Country Cabinets ETC LLC

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who’s the Fairest of Them All?

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:36:21 GMT

How much thought have you put into your bathroom mirror? Mirrors serve critical functional and aesthetic purposes in the bathroom, yet they are too often an afterthought of homeowners. What mirror size, shape and mounting option works best in a bath? That question is easier asked than answered, because the size, shape and type of mirror are influenced heavily by the design, dimension and configuration of the space and other components in the bath.

Mirror size should be proportional to the size of the vanity. A general rule is that the mirror should not be wider than the vanity, and in some cases, the mirror should be the same width as the vanity. If you are installing sconces on the sides of the mirror, you will want the mirror to be significantly narrower than the vanity. If your vanity is a standard size, it’s easier to match mirror size to vanity dimensions. If your bath requires a nonstandard size vanity, you may want to choose a mirror that is intentionally a bit narrower than your vanity.

As to height, the taller, the better! A taller mirror not only makes the bath appear larger; it also provides multiple viewing angles. Another general rule of thumb is to specify mirrors that sit at least four feet above the floor. Keep in mind the user’s height when selecting the height of your mirror. There is nothing worse than not being able to see yourself in a bathroom mirror because it is mounted for someone who is 6′ tall and you’re 5’2″.

The number and type of mirrors depends upon how you would like the bath to look and feel. Vanities that run the length of the wall and feature double sinks can easily accommodate a wall-length mirror that will make the space appear larger. These large mirrors can even be framed to add some more style to the space. Another popular option for homeowners in is to hang individual mirrors over each sink.

Lighting also plays a role in determining the size and number of your bathroom mirrors. Try to avoid the common practice of placing a light rail above the mirror; this creates shadows that make grooming and applying makeup more difficult. Space permitting, we often recommend sconces on each side of the mirror to provide both task and ambient light. If there is not sufficient space or the style, look and feel of the space is not sconce friendly, consider mirrors with integrated lighting.

Round, square, rectangular, hexagonal – the options are limitless and picking the shape perfect for a bath renovation depends on style, design and personal preference. Round and oval-shaped mirrors tend to soften a space and are a popular choice in baths featuring pedestal sinks because the curves of the mirror complement the curves found in many pedestals. A design feature of round and oval-shaped mirrors is that they expose more of a wall and can serve to better highlight design features such as an accent wall or statement-making wallpaper.

Most mirrors that we specify for our clients are framed. The type of frame and detail is based on the look and style of the bath. More ornate frames work well in traditional décor. Often, our clients prefer frames that do not compete with other design elements in the bath.

Frameless mirrors are better suited to contemporary motifs, offering clean lines and a minimalist feel, and are mostly used when the mirror extends the full length of the wall.

Short on storage? Consider a mirrored cabinet, also referred to as a medicine cabinet. These are often the preferred and best solution for homeowners with smaller baths because of their dual purpose of serving as a mirror and providing storage space.

Mirror options present a unique opportunity to make a distinct and personal design statement while simultaneously providing the needed functionality. What size, shape and style would work best in your bath? Please give us a call at (insert phone number) or visit our showroom at (insert address) to discuss the possibilities.

Painted or Stained?: That Is the Question

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:36:21 GMT

When planning the kitchen of their dreams, homeowners often wonder if they should select painted or stained cabinets. There is no right answer. The choice of stained or painted cabinets depends on the look and feel that a homeowner desires. Both paint and stain have pluses and minuses. The choice really depends on the style statement that you would like to make.

Paint offers a smooth surface with options for a glossy, matte or satin finish. There are unlimited color options, and paint can be applied to solid wood, plywood and medium-density fiberboard. Paint hides the features or grain of the wood used to make a cabinet.

Unlike paint, stain allows the natural beauty of wood to shine through. While paints come in every color in the rainbow, stain options are not as plentiful. The most popular stain choices among homeowners are brown, red and gold tones. Occasionally, we specify kitchen cabinets with blue, green or grey stains.

There is a cost difference between painted and stained cabinets. Paint is typically 15% more due to a more labor-intensive application process to cover the entire surface of the cabinet to achieve a smooth, clean, consistent look.

Cabinet Cleaning and Preservation

Stained wood cabinets should be cleaned semi-annually or quarterly if you are an avid cook because wood grain tends to absorb grease and dirt. We advise our clients to clean their stained cabinets by mixing seven parts distilled vinegar with one part rubbing alcohol and a few drops of dish soap. Using a microfiber cloth, wipe down cabinets with the alcohol, vinegar, soap mixture, and then rinse with warm water. Seal the finish with furniture oil to keep your sealed wood cabinets looking like new.

Painted cabinets should be wiped down with a damp microfiber cloth weekly. If you find that the cabinets still require TLC, then use the same alcohol, dish soap and vinegar mixture and approach recommended for stained wood cabinets.

Black and white cabinets serve as repositories for fingerprints, dust, dirt and grime. They should be wiped down weekly with a damp microfiber cloth. If you order white painted cabinets, request the showroom provide a small container of matching white paint that you can use to repair the chips and scrapes that often occur with regular usage.

The following products and ingredients can damage cabinets so avoid using them or any product that contains them:

Petroleum-based products
Solvents
Bleach
Strong detergents and soaps
Nail polish remover
Paint thinners
Plastic brushes
Steel wool
Scoring padIs paint or stain the right choice for your new kitchen or bath? Give us a call at (insert phone) or visit our showroom at (insert address) and let us help you select the perfect paint or stain for your new kitchen or bathroom cabinets.

What Color Countertop Is Best For Your New Kitchen

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:36:21 GMT

Selecting the color of countertops for a new kitchen needs to account for how you want the space to look and feel. The options are unlimited, but our experience indicates that homeowners typically gravitate to:

White Quartz, Corian or laminate
Speckled or flecked white, cream and lighter colored Quartz, Corian or laminate
Black or darker Quartz, Corian or laminate
Gray or other mid-tone Quartz, Corian or laminate
Slightly veined Quartz or stone
Heavily veined Quartz or stone
Light and dark stained wood

White countertops work well for homeowners who want a contemporary look and feel to their new kitchen. White also works exceedingly well in smaller kitchens when paired with flat front cabinetry because they help to make space look larger than it actually is. In transitional or traditional designed kitchens, white countertops can serve as a dramatic contrast to heavily grained wood cabinets, larger butcher blocks and other more dramatic surface materials.

Speckled or flecked white, cream and other lighter-toned countertops serve to soften a space and work well in transitional and traditional design motifs. These countertops also don’t show as much dust or dirt as white counterparts.

Black, dark grey and other dark-toned countertops work well in kitchens with other dark surfaces provided there is an abundance of both natural, in-ceiling, pendants, track or other light. Dark surfaces absorb light; white lighter surfaces reflect light. Dark countertops help to complement painted cabinets that are so on trend today in blue and green tones. Dark countertops are a perfect complement to white cabinets to achieve a classic look.

Gray, cream and other mid-tone colors are extremely popular because of their neutrality. Gray contrasts ever so nicely with colored cabinetry and kitchens with a variety of finishes. Gray can also soften the starkness of white cabinetry.

Wood adds warmth to kitchen space and often specified for homeowners attracted to a transitional motif. Wood also serves nicely as a cutting block insert in an island or other countertops to help provide a contrasting accent to space. Lighter wood stains work better in more casual settings while darker stains help to achieve a more formal look and feel.

What color countertops would work best in your new kitchen? Please give us a call at (insert phone number) or visit our showroom at (insert address) and let us help you to make a perfect choice.

How To Leverage Trends to Create a Dream Kitchen and Bath

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:36:21 GMT

Our showroom tracks the most recent remodeling trends for kitchens, baths, and remodeling in order to increase the value we provide to homeowners. Understanding trends helps to future-proof a remodel, ensuring that a new kitchen or bath remains relevant and attractive for many years. A number of trends also focus on improving functionality through open layouts, integrated technology and enhanced aesthetics. Understanding these functional trends allows homeowners to create a more practical, hard-working kitchen and bath. Keeping our fingers on the pulse of remodeling trends also enables our showroom to increase the value of our customers’; homes for the long term. Having an updated, on-trend kitchen or bath that looks fresh and makes life easier and more rewarding makes a home more attractive to future buyers. On-trend kitchens and baths will better retain their value over time.

Here are the top trends we are seeing through the first half of 2024:

Open floor plans are requested most often by homeowners for many good
reasons. Open floor plans improve functionality and enhance the look and
feel of the space.
A majority of homeowners want to expand the foot print during the
renovation to create more usable and functional space.
Homeowners are investing more in their kitchen renovations. According to the 2024 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, the median spent on a kitchen remodeled increased 22% from 2023 to 2024.
Islands remain extremely popular and the longer the span the more attractive the island has become. The reason is that the island increasingly is where homeowners entertain and socialize with friends and family.
The most popular cabinet colors in order of preference are white, blue, medium-toned wood, black and gray.
A majority of homeowners elect to replace all of the existing appliances for their new dream kitchen. Possibly upgrading the brand and function of the appliance. We work with Baron’s Major Brands to offer our clients excellent choices.
Increasingly, homeowners plan to remain in their homes for the foreseeable future and want their new kitchens and baths to enable them to age in place gracefully and with dignity.

We encourage homeowners to work with an experienced showroom professional who can explain major design trends and options that help them to make the best decisions for a kitchen or bath remodel that looks great, functions well, and protects their investment over the long term. Give us a call at (603-356-5766) or make an appointment to consult with a designer. You can visit our showroom at (95 East Conway Road, Center Conway, NH) and let us show you how you can take advantage of trend awareness to create a kitchen or bath that not only is the envy of the neighborhood, but also can withstand the test of time.

What’s The Value of a Remodel?

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:36:21 GMT

Popular media and industry publications record ongoing evaluations of the return on investment of a kitchen and bathroom remodel. Recent reports found that homeowners can expect to recoup 54% to 71% of the cost of a kitchen remodel when they sell their homes. Homeowners could expect to recoup 54% to 63% of the cost of a bathroom remodel.

There’s another factor that is not readily apparent. Homes with renovated kitchens and baths tend to sell faster than those that need updating. Many buyers don’t want to go through the stresses and hassles generally associated with renovating their new home purchases.

While obtaining a meaningful return on investment is a driving factor for homeowners in determining whether or not to remodel, looking at numbers alone does not tell the entire story or represent the entire return received. The kitchen and primary bath are the two most important rooms in a home. The kitchen is the place where family becomes family, cooks can become chefs, and friendships are celebrated. There are long-term financial benefits to improving one’s home, but that’s not the primary reason most homeowners decide to remodel. New kitchens and baths improve the lives of family members. Most homeowners agree that having a few minutes every day all to themselves devoid of tweets, texts, and little feet delivers a better ROI than a 70% return on the cost of a remodel.

How can a new kitchen or bath not only increase the value of your home, but also enhance the quality of life for you and your family? Give us a call at (603-356-5766) or make an appointment to consult with a designer. Visit our showroom at (95 East Conway Road, Center Conway, NH) and let us show you how you can create a kitchen and bath that are the envy of the neighborhood.

What Would You Put in Your Dream Bath?

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:36:21 GMT

We know that many homeowners are fans of the Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate. The show features world-renowned chefs discussing their favorite foods eaten at their favorite restaurants. Asking an expert what they like the best is not the exclusive province of celebrity chefs. Homeowners often ask our designers what are the best things they would put in their primary baths. Here is a partial list of my favorite features:

An in-home spa: Nothing beats having a personal refuge featuring fixtures such as a tub or shower that provide in-home spa experiences. Creating an in-home spa allows homeowners to spend a few minutes a day away from texts, tweets, and little feet to recharge their batteries, improve their health and well-being and rejuvenate tired minds and muscles.
Heated floors and towel bars. There are few more luxurious feelings than walking on a toasty floor on a cold evening or reaching for a warm, cozy towel as you leave a shower or bath. It’s an unparalleled spa-like luxury experience.
The right light. Homeowners can make personal and bold design statements with over-sized chandeliers, sculptural pendants and dramatic flush-mount lighting. Installing LED strips underneath vanities and along walk ways virtually eliminate the having to disturb a partner if you have to use your bathroom in the middle of the night. Integrated LED lighted mirrors provide even, glare-free task lighting for the vanity area allowing homeowners to ensure they always look their best when they prepare for their day or a night on the town.
Storage, storage, and more storage. A well-designed primary bath is an organized bath. There needs to be a place for towels, cosmetics, medicines, accessories, hair dryers, toothbrushes, etc. From gorgeous cabinetry to open shelves and everything in between, a dream bath has a place for everything and everything has a place.
Niches. Carveouts in the shower or tub area provide extra space for hair care products, soap, sponges, and other products. It’s a little touch that makes a huge difference.
In-drawer outlets help create a clean and natural look and feel by eliminating the need for electric toothbrushes, hair dryers curling irons, or other bathroom appliances from having to sit on the countertop or interact with water.
High-quality plumbing fixtures that not only provide superior functionality, a near-lifetime of longevity and an aesthetic that sets the tone for the entire bath.

What are the best things you would want in your dream bathroom? Give us a call at (603-356-5766) or make an appointment to consult with a designer. Visit our showroom at (95 East Conway Road, Center Conway, NH) and let us share with you the designs and products that we know bring homeowners the most happiness.

Here’s to Vanity

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:36:21 GMT

Many homeowners tend to focus on an elegant sculptural free-standing tub or a power shower that allows them to soak or wash away the stresses of the day. There’s no doubt that tubs and shower systems are essential fixtures for any bathroom and can be the cornerstones of creating an in-home spa. However, many homeowners do not give the same status or importance to the bathroom vanity. Similar to the cabinets in a kitchen, the vanity sets to tone for the entire room and more often than not serves as a focal point in a bath.

We help homeowners to design their vanity area using a combination of textures, shapes and materials to meet their specific functional and aesthetic needs, wants and desires. A vanity provides a blank canvas for homeowners to make unique and personal design statements that complement the look and feel they want to achieve. There are an unlimited array of material and design options. That’s why many homeowners opt for a custom-made vanity that enables them to incorporate storage solutions, adjust for the height and mobility of family members and create special features that cater to their lifestyle.

Storage is a primary function for a bathroom vanity. Vanity drawers and shelves assist homeowners organize and store various bathroom essentials such as toiletries, towels, cleaning supplies, hair dryers, curling irons, and make up among other items, helping to maintain a clutter-free look and feel to the bath.

To further achieve a clean and uncluttered look in the bath, we often recommend hiding power outlets either in a medicine cabinet or drawers that remain easily accessible for powering hair dryers, electric razors or toothbrushes.

Countertops in the bath serve a similar function to those in a kitchen. It’s the space where items used for daily grooming and personal care items are often placed. For many homeowners the more countertop space, the better.

The sink and faucet also play key roles in the functionality of a bath that homeowners use daily for grooming and personal hygiene. Space permitting, homeowners welcome the opportunity for dual sinks, providing a personal grooming station for each user.

Lighting is another key component to enhance the functionality and aesthetic of a vanity area. Lighting the vanity provides the opportunity to improve functionality and to make a decorative statement. Well diffused lighting prevents shadows or glare while grooming in front of mirror or at the vanity. Fixtures with milky, opaque glass shades or clear glass shades with a prismatic surface spread light evenly while preserving its intensity.

A single light over the mirror can shadow a family member’s face and provide insufficient amounts of light on his or her neck and lower chin. That’s not a good lighting solution, especially for men, many of whom run a razor-sharp object along their throat in the morning before having a cup of coffee.

The vanity combines practicality, organization, and aesthetic appeal for all styles of bathrooms. To determine how to capitalize on the flexibility and functionality that a
vanity contributes to your bathrooms, give us a call at (603-356-5766) or make an appointment to consult with a designer. Our showroom is open and we welcome walk-ins.

How to Stretch Kitchen Renovation Budgets

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:36:21 GMT

How much will it cost to renovate my kitchen ranks among the top questions homeowners ask when they come to a showroom. The answer usually is the same,
“that depends, because the cost of a kitchen remodel depends on the size of the space, the scope of the project and the design and product decisions made during the planning process. Despite spending weeks and months researching, few homeowners have a realistic grasp of the cost of a remodel due to the multiple variables involved or where to start. That’s okay. Designing dream kitchens, specifying products, and managing renovation projects are not skill sets that are easily acquired or often used by homeowners. Those functions are professional services that homeowners expect and deserve from a professional showroom and talented designer.

Homeowners can expect to spend 30 to 33% of their kitchen renovation budget on labor and 67 to 70% on materials. Looking to cut the budget on labor is penny-wise and dollar-foolish. There are opportunities, however, to stretch budget dollars on material choices, starting with cabinets. All cabinets provide a utilitarian function as a place to store stuff. However, homeowners should know that cabinets are the most influential product in the aesthetic design of a kitchen. Cabinet cost is driven by door style, material, and finish. Simply changing the style or finish of a cabinet can increase costs by 10 to 30%. Many homeowners can stretch cabinet budget dollars by opting for semi-custom or stock cabinets without compromising the aesthetic and performance that they want. Have your designer explain the benefits and limitations of semi-custom and stock cabinets versus custom counterparts to determine if they are viable options for your kitchen renovation.

Countertops often represent the second highest product expenditure in the kitchen. Budget-friendly countertops can include (fabricator stock color) stone, wooden counters, and of course laminate.

Appliances are the third major expenditure for most kitchen remodels. We work with Barons Major Brands and they can assist clients in making a good choice to stay within budget.

Many homeowners can create a wow factor in their new kitchens without breaking the bank by opting for a statement-making backsplash or light fixtures.

Don’t overlook the role cabinet hardware can play in a new kitchen. There’s a reason why it is considered the jewelry for the kitchen. Have your designer select innovative pieces that will make your new kitchen look like a million bucks.

What’s the best way to stretch your kitchen renovation budget without compromising your ability to turn your dreams into a reality? Give us a call at (603-356-5766) or make an appointment to consult with a designer. You can also visit our showroom at (95 East Conway Road, Center Conway, NH) and let us show you how to create a kitchen that is the envy of the neighborhood without breaking the bank.

Use the Latest Design Trends To Create A Dream Kitchen

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:36:21 GMT

Designing a dream kitchen that incorporates the latest design trends requires a thoughtful approach and attention to detail. Understanding the latest trends can be inspirational. Interior design magazines, websites, social medial platforms such as Houzz, Pinterest and Instagram are resources that many homeowners use to learn about trends that help them to define their individual style and how they want their new dream kitchen to look, feel and function.

Our showroom designers have other sources to keep their fingers on the pulse of the latest kitchen and bath trends. One source is the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s annual Kitchen Design Trends report that highlights the anticipated trends that will most influence kitchen design in the next three years. The report features emerging product and design categories and shifts in products, color, materials and space layout.

The 2024 report findings mirror the desires of homeowners that desire a large multifunctional island that can be used for meal preparation, storage, as a gathering hub for friends and family and as a dining venue. More than 57% of designers report that their clients prefer an eat-in kitchen to a formal dining room and 48% want a large island that can be used for serving and eating.

Peace and quiet is another trend that we expect will withstand the test of time. By eliminating noise from appliances and cabinet and drawer closures, the kitchen can be a haven for great conversations, entertaining, working and learning. Ultra-quiet dishwashers, soft close cabinets and drawers and replacing noisy compactors with pull-out recycling containers help to eliminate unwanted noises and create a serene setting for just about anything homeowners would want their new kitchen to do.

Let there be light in your new kitchen that involves not only designs that incorporate natural light into a new dream kitchen, but also well-conceived and designed lighting plans that layer light to support different functions. Expect a professional designer to deliver a lighting plan for your new kitchen that incorporates ambient light to create different moods, task lighting that makes it easier to prepare and cook meals, read and study and decorative lighting to spotlight focal points. Homeowners can take advantage of smart lighting capabilities that offer motion sensing, voice activation and programmable controls.

How can you leverage anticipated design trends to create the kitchen of your dreams? Give us a call at (603-356-5766) or make an appointment to consult with a designer. Our showroom is open and walk-ins are welcome. Let us help you create a kitchen that will be the envy of your neighborhood.

What’s Trending in Primary Baths?

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:36:21 GMT

2023 Bathroom Trends Report findings are consistent with demands we are seeing among homeowners. The major trends found are as follows:

Homeowners continue to work full time or part time from their homes. They want a sanctuary space where they can spend a few minutes all to themselves, devoid of texts, tweets and even little feet, to recharge, refresh and wash away the stresses of the day. Half of respondents cited the ability to create an in-home spa experience as a top priority. Creating a calming environment can be accomplished with the use of wood-look and natural materials in addition to specifying products that provide different types of therapies.

Homeowners are gravitating toward more patterned tiles and wallcoverings to add depth, interest and dimension to the bath. 36% of design professionals surveyed cited this as a major trend.

Backlit mirrors are another popular bathroom trend due to their aesthetic and ability to provide task lighting for applying makeup and shaving and ambient lighting to set the mood for the bath. Many backlit mirrors have special capabilities including antifog features and even internet connectivity.

Top priorities for bath upgrades are:

Showers (65%)
Vanities (44%)
Layout (43%)
Fixtures (sinks, toilets, etc.)
Flooring (25%)
Lighting (18%)
Faucets (14%)
Color Scheme (11%)

How can you capitalize on the latest trends and create a sanctuary in your home to improve the health and wellbeing of your family? Give us a call at 603-356-5766 or make an appointment to consult with a designer. Our showroom is open and walk-ins are welcome. Let us show you how to convert your primary bath into a space that only dreams are made of.

Elements of a Well-Designed Kitchen

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:36:21 GMT

When you finally decide to create the kitchen of your dreams, your adrenalin surges. You are excited by the opportunity to select the perfect cabinets, all the right appliances and the finishes that enable you to make a personal design statement. You smile envisioning the wonderful and lasting memories that you will be able to create in your new space.

While product selection is fun, there are other aspects of a kitchen remodel to consider. Your new kitchen should not only look spectacular, but it also should function spectacularly as well. The following are attributes of what you should expect from a qualified kitchen designer.

A well-designed kitchen provides adequate space for you, your guests, family members and others to maneuver without running into one another or bumping into things. You should be able to open the refrigerator and dishwasher completely without hitting anything or anybody. One way to ensure adequate maneuverability in a space is to allow for at least 48 inches between countertops or a countertop and the island. The amount of space dedicated to maneuverability is often dictated by how you use your kitchen, for what purposes and how frequently. A well-designed kitchen is an organized kitchen. Avid or frequent cooks typically enjoy having spices, bottles of vinegar and oils and other frequently-used products near the cooktop or in the area where most meal preparation takes place. Cabinets for dishes and glassware are typically best near the dishwasher.

A well-designed kitchen accounts for appliance dimensions, both big and small. A good rule of thumb is to select appliances before cabinetry to help ensure that the dimensions are appropriately configured into the design and avoid the potential of creating obstacles.

Lighting can make or break a kitchen, and there are three types of lights to consider. A well-designed kitchen specifies task lights that shine brightly on surfaces that will be used most often to prepare and cook meals. Ambient lighting provides general illumination, and accent lighting is used to highlight focal points such as keepsakes on open shelves. An effective layered lighting design incorporates different shades, shadows and colors to accentuate the best features of a new kitchen.

A well-designed kitchen provides adequate storage based on the available space and anticipated kitchen use. We recommend that homeowners inventory their existing kitchen and identify the pots, pans, utensils, glassware, plates and small appliances that are used most frequently, intermittently or rarely. This process helps to prioritize storage options and maximize the functionality of the space.

Specifying cabinetry that leverages the utility of wall space helps maximize storage space in smaller kitchens. Depending on the look and feel our clients want to achieve, we will often recommend placing cabinets to the ceiling.

Islands are one of the most requested features of homeowners. Islands are often not only a focal point of a new kitchen but serve multiple purposes, from meal preparation and entertaining to a place to complete homework. Islands are only practical if there is sufficient space for them. In selecting an island, determine the functions you expect your island to perform and the items you plan to store in it. Some islands can work more efficiently and effectively if you don’t put sinks or appliances in them.

If you would like to know how you can maximize the functionality and beauty of your kitchen space, please give us a call at 603-356-5766 or visit our showroom at 95 E Conway Rd Center Conway, NH 03813. Click here for additional guidance on what you should expect from a kitchen showroom.

How to Avoid Surprises During Your Kitchen Renovation

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:36:21 GMT

Almost all of our clients in spend months researching options for their new kitchen before making an appointment to visit our showroom. Most of the initial decisions made during the planning stages of a fabulous new kitchen involve the type, color, design and material for cabinetry, countertops, hardware, sinks, faucets and appliances. However, other more subtle decisions need to be made to obtain the kitchen of your dreams and avoid unpleasant surprises.

The subcontractors we work with understand local building codes and explain how code compliance will affect your kitchen remodel. We had a client who simply wanted to replace a range only to find that the project was not so simple. The old appliance configuration was not up to current code. Replacing the range also required replacing the ventilation system and electrical configuration. Make sure that you ask about code requirements and actions you might have to take to ensure compliance.

Selecting cabinet hardware involves more than choosing the design and finish. You need to determine how you want your cabinets and drawers to open. Once you select the hardware, placement is another consideration. It is more of an art than a science to place the hardware where it serves both as a visual focal point and a functional tool.

Countertop selection requires more than specifying the color, shape and material. This detail can make a world of difference in the look, feel and functionality of a new kitchen. Some edge options are more appropriate for traditional and transitional kitchens, and others are better suited for contemporary and modern motifs. Some edges are round, and others can be square. Some have a sharp edge, and others do not. Sharp edges may not be appropriate in homes with young children or older seniors. Edge choice also is influenced by countertop material and the look and feel that you want to achieve.

Countertop selection also involves choosing a finish. Popular natural stone and quartz countertop finishes include polishes and honed. There are pros and cons to both. Polished finishes provide a mirror effect, and a honed finish provides a softer, more organic impression. Honed finishes tend to hide scratches better than a polished counterpart. If the honed countertop is not properly sealed, it can be more susceptible to staining.

Toe kicks are the vertical space between the floor and the base of your floor cabinets. Selecting the type and color of your toe kick is easy if your cabinets are all the same color. When you have cabinets in multiple colors, the decision is not as easy. Often our clients are drawn to having a different material for their island than their other cabinets. Some of our clients opt to use the same material as the island for the island toe kick. Other times a third visual is employed to tie the entire kitchen together. When working with a designer, don’t forget to address toe kick material, look and finish.

Plumbing and hardware finishes also have a significant effect on the look and feel of your new kitchen. To make sure that you nail every detail of your new kitchen with no surprises, stop by our showroom at 95 E Conway Rd Center Conway, NH 03813 or give us a call at 603-356-5766 .

How to Select the Perfect Medicine Cabinet

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:36:21 GMT

There is no such thing as too much storage when it comes to a bathroom! A great place to get additional storage is with the use of a medicine cabinet. Storage needs, size of the bath, design and lifestyle preferences are the primary factors influencing a customer’s decision to place a medicine/mirrored cabinet in the bath. Homeowners tend to choose medicine cabinets over wall-hung mirrors just for that reason.

The medicine cabinets featured in our showroom are distinguished by both their functional superiority and innovative design. Cabinets can be made of wood, metal, polymers or just about any other material. They are differentiated by their shape, size and mirror design. They can be framed, frameless, arched, square or multisided, and can use beveled or nonbeveled glass. Shelving inside of the cabinet may be made from glass, plastic or metal, and the shelves may be adjustable or nonadjustable.

Medicine cabinets of today are quite different than what you may have seen in the past. They are chock full of beneficial features, such as electric and USB outlets for charging your toothbrush or electric razor and defoggers to keep the mirror fog-free for immediate use after a shower. Some even have interior lighting!

The selection of cabinets requires a delicate balance between form and function. Location may dictate the cabinet’s function, and cabinets can be either surface-mounted or recessed into the wall. In most instances, recessed is the preferred mounting option for customers. However, a recessed cabinet may not always be feasible due to the placement of pipes or ducts in the wall. Bylaws of condominiums or co-ops may not permit an owner to recess a cabinet into a common area wall. It may not be practical to recess a cabinet in a poured concrete or plaster wall because of the cost and difficulty of carving out space. A showroom professional will help identify the intended location of the cabinet and determine if there may be restrictions that would prevent recessing a cabinet.

When using a surface-mounted cabinet, keep in mind that the entire body of the cabinet will be exposed. If the edge is not concealed, a popular option is to cover the sides with mirrors or wood that matches your vanity. In addition to the aesthetic differences, most customers prefer the space-saving advantages afforded by recessing cabinets into walls.

The most common depth of a medicine cabinet is 4 inches, although many manufacturers also offer 6- and 8-inch depths. Storage needs and capabilities often influence the depth of a cabinet. A 4-inch cabinet cannot hold a standard-sized roll of toilet paper, while a 6-inch deep cabinet, whether recessed, semi-recessed or surface-mounted, can store toilet paper and more. If space can accommodate an 8-inch deep cabinet, customers can use the space to hold hand towels, wash clothes and even a hairdryer. As you can see, depth is an important consideration when selecting a cabinet. The width of the cabinet also needs to be considered from both function and aesthetic points of view. Cabinets are available in widths ranging from 12 to 60 inches, and often cabinets can be ganged together to make it as large as needed. If you are staying with the existing size cabinet, the issue of width, depth and height should not pose a problem. However, if you want to add a deeper or wider cabinet to an existing space, then there could be obstacles that have to be addressed. Most walls have studs that are 16 inches on center. When you evaluate cabinet dimensions, you need to look at both the overall width and the rough-in dimensions. The width of a cabinet refers to the width of the glass, while the rough-in dimension refers to the width of the box. The width of the box specifies the size of the hole that needs to be cut into the wall to accommodate the cabinet when using a recessed application.

If you are replacing an existing cabinet with one that is wider, or for a new construction or a renovation project, arrangements need to be made to frame the wall to accommodate the size of the cabinet. There are numerous options that are dictated by balancing form and function. What’s the best cabinet choice for your new bath? Give us a call at 603-356-5766 or visit our showroom at 95 E Conway Rd, Center Conway, NH 03813 to learn how you can pick the perfect medicine cabinet for your bath.

Keys to Selecting the Perfect Vanity

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A well-sized and properly positioned vanity can make or break a bath’s look, feel and functionality. The key factors to consider when selecting a vanity include:

style and aesthetic preferences
the materials used to make the vanity
countertop material
desired number of sinks/bowls
placement
storage space required
existing infrastructure and available space

When selecting a bath vanity for the master bath, powder room or any other bathroom, the pieces should complement the home’s existing décor. While there is a benefit to adding an occasional piece or accent that contrasts stylistically, putting a modern European vanity in the powder room of a Victorian home would seem awfully out of place.

Vanities made specifically for bathrooms account for fixtures and plumbing, and they are crafted with moist environments in mind. The height of the vanity influences plumbing fixtures needed to meet your goals. For example, vanities that are less than 34 inches tall are best suited for a vessel-style sink.

Another critical factor in selecting a vanity is the finish used to seal and decorate the cabinet. Finish refers both to the process used to seal the wood and the materials used to change the appearance of the wood. Finishes used to seal bath vanities can withstand moist and humid environments.

The countertop selected for the bath needs to account for functional and practical considerations. Bathroom countertops come into contact with nail polish remover, cosmetics, toothpaste, shaving cream, hygiene products, hairdryers, curling irons and more! Many bath products can damage a countertop that is not appropriately sealed or not made to withstand abuses that occur in the daily use of the bathroom.

Aesthetically, we advise our clients to pick a countertop before selecting tile or other floor and wall covering materials. It’s generally easier to match surfacing materials, e.g., tile, stone, wood, to a unique countertop material or design than the other way around. The goal is to select materials that complement, as opposed to compete, with one another.

Most of our clients select a vanity that features two bowls. With two bowls, those using the bath have their own space. Separate grooming stations make it easy for multiple people to prepare for the day at the same time. However, in bathrooms where space is at a premium, a double bowl vanity might not be possible. The size of the vanity should work in the area. You don’t want to order a vanity that blocks doors or limits movement if the cabinet drawers and doors are open.

A well-designed bathroom is an organized bathroom. To maximize the efficiency of a bath, homeowners should identify the products and accessories that they use daily, e.g., curling iron, hairdryer and cosmetics. This exercise helps you determine what needs to be stored and identify possible storage locations inside and outside of the vanity cabinet.

The existing infrastructure also can influence the type of vanity you select and its placement. If you want to replace what exists in the same location, selecting a vanity of similar size should not create issues. However, if you need to reconfigure plumbing, electrical and ventilation, that could add to construction costs if not accounted for in the initial planning phases.

If you would like additional information on how to select the perfect vanity for your bath, please call our showroom at 603-356-5766 or visit us at 95 E Conway Rd, Center Conway, NH 03813 .

Maintaining Your Kitchen

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:36:21 GMT

Regular maintenance of your new kitchen will increase the useful life of cabinets, appliances, faucets, backsplashes and hardware and also enhance your enjoyment of the space. We always ask clients how often they plan to cook, entertain and eat in their new kitchen. We also ask what other activities regularly take place in the kitchen. Other variables to consider include who will clean the kitchen and how much time and effort you want to keep your kitchen spotless. We consider all of this information to develop a roadmap for specifying the right flooring, countertops, backsplashes, walls, appliances, plumbing and fixtures for you.

Cabinets attract grease, spills, and fingerprints and require regular care to maintain their look and feel. Inset doors require more care, maintenance and effort to clean than their flat panel counterparts. Inset doors feature recesses and grooves where dirt, grease and dust can more easily accumulate.

White kitchens remain the most popular. White offers an unlimited palette to add pops of color, incorporate metallic tones and make unique design statements with textures, materials and contrasts. White cabinets are also easier to maintain than those with dark paints or stains because darker colors show dust and fingerprints. Scratches and nicks in stained cabinets are easier to fix than those on painted cabinets.

The type of wood finish also affects maintenance requirements. Oak, hickory, beech and other species where the grain shines through are less likely to show stains and scratches.

Ceramic and porcelain tile are easier to maintain than wood or stone floor coverings. Ceramic and porcelain floorcoverings are moisture-, stain- and scratch-resistant. You never need to seal ceramic or porcelain, but that’s not the case with stone.

Due to its durability and aesthetic, stainless steel has become a kitchen staple for appliances, sinks and range hoods. But, as much as we’d like it to be true, it turns out stainless steel is a misnomer.

Stainless steel is highly susceptible to water stains and fingerprints. Additionally, dirt, grease, grime and dust can cause your stainless steel surfaces to rust if they aren't regularly cleaned. It’s not difficult to keep your stainless-steel sinks and surfaces in top-notch condition with daily maintenance and proper cleaning agents.

Quartz is a virtually maintenance-free countertop material, and that is one of the reasons more homeowners are making quartz the number one countertop material for their new kitchens. Quartz is scratch- and stain-resistant and can be cleaned easily with soap and water.

Are you leaning toward painted cabinets and walls? A popular and easy to maintain choice is a satin finish due to its durability and ability to absorb light. Semi-gloss paint is a smart choice for baseboards and trim due to its ability to resist moisture damage, stains and scratches better than other paint finishes.

Brushed finishes for cabinet hardware, faucets and other components are popular because they hide fingerprints and water spots much more effectively than polished finishes or chrome.

What finishes will work best in your new dream kitchen? Give us a call at 603-356-5766 or visit our showroom at 95 E Conway Rd, Center Conway, NH 03813 , and let us help you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your home.