My design concept..featured online now!

One of my favorite blog sites and local michigan designer, Jennifer Mitchell, contacted me to help out with a design dilemia for one of her readers.

Intereseted in seeing what I came up with?

Visit her http://designholeonline.com/ blog space to see the virtual design, and her client's before photos I had to work off of.

I hope you find this inspirational to get creative in your kitchen space!

Weekly Design Envy Product Post #1

Ok, so I have decided..even though I do not sell these COOL & AMAZING products that I come across..I can no longer dismiss them!

What I have decided to do is post a cool product, new or not, once a week....that I love!

So this week, the home entertainer in me, screams "I heart this"

This sink is from Native Trails and is constructed of hammered Copper...I can just see this sink filled with ice and bottles of wine or champagne chilling for the evening. Or as a prep sink, it lends to a unique feel. Sure to be the talk amongst your friends!

According to their site, check out these benefits: Recent studies have shown that copper has remarkable natural antibacterial properties which actually kill dangerous bacteria such as E. coli in a matter of hours, while stainless steel and other traditional surfaces allow them to survive for weeks. Enjoy the "living” qualities of your beautiful hand hammered bowl and feel proud to own a unique and functional work of art!

More at their website: http://www.nativetrails.net/index.htm

Is it easy being green?

Lot's of talk of how we should all try and adapt a 'greener' lifestyle to better our future and our beautiful environment. I'm proud to say, our cabinet lines are not only embracing that idea, but taking action. Designing spaces for me, is easy when using these product lines, and now knowing it actually helps the environment instead of hurting...well, that makes me and my clients smile! To learn more about it, please visit the website and consider a green product when you purchase next! That can apply to cabinetry, counter top materials, flooring, and appliances...get creative! :)

http://www.tomorrowsthinkingtoday.com/green/index.aspx

Much more than just Kitchens and Baths!

Sure, we design fabulous kitchens and bathrooms, bars, and entertainment units...but what else? I'm picking three photos to show you how cabinetry, when designed by a professional, can be in almost every room!

Who wouldn't love this boot bench in their mudroom, or side entrance way from your garage? This can be custom built to YOUR space, in whatever doors style and colors fit your home's decor. Now that's a welcoming a thought:

With many companies going virtual, a home based office is becoming more & more common. The old school idea of having a desk next to your Mom's old bookcase just doesn't quite cut it anymore. I can design a grand library or a simple piece that will compliant your space, and keep you organized and pleased to "come to work."

Are you a wine enthusiast, or an inspiring Martha Stewart of entertaining at home? How about turning your lower level into your very own bistro or wine cellar? I can design cabinetry for any space, any nook & cranny to create the individual look we are after. Storage doesn't have to be ugly or a closet, it can look like antique finds from France, or an old heirloom passed down..but better yet, has the interior organization of the new millennium. Cheers to that!

and now...THE AFTER!

The cabinetry used for this kitchen/design was our semi-custom "Medallion Cabinetry" in Park Place Maple shaker style doors; Divinity classic paint.

Down came the wall...opening the space incredibly!

Paneling your refrigerator can create a more seamless look:
The flanking upper cabinets were purposely held away from chimney hood to create a wider cooking area and a larger focal point for subway tiling. By removing the existing window that was there, enabled the design to be symmetrical and much more functional.Deeper upper cabinets, like the one shown below, can hide an unsightly microwave.

What a difference a wall can make!

Many of my clients start off discouraged, stating "I have a small kitchen..what really can be done?" There is always something I can do, to create the illusion of a larger space. Whether it be removing a dividing wall (like this project), widening a window width, taking cabinetry uppers to the ceiling; there are many, many design options that your kitchen designer can review with you.

Here we are starting with "THE BEFORE PICTURES"

In this case, it started with removing a wall that was between the dining area and the kitchen area. Opening up that space created such a larger, inviting kitchen space. My next task was reworking the footprint of the kitchen. I suggested closing off a window, allowing space to move in the new range and stainless steel chimney, creating an elegant, eye catching focal point. My client has an adorable little garden, so I suggested moving the sink to that window, for views of serenity and privacy; something sacred when living in a bustling suburb area. Keeping the cabinetry design a clean painted white with no glaze lent to a crisp and airy feel. The shaker style was transitional enough combining the old (her home's hand stuccoed walls), with the new (stainless steel appliances and the slab design of the cabinetry drawer fronts).

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Using "Medallion Cabinetry's" wood hoods creates warmth in your Kitchen!

"There’s nothing like a wood range hood to rekindle the spirit of your kitchen. From functional to fine furniture, wood hoods are offered in a variety of styles to highlight your décor. Individual components allow you to design your own special style. Or select our dramatic one-piece deluxe hood, with a raised panel arch, and a crown molding plate rack, and you have a renowned design statement." -Medallion Cabinetry


Many of us now lean towards a larger sized commercial cooking range or cook top. With that comes the large amount of 'colder' stainless steel. While in some designs, we strive for a colder, sleek look, other times we want a warmer design.
So how do you warm up the space and create your cooking zone to be more inviting? Use a wood hood!
Hidden inside the wood hood is a full venting system with halogen task lighting, and all the CFM amenities you need for the standard to larger commercial range. What is a CFM? It is: Cubic Feet per Minute is a means to measure air flow. The higher the CFM figure, the more air the fan is moving. We have hoods that have CFM strength of 300, 600, 900 and 1200 CFM..hang on to your children! : )
To determine which you need depends on your cooking area and what your cooking techniques involves. (higher CFM's are needed for wok use, indoor grilling, deep frying, etc.)

Take a look below at a few options available, but the possibilities don't end there! I can design your look to be as unique as your project.

Thinking of remodeling?? Here are TIPS to get started..don't get left in the dust!

We at Midwest Cabinet & Counter Inc., are professional master members of the REMODELOR'S COUNCIL OF MICHIGAN-a division of NAHB and BIA.
Remodeling your home can be an exciting experience..here is a guide to follow to make it it's is also an enjoyable one too! Click below for an online guide on how to select your local remodelor:

http://www.biaremodelor.org/guide.htm#2

Make sure you hire a knowledgeable professional; here are some of our builder's and contractors we work with time and time again. Working with professionals ensures your job will run smoothly and on time! Click on link below to see a list of professionals in your area.

http://www.biaremodelor.org/listcol.htm

We are here to help YOU achieve the home of your dreams! Get that 'DESIGN ENVY' in your home!

Please view our lines that we design with-new updates since KBIS!

"Medallion Cabinetry" is showcasing their new elegant Platinum line, that offers a beaded inset door. Perfect for remodeled homes that have that timeless charm, this cabinetry will look like it was original to the home. Beaded inset cabinetry is wonderful to use in combination of their framed cabinet lines too, to achieve certain old world charm with new modern elegance.
Visit www.medallioncabinetry.com for more ideas.

Featured through "Quality Cabinets" is their new 'Dulce' stain, shown here in maple wood. Rich in it's chocolate hue, it's perfect for a lighter cream toned granite, and a more unique look. Looks amazing in bathroom and home office applications too! Please view their website for more details on door styles and stains; http://www.qualitycabinets.com/

At Midwest Cabinet & Counter, Inc., we are here to design for your project using only the finest cabinetry to fit your personal budget and design needs. Call for your appointment today! 248.953.9520

K/BIS April 2008

I will be headed to my hometown of Chicago, on April 11th, for the annual K/BIS event that showcases the latest products and most innovative design ideas in the kitchen and bath industry. This captivating event features the largest array of product displays and demonstrations, professional development courses, keynote & session speeches, interactive roundtable events and the opportunity to network with thousands of industry professionals.
I am always excited to see new products, and use this opportunity to get the creative juices going for spring and summer projects coming our way.

Stay tuned for my report on K/BIS when I return!

Building your Dream Home..right here in Michigan

These pictures were taken by my clients, who built their new home, in Huntington Woods. They were a complete pleasure to work with and the end results with their home and cabinetry turned out so chic.

We used "Medallion" cabinetry in the kitchen; perimeter in a Maple door, Brookhill style in their classic paint finish of White Chocolate. For their Island, we chose the matching Brookhill door in a stained Gingersnap finish. Turned out beautiful, and once they complete their backsplash selections..it will be even more unique to their home.

The selections made for their Master Bath, and Guest Bath were in "Quality Cabinets"

Master: Quincy Cherry in the Cider stain with Licorice glazing, for a spa like retreat with a masculine deep cherry tone.

Guest Bath: Sussex door in Bisque, a soft creamy off white perfect to blend with any decor.

Cabinetry designs by Kristen Shellenbarger, of Midwest Cabinet & Counter, Inc.

I am new at constructing this 'blog' so hang in there! I am putting up some photos of projects from the past, and will be updating soon. Being a cabinetry designer since 2001, I have had the privilege to meet many wonderful clients who add to my inspiration. The more challenging the project in space, the more creative I tend to be. Here are some that turned out just beautifully, with many more to come!

I intend to use this blog as a sight into the world of cabinetry design. We at Midwest Cabinet & Counter, Inc. are here to build the dreams that our clients envision, (well at least their cabinetry dreams!)
If you live in our area, please contact us!

Please enjoy!

Thank you,

Kristen E. Shellenbarger

Designer
Midwest Cabinet & Counter, Inc.
630 Lycaste Rd
Detroit, MI 48214

Designs featured in Parade of Homes Tour - 2005, 2006, 2007-2007
Certificate of Achievement for "Advanced Professional Designer"
-Member of NAHB, BIA & Remodelor's Council NAHBR

"Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it."-Julia Child