Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/8276
Although KVO Cabinets, Inc., in Idaho Falls is still busy with new home construc- tion, the company is also doing a lot of remodeling and refinishing of cabinets. Owner Kent Van Orden says that one of the most common refinish jobs they do is updating classic oak cabinets that were so popular several years ago. At roughly one- third the cost of new cabinetry, KVO and other companies in the area can refinish oak cabinets with a darker color, glaze or antique them, or even repaint them. “Adding new knobs and poles also helps update a kitchen,” says Van Orden, adding that the company also repairs cabinets. One of the latest trends is to combine painting and staining in different areas of the kitch- en, or to stain using two different colors. Another remodeling option for cabinets that are well made and in good condition is refacing. During the refacing process a thin coat—generally about 1 ⁄4 -inch—of ers are very aware of the options available, and because of this they expect their cabi- nets to be user friendly. As far as cabinet styles, just about any- thing goes these days. In fact, many hom- eowners are creating completely custom rooms by combining styles that they love. For example, in a large kitchen, a hom- eowner may choose one style for an island and another for the rest of the cabinets, and possibly even another complementary style for the front of the refrigerator. Cabinet Trends Cabinet trends are varied and lend them- selves to a customized look that will match the décor of the home as well as the needs of the family. “The most popular trends right now are antiquing, glazing and adding glass fronts,” says Kent Van Orden, owner of KVO Cabinets, Inc., in Idaho Falls. These options help homeowners create spaces that feel lived in and comfortable. Nationally, there is also a trend toward painted cabinets. The painting trend has created a movement away from whites and heavy distressing. Sage green, chiffon yellow and French crème have replaced whites, offering a soft color palette to warm up the room. Another key trend in cabinetry is the fur- niture look. Many of these designs are cus- tom pieces. “We’re doing a lot of furniture- style cabinetry,” says Van Orden. Furniture- style refers to custom-built cabinets made to look like furniture pieces such a display cabinets and desks. “We do a lot of that style using legs and scallops. It just dresses everything up in a room. It is a more cus- tom look for a minimal cost,” he says. As far as wood types, Van Orden says that locally there has been a shift to walnut and cherry woods. “Knotty alder continues to be popular because it’s a nice wood that looks good when antiqued. It’s really whatever appeals to people aesthetically. There are so many different hardwood types that stand up to a lot of wear and tear,” he says. On a national scale, exotic woods also are becoming popular. Oak, cherry and maple are strong, but the high-end market in par- ticular wants designs out of the ordinary. Examples include quarter-sawn white oak, Canadian red birch, Old French white oak and knotty chestnut. Refinishing With the housing market moving slowly, many people are choosing to stay in their homes and make improvements that will get them top dollar when the market turns around. wood is wrapped around cabinet faces after the doors, drawer fronts and hardware have been removed. Then new matching cabinet doors, drawer fronts and hardware are installed to give the room a completely new look. Refacing can greatly improve the durability of kitchen cabinets, adding years of life. And don’t forget the bathroom. Refacing cabinets there will provide dra- matic changes as well. Cabinetry in Other Rooms Adding cabinetry to other rooms in the home, such as basements and dens, is an easy way to maximize space and add func- tion. “We’re seeing a lot of people adding on to their homes or finishing basements instead of buying new,” says Kent Van Orden, owner of KVO Cabinets, Inc., in Idaho Falls. He says that homeowners are increasingly installing wet bars and enter- tainment centers. “The entertainment cen- ters are some of the most fun and customiz- able things we do,” he says. Nationwide, custom-designed TV cabi- nets are becoming very popular. They can be created according to the size of the wall and offer many options. These centers hold not only the TV, but they also help to store accessories like stereos, speakers, DVDs and CDs. There are a variety of specialized fea- tures that can be added as well. For exam- ple, rollout shelves provide easy access to individual electronic components, while adjustable drawer dividers neatly store digi- tal media. Homeowners can choose wood IDAHOFALLSMAGAZINE.COM | 47