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High Gloss Cabinets that Shine

slab backsplash in a high gloss chic kitchenWhen you want to make a bold statement, think about shine. High-gloss cabinets add a reflective sheen and a sleek, unexpected look to any project.

Normandy Designer Jennifer Cross, AKBD says this high gloss look, which is actually a texture, can be achieved in several different ways, with lacquer, paint, and acrylic. “High gloss looks are created by applying lacquer over MDF. Layer upon layer upon layer until it appears have a depth to it,” says Jennifer.

Black and white glossy kitchenLaminate with a gloss finish is another, less expensive option, but you don’t get that true high gloss, shiny lacquer finish,” Jennifer adds.

Almost exclusively used in modern design, high gloss cabinets pair nicely with a small pattern or tight wood grain, so as not to appear flat. “You can also add something with dimension to provide contrast. Instead of a tight wood grain, a dark painted matte finish will give you that high color contrast and play off the textural reflective nature of the high gloss,” Jennifer states.

High gloss cabinets are truly a piece that screams look at me.
Modern Chicago condo kitchen with high gloss cabinets

“Look, don’t touch, is more appropriate when describing these sleek yet extremely delicate cabinets,” cautions Jennifer. “Every scratch, ding, bump, and hairline will show on these high gloss surfaces, so I often suggest using them as upper cabinets, away from high traffic areas.”

Because it’s a statement piece that comes with a high tier cost, it’s often used sparingly in a design, but it makes a spectacular impact, even in smaller doses.

Is this the impact you’ve been needing in your next remodel? Schedule a time to talk to Jennifer about other cabinet options. In the meantime, scroll through all our Facebook or Instagram feeds for more inspiration and to get your design fix.

high gloss white upper cabinets with black lower cabinets  galley kitchen with high gloss finish

 

Asymmetrical Design is as Easy as Rhythm and Balance

powder room with floating vanityWe understand what symmetry is, humans are wired for symmetry, even our bodies are symmetrical. But, if you feel like you’re not a conventional person and you lean towards the daring, you may find yourself drawn to asymmetrical designs.

Normandy Designer Liz Reifschneider says, “Asymmetrical design is all about rhythm and balance.”

Asymmetrical design is achieved through a careful balancing of colors and patterns used with the right rhythm of spacing and textures. In simpler terms, asymmetrical design is pointedly not “matchy.”

“Asymmetry is really my favorite style to work with because it’s unexpected and interesting,” Liz says. “It creates a delicious unanticipated visual and will always feel fresh and ‘of the moment’.”

Achieving the right results, though, is challenging, even for trained designers. Using tricks like color and negative space to represent that asymmetrical feel, designers also implement anchoring pieces, so the room doesn’t look lopsided, but cohesive.

White Oak kitchen with slab backsplash

“In this kitchen, the black stone countertops are the showpiece, and the neutral color of the stainless-steel range hood on top balances the light oak cabinetry on the bottom.” This color-blocking creates the balance in this instance.

Rhythm is created with expert placement of shapes and negative space. “Having three vertical doors next to three horizontal drawers creates rhythm, and is asymmetrical, while all cabinetry is in the same wood tone,” notes Liz.

You can even merge symmetry with asymmetry in the same room, sometimes on the same wall.

Blonde rift cut oak modern kitchen

“Stepping back, you can see how this combination of two equal column refrigerator doors, next to a grouping of three equal columns with small appliances, create the asymmetry on this wall. There are two different sized groupings, but within each group, the width of each is consistent.” This is asymmetrical design done right. Having a wall or room that feels familiar and balanced, but definitely has an exciting feel that makes heads turn.

Achieving the asymmetrical look where the entire room comes together and flows cohesively without being awkward takes a professional’s experienced eye. This is not a design style you want to try on your own.

If you’re ready to indulge that inner edgy part of you, schedule an appointment with Liz to talk about asymmetrical designs for your kitchen remodel. In our gallery are some examples to whet your palate. We’re also on social – follow our Facebook and Instagram feeds.

decorative nook in a kitchen islanddecorative nook in a kitchen island

 

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