Mix & Match your Cabinetry to Create a Unique Touch in your Kitchen

Mixing and matching cabinetry has become more and more popular. You can mix and match painted cabinets, or even painted with wood finishes. Either way, the look is simply unique and creates a great eye catcher.

Have your kitchen be the talk of the town with mix and match cabinetry, at D&H Cabinetry we can help with great ideas.

Birch Kitchen Cabinets

Birch Kitchen cabinets are a nice alternative to maple if you are looking for a different wood species for your new kitchen cabinets. Birch is attractive in its natural state or takes darker stain easier than some other woods used for kitchen cabinetry.

The texture of birch is fine and even and the grain pattern is normally straight. Birch is a more affordable choice over maple.

At D&H Cabinetry we can offer you a great birch choice for your kitchen without breaking the bank. Call us today to ask us how! 301-997-1450

Book Shelves in the Kitchen

Where do you keep your recipe box? Is it in a drawer or possible on the counter top? What about the great new set of cookbooks you just bought; where on earth will they go? The kitchen cabinets are probably filled with pots and pans and the pantry with canned goods. It just seems like there is never enough storage in the kitchen.

Bookshelves might be a great addition to your kitchen cabinets to increase storage space. Some units are designed with shelving below and additional counter space on top. There are shelving units with glass fronts so you can view your books.

Let's face it; rewriting those recipes to fit in the box gets tougher as we get older. Wouldn't it be great to have a dedicated book shelf in your kitchen to display the actual cookbook and have it close to hand? Consider the addition of this type of cabinet shelving for your kitchen. It can be a great way to get additional storage without spending a lot of money.

Enhance the look of your Kitchen Cabinets with Crown Molding

There are many things which can add style and beauty to your home, but few really can compare to crown molding. We are most familiar with crown molding as finishing around the tops of our walls, but adding them to your kitchen cabinets can add depth and beauty to your kitchen.

It doesn't make any difference whether your kitchen cabinetry extends to the ceiling or not; adding crown molding will give your cabinets a sense of elegance achieved by few other accessories. If your kitchen cabinets need a finishing touch, add crown molding to the tops of your cabinets. It can be just the perfect item to bring depth and beauty to your existing cabinetry.

Come visit us at D&H Cabinetry, and we can show you all the different types and styles of crown molding.

Hardware is Important to Your Design

The impact of kitchen cabinet hardware is sometimes overlooked in the scheme of things when building or remodeling your kitchen, but if you stop to think about it, the hardware you choose will make a huge difference.

Of course, you need functionality since cabinet doors and drawers are opened and closed hundreds of times a week, so choose well-made hardware for durability. As far as style goes, you should assess the style of your cabinets and drawers so your hardware accentuates the style rather than detracts from it.

The variety of kitchen cabinet hardware available today is infinite; you'll find many finishes, colors and styles to fit your kitchen and give your cabinets the adornment they need to look fantastic.

Full Extension Kitchen Cabinet Drawers

In the not so distant past, standard kitchen cabinet drawers did not fully extend and you would have to bend over and peer in the back, groping to find the potato peeler. The greatest solution for this is to install kitchen cabinets with fully extending cabinet drawers.

Homeowners purchasing new cabinets are more concerned with the type of construction material or stain color used. However, equally as important is the durability and functionality of the cabinetry.

This type of drawer construction allows more of the drawer to be used and minimizes the chances of lost utensils in the back of the drawer. Purchasing new kitchen cabinets with full extension drawer hardware will ensure you can view all items in the drawer, even that sneaky potato peeler that always seems to work itself toward the back.

At D&H Cabinetry we have great sales going on with free drawer upgrades, visit us today to find out how you can save on getting full extension wood drawers.

Cabinet Construction Makes a Difference

You don't have to buy custom cabinets to have quality cabinets, but there are several points to consider when choosing the best cabinet for you. People tend to focus on the color or type of wood of the cabinetry but it is also important to know what types of joints are used.

Joinery of kitchen cabinets refers to how the cabinets are actually constructed. The stronger the joint, the more durable the cabinet will be over the long term. Here are a few common types of joints used in construction of kitchen cabinetry:

1.) Dovetail- V shaped notches are in two opposing boards which will join together. The notching system allows the two boards interlock with each other to form a strong bond. This is considered among many to be the strongest joint construction.

2.) Mortise and Tenon- one piece of wood is notched out to accept another piece of wood. If the wood is thick, this can be a very strong joint.

3.) Butt- the most basic of joints. One piece of wood lies flush over the other and they are held together by nails, screws, or glue. This type of joint is very weak.

4.) Dowel- protruding dowels are inserted and glued into holes which have been drilled in the other piece of wood. This type of joint is a bit stronger than your standard butt joint but is still considered weak.

Ask a few questions about the joints of your new kitchen cabinets. You want to ensure your drawers and shelves will last for years to come.

Keeping Your Kitchen Cabinets Clean

You've just spent a lot of money for new kitchen cabinets. Different types of cabinets require different cleaning methods. You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your specific type of cabinetry. Here are a few general guidelines for cleaning cabinets:

1. WOOD- Always use a soft damp cloth to clean the cabinets. Paper towels can get caught in the grain or grooves of the wood. Use a diluted solution of a mild non-detergent soap. Wipe cabinets down immediately follow by drying them with a clean soft cloth.

2. STAINLESS- There are many stainless cleaners on the market today. Ensure the brand you choose is appropriate for kitchen cabinets. Use a clean soft cloth with your cleaner.

3. THERMOFOIL- Thermofoil is basically a thin layer of vinyl. It can be cleaned with most any non-abrasive household cleaner and a soft cloth.

Make sure you aren't responsible for damaging your investment by cleaning improperly. Take care of your kitchen cabinets to ensure they maintain their beauty for a lifetime.

Display your Favorite Items with Glass Door Fronts

Do you just love the dinnerware or stemware you received when you were married but never get to see it much less use it often? What about your grandmother's great serving set or antique pieces you inherited? Not everyone has room for a china hutch in their dining room. One way to enjoy these items on a daily basis is to have kitchen cabinets with glass door fronts.

There are many glass options available for kitchen cabinets. If the object is to see through the glass, consider clear, leaded, or beveled glass. If you prefer stained glass, choose lighter colors which provide some level of transparency. Installing lighting in the cabinet will bring out the beauty in your pieces even more and can provide a beautiful backdrop for your treasured items.

Don't keep the treasures you inherited or got as a gift....show them off using glass door fronts.

Create Warmth in your Kitchen with Wood Cabinets

Finding ways to make your home feel cozy and more intimate can be accomplished in your kitchen as well as other rooms. Wood kitchen cabinets can give the sense of warmth as well as timeless beauty to your kitchen.

Some people mistake dark wood tones as closing up a room and making it feel smaller. This can be true to some degree but dark cabinets in the kitchen create ambiance in the room. Kitchens have become a primary gathering place in our homes. Think how inviting beautiful dark cherry cabinets would make your kitchen. Warm up your kitchen by installing darker wood cabinets.

At D&H Cabinetry we have a wide selection of cherry finishes great for making your kitchen feel cozy and warm!

Get Organized in your Kitchen

Having trouble finding the lid to your frying pan? How about that jar of paprika you know you bought at the grocery store, but just can't seem to find it when you need it? Well, look no more...cabinetry has come a long way in the past few years...and getting organized in the kitchen is the way to go. Here are a few solutions to getting organized and making time spent on cooking dinner a lot easier and faster.

Organize your dishes using horizontal holders, or even dividers in your cabinets. Spice racks make it easier to find all your spices that you don't use everyday. Pantry roll out trays help you find all those canned goods in the back of the cabinet without taking every single one out of the cabinet.

Kitchen cabinets normally have a lot of space and it is easy to toss something into them only to find later you have no idea where you put the item. Organize your life and kitchen cabinets by utilizing storage containers, and shelving to hold anything in your kitchen.



At D&H Cabinetry we can show you how to take charge in the kitchen with organizing accessories for you kitchen cabinets!!!

Kitchen Lighting Tip

When designing that dream kitchen often people forget or get overwhelmed when it comes to lighting decisions. Here is the basic guideline for creating that perfect lighting setting in your dream kitchen.

Overall rule of thumb...your kitchen lighting should be done in layers: Task, Ambient, and Accent.

Key locations for task lighting would be under wall cabinets and over the island-anywhere you'll be chopping, slicing, and reading recipes. Under cabinet lighting can be hidden by using low-voltage rope lighting to give the room a warm glow.

Ambient lighting is an important layer that is often overlooked in the kitchen. Ambient lighting can include flush-mounted ceiling fixtures, toe-kick lighting, a pendant hanging over the island and adjustable track lighting. This lighting welcomes your guests into your kitchen.

Accent lighting is the least common layer in a kitchen but is becoming more common as people are spending more time in their kitchen than any other room in the home. This lighting would include a light pointing directly at a piece of artwork to make as a focal point, or even having lights inside a glass front cabinet.

GRANITE SPECTACULAR

THIS SATURDAY ONLY AUGUST 8TH FROM 9AM TILL 2PM

GRANITE SPECTACULAR

STARTING AS LOW AS $37.00 A SQUARE FOOT WITH A FREE STAINLESS STEEL UNDER MOUNT SINK OF YOUR CHOICE!!!!!!!

While your at D & H don't forget to ask about our free in-home consultation and let our design team create the kitchen of your dreams.

Don't miss the Leonard town Beach Party on the Square from 4pm till 8 pm

Recipe of the Month

D & H Cabinetry believes that along with a great kitchen should come great food. Each month we will be posting a new recipe for our blog readers. If you would like us to post a favorite recipe of yours, e-mail us at Jenn (at) dhcabinetry.com. Our readers are always looking for great family recipes that are a favorite in your home.


Enchilada Casserole/Nikki Bussey

You will need:
2/ 8 oz. cans of Enchilada Sauce
16 oz. of sour cream
1/bunch of green spring onions
1/ can of diced tomatoes
1/ can of black beans
2 lbs. of ground meat
2/ packs of soft tortilla shells
2/ packs of Mexican shredded cheese
1/ package of taco seasoning

Mix enchilada sauce and sour cream in bowl, in separate bowl mix onions, drained beans, and drained tomatoes, cook meat, drain, then add cup of water to meat and pour in taco seasoning, next use 8x11 pan and pour a little of the enchilada mixture in the bottom of pan spread it out, then cut tortilla shells in half and place on top of mixture( like lasagna) then put some of the meat on top of shells, then place cheese on top of meat, then place tomato mixture on top of cheese....then start all over again. the last layer should consist of putting more shells on top covered in the enchilada mixture and cheese.

Cover pan cook at 350 for 35 mins, then uncover and cook for another 10 mins.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!

WINNERS!!!

D & H Cabinetry would like to thank everyone who came out to visit our Showroom on Saturday July 18th for our Free Kitchen Giveaway!! We had three lucky winners:
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Grand Prize Kitchen Giveaway was: Patricia Long of Mechanicsville, Maryland
2nd Prize 30" inch vanity with Granite top and Faucet was: Patti Linblad of Leonardtown, Md
3rd Prize Gift Certificate to Ye Olde Cafe was: Tina Mattingly of Leonardtown, Md

This month we are still running alot of great specials, so anyone who missed this event will still be eligible for great cabinet and countertop prices. Please call our showroom to schedule your free in home consultation.

Thanks again to all of Southern Maryland for your continued Support!!! A big Thank you to The Appliance Source of Mechanicsville and R & G Carpentry for all of their help as well.

Granite vs. Quartz Countertops

Are you having trouble trying to figure out what kind of countertops you should get in your kitchen or bath?? Not sure what would be the best route when it comes to the stone choices??? Well D&H would like to help you with your decision...Here are some facts about stone countertops:

Quartz Countertops:

*Man-Made product that mixes quartz found in granite with a resin to make a surface with properties almost identical to granite. Silestone and all other quartz companies generally produced the same product, which is widley known as an excellent countertop surface.

*Quartz is a non-porous product so it is impervious to stains.


Granite....the myths:

So I bet you have heard that sealing granite is a horrible and time consuming chore...this is totally false! Yes you do need to apply a granite sealer to this product but it is a simple "wipe on, wipe off" procedure. You could do nothing but wipe it with a sponge for years and it would still look gorgeous. Minor, easy maintenance will however, give you peace of mind and bring out the best in your granite and natural stone. And the same can be said about quartz. You may have also heard that you must seal granite to maintain it's shiny polish...not true! Sealing is for stain resistance.

Granite Harbors bacteria while quartz resists bacteria!...Again not true...studies prove that both granite and quartz are among the safest and cleanest surfaces on the market today, but one isn't superior to the other.

So which countertop is best??

Well, once you remove the hype and you understand that man-made quartz countertops and granite perform equally well and that the care and cleaning of each surface is essentially the same, the decision between granite and quartz usually comes down to color, pattern, and price!

KITCHEN ISLANDS

Did you know that adding an island to your kitchen will not only help create more work space but effortlessly create a gathering place during all your family get togethers. You can create a one level or two level kitchen island giving your kitchen just the boost it needs. Using a two level island makes it possible for your family to have a seperate eating area while you are preparing meals. Kitchen islands also create a great work station all in one, having a sink and trash pull out make for one convient area to do all of your prep work. When customizing your island think outside the box and add color to your kitchen, making your kitchen stand out with an onyx or painted finish island to add great contrast to any ordinary kitchen. If your budget does not include granite countertops, use Formica colors that are geared towards Granite colors. Then add Granite and some pendent lighting just on the center island to give it that special something. Start planning your island today but remember when measuring your kitchen you want to leave at least three feet walk ways to ensure enough room.

Recipe of the Month

D & H Cabinetry believes that along with a great kitchen should come great food. Each month we will be posting a new recipe for our blog readers. If you would like us to post a favorite recipe of yours, e-mail us at Jenn (at) dhcabinetry.com. Our readers are always looking for great family recipes that are a favorite in your home.

BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE

Boil 1/2 lb. noodles set aside. take 3 TBSP butter melt in a pan add 1/2 cup frozen onions, Saute awhile add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste. Add 2 scoops flour, 1 1/2 tea of dry mustard, one cup of milk and whisk. Add one pound of Velveeta cheese to butter mix, slowly melting it. Next using one can of drained sliced stewed tomatoes add to noodles that were set aside. Add cheese mix to noodles and tomato mix along with 3 pieces of provolone cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Use 2 1/2 quart dish, spray with pam and add macaroni and cheese mix. MIX WELL. Placing four pieces of American Cheese on top and sprinkle with plain bread crumbs. Bake uncovered @ 350 degrees for one hour. ENJOY!!!!

FREE UPGRADES AVAILABLE- limited time only

Be sure to check out our website for the newly posted summer Yorktown drawer upgrade! Print and present the coupon for your discount and full details.

http://www.dandhcabinetry.com/