Archive for the ‘Featured’ Category

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First-Time Homeowner Remodeler’s Checklist

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 01/30/2012 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

So, you’ve purchased your first home—how exciting! Now, it’s time to really make it yours, which means you might be doing some remodeling. As you make improvements and updates, keep in mind that remodeling doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Break the process down into a checklist and you’ll be surprised how quickly you can manage each project.

In February, home improvement expert Danny Lipford will start a new project to help first-time homeowners get a handle on home remodeling. The project will span six episodes of his television show, Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford (check your local listings) and follows his daughter, Chelsea Lipford, as she remodels her first home. Danny and Chelsea will use with these five tips to navigate the remodeling process.

1. Assess the Space

Understand exactly what you have to work with in your space, and be realistic about the changes you can make. Learn tips and tricks to take advantage of useful resources that help you visualize the space’s potential.

2. Identify Your Style

Look through magazines, blogs, store catalogs and other visual resources to find things you like and capture them in a single location like the Merillat Ideafolio. This includes furniture, accessories, cabinetry and more.

3. Determine the Scope of the Project

Consider time line, budget and design needs when beginning a project.

  • Time line: As exciting as it is to start a project, keep in mind that the process takes time. You may have limited use in certain areas of your home until it’s finished.
  • Budget: Set one and stick to it. Don’t be tempted to spend more than the money you’ve allotted.
  • Make two lists: Make a list of “must haves” and a list of things that would be nice to eventually add. Focus on the “must haves,” and over time, add the other pieces to your design.

4. DIY vs. Professional

Certain projects can be completed on your own, but others should be left to professionals. If you aren’t an expert plumber, hire an expert to do it correctly. Hiring a designer can also be a very helpful resource, as he or she can help you figure out how to make your space work well and assist you in determining your personal style.

5. Make Time for Fun

Remember that this is an exciting time! Celebrate each step of the process, especially when the details become overwhelming. This is your house and you’re making it your own home!

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Setting a New Design Standard for Our Country’s Wounded Warriors

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 01/11/2012 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

We recently teamed up with Clark Realty Capital, Michael Graves & Associates and IDEO on a project to support injured military members with homes that offer easier living for service members and veterans with debilitating injuries. Through the Wounded Warrior Home Project at Ft. Belvoir, Va., Merillat has provided cabinetry for two concept homes that set new standards for accessible or universal design.

Both homes include Merillat cabinets designed for ease-of-use in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room. We installed adjustable height countertop surfaces that allow access to anyone, regardless of age, height or mobility. These include deep toekicks that better accommodate wheelchair access and height differences.

Pullout and rollout drawers and shelves eliminate the need for the homeowner to reach into the back of deep cabinets, while larger hardware made knobs and handles easier to grasp – important in designing for all needs. Our local dealer partner, Reico Kitchen & Bath, pitched in to install the cabinetry in the homes.

We’re always considering new ways to incorporate universal design, while increasing functionality and maintaining style. For more information, visit www.Merillat.com.

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How to Design a Cottage Kitchen

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 12/19/2011 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

What makes cottage kitchens so charming? Is it the relaxed feel? The cozy sense of space? The invoked memories of cookies in the oven or a big pot of soup on the stove? Whatever it is, the cottage look never goes out of style, and it’s not as hard to achieve as you might think. Here are a few tips for getting the cottage kitchen look.

Go white.

Many, though certainly not all, cottage kitchens are built around white cabinets. White is traditional, looks fresh and clean, and gives you maximum flexibility for changing up accessories either seasonally or whenever the fancy strikes.

Details matter.

Plate racks, glass doors or open cabinets and shelves that show off bright dishes and heirloom treasures add color and a sense of history. Cabinets are often accented with corbels and crown molding, and hardware is more likely to be door pulls rather than knobs.

Gather around.

Even the tiniest cottage kitchens often have a breakfast nook or a couple of stools pulled up to an island or peninsula, because cottage style is all about welcoming friends and family.

Incorporate nature.

Because cottages are on the small side, cottage life often extends to the outdoors with patios and flower and vegetable gardens. Bring the outdoors in with fresh flowers, houseplants, dried herb bouquets or bowls of fruit.

Layer comfort.

Rag rugs or other floor coverings add color and warmth, as do curtains or Roman shades. Top chairs and barstools with cushions, and prop a pillow in the breakfast nook or windowseat.

 

That’s all it takes to start your cottage kitchen makeover! Leave a comment and let us know what you love about cottage style.

 

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Can I Buy Merillat Cabinets Online?

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 12/12/2011 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

Good question! In fact, this is one of the most frequent questions we get asked. The short answer is “no” but the long (and more helpful) answer is “here’s why” and “what you can get online.” Here’s the scoop.

Merillat cabinetry is sold through a nationwide network of dedicated cabinetry professionals and builders. Among the factors critical to the success of a pleasing design and a flawless installation are proper measurements, detailed mechanical specifications, and construction know-how. That’s why we sell our cabinets through professionals who have the skills and tools to design, order and install cabinetry with the utmost of accuracy. They are dedicated to helping you find the right solution for your home, whether you are remodeling an entire kitchen or replacing a few parts.

So instead of selling cabinetry online, our website is dedicated to providing (free) product brochures you can download and planning tools and photo galleries that will get you thinking about what goes into a successful kitchen or bathroom remodel.

That said, we do sell a limited number of accessories online that you can use to retrofit your existing cabinetry. Our drawer organizer kit, cutting board kit, spice tray insert, Lazy Susan revolving shelf kit, vanity hamper rollout, touch-up kits, and hardware are among the items available in the Shop section of our website.

For the rest, we encourage you to use our handy Find a Dealer tool to contact a skilled professional. Thanks for asking, and keep sending the great questions our way!

 

 

 

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How to Design a White Kitchen

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 11/28/2011 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

White kitchens are popular again, and why not? They look fresh and are easy to keep clean. They’re the perfect backdrop for colorful dinnerware or linens. And they’re easy to update anytime a new decorating idea takes your fancy.

The key to keeping a white kitchen vibrant and not boring is to pay attention to texture and color variation in your design. Here are a few tips:

1. White is a range, not a color.

There are hundreds of shades of white, from cool to warm. Don’t go for the exact same white on your walls, cabinets, and ceiling. Instead, select coordinating whites for added depth.

2. Focus on texture.

If your cabinets have a smooth finish, use a rustic white tile for the backsplash. If your white cabinets have more of a vintage look, play them up with sleek subway tiles. Many of Merillat’s door styles are available in Dove White and Vintage Dove White finishes, both of which are perfect for an all-white kitchen.

3. Warm it up.

Warm up all that white with a ceramic tile floor in gray, or tiles that mimic wood flooring (real wood is not recommended for kitchens and bathrooms because of the potential for water damage). Hang wooden or bamboo blinds or shades. Install a pair of floating shelves or an island end cap in a contrasting wood finish.

4. Bring in spot color.

Add pops of color with a stand mixer, vibrant cachepots with kitchen implements, window valances, rugs, dishtowels and art. Pile a bowl with apples or other seasonal fruit as a centerpiece for your island or peninsula. Put a colorful collection of dishes on display in a plate rack or cabinets with glass inserts.

Visit a certified kitchen designer to get more ideas for how to build or remodel a beautiful white kitchen!

 

 

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Merillat® Cabinetry Lends a Helping Hand

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 09/09/2011 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

By Charlie Fiedler – Merillat Sales Account Manager

I was recently honored to work on a very special project with Midwest Living magazine along with one of our dealers, Sunderland Brothers Company; a project that will benefit hundreds of families in need each year.

L to R: Doug Year (Sunderland Brothers), Ronald McDonald, Charlie Fiedler (Merillat Account Manager), Ron Bauer (Sunderland Brothers) and Joe Williams (Williams Remodeling) celebrate the grand opening of the Midwest Living Idea Home at the Ronald McDonald House.

As a sponsor of the 2011-2012 Midwest Living Idea Home, Merillat cabinetry provided cabinetry for the complete renovation of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® Des Moines, Iowa home.

For Merillat cabinetry this was a perfect fit.  Why? Merillat strives to make life in the kitchen easier; and if we can in anyway make life easier for these families, we consider that a privilege.

I attended the unveiling of the project at an Open House party in late August. The party was open to sponsors and local residents, and included a ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the completed home.

During the tour, one thing was clear, the room designs were inspired by the families living there; especially the rooms with Merillat cabinets including the media room, library, bathrooms, and of course the kitchen.

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The Kuppersmith home is complete…see Merillat® and DeNova™ in the final project!

Posted by: DannyLipford on 06/13/2011 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

Written by Danny Lipford, renowned contractor and host of Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford

It’s taken months and months of hard work, but I am pleased to say The Kuppersmith Project is complete and looking better than ever!  You have been able to witness the full transformation of this 1920s Tudor style house in Mobile, Ala. on my show, Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford.  Now it is time to see the final reveal of the entire home, including the Merillat cabinetry and DeNova countertops used throughout the home.

As you know, at the start of the project the Kuppersmith home was a 1900-square foot home without central heating or air-conditioning, the plumbing and wiring were outdated and the kitchen and bathroom were small, outdated and needed to be completely redone.

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Merillat Was a Hit at the 2011 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show!

Posted by: Susan Cross, Communications and Public Relations Manager, Merillat Cabinetry on 05/13/2011 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

MerillatMerillat was hard to miss at the recent Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) Las Vegas. We had a lot of fun showing off the latest functional product innovations and showing booth visitors how they can make life in the kitchen easier.

Attendees couldn’t resist stopping by the booth to check out the displays and participate in activities.  In the innovation zone we featured our latest products, the CoreGuard™ Sink Base, a smart solution that helps keep the cabinetry under your sink dry and clean.  We also gave a sneak peak of two products that will be available soon: CornerStore™, a solution to bring more storage and easy accessibility to the challenging corner cabinet area, and the CoreGuard™ Vanity, like the kitchen sink base, but special for the bathroom.

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3 Options for Wine Storage

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 01/02/2011 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

Serious wine drinkers often pine for a wine refrigerator to store whites and reds at their premium temperatures. But as the housing downsizing trend continues, most homeowners don’t have kitchen space to devote to a specialty appliance—nor do they have a devoted wine cellar. While other storage options don’t provide temperature precision, there are plenty of ways to store your vino collection, even in small spaces.

Casual Wine Storage

If you don’t go through a lot of wine, a corner of your dining room buffet or an accent table might be the perfect space for your stash. Avoid a cluttered look by arranging several bottles together on a silver platter or other decorative tray. For added flair, group this with a few wine glasses or a pretty bowl of corks.

Built-in Storage

If your collection is larger, Merillat offers a number of built-in wine storage options for kitchen cabinets and dining room sideboards. Built-in options are ideal since they are the most stable, can be designed for areas that would otherwise be wasted space, and blend in to surrounding cabinetry.

Freestanding Storage

But if a remodel isn’t in your near future, a freestanding wine rack may serve well temporarily. Wine racks come in a huge range of sizes and styles and can be tucked into dining room corners, set atop bookcases, or stowed inside a cabinet. The best locations will be areas out of direct light and with the most stable temperature. Avoid the top and either side of a refrigerator or other sources of heat. Laying the bottles on their sides, as most wine racks are designed to do, keeps the corks from drying out and letting air in.

 

Is wine storage a priority in your home? Where do you store wine currently?

 

 

 

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Stop the GLOP! with Merillat’s New CoreGuard™ Sink Base!

Posted by: Merillat Marketing on 09/03/2010 | Permalinks | Trackbacks

StoptheGlopiPhoneWe are so excited about the launch of our new and revolutionary CoreGuard™ Sink Base that we’ve created a game about it called Stop the GLOP!  The under-sink environment can be a messy place. In this fun new game, you can scour common under-sink drips, spills and glops, using a sponge or a bucket to catch under-sink spills before they damage your cabinet floor.  Set your level of difficulty by choosing between the bucket (normal difficulty level), or the smaller sponge (hard difficulty).

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