<![CDATA[Cape Ann Kitchens

<![CDATA[Cape Ann Kitchens - Blog]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2022 13:09:57 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[DIY Frame Collage]]>Thu, 18 Oct 2018 18:00:00 GMThttp://capeannkitchens.com/blog/diy-frame-collageLooking to add even more of a personal touch to your new personally designed kitchen? A DIY frame collage can be the perfect thing to tie your kitchen together. You’ll need: wood glue, wooden frames in a variety of sizes, small wooden letters, and paint.

Arrange the frames however you want to fit the size of the space you’re trying to fill. For variety, make sure that some are horizontal and some are vertical. Don’t worry about making sure that everything connects, a bit of negative space adds interest in the piece.

Apply a generous amount of wood glue along the sides of the frames, then press and hold for at least 30 seconds. Allow the frames to dry overnight. Use the letters to spell out a word that you want. Press and let dry.

Paint the frames and letters and let dry. Fill each frame with family photos or whatever you want.

If you want to use the frames to keep yourself organized, attach 7 frames, fill them with construction paper, and use the wooden letters to label each M,T,W,TH,F,SA,S. Use Velcro to attach a whiteboard marker to the side of the frames. This will create a stylish weekly calendar that you can use and reuse every week.

]]><![CDATA[5 more tips for organizing your kitchen]]>Thu, 04 Oct 2018 17:30:00 GMThttp://capeannkitchens.com/blog/5-more-tips-for-organizing-your-kitchenWhen it comes to kitchen organization, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. No matter how gorgeous your new kitchen is going to be, it’s important to remember that is needs to be both aesthetic and functional -- having dirty dish rags laying out might just distract from the cottage finish on your new cabinets. Here’s part two of our list of tips, tricks, and small investments you can make to keep your kitchen as clean and organized as the day it was finished.

1. Make the use of your entire kitchen space (and we mean your entire kitchen space) with pull-down shelving that make the top-shelf real estate usable again. Top shelves no longer belong to the rarely used dishes given to you on your wedding day your second cousin. This one from Hafele* comes in all different sizes to fit any cabinet and comes in a variety of colors like champagne and maple. The only downside? You’ll need to find a new place to stash those cookies you’re hiding from your kids.

2. If you like your recipes in print rather than on the screen, invest in a recipe book like the ones available at stores like Walmart, Michael's, and Staples. This way, the days of papers spilling out of a folder somewhere in your kitchen drawer can finally be over and you can keep everything in one nice space.

3. Give your cutting boards a permanent home with a door mounted holder like this one from Omega cabinetry*. Instead of having to play a game of jenga every time you need a board out of a horizontal stack, this insert makes sure that you use every inch of your space and always know exactly where to find things. It also comes in wood and chrome so it can fit with any style of kitchen.

4. If you’re looking for an organizational tool and a cute design piece to add to your kitchen, consider adding woven baskets with rails instead of drawers or lower cabinets in part of your kitchen. Baskets like these with wooden rails from Rev-a-Shelf* come with washable canvas liners that add another touch of hominess to your kitchen. These come in standard and euro sizes so they can fit in to whatever kitchen design you have going.

5. Keep any dirty dish towels hidden away with a inner-cabinet base towel rack like this one from Omega*. This way, your kitchen will look neater and you’ll always know exactly where you left it when the next big spill or kitchen mess comes around. This one slides out for ease of access and comes in a sleek brushed aluminium.

* ask your Cape Ann Kitchens designer about incorporating these products right into the design or your kitchen!

]]><![CDATA[5 dinner party tips to show off your new kitchen]]>Thu, 20 Sep 2018 20:00:00 GMThttp://capeannkitchens.com/blog/5-dinner-party-tips-to-show-off-your-new-kitchen

Once your dream kitchen is complete, it’s time to show it off to your friends and family. Here are some tips that we absolutely love to follow when it comes to hosting a dinner party.

Preparation is key:

Clear out your dishwasher before the party. This way, dirty dishes won’t stack up on your gorgeous new counters because you can put them right into the empty dishwasher as they come.
If you are going to be preparing food during the party, make sure all of the ingredients you need are out and organized before guests arrive. Frantically searching through your kitchen for garlic powder is not the best way to show off your new cabinet doors.

During the party:

Simple starters and finger foods are a great way to let guests move around, chat with each other, and (of course) admire your design sense. Bruschetta, cheese boards, and spinach artichoke dip never fail to be crowd pleasers; but of course, when choosing your menu, you should be cognizant of guests’ allergies and food restrictions.
Centerpieces are a great way to add a little bit more glitz and glam to your party. Look for flowers with colors that complement your home’s new color scheme or candles to add a bit of elegant ambiance.

When guests have gone:

After your successful party, you might want to simply crawl into bed and get a good night of sleep. However, it’s really important to get some cleaning done that night. Leftover food grime and spills can lead to stains and be extremely difficult to clean up if left overnight. Check out our blog posts on how to clean counters and cabinets for more information.

]]><![CDATA[DIY Cork Board]]>Thu, 06 Sep 2018 16:00:00 GMThttp://capeannkitchens.com/blog/diy-cork-board

While you’ll be glad to have designers like ours to help you every step of the way as you bring your new kitchen to life, it can be fun to take a smaller project into your own hands. One fun project for the wine connoisseur is this DIY Wine Cork Bulletin Board. This project is also great because it gives you the chance to recycle some things that you would normally just throw out.

You’ll need: hot glue, a serrated knife, wine corks, mod podge, a paint brush, and an empty frame or old rectangular tray.

For your base, use either a deep frame or a rectangular tray. You are going to want something that has straight edges and 90 degree corners so the wine corks will fit in nicely. These trays and frames from pinterest are a good example of what to look for, but what matters most is what fits the style of your new kitchen.

Next, you will need to decide on your pattern. Zig-zag patterns are always nice, and a grid pattern, like the one below, also works very well. If your base is deep enough, you can also glue the corks down on their ends, creating a pattern with the circles rather than the sides of the corks. If you want to achieve this look without a deep base, you can always but the corks in half and then glue the cut half down, leaving the clean edge out. This method is also great to add a pop of color because the wine stains can bring beautiful reds and pinks into the mix.

Apply generous amounts of hot glue to each cork and press firmly into the base, holding for a few seconds each time. Start in one corner and work your way down and across. When you near the edge, carefully cut the corks to fit snugly in place. A ruler may be helpful.

Once you have your bulletin board together, the final step is to paint a nice thick coat of mod podge over the corks and let dry. This will help the longevity of the board. Once everything is dry, find some cute push pins and hang up your new bulletin board!

]]><![CDATA[Need a break from kitchens? How about take out?]]>Thu, 23 Aug 2018 15:00:00 GMThttp://capeannkitchens.com/blog/need-a-break-from-kitchens-how-about-take-out

Work, kids, pets, whatever, and now designing a new kitchen. Our designers at Cape Ann Kitchens will be there every step of the way and make things as easy as possible. But sometimes, after a design session in our storefront, the last thing you want to think about is going back to your kitchen and making dinner. Don’t worry, we want to take care of you, even here. Our showroom is close by to a multitude of great places to grab some great food for delivery. Here are 5 of our favorite places to grab take out in the area:

Loui Loui
Louisiana Seafood, Yelp Score: 4 stars
Po’boys, fried shrimp, and jambalaya mix with some more classic New England fare at Loui Loui’s Stoneham location.
101 Main Street, Stoneham, 781-435-2145, https://louiloui.com/stoneham-ma/

Fusion Taste
Chinese and Japanese, Yelp Score: 3.5 stars
With a menu large enough to satisfy everyone at the table, Fusion Taste offers the typical Chinese food specialties while also serving up sushi as well.
19 Franklin St, Stoneham, http://www.stonehamfusiontaste.com/

Rang Indian Bistro
Indian, Yelp Score: 4 stars
Taking inspiration from both Northern and Southern Indian dishes, Rang Indian Bistro is great for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
6 Central Square, Stoneham, 781-438-8200, http://rangindianbistro.com/index.php

Angelo’s
Italian Pizza and Subs, Yelp Score:3.5
What could be easier than grabbing a delicious pizza to go? Angelo’s also has subs, salads, pastas, and basically anything else you could possibly want from Italian take out.
237 Main St, Stoneham, 781-279-9035, http://www.angeloristorante.com/

Taste of Siam
Thai, Yelp Score: 4 stars
Tropical sweetness and spices grace the menu at Taste of Siam. Whether you want something from their Healthy Corner or want to pig out on the fried ice cream, Taste of Siam has what you need.
499 Main Street, Stoneham, 781-438-4001,http://www.tasteofsiamstoneham.com/

]]><![CDATA[5 Organization tips for your new kitchen]]>Thu, 09 Aug 2018 17:00:00 GMThttp://capeannkitchens.com/blog/5-organization-tips-for-your-new-kitchenWhen it comes to kitchen organization, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. No matter how gorgeous your new kitchen is going to be, it’s important to remember that is needs to be both aesthetic and functional -- having Tupperware spilling out of your cabinets might distract from the cottage finish on your new cabinets. Here are some tips, tricks, and small investments you can make to keep your kitchen as clean and organized as the day it was finished.

1. Use the kitchen remodel as an opportunity to purge your kitchen of anything that doesn’t get used. Throw out/recycle any Tupperware containers and lids that don’t have a match. Places like Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity will take donations of used kitchen utensils that are still in good condition as well. If you haven’t used it in over a year, you probably don’t need it.

2. Reduce the clutter of coffee pods with a drawer insert like the tiered k-cup drawer from Rev-a-shelf*. It’s like having a little personal coffee shop all in one small place and is a great way to keep your counters from being covered by the plastic pods. You could also go one step further and purchase a reusable filter for your Keurig so you’ll still get your perfect cup of coffee without ever having to deal with the clutter of pods again.

3. If you don’t want to keep a bread box on your counters anymore, invest in a bread drawer cover* to turn any drawer into a functioning and spacious bread box. Keep your beloved carbs fresh and out of harm’s way without taking up the counter space with a typical bread box. Available through Rev-a-Shelf in three different colors, your designer can also customize the cut of the cover to meet your drawer specifications.

4. Clearing up the clutter in a kitchen doesn’t have to just mean throwing things out or giving stuff away. A kitchen renovation is also a great time to buy new containers, plates, and utensils that fit your style and your space. Treat yourself to a few new items that will help you stay organized and create a space that you love down to the last detail.

5. Dedicate some space to man’s best friend by using a door mounted waste-bin as a container for your pet’s favorite kibble. Large bags of dog food can be stinky, heavy, and cumbersome and the chance of spillage is always high, but with something like the Uno side panel waste bin from Hafele* you can keep your pet’s meals in one closed off and easy to access place.

* ask your Cape Ann Kitchens designer about incorporating these products right into the design or your kitchen!

]]><![CDATA[How to keep your counter tops squeaky clean]]>Thu, 26 Jul 2018 20:00:00 GMThttp://capeannkitchens.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-counter-tops-squeaky-cleanGranite, like other natural stones, is very sensitive to chemicals. When cleaning, avoid abrasive cleaners like Windex that may cause scratches. There are some strong cleansers that are specifically designed for granite; but generally, wipe down with a microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water then rinse. You can also use a soft bristled brush or even a clean toothbrush to get dust that may have settled in the crevasses of the stone. If using a sponge, make sure to use the soft side. To tackle a stain, it seems that the best solution to ensure your counter tops stay pristine is to make a paste of baking soda and water mixed with just a little bit of bleach or hydrogen peroxide. The bleach or peroxide will help break down the stain while the baking soda will lift it.

Like granite, quartz should be treated carefully when it comes to scratching. Always use clean rags, paper towels, or the non-abrasive side of a sponge, it’s also good to avoid any cleanser too far on either side of the pH spectrum. Anything too acidic or too alkaline will eventually wear down the shine of the counter tops. Quartz is not porous like granite or quartzite, so stains are rare; but, if you find yourself in a sticky situation with something, well, sticky like food or grease that has become dried up, the best solution is as simple as a plastic knife. Gently scrape off the mess and then wipe down as usual, applying extra elbow grease as needed. If necessary, degreasing products are generally safe for quartz.

Though quartzite shares an extremely similar name to quartz, they do not necessarily share similar cleaning regimens. While quartz is man made, quartzite is an all natural stone and must be handled with a bit more care. A wipe once a day with a warm rag and just a few drops of soap or detergent is perfect. Once again, avoid cleaners on the far ends of the pH spectrum such as products with a vinegar or citrus base. Just because the product is all natural, it doesn’t mean that the product is the best thing for your counter. Keep it natural if possible, but your main focus should be on maintaining a neutral pH that will keep the stone from becoming dull and more vulnerable to stains. If stains do arise (and let’s face it, they will) a paste of water and baking soda is once again the best option. For major stains, rub with the paste and then cover with seran wrap and leave overnight before gently wiping down.

]]><![CDATA[Finishing touches to complete your perfect kitchen]]>Thu, 12 Jul 2018 16:12:29 GMThttp://capeannkitchens.com/blog/finishing-touches-to-complete-your-perfect-kitchenYou’ve just finished working with a designer to create your dream kitchen. The construction is done, the paint looks fresh, and the counter tops are everything you wanted them to be; but maybe you feel like something is still missing. If that’s the case, it’s time to add some finishing touches to pull the space together. Here are a few products/items that can help you add those final details to your vision.

Conch Serving Dish - Anthropologie

Embrace New England’s ties to the sea with this elegant Conch Serving Dish from Anthropologie. Just as much an art piece as it is a functioning part of your kitchen, you’ll be searching for every excuse to break out this intricately detailed dish. Crafted from fine stoneware, no two shells are are the same so you can rest assured knowing that you’ve brought yet another unique touch to your kitchen. And, despite the artistry that goes into this unique dish, it’s still microwave and dishwasher safe.
www.anthropologie.com; $128.00

Livslång Vase - Ikea

The only thing better than this vase’s chic color and design? Its teeny tiny price tag! Clocking in at just $7.99, this item won’t break the bank but will certainly help you break in your new kitchen. Looking awesome with and without flowers, the livslång vase can be on display in your kitchen at all times to give your home a modern feel and add a nice pop of color. (And there’s a bonus: if you order online, you never have to try to pronounce its name!)
www.ikea.com; $7.99

Galvanized Metal Three Tiered Stand and Footed Serve Bowl- Pottery Barn

Now that you have a new kitchen, it’s time to show it off! Throw a party with the help of the new Galvanized metal collection from pottery barn. Casual, functional, but oh-so-stylish, the versatile stand and bowl are perfect for parties whether they are indoor or outdoor events. Though the galvanized metal certainly has a rustic feel, the shape of the items allows them to maintain a timeless yet classy feel.
www.potterybarn.com; Three tiered stand, $69; Footed serve bowl, $39.

17oz Pineapple Cocktail Shaker- Target

For generations, the pineapple has been a symbol of welcoming and southern hospitality. Bring some of that charm into your new kitchen with this gold-colored copper cocktail shaker. And besides, what could be more welcoming than a nice drink? From Target’s Silver One collection, this fun little piece will bring whimsy to your kitchen and let your guests know that you are open for business. You can also buy matching shot glasses and drink ware to match if this pineapple touches your fancy.
www.target.com; $14.99. (Shot glasses $24.99, Glassware $19.99)

Chateau-Thierry Clock - Restoration Hardware

Now that you have a new and fabulous kitchen, your going to want to be spending a lot of time there. Keep track of the hours gone by with this vintage styled wall clock from Restoration Hardware. This clock is a recreation of what French travelers have passed by for decades at the Chateau-Thierry train station. So bring the look of old into your new kitchen to add a touch of fantasy and class. Who knows, maybe it will inspire you to make some Confit de canard…
www.restorationhardware.com; $359 Regular, $269 Member.

]]><![CDATA[What You Need to Know to Keep your Kitchen Cabinets Spotless]]>Thu, 02 Mar 2017 15:41:51 GMThttp://capeannkitchens.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-to-keep-your-kitchen-cabinets-spotless

From light dusting to cleaning up a full-blown mess, you can maintain the beauty of your custom kitchen cabinets with these tips on cleaning them.

General Cleaning

With many spills and messes, a soft damp cloth is enough to clean your cabinets if done immediately. If the stain persists, or has set for some time, use a simple solution of warm water and mild hand or dishwashing liquid. After cleaning with a damp cloth, wipe all surfaces down with dry cloth, making sure not to leave any moisture behind.

Products to Stay Away From

Harsh detergents & soaps, tub and sink cleansers, scouring powder & pads, steel wool or self-polishing waxes.
Used sponges or dish cloths because they may contain bits of food, oil residue, or remnants of harsh cleaning solutions that will damage your cabinets.
Solvent or petroleum based products such as mineral spirits, nail-polish removers or paint thinners.
Cleaning products that contain bleach or ammonia
Silicone-based cleaning, waxing, or polishing products.

Tips

Wax or Polish should never be used. These products can build up on your cabinets over time and cause a discoloration or hazy appearance.
Cabinets with glass should be cleaned with an ammonia free glass cleaner to keep from damaging the rest of the cabinet.
Always wipe up moisture with soft, dry, clean cloth because it can inflict permanent damage on your cabinets.
When dusting, simply use a soft lint-free cotton cloth. Stay away from pre-moistened dusting sheets and aerosol dusting products.

]]><![CDATA[Five Ways to Add Uniqueness to Your Kitchen During Remodel]]>Mon, 14 Nov 2016 21:12:15 GMThttp://capeannkitchens.com/blog/five-ways-to-add-uniqueness-to-your-kitchen-during-remodel

Our kitchens tend to be the center of our homes due to the multiple functions it serves. Aside from a space to cook, we also use our kitchens as a workspace, and as the focal point for social gatherings. It’s no wonder why we spend so much time thinking about the layout and functionality of our kitchens. While renovating, there are endless ways in which you can add personality and uniqueness to your kitchen. Read on to find out how to make your kitchen stand out from the rest!

Hardware
There many styles and materials available that can add a unique flair to your kitchen. If you want to try a different style, changing out the hardware is much easier than replacing your cabinets.

Local Materials
To tie in your community to your overall kitchen design, use materials from local sources such as re-purposed wood or stone. Here in Massachusetts, materials from Cape Cod beaches are great at adding a unique local flair to your kitchen!

Lighting
When adding new cabinets to your kitchen, special lighting can be installed into the cabinetry to accentuate items inside the cabinet or on the counter-top below the cabinet. Consider adding pendant lights with custom fixtures over kitchen islands to add to the elegance.

Open Display Shelving
Instead of just hiding your items behind a cabinet door, showcase them by having open shelves or doors with glass. Not only does this break up the common appearance of cabinets, but allows you to show off your china or other expensive wares.

Artwork
Artwork in the kitchen adds a creative touch to your space. It can be a painting, sculpture, a piece of pottery, or anything else that feels like art to you. We spend so much time in our kitchen why not add a piece that makes you smile and makes you enjoy being there!

To begin your next kitchen remodel, contact the Cape Ann Kitchens professionals at
781-438-2031 or visit our website today!

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