Embassy House products use mortise and tenon front frame construction and feature all-wood cabinetry rather than relying on melamine or particleboard. Currently, the company carries 20 door styles, 10 finishes and 8 wood species. Glazing, antiquing and other techniques or decoration options are available as well.

“Our semi-custom cabinetry offers many of the same designer details such as full extension, soft-closing drawers that come standard,” said Patrick Byrne, executive Vice President of Embassy House Cabinetry. “Embassy House cabinets come in 3 in. increments, but you are still able to modify your width and depth as you can with custom. And homeowners can choose from a wider selection of woods, finishes and door selections versus stock cabinetry. Semi-custom also allows for faster production than custom.”

All wood construction, including natural Birch plywood tops, bottoms, backs and sides, and solid hardwood doors and face frames. All with a limited lifetime warranty.

You can view the pictures or have fun setting up duels between glamorous kitchens. When you’ve finished with your own remodel, post a picture for a duel – dare you?

Pick any 5. Get $500
Pick any 4. Get $300
Pick any 3. Get $200
Pick any 2. Get $100

Check out the GE site for entry and more details.

Granite
Granite is a popular choice for kitchen counter tops. Because it is a quarried stone, no two counter tops are the same. Granite is durable, stain resistant, and does not conduct heat or cold. It is somewhat porous, so it does require applying a sealant once a year to protect it. Counter top finishes are either polished with a smooth reflective glass-like surface; honed, which creates a matte surface; flamed to create textural interest or tumbled to resemble natural stone. Priced by the square foot, it costs anywhere from $70 – $300 per square foot installed, depending on the type and availability of granite.

Concrete
Concrete is an unexpected choice for a counter top, yet one that might be right for your kitchen. Concrete counter tops are always custom-made and consist of 1-½ inch thick slab that rests on top of a wooden counter base. Color pigments are added directly to the concrete mix so it’s possible to have a counter top in any color you desire. Finishes for concrete counter tops are similar to the honed surfaces used for stone. Textures vary depending on the aggregate ingredients, which may include anything from fine sand to tiny pebbles. Concrete counter tops require a penetrating sealer followed by a coat of wax, which must be reapplied every few months. Acidic substances, such as vinegar, will etch the surface if not wiped up immediately. In addition, concrete counter tops may develop hairline cracks over time. Concrete countertops range from $170 to $225 per linear foot installed, or about $100 per square foot installed.

Corian
Corian is the name brand for a solid plastic material permeated throughout with color and a particular pattern. Although it is man-made it often resembles stone, especially granite and marble. Corian is durable, heat resistant, and fairly scratch resistant, although a cutting board is still recommended. Minor stains or burns can be removed by using a non-abrasive scouring pad. Another advantage to Corian is thatthe seams are invisible. The installed cost of Corian ranges from $75 to $150 per linear foot.

Laminate
Laminate is the least-expensive option for counter tops and has been around for many years. It is available in a range of patterns including faux stone, wood, and metal. Laminate is composed of a composite of numerous layers of plastic-coated paper, with the top layer exhibiting the desired pattern and color. The layers of paper are bonded to particleboard under conditions of pressure and heat. Laminate is very easy to maintain but is susceptible to scratches, which can’t be repaired without replacing the entire section of laminate. It is not heat resistant and although quite durable, it may de-laminate or lift off the particleboard subsurface along the edges of the counter or sink if not properly maintained. Laminate costs about $10 a square foot installed.

Stainless steel
Stainless steel counter tops are made from a metal alloy that makes them rustproof. Expensive and difficult to install, stainless steel counter tops are custom made and have no seams. They are placed over a wooden sub-base to prevent denting and minimize noise. A stainless steel counter top is often the first choice for serious chefs, or those who like clean ultra modern lines. The silvery-gray color of stainless steel is a neutral color that blends well into many types of décor. Stainless steel counter tops are low maintenance, non-porous, and heat and stain resistant; however, fingerprints are very noticeable on the surface. A cutting board is recommended because stainless steel will dull knife blades with repeated contact. These counter tops cost about $85-$100 per square foot.

In the Kitchen:

* If at all possible, reuse existing appliances, and build your new cabinets around them. This could save you anywhere from $1,500–5,000 easily. However, be aware that appliances, like anything electrical, are sensitive to change and may develop problems if they are moved. Should you decide to avoid potential appliance “burn–out” and purchase new appliances, choose energy conscious models for a reduction in your utility bills.

* Maintain present location of major fixtures, appliances and utilities relative to the plumbing, gas and electrical outlets. This could even apply to the location of the telephone. Moving plumbing, wiring and jacks can be extremely expensive.

* The faucet can be a costly item. The least expensive selection is chrome. Even a high-end chrome faucet is considerably less than a mid-range brass or porcelain version. A standard two-handle faucet generally costs less than single handle. Faucets and handles are sold separately, so you may want to choose a chrome faucet with brass or porcelain handles for a different look. Faucet caution: The price variances in faucets reflect the various internal and external features. Always choose a faucet with replaceable internal parts. You won’t want to have to replace the entire faucet if it breaks – it’s simply not cost-effective.

* Choose neutral colors in fixtures, appliances and laminates. They are less expensive initially and wont look dated when the color trends change. White and almond sinks are much cheaper than color varieties. And neutral laminate colors for countertops are less than custom colors or textures.

* Good floor covering is important. It ties one room to another and provides visual consistency. Familiarize yourself with the prices of the various flooring materials to make the best decision for your home. To get you started, vinyl or laminate flooring is less expensive than wood, tile or slate.

* Use the existing floor covering if it is still in good condition. If the kitchen has old vinyl flooring, there may be a hardwood floor underneath that could be sanded and refinished, avoiding the need for a new floor entirely.

* If you currently have a vinyl floor covering and wish to update with a newer version, you can install synthetic floor leveler material over the existing vinyl floor and lay the new vinyl flooring on top, rather than tearing the old flooring off to install the new.

* Consider your cabinet options carefully. Those choices will drive the overall price. You can add some options at a later date to defray some of the initial cost. Some that are easy to add include tilt front doors, spice racks and slide out wire baskets. However, if you decide to wait, make certain that the option you want will be available and can be added after installation. Note of caution: Waiting will cost you more in the long run. Adding new cabinets often requires installing a new floor. Refacing existing cabinets not only eliminates the need for new flooring, countertops and appliances altogether, it is a major savings in any kitchen remodel.

* Go with a simple design in the kitchen employing single height wall cabinets, blind corner cabinets rather than those with Lazy Susans, and other standard options. Watch your upgrades.

* Use standard cabinetry instead of custom cabinets, or use a combination of the two if they are compatible.

* Choose cabinets that can be operated without the addition of hardware (those that are finger–pulled).

* Install cabinets without soffits to decrease the labor cost. Also consider cabinets without trim moldings or with simple trim.

* If you are going to put in new wood trim (in your crown molding, trims, and door casings) to match the new cabinets, order pre–finished trim instead of having the painting or staining done on–site. This will decrease labor cost. Ordering finger–jointed vs. clear vertical grain also will save you money.

* Consider stenciling on the backsplash instead of using tile.

* Laminate countertops are the least expensive choice among solid surfacing, tile and granite. You can dress it up with wood or tile trim for a more innovative look.

* Connect fluorescent light fixtures to the existing ceiling fixture box instead of installing new recessed lighting, which may require a new ceiling because of the recessed features.

Now that you’ve read this – go- create a new kitchen!

Getting Started

* The most important step is finding a professional remodeling contractor for your job. Check out Find a Professional Remodeler on www.RemodelToday.com for a contractor near you.

* Hire a professional contractor who is familiar with the building codes in your area. Updating work that does not meet code can be extremely expensive.

* A well–written contract can prevent costly mistakes or additions to the scope of your project. It is a critical step in maintaining your budget.

* Save money by planning ahead. Go through the design process first and choose everything you want to include in the new room(s), from appliances to light fixtures, etc. This will define your budget and prevent hasty (and costly) decisions later in the project. Be sure to include all your product and material selections in the contract to avoid confusion and unnecessary change orders. Include the model, size, color, and other specifications. It is also wise to save 10–20 percent of your budget to allow for items added to the scope of work.

* The number one way to decrease the cost of your remodeling project is product choices. Look around to determine whether you can achieve a similar look with a less expensive product.

* In addition, pay attention to how labor intensive some design features may be, for example laying ceramic tile on kitchen countertops and the backsplash.

* Compare products and their prices carefully before you make final decisions. And keep an open mind when you discuss product and design ideas with your contractor.

* Make decisions based on value and quality, not just price.

* Think about staging the work being done to minimize the initial financial impact. It is often easier to create a more manageable budget by starting small and adding to the project at a later date. This will break the work into several jobs instead of one large project. The down side of staging a remodel is that you may end up paying more in the long run.

General Remodeling Tips

* Be creative. There are often multiple solutions to accomplish a design objective, some more expensive than others. Discuss various options with your contractor.
* If all the room really needs is a facelift, make the most of changes with paint, as opposed to structural changes. Changing the color of a room can revitalize it. This is the easiest way to bring life to a room on a budget.
* Heavy or textured wallpaper can work wonders as well. You can save money by wallpapering a slightly damaged wall rather than replacing it. If the wall has grass cloth wallpaper on it, consider whitewashing it for a totally new look. Several layers of whitewash (in various shades of white) produce a clean, sophisticated look in any room.
* Faux finish painting or other textured decorative painting techniques also can hide minor damage or irregularities that flat paint won’t.
* Attempt to keep windows in their existing places during a remodeling project. Moving windows is not a cost–saving endeavor.

Finding Space

* Creating more space can be a big budget buster. Once you add square footage to a home, the price increases significantly. One alternative is to borrow space from a neighboring room (called space reconfiguration). A great place to steal space for a bathroom expansion is from the linen closet. You can make up some of the lost storage by finding small spaces in between wall studs for small niches or built–in shelves.
* You can also try borrowing space with optical illusions. There are many ways to make a small room appear larger. To transform a small bath, install a bow window or a skylight. Vaulted ceilings can be a nice touch, too.
* If you are going to expand outside the existing home, consider a small bump out of two to four feet. This may allow you to cantilever the floor joists and eliminate the need for excavation and foundation. If possible, be careful not to extend beyond the roofline, which might require a new roofline to your job.
* Whenever you are adding on new space to a home, have a heating/cooling contractor determine whether your existing heating/air conditioning system can accommodate and heat/cool the extra space. If the heating/cooling system is damaged, you will be forced to replace the existing units.

Each remodeling job is different, we offer tips for kitchens and bathrooms specifically.

There is an alternative to letting the housing market get you down. Make the space you’re in reflect your dreams by doing some targeted renovations to add luxury and utility. A great place to spice things up is in the kitchen.

“The kitchen is typically the most important and busiest room in the house,” says Connie Edwards, certified kitchen and bathroom designer, and director of design for American Woodmark Corporation. “A warm, beautiful and functional kitchen can have a major influence on how you and your family feel about your home and your lifestyle. And you don’t have to break the bank to create a kitchen where you’ll love spending time.”

Before you take the first step toward these changes, Edwards offers a few vital tips to help bring your dream kitchen to life and save precious time and money.

Planning – A kitchen remodel is a big investment, so know how much you are willing to (and can) spend by planning ahead on layout and design features. Keep in mind hardware, paint and wall coverings can easily be updated later to reflect the latest trends. The big purchases like cabinetry, countertops and appliances are what you will want to live with for years. For instance, white is timeless. Shenandoah Cabinetry has a new painted Maple Linen finish that – with stainless steel appliances – creates a look that will stay fresh for years.

Think about how you live – Your new kitchen design should reflect the way your family lives. How many people will be in the kitchen at one time? In addition to cooking, will you use your kitchen for dining, entertaining or homework? Does anyone in your family have special needs? Would lots of storage help your hectic life? Prepare an inspiration folder of ideas you’ve seen in magazines or digital pictures you’ve taken of elements you like. And, get the rest of the family involved in the choices.

Personal style – When selecting your kitchen cabinets, are you traditional, contemporary or somewhere in between? Manufacturers offer hundreds of door style options and accessories. Before you head to your local home center, it’s very helpful to know your style. Then your designer can help create a unique, customized look just for you and your family. Think about what appeals to you – styles, finishes, colors, etc. From a practical standpoint, also review your priorities – your “must haves” – against your target budget.

Attention to detail – It’s those beautiful details that allow your personality to shine in your new kitchen. For a custom look, consider adding decorative accents like molding build-ups, ornaments and corbels to cabinetry. Including decorative accessories such as hardware, glass door inserts and under-cabinet lighting can also make the room sparkle. Visit your local home center to discover even more ways you can add the perfect touch.

Take measurements – Be prepared with accurate measurements of your current space. Double, or even triple, check your work. You can download tools like grid paper from the Internet. Make sure your installer validates the dimensions or obtains professional measurements. This helps avoid measurement errors that can lead to costly delays or incorrect product orders.

Use space efficiently – Regardless of your kitchen’s size, it’s important to maximize space and keep things organized to meet your personal needs. Accessories like a Pot & Pan Organizer, Roll Out Tray Divider and Spice Door Cabinet help create a kitchen that is easy to work in.

For most families, the kitchen is really the heart and the pulse of their home. It’s a great place to put the “dream” back in your dream house.

This kind of floor plan is not only family-friendly and perfect for entertaining, it will actually sell better if you ever decide to put your home on the market. An open floor plan makes your space seem bigger and more up to date. However, rooms with competing decor, such as a contemporary family room versus a traditionally styled kitchen, can make blending the space difficult.

The best way to make an open floor plan a success is to create a seamless transition from the kitchen to the other living spaces. “A homeowner can bring family spaces and the kitchen together by blending design periods to create a unique style,” says Connie Edwards, certified kitchen and bathroom designer and director of design for American Woodmark cabinetry. “There are ways to thoughtfully combine traditional and contemporary elements. The end result is a very warm, casual, comfortable feeling – with an air of sophistication that flows throughout the home.”

Edwards offers some useful tips on creating a harmonious open floor plan:

* Incorporate small contemporary touches that make a big impact, such as a stainless steel range hood and a glass mosaic tile backsplash. Just make sure that the colors and textures are compatible with each other and the adjoining room.

* Select a cabinet door in a rich brown finish that complements living and dining room furniture. American Woodmark, sold exclusively at Home Depot, offers an Auburn Glaze on 11 different maple door styles. The deep brown glaze over a Cognac finish settles into the corners and grooves, giving the cabinets a traditional, vintage look. Pairing this with modern hardware completes the transitional design.

* Display contemporary decorative objects on open shelving in the kitchen island. Selecting objects that complement the decor of the adjoining room is a subtle way to make the kitchen flow nicely with the open space.

* Consider a farmhouse sink that has been redesigned with a contemporary finish, such as stainless steel. Stainless steel acts as a neutral, so it will not detract from more elaborate home decorations.

“By adding just a few decorative accents, homeowners can not only create a custom-looking kitchen, they can create a space that reflects a specific look — from Art Nouveau to French Neoclassical,” says Paul Radoy, manager of design services for Merillat, a cabinet company specializing in kitchen design.

If you think updating your kitchen is out of your budget, here are some cost-effective renovation tips that can help you live the good life and entertain in a stylish kitchen that is a perfect reflection of your personal taste.

1. Cabinetry accents

While there will always be a place for custom cabinetry, there are more sensible and affordable options. Cabinetry accents work to enhance any kitchen’s style with details such as feet, corbels, ornamental onlays and molding inserts. These decorative details can change the look of ordinary cabinetry into heirloom furniture, while allowing the homeowner to express their own personal style.

In addition to cabinetry accents, many common cabinetry options can be creatively incorporated. Decorative hardware is one small detail that can make a big statement. Pulls and knobs can complement the cabinetry style, or they can be used to create a refreshing contrast.

2. Add color and contrast

Adding splashes of color is a great way to create a fun, vibrant look while keeping the kitchen functional. Try adding tile details such as a colorful backsplash behind the stove. Or, purchase fresh towels, window coverings and accessories for your kitchen in a coordinated, colorful design.

Using color as an accent on crown molding also adds a personal touch, while molding build-ups and dentil molding create intriguing visual effects. Cabinetry molding in a contrasting finish creates an entirely different look, and including under-cabinet molding can add even more personality to your kitchen.

3. Make it your own

Displaying decorative items is an easy way to add your own personal touch. Options like pigeon holes, plate racks and glass front cabinet doors can be used to display these special items. Things like porcelain collectables, wine bottles or fine china are all types of decorative items that help create a personal space that sparks conversation with guests.

“People are spending more and more time in their kitchen, and whether they are using it for everyday activities or for entertaining, they want it to be beautiful,” says Radoy. “The kitchen is a space that should make the homeowner proud, a place they love to be in, and by incorporating just a few design details any homeowner can accomplish this.”