Expert Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinetry Solutions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I start the process of a kitchen remodel?

Book an appointment with a Carole designer for a focused, one-on-one meeting to ensure we dedicate ample time to your project. During this initial design meeting, your designer will explore design possibilities, discuss product options, understand your preferences and needs, and help prioritize your wish list. After this, we’ll invite you back for a second meeting where we’ll present a preliminary design concept and an initial cost estimate. This complimentary service allows you to experience our skill, expertise, and commitment firsthand, ensuring you feel confident in our products and services before moving forward with your kitchen remodel.

It’s common for someone to drop into our showroom or call and tell us the dimensions of their room, and ask, “What is the general cost of new cabinetry?” The answer to this question depends not only on the size of your space, but also whether you plan to change the ‘footprint’ of your kitchen (meaning, will you change walls? impact the electrical and plumbing? etc.), and the quality and features of the products you select (for instance, cherry cabinets typically cost more than maple, and there are many paints, glazes, and cabinet door styles you can choose in addition to the wood you select.). However, a typical 10 foot by 15 foot ‘L-shape’ kitchen ranges anywhere from $3,500 (using our basic, quality stock cabinet line) to over $40,000 (using a full-custom cabinet line, high-end appliances, and special features and accessories—lots of ‘bells and whistles’). What you invest depends on your goals for the room and your home. What’s nice is, because of the product range available, you can get great-looking, quality renovation results for a wide scope of budgets.

As you can probably imagine, every inch matters when putting together the puzzle of cabinets, appliances, etc. You have literally thousands of options for cabinetry styles when you take into consideration paints, glazes, stains, and door style details. There are also many options with countertops, appliances, hardware, etc. 

Designers at Carole Kitchen and Bath Design are professionally trained in products and layout/design strategy to help you maximize your space in terms of appearance and functionality. Your Carole kitchen designer collaborates with you to provide computer-aided design—a 3-dimensional layout created with software specialized for kitchen and bath design, which allows you to visualize realistic-looking perspectives of your new room. He or she visits your home to do an on-site measure and view your space. 

Product selection within your budget is another huge piece. Carole designers offer education about the pros and cons of what’s out there and how to help you get the best quality for your investment, and also, suit your personal style. The demo of your original space and installation is handled by your contractor, who is in communication with your designer as needed to ensure accurate installation. If you need a good contractor, we are happy to refer you to one of the many people who we have extensive history working with.

Framed: Framed cabinetry is the more traditional, and perhaps more common cabinet construction type (although many would argue that frameless is actually becoming more popular than framed cabinetry nowadays). A framed cabinet is just like it sounds; a cabinet box with a frame. The door then attaches to the frame.

 
Framed Cabinet
 

Frameless: A frameless cabinet is a cabinet where the door attaches directly to the box, and there is no frame (hence, frame-less).  Frameless cabinet construction, also known as full access cabinetry, started out in Europe but is becoming more and more popular in the US. In fact, over 50% of what Carole’s sells now is frameless cabinetry.

 
Frameless Cabinet
 

Inset: Inset cabinets feature doors built directly into the frame, creating a sleek, flush appearance. Popular in craftsman and Victorian-era homes, they offer a timeless aesthetic. Inset cabinets typically come at a premium, often 10-15% more than standard framed or frameless options. The inset design slightly reduces interior space. While many manufacturers compensate by making wall cabinets an inch deeper, it can still affect overall storage capacity. The precise construction may impact what fits inside. Some homeowners have found their plates don’t fit after installation, so careful planning is crucial. Despite these considerations, inset cabinets remain a sought-after choice for those seeking a distinctive, high-end look in their kitchen or bathroom. Their elegant design can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of your space, making them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.

 
Inset-Cabinet

Granite is a naturally occurring stone that is simply cut and polished, while engineered stone, also called quartz (sold under brand names Silestone, Viatera, Zodiaq, Caesarstone) is man-made (using 90-95% quartz, which is one of the hardest minerals on earth). Granite can look more natural and it is recommended that you seal it 1-2 times per year depending on the color. Engineered stone is typically more durable and requires no maintenance. The cost for these products is quite comparable. Carole Kitchen and Bath Design offers both quartz and granite as well as porcelain, marble and budget-friendly laminate countertops. You can see many, many samples in our showroom.

Yes. Many cabinetry manufacturers are getting on board with the eco-friendly movement in their product design. When shopping for environmentally conscious cabinetry, consider these key features: 

  • Urea/Formaldehyde-free materials: Look for plywood or particleboard boxes made from pre-consumer recycled wood fiber. 
  • Zero VOC products: Opt for cabinets using non-toxic, water-based glues, adhesives, and finishes to avoid volatile organic compounds. 
  • Sustainable wood sources: Choose responsibly harvested solid wood from Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Forests. For exotic looks, consider impregnated veneers or laminates instead of endangered wood species. 
  • Local production: Prioritize cabinets made in the USA, particularly in the Northeast, to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions.

Yes, painted cabinets can be more vulnerable to water damage, but with proper care, they can maintain their beauty for years. Here’s what you need to know: 

  • Vulnerability: Wood, including painted wood, is naturally susceptible to water damage over time. 
  • High-risk areas: Cabinets around sinks and trash areas are particularly prone to moisture-related issues.  
  • Prevention tips: 
  • Wipe up spills and moisture immediately 
  • Ensure your countertop seal is tight 
  • Be cautious with wet sponges in pull-out drawers 
  • Maintain a dry environment around your cabinets 
  • Considerations: If your kitchen sees heavy use, discuss finish options with your designer. They can guide you towards more durable choices that suit your lifestyle. 
  • Universal care: Regardless of finish, all cabinets benefit from prompt cleaning and drying to ensure longevity. 

Remember, while high-quality finishes offer protection, consistent care is key to preserving your painted cabinets’ appearance and integrity.

No. We always create a first design based on your rough measurements of your space at no charge. This helps you get a sense of our professional design capability and the potential for your project. It also helps you get comfortable with Carole’s, your designer, and what we offer. If you decide to proceed with us, we charge a retainer fee, which goes toward your cabinetry purchase. We continue refining your design from there. (Your designer has the benefit of our entire team as a sounding board and for critique, with more than 100 years’ worth of kitchen design expertise, as you perfect your customized design together.) Before we finalize a design, we come to your home to do a professional measure.

YES! It’s the largest in the area with more than 50 kitchen displays and a separate In-Stock Vanity Center. We believe that offering you a great showroom helps you determine your likes and dislikes and gets you comfortable with the many, many product options. 

Visit us at: 

  • Monday & Friday: 9AM – 5PM 
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9AM – 7PM 
  • Saturday: 9AM – 4PM 

While walk-ins are welcome, we recommend scheduling an appointment for one-on-one designer time, especially on busy Saturdays. This ensures you get the personalized attention your project deserves. Come experience the possibilities for your dream kitchen or bath firsthand!

Already working with a builder or contractor? Great! We will collaborate with them, provide thorough professionally-detailed designs plans, and support your contractor during the entire project. We will work closely with anyone you choose.

Don’t have a builder or contractor yet? No problem! Your Carole’s designer can recommend several options for builders, contractors, and/or cabinet installers. Our referral list is strong and has been cultivated over the years working closely with quality local builders.

Custom cabinets are designed to fit your specific kitchen dimensions perfectly, ensuring a seamless and polished look. At Carole Kitchen and Bath Design, we provide endless design choices in terms of materials, finishes, colors, and hardware, allowing you to create a truly unique kitchen cabinetry. Additionally, custom cabinetry offers enhanced functionality through tailored storage solutions like pull-out shelves and specialized compartments. The superior craftsmanship and high-quality materials we use in custom cabinets ensure durability and longevity. Lastly, custom cabinetry can significantly increase your home’s value, as kitchens are a focal point for potential buyers.

Yes, custom cabinets can be crafted to complement any decor style. Whether you already have a modern, rustic, or traditional decor, our cabinet designs can be tailored to seamlessly blend with your existing aesthetic.

Consider your home’s overall design style. Matte paints work well for a modern look, while distressed wood adds rustic charm. Consistent finishes across rooms, such as matching hardware or wood tones, create a unified appearance. Our dedicated designers are more than willing to help you tailor fit your needs!

We employ several techniques to manage wood movement in large doors. This includes using engineered cores with stable veneers, incorporating expansion joints, and using flexible adhesives. We also consider the grain direction and panel construction to minimize potential warping.

Certainly! We offer a full-service design experience. Our designers will help you select countertops, hardware, backsplashes, and other elements that complement your custom cabinetry. We have partnerships with various brands and suppliers, and can coordinate the entire process for a cohesive look.