Cook's Custom Cabinetry

Burke's Peerage: Food For Thought

Today's kitchens - complete with the most modern materials and high-quality features - not only are designed as functional areas to prepare food but also as gathering spots for family and guests.

The trend in kitchen design is away from trendy and toward the traditional "Country French, Country Shaker and Key West style cabinetry" according to designer Ron Cook of Sarasota, Florida.

"Our clients are creating a look reminiscent of traditionally styled European or Old Florida kitchens," said Cook, owner of Cook's Custom Cabinetry. "Natural woods such as maple and distressed pine are the favorites of clients in South Florida."

These natural woods are complemented by the use of decorative molding packages - fluting with rosettes and rope-style molding. Additionally, cabinets and decorative molding are painted in darker tones to complement the lighter natural wood tones. For example, Cook has used dark cobalt blue and forest green accents with distressed pine natural wood cabinets for a dramatic two-tone look in kitchens.

"The trend is to create visual excitement in the kitchen by using multiple levels of cabinetry, designer molding, granite countertops and a combination of natural and painted woods to present a warm country look," Cook explained.

While white remains a favorite color for kitchens, Cook is finding more and more clients asking for wood cabinetry with countertops made of granite and Corian. This mix of wood, natural stone and synthetic surfaces adds to the visual excitement of the kitchen. When these accents are further enhanced with painted woods, decorative moldings and appliances in stainless steel with color trim, the overall effect is both dramatic and practical.

Cook's clients are generally demanding a professional series of built-in appliances, whether it be a convection oven, stovetop or refrigerator. These appliances are the most modern and energy-efficient units available, tastefully accented and of the highest quality. They are both attractive and practical and provide cooks with the most versatile kitchen environment.

Finally, these trends are complemented by the use of low-voltage lighting fixtures to properly illuminate the cooking area and dramatically light the kitchen's cabinetry.

Cook's kitchens are characterized by open spaces that bring together areas for food preparation, cooking and cleaning. Ample counter space and storage combine to make the kitchens functional as well as attractive.

These trends in design - emphasizing wood, trim work, natural- and man-made surfaces and color - are giving kitchens a warm country look that is inviting and lasting.

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