Custom Crafted Cabinets vs. Stock Cabinets
By / November 14, 2018 March 17, 2023Choosing between custom crafted cabinets and stock cabinetry can be overwhelming. However, learning the pros and cons of both can help you make a decision about which better suits your lifestyle and design.
Custom Cabinets
- Custom Cabinets are built to last
- Each cabinet is handmade
- Ability to customize cabinetry down to the core
- Cabinets are built to fit any size, space and layout
- Custom Cabinets are typically more expensive
- Cabinets take longer to make due to customization and quality of design
Stock Cabinets
- Stock cabinets are the least expensive
- Standard shapes and sizes
- Stock sizes for stock kitchens
- Limited selection of styles and woods
- Pre-manufactured cabinets
- Quick delivery time
- Stock cabinets cannot be customized
- Made on an assembly line
Both options can create a captivating kitchen but it’s important to look at the overall quality and design. Keeping in mind the differences of custom and stock cabinets, here are a few examples of what custom cabinetry can look like in your kitchen.
Custom Crafted Cabinets by Kountry Kraft
Design by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs Photography by Chris Veith
This kitchen features our custom crafted cabinets in an Inset/No Bead cabinetry style with the TW10 Hybrid door design. The picture on the left showcases our dovetail cabinet boxes that provide strong and secure joints that can withstand heavy use. Kountry Kraft goes above and beyond to add dovetailing into our boxes and drawers to ensure long lasting craftsmanship. Dovetailing is not a feature available in stock cabinets, as it takes a skilled artisan to craft this joint style.
Design by PK Surroundings Photography by Rob Karosis
Kountry Kraft created glass kitchen cabinets featuring shelves that are in line with the floating shelves on the adjacent wall. The pantry cabinet showcases by-pass doors to provide easy accessibility to the contents inside. A custom crafted cabinet was decided to include a wine and beer fridge as well.
Design by Pam Whittemore of Drum Hill Designs, LLC
The custom cabinets featured above are unique in color, style and design. Part of our textural cabinetry line, they create a realistic wood grain surface that compliment stainless steel kitchen appliances. When choosing custom crafted cabinetry, you have to ability to choose from a wider variety of finishes and wood choices. Whereas, stock cabinets are more linear and don’t have as many choices available.
Kountry Kraft allows you to completely customize your cabinetry as well as offer a lifetime warranty on all our products. We want your kitchen cabinets to look the best and withstand the test of time. Not sure if custom cabinetry is right for you? Visit our Devon Showroom or find one of our experienced dealers near you!
#KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #CustomCabinets #StockCabinets #StockVSCustom
Choosing Cabinet Hardware for Custom Cabinetry
By / October 17, 2018 February 22, 2023Custom cabinetry in any space isn’t complete without the perfect hardware. Selecting the right cabinet hardware can be tricky, as there are lots of other components that may affect the finish and style you choose. Here are a few tips you should know to make the selection process easier and to ensure you choose the right hardware for your space.
Choosing your Hardware Finish
The hardware you choose should coincide with your kitchen appliances, cabinetry color and design style. Featured above is a vignette with a Kountry Kraft door style, hardware, flooring, backsplash and more. Creating a vignette allows you to visually see the design and better understand your creation.
Designed by Thomas R. Kelly of the TRK Design Company
Starting with hardware color, you should choose a finish that matches your appliances and cabinetry. If your kitchen features white cabinetry then go for bold hardware that will stand out. Shown above is a U-shaped kitchen featuring custom painted white cabinetry. The silver hardware brings life into the cabinetry and creates a pop of color that matches the appliances and countertops.
Designed by Thomas R. Kelly of the TRK Design Company
Featured above is the same kitchen as previously shown, but the island cabinetry is finished in a different color than the perimeter. The island is finished in Benjamin Moore Shadow Gray. Because of the contrast between the island and perimeter cabinets, a focal point is created. However, the same hardware is used on the island as well as the rest of the cabinetry in this kitchen. The versatility of the hardware creates cohesiveness throughout the whole kitchen design.
Choosing your Hardware Style
Designed by Integrated Kitchens LLC
Deciding on whether to use knobs, pulls or latches is more of a preference than a general rule. You should focus on what feels more comfortable rather than what looks the best. Functionality over fashion. Featured above is Alpine White custom finish cabinetry with glass cabinet doors, tall cabinets and drawers. The glass cabinet doors feature silver knobs while the cabinets and drawers feature silver pulls. Utilizing both options in your kitchen is pleasing to the eye.
Designing your dream kitchen and having everything fall into place is the best feeling. Kountry Kraft offers hardware from Top Knobs, Cliffside Industries and many more. Explore all your options until you find the perfect combination. Whether you’re designing a kitchen from scratch or simply changing out your old hardware, explore the unlimited capabilities that Kountry Kraft has to offer.
Visit our Instagram to view some close-up shots featuring different cabinet hardware. Or check out Houzz to see our recently completed designs.
#CustomHardware #KountryKraft #CustomCabinetry #CabinetryHardware
Go-To Non-Neutral Cabinet Colors
By / September 19, 2018 October 29, 2018A popular kitchen trend of 2018 is incorporating non-neutral cabinet colors into your design. Not only do colored cabinets add personality to your space, but they are also a great way to create a focal point. According to Houzz, the go-to non-neutral cabinet colors are blues and greens.
Green and Blue Non-Neutral Cabinet Colors
Houzz conducted a survey that conveyed 7 out of 10 of the most-saved kitchen photos uploaded in the past 3 months featured blue and green kitchen cabinets.
As you walk through the Kountry Kraft shop you will see a variety of green cabinetry. Featured on the right is kitchen cabinets finished with Sherwin Williams Green Hazel. This color provides subtle color to any room that is versatile and attractive.
Designed by Ann Unal Kitchens LLC
Ann Unal Kitchens LLC designed this kitchen to feature Whisper Green painted kitchen island cabinets and Tuscany painted perimeter cabinets.
Cabinets painted in shades of blue are also trending in today’s kitchen designs. A multitude of designs run through our facility throughout the day, such as the butler’s pantry featured on the right finished with a light shade of blue. Featured on the left are kitchen cabinets crafted with an ample amount of detail, yet so simple, and finished with the right shade of blue.
Designed by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs
This all blue kitchen was crafted in a deeply saturated shade of navy blue designed by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs. The backsplash has hints of blue which pops against the blue cabinetry and matching floating shelves. Encompassing all the accessories together in this kitchen created a timeless classic feel with exploits at sea.
Shades of blue and green- and anything in between – are available at Kountry Kraft Cabinetry. Visit our website to see all the paint finishes that Kountry Kraft has to offer! Also check out our Houzz page to see our recently completed designs.
#KountryKraft #KitchenTrends2018 #CustomCabinetry #NonNeutralColors
Cabinets with Hidden Outlets by Kountry Kraft
By / September 5, 2018 March 20, 2023Because of the continuous rapid growth of the use of technology, incorporating cabinets with hidden outlets into your kitchen design is a must. Cabinetry can be designed and crafted to hide electrical outlets in easily accessible places. Many designers have designed charging stations to include outlets, while other designers have designated a cabinet drawer or custom panel to hide outlets.
Designs featuring Cabinets with Hidden Outlets
Designed by Jessica McAllister for D&B Elite Construction Group
Designer Jessica McAllister for D&B Elite Construction Group camouflaged a charging station as part of kitchen cabinets. The charging station is easily accessible, and a counter creates the perfect resting place for devices. This station can also serve double duty as a place to plug in small appliances like a mixer or can opener.
Designed by TRK Design Company
Electrical outlets are also incorporated into kitchen cabinet designs for appliances that need to be plugged in. TRK Design Company designed a kitchen island with an outlet close to the countertop.
Here is an easy DIY way to hide electrical outlets on your cabinets. When closed, the panel appears as part of the island. When open, an outlet is exposed for use. Panels are the perfect solution to incorporate electrical outlets without sacrificing the appearance of your kitchen design.
There are endless options on how you can incorporate cabinets with hidden outlets. Whether its by creating a drawer dedicated to charging devices or a charging station. Or just by adding more electrical outlets to your kitchen island. Whatever your vision may entail, Kountry Kraft Custom Cabinetry can create it for you.
To view more of our recently completed projects visit our Houzz page or check out our Instagram for some design inspiration! Also visit our accessories page to see how you can incorporate other storage options into your kitchen.
#KountryKraft #CabinetsWithHiddenOutlets #CustomCabinetry #HiddenOutlets
Kountry Kraft Keeping up with the Current Kitchen Trends
By / August 22, 2018 October 29, 2018Each year there is always current kitchen trends on the rise. Whether it’s old styles that are becoming popular again or introducing new styles altogether. Kountry Kraft offers endless options to keep up with the current kitchen trends.
Current Kitchen Trends
Designed by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs
Effective storage solution cabinetry is one kitchen trend that Kountry Kraft has crafted an abundance of times. By incorporating this design into your kitchen, it can create an organized look by keeping storage items concealed.
Designed by TRK Design Company
Another kitchen trend is incorporating single level multi personal kitchen islands. By adding under counter appliances to your kitchen island you allow for more storage and space to add more cabinetry around your kitchen.
Designed by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs
Open shelving is becoming a huge trend in kitchen design this year. By adding open shelves, it can be visually pleasing and creates a unique aesthetic in your kitchen.
Designed by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs
Navy blue is becoming a trending color for kitchen cabinets in 2018. By incorporating a decorative backsplash against the navy-blue cabinets, it can create a contrast that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Designed by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs
And lastly, gray is the new go-to neutral shade. Warm shades of gray offer neutrality to a kitchen while also adding a splash of color unlike the color white. Gray is also flexible in terms of matching appliances and accessories to the color. Incorporating gray into your kitchen will portray a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Kountry Kraft is always looking out for the latest kitchen trends and using their fine craftsmanship to bring them to life. Visit Kountry Kraft’s Devon Showroom to speak to a design professional about incorporating the current kitchen trends into your kitchen.
Determining Kitchen Design Style with Kountry Kraft Cabinetry
By / July 11, 2018 October 29, 2018If you decide to remodel your kitchen you must consider a design style that reflects your needs and personality. When considering your design style, you should decide which style will coincide with other parts of your home.
Types of Design Styles
Designed by Jessica McAllister of Kountry Kraft, Inc.
Traditional Design
It incorporates antiques and comfort all in one. Patterns are often used with this design style paired with neutral colors. Traditional style will feature classic designs with woodwork and carved moldings.
Designed by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs
Transitional Design
Contemporary and traditional style combined into one. You may keep your traditional style cabinetry and incorporate the contemporary side other places. Transitional style includes neutral and soothing colors to allow the furniture to be the focal point of the room.
Designed by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs
Farmhouse Design
Consists of neutral colors with a vintage ambiance. This design can portray warmth and simplicity in your home. Farmhouse style can include features such as, exposed wood beams, butcher blocks, and hanging barn doors.
Designed by Burns Century, ASID, CKD, of Burns Century Interior Design
Contemporary Design
Defined as clean and simple. Whereas modern design style is boxy lines, contemporary style features a combination of straight and curvy lines. Stainless steel is a common feature in a contemporary style kitchen followed by white cabinetry.
Designed by Dee Maher in Collaboration with Kountry Kraft, Inc.
Modern Design
Favors sleek, minimalist design over intricate detail. Modern cabinetry includes straight lines and contrast. The colors are dramatic such as white and black tones. Kitchen surfaces are reflective such as steel, chrome or glass.
No matter what design style you choose when creating or remodeling your kitchen, make sure it accommodates your lifestyle. A Kountry Kraft designer can help you create custom cabinetry to synchronize with the design style you choose.
Contact us to bring your design style to life! Visit our Houzz page to view our recently completed projects by our designers.
Cabinet Care Tips with Kountry Kraft Cabinetry
By / June 6, 2018 June 25, 2018Custom cabinet care is simple, fast and requires no dangerous chemicals or treatments. If you practice these basic care tips you will enjoy the look of your cabinetry for years to come.
Cabinet Care Tips
Going from laminate cabinetry to solid wood will impact the difference in the way you care for your cabinets. Use these cabinet care techniques to protect the rich patina that solid wood provides.
- Do not use products with bleach, ammonia or abrasive additives
- Avoid draping damp cloths or dishtowels over cabinet doors – excessive moisture can cause permanent damage, dry surfaces immediately with a soft cloth
- Never use scouring pads, steel wool or powdered cleaners
- Avoid placing small kitchen appliances where heat is directed onto cabinet surfaces
- Do not use all-purpose cleaners – may remove the finish and damage wood
- Avoid using a dishcloth or sponge- it could contain remnants of grease or detergents
To ensure your cabinetry stays just as beautiful as the day you got it:
- Wipe up spills and water spots to always keep the cabinetry dry
- Clean your cabinets with a soft, lint free cloth
- Use dish soap and warm water to remove grease and fingerprints
- Vinegar can be used to remove sticky films
- Baking soda and water can remove buildup and stubborn stains
When using these cabinet care tips regularly, your cabinets will assure years of beautiful, functional use. You’ve taken the time and the resources to invest in classic, high quality cabinetry – why shorten its lifespan with neglect or misuse? If you have any more questions on cabinet care visit our Care and Cleaning page or Contact Us!
Browse through our Door Styles page to see all the custom cabinet options we offer for your home! Also visit our Houzz page to view our recently completed projects by our designers.
Popular Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
By / May 23, 2018 February 25, 2023When updating a kitchen style with something new and unique, there are many popular kitchen cabinet ideas to consider. Reworking cabinetry can add a fresh new look to a kitchen. Kountry Kraft is always staying up to date with the latest innovations in cabinetmaking, allowing us to provide our customers with exclusive kitchen cabinet ideas.
Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
High-Gloss Cabinets
High gloss cabinets are powerful statement makers – providing a lacquer-look on cabinetry. The deep, mirror-like appearance becomes more noticeable and eye catching.
Designed by Burns Century Interior Design
Sliding Doors
Barn-style sliding cabinet doors have become a popular choice in cabinetry for every room of a home. The sliding door is used to achieve the farmhouse style look for industrial, modern or traditional homes.
Designed by Galen Clemmer of Kountry Kraft, Inc.
Two-Tone Cabinets
Two toned cabinets provide the contrasting look a room desires. When a kitchen has a multi-color backsplash, two-toned cabinets can help blend the colors together. Two toned cabinets are also used to add warmth or coolness to a space,
Designed by Shawn Preis of Kountry Kraft, Inc. Designed by Jessica McAllister of D&B Elite Construction Group
Mesh Inserts
Mesh inserts give a slight peek at what’s inside the cabinet without putting the contents on full display. They work well in both traditional and contemporary designs, bringing a sense of old-world charm.
Designed by Samantha Petzrick Chinn of Petzrick Chinn Designs, LLC
Mirrored Cabinets
The industrial appeal of steel doesn’t have to stop at stainless-steel appliances, mirrored cabinet doors can extend the industrial style feel of the space. Incorporating mirrors into cabinetry can make the room feel more casual and welcoming.
Designed by Sawhorse Designs
Have different kitchen cabinet ideas in mind? Contact us today to bring your ideas to life. Visit our Houzz page to view our recently completed projects for inspiration!
Kountry Kraft President Explains Cabinetry with Ryan Serhant
By / May 9, 2018 February 24, 2023Kountry Kraft was chosen to educate television personality, Ryan Serhant, in the art of cabinetmaking for his new television show, Sell it Like Serhant. The Bravo TV team discovered Kountry Kraft on Instagram and were instantly impressed by their cabinetry work. In the episode aired on Wednesday, April 25, Ryan Serhant was on a mission to teach Frank, the struggling salesman, about how custom cabinetry is made. With only a week left before Frank would lose his job, Serhant went directly to the expert himself, Elvin Hurst Jr., President of Kountry Kraft.
Elvin Hurst, Jr. is the son of the founders, Elvin Hurst, Sr. and Helen Hurst, whom purchased the company with his sister, Dee Hurst-Funk in February 2003. Elvin and Dee have been immersed in the family business since they were born. Growing up alongside their hardworking parents gave them a strong desire to guide Kountry Kraft into the future.
Elvin taught Ryan and Frank the artistry and talent required to making quality cabinetry; beginning with cutting down the tree all the way to crafting the cabinet door. Elvin chose to teach Ryan and Frank how to create a distressed cabinet – or as Ryan Serhant would call it; “like a worn pair of jeans”. Elvin guided the two men through the steps of creating a distressed cabinet. As Elvin explained the cabinetmaking process, Ryan made sure Frank was taking notes.
Step 1: Dubbing using a sander
Step 2: Rasping using a file
Step 3: Dings and dents using a chain
Step 4: Worn holes using a scaler
Ryan Serhant, Frank, Elvin Hurst, Jr. and Kountry Kraft Craftsman
“Let’s make some cabinets!” Ryan shouted when it was his turn to create the “worn cabinet look”. Ryan and Frank were stunned when they saw their finished product. Ryan Serhant had such a great time that he stated, “if real estate doesn’t work out, I’m selling cabinets!” Frank could now see how the entire process was done by hand, and that became a unique selling point for him; telling the story. Every aspect of Kountry Kraft’s cabinetry is completely done by hand by the talented craftsmen.
Click here to watch an exclusive behind the scenes clip of Ryan Serhant with Elvin Hurst, Jr. at the Kountry Kraft manufacturing facility.
Must-Haves for a Designer’s Dream Kitchen
By / April 26, 2018 April 26, 2018A designer’s dream kitchen consists of a mix of materials and products that a typical homeowner may not know exist. Being professionals in the industry, designers are exposed to a variety of design opportunities through a vast network of suppliers, trade organizations and their talented peers. Designer’s blend beauty, function, and durability when designing dream kitchens.
Designers are able to look at a kitchen space holistically and will offer space and organization options homeowners may not have considered. A fresh set of eyes from a talented professional can transform a space many people could not have imagined. Check out the extensive storage in the form of drawers that our client Stonington designed (see picture below). A professional does not just look at the layout of a room, they study every nook and cranny of the space. When a designer looks at an empty room, it is like a canvas with endless opportunities. Kitchen Designers have access to the most innovative products of the industry, allowing them to incorporate only the best products into a design. With all of that in mind, we highly recommend contacting a professional designer when planning your dream kitchen.
Must-Haves of a Designer’s Dream Kitchen:
Design by Bradford Design in Alexandria, Virginia
Custom Cabinets – custom cabinets can achieve a certain look that stock cabinets cannot. Sometimes a space will have an awkward corner, and custom cabinets are able to fill that space. Also, with custom cabinetry designers can ultimately choose the exact color hue of their cabinets.
Design by Stonington Cabinetry in Upper Montclair, New Jersey
Hidden Range Hoods – custom range hoods create the perfect focal point and can also blend seamlessly with the designer’s custom cabinetry.
Design by Stonington Cabinetry in Madison, New Jersey
Deep Drawers – to improve organization, designers trade out the usual lower cabinets for deep drawers for easy reach-in access for a pot or plate.
Based on the above list, Kountry Kraft can build a designer’s dream kitchen using their fine craftsmanship to create custom cabinets, deep drawers and hidden range hoods. Designers do not like to be limited, and at Kountry Kraft the choices are endless. We are always looking out for the latest and greatest in cabinetry solutions. Contact us today to get started on your dream kitchen