If you're looking for a more tradi-
tional kitchen, you'll probably want
wood cabinets. First manufactured
on a large-scale basis about 35 years
ago, wood provides a warm look.
Cherry, oak, pear and hickory are all
woods used frequently to make
cabinets; each can typically be
stained to almost any color, light to
dark. Wood cabinets are usually
coated with a polyurethane finish so
they don't have to be waxed, just
wiped clean.
Some cabinets offer a mixed tradi-
tional/modern look, in combinations
of wood and laminate or of metal and
laminate. Modern laminate cabinets
with traditional, recessed-panel doors
and brass knobs add a classic look
with a modern touch. And glass-
fronted cabinets add sparkle to a kit-
chen.
When choosing cabinets, look for
features like roller-bearing drawers
and sliding shelves. Roller-bearing
drawers slide in and out easily; sliding
shelves allow you to select a pot or
pan without rummaging in your cab-
White kitchen
with block glass
window is
decorative and
allows natural
light to shine
through and
contrast with
black table.
Interior design by
KeltnerlSchwartz.
Photo by Beth
Singer.
48
HOME
inets. Adjustable shelves are also
helpful.
Color is another factor to consider
when selecting cabinets. Although
cabinet materials come in an array
of colors, the favorite choice today is
plain, simple white, says Russell
Danielson of Farmington Cabinet Co.
An all-white kitchen (including white
appliances and a white floor), can be
accented with any color. Not only
does whites offer drama, it provides
versatility. You can completely
change the look of your kitchen by
changing the accent color.
Taking this idea one step further,
you can add spice to your white kit-
chen with dried Indian corn in the fall,
fresh flowers in the spring, and so
forth — let your kitchen reflect the
seasons. Accent colors are important;
otherwise, your kitchen will have a
sterile look.
"A majority of people like white.
White and almond are always safe,"
says Huntzinger of Eurostyle Ltd.
The continuing popularity of white is
a European design influence.
COUNTER TOPS
Like cabinets, kitchen counter tops
are typically made of laminate these
days. However, a number of other
materials — both artificial and natural
have been gaining in popularity
recently, including Avonite, Corian,
ceramic tile and granite.
Both Avonite and Corian are syn-
thetic materials. Although they cost
more than laminate counter tops, they
offer several advantages. They're
generally more durable and more
heat resistant; if damaged, they can
usually be refinished rather than
requiring replacement.
Avonite is very big and very
new. It is made to look like granite or
marble, with the same look or effect
without high maintenance," notes
Huntzinger.
Also, Corian can be used for a sink
in addition to a counter top, providing
a continuous flow to your kitchen's
surfaces.
If heat resistance is important to
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