Greetings!

WOW! What a year 2020 was, and what a year 2021 will surely be... especially for CHW Cabinetry! We are excited to announce that as of January, CHW has new owners!

CHW Cabinetry began as Carolina Handcrafted Woodworks in 2005 when the Brannon brothers had a dream of putting the skills their father taught them to good use by producing quality handcrafted woodworking products. The orders quickly outgrew their woodshop’s capacity, so they partnered with local fine cabinet manufacturers and hired trained kitchen & bath designers to better serve their clients. They quickly grew their little “shop” business into an award-winning Kitchen and Bath Showroom serving the Midlands of South Carolina. CHW Cabinetry is now owned by the three women who over the years have helped grow the business to what it is today. Franki Hall, Audrey LaVecchia and Star Murry have a combined 58 years of cabinetry and interior design experience, and look forward to many more years to come!

What does this mean for past, current and future clients? These new owners of CHW Cabinetry will continue to give you the great service you are accustom to, dynamic designs you love, and timely installations we take pride in!  To all of our past clients, you are probably already familiar with Franki, Audrey and/or Star so if you have a warranty issue, don’t hesitate to contact us. If you’re a current client nothing changes, in fact you are probably a client because you love working with us, and we look forward to finishing your job with pride. If you are a future client, you can rest assure you will receive the best service, design and installation CHW is known for if not better! We are excited to continue this business for years to come and look forward to such an exciting endeavor!

Also don't forget to Like Us on Facebook and Instagram for more information on our business, what the current trends are, as well as information on cool new products, before and after photos of our jobs and yummy recipes!
Top Design Trends
to Look for in 2021
Back in the day, the kitchen was a utilitarian space, often tucked away in the back where meals were prepared, and dishes were washed. Today, tastes and lifestyles have changed. Many homes feature an open concept, with the kitchen prominently displayed and a central visual focal point that can set the tone for your entire home's design! 

Planning and design are essential for a successful remodel. Kitchen design trends, technological advances, and changing social dynamics have given birth to the modern kitchen. The showcasing of the kitchen has risen with the trend toward open concept design. The entire concept revolves around the kitchen and the desire to keep the family physically connected. Here at CHW, our team works hard to stay current with the latest design trends. Here are some that have grown, and that we expect to see more of in the new year!
1. Dark Cabinets Are Back
For the last number of years, the dominant color trend in kitchen cabinetry was classic white. It makes sense. White is classic and can work with any style. However, we've been noticing trends incorporating color into cabinet design, and all-white kitchens are slowly decreasing. Designers are incorporating techniques like an island that includes paint or wood stain colors. Another popular design trend is the "tuxedo" look – white uppers with dark base cabinetry. The most popular "pops" of color are in the blue and green shades. Another color palette making its way into kitchen design is dark jewel tones like black, navy, emerald green, and even plum! 

2. Contrasting Countertops
Another technique for adding a major dramatic flair to your design is to use contrasting counter materials with cabinetry colors and multiple colors in the kitchen. For example,  white oak cabinetry with dark granite or soapstone countertops not only defines the kitchen area, they also add a level of sophistication and warmth to the space. 

3. The Rise of the Smart Kitchen
Technology is embedded in the average kitchen in the form of appliances and fancy gadgets. Today, technology is found in almost every function of every appliance from the faucet to the lighting to the stove. Not only are they functional independently, but they also communicate with each other! Smart kitchens are becoming more common in remodels and are an evolving aspect of design. Many kitchens today are built smart from the ground up. Older kitchens that are being upgraded with sensors, smart gadgets, and other devices can be added by the homeowner. For example, easy upgrades include motion sensor-equipped faucets with a one-touch or voice-activated feature. This is one of the biggest current trends and is only expected to grow in popularity as new technologies come to light. 
4. Slab Backsplashes
Large format slab porcelain is a new material that is making big waves! A  slab backsplash adds just the right amount of elegance and drama to kitchen design. It's a clean, low-maintenance material that can give your kitchen a continuity that tile can't match. 

5. Effective Cabinetry Storage Solutions 
One of the biggest frustrations in a kitchen is the inefficient use of space. The way basic shelves and drawers are structured creates a lot of wasted space. Storage is one of the foundations of a functional kitchen. Homeowners are beginning to turn to solutions like appliance garages for small appliance storage, drawer dividers for cutlery and utensils, pull-outs for spices, pot and pan caddies, wastebasket cabinets for kitchen trash and recycling. These accessories make it easier to store food, drinks, and small appliances. 

6. Indoor/Outdoor Living
Connecting the kitchen to your outdoor space is a growing trend. By installing a glass door, or stackable wall, you can connect these two spaces in your home. Completing the look with an outdoor cooking space enhances the experience even more!  

7. Warm Finishes
There is a place for gray and white kitchens. However, there is a rise in homeowners choosing warm finishes like old-school wood cabinetry paired with a soft natural material like soapstone or quartzite, and tumbled marble floors. 

8. Open Shelving
Open shelving has been a growing trend for a few years now. It's a way to turn dishes and glassware storage into décor. Today, designers are using open shelving to hold antique cookware, gilded vintage glasses, or old copper pots. This blending of old and new is a warm look that both designers and homeowners embrace. 

Here at CHW, we stay on top of all of the latest design trends to bring our client's the latest information and design sensibilities. We work closely with our clients to help them understand all of their options when planning and designing their new kitchen. We know which trends are "trendy" and which have the legs to become classic design. We work to incorporate timeless design into every kitchen we create! 
If you're planning a kitchen remodeling project, give the design experts at CHW a call at (803) 520-6837 or contact us through our website. Our design team can help educate you on all of the choices of materials available to you. Let us help you to create your dream kitchen to meet your needs now and into the future! Schedule a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your project.
Project Spotlight!
Do you have un-adjustable wired or painted wood pantry shelving? If your answer is YES to this question, you need to pay close attention to this Before & After. This CHW client had only four fixed-in-place wired shelves in which small items fell through or tilted because of the inherent gaps in the shelving. NOW they have fully adjustable shelves that can be adjusted to fit their needs...which also resulted in being able to store almost double the amount of products and small appliances. Also, the shelves are a laminate material which makes cleaning a breeze. Homebuilders commonly skimp on the pantries (and closets too) as they believe no guests will ever see in them and homebuyers overlook their functionality when they are touring the home. We don't know about you, but for most people pantries are sometimes the most important storage in the kitchen! Why not redesign yours so that you too can be more organized in the new year.

If you would like an estimate on your pantry or closet upgrade, contact us today. And to see more Before and After's of other projects CHW has done check out the album and Like our Facebook page!
This Month's Feature Recipe
Mushroom Risotto
Authentic Italian-style risotto cooked the slow and painful way, but oh so worth it. Complements grilled meats and chicken dishes very well. Check the rice by biting into it. It should be slightly al dente (or resist slightly to the tooth but not be hard in the center).
Ingredients
  • 6 cups chicken broth, divided
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 pound Portobello mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 1 pound white mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 2 shallots, diced
  • 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • sea salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste 
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped chives
  • 4 tablespoons butter 
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
  1. In a saucepan, warm the broth over low heat.
  2. Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the mushrooms, and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Remove mushrooms and their liquid, and set aside.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet, and stir in the shallots. Cook 1 minute. Add rice, stirring to coat with oil, about 2 minutes. When the rice has taken on a pale, golden color, pour in wine, stirring constantly until the wine is fully absorbed. Add 1/2 cup broth to the rice, and stir until the broth is absorbed. Continue adding broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is al dente, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat, and stir in mushrooms with their liquid, butter, chives, and parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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CHW Cabinetry, LLC
1819 Two Notch Rd
Lexington, SC 29073
Ph: 803-520-6837