July 2012 Newsletter

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American Cabinet & Flooring July 2012 Newsletter     We are pleased to announce that American Cabinet & Flooring, Inc. is now a proud carrier of MOEN products!  Here are a few of the new, thoughtfully designed, products and innovative features from MOEN: The NEW Arbor® pulldown kitchen faucet featuring MotionSense - a "Best of Kitchen and Bath Industry Show 2012" Best Green Product Award Winner - provides the convenience of having a kitchen faucet that can literally sense what you're trying to accomplish and will respond to what you need, the moment you need it. MotionSense delivers convenience on command! The NEW Twist™ Hand Shower is a four-function hand shower with slide bar, which allows its transitional style to coordinate with any bathroom decor. Changing spray patterns is as simple as a flick of the thumb from Immerse, to Sooth, to Drench, and Shine.  The NEW Voss™ bath suite, a collection of elaborately detailed faucets and accessories designed to satisfy style-transitional-minded customers. MOEN's entire line of lav products are WaterSense® certified along with offerings in every category in their showering portfolio; reinforcing a continued commitment to sustainability and the EPA's WaterSense® program. Developing thoughtfully designed products with the consumer in mind is a continued theme throughout the products offered by MOEN and we are delighted to offer these award winning products to our customers!  Come see one of our talented Design Specialists for more information and to order MOEN products for your remodel project! Design & Planning 2012 Color Trends and A Few Fun Color Facts Every year, Sherwin-Williams releases its forecast of color trends and what paint colors they think will make their way into homes this year. Here's a quick description of each color palette in four earthy color groups (reds, blues, greens and neutrals), as well as a few fun color facts.  REDS Sherwin-Williams says reds will be seen in many shades, specifically flowery tones such as fuchsias, red-oranges, violets and delicate pinks.  Fun Fact: In the world of feng shui, a red front door invites prosperity into the residents. BLUES Celebrating a pair of treasured blues - denim and water - blue is a soothing palette that adds a sense of calmness and serenity to rooms. Fun Fact: The color blue is the least common color in the foods we eat.  GREENS Greens from years past have incorporated a yellow tint. This year focuses on a more eclectic palette, according to Sherwin-Williams, including lush, moody, complex greens that showcase deeper aspects of the sea and forest.  Fun Fact: Night goggles use the color green because the human eye is most sensitive to green and able to discern the most shades of it. NEUTRALS Subtle hues found in raw materials act as inspiration for 2012 colors. Imagine a field of grain, a pile of pebbles, weathered wood and earthen clay. The neutral palette is a warm, understated palette made up of soft yellows and browns that won't overpower a room. Fun Fact: Dreaming of the color brown means you will be lucky with money. ** Nevins Family ** Winner of our $40,000 Kitchen Cabinet Giveaway Video Contest    We would like to thank all the families who participated in our kitchen cabinet giveaway, all of the videos were very creative and truly amazing! We want to hear from you! We value feedback from our customers and want to hear how we did on your project. You can easily submit a review as well as see what others are saying about American Cabinet & Flooring by clicking on the following links: Angie's List Facebook Google Local CitySearch Yahoo Local Yellow Pages DexKnows Happy 4th of July! We will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th, in observence of the holiday but will be back on Thursday July 5th. Have a safe and happy 4th of July Holiday from all of us at American Cabinet & Flooring, Inc!

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Summer Design Tips

Summer Design

Summer is the most practical time to do construction on your kitchen. While doing an aesthetic design, do NOT forget functionality. If your kitchen does not function according to your family and your day use, then no matter how gorgeous it is you will not be satisfied. Remember one rule above all and that is the "Working Triangle." This is the path of travel between the sink, stove and refrigerator. By making a non-obstructive path 4'-9' long, this creates a functional way to prepare and cook meals. 

The perfect place to hang out during your kitchen construction is in the backyard or on the patio. The newest and coolest trend in all the outdoor space design is an outdoor fireplace. They are amazing for the winter or summertime seasons. 

As all Coloradans know, at night it cools down significantly to a temperature that is too cold for outdoor entertaining, even in the summer sometimes, without wearing a jacket. A fireplace is the solution to this! In those winter months sitting by the fire under the stars, having a glass of wine, is the picture perfect cozy retreat. 

Summertime Tips:

1. Don't forget about fun summer fabrics!
2. Have a separate bedspread for the summer months that is made of 100% cotton and keep cooler!
3. Dead head your plants and get more blooms later in the season!

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Plan Functional Outdoor Kitchens

Careful Selection of Grilling Equipment, Appliances and Cabinets is Critical to Designing a Successful Outdoor Kitchen

The popularity of outdoor kitchens continues to skyrocket, and with it the availability of products and techniques that make them affordable and functional also is increasing. If a client's desire is to go beyond the standard grill, then an outdoor kitchen can provide all the conveniences to rival any indoor kitchen. Equipment selection remains the primary consideration. The second most critical consideration pertains to cabinetry. 

Equipment

With its various features, the grill entices the novie and expert. Therefore, careful assessment of a client's grilling style or desire is in order. 

Natural or propane gas and the accompanying storage/gas/electrical line placement is crucial. If built-in (versus freestanding), the 3/4-inch gas line needs to have a shutoff and quick disconnect for an emergency or season change. If using propane, there needs to be room for the tank that is easily accessible for replacement. If using natural gas, room for the line with a pressure  regulator is needed. All grills usually need an insulating surround (some come from the grill maker) to protect any material surrounding it, such as wood, particleboard or combustible materials. 

Attached lighting and electrical lines for igniters are a must with a shutoff if possible. All of these connections need to be sealed against water. A grill design element not usually considered is the placement of wind protection (a 10 - to 12-inch backsplash, if not in the design of the hood). When not considered, the hot air forced down from the back of the grill could melt plastic knobs. 

If you specify an icemaker and refrigerator, UL approved for outdoor use is necessary. A manufacturer's warranty usually is only for temperatures down to 32 F. This requires more consideration in colder climates for a complete disconnect. Ice machines and sinks require a couple quarts of marine-grade antifreeze be placed in the drains in off months. Water lines need a bleed-port through which water can be depleted so lines don't freeze. Ice machines should have a gravity drain; pump models are too prone to freezing. 

Cabinetry

With introductions of teak, cypress and other waterproof woods, outdoor-grade laminates and man-made materials, the aesthetics of cabinertry can be enhanced beyond stainless steel. Select cabinets made with marine-grade materials, such as plywood, that have weep holes for water to drain out of in cabinets and drawers. Doors and drawers need rubber gasket seals. The flashing on any grill insulation kit installed around the perimeter of the grill should protect the cabinet on each side, as well as from any heat below. 

Drawer glide systems should be of the highest stainless/nickel content to protect against moisture/dust infiltration. Hinges need to have a tighter tension to prevent wind from opening them; otherwise a lock may be needed. 

Equipment and cabinetry are the most important components of an outdoor kitchen. Once they are designed, selected and installed well, they will provide optimum pleasure. Ensure your design/construction team understands some of these practical but sometimes overlooked aspects of an outdoor kitchen.

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June 2012 Designer's Corner

"Shades of Grey"

Clay BernardAccording to the National Kitchen and Bath Association over the last three years there has been an increasing trend in grey color schemes in the kitchen and bath.

Greys can be used in any type of kitchen or bath design; from transitional to traditional. Whether it be grey stained oak cabinets that have a coastal feel or a stone look quartz countertop that is very contemporary; grey finishes provide a neutral background that will allow you to insert pops of dramatic color to give your kitchen the appeal it needs.

Come in and see me to incorporate this trend with your personal taste to make your remodel project shine!

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Design an Entertainment Space

The Armstrong Bar Area - Project Manager: Randy WilsonWet Bars and Kitchenettes Have Evolved Well Beyond a Sink and Mini-fridge

A room with a sofa, a few chairs and possibly a television that kept the late 20th century family happy must now include all the latest electronic devices, including a flat-screen or 3-D TV with the latest built-in speakers that re-create the original recorded tones. To complete the package, wet bars, kitchenettes and conversation areas dominate. 

Friends gather to watch sporting events, movies, and catch up on each other's lives. Often, food and beverages become staples that foster a cohesive atmosphere. The kitchen historically has been the favorite gathering place during food and beverage preparation, but entertainment areas now must assume many of those duties to relieve the hosts from continually traveling to the main kitchen to refresh drinks and bring more snacks to the pantry.

Bars and entertainment spaces will vary in size and scope. Look to your first client interview to gain an in-depth understanding of the home owner's concept. The initial interview should include a discussion of the the cost factors for all the clients' desires. It is difficult and embarrassing to miss budget expectations by a large amount because we did not properly conduct the initial interview. We need their investment target and their prioritization of the desired features for the space.

Rarely do wet bars include a cooktop, but many might include a dishwasher, microwave, sink and some type of refrigeration. Planning for each of these items will require knowledge of how the owners intend to use this space, as well as the amount of dishes, glassware and flatware they intend to store there.

When starting the design process, keep in mind the spacing of appliances, countertop area and walkways should mimic a well-designed kitchen. Consider enlarging the landing space for a microwave from the recommended 15-inches wide by 16-inches deep to 24-inches wide times the entire depth of the countertop. This additional surface area will help tremendously when preparing hors d'oeuvres and snacks for a gathering.

When planning for seating and converstation areas, assume audio and video will probably be playing in the background. Traffic from the converstaion area to the bar or other conveniences should not cross paths with the seating for TV viewing. This presupposes the space available is adequate for such a design. 

Lighting is an important consideration and requires the attention of a lighting professional. Providing proper direct and indirect light levels with appropriate switching and dimming is vital to a successful space plan. Many well-designed projects fail because of poor lighting. Nowhere in the home is this more true than in the rooms most often remodeled--kitchens, baths, and entertainment areas. 

Keep in mind the three-legged stool test for excellent design. First, develop an efficient layout--one that accomplishes the "needs" first and as many of the "wants" as the budget permits. Here is where options can help the prospects increase their budget to capture their dream project. Second, be sure the decor is aesthetically pleasing. Third, the lighting should be designed to accentuate, enhance, and provide the moods desired at various times and in various areas of the room. 

Following these guidelines will help to create a well-designed and enjoyable entertainment space.

The experienced and talented Design Specialists at American Cabinet & Flooring are ready to help design your entertainment space!!

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