Article Archives - Showplace Design Center

Choosing the Right Finish: Buff vs. Natural from Showplace Cabinetry

Posted on July 22, 2024September 26, 2024 by Justin Ehrman

When it comes to selecting the perfect finish for your cabinetry, the choice between Buff and Natural finishes from Showplace Cabinetry can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your space.

Learn More

Each finish offers unique benefits, and understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your design vision. Let’s dive into the details of Buff and Natural finishes and explore how they can transform your cabinetry.

Buff Finish: A Modern Solution for Consistency

The Buff finish from Showplace Cabinetry is designed with a specific purpose: to lessen the yellowing effect that can occur over time with natural wood. This finish is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a more consistent and contemporary look in their cabinetry.

Key Benefits of Buff Finish:

Reduced Yellowing: Over time, natural wood can develop a yellowish hue due to exposure to light and air. The Buff finish helps mitigate this effect, keeping your cabinets looking fresh and new for longer.
Consistency in Appearance: Buff finish evens out the color variations in the wood, providing a uniform look. This is especially useful for white oak, which can exhibit a range of tones and hues.
Modern Aesthetic: The smoother, more consistent appearance of the Buff finish lends itself well to modern and minimalist design styles, where clean lines and uniformity are highly valued.

By opting for the Buff finish, homeowners can enjoy the beauty of white oak without worrying about the gradual color changes that naturally occur. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking longevity and a sleek, polished look.

See ALL OUR FINISHES

Natural Finish: Embracing the Beauty of Variations

On the other hand, the Natural finish from Showplace Cabinetry celebrates the inherent characteristics of wood. This finish highlights the natural highs and lows, allowing the unique patterns and grains of the wood to shine through.

Key Benefits of Natural Finish:

Enhanced Natural Beauty: The Natural finish accentuates the wood’s natural grain and texture, showcasing the unique patterns and variations that make each piece of wood distinct.
Warm and Inviting: By highlighting the natural tones and variations, the Natural finish creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the organic beauty of wood.
Traditional Appeal: The Natural finish complements traditional and rustic design styles, where the character and charm of the wood are focal points.

For homeowners who love the idea of embracing the natural beauty of their cabinetry, the Natural finish is the way to go. It brings out the rich, diverse characteristics of white oak, making each cabinet a unique work of art.

A Step-by-Step Guide

How It has Done:

Now that you are interested into the benefits of Showplace Renew, here is a brief look at the process of cabinet refacing:

Step 1: Consultation and Design

The first step is to schedule a consultation with a Showplace Renew dealer-designer. During this consultation, you will discuss your vision for your kitchen and explore the various style options available. The expert will take measurements and provide recommendations based on your preferences and budget.

Step 2: Removal of Doors and Drawers

Once you have finalized your design choices and materials have arrived, the refacing process begins. The doors and drawer fronts of your existing cabinets are carefully removed, leaving the cabinet boxes intact – with the contents left in place, if you wish.

Step 3: Surface Preparation

Next, the surfaces of the cabinet boxes are thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the new veneers. Any necessary repairs, such as filling in dents or scratches, are also addressed at this stage to ensure a smooth, uniform smooth surface to apply the veneer.

Step 4: Application of Veneers

The new pressure sensitive veneers, chosen during the design phase, are then applied to the exterior surfaces of the cabinet boxes. Showplace Renew uses high-quality materials available in an array of stains or solid paints.

Step 5: Installation of New Doors and Hardware

Once the veneers are in place, the new doors, hinges, and drawer fronts are installed. This is where you will see your vision come to life as your kitchen transforms before your eyes.

Step 6: Final Touches and Inspection

The final changes are applied to your newly refaced cabinets and are now ready to be enjoyed for years to come.

Making the Choice: Buff or Natural?

The decision between Buff and Natural finishes ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired aesthetic for your space.

Choose Natural if: You want to highlight the natural beauty and variations of the wood. Natural is perfect for traditional or rustic designs where the unique characteristics of the wood are celebrated.

Choose Buff if: You prefer a more consistent, modern look with less yellowing over time. Buff is ideal for contemporary designs where a sleek, uniform appearance is desired.

Both Buff and Natural finishes from Showplace Cabinetry offer distinct advantages, and your choice will depend on your personal style and the overall design of your space. Whether you opt for the consistency of Buff or the organic charm of Natural, Showplace Cabinetry provides high-quality finishes that will enhance the beauty and longevity of your cabinetry.

View this gallery!

View this gallery!

View this gallery!

Let’s get started!

Take the time to consider your design goals and let these finishes guide you toward creating a space that truly reflects your taste and lifestyle. Connect with a local Showplace dealer to get started on your next home improvement project.

Find Your Local Dealer

Kitchen Cabinet Storage: What You Should Know

Posted on March 13, 2023September 17, 2024 by Justin Ehrman

One of the most important aspects of designing a functional kitchen is storage. Kitchen cabinets play a crucial role in organizing and storing items such as cookware, dishes, utensils, and food.

Learn More

Read on to explore some of the best cabinet storage ideas to help maximize the functionality and organization of your kitchen or any other space in your home.

We offer many kitchen cabinet storage ideas to help maximize your kitchen’s functionality and organization. Here are some of the more popular cabinet storage and organization ideas. Be sure to discuss your specific needs with your designer.

Options. Options. Options.

Kitchen Storage

Get ideas for adding storage to your kitchen!

Drawers and Roll Trays

The most basic storage features that are a must in cabinet design are drawers and roll trays. They allow you to have access to items stored toward the back of a cabinet by pulling out the drawer or tray.

Corner cabinets

Corner cabinets are often underutilized spaces in the kitchen. Installing a Lazy Susan or a swing-out shelving system can help maximize storage in corner cabinets.

Tray Dividers

These vertical dividers are perfect for storing baking sheets, cutting boards, and serving trays.

Drawer Organizers

Drawer organizers help keep utensils and smaller items organized and easy to find. We offer both fixed drawer dividers or inserted accessories.

Door Spice Shelves

Cabinet door storage can be used to store spices, cleaning supplies, or even cookware.

Open Floating Shelves

Open floating shelving is a great option for displaying decorative items and frequently used items, such as dishes and glasses. It also makes it easy to access these items when cooking and entertaining.

Pull-out Trash and Recycling Bins

A pull-out trash and recycling bin is a great way to keep the kitchen tidy while also maximizing storage space. We offer several kits for varying cabinet sizes.

Wine Storage

If you’re a wine enthusiast, consider installing a wine rack or a wine cooler in your kitchen. Wine storage can be incorporated into almost any cabinet.

Food Container Storage

No need to have your lids fall out every time you open a door or drawer. This kit will help you keep all your containers in one place.

Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are perfect for maximizing storage space in unique or challenging kitchen layouts. We can build cabinets in almost any configuration to fit your needs.

By incorporating these ideas into your kitchen design, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional. Remember, when it comes to kitchen storage, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so consider your specific needs and preferences when designing your cabinets.

Brown stained and white kitchen cabinets

Let’s get started!

Connect with a local Showplace dealer to get started on your next home improvement project.

Find Your Local Dealer

Should I Choose an All-Black Kitchen?

Posted on March 7, 2023June 12, 2023 by Justin Ehrman

All-black kitchens have become increasingly popular in recent years as homeowners and designers look to create dramatic and stylish spaces.

Learn More

While some may think an all-black kitchen could be dreary, it can actually create a stunning and sophisticated ambiance. Read on as we explore the benefits of all-black kitchens and how to create one that perfectly suits your home.

An all-black kitchen can make a bold statement, especially if the rest of the house has a lighter color scheme. The all-black look can convey a sense of luxury and glamour, giving the space a high-end feel. A monochromatic palette can also give the kitchen a cohesive and polished look, creating a sense of continuity throughout the room. It is important to note, however, that an all-black kitchen may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer a brighter and more cheerful atmosphere.

View this gallery!

View this gallery!

View this gallery!

When creating an all-black kitchen, it is essential to play with textures, finishes, and materials to prevent the space from feeling too stark. For example, you can incorporate glossy black cabinets and countertops with matte black hardware to create a visual contrast. Adding in natural materials like wood, stone, or plants can also add depth and texture to the space. Metallic finishes like brass or copper can also add a touch of warmth and create an industrial feel.

Lighting is also crucial in an all-black kitchen. As black surfaces can absorb light, it is essential to incorporate adequate lighting to prevent the room from feeling too dark or gloomy. Task lighting under cabinets and pendant lights above the island or table can add both functionality and style to the space. Natural light is also a must, so if possible, it’s a good idea to incorporate windows or skylights. Our black high gloss acrylic surface will reflect light, however.

Also, keep in mind that all-black cabinets show more dirt, dents, and scratches. So, more frequent cleaning and touch-ups may be required.

Finally, it is important to consider the size of your kitchen when choosing an all-black color scheme. In a smaller kitchen, an all-black design can make the space feel cramped. However, in a larger kitchen, black can make the space feel more expansive and grand.

View this gallery!

Let’s get started!

Are you ready to make the bold move with an all-black kitchen?

Connect with a local Showplace dealer to get started on your next home improvement project.

Find Your Local Dealer

5 Kitchen Layout Ideas to Elevate Your Space

Posted on February 27, 2023September 5, 2023 by Justin Ehrman

A kitchen is not just a place to cook and store food, but it is also a space where you can gather with family and friends.

Learn More

It’s important to choose a kitchen layout that not only functions well but also reflects your personal style and enhances the overall look of your home. If you’re looking for a modern kitchen layout, here are five ideas to inspire you.

Open Concept

An open concept kitchen is a popular choice for modern homes, as it provides a spacious and airy feel to the room. The open concept kitchen allows for an easy flow between the kitchen and the living or dining area, making it ideal for entertaining guests or cooking with family. You can also incorporate a large island with seating for a casual dining option.

U-Shaped Kitchen

A U-shaped kitchen is a great option if you want to maximize storage and counter space. The U-shaped design provides plenty of cabinetry and countertop space, making it ideal for busy kitchens. The U-shaped design also creates a closed-off area, making it ideal for privacy while cooking.

L-Shaped Kitchen

An L-shaped kitchen is another popular modern kitchen layout, as it provides a functional work area with plenty of counter space. The L-shaped design is ideal for small kitchens as it provides an efficient work triangle. You can also incorporate an island or a breakfast bar into the design for added counter space and seating.

Galley Kitchen

A galley kitchen is a narrow and long kitchen design that provides plenty of counter space and storage. This design is ideal for small kitchens, and it allows for an efficient work triangle. You can also add an island to the design for extra counter space and storage.

One other layout option is the peninsula kitchen. A peninsula kitchen is similar to an L-shaped kitchen, but with a peninsula that extends out from the wall. The peninsula provides additional counter space and seating, making it ideal for casual dining. This layout is also a great option for small kitchens as it maximizes counter space while still providing an open feel.

Choosing the right kitchen layout is crucial to creating a functional and stylish kitchen. Whether you choose an open concept kitchen, a U-shaped kitchen, an L-shaped kitchen, a galley kitchen, or a peninsula kitchen, these modern kitchen layout ideas can help you create a space that meets your needs and enhances the overall look of your home. So, pick the layout that best fits your lifestyle, and start creating the kitchen of your dreams.

Let’s get started!

Now that you have some ideas for the perfect layout option for your new kitchen, it’s time to speak with a professional designer!

Connect with a local Showplace dealer to get started on your next home improvement project.

Find Your Local Dealer

The Beauty of Hickory: The Most Variably Grained and Colored Wood

Posted on February 2, 2023October 16, 2024 by Justin Ehrman

If you’re looking for a wood species that offers a wide range of graining and color consistency, hickory should be at the top of your list.

Learn More

This versatile and beautiful wood has become a popular choice for any room in your home, and for good reason. With its unique graining, natural variation, and warm, inviting color, hickory is a wood species that truly stands out.

One of the defining features of hickory is its variability. Below are two areas in which hickory’s characteristics can vary, providing an unexpected beauty with each cabinet.

Characteristics

Grain

The graining in hickory can range from straight and fine, to wild and wavy, and everything in between. This variability means that each piece of hickory wood is truly one-of-a-kind, and it gives the wood a natural and organic look that is difficult to replicate.

Color

The heartwood of hickory can range from light to dark colors, with a reddish hue that adds warmth to the wood. Sapwood is usually lighter in color and can have a yellow or creamy hue. These color variations within a single piece of wood are part of what makes hickory unique and beautiful.

Hickory is a strong and durable wood, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas like flooring or furniture. It’s also a popular choice for cabinetry and millwork, as its natural variation and character make it a great addition to any kitchen or bathroom.

Hickory stained storage cabinets in the back office of our Harrisburg showroom. — This photo demonstrates the variability of stains on hickory. Sparrow finish shown.

Also, whether you prefer a natural finish that highlights the wood’s natural graining and character, or a stained finish that adds a pop of color to your space, hickory is a versatile wood that can be customized to fit your style.

If you’re looking for a beautiful and character-rich addition to your cabinetry or millwork, hickory is a great choice.

Let’s get started!

So why not add this beautiful and versatile wood to your home today?

Connect with a local Showplace dealer to get started on your next home improvement project.

Find Your Local Dealer

How are Showplace Framed Cabinets Made?

Posted on January 25, 2023 by Justin Ehrman

Have you ever wondered how Showplace cabinets are made? Or have you asked your dealer what materials are used? Read on to learn more.

Learn More

Showplace Cabinetry offers high-quality cabinets with a wide variety of style and functionality to fit any design need or trend.

Here are just some of the ways that Showplace quality is why we are one of the top cabinet brands in America.

Showplace Quality

You want quality you can count on, and Showplace gives you just that. Compare our construction features here to other cabinetry brands. We think you’ll agree that Showplace gives you a lot more for your money. And Showplace stands behind this American-made quality with a limited lifetime warranty.

Face frames: 3/4″ thick select hardwood components, dadoed to receive tops, bottoms, and end panels
Hand-applied finish: sealed and given an oven-baked topcoat of catalyzed varnish for lasting durability, in satin or matte sheen
Drawers: soft-close and full-extension drawer glides are concealed under the dovetailed solid hardwood box and are the best in the industry. A dovetailed solid walnut drawer option is available
Shelves are a hefty 3/4″ thick and adjustable
Hinges: 6-way adjustable and with soft-close action are the best in the industry
Interiors: Showplace offers three different interior options
Durability: 1/2″ plywood sides, tops and bottoms provide structural rigidity and lasting durability, with an available upgrade to 3/4″ plywood sides
Space maximizing: Wall cabinets are 13″ deep, providing more storage space to accommodate larger, over-sized plates and serveware

Cabinet drawers

Learn more about our quality drawer boxes.

Solid Quality

The superior Showplace drawer has a four-sided solid hardwood box that is dovetailed for rigidity. The 1/4-inch drawer bottom is captive on all four sides. A dovetailed solid walnut drawer option is available.

Soft Close

Our drawer glide is a ball-bearing, full-extension undermount unit, out of sight and away from dirt and grime. It has a smooth soft-close action, and is rated for 75-pound dynamic loads as well as 100-pound static loads.

More Storage

Opening height for top drawers in base cabinets are an industry leading 5-1/2″ tall; this provides increased storage depth to keep contents from catching when drawers are opened.

Watch our soft close drawer glides in action!

Are you ready?

Visit a local Showplace dealer to learn more and to start designing your dream space today!

Find Your Local Dealer

Smart Ways to Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel

Posted on January 24, 2023August 4, 2023 by Justin Ehrman

Are you planning on remodeling your kitchen in the near future? If budget is on your mind, we have some ways to save money.

Learn More

There are many things you can do to save money on your next remodel project. Your designer may have other ideas, but here are just a few ways to get more for your money when you begin your kitchen refresh.

Before we get to the “Do’s” in budget-friendly remodeling, here is an important “Don’t.”

You’ve heard the saying, “You get what you pay for.” That is certainly true when it comes to cabinetry. No matter what brand you choose, make sure that your cabinets are constructed with high quality materials and methods. In other words, don’t base your decision solely on price. You may regret your decision after just a couple years.

Showplace Cabinetry offers several cabinet lines to meet your style and budget needs. All of our framed lines are KCMA-certified and meet all construction quality requirements. So, you know you’re getting a great product with a limited lifetime warranty to give you additional ease of mind.

Now, the “Do’s” for a successful, budget-friendly remodel project…

Keep it Simple

Simple layout and design ideas can help you save money.

Use larger cabinets rather than smaller cabinets to reduce the work for the installer, saving time and money.
Leave space between the wall cabinets and the ceiling to avoid the need for trim molding (This is a modern look, too!).
Use flat panel doors in your design to save money and provide a simple, clean look.
Avoid costly cabinet modifications.
Use floating shelves rather than book cases or cabinets to save money and gives you a more spacious look.
Avoid moving utilities if possible.

Get Creative

You can do things to save money and stretch your dollar even further!

Use laminate countertops instead of stone or quartz. Laminate tops are very durable and have many color and pattern options.
Do as much of the labor and material running as you can to avoid charges by contractors.
If possible, try selling your old cabinets and using that towards your project. The buyer may even be willing to remove the cabinets for you to save you time and money.

Other Ideas

Some other ways to help you pay for your remodel project are:

Ask your designer to create more than one layout option to see what it takes to get the best price and value.
Ask your designer if they offer low-interest financing to allow you to get more done.

If you have a small budget, consider refacing your existing cabinets with Showplace Renew. This is a cost-effective way to keep your cabinets and make them look new with materials to reface the cabinet frames, and then replace the doors and drawers/drawer fronts and add other accessories to refresh your kitchen space and make it not only beautiful, but even more functional. Check with your dealer if they offer Showplace Renew products. Read about Showplace Renew in our blog.

Let’s get started!

Does this help you feel more prepared for your remodel project?

Connect with a local Showplace dealer to get started on your next home improvement project.

Find Your Local Dealer

Thanks to Curt Johnson, designer at Showplace Cabinetry Design Center in Sioux Falls, SD for contributing to this blog.

Painted Cabinets: 3 Things to Know

Posted on November 10, 2022October 29, 2024 by Justin Ehrman

Painted cabinets are popular and also require a commitment from the homeowner to keep them in pristine condition, typically more maintenance than stained cabinetry. If you plan to select painted cabinetry for your home, here are three things to know about paint on wood surfaces.

Learn More

Paint characteristics are the same, no matter the brand, the surface, or the cabinet manufacturer. What can you expect when you buy painted cabinets from Showplace?

As described in our blog about stains, wood allows stains to soak into wood and take on some of the character of the wood.

Paint, on the other hand, just sits on top of surfaces, including wood used for cabinets. We go to great lengths to ensure your cabinets look like new for as long as possible, but here are 3 things to expect from painted cabinets.

Open Door Joints

When we build our doors, we use glue and joint grooves to construct the doors. Then, we place all doors in a clamp that presses the joints together until the glue dries. This process ensures that the door construction is as solid as possible.

Change in climate, meaning high or low humidity, may cause wood to shrink or expand, causing paint to crack at those joints where there may be the most movement. This is normal and is not considered a warranty event.

Surface Damage

Even though we move all finished parts through a large oven to bake on a top coat for all finishes, that is no match for life with kids and pets.

Toys, claws, pots and pans, utensils, and other hard, sharp surfaces can still do damage to our paint and this is not covered under our warranty.

Surface damage includes stain spots, chips, paint wear, scratches, and more.

Water Damage

Just like with the wear and tear from living around your cabinets, water and other liquids can also damage painted surfaces.

You may see abnormal wear to your paint on cabinets around a sink or waste basket cabinet.

Be sure to take care of your cabinets using the information in our blog post about caring for painted cabinets.

It’s important to note that touch up kits for our standard paints are an easy tool to help with maintenance on chips and blemishes. Be sure to ask your dealer to include a kit with your painted order. Read our warranty here.

Let’s get started!

So, how do you enjoy your painted cabinetry for years to come? Be sure to clean your cabinets regularly and keep them dry, do your best to avoid dents and scratches, and keep a safe humidity level in your home.

Connect with a local Showplace dealer to get started on your next home improvement project.

Find Your Local Dealer

Wood Grain and Stain: 3 Things to Know

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Justin Ehrman

If you plan to select stained cabinetry for your home, here are three things to know about how wood grain can affect the look of your stained cabinetry.

Learn More

No matter where you purchase your cabinets, you will most likely select a wood species that is universal among all manufacturers, so the results will be very similar.

Stains respond differently to the species of wood you choose. Each type of wood has a different level of density and grain characteristic that determines how the stain will soak in and appear. The pattern of graining is unique to each wood species.

Of course, light also affects the look of any finish. See our blog post on the effects of light on cabinet color.

Let’s take a look at some cabinets in our factory to see how the look of stain changes with different graining.

Grain Pattern

As you can see, this vanity cabinet has doors and slab drawer headers with varying grain patterns which change the look of our Thunder stain on red oak.

The slab drawer headers and door frames are made of solid wood. The customer opted to choose doors with veneered plywood center panels instead of solid wood panels. The grain is horizontal on the headers, causing the stain to appear darker than the doors that have vertical graining.

The door center panels are made of veneered plywood, which also have varying grain characteristics.

This look is acceptable and shows the uniqueness of stained woods.

Quartersawn White Oak Cashew drawer base cabinet

Cut Direction

The drawer headers on this three-drawer base cabinet are made of quartersawn white oak finished with our Cashew stain. We also used our Weathering process with Walnut accents to create a worn look.

Notice the cut pattern causes the stain to soak in differently, creating a beautiful look with the variety of graining.

The varying levels of light and darkness in the finish of this Character Stain show the true beauty of this wood and cut.

This look is also acceptable and typical of this type of wood.

Heart or Sap Wood

Of course, even natural wood has a variety of looks without a stain to highlight those variances.

Grain varies, causing the look to be different on each piece used to build a cabinet, but so does the presence of sap or heart wood.

This pair of natural walnut cabinets highlights how wood color varies when light areas of sap wood are present.

This look is acceptable and shows the true character of woods like walnut.

Read our warranty here.

Let’s get started!

Connect with a local Showplace dealer to get started on your next home improvement project.

Find Your Local Dealer

Effects of Lighting on Cabinet Color

Posted on July 27, 2022December 18, 2024 by Justin Ehrman

Many factors affect the appearance of color. So, when you’re investing in new cabinets from Showplace, you want to make sure they’re going to look as close as possible to what you’ve envisioned.

Learn More

If you’re just getting started and are trying to pick the cabinet colors for your space, narrow down your choices by working with a designer at your local Showplace dealership.

Explore their color chip samples and our list of standard paint and stain colors. Then, when you think you’ve selected the colors you want, order a sample door from your dealer so you can see what an actual Showplace cabinet door will look like in your space. We highly encourage you to make your final finish selections based off a sample door, rather than a color chip.

Be sure to hold the door at the approximate location the cabinets will be installed and view the door with lights on and off, and at different times of day because light affects color in different ways.

Here are some ways light may change how your cabinets appear:

Artificial Light and Color

The type of indoor lighting will change the appearance of the finish or surface of your cabinets because different bulbs have a different color temperature.

Incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, or LED lighting have different color and intensity.

Natural Light

Natural lighting will also cause your cabinets to look different, depending on how direct the light is, whether clouds are dampening the intensity of the sun, or if window treatments are causing indirect sunlight.

Sheen Level

The level of sheen (glossiness) reflects light, which may make the cabinets look a bit different in various lighting. Learn more below.

Sheen Level

If you’ve ever picked out paint before, you already know what “sheen” is. It’s the relative “shininess” or “glossiness” of a finish. Showplace offers all its finishes in your choice of two levels of sheen, no extra charge.

“Satin” is what most people would consider normal sheen for home cabinetry. “Matte” is a little bit softer, a little bit flatter than Satin and is often associated with the finish on fine furniture.

Satin sheen tends to be a bit more reflective than matte, but adds more depth to the color.

View this gallery!

View this gallery!

Reflections

Depending on the light source and sheen, different colors will respond differently:

Whites may seem a bit yellow or gray, and may even reflect nearby objects, changing the appearance of the color.
Dark, rich colors may appear to change shades (i.e. dark blue may appear as a shade of purple)

Be Prepared

Be sure to purchase a sample door from your Showplace dealer so you can take it home and place it in your space to see how it looks in the lighting you have now.
If you plan to include different lighting in your space than you have now, go to different rooms in your home that may have similar lighting to view the sample.
Remember that colors on a screen will most likely not match the appearance of the same color in person, so consider this when viewing colors online.

Find Your Local Dealer