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By: Natalie Clever, Designer at J&D Kitchen Distributors, Inc.

A well-organized kitchen can transform cluttered spaces into functional areas, allowing you to find what you need quickly. With the right kitchen organizers, you can maximize space, enhance efficiency, and create a more pleasant environment. Here’s a look at some of our favorite cabinet organizers for making the most of your kitchen storage.

• Roll-Out Shelves

Roll-out shelves make accessing items at the back of your cabinets easier. These shelves can be installed in base cabinets and pantry spaces, allowing you to pull out pots, pans, and food items without bending down or reaching deep into the cabinet.

• Pull-Out Organizers

Make use of narrow space with a pull-out pantry cabinet. Perfect for spices, sauces and other kitchen items. Units with stainless steel cannisters and/or knife blocks can aid in eliminating counter clutter. There is also specialty pull-outs designed for items like baking sheets, cutting boards and food storage containers. 

• Base Corner Organizers

Lazy Susans are rotating trays that keep items quickly and easily within reach. Ideal for spices, condiments, or canned goods, they allow for easy access to items without digging through stacks. Swing out shelves can be utilized in blind corner cabinets to gain access to otherwise forgotten storage space. Corner drawers are also available.

• Drawer Organizers 

Keep utensils, cutlery, and kitchen tools neatly arranged with drawer organizers. These dividers come in various sizes and materials, allowing you to customize your storage based on your needs. A diagonal cooking utensil divider is great for storing long-handled tools in the center sections and the small odds and ends like an egg slicer or apple-corer in the corners.

• Deep Drawers 

Deep drawers are great for storing pots, pans or food storage containers. They can come in 2 and 3 drawer configurations. By adding a peg system, you can even store your everyday dishes. 

• Under-Sink Organizers

The area under your sink is often underutilized. Depending on your plumbing, some sinks may be able to use a caddy to organize cleaning supplies, dish soap, and trash bags, keeping everything tidy and accessible. Make the false front functional with a tilt-out tray to keep sponges and scrub brushed out-of-sight. Protect your cabinet from drips and spills with a heavy-duty rubber CabMat, capable of holding 5 quarts of liquid.

• Vertical Dividers

Vertical dividers are perfect for storing cutting boards, baking sheets, large serving platters and pans upright. This not only saves space but also prevents scratches and damage, making it easier to grab what you need without a hassle. They can be in a base cabinet near the range, above the refrigerator or wall oven.

Investing in kitchen cabinet organizers can dramatically improve your cooking experience. The right organizers can streamline your workflow and make meal prep more enjoyable. Take the time to assess your kitchen’s needs and schedule an appointment with a designer at J&D Kitchens to plan your kitchen remodel. Our showroom is located at 132 Old National Pike, Hagerstown, Md 21740.

By:  Lisa Staley, J&D Kitchen Distributors, Inc.

What’s Hot for Kitchens and Baths in 2024?

Warm woods and natural colors will make a major comeback in 2024.  Earthy palettes will add warmth and texture to the kitchen.  Popular colors in the next three years are predicted to be light to medium wood tones, white and green tones.  White oak and walnut are on the top of the list for trending wood species.  Combination finishes using wood tones and painted cabinetry will add interest to the kitchen.  Mixed metal finishes are on the rise.  Don’t be afraid to mix black, gold, silver, and brass tones to add a sense of warmth and charm.  Lighting applications combining  lights under cabinets, inside of cabinets and under the toe kick will offer function and flexibility of use.  Statement lighting can be used over kitchen islands or dining tables.

Islands remain popular and seating at the island is preferred.  Islands can have closed storage below or furniture-style legs depending on your style.  Beverage stations are also popular including coffee bars with built-in coffee makers, wet bars and smoothie stations with room to store accessories in the cabinets.  With the popular health and wellness movement, there’s a larger emphasis on making the kitchen as functional as possible to improve daily life.  

Transitional and timeless styles are still popular for bathroom design.  Modern, contemporary design styles with an organic influence are also popular.  Green is gaining popularity as a preferred bathroom hue, followed by white, blue and gray.  General color palettes are shifting towards warm neutrals and earth tones for a cozy bathroom.  Water closets (a tiny room with a toilet) are in demand both with and without doors.  Tricked-out showers with features like built-in seating, hand-held shower heads, rain showers and body sprays are gaining popularity.  Frameless shower enclosures are preferred with clients favoring a no door or open shower if the design allows for this option.  Brushed nickel and black are the leading finishes for faucets.  Large-format tiles are popular for shower walls and flooring.  Light-colored vanities are gaining in popularity.    Light to medium natural wood grain or lighter paint colors are preferred.  Quartz is the top choice for vanity tops with the color choices and easy to care for qualities. Toe kick lighting adds a nice glow to the bathroom and can function as a nightlight.  

To start the remodel process, plan to visit the showroom of  a professional kitchen and remodeler.  They can help you through the design and selection process and can establish a budget for your project.  

J&D Kitchen Distributors, Inc. is located at 132 Old National Pike in Hagerstown, MD.  Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and evenings by appointment.

We are often asked about refacing kitchen cabinets vs. replacing them.  Most people believe that refacing cabinets will save them a lot of money and be easier to deal with than replacing them.  Let’s explore the ins and outs of both options.

If you want to reface your cabinets, you will need to be sure your layout is good and that you don’t want to make any changes to the location of your appliances.  You could remove a few cabinets and add open shelving for a change, but things will need to stay where they are.  Refacing is done by either painting the boxes or covering them with laminated product, then replacing all the doors and drawer fronts.  If you want to upgrade your drawers to the soft-close, full extension that is popular today, you will need to replace your drawer boxes and glides as well.  You may be able to keep some items in your cabinets during this process. The job should be done a bit quicker than a full remodel.  If you don’t replace your countertop – no need for a plumber, but most folks do replace tops when refacing.  

Cost of refacing? This can vary.  A recent article in House Digest gave a starting price of $7,000 to over $20,000 for a more upscale look – and this is just for the cabinets. Add in countertops, plumbing, flooring, backsplash and whatever else you want to upgrade, and the price will go up from there.

On to Replacing cabinets.  You will have more freedom here.  You can have walls removed, move doorways, change appliance locations – or whatever you want!  A good designer can really help you to envision your kitchen with a whole new layout.  You will need to empty out your cabinets to replace them and the entire process generally takes around 4-5 weeks, but you are left with a beautiful, newly designed space with the latest in cabinet options and design.  

Pricing for a brand-new kitchen will vary greatly depending on the overall scope of the job, the selections made, and the quality of the products used.  A good rule of thumb is that a new kitchen generally costs as much as a new car!  So, do you want a tiny, basic kitchen or a luxury model one?  

What do we recommend here at J & D Kitchen?  We don’t offer refacing and we believe for good reasons!  Generally, a large portion of the price of cabinets is in the doors and drawer fronts – so you are paying a lot of the expense to just partially re-do your kitchen.  Any issues you have with the cabinets will still be there once they are refaced.  Several of the designers here have priced refacing at past jobs and found the overall price was not much different than a full kitchen replacement.  

We invite you to stop by the showroom located at 132 Old National Pike in Hagerstown to see all the options for a new, updated kitchen.

By: Natalie Clever, Designer at J & D Kitchen Distributors, Inc.

The past 2 years of the pandemic have been interesting, to say the least, in the residential remodeling industry.  Who knew that we’d be wearing masks, experiencing so many material backorders, increase in production time, increase in raw material cost, and fuel surcharges? I think I can say that everyone is ready to get back to the “old normal” but until then we must consider preparation and planning for our kitchen and bath projects more than ever. Here are a few tips to consider when planning your kitchen and bath projects.

Increase the time to plan your project. With the increase in demand for kitchen and bath renovation and remodeling, it is very important to consider the increase in time to plan your project. Lead-times for material and labor has increased significantly over the past year, tripling the time through production. I suggest starting to gather ideas and visit design showrooms as early as six months to a year before you would like to start your project. This will give you and your designer time to plan the perfect kitchen or bath for you without having to settle on something else just to get it quicker. 

Patience and flexibility are key to surviving your project during the pandemic. Completion dates need to be flexible.  Communication time has stretched. Being prepared for the unexpected and planning for extra time to complete your project is more important than ever with the current challenges in this industry.   

Establish your budget. This has always been a key player in home renovations and remodels. Now, we need to consider the impact of the increase in cost of raw materials, fuel surcharges and wage increases that has affected the construction industry. The average kitchen budget has increased over the past year and a half and should be considered. Planning ahead to increase your “normal” budget will help ease your mind when you are presented with the project total to avoid sticker shock. 

Kitchen and bath renovations and remodels have become more challenging during the pandemic. At J & D Kitchen Distributors, we would love to help ease your mind with our expert help and work with you to plan your dream kitchen or bath. To get started with your project, come visit us at J & D Kitchen Distributors located at 132 Old National Pike, Hagerstown, Md 21740. We look forward to seeing you!

By:  Lisa Staley, J&D Kitchen Distributors, Inc.

When planning a kitchen remodel, it is helpful to develop the scope of work for the project and establish a budget.  The average cost of a kitchen remodel can very, depending on the scope, product selection and age of the home.  A basic kitchen update may range from $ 6,000 – $ 15,000.  Most full kitchen remodels range from $ 22,000 – $ 50,000 +.  

The biggest trends in kitchen remodeling continue to be painted cabinets and simple door styles.  Popular color schemes are white, gray and blue.  The new color gaining popularity is green.  Clean lines, open floor plans and efficient designs with convenience features are common.  A statement backsplash is a popular way to personalize the kitchen.  When choosing colors and materials, it is recommended to select schemes that you will be happy with for the next 15+ years.  

Stone countertop are by far the most popular for their beauty and durability.  Quartz countertops are engineered stone and offer many color options.  They are non-porous and anti-microbial, which means that they will not need any sealing or maintenance and are easy to clean.  Granite countertops are another popular option offering beautiful colors and unique patterns.  Being a natural stone, granite is porous and requires sealing.  Fabricators can use a penetrating sealer during fabrication that will protect the granite for up to 25 years.

To start the remodel process, plan to visit the showroom of a professional kitchen remodeler.  They can help you through the design and selection process and can establish a budget for your project.  

J&D Kitchen Distributors, Inc. is located at 132 Old National Pike in Hagerstown, MD.  Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and evenings by appointment.

Cabinets come in many different styles, woods and finishes – but they also come with very different construction features.  Let’s take a look at a few of these features.

Custom is the top of the line in cabinetry.  Custom can mean something different to various people, but we will be looking at custom manufactured cabinets.  Almost always, custom cabinet lines will include all plywood and solid wood construction as their base and will include soft close on both doors and drawers.  With custom cabinetry, there will be many options for door styles, woods and finishes and these manufacturers will be able to build a truly “custom” piece of furniture for your kitchen.  

Semi-Custom is the largest category in cabinet construction.  Most of these lines will start with some furniture board in their cabinets but will offer upgrades for more plywood.  The front frame of cabinets are almost always solid wood, with the furniture board making up the remainder of the cabinet box.  Here, you will need to upgrade to get the all wood, full-extension, soft-close on the drawer box – but this is a very important upgrade that should always be included.  

The final category of cabinet construction is often referred to as “builder grade”.  These cabinets again will start with furniture board construction, but still have solid wood for the face frame and most doors will be either solid or veneered wood.  Again, you can (and should) upgrade the drawers and there will be options for upgrades to plywood construction as well.

There are other differences in the grades of construction that are more difficult to see.  Basically, the semi and full custom lines will be a bit more selective in the wood they use, have longer drying times and more layers of finish.  It is difficult to see these differences in a showroom of newer cabinets, but over time these differences will become more apparent.  

So, what is best for your kitchen?  Basically, buy the best construction that you can comfortably afford.  If you can only afford builder grade – upgrade the drawer boxes!  And if you are getting a stained wood product, upgrade the exposed cabinet ends to plywood with a veneer wood end.  This way you won’t have a two-toned kitchen in a few years as the real wood deepens in color and the laminated ends fade out. 

Here at J & D Kitchen we carry a full menu of all the various construction options.  Our Quality and Woodstar lines are less expensive, but still offer many options where you can create a beautiful, affordable kitchen.  Our Marquis and Homecrest lines cover the Semi-Custom offerings within our showroom in a moderate price point and offer many “custom” options. Finally, our Omega and Candlelight offer a huge selection of beautifully made door styles, woods, and finishes.  Stop by and visit with us soon and we will be happy to offer a tour as well as advice for your remodel.

By:  Lisa Staley, J&D Kitchen Distributors, Inc.

Kitchen renovations can be great for adding value to a home.  The following features are beneficial to include in your remodeling project to make your kitchen functional, as well as beautiful.  Recessed lighting is ideal for kitchens, but proper planning is essential.  The number of lights you need will depend on the size of your kitchen.  Keep in mind that the recessed lights will offer a good amount of brightness, some task lighting will likely still be needed.  Under-cabinet lighting is important task lighting that will make it safer and easier for you to do work at the counter.  Add a dimmer for more control and flexibility.  Pendant lights are perfect for hanging over islands to create even more task lighting.  They also add to the decorative perspective of your kitchen.  

Maximizing storage space is always important in a kitchen.  For this reason, extending the cabinet all the way to the ceiling is ideal if possible.  This will make the ceiling seem higher and is more visually appealing.  Open shelving is also a popular option allowing you to showcase your beautiful dishes and antiques.

Convenience features such as a charging station, pull-out trash and recycling base, roll-out trays, cutlery tray and dish dividers will keep everything organized and easy to access.   

Stone is a safe bet for your kitchen countertops.  Engineered Quartz is a popular option thanks to their non-porous surface.  Quartz countertops don’t need to be sealed like natural stone countertops.  Granite countertops offer a high-end look and variation in pattern that adds to its appeal.  Because granite is a porous material, it requires a bit more care.  Long term sealers are available which will reduce the chance of staining.

J&D Kitchen Distributors, Inc. recently moved to a new showroom located at 132 Old National Pike in Hagerstown, MD.  Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and evenings by appointment.

As a kitchen designer here in Hagerstown, I am often asked about certain design “trends” and whether or not they will stand the test of time.  If I had a crystal ball, I could answer those questions, but instead I have to rely on my own experience and what I see happening in the industry.  So let’s take a look at t afe of the recent trends.

The trend that I am asked about most often is the fairly recent penchant towards gray cabinets.  I will have to say that while I was a bit leery at first – gray does seem to be sticking around!  It is seen in a painted finish or as a stained finish on cabinets or as an accent color in countertops, flooring and backsplash material.  It is looked at as another neutral that seems to be here for the foreseeable future – so embrace all of the Shades of Gray!

Next, let’s look at two-toned cabinets.  We have long offered the accent color on an island of a sink base, but the newer trend is to two-tone the base and wall cabinets.  While it is not for the faint of heart, there is a certain appeal to mixing 2 colors in your kitchen.  The trick is to figure out which way to take the tall cabinets.  Do you match them to the base or to the wall cabinets?  This is where a good designer with an updated design program can really help.  By seeing the tall cabinets in both colors, you can usually figure it out pretty quickly which will look best in your kitchen!

Open shelving is another trend that we are seeing mor of recently.  I rather like to break up the monotony of lots of wall cabinets in a row, but you had better be fairly neat to try out this trend.  Everyone will see what is stored on your open shelves, so you need to keep them orderly.  It is usually best to mix a few closed door cabinets in for those items that aren’t quite so pretty.

How about white cabinets – are they another trend?  Absolutely not!  White cabinets have been popular since the advent of modern kitchens.  Twenty years ago, white cabinets were often made with Thermofoil doors, but today they are made by adding a painted or opaque finish to maple wood.  White cabinets have never really gone “out of style” and I don’t imagine they ever truly will.  So go for that perfect, crisp white kitchen with confidence.

These are a few of the more recent trends that I believe will be around for a while.  The biggest truth in today’s kitchen is that individual taste is key.  Go for what you truly love, and it will always be your favorite space!  Come visit us a J & D Kitchen for expert help with you design project.

By:  Lisa Staley, J&D Kitchen Distributors, Inc.

Knowing where to invest your time and money as you remodel your kitchen or bathroom can be a confusing decision.  Rather than go at it alone in a big box location, where the confusion may only get bigger, here are some great reasons why shopping at a kitchen and bath dealer can make your remodel experience better all around.

One-on-One Focus – At a specialty retailer, one person will work with you from start to finish, taking your project under their wing.  At a big-box retailer you will deal only with whoever is slated to work at the time…..meaning you may have to recount the details of your project over and over to different individuals who don’t have any personal interest in your project.

Design Services – Kitchen and bath retailers specialize in custom design for your remodel project.  For example, at J&D Kitchen Distributors, Inc., we have full-time professional designers on staff that can walk you through the process of turning your ideas into a complete 3D design.  Free computerized designs and complimentary in-home measurements are offered, thanks to cutting edge software and designers who are experts in their field.  Big box stores generally lack the design expertise and knowledgeable staff you’ll find at a custom store.

Experience – Sales and Design – Team members at a kitchen and bath retailer typically have education and backgrounds centered on cabinetry and design.  They often have long careers in the kitchen and bath industry and are experts at what they do.  Staff at big-box retailers often jump from one department to the next.

Expertise – Installers – Specialty kitchen and bath dealers usually provide in-house installation crews of carpenters that are hired for their expertise and professionalism.  They are focused on satisfying the customer and keeping a clean and organized work environment.  Installers at big-box retailers are typically sub-contractors that may or may not be specialists in kitchen and bath remodeling.

Extensive Options – Want selection?  A kitchen and bath store is the best place to find it.  Their showrooms are havens of the latest and greatest, featuring the widest range of countertops, cabinetry and accessories.  In addition, they have greater access to a variety of custom options.  Looking for unique hardware or an unconventional finish?  Your kitchen and bath dealer is much more likely to be able to fulfill your request than the big box store.  

Ultimate Satisfaction – Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom is a big undertaking.  Not only do you want to be excited about the final result, you want to enjoy a stress-free experience as well.  Working with experts who care about your project as much as you do gives valuable peace of mind.  A specialty dealer will keep your budget in mind and make sure you receive value for your investment.  A big box store simply can’t compete with the personal service, selection and value of a specialty store,

 J&D Kitchen Distributors, Inc. recently moved to a brand new showroom location at 132 Old National Pike in Hagerstown, MD.  Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

By:  Kelli Nunnally, Designer

So, you are considering a remodel of either a kitchen or a bathroom.  What should you expect?  What is your first move?  Where should you go and most importantly, what should you expect to spend?  And finally, how long should the process take?

These are all very important questions.  Let’s first consider the starting point.  It is always a good idea to start by looking at magazines and checking out the internet.  Why would I suggest this?  So that when you go to visit a professional designer, you have an idea of what you like and what you might want.  It is always best to do your homework before going to a professional design store.  

Your next step is to visit a professional.  You will be able to see actual kitchen displays and many door styles and options for your new kitchen or bath.  But isn’t a professional remodeling store more expensive than an individual remodeler or a large box store?  Absolutely not!  This is one of the biggest myths of our industry.  A professional design store will carry a range of products for nearly every budget.  And the experienced designer will be able to help you through the selection process with your budget in mind.  Also, a professional remodeler can offer installation, electrical and plumbing contractors and additional materials all within one contract.  This makes it easy for you, the homeowner.  You can let the professional worry about all the little details of a complete remodel.

After you have some idea of what you would like, the next step is for the professional to come to your home and take detailed measurements of your space.  During this process, it may become clear to the designer that some of your wishes may not actually work in your space.  Take a kitchen island for instance.  Often folks really want that separate island, but really don’t have the room for the minimal clearances that are required for an island.  This is where the experienced designer can really help.   

Next is a trip back to the store to look over the design, usually in 3D on a computer screen.  This will give you a very good idea of what your finished remodeled kitchen or bath will look like.  At this time, pricing of your selections will be discussed.  Often there will be a few options to increase or decrease the total price.  So what should you expect to pay?  That is a question that just can’t be answered in the context of this article.  There are so many variables that go into pricing a remodel.  From the quality of products, to the changes in the overall space, to the amount of labor that will be needed to complete the job.  But often the original visit, design and pricing are offered at no charge to the client and an experienced designer will be able to give you a better idea after discussing what you want and seeing your specific space.

Finally, how long will it take to make over your bath or kitchen?  Well, again that will depend on quite a few details.  The original design, measuring and planning can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.  Next, it will depend on which cabinet line you select.  Cabinets are almost always made after the order is placed.  Gone are the days of warehouses full of cabinets waiting to fill a kitchen.  Why is this?  Because not everyone wants the same wood or door style anymore.  Oak used to be the main wood that was used for kitchen and bath cabinets.  But today is different.  Everyone wants their space to reflect their own personality.  So we have white cabinets, rustic wood cabinets, sleek bamboo or laminate cabinets and everything in between.  With cabinets not being produced until the order is placed, you can expect to wait anywhere from 3 – 8 weeks for your cabinets to arrive.  Once your cabinets arrive, the job can begin.  Depending on the amount of work needed in your space, you can figure on anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to demo your existing space and prepare for your new cabinets. The flooring should almost always be installed before your new cabinets and it is easiest to paint before fixtures and cabinets are installed.  

Once the background is ready, it is time to install the main components.  Cabinets, fixtures, and appliances are next to be added.  You can figure on a week or more to receive your new top once the template is finished.  Then its tile work, final electrical, and final plumbing before your remodel is mostly complete.  

What’s left?  Well, almost every remodel will have some punch out work to be completed. This is usually something fairly minor, but it still takes from 2-3 weeks to receive replacement parts as they also have to be produced after the order is placed.  But while you are waiting for these small details to be worked out, you are usually enjoying your brand new, beautiful, functional new kitchen or bathroom.

A kitchen or bath remodel is a large purchase for all homeowners as it will be expected to last for at least 10 – 20 years or even more.  So take your time, do you homework, work with professionals and enjoy the process of creating a space made just for you!