Excerpted from Yahoo! Homes article from Zillow by Catherine Sherman, April 29, 2013

According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) quarterly survey of more than 500 residential firms, home renovations are outpacing new construction projects this year. With the housing recovery, homeowners are revisiting kitchen and bathroom projects that were previously put on hold.

AIA Chief Economist Kermit F. Baker says kitchen and bath remodels are often the last to be downsized when a recession strikes, and the first to rebound after a lull. The survey found the size of kitchens and bathrooms is increasing in U.S. homes, after staying relatively flat in recent years.

This may not come as a surprise, with many viewing the kitchen as the heart of the home. It’s one of the places that gets the most foot traffic and activity. It’s also increasingly seen as the command center for the home’s technology and green features.

According to the AIA, bathrooms are among the first spaces to be upgraded in newly owned homes. Homeowners looking to sell are thinking about what will attract a buyer. Homeowners looking to stay in their homes for retirement are also paying more attention to the accessibility of their bathrooms.

Some of the most popular kitchen and bathroom upgrades this year:

Accessible Showers

Universal design is a big movement in bathrooms, with 54 percent of architects getting requests for wheelchair-accessible features. But, making an existing shower flush with the floor can be a costly upgrade.

His and Hers Shower Options

An easier (and cheaper) accessibility request is a handheld showerhead. Per an architect surveyed, many people are looking for larger showers with options for couples. “A lot of guys love deluge showerheads, but a lot of women prefer to have a handheld. We’ve done a lot of showers where you have both in one large space.”

Recharging Stations

“What we’ve seen over the last couple of years is architects telling us kitchens are the nerve center of the home,” said Baker of AIA. “Increasingly, people need room for computers in their kitchen for home-office or cooking-related tasks. It’s becoming a drop area for recharging iPads and cellphones, too.”

Renewable Materials

While building sustainably is nothing new, an architect surveyed says the trend is causing more traditional materials to come back in style.  In 1950, Frank Lloyd Wright Jr. started using concrete block to make the famous Dorland House, a “low-cost home of quality.” Concrete is now coming back as a design trend for kitchen counters and flooring because of its affordability and durability.

Recycling Centers

And, going green doesn’t stop at the floor. The survey found 36 percent of architects recently received requests for a home recycling center.  Baker, who has conducted the AIA survey since 2005, says the focus on green and energy-efficient products is no longer just a regional trend — it’s a top design priority across the U.S.  “People are requesting compost bins instead of having a disposal,” an architect surveyed said. “It’s almost like a disposal lid built into the counter, but you can remove the container to take out the compost.”

Soaking Tubs

While the survey focused more on single showers, an architect surveyed said he’s had three instances recently where clients requested Japanese-style soaking tubs.  “It was very interesting to me that they wanted a traditional soaking tub in contrast to what I’d been seeing for years: jetted tubs, which are definitely on the way out.”

Excerpted from gizmodo.com article by Brett Martin

Kitchen cabinets, countertops, and cupboards have a knack for collecting clutter over time, making it difficult to locate items or find clear space when needed.  Below are several suggestions for organizing kitchen cabinet and cupboard space to make more countertop room for preparation and serving and to make for a more organized kitchen.  Cabinet Creations of the Southeast can help you design your kitchen cabinets with accessories and fittings to keep your space organized and clutter-free.

1. Go Vertical
2. Install dividers in cabinets to make defined spaces for things like baking sheets, cutting boards, pizza pans, and other large cook and bake ware that is otherwise difficult to store.
3. Hang pots from the ceiling

If your cabinet storage space is limited, try using an overhead hanger for pots and pans.  We will help optimize your available cabinet space, but overhead pots and pans hangers can save room and clutter.

4.  Improve your broom closet

Broom closets can often become wasted space because of the lack of similar sized objects that need to be stored and can fit in a tall and narrow closet.  Hang brooms, dust pans, & other similar accessories on the back of a door or on a hook in a closet or garage and convert broom closet space into shelves that can be used to store dishes, food, cleaning supplies, and more.  We can customize your closet and cabinet space for efficient storage.

5.  Take advantage of pull out shelves

Cabinets with pull out shelving can maximize your kitchen storage while allowing you to easily see and access the entire shelf.  Cabinet Creations of the Southeast offers custom pull out shelving solutions for pots and pans and storage of other kitchen items including appliances, food, and spices.

6.  Include an island in your kitchen plan

If you have an island, or if you are considering installing an island in your kitchen, use the island space for custom storage including trash and recycling pullouts, spice rack pullouts, adjustable shelving, and dividers.  We can help you design the perfect storage solutions for your island storage space.

          Customize, Customize, Customize

We can help you customize your cabinet storage space with space saving organizational options including cutlery drawers, knife boards, adjustable shelving, lazy susans, single- and double-tiered roll outs, and many more options perfect for your kitchen.

Cabinet Creations has expanded in-house financing options to include:

• Same as cash financing
• Special financing up to 60 months
• Many flexible payment options

You CAN afford the kitchen of your dreams!  Click here to get a quote today. Or call us at 1-800-566-4679.

Kitchen Cabinet Refacing with many colors & styles to choose from to customize your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of custom cabinet replacement!

Custom Storage Solutions for effective use of kitchen cabinet space.

Cambria Quartz Countertops in all colors and styles, custom fabricated for your kitchen!

Flexible financing options available.  Make your dream kitchen a reality!

What exactly is cabinet refacing?  Cabinet refacing involves removing existing cabinet doors and drawers and replacing them with brand new doors and drawers in the style and color of your choice to revitalize your kitchen.  The process of cabinet refacing is less costly and less time consuming than traditional cabinet refacing, and it offers a custom look with unique options.

Kitchen After Cabinet Creations Cabinet Refacing

Some of the advantages of cabinet refacing:

- Wide variety of cabinet door styles and colors for a custom kitchen

Wide selection of cabinet door styles & colors available

- Significantly reduced costs and project completion time compared to new cabinetry

- Custom cabinet storage options available

Custom Wooden Cabinet Roll Out Shelves

Watch our video to learn more about cabinet refacing and how Cabinet Creations can help you transform your kitchen!

Cabinet Creations of the Southeast offers only the best products in the industry, and Cambria Quartz countertops are sure to impress in appearance and durability.  Cambria Quartz is a natural stone surface that is both elegant and practical.

See the colors of Cambria here.

Contact us for a free quote to replace your kitchen countertops with beautiful and durable Cambria quartz counters.

Cabinet Creations of the Southeast also offers cabinet refacing with many different cabinet door and drawer styles and colors.  In addition, custom cabinet storage solutions are available as well as custom decorative solutions to make your dream kitchen a reality!

Call us today at 1-800-566-4679 to request a quote!

Spring is almost here.  Tax season is among us and home repair and renovation projects are around the corner.  Put your tax refund to good use.  Reface kitchen cabinets, replace countertops, update cabinet and drawer hardware, customize kitchen storage solutions and make your dream kitchen a reality!

Cabinet Refacing and Cambria Quartz Counters at Cabinet Creations of the Southeast

Learn more about our cabinet refacing process and request a quote today!  Refacing costs a fraction of custom cabinetry, can be completed in much less time and has many unique options for customizing your kitchen.

Visit our gallery for before and after images of cabinet refacing and countertop replacement for inspiration and to see how dream kitchens become reality.

So you’ve planned the perfect date and you are so excited, then it starts raining. You’re thinking your plans for the night are ruined. Doesn’t that just put a damper on your excitement? Here’s where a back-up plan comes in handy! Pack the umbrellas or put your creativity cap on to come up with some fun indoor activities for your date night.

Figure out an activity to avoid any rainy day boredom. This is perfect timing for your date to teach you something they are good at. This could include anything from installing a program on a computer, making specialty drinks, cooking that perfect meal, or teaching you a foreign language. This allows the two of you to get to know each other better and share your skills with one another. Whether it’s a first date or you have been dating this person for 7 years, a little imagination results in a very memorable date (even when there is no sunny weather).

What about an excursion date? Do something you don’t normally do. Go somewhere you don’t normally go. You do not need to be a prisoner of your house just because the weather is crummy. Although it may not be what you really wanted to do, try going to the mall or library. These are low-cost, casual environments that relieve some of the pressure you may be feeling from wanting to provide a romantic atmosphere. These carefree environments allow you to create casual conversation that will allow you to get to know each other better. Now, go to the grocery and get some groceries for a dinner that you can cook together!

What about the easiest rainy-day date of all time. The entertainment date. There’s nothing more satisfying than being lounging around and watching a movie a home (you can’t tell me I’m wrong). Or try picking two games – one he is better at, and one you are better at. Make it a challenge to beat each other’s scores.

By now you might be thinking you’ve heard all of these ideas. Here’s where it gets interesting! Take out your rain boots, put on your rain jacket, get your umbrella, and head outdoors! Rainy days always mean less traffic and fewer crowds, right? Try going to the zoo or aquarium. If you live near a scenic area, drive around and combine the indoor and outdoor activities (only if the roads are safe, of course).

So if you thought you couldn’t have fun on a rainy day, think again! Now go get your rain boots and have a little fun!

Are you tired of constantly wanting to spruce up your kitchen and bathroom without having to count all of your pennies? We have a solution for you. Reface them. You will find that refacing your cabinets will be more beneficial to you in the long run.

Now you might be wondering what exactly refacing means. It means that only the doors of the cabinets will be replaced (instead of the entirety of the cabinet box). The existing cabinet box is covered with a thin veneer (real wood or vinyl) and the drawer faces and doors are replaced. So, this solution is effective, smart, and simple.

By now you might be asking yourself how much this type of project would cost. Well, refacing means you will be spending a significantly less amount of money than if you were to fully replace your cabinets. A Yahoo! Article quoted, “According to Consumer Reports, the average budget for a kitchen remodel in 2012 was $30,325. And replacing cabinets, they note, is typically the priciest part of a kitchen remodel. But when you reface, you’re only buying new doors and drawers instead of the entire cabinet. So what might you expect to pay for refacing your cabinetry? About $150 to $300 per door opening.”

With a project like this, you have many choices to consider — whether you want a subtle or dramatic change, or a veneer that is laminate or wood. Your dream look can be achieved just by making a few simple choices.

Even as a DIY guru/home improvement expert and author of The Homeowner’s Manual, Lynda Lyday notes that for cabinet refacing projects, “Most people probably want to hire a professional.” Applying veneer to a cabinet takes a special set of skills that you probably don’t want to try to acquire while you’re making decisions on how you want your kitchen or bathroom to look.

And to anyone who is looking for one more “pro” to add to the list of cost efficient and dramatic (or simple) results, refacing your cabinets also keeps a lot of waste out of the landfills. This option is much more Eco-friendly than replacing the whole cabinet.

It’s time to go inspect your cabinet structure and see if refacing is the best solution for you! Let Cabinet Creations help you!

Kitchen Before Cabinet Refacing by Cabinet Creations of the Southeast

Kitchen After Cabinet Refacing by Cabinet Creations of the Southeast

Valentine’s Day is ALMOST here. What’s that you say? Almost here? Only 6 days away…. So it caught up to you, huh? Maybe you’ve just lagged behind on buying a gift or you’re trying to find something a little cooler than roses and candy. Dinners are booking up and flowers are already being ordered. All of you who have already taken care of this, it’s your turn to take a breath and rest. As for the rest of us who aren’t so organized, let’s start planning!

Here are a few steps we suggest you take before next Thursday (February 14^th, if you’ve already forgotten again!):

1) Details Matter. Even though it’s just another day, your significant other will always appreciate the little steps you take to make their day that much more special. Valentine’s Day is a day designated for being cheesy – embrace it!

2) That Special Gift. All Valentine’s Day gifts are usually given with the best of intentions. Think of those sweet homemade cards you get from your elementary school child. Talk about tugging on your heart strings! Look for a unique and heartfelt gift they will be able to cherish and remember forever.

3) The menu. (I just heard some of you sigh.) Well, fear not! Remember this day is supposed to be about making each other happy. Do something you both enjoy whether that means going to a fancy restaurant, going to the little café down the street, or cooking dinner in the privacy of your own home.  If you go to a restaurant, make a reservation in advance. If you cook at home, make sure you know what you’re cooking before the big night so you don’t get flustered! (See below for a suggested luxurious and hearty dinner for two from Martha Stewart.)

4) Remember to be sweet. Literally andmetaphorically. After all, it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without some sort of sweet treat!

Make February 14, 2013 memorable and have fun!

Pepper Crusted Filet Mignon

Ingredients

• 2 (5 to 6 ounces each) filet mignons (about 1 1/2 inches thick)
• Coarse salt and very coarsely ground pepper
• 2 teaspoon(s) olive oil

Red Wine Sauce (optional):

• 1 cup(s) red wine
• 2 tablespoon(s) cold butter, cut up
• Coarse salt

Directions

1. Season filets very generously on both sides with salt and pepper (especially pepper), patting in firmly.
2. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high. Cook filets until desired doneness, 3 to 5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) for medium-rare.
3. Remove strings from filets, and serve with Red Wine Sauce, if desired.
4. To make Red Wine Sauce: Place wine in a small saucepan; boil until reduced to 1/4 cup, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat; add cut-up butter, and swirl pan until butter is melted and sauce is thickened, about 1 minute. Season with coarse salt.

Creamy Spinach

Ingredients

• 1 pound(s) curly spinach, well washed, thick stems removed, water still clinging to leaves
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 2 tablespoon(s) butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup(s) milk

Directions

1. Place spinach in a large saucepan (3 to 4 quarts) over medium heat (it will be extremely full), and season with salt. Cover and cook, tossing occasionally, until wilted, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a colander, and rinse under cold water until completely cooled; squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat butter over medium-low; add shallot, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until soft but not browned, 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add flour; cook, stirring, 1 minute (do not let brown); add 3/4 cup milk. Simmer gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Thin with additional milk, if necessary. Remove from heat; stir in spinach. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Raspberry-Cream Pavlovas

Ingredients

Pavlovas:

• 10 ounce(s) frozen red raspberries, thawed in bag
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup(s) sugar
• Pinch of salt

Filling:

• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup(s) sugar
• 2 1/2 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup(s) heavy cream

Directions

1. Make the Pavlovas: Put raspberries into a fine sieve set over a medium bowl. Let drain, reserving 2 1/2 tablespoons juice; set juice aside. Press raspberries through sieve into bowl (you should have 3 to 4 tablespoons puree); discard solids, and reserve puree for filling.
2. Put egg whites, sugar, and salt into the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer set over a pan of simmering water. Whisk until sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Attach bowl to mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Add reserved raspberry juice. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, 2 to 4 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 175 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper. Using a spoon or a rubber spatula, form meringue into six 3 1/4-inch rounds on prepared sheet. Use the back of a spoon to make an indentation in center of each round. Bake until centers are just set and edges are crisp, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Let cool completely on sheet on a wire rack.
4. Make the filling: Whisk egg yolks, 3 tablespoons reserved raspberry puree, and the sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in butter and salt. Transfer to a small bowl; place plastic wrap directly on surface of curd to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate curd at least 1 hour (up to 1 day).
5. Put cream into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Serve Pavlovas topped with raspberry curd and whipped cream.