Classic Cabinetry

Creating a Chef's Kitchen

Many homeowners who are avid cooks and frequent entertainers dream of creating a restaurant quality kitchen in their home.  We credit Fred Carl, Jr. with fueling the home gourmet chef kitchen movement.  In the early 1980s Carl wanted to install a commercial range in the home he was building for his family.  None existed at that time, so he designed a range that offered the cooking power and features of a professional range into a design feasible for home use.  The rest is history.  Viking saw the demand for commercial-grade performance in a residential setting that has become the dream of many a home chef in Chattanooga.


Keys to Creating a Chef-Worthy Kitchen

Professional chefs limited the amount of movement in their kitchens to be able to produce high quality meals in minutes.  The same holds true for home chefs.  When designing a chef’s kitchen for homeowners in Chattanooga, we look to maximize the efficiency of the space by featuring a long island and minimizing the number of steps between the range, ovens, refrigerator, prep sink and main sink. 

Countertops tend to be the workhorses of a chef’s kitchen.  Quartz is an ideal surface because it is virtually stain and scratch proof, durable, antimicrobial and offers a smooth surface that makes the home baker smile.  Another attractive countertop option for home chefs is stainless steel. 


Chef’s kitchens also feature a large and often deep sink that allows the home chef a place for large pots, pans and dishes. We often recommend to the home chef a workstation sink that features inserts for cutting boards, colanders, trivets and other accessories that expand countertop space and minimizes movement necessary to prepare and cook.  Including an extra prep sink either in the island or other location in the kitchen is a welcomed addition for every home chef. 


Homeowners in Chattanooga that entertain frequent for family and friends almost always will take advantage of two high-capacity ovens.  Space permitting, we prefer placing them side by side at eye level because they are easier on the back and easy to monitor what’s happening. 


A well-designed chef’s kitchen (in every other kitchen) is a well-organized kitchen.  Avid cooks benefit from a pantry that allows them to see available ingredients that can be accessed in a matter of seconds and that there is a place for everything, and everything has a place.  That’s why home chefs invest in drawer and cabinet organization tools that make cooking easier and more enjoyable not to mention assuring a clean aesthetic.   


Open shelves, wall-mounted knife blocks and ceiling racks are additional features that put the tools necessary to prepare delicious meals at arm’s reach. 


Lighting is another key ingredient of a well-designed chef’s kitchen.  Light needs to be layered using task lights, ambient lighting and accent lights.  Task lights are necessary above the island, sink and prep areas.  Ambient provides uniform illumination throughout the space, independent of other lighting sources. Ambient light “bounces” off the walls to illuminate as much space as possible. Window or glass doors offer natural ambient light.


Accent lights are used mainly to illuminate specific points of interest, such as artwork or architectural features. They are often decorative and complement the decor of the room. Accent lights can also be used to achieve the desired effect, such as making a space to appear bigger. 

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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