Walk-in Pantries: A Designers Guide
You've probably seen those stunning stained wood cabinets gracing your social media feeds and wondered, "what is that wood?" We don’t blame you. We know just how beautiful and unique their look is, and natural woods, like oak, are back and better than ever!
The Appeal of the Invisible
The allure of hidden pantries extends beyond mere functionality. There's something inherently captivating about secret spaces that tap into our childhood fascination with hidden rooms and passages. Like something out of a mystery novel, these pantries create an element of surprise and delight when visitors discover that what appears to be a standard cabinet panel opens into a spacious storage room.
The design achieves two key aesthetic goals:
It maintains a sleek, uninterrupted line of cabinetry that presents a clean, minimalist appearance
It eliminates the visual break that traditional pantry door frames create in the kitchen's design flow
Design Considerations and Technical Details
The Crucial Door Decision
One of the most critical decisions when planning a hidden pantry is the door configuration. This choice affects both functionality and cabinet selection, with significant implications for both budget and usability.
Outward-Hinging Doors:
Compatible with both inset and frameless cabinet styles
May obstruct kitchen traffic paths when open
Ideal for those who prefer to keep pantry doors closed most of the time
More flexible in terms of design options
Inward-Hinging Doors:
Limited to inset cabinet styles due to technical constraints
Won't obstruct kitchen pathways when open
Perfect for those who frequently work with the pantry doors open
More expensive due to cabinet style limitations
The Cost Factor
It's important to note that choosing inset cabinets, which are required for inward-hinging doors, comes with a 10-20% price premium over frameless options. This cost difference should be carefully considered during the planning phase, especially for larger kitchen projects where the premium can represent a significant budget increase.
Design Tips for Hidden Pantries
Consider Traffic Flow:
Map out kitchen movement patterns before deciding on door swing direction
Account for multiple people working in the kitchen simultaneously
Plan for scenarios when doors will be left open during meal preparation
Cabinet Selection:
For a truly seamless look, ensure cabinet panels are perfectly matched
Consider using the same hardware as surrounding cabinets for consistency
Pay attention to panel gaps and alignment for the most convincing disguise
Interior Organization:
Plan the interior layout to maximize the surprise factor
Consider incorporating built-in organizational systems
Include adequate lighting to make the space fully functional
The Practicality Factor
While the hidden pantry trend may seem like a purely aesthetic choice, it offers several practical benefits:
Keeps kitchen clutter out of sight
Provides a designated space for small appliances
Creates a distinct prep area for entertaining
Allows for bulk storage without compromising kitchen aesthetics
Making the Right Choice for Your Kitchen
Before committing to a hidden pantry design, consider:
Your daily kitchen habits and whether you prefer working with doors open or closed
Your budget flexibility given the potential cost premium for certain door configurations
The available space and how traffic flow might be affected
Your long-term storage needs and how they might evolve
The hidden pantry trend represents a perfect marriage of form and function in modern kitchen design. While it requires careful planning and potentially higher investment, the result is a unique feature that adds both value and intrigue to your home. As with any significant design decision, the key is to carefully weigh the aesthetic benefits against practical considerations and budget constraints.
Whether you're planning a full kitchen renovation or simply dreaming about future possibilities, the hidden pantry concept offers an exciting way to reimagine your kitchen space while adding a touch of mystery and sophistication to your home.
Considering renovating in the Charlotte, NC are? Let’s work together!
Oak Cabinets: Bold, Beautiful, and Back in Style
You've probably seen those stunning stained wood cabinets gracing your social media feeds and wondered, "what is that wood?" We don’t blame you. We know just how beautiful and unique their look is, and natural woods, like oak, are back and better than ever!
The secret to these cabinets lies in the type of oak used. We’ll break it down for you below!
The Oak of the Matter
While all oak cabinets are made from the same tree species, the way the wood is cut from the log significantly impacts its appearance and quality. The cabinets you admire are likely crafted from quarter sawn white oak or rift sawn white oak. These cuts differ dramatically from the plain sawn oak commonly used in cabinets from the 80s and 90s.
The Impact of the Cut
Plain Sawn Oak: This is the most common and affordable type of oak cut, resulting in a flat grain pattern. While it's a classic choice, it lacks the visual interest of other cuts.
Quarter Sawn Oak: Cut from the quarter of the log, this method produces a distinctive grain pattern with prominent flecks. It offers a beautiful balance of character and durability.
Rift Sawn Oak: Known for its clean, vertical grain and minimal flecking, rift sawn oak exudes a modern and sophisticated look. This cut is highly prized for its stability and resistance to warping.
Why Choose Quarter or Rift Over Plain Sawn Oak?
Durability: These cuts are generally more stable than plain sawn oak, reducing the risk of warping and cracking over time.
Sustainability: White oak is an excellent choice for staining as it produces rich, even colors with minimal yellowing.
Aesthetics: The unique grain patterns of quarter sawn and rift sawn oak add depth, character, and visual interest to cabinetry.
While the beauty and durability of quarter sawn and rift sawn oak are undeniable, they also come with a higher price tag due to the specialized cutting process and increased material waste. By choosing high-quality oak cabinets with the right cut, you can create a kitchen or bathroom that is both stunning and long-lasting!
Our favorite part of all renovations lie in the details, like which type of cabinet to use! Our team at Spain Construction is here to walk you through each and every step of the process and make sure your space is crafted to your dreams, and beyond!
Cooking Choreography
The Kitchen Work Triangle
We know how important the heartbeat of your home is: the kitchen. Where you explore your cooking abilities, laugh around the island with your family, and make memories out of the mundane, everyday tasks.
In the heart of your culinary adventures, imagine your kitchen as a dance floor, and the kitchen work triangle as your three-step guide – the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove.
The cooking zone, the cleaning zone, and the prep/storage zone - they're the Avengers of your meal prep, daily lunches, and monthly dinner parties, ensuring no vegetable is left unchopped, no pan unattended, and no dirty dish left lonely. Running your kitchen is so much simpler now!
The key to efficiency here? The sides of the triangle need to hit that sweet spot, measuring between 4 to 9 feet – the perfect dimensions for a kitchen routine that flows!
We know remodeling a kitchen, or any part of your home, is a big deal! When you're bound by the existing space and a specific budget, you need a design detective… one of our specialties. The kitchen work triangle helps make the most of every inch without breaking the bank, our favorite thing to do!
Have an island? Want an island? Designing the triangle with an island is like having a bonus round in your favorite video game – an extra work area that's both practical and pleasing to the eye!
So, whether you're cooking up a storm in a spacious kitchen or crafting culinary wonders in a cozy corner, the kitchen work triangle lays the foundation for crafting cherished moments around your kitchen island or intimate dinner table.
Here's to efficient kitchens, fresh ingredients, and unforgettable meals. Happy cooking, dear kitchen enthusiasts!
Which Stone for Your Home?
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Perfect Countertop for Your Home
In the dance of designing dream homes, one question frequently takes center stage: What stone should grace the countertops? Our team understands how important every detail for your remodel is, so we’ve outlined some popular materials to help make your life a little easier:
First thing’s first… No matter which one material you go with, three finishes reign supreme:
Polished: The most common leaving a countertop shiny, enhancing small spaces by amplifying light and making the space appear bigger.
Leathered: A matte finish with a slight texture and antique/rustic look.
Honed: A matte finish with no texture that has a more modern and casual look.
One more thing before we get into it! Here’s the average installation price per square foot:
Quartzite - $140/sqft
Granite - $67/sqft
Quartz - $85/sqft
Marble - $81/sqft
*These prices can fluctuate based on actual selections - we pulled median price points for this study.
Now, let’s dive into the nitty gritty on what would make each countertop a unique choice for your home!
Natural Stone Novelties:
Granite: Picture durability personified with an extremely scratch-resistant surface. Granite offers a spectrum from consistent patterns on the lower priced end to exotic wonders at the top. A leathered finish is popular here, keeping a natural look without too much shine! It’s common to hear people talk about how granite needs sealing. To settle this debate, it’s pretty easy to tell if your granite needs sealing. Simply sprinkle some water droplets on the surface. If they are absorbed, it’s time to seal. It’s as easy as that and premium sealers now promise a decade of protection!
Quartzite: The current darling on the market thanks to its rich aesthetics and white hues! True quartzites are dense and durable, but do require sealing. Because this material has gained popularity, some materials are labeled quartzite that aren’t originating from their true sandstone, but don’t worry, we have inspectors that make sure your quartzite is authentic! Leathered finishes pair nickel with quartzite as well, keeping a natural look without too much shine!
Marble: A very visual material with sought-after pure whites and captivating veining. Yet, durability takes a slight step back here. Scratches, etches, and stains are potential companions if not cared for properly. Marble is perfect for areas with less hustle and bustle, like vanities and tub surrounds! A honed finish looks great on marble with the matte appearance alleviating any concern for etching over time.
Engineered Stone Elegance:
Quartz: The crowd-pleaser. It mimics marble without any fuss surrounding sealing. It’s scratch-resistant and durable, with a slight hiccup… heat resistance isn't its forte. No worries though, trivets to the rescue! Polished finish reignsking here, but textured, honed, and concrete finishes add flair.
Printed Quartz: A technological masterpiece, blending quartz's durability with a natural stone's face by injecting ink into the surface, kind of like a tattoo! A close-to-nature aesthetic with one small caveat… the edge may either stay white or get a creative miter which provides a luxurious style that has a modern look and feel. So, is it really a caveat after all?
Porcelain Slabs: This material is gaining ground in the countertop space, but is most often used vertically. Post-installation, they stand tall against scratches and stains. The trade-off? Porcelain needs to be cut slower, so fabrication takes a little extra time which can impact labor costs.
As your trusted local construction team, we’re here to arm you with the knowledge needed to help build your dream home, and guide you along every step of the way.
Let's turn your kitchen into a masterpiece that not only looks exquisite, but tells a story of enduring elegance and charm. Picking the perfect countertop for your space has never been more exciting! Let’s work together to find the perfect stone for your home. We can’t wait to see what you choose!
Entertainment-worthy Kitchens
It’s the Holiday Season! (In case you haven’t noticed…)
Decking the halls, roasting turkeys and chesnuts, drinking hot cocoa and egg nog, and maybe catching a smooch under the mistletoe? These are all staples of the season. But, perhaps the biggest staple of them all makes the rest all that much sweeter: entertaining!
Our family loves to entertain. There’s just something special about gathering loved ones together and catching up over good food and drinks!
In the spirit of the season, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite kitchen designs and what makes them entertainment-worthy.
Plenty of room to roam
Guests tend to gather the most in or near the kitchen. We can’t blame them! That’s where all the good stuff comes from. This is also where the trash and the refrigerator are traditionally kept: both of which guests will likely need to get to.
Kitchens with an open-flow concept will allow your guests to mingle throughout the kitchen as they please without disrupting your cooking rhythm.
2. Lots of surface area
There is nothing worse when you’re cooking for a crowd than running out of space to do the cooking!
Counter space is a hot commodity for appetizers, drinks, utensils, and more to keep the party going while you finish preparing the feast (or roast beast.) So, you’ll need plenty of space to be able to work your culinary magic while guests graze on hors d'oeuvres.
3. Storage
We’re all for open shelving in a design plan if you’re a true minimalist with a small amount of matching dishes and glassware. But if you’re like us and have souvenir cups dating back to the 90s, mugs from every vacation you’ve ever taken, and mis-matched plates from every stage of your life thus far, you’ll probably be a fan of ample storage.
This way, you can enjoy your cup of joe in your favorite mug from the family reunion at Holden Beach in 2010 and your guests don’t strike up a conversation about your plastic Mardi Gras cup from ‘93…
4. Seating
Everyone needs somewhere to take a load off! Kitchen seating is the secret sauce to a great gathering. (Taking no glory away from your famous buffalo chicken dip, of course!)
Guests gather in the kitchen to stay close to the food and drinks! Plus, it’s great fun to talk with your guests while put the finishing touches on the Christmas cookies.
5. Aesthetics (sorry had to)
We hate to love to say it, but aesthetics make a huge difference. Maybe not in the quality of your gathering, but definitely in the quality of your space. We spend so much of our lives in kitchens preparing food and catching up.
The kitchen is the heart of the home! Why not make it a beautiful place to be? Our number one tip for a beautiful kitchen: natural light! Windows and sky lights brighten up a space immediately and open it up to breathe.
Porch Weather
Here’s a snapshot of our family hanging out for the Panthers game a few Sundays ago on a porch we recently built for our sister in Dilworth.
The chill in the air is here in North Carolina!
You know what that means: porch weather! *Cue football, friends, and family.*
We’ve rounded up our favorite design functions for porches, front and back, big and small.
Porch Swings
You had to see this coming. We’re a southern company! Porch swings are our bread and butter, with a glass of sweet tea on the side, of course. Porch swings are where you can unwind from the day, watch the kids in the yard, or catch up with old friends. They’re even making porch swings that are the size of day beds now… if you aren’t sold on your new afternoon nap spot yet, this is the one for you.
2. A fireplace
There’s nothing cozier than a fireplace on a crisp, fall evening. Curl up with a blanket, your loved ones, a good book, and a glass of your elixir of choice by the roaring fire. Truly, there is nothing like it. Pro tip: adding a TV above the mantel will get you extra points for entertainment.
3. The Outdoor Kitchen
Raise your hand if you hate cookouts. If your hand is raised, we have questions. Send us a message.
Otherwise, we’ll see you for dinner and the game on your new outdoor porch with a custom vent hood, state-of-the-art grill and leathered granite countertops. Oh, and for Italian night, you’re making pizza in your outdoor pizza oven. Take that, Dominos!
4. Skylights
Let there be light! One of the most common concerns we get from homeowners when discussing a porch addition is how the light in the house is going to be affected, and how the light on the porch is going to look. The best answer to this question depends on how your house is constructed and where it’s located on your property. However, if you’re a glutton for natural light (like us) the addition of skylights will allow the sunlight to seep into the space, creating a dreamy, outdoor wonderland that extends into your home.
5. Stonework
There’s nothing like a little bit of masonry to add texture and structure to a porch project. Stone is a favorite for fireplaces and columns, as well as for special-made water features and kitchens.
Dog-Friendly Flooring
Dogs have always been at the center of our family. Running around the house and the yard with the kids, chasing balls through the halls, lapping up water (or bathing in it) in their bowls, and getting some well-deserved love in the living room.
But, as a family who not only owns a prominent design-build construction company, we are also lovers of design in our own homes. And if you’ve ever owned a dog, you’ll know they are pretty hard on your home--especially your floors. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite ways to incorporate dog-friendly flooring into your home!
Types of Flooring vs. Dog
Tile
Tile is a wonderfully sleek option for flooring that is extremely scratch-resistant and durable. It’s also easy to clean! The downsides? Some stone may require more maintenance than others. Marble is one of the more high-maintenance stones. Tile can also be slippery and cold underfoot, and not as cozy for pups to lay down on. A nice fix for this is? Adding radiant heating to keep your toes and your space warm, while adding area rugs can warm up the space from a design perspective and add that sought-after “homey” look.
Spain Pro Tip: Tile the mud area!
You know, the entrance point of your house that your family actually uses. Tile this area and designate part of it to your pooch! Put their bowls here so the extra water sloshes onto a surface that is easy to clean and won’t stain or heavily damage from the extra H2O like wood or carpeting.
2. Laminate
Laminate flooring is decorative, and comes in a wide variety of patterns and textures. Our favorites tend to be the mock-wood! Laminate flooring is hard and durable, and makes cleaning up after your furry friends nice and easy. It’s less expensive than wood, and a lot more water friendly.
However, it can be extremely slippery, which can be a safety concern if your pup is a water bowl scuba diver! The good news: Scuba Steve will get to play all he wants with the new waterproof and slip-resistant laminate options.
3. Vinyl
Like Laminate, Vinyl is a great, affordable option for your home when pets are a priority.
Laminate offers many styles and textures to fit your taste. While cleaning up pet messes might be a breeze with laminate, it’s handicap lies in its likelihood to hold mold and mildew and curl at the seams.
4. Carpet
Carpeting is such a cozy trademark for homes, especially in bedrooms and closets. Not only cozy, carpeting is also a great way to ground your space, while giving your dogs a safe place to run around! Carpeting lets them turn corners, and keep traction under their paws.
Accidents will be harder to clean from carpet. Our tried and true cleaner is Nature’s Miracle, but there are some stains that even this method can’t lift. Carpet is also enemy #1 for those who suffer from allergies, as it holds everything from dirt and dander to grass and pollen in its fibers.
Spain Pro Tip: If your pooch is allowed upstairs, pick out a carpet runner for the stairs so they can come up and down without slipping. This also adds a level a warmth to the home, all while keeping your dog safe and sound.
5. Wood
Wood flooring is our personal favorite from a design perspective. But, it’s not always the most dog-friendly. We’ve found that harder, denser woods stand up better against wear and tear from pets. Light-stained wood floors are a great choice to stand up against scratches from the pitter patter of dog feet, big or small.
Our favorite wood floors include: oak, bamboo, hickory, rosewood, walnut, teak, and cherry.
*This blog post is dedicated to our beloved dogs who have made houses homes and brought immeasurable joy to our family throughout the years. Our current fur balls get their time in the limelight below!
Maddie May : 14 (almost 15!) years and counting. A beagle mix with a whole lot of sass, this elderly lady loves sitting on the dock, sifting through the trash when no one is home, and long naps in the middle of the family chaos. She is our princess!
Maverick : 2 years young! Mav is as wild as they come. A German Shepherd with a need for speed, he has an affinity for water sports, long walks through the neighborhood, and kisses on the mouth. He’s the newest edition to our K-9 family and is the first DellaMea Grand-dog!
Put Tools in Schools - June 2019
We had the best time last week with Put Tools in Schools! We spent the afternoon with Eastway Middle School at their first Trades Career Day.
Put Tools in Schools is a wonderful organization that helps build awareness about opportunities in the trade industries for children and young adults.
The big project from last week? Building corn hole boards and decorating them with the students!
For many students, traditional college routes seem like the only option. Going to trade schools and receiving training in one of the many fields like electricity, ironwork, woodwork, etc., is also a great option! Many students who graduate from trade schools go into their field at a faster rate than their counter parts. At the current rate of growth in the U.S., there will also be growth in the need for skilled workers!
The construction, healthcare and personal care industries will account for one-third of all new jobs through 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the next five years, there will be 68% more job openings in infrastructure-related fields in the next 5 years than there are people training to fill them, according to the U.S. Dept. of Education.
We can’t wait for our next event with this amazing crew!
This summer, PTIS is meeting with principals to schedule the 2019-2020 school year. If you are interested in participating, or if there is a school near you that wants to connect kids with tools and the people who use them, contact us at puttoolsinschools@gmail.com. Or you can call or text Ray Terry at 704.712.4644 or Walker Spruill at 704.654.2551.
