Classic Cabinetry

Bursting the Bubble on Home Energy Conservation Myths

here are many homeowners in Chattanooga who remember the first energy crisis in the mid-1970s when oil prices skyrocketed 350%, causing the price of gas to exceed $1 per gallon for the first time ever.  During the 1980s, lighting accounted for up to 10% of a household’s electricity bill, causing many a parent to scold their children for failing to turn off lights after they left a room.


Fast forward to today, thanks to LED lights that are the primary lighting source for a majority of the homes where we have designed new kitchens and baths. LEDs use about 10% of the energy required to power an incandescent light bulb.  By the end of 2023 however, homeowners in Chattanooga won’t be able to buy an incandescent light bulb, because federal law will ban their sale forever.


Even though lighting represents a small percentage of home energy use, most Americans when asked how to save energy at home they reply, “turn off the lights,” reports The Washington Post.  And that misconception brings to light opportunities to set the record straight for the most effective ways to save on energy bills in the kitchen and other rooms. 


Stop washing dishes before you place them in a dishwasher. Today’s dishwashers are not only energy- and water-efficient, using as little as less than 3.5 gallons per cycle, they also can thoroughly clean unrinsed plates.  Scraping leftover foodstuffs into the sink or trash bin is all you need to do.  Another myth is that if you only have a few dishes to clean it is more energy- and water-efficient to wash them by hand. 


According to a study at the University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems, it takes 3 gallons of water to handwash one plate, one bowl, a cup, utensils and a few serving dishes.  The study also found that hand-washing dishes uses more than 50% of the greenhouse gas emissions than running the dishwasher.  That means for homeowners in Chattanooga it is more energy efficient to run a half full dishwasher than it is to wash dishes in the sink.  Using the dishwasher also saves time.  The Environmental Protection Agency estimates it would take the equivalent of 10 days to hand-wash dishes for a year. 


Refrigerators too have been transformed from one of the most energy inefficient appliances in the home to one of the most energy efficient thanks to technological advances in insulation, seals and airflow.  Common energy consuming mistakes most homeowners in Chattanooga make with their refrigerators are not using the manufacturer recommended temperature settings and keeping refrigerators past their expiration dates.  It’s a misnomer to believe that a colder refrigerator preserves food more effectively or for longer time periods. 

More than 25% of Americans have a second refrigerator that may be unnecessarily increasing household energy costs.  Most likely replacing that old refrigerator with a newer more efficient model will pay for itself in a couple of years.


Moving from the kitchen to the laundry room, today’s front-loading washers and dryers use a fraction of the water and energy of older models.  It's a myth that using hot water cleans better.  Not true.  Most washing machines have built-in sensors that can tell if clothes are clean eliminating the need for extra water or heat.  Another key to saving energy when washing clothes is to use quick cycles that clean clothes equally as well as longer cycle.


How can you become more energy and environmentally efficient in your kitchen and home?  Give us a call at 423-266-0077 or make an appointment to visit our showroom either in person at 2601 Broad St or virtually.

Pantone Color Of 2025

February 13, 2025
Pantone has unveiled its 2025 Color of the Year: PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warm, rich brown that evokes the comforting qualities of chocolate and coffee. This sophisticated yet unpretentious shade is described as "underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures," expressing "a level of thoughtful indulgence." Incorporating Mocha Mousse into your kitchen or bathroom remodel can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Consider updating your cabinetry with this earthy hue to add depth and warmth to the space. Pairing Mocha Mousse cabinets with lighter countertops and backsplashes creates a balanced contrast, enhancing the room’s visual appeal. For those seeking a more subtle approach, Mocha Mousse can be introduced through accents such as a kitchen island or open shelving. This allows you to embrace the trend without committing to a full cabinet overhaul. Additionally, incorporating accessories like dishware, textiles, or small appliances in this rich brown can tie the design together, providing a cohesive and modern look. If you're prepared to begin a renovation, contact us at (423) 266 0077 or stop by our location at 2601 Broad St. Chattanooga, TN 37408 to kick things off.

Creative Bathroom Renovation Ideas You Haven’t Thought Of

February 13, 2025
When planning a bathroom renovation in Chattanooga, most homeowners focus on essentials like new tiles, fixtures, and color schemes. But why stop there? Take your bathroom to the next level with these creative, out-of-the-box renovation ideas that add both personality and functionality to your space. 1. Hidden Storage for a Sleek Look Disregard conventional cabinets; consider concealed storage options! Incorporate pull-out drawers behind mirrors, hidden compartments within your shower wall, or under-bench storage that integrates effortlessly into your design. These choices maintain a tidy appearance, providing your bathroom with a sleek, minimalist feel. 2. Statement Ceilings That Wow Forget conventional cabinets; consider concealed storage options! Incorporate pull-out drawers behind mirrors, hidden spaces in your shower wall, or under-bench storage that harmonizes perfectly with your design. These choices maintain tidiness out of view, providing your bathroom with a sleek, uncluttered atmosphere. 3. Mood Lighting for Every Occasion Regular lighting serves its purpose, but mood lighting can transform your bathroom into a serene retreat. Think about putting dimmable LED strips beneath counters or around mirrors, or even using color-changing lights that can be controlled via an app to suit your mood. By incorporating mood lighting, your bathroom can transform into your preferred escape. 4. Nature-Inspired Accents Use natural elements to connect the indoors with the outdoors. Use a vertical garden wall, utilize river stones for the shower floor, or add wooden vanities and features. These elements foster a soothing, spa-like environment in your bathroom, linking your area to the natural world. 5. Customized Vanity Areas Design a vanity space customized for your requirements. Think about dual-height counters for communal areas, integrated power strips for styling appliances, or a custom makeup area with adjustable lighting and seating. These features can change your bathroom into a space that is both practical and easy on the eyes. Ready to Rethink Your Bathroom? Your bathroom can be more than functional; it can also showcase your personal style and creativity. Discover these one-of-a-kind renovation concepts to design a bathroom that is stunning and customized to your way of living. If you're prepared to begin a renovation, contact us at (423) 266 0077 or stop by our location at 2601 Broad St. Chattanooga, TN 37408 to kick things off.

Kitchen Design Trends Getting Left Behind in 2025

February 13, 2025
As we enter 2025, several kitchen design trends are losing favor among homeowners and designers, giving way to more inviting and functional spaces. 1. Flat Black Cabinets Previously admired for their modern look, flat black cabinets are now regarded as excessively harsh, soaking up light and creating a sense of smaller kitchen spaces. Designers are moving towards black-stained white oak featuring rift-cut textures and traditional shaker styles, providing depth and warmth to homes in [name of service area] while avoiding a look that is overly trendy. 2. Matte Black Hardware The popularity of matte black fixtures is waning as homeowners prefer warmer, more welcoming hues. Softer shades of gray and silver, like nickel or graphite, are increasingly favored to lessen visual intensity and introduce warmth to kitchen areas. 3. Polished Finishes High-gloss, shiny finishes are being substituted with satin, brushed, or matte options. These finishes appear more subtle, integrate effortlessly into different design aesthetics, and need less upkeep, as they are less likely to display fingerprints and smudges. 4. Modern Farmhouse Aesthetic The contemporary farmhouse aesthetic, marked by shiplap, barn doors, and weathered finishes, is falling out of favor due to its excessive popularity. Designers suggest opting for more classic, timeless styles or adopting sleek, modern looks to maintain spaces that feel vibrant and individualized. 5. Overly Minimalist Designs Kitchens in [name of service area] featuring exclusively white or exclusively black color schemes are becoming less popular. Homeowners today favor areas featuring layered textures, inviting elements, and a cozy feel that radiates charm and character. 6. Open Shelving Although open shelving can create a spacious atmosphere in a kitchen, it often becomes inconvenient, resulting in disorder and needing regular upkeep. Many are choosing closed cabinets with glass doors or partially open cabinetry, providing a comparable open ambiance while enhancing organization and minimizing dust exposure. In conclusion, kitchen design trends for 2025 are shifting away from harsh, excessively shiny, and minimalist styles. The emphasis is moving toward designing areas that are cozy, welcoming, and representative of personal identities, harmonizing aesthetics and practicality. If you are ready to leave old trends behind and start a remodel, visit us at 2601 Broad St. Chattanooga, TN 37408 or call us at (423) 266 0077.
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