes to get from one store to the next, searching through ones that are beautiful, but not quite the one. If you want to cut this process out of the equation and still find what you want, it’s good to consider searching for your kitchen faucets online. Here are a few reasons why…

More Selection to Choose From

One big reason that it’s a good idea to shop for faucets online is that the selection is massive. Whereas a major retailer that you visit may have a large selection, it could never be as vast as what is over the Internet because online retailers don’t have worry about a ton of overhead costs. They don’t need to hire workers or create a showroom floor, which means can spend their money on posting pictures online, maintaining a good website and keeping faucets in a warehouse.

Easier Selection Process

Another benefit of shopping for your faucet online is how easy the selection process is. If you already know the basic color, material and style of faucet you’re looking for, you can search for those items and eventually find a look that sits well with you.

Prices Are Often Discounted

Not only is it easier to shop online, you often get to take advantage of cheaper prices. Because overhead is cut for the online manufacturer, they very often pass those savings on to you. This means, a discount in the price of the faucet itself, not to mention a possible discount in shipping if you buy additional items in bulk.

Travel Time Eliminated

Sometimes the amount of gas spent traveling for a faucet could have bought you a faucet. Not to mention, your valuable time is cut in half as well when shopping online. And even better, once you purchase the item, you have it shipped right to your door, adding to your traveling savings. All of these things contribute to the benefits of online shopping.

There’s no doubt that shopping for a faucet could be an ordeal. But if you shop online, you increase your chances of making the process that much easier.

If you like funky, hip, retro looks for your kitchen then you may as well commit to your midnight black kitchen cabinets right now. They’re totally unique and amazingly contemporary, so much so that could very well be the trendsetters of your kitchen.

Why Choose Midnight Black?

You may be wondering why you would consider choosing midnight black kitchen cabinets for your kitchen. One reason is that these cabinets bring a new and exciting presence to your space. Because of the rich, dark wood, your cabinets will automatically stand out.

But that’s not the only reason that they’re a great choice. They also make the rest of your kitchen “pop.” For instance, if you have a light marble countertop, the cabinets will make them even brighter. And if you have stainless steel appliances, they will shine even brighter than before.

These cabinets could undoubtedly offer a stunning look to your kitchen. And if you’re into retro designs, they could be perfect for you.

Bring Retro to Your Kitchen

If you’re already familiar with retro kitchens then you know that black, along with blue, chrome, red and white are great retro colors. So if you add these beautiful midnight black cabinets to your kitchen, you are bringing retro to life in a big way.

All you will need now is to add some steel (polished chrome or stainless steel) along with some funky accents. In no time, your kitchen will have the retro appeal you’ve been looking for.

Isn’t it great to know that with little effort you can have the type of kitchen you like? Well if you’re thinking of going retro, now’s the time to find out just how great midnight black cabinets will look in your space.