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Getting a Good Grip on Cabinet Pulls

In addition to picking out a cabinetry style for your kitchen remodel, you’ll also need to decide on hardware. In addition to assisting in the P9010464process of opening and closing your drawers, cabinet pulls can also add to your overall design. While there are a variety of pull styles, Normandy Designer Karen Chanan has two popular pulls as well as some general tips for finding hardware that is right for you.

Two popular cabinet pulls include:

Cup Pulls – These pulls are very classic and often found in vintage kitchens. Additionally, they can be incorporated into traditional or transitional homes too.

P9010448Bar Pulls – Bar pulls are extremely popular in modern kitchens.

“Currently, bigger bar pulls are more on trend in a larger, contemporary kitchens,” said Karen. “However, your overall decision for pulls depends on your style.”

It’s important to note that you don’t always have to stick to pulls. You can also mix and match different pulls and knobs.

“You can select all pulls, knobs or a mixture of both. It’s all a matter of personal preference,” said Karen. “However, when you are picking out hardware, it is important to actually go look at it and see how it feels in your hand.”

“Hardware might look right, but it is not always comfortable,” added Karen. “Some pulls may be too shallow and certain knobs can feel too small. Therefore, you’ll want to test it out.”

Get started working on your kitchen remodel design and decisions by setting up an appointment with Karen. Or, register to attend an upcoming seminar to learn more about the remodeling process. You can also view the Normandy photo gallery or follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more design ideas.

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Defining Downdraft Ventilation

Hawthorne Blog 3While not as glamorous as choosing a backsplash, countertop or cabinetry, ventilation is an extremely important part of your kitchen remodel. Proper ventilation is critical because it helps remove smoke, steam and grease, keeping your kitchen clean and safe. Most of the time, ventilation is overhead, incorporated through a range hood. However, there is another option, which is downdraft ventilation.

“In certain situations, an overhead hood can be too cumbersome over an island, or there might not be a way to go through the ceiling to create proper ventilation,” said Normandy Designer Laura Barber, AKBD. “In those cases, downdraft ventilation is an option.”

“Downdraft ventilation is typically a pop up vent. It works against gravity, pulling steam backwards when it’s naturally rising, so it is not always the most ideal choice,” added Laura. “However, it is better than not having any ventilation at all.”

There are a variety of options when it comes to downdraft ventilation and some versions even pop up and curve over to better catch steam as it rises. Typically, it pops up at the push of a button and is hidden out of sight until needed. “Because downdraft ventilation is primarily hidden, it works well for a more contemporary style,” noted Laura. “It keeps a nice clean open line versus having a big, heavy hood overhead.”

“However, if you are doing a cooktop along the wall, your best ventilation is going to be overhead. The good news is that there are ways to incorporate that in a variety of styles,” added Laura.

You can set up a time to meet with Laura to discuss every aspect of your kitchen remodel, from design down to the mechanics. For more design ideas and inspiration, you can also follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or check out the Normandy photo gallery.

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