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Induction Cooktops: Why You Should Love Them

Post author By Brynley Braam
Post date April 17, 2023

Induction cooktops – while not new in the appliance industry – has been enjoying some extra attention as of late. This type of cooktop is an efficient way of preparing food and is newly popular within North America. Unlike gas ranges and electric cooktops, induction cooktops use electromagnetism to heat cookware which allow for a rapid increase and quick decrease in temperature. But why have they become so popular? Do we have a specific type of induction cooktop we suggest? Here we list four reasons to consider making the switch.

Speed and Efficiency

Induction cooktops heat up much faster than gas or electric stovetops. They also offer precise temperature control, allowing you to cook at a lower temperature without sacrificing speed or efficiency. This means that you can prepare meals more quickly and with less energy, which is a big plus for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Safety

Induction cooktops are safer than traditional stovetops in several ways. Because they heat the pots and pans directly, the cooktop itself stays relatively cool to the touch. This reduces the risk of accidental burns or fires. Additionally, because there is no open flame or exposed heating element, there is less risk of spillovers or other accidents.

Easy to Clean

Induction cooktops are also easy to clean. Because they don’t heat up the air around them, spills and splatters don’t burn onto the surface like they do with gas or electric stovetops. Instead, you can simply wipe down the cooktop with a damp cloth or sponge.

Design Flexibility

Finally, induction cooktops offer design flexibility that traditional stovetops can’t match. Because they don’t require a gas line or venting, they can be installed anywhere in your kitchen. This means that you can incorporate them into your custom cabinets in a variety of ways, including as a standalone cooktop or as part of a larger cooking area.

Incorporating induction cooktops into your custom kitchen can offer several benefits to you. Not only do they provide a more efficient and safer cooking experience, but they also offer design flexibility that can help you create a truly unique and functional kitchen space. If you’re interested in learning more about induction cooktops and how they can benefit you and your family, contact us today to discuss including this type of stovetop into your dream kitchen.

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3 Ways to Make Your Kitchen a Statement Space

Post author By Brynley Braam
Post date February 27, 2023

Making the kitchen a statement space in your home is often a desire for many homeowners. With the kitchen being the heart of any home, many homeowners look to make their kitchen what guests can’t stop talking about. But how do you achieve this? By adding striking details through design elements in your cabinetry and overall kitchen design! Let’s talk a bit more about it.

Make Your Kitchen a Statement Space with Colour

The easiest way to make a statement is with an eye-catching cabinet colour palette. While white kitchens tend to be the standard, there is something about a two or three toned kitchen that takes the space to the next level. Mix a darker tone in with your white kitchen or add some dazzling silver or gold metal details. You can even think about blending some beautiful stained wood to add some earthy, organic character into your kitchen. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even think about adding a less typical cabinet colour like green or blue. The possibilities are endless.

Make your Kitchen a Statement Space with a Custom Hood

A custom hood is an impressive way to make your kitchen standout. If your kitchen is big enough, think about an oversized hood. Don’t have the space available for something oversized? Instead, opt for a smaller hood with interesting custom details like metal banding or moulding to help make your hood standout. Including a custom hood is a sure-fire way to elevate the aesthetic of your kitchen and an element your guests will want to incorporate into their own homes.

Make your Kitchen a Statement Space with a Custom Island

If an island is on your “must have” list for your kitchen, consider adding custom elements to your island. Custom details can be subtle – like motion censor drawer lights – or grander – like a custom table attachment – but is a great way to make your kitchen the highlight of your home. We’ve seen islands with custom leg details to appear more like a table, islands with countertops designed to appear as if it were floating, islands with built-in wine storage, and islands with cooktops that are fully integrated into the countertop. Islands are great for storage, great for utility, and great for entertaining. Why not get creative and make your kitchen island something to talk about?

You Can’t Go Wrong with a Statement Kitchen

The kitchen is generally where people – both guests and family – gather to spend quality time together. Whether it is cooking, eating, enjoying some morning coffee, or just chatting, designing your kitchen to be both appealing and alluring is key in making your kitchen the centerpiece of your home. Consider adding some of the elements above to your kitchen or adding all three! You can always contact us to talk about how you can put a blend of statement pieces into your kitchen. We hope that this article provides some helpful tips in making your kitchen the statement space it deserves to be.

Tags custom cabinets, custom cabinets london, custom cabinets oakville, custom cabinets toronto, custom kitchen, kitchen, statement kitchen

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5 Kitchen Design Trends That We Love

Post author By Brynley Braam
Post date February 8, 2023

Kitchen design trends are constantly changing. Anyone looking into building a new home or renovating their current kitchen knows the difficulty of staying in fashion, but wanting their new kitchen to stay as timeless as possible. And we believe that staying trendy doesn’t mean giving up the longevity of your home’s design! We’ve chosen five of our favourite design trends that we believe will stand the test of time.

Wooden Cabinets and Accents

Bringing in a more organic mix of wooden cabinets and accent pieces is definitely a kitchen design trend that we can get behind! This trend is a great way to add some beautiful dimension to your kitchen. Go for a warmer tone stain for a more cozy feel or opt for a cooler tone stain to bring some drama into your space. This is a great way to bring a more natural element to your kitchen – not to mention the stunning wood grain details that comes with it. This design choice is versatile and is worth putting on your “must-need” list.

Black Painted Cabinets

Black painted cabinets are a kitchen design trend for homeowners looking to make a statement. A striking design choice, black cabinetry is not only unforgettable, but can mix into any style you desire. From contemporary to traditional, smartly choosing the specific shade of black – and if it will act as the principal colour choice or as a highlighting element – is key in making sure this dramatic colour will mesh into your home’s aesthetic.

Metallic Details

This shimmery kitchen design trend is for anyone that wants a bit of glam in their everyday life. Adding either a warm gold or a cool silver will automatically bring a bit of extra intensity to your home. These detail pieces look best as banding on your range hood or even as frames on your kitchen cabinet doors. Bonus points if you can match your cabinet hardware to these chic metallic accents.

Hidden Appliances

Hiding your kitchen appliances is a kitchen design trend that helps you achieve your kitchen style the way you want. Some appliances – like fridges and dishwashers – might not look how you would like in a more modern space. Panel ready appliances to the rescue! These types of appliances allow you to install a cabinet panel on top on the appliances to hide something that not might match your interior style. This means not having to search for an appliance that blends well into your kitchen. Instead, you are able to install the appliance seamlessly into the space with a panel that is made to match your cabinetry. It’s a win-win!

Open Shelving

The open shelving kitchen design trend is perfect for homeowners that like to style their kitchen with decorative kitchen pieces. While this might mean planters and photos for some, it could mean more ornamental kitchen utensils like an elegant cutting board or charming spice containers. These types of shelves are a great way to show your personality and add some individualized character to your kitchen. We love the addition of unique knickknacks into any space and open shelves can help those items look less like clutter.

Kitchen Design Trends Are not Permanent

Unfortunately, kitchen design trends are not going to stay around forever. They are constantly fluid and everchanging. Finding a trend you love and that you could see staying stylish for longer than a year or two is important in making sure you will be happy with your choice in a couple years. Be sure to REACH OUT to our design team in helping guide you through your own kitchen project if you’re having trouble deciphering between “just a trend” and the ever sought over “timeless” choices. Otherwise, we hope our list helps you with making your own kitchen design choices.

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Exciting News! Braam’s Wins 3 LHBA Awards

Post author By Brynley Braam
Post date January 24, 2023

The Braam’s London, Ontario team had the pleasure of attending the annual LHBA’ Awards of Creative Excellence. We were finalists in three different categories – Best Kitchen Cabinetry (New), Best Kitchen Cabinetry (Renovated), and Best Bathroom Cabinetry (New). We are honoured to say that we the recipients of all three of these awards.

Now let’s get into the details of each of these award-winning projects:

Best Kitchen Cabinetry (New)

Simple need not mean boring, and this kitchen is the perfect example. Featuring white painted cabinets on the sink and fridge wall, grey stained mahogany cabinets on the oven wall and island, and walnut accents on the custom glass display cabinets, floating shelves, and island seating area, this expertly blended mix of finishes is a testament to how exciting clean lined, contemporary design can be. Slab style cabinet doors and a fully integrated induction cooktop were used to keep with the clean lined aesthetic. The showpiece of the space is the sculptural island, which features a cantilevered table for seating.

Best Kitchen Cabinetry (Renovated)

Like a black-tie event, this black and white kitchen is elegant and superbly tailored. Featuring white painted perimeter cabinets, black stained mahogany islands, a custom black hood, black glass display shelving, and black fridge and wall oven cabinetry, the space is perfectly balanced. The double islands offer the homeowners more space to work, with one island for meal prep and the other dedicated to seating. Two sinks, one on the working island and one near the range, were included in the design to optimize workflow. The contrasting countertops and thoughtfully placed dark glass shelves tie the dark and light sections of the kitchen together. Finished with contrasting hardware finishes – black bar pulls on the white cabinets and honey bronzes bar pulls on the black cabinets – this kitchen is a lesson in elegance.

In partnership with Inside Inc.

Best Bathroom Cabinetry (New)

With two vanities, this primary ensuite caters well to a busy daily routine. The dual floating vanities were constructed using acrylic veneer in a serene tone of alabaster white. Custom finger pulls were chosen to maintain the simple, clean-lined aesthetic. Stained walnut cabinets offer visual contrast- and additional storage. The matching walnut-framed mirrors were designed to include recessed LED lights, making them not only beautiful but also very functional. Why sacrifice when you can have it all?

In partnership with Erika Friesen Design and Wasko Developments.

What a night!

The Braam’s team is so proud of the accomplishments of everyone who works so diligently to make these projects a reality. From the cabinet designers, to the manufacturing plant, to the install team, this is proof of hard work and dedication which our clients can enjoy the results of every day in their beautifully built homes. Braam’s extends our congratulations to all the other winners and finalists. London has such a robust array of talents in home building and design which was made obvious at the gala.

Thank you to everyone who was not only involved in these projects, but in all projects we have the pleasure of being apart of. Until next year!

Interested in connecting with a showroom? Drop us a message in our Contact Form!

Tags custom cabinets, lhba awards, winners

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Kitchen Cabinet Accessories That We Are Crazy About

Post author By Brynley Braam
Post date July 27, 2022

Choosing kitchen cabinet accessories can be a tricky undertaking. What will you need in your new kitchen? What will provide the most value to your everyday life? What will look great while still being practical? Innovation in kitchen design and kitchen accessories can be daunting to sift through. So here are a few cabinet accessories that the Braam’s design team loves the most.

Cutlery Inserts

Cutlery inserts are a must. These small accessories provide the luxury of organization and can really take your kitchen to the next level. We love to see a beautiful wood cutlery insert – maple is our favourite – inside a dove-tail drawer box. This combination is not only functional but helps elevate your kitchen: plastic inserts might be cheap and convenient, but wooden inserts are elegant and long-lasting. As Keri, a member of our Oakville design team explains: “Cutlery and utensil inserts are great and custom ones to organize dish towels, wraps, foils [etcetera]. But, in my opinion, they should be maple inserts inside a dovetail drawer, really gives that custom look.” Something that Taral, also from our Oakville showroom echoes: “They make a kitchen functional and more custom!”.

Cabinet Pull-Outs

Pull-out accessories are pieces of hardware that does exactly what the name describes them as – they pull out when you open a cabinet. Pull-outs are most useful for spices, cooking oils, or even waste receptacles like recycling or trash. These kitchen accessories are great for ease of use: think spices near your food prep area or oils by your range. These kinds of pull-outs help with – as Kristen from our London team says – with function, access, and makes cleanup much easier. These types of pull-outs can look great, make your kitchen a lot more workable, and give you the ability to organize one of the busiest areas in your home with no trouble. It’s a win-win!

Tray Dividers

Tray dividers are mechanisms within a cabinet that provide individual storage for trays – cookie sheets, cutting boards, even baking dishes. These allow you to store different trays vertically for easy storage and easy access. We typically see clients choosing to put these dividers next to the fridge or the range so that they can easily locate the cooking utensil they want. These dividers are sleek, can match the interior of your cabinets, and hide within a standard looking cabinet. Like every other kitchen accessory on this list, tray dividers let you move about your kitchen much more easily: they allow for better function, better organization, and better convenience.

Kitchen cabinet accessories make your life easier

Cabinet accessories in the kitchen are there for you to be able to move about your kitchen with no problem. All the accessories that we mention all these things in common: increase in organization, ease of access, better room functionality, and can fit within the aesthetic goals of your kitchen. We recommend you decide what you really want out of your kitchen and what might make your day-to-day life a bit easier. Our picks are in no way a comprehensive list of options, but we are always HERE TO GIVE ADVICE on your kitchen projects. In the end, as Lisa from our London team says: “There is lots more, but that is really any extra a client wants to have.”

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Why You Should Love Modern Farmhouse Kitchens

Post author By Brynley Braam
Post date March 4, 2022

Modern farmhouse design has, in recent years, been made popular by HGTV and their TV star Joanna Gaines. And we can see why. Modern farmhouse combines rustic design components with clean lines and neutral tones – taking the best of sleek modern and mixing it with homey farmhouse. Ava, a cabinet designer out of our London, Ontario showroom, describes this contemporary-meets-traditional style:

“While modern farmhouse designs might be having a moment, that doesn’t mean that this style will become obsolete. Instead of choosing the in the moment colours and materials, go for options that have been and will always be fashionable like neutrals, palatable woods, and timeless hardware.

Modern Farmhouse is a more refined elegant style with simplified lines and warm, cozy finishes for a timeless comfortable look.”

Who would we recommend considering a modern farmhouse style

Modern farmhouse is a healthy mix of traditional and contemporary. We would suggest exploring this style to clients that have a love for both classic and more current interiors. As Heather, a Braam’s designer from our Birmingham, Michigan, explains:

“Modern farmhouse design is a blend of old school treasures with new school design. Think modern elements like smooth lines and polished accents blended with natural elements. Modern farmhouse is less rustic and more refined than the classic farmhouse design.”

The stunning combination of two opposing styles is a win for anyone that can’t see their homes without a touch of both spirits. You get the best of each world: the warmth of traditional details and the structure of modern elements. What you’re left with is a beautiful interior with details that contemporary admirers and traditional lovers will have something to appreciate.

However, we know that some people have a concern that is valid. Is this contemporary farmhouse interior style something of a trend? Or is it an approach that could be seen as more timeless? We like to think of it as the latter. As Ava tells us:

“I think done the right way it is very timeless. Avoiding trendy colours, tiles and countertops is key. “

But how do you design for modern farmhouse?

So you’ve decided that you want a modern farmhouse kitchen, bathroom, office, or library. After reading this article, you now want to learn how to achieve the HGTV quality home of your dreams. We have a few tips to help you on your way as Ava and Heather advises:

Typical cabinet colours for in modern farmhouse design would be a soft white (like Chantilly lace) or even a classic grey. If you were looking for wood, we like white oak in a bleached stain. We love two-tone modern farmhouse kitchens with a wood island!
If you’re feeling adventurous, a gorgeous navy or even black statement pieces make for a bold space.
Opt for light colour colours for countertops. We prefer quartzite and marble.
Choose simple hardware pieces like long pulls or even smaller latches in honey bronze or ash grey finishes. Modest, uncomplicated hardware is key for this style.

Overall, you can really make this design style fit your home how you see working best. As Ava points out:

“My advice to any client is always to choose the style that suits their taste and makes them feel right at home.”

Stay with the times without giving into a trend

Modern farmhouse design is a great way to stay relevant within the design realm without sacrificing traditional taste. Interpretation within this particular style is up to the homeowner. You have the freedom to incorporate as much modern elements or as much traditional details you see as best. The key in designing and building a home you love is making sure to include the aspects you enjoy and leave out what doesn’t.

Need more design inspiration? Be sure to check out our gallery of MODERN FARMHOUSE designs found in our gallery.

Want some professional advice? Be sure to REACH OUT to a member of the Braam’s team and we would love to provide some insight.

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Why We Love Shaker Doors

Post author By Brynley Braam
Post date November 23, 2021

Shaker cabinet doors are an extremely popular style. No doubt you’ve walked into a home and have gone into a kitchen to see a set of shaker door style cabinets. With clean edges and a recessed middle panel, shaker cabinets are known for their aesthetically pleasing, simple design. But why does everyone love this style of cabinet doors? Let’s dig into why Braam’s – and maybe everyone else in the construction world – love shaker style doors.

Shaker doors are versatile

While many folks believe that the shaker door style to be true to its namesake, shaker cabinets are adaptable from interior style to interior style. Heather Hopkins – one of our cabinet designers in Birmingham, Michigan says:

“The shaker door is a favorite for its versatility and timeless look. This transitional door can easily be personalized with the right cabinet hardware, whether my client prefers a traditional look or a modern look, making it the perfect choice for many of my clients.”

In the end, it’s more about what paint color, hardware, and surrounding décor you use in your home that defines your design style. Shaker doors are simple and elegant which means they can be incorporated into just about any space. From transitional styles to contemporary designs, shaker cabinet doors are a great choice for any homeowner.

Shaker doors are not overpowering

Some spaces might call for super ornate millwork, but that might not be everyone’s style. This is where the shaker door style comes in. Shaker cabinet doors are simplistic in design and are not fussy with extra details. This door style doesn’t need it! Shaker doors are meant to be elegant and timeless – something many homeowners look for with cabinet design. Unfortunately, sometimes bolder and riskier design choices can put a date on your home, but the shaker door style is quite the opposite. This cabinet door style is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, home offices, and more. Shaker door styles are perfect for adding just a touch of sophistication to a space without stealing the whole show.

Shaker doors can be customized

Beyond just customizing your cabinets through paint colours, Braam’s offers the ability to customize every part of your cabinetry – including a custom door style. Whether it be from a photo you bring in or something you’ve come up with alone, custom doors are something in our wheelhouse. Having said that, taking a simple shaker door and adding a bead detail or even recessing the rails and stiles around the door can take your space to the next level. Shaker doors are simplistic enough that tweaking the design a little bit can take your space to the next level. We’ve even introduced some reimagined shaker door styles to our catalogue (hello reverse shaker).

We love all door styles, but shaker cabinet doors are a classic

Tried, tested, and true, the shaker door style is not going anywhere anytime soon. The design’s versatility, it’s agreeableness, and the ability to easily customize is just some of the reasons we will forever love this style of cabinet door!

Ready to talk about your home renovation or new build? CONTACT US today to speak to a Braam’s cabinet designer near you!

Tags custom cabinets, shaker door style

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Top 3 Reasons to Buy Custom Cabinets

Post author By Brynley Braam
Post date November 9, 2021

One of the most important parts of renovating or building a home is the cabinetry that will go into the space. Cabinetry helps fill out a room, gives the room character, and provides much needed storage space for homeowners. This means that deciding on what type of cabinetry to consider purchasing for your home is extremely important. Should you go with stock cabinetry, semi-custom cabinetry, or fully custom cabinets? Here are the top 3 reasons you should consider purchasing custom cabinets.

Customization and Custom Cabinets

As you might have guessed, the first draw for custom cabinets is the level of customization you are allowed. Unlike stock or semi-custom, fully custom cabinetry means that you can change the size, the style, the colour, and the accessories as much as you desire – as long as everything will function. Your home is a reflection of your personality and with cabinetry being a staple for every home, custom cabinets mean you can have fun with your cabinet designs. A mix between furniture and fixture, being able to achieve your overall favored look within your home is important to many homeowners, interior designers, and builders. We love when clients get creative cabinets in their homes!

On the flip side, some folks might be nervous about the cost of custom cabinets related to the customization available to you. While this kind of cabinetry can be a bit more expensive, a skilled cabinet designer will be able to work within your budget and make sure your dream cabinets can be built at the most cost effective level without sacrificing aesthetic or quality. Which brings us to our next point…

Quality and Custom Cabinets

High quality cabinets are ideal for any home builder or renovator. Cabinets are a huge part of designing a home – to kitchen cabinets, closet cabinets, bathroom cabinets, built in cabinets, and more, cabinetry remains a top priority for any homeowner. This means that finding the best quality cabinets possible is key in building a home of your dreams. Custom cabinets are known for impeccable quality and these custom made millwork pieces not only serve the appearance of your home but they also serve on a functional level. That custom kitchen you purchased will not only need to look great but needs to perform for every birthday and holiday celebration you throw. That custom bathroom vanity needs to survive all of the guests you have visiting your home without falling apart.

Above all else, you expect your cabinets to stand the test of time. As a custom cabinet shop, many clients we have enjoy their custom kitchens cabinets, custom pantry cabinets, custom bathroom cabinets, custom built in cabinets, and other custom areas for a lifetime. As long as this millwork is properly taken care of, they will last you years and years to come. If there ever is an issue with your cabinetry, the shop in which you purchased from should be able to help in servicing your cabinets. And that brings us to our last reason..

Customer Service and Custom Cabinets

Lastly, purchasing what could be considered luxury cabinets means that the cabinet shop you choose to design and build your millwork pieces should provide you top notch customer service. We are firm believers in making every client’s home building or renovating experience a positive, exciting one. From communicating with clients to having meaningful consultations to servicing a finished job, the cabinet shop you chose should be there for you every step of the way. Braam’s prides itself not only on our customization and our quality, but also in how we serve our clients and go with them through every step of their cabinet design, build, and install. Bespoke cabinets deserves bespoke service, so our aim is to make sure clients remain happy and excited through the entire process – and you’re chosen cabinet shop should do the same for you!

In conclusion..

We feel there are plenty of personal reasons for choosing custom! While the customization, the quality, and the service are good starters, you have to decide for yourself if custom cabinets are something for you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to us if you have any questions..or if you are looking for a quote (wink-y face). We would be more than happy to help you!

CLICK HERE to get in touch with us today.

Tags custom cabinets, why should i buy custom cabinets

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Faircloth

Post author By Brynley Braam
Post date March 26, 2021

Nestled within the city of London, this beautiful home was given a beautiful facelift in the form of a brand-new custom kitchen from Braam’s!

Featuring a wall of black painted cabinets, this dark perimeter is offset by the white ceiling-high backsplash and quartz tiled giant cubby – perfect for displaying prized items in your home. Completed by a black hood over an induction cooktop, this kitchen implements some of the best current design trends and brings it to life.

The most unexpected part of this space? The kitchen island! Finished in a natural white oak veneer, the island sits in custom metal brackets as a stunning design detail. The black metal brackets – along with the black countertop on the island – helps pull the entire space together in a very sleek contemporary fashion.

Be sure to head over to our Houzz to check out every angle of this stunning renovation!

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Braam’s Cabinetry featured in Style at Home

Post author By braams-admin
Post date August 20, 2020

Did you catch us in the August issue of Style at Home Magazine? We had some cabinetry featured on page 75 (bottom left photo below) alongside an article about the very talented Scott Bachly and his family cottage in Muskoka. What an exquisite home!We’re proud to have been part of this project!