Category: Blog

New Year, New Kitchen

merry christmas — Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! TKSI will be closing today, December 23rd until January 2nd.

Contemporary custom kitchen design by TKS designer, Keilan Stockham.

Right underneath “go to the gym” and “get organized,” you have a faint dream of finally remodeling your kitchen in 2017. You know you want a new kitchen. The holidays proved just how dysfunctional your current kitchen is, how inefficient and in desperate need of an upgrade it is. However, it’s hard to know where to start. Achieving your new kitchen New Year’s resolution is a lot like achieving all of your other resolutions; you ask for help from an expert. We can’t help you get those six-pack abs, but we can help you design the perfect kitchen that is fashionable, functional, and affordable.
So, when you’re done with your CrossFit and your Soul Cycle and your Bikram Yoga classes, head to our playground and get inspiration for your new kitchen.

Remodeling your kitchen in Denver

We’ve got a showroom filled with all the latest in kitchen cabinets, countertops, hardware, and accessories to create a completely new kitchen. We are highly selective in choosing the products we recommend, so no matter your budget, we always give you quality products from which to choose.

Custom cabinets cost more but may last longer

You may save a little money on semi-custom cabinets, but choosing custom cabinetry and casework for your kitchen not only means that you get cabinets that are built exactly for your and your kitchen, but custom cabinets are handcrafted with skill and precision, giving you a long-lasting product. Custom cabinets may cost a little more upfront, but they will last much longer. Sometimes, it’s worth it to spend money up front and get the highest quality, rather than saving now but having to replace your cabinets much sooner.

Custom kitchen design in Denver, Colorado — Classic custom cabinetry and kitchen design by TKS designer, Mike Hall.

Kitchen showroom in Denver

For inspiration for your new kitchen, come and see our products up close. Your kitchen should be a reflection of your and your family and should last for many years. Don’t rely on a photo online or from a magazine; come and check out our products for yourself before making a decision.
Achieving your new kitchen New Year’s resolution is easy when you work with the designers at The Kitchens Showcase in Denver, Colorado.

Ensuring the Success of Your Holiday Party

Just like we were discussing on our last post. December could be a very stressful month because of the holiday and dinner parties. Nonetheless, with the proper care and anticipation, you can avoid going insane.
We already went over tips and suggestions to organize and cleaning your kitchen. Today, we want to share some tips to stay on top of the situation and be ready for the unexpected at the party.

Before Hitting the Menu

It is imperative to take inventory of any basic supplies that you’re missing, and purchase or borrow them before the party. Check your utensils, cookware, serve ware, spice cabinet, cooking oils, canned goods and other pantry necessities. Now, before doing this, get rid of any expired food, stale chips and cereal boxes. You need space for all the new snacks, ingredients and leftovers you are about to stock in. Therefore, a well-organized space is a must.

Cleaning the Fridge

We kept this one out from our previous post because the refrigerator requires special care. First of all, it needs to be cleaned from the inside out. You can bet people are going to be opening and closing it all day long.
Get rid of any old vegetables or fruits and any old food container. All of them are usually a source of bad odors. Remove your refrigerator shelving and wash it in the sink with dish soap. Dry the shelves with a dishtowel, and make sure they’re secure when putting them back in the fridge.
A common mistake is overfilling the fridge so cold airflow gets blocked. Clean the cold air vents and make sure no food or condiments are blocking the vents so that the fridge stays nice and cool throughout the evening. Also, replace any burned-out lights.

Be a Good Host

You need to be on top of your game if you want to survive any major events in your kitchen. Same goes for a dinner party. Go over your guests list and as you double check attendance, check for food allergies or restrictions. Have non-alcoholic beverages available for kids and people who don’t drink.
Once you figure out your dinner or party menu, make a list of everything you’ll need and post it on the fridge or your handy message board. Make an inventory of your ingredients and check out what’s missing.
Go over basic stuff such as flour, salt, pepper, butter and olive oil. “All the time I am pretty sure I have some ingredient, just to prove myself wrong, right in the middle of cooking.”
It is pretty helpful to have extra snacks, quick meals and plenty coffee on hand for your guests. The party could get extended and you might have to get creative to keep them happy and entertained.
Replace the old ice with fresh. Old ice can catch a funny taste from all the stuff you freeze in it and it could leave a bad taste in your drink. Take time to toss the old one away and make a full new batch for all of your guests.

Safety First

I know we are talking about holiday parties. Nonetheless, accidents do happen, and it is better to be prepared. Make sure to keep children away from the kitchen. Think of adapting a playing area for them. Set it up with video games, books, toys and anything that can be fun for them.
Make sure to block stairs and dangerous areas and check your smoke detector. Also, keep on hand your first aid kit and make sure none of your guest is allergic to any of the food you are about to serve. “Do yourself a favor and avoid the gluten free speech from an unhappy guest”.

Everything in Place

Make sure you have enough serving dishes, plates and utensils for all of your guests. Especially if you are using fancy ones. If you choose disposables or “not-so-nice” silverware or plates, make sure everyone gets a similar set, at least per table. Set up place cards, centerpieces, candles, napkin holders and cloth napkins with enough time to have them nice and ready. Fix the decorations over your table and countertop. But make sure they are not in the way for preparations, children running around or people trying to a hold conversation over a tall centerpiece.
Finally, stock up on enough disposable containers and food wrap for leftovers. Whether you plan on giving them away or enjoying them over the upcoming days, you want to make sure it’s easy to clean up after a nice, long dinner.
Most importantly have a good time and enjoy the party. If you get stressed, it won’t matter how good the party goes, guests will notice and will not be able to relax. Happy Holidays!

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6 Kitchen Cabinet Trends for 2017

See what’s in to remodel your Denver kitchen this upcoming year!

The importance of a good sized, productive, and functional kitchen is vital nowadays. Design trends can come and go, but when it has to do with the heart of the home, it’s important to know what others are doing so in case you decide to sell your home, you can get the most out of your kitchen in terms of resell value!
Kitchen cabinets are one of the most important elements of a kitchen, and they are definitely what gives them their good looks (or not!). So these are the trends that took force in 2016 and that seem to be going to stick around for 2017:

Personalized Cabinets

Despite any trends, many homeowners are adding cabinet styles, colors, and functions that fit their needs and desires. And besides custom cabinet manufacturers, other cabinet companies are aware of this so they now offer several styles to try to adapt to any home design or style.

Clean Lines & Refined Design

Cabinet door styles have become simpler by using clean lines to ensure design flexibility in the long term. Due to the modern style increasing popularity, clean lines and subtle designs make sense for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen cabinets.
Shaker style cabinets are also a popular trend in current kitchen renovations because of the classic and simple look they give to either a traditional or contemporary design.

Neutral Colors

Next to the clean line trend, neutral colors such as white, gray, or earthy tones are quite popular because they work well with a variety of design elements. These colors not only provide a sense of warmth but give you more design freedom to add bold colors elsewhere, providing a seamless blend throughout the house.

Functional Design

Nowadays, every aspect of the home needs to casually blend function and design, and kitchen cabinets are no exception. Thanks to that concept, you have a multiple of cabinet options that are not only beautiful, but that can fit your storage, organization, and access needs.

Horizontal Orientation

Squares and vertical rectangles are still very popular designs choices for kitchen cabinets, but there is also a rise in horizontal cabinetry demand. With wider cabinets there is not much need to stack cabinets if you have enough storage. Horizontal cabinets not only makes access much easier, they give your kitchen a cleaner, more refined look.

High-Tech Additions

Given the highly technological and connected world that we live in, many homeowners are looking to incorporate a tech perspective to their kitchen cabinets. Built-in charging stations, hands-free devices and tablet holders add functionality and value to the techy kitchen owner.

Where to get your Kitchen Cabinets in Denver?

At the Kitchen Showcase, we are proud to be associated with first-class cabinet manufacturers whose commitment to quality matches our own. We have a wide variety of cabinets from the best manufacturers and for virtually any budget. Our Denver custom cabinets include brands like Crestwood Cabinets, Kitchen Craft Cabinets, Decora Cabinets, Koch Cabinets, Aristokraft Cabinets, and Danver Stainless Steel Cabinets.
Stop by our new and beautiful Kitchen and Bathroom Design Showroom located in Centennial, Colorado, to talk with our professional kitchen designers to start planning your new, dreamed kitchen! We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Evenings and Saturdays by appointment.

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Make sure your kitchen appliances are ready to party!

Did you know this is the busiest time of year for home appliance repairmen?

Is everything in your kitchen working perfectly? If don’t want any extra guests (the emergency repair crew) over for Christmas, follow the tips of appliance pros so they can spend time with their families over the Holidays, instead of hanging out in your kitchen while you should be cooking and relaxing.
Let’s make sure everything you need to throw the party, and clean up afterward, actually works as it should! We went through the tips for cleaning and organizing your kitchen, we’re sure you did all that! Now let’s look inside the appliances and make sure those are in top working condition and clean.

Before you get busy preparing for the party…

The most tragic thing that ever happened to me (and my amazing new kitchen) was for Christmas 2013, right after we got done remodeling. We invited both sides of the family. Parents, in-laws, sibling and kids, and then some. We thought it would be fun to make it a whole day event, so we started early. The menu was exciting, everything was ready, cookie dough was out of the freezer. What could go wrong?
It feels like everything did! Oven didn’t work well, something was making a horrible noise, the garbage disposal was smelly, the fridge started dripping, the ice tasted bad…. Ok, maybe I’m exaggerating. But it felt that tragic. And everyone was over and watching. It was not a success. The good thing about starting early was we had time to change plans and ordered in. That was not the plan. So I promised myself I would always remind people to check all their necessary appliances BEFORE the guests arrived and the party started. If you discover today that anything needs fixing, a week is enough time to get a repairman or change plans.

Check and clean the oven with time

Begin with the oven, one of the most important. Know that this is not a good time to run the self-clean cycle on the oven. It requires the oven to get very hot any old food burning up inside can fill the house with nasty odors that won’t go away easily. On the other hand, the self-cleaning function is really stressful on the oven and can actually trigger a breakdown, threatening the success of your holiday party.
To clean the oven properly, remove all racks. Use baking soda and water and apply all over the inside, remember to spray the bottom and walls of the oven. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub with warm water.

Don’t forget your microwave

Place a microwave-safe cup full of water with a shot of liquid detergent in the oven and run it on high for a couple of minutes. Let the steam stand inside to soften buildup, then wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Your best friend the dishwasher

Remember you are going to be using way more dishes than usual and this is when you look at your dishwasher and realize how much you love it. Therefore, it is important to make sure it runs efficiently. The dishwasher washes stuff, but it doesn’t wash itself. To clean it properly, run the dishwasher empty except for a cup of vinegar on the top shelf. Check the drain and clean off any residue. Wipe off the rim of the door and the door gasket, using white vinegar and a sponge to remove any gunk. Clean the filters under the lower rack.

Now you can focus on friends, family and quality time together, knowing your appliances are working perfectly. Enjoy the Holidays!

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May your Thanksgiving dinner cooked in your TKS kitchen, be delicious!

We wish you peace, love and joy
on this Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is many people’s favorite holiday. It’s a perfect moment to think about what we’re grateful for.
We send a special thank you message to all of our customers!
We owe our company’s very existence to all of you! We are what we are today of our faithful customers, and we are continuously committed to delivering the best customer service and the best quality products for your kitchen and bathroom projects in Denver.
We wish you and your family a holiday season filled with peace, love and joy of being gathered around the kitchen, creating valuable memories with your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!

We Are The Best Option For Your Kitchen And Bathroom Remodeling Project In Colorado

For over 30 years, The Kitchen Showcase has been helping homeowners, builders, and interior designers make great decisions and increase the value of their homes. We’ve helped thousands of customers navigate each step of the remodeling process. From cabinet planning and design to proper ordering, careful delivery and installation. Our professional staff will take care of you from the start to the end, and help you create a beautiful home for your budget.
We invite you to stop by our new beautiful kitchen and bathroom design showroom, located in Centennial, Colorado. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Evenings and Saturdays by appointment. Also, you can send us your questions on our website, and we will give you the answers.

Holiday Hours at The Kitchen Showcase

Like most people, we’ll be closing the shop and heading home to our own kitchens to prepare a big holiday meal for our families, or maybe we’re heading to someone else’s kitchen, nibbling on snacks and watching football while someone else slaves in the kitchen. Whatever the holiday season has in store for you, you can almost be certain that the kitchen is going to play a major role. So, while we don’t have time to remodel our kitchen days before the holidays, we can warn you about common Thanksgiving and holiday mistakes that people make when it comes to prepping, cooking, and serving.

Remodel your kitchen in Denver — We can’t fix your kitchen before Thanksgiving, but we can point out common cooking mistakes to help your cooking go smoothly.

Holiday hours for The Kitchen Showcase in Denver:

Thanksgiving November 24th – 25th CLOSED

Christmas, December 23rd – 30th CLOSED

New Year’s, December 31st, 2016 – January 2nd, 2017 CLOSED

Remodel you Denver kitchen — We love gingerbread cookies, but make sure you have enough real food to serve your guests so that they don’t just fill up on sugar.

Holiday cooking mistakes

The three biggest mistakes that people make when cooking their holiday meals are:

Not buying enough food – Mainly, not buying enough turkey or whatever protein you eat for the holidays.
Not thawing your turkey – The larger the turkey (or other protein), the longer it needs to thaw. Thawing a turkey could take a few days in the refrigerator, so clear some space and get that turkey out of the freezer in good time to be ready for Thanksgiving.
Not planning the prepping and the cooking – There are a lot of components that need to be planned meticulously so that everything is finished at the same time, or you could end up with cold gravy, an undercooked turkey, and an overcooked string bean casserole.

Custom kitchen cabinets in Denver — Talk to us about upgrading your kitchen cabinets or remodeling your kitchen.
Photo: Parkwood Homes & Kitchen Craft Cabinets

Remodel your kitchen in Denver

There is a lot to be thankful for over the holidays. We are thankful to have helped so many clients design and install their dream kitchen, along with being able to give back to our community whenever possible. We are also thankful to be able to take time away from work to enjoy with our friends and family for the holidays. However, as soon as the turkey has been digested and the eggnog has run out, we’ll be back at our Denver kitchen showroom to help you design a stylish, personal, and functional kitchen.
If cooking for the holidays made you realize that your kitchen needs an upgrade or a remodel, or you got some serious kitchen envy while visiting your favorite aunt for the holidays, our designers are here to help you make your kitchen dreams a reality.

Holiday cooking mistakes Holiday hours for The Kitchen Showcase Remodel you Denver kitchen

How to Avoid Stains on Your Kitchen Countertop, Part 3

Over the last couple of weeks, we have covered different cleaning tips and techniques you can apply in order to keep your kitchen countertop as clean and shiny as the day it was installed.
Not all countertops are the same and they come in a wide variety of materials, it is very important to have basic knowledge of your kitchen countertop and the material it is made of. This way, you will be able to apply the correct cleaning products and procedures without making a bigger mess.
On our previous posts we went over suggestions for cleaning countertops made of wood, quartz, granite, stainless steel, marble, and concrete among others. Today, we would like to focus on the last three countertop materials we haven’t discussed yet, starting with plastic laminate.

Plastic Laminate

Plastic laminate countertops provide cooks a smooth, waterproof work surface that’s easy to clean. No wonder why you can find them in countless kitchens across the U.S. Nonetheless, they get scratched, burned and stained pretty eassily as well.
It doesn’t mean that plastic laminate countertops are fragile, but they do require daily and proper care to keep them nice and clean.
For general cleaning, a two-sided scrubbing pad with fiber on one side and a sponge on the other works particularly well. Moistened slightly with water, the fiber side is just abrasive enough to loosen greasy buildup and scorched food spills.
Appliance wax or light furniture wax helps laminate surfaces resist stains and scratching. Try applying it with regularity for better results and never use abrasive cleaners or steel wool on laminate countertops.

Formica

Formica countertops are very popular because of their adaptability and versatility. It is inexpensive and requires little maintenance. It comes in many different colors and patterns and can be installed over existing laminate, which can reduce expenses when the time comes to replace countertops.

Photo by Modern Glass Solutions- modernglasssolutions.com

With the proper cares Formica countertops can last a long time. Be sure to wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining. Formica is easy to maintain if spills are cleaned up right away. However, if a stain sets in, it’ll be practically impossible to remove.
To clean Formica counters, avoid abrasive cleaners -including ammonia or bleach- and use mild soap, a soft cloth and warm water. If you notice it begins to show streaks, you can use a household glass cleaner to return the surface back to its original appearance.

Acrylic

Acrylic countertops are extremely durable and easy to clean. To remove any stain or scratches you can use a steel wool or try scouring powder. Use a mild abrasive cleanser applied directly to the wet countertop. Rinse well and buff dry with a soft cloth.
Keep in mind that regardless of the simple actions required to maintain clean an acrylic countertop; a very hot pot or pan will leave a permanent burn on the surface.
So, as you can see, there are numerous tips and actions you can perform in different types of kitchen countertops to keep them in great conditions, stainless and good looking.
Knowing the materials it was made of and how they react to different cleaning methods is the key to long lasting countertops. In addition, remember that regardless its material, to always clean any spill or mess immediately.

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Open Door Ministries – Kitchen Show Case

Kitchen cabinetry and countertops in Denver

We love designing kitchens and bathrooms for our clients throughout Denver and beyond. We strive to provide the very best for each client, from the design process to the products that we recommend. We are fortunate to have built a successful company based on quality design and great customer service. The best part of our success is being able to partner with local area outreach programs in Denver. Take a look at our most recent project, “Open Door Ministries,” in partnership with the Lion Project.
Open Door Ministries – Kitchen Show Case from The Lion Project on Vimeo.

The Kitchen Showcase gives back to the Denver community

There’s nothing better than giving someone their dream kitchen or bath. However, we understand that not everyone is fortunate enough to afford a new kitchen, let alone an old kitchen. That’s why Denver-born Jeremy Pfaff, owner of The Kitchen Showcase, has made sure that giving back to those less fortunate is part of our mission statement and our corporate culture.

The Lion Project and Open Door Ministries

We are proud to be able to partner with The Lion Project and come to the Open Door Ministry to help make an impact in our community. Open Door Ministries provide opportunities for the homeless to get job training to help get them some experience and get them back on their feet.

We’d like to thank all of our clients. Your business is what allows us to partner with local outreach programs and give back to our Denver community.

The Kitchen Showcase in Denver

We’d like to thank our loyal customers for trusting us with your kitchen cabinetry and countertop needs. You can feel proud knowing that your business is helping us give back to the Denver community to be a positive presence and make an impact on the lives of those less fortunate.
If you want beautiful, socially responsible cabinetry and countertops, stop by our showroom and talk to a design expert.

Kitchen cabinetry in Denver Open Door Ministry The Kitchen Showcase gives back to Denver community The Lion Project

How to Avoid Stains on Your Kitchen Countertop, Part 2

kitchen showcase feng shui cures for your kitchen

So, previously we addressed the subject of how your kitchen’s countertop, naturally suffers from the multiple purposes we have for our kitchen.
We also analyzed different actions and techniques you can apply in order to keep your countertops nice and shiny all the time.
Now, because all countertops are different and they come in a wide range of materials and styles, we were emphatic in the importance of knowing your countertop and its materials before applying any cleaning products.
On our previous post, we went over stone made countertops, such as granite, marble and quartz. Today, we would like to conclude the subject and discuss the techniques and procedures to keep clean and avoid stains on countertops made of other materials such as steel and concrete.

The Right Way

Before saying anything, we would like to remind you that no matter what happens, always try to clean any spills at once. The longer it stays sit, the harder it would be to clean it.

Concrete

Concrete is a great option of countertop material because of its versatility and wide range of styles and colors. Concrete’s two main ingredients (sand and water) are abundant, and recycled materials like glass can be included in the mixture as well, making its surface eco friendly.
You can clean concrete surfaces, by using a mixture of vinegar and water. Avoid abrasive soaps and cleaning solutions containing harsh chemicals. Abrasive pads and sponges can damage the surface as well.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is very sensitive to the atmosphere, and when it’s exposed to harsh chemicals or materials, it can become permanently damaged. Nonetheless, it is a very popular choice.
To keep its modern and shinny look regularly wash the surface with warm water and a small amount of baking soda. Always thoroughly dry your countertops after cleaning to prevent water spots. Leaving wet materials on a surface will lead to discoloration.
Mineral deposits can be extremely tough to clean on stainless steel. Use a small amount of vinegar and rinse with water to remove these deposits. Avoid abrasive materials like steel wool. Rough cloths or pads will scratch the surface and ruin stainless steel’s reflective finish.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic titles counters have the particular quality that unlike most other surfaces, it can take the heat from hot pots and pans. –A pretty handy attribute for the kitchen.
Ceramic tiles are extremely durable, but the grout between them is soft, porous and prone to cracks. To keep the ceramic countertop clean, use a toothbrush or nailbrush to scrub grout. To remove mildew, dip the brush in household bleach. Rinse with water to finish the job.
We have already discussed several suggestions and cleaning tips for at least 7 different kitchen countertops made of diverse materials, but we still have more cleaning tips for other types of countertop materials. Follow us on our next posts until we reach yours.

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The Hottest New Kitchen Faucets

Kitchen hardware & Accessories in Denver

When we design a kitchen for our clients, we design right down to the smallest detail. Everything is important when you’re designing your dream kitchen, and the type of faucet you choose can have a big impact on the final product.

The faucet should flow with your kitchen design

Denver kitchen designers — Bronze faucets are right on trend for a contemporary country kitchen.

Kitchen design trends are leaning towards taking the old country kitchen and giving in clean lines and a smooth aesthetic. We don’t think about the faucet a lot when we’re thinking about how to design a kitchen, but the faucet is usually front and center, so it’s important to pick the right one so that it doesn’t throw off the aesthetic.
We’re seeing a lot of grays in modern kitchen design, so switching your faucet from the classic shiny silver metal to a matte black is a bold statement in your kitchen. It’s the perfect way to get a touch of country in a modern kitchen.
If black is too bold of a statement, think about getting a faucet in a warmer color, like golden browns, rose, and champagne. Your kitchen should be a place where people feel welcome and comfortable. Soft, earthy tones can help you achieve that.

Match your pots and pans

Traditional kitchen design in Denver — Little things, like choosing the right faucet, can have a big impact on your whole kitchen design.

Think about what else you’re going to have on display in your kitchen. Are you hiding everything behind custom kitchen cabinets, or do you have all of your pots and pans hanging above your kitchen island? Try to keep a complimentary color palate throughout your kitchen. You don’t want it to be too busy, and you don’t want your faucet to stand out like a sore thumb because you forgot to consider the whole kitchen design. The small details, like choosing the right faucet, are what gives your kitchen personality.

Faucets are getting smarter and more functional

Hands-free, multiple spray functions, and being able to pull out and pull down your faucet is another way to make your kitchen more functional. Faucets are getting smarter and more sanitary – two very important facets of kitchen design.

Denver kitchen designers

Our designers are always looking for the latest trends in kitchen design. If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen or designing a brand new kitchen, stop by our Kitchen Showcase in Denver. Our designers can help you pick out everything from custom cabinetry to the faucet for your kitchen sink.

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