Archive for category Tips & Tricks

Days are getting longer and the sun has made a very welcome and warm reappearance. With the change in weather also comes that annual “itch” to get our homes cleaned up, back in order and maybe even upgraded for the new Spring season. This year, let The Williams Outlet help you make the most of […]

Days are getting longer and the sun has made a very welcome and warm reappearance. With the change in weather also comes that annual “itch” to get our homes cleaned up, back in order and maybe even upgraded for the new Spring season. This year, let The Williams Outlet help you make the most of your Spring upgrades and organization! With unique storage ideas, affordable kitchen/bathroom necessities, The Williams Outlet will be your one-stop shop for all your Spring home upgrades!

  1. Clean Up the Entryway

All winter long, the kids snowy/dirty shoes have been strewn in the entry way, or if you’re lucky, you have a mudroom designated for this mess. Regardless, as you’re packing away snow boots, you may realize it’s time for a new method of organization. The solution? Assorted cabinets! The Outlet is filled with cabinets that are perfect for mixing & matching to fit your space. Put those snow boots out of sight for the Spring season!

  1. Upgrade your Vanity

Spring is a busy season, and not everyone has time for an entire bathroom remodel. Replacing your vanity can give your bathroom a whole new look at a fraction of the time (and cost!). The Williams Outlet has countless sizes and colors of vanities at affordable prices. You can replace your vanity in one weekend and give your bathroom a whole new look before Summer!

  1. Visit Island Time

Warm, tropical vibes would be nice this Spring, but the next best thing is adding an island to your kitchen! The Outlet currently is offering island packages with cabinets and countertop included! Various sizes and colors are available to give your kitchen extra counter space.

  1. Organize the Junk Drawer

Do you have an infamous “junk drawer” that needs a new method of organization? Utensil drawers create an easy way to organize miscellaneous knick-knacks in a new fashion. Get your “junk” in order with a trip to The Williams Outlet for these types of drawers.

  1. Plumbing Upgrades

Keep things super simple and upgrade your kitchen/bathroom sink by getting a new showerhead! A new style or finish can transform your sink space and it’s more affordable than ever at The Williams Outlet.

 

Whether you are simply organizing your home for the season or looking to completely makeover your kitchen, bathroom or mudroom, The Williams Outlet is the perfect place to get a head start on your Spring projects!

 


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New year, new….trends! We loved the trends that 2018 brought to kitchen design. We saw everything from bold backsplashes, to open shelving and see-through cabinetry. Now that 2018 has come to a close, it’s only logical that we are curious about what 2019 will inspire. We’ve been on the lookout and we’ve narrowed down the […]

New year, new….trends! We loved the trends that 2018 brought to kitchen design. We saw everything from bold backsplashes, to open shelving and see-through cabinetry. Now that 2018 has come to a close, it’s only logical that we are curious about what 2019 will inspire. We’ve been on the lookout and we’ve narrowed down the top 5 trends that we are sure you’re going to love during this new year.

1. A Personal Touch
The dominating trend for the past few years has been creating a minimalist look in the kitchen space. This year, kitchens will begin to take on a more personal look. Open shelving will show off vintage dishware collections and personal touches such as artwork will bring balance to otherwise minimalist kitchens.

2. Mad for Matte
We saw a continuous draw to stainless steel appliances during 2018, but the increase of mixing textures and finishes will bring matte appliances to the spotlight during 2019. Matte appliances are a great way to change up the overall appearance of your kitchen.

3. Creative Color
Neutral colors have been the go-to for interior design. This year, however, color will appear once again – particularly in the kitchen. Choosing a bold color for one wall, a colorful backsplash or a colorful appliance are all ways that we will be seeing bold shades come back to the kitchen.

4. Two-Toned
Traditionally, kitchen cabinets are all the same color. This year, however, it’s all about breaking the traditional. Mixing light/dark/colorful cabinet colors is a seriously gorgeous statement that will bring character to any kitchen.

5. Not Just a Kitchen
Kitchens in 2019 will start to take on new looks and purposes. Elements that aren’t normally seen in kitchens will become more common in the kitchen space. From fireplaces to herb gardens, unique additions will increase both the fashion and function of the kitchen.

A new year is the perfect time to incorporate new looks into your kitchen space. If you’re planning on remodeling this year, why not give one of these trends a try?


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Here at Williams Kitchen & Bath, we know the importance of your kitchen during the holiday season. From preparing the holiday ham to baking Christmas cookies, we all spend a little extra time frolicking near the stovetop and dashing to the oven during the colder months. We get it, you were supposed to have all […]

Here at Williams Kitchen & Bath, we know the importance of your kitchen during the holiday season. From preparing the holiday ham to baking Christmas cookies, we all spend a little extra time frolicking near the stovetop and dashing to the oven during the colder months.

We get it, you were supposed to have all your kitchen remodeling done by the time the holidays rolled around – but that just didn’t happen. While it may seem like you have no time left to spruce up your kitchen, there are a few easy updates you can squeeze in before your Christmas company arrives.

 

Add a Pop of Color

Adding new color to your kitchen doesn’t always require a whole new paint job. Painting an accent wall with a fresh shade is enough to give your kitchen a new, modern look. (And it’s much more time efficient!) Simple, colorful additions to your cooking space can also give the room a whole new mood. Throwing in a colorful rug is a great way to bring some extra cheer to your kitchen space. Plus, rugs are an easy way to keep holiday baking mess to a minimum – if the kids spill flour and sprinkles on the floor, just give the rug a good shake and you’re good to go!

Transform Your Surfaces

Replacing the countertops in your kitchen may seem like a large project to tackle – but it’s easier than you think, especially with the help of Williams Kitchen & Bath. Williams has helped countless of DIY kitchen remodelers find the perfect countertop for their needs in a timely fashion. New countertops are a sure way to give your kitchen a brand-new feel. Plus, who doesn’t want a new surface to roll out their Christmas cookies on?

Give Your Dishes a New Home

Your cabinets are more important than you think. They hold all the dishware and utensils needed for entertaining your holiday guests. Give your dishes a new place to rest during the busy holiday season by installing new cabinetry! Choosing new cabinets doesn’t need to be a difficult task with the help of the team at Williams Kitchen & Bath.

Plan Ahead

Maybe your entire dream kitchen just isn’t possible before Christmas rolls around. Still, small changes can still give your kitchen a brand-new feel as you plan for more remodeling in the upcoming new year. The team here at Williams Kitchen & Bath wishes you a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to helping you plan any kitchen remodeling you have on your agenda, whether it lands before or after the Christmas rush.


 

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Most people have heard the phrase that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Regardless of how inviting the rest of your home may be, people tend to gather where they can enjoy the comforts of the kitchen. The color of your cabinets will affect the way your kitchen looks and feels, so making […]

Most people have heard the phrase that the kitchen is the heart of the home. Regardless of how inviting the rest of your home may be, people tend to gather where they can enjoy the comforts of the kitchen. The color of your cabinets will affect the way your kitchen looks and feels, so making the decision between light or dark cabinets plays a significant role in creating the atmosphere you want in your kitchen. Before making that decision, here are some pros and cons of each finish.

WHAT THE LIGHT SIDE HAS TO OFFER

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Timeless and Trend-Proof
It’s a pretty safe bet that white or lighter colored cabinets won’t be going out of style any time soon. They have been popular for decades and are still the recommended choice for those who are planning to sell their home. White cabinets are versatile and go well with almost any paint color, countertop and backsplash. Lighter cabinets allow you to easily achieve the look you want, whether you want to go modern, contemporary, traditional, or country in your kitchen design. If your kitchen starts to feel dull after a couple of years, a simple change in wall color and kitchen decor can go a long way without having to invest in new cabinetry.

Clean & Bright
If your kitchen space is on the smaller side, light colored cabinets work much better because they make the space feel bigger. They bring a fresh, bright look to your kitchen and enhance both artificial and natural light. White cabinets evoke a clean and sanitary look, while creating a light and airy feel to your kitchen.

Upkeep of a Light Cabinet
White or light colored cabinets show dirt and grime more quickly than dark cabinets and require constant cleanup. This is something to consider, especially if you have a large family or small children. They may also show signs of wear and tear, showing cracks and discoloration and other signs of aging more quickly than their dark counterpart.

GOING TO THE DARK SIDE

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Rich & Formal
If you are looking for a cozy and elegant kitchen, dark cabinets may be the way to go. They provide a rich and formal feel to your kitchen, creating an atmosphere of luxury.

Design Matters
Whereas white cabinets are pretty versatile in any situation, darker cabinets work best when you know how to make them compliment the space they are in. For this reason, darker kitchens require more design skill.  If your kitchen is small or poorly lit, adding dark cabinets may make the room feel heavy and closed in. Likewise, dark kitchens need light colored elements to offset the dark cabinets. Lighter colored countertops or floors are good ways to create contrast and to help ensure your kitchen doesn’t become cave-like.

Trends Change
Dark cabinets may be trendy now, but they don’t have the proven longevity that lighter colored cabinets have. Color stains and paints are always changing to compliment current times and trends, meaning the color you have now could become dated rather quickly. This is something to consider if you plan to sell your home in the near future.

Upkeep of a Dark Cabinet:
Unlike white cabinets, dark cabinets hide dirt and grime pretty well, making them a great choice for kitchens with heavy use or small kids running around.

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: COMBINING DARK AND LIGHT

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If you can’t decide between light or dark cabinets, a mix of both is fine too. The key is how you use the elements to your advantage. Consider using light colors for your wall cabinets and dark cabinets for your base; the reverse is not recommended as the dark cabinets could make the room feel too top heavy and unbalanced. Alternatively, try using dark cabinets for your walls and bases and light cabinets for your island, or vice versa.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Kitchen designs are complicated and can be overwhelming when doing on your own. Our design professionals understand that every kitchen and family is unique and would love to help you create a kitchen that you’ll love for years to come.

Come see us today!

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‘Tis the season for holiday cleaning and remodeling. Many of us play host to all sorts of family and friends during the holiday season, so it’s no surprise that getting our homes in tiptop shape becomes a priority this time of the year. One of the most popular rooms to remodel before the guests begin […]

‘Tis the season for holiday cleaning and remodeling. Many of us play host to all sorts of family and friends during the holiday season, so it’s no surprise that getting our homes in tiptop shape becomes a priority this time of the year. One of the most popular rooms to remodel before the guests begin to arrive is the bathroom. No one wants their guests to see an out-dated, or dilapidated bathroom. If you are thinking about a bathroom remodel for your home, here are a few ideas that can be done in a short amount of time, and leave your bathroom ready to impress. When you are ready to start your remodel project, be sure to visit the Williams Outlet, where you can find great prices on all the products mentioned in the post below. Let us help you save some money this holiday season.

1. THE SMALL DETAILS

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Updating your bath cabinet hardware and accessories are easy enhancers that will make a big difference to the look of your bathroom. Add a few matching accessories such as towel bars, hooks, and toilet paper holder. Switch out your knobs, pulls and other hardware to create a unified look throughout the bathroom. The small details say big things about your bathroom style.

2. MIRRORS & MEDICINE CABINETS

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Your mirror or medicine cabinet is often a focal point of your bathroom so a mirror makeover will go far in your remodel project. If you have a flat, plate-glass type of mirror try adding a stylish framed mirror instead. From boring to beautiful with one easy change. If you want some extra storage in your bathroom, a nice wall cabinet over your toilet is a great option. Another popular choice for storage is a medicine cabinet. Just like with the mirror, opt for a more stylish medicine cabinet. They don’t have to be the plain jane slab mirrors like the medicine cabinets of old.


3. REPLACE YOUR VANITY CABINET AND/OR VANITY TOPS

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Replacing an old, outdated vanity can transform your bathroom into an entirely different space.  A new vanity can greatly enhance the storage, functionality and look of any bathroom. If you are replacing your entire vanity, check to see if there is a coordinating vanity top and or matching mirror. If you’re happy with your current vanity, consider replacing the top to add a new texture, style and color to your bathroom. Don’t forget to add a coordinating sink or select a vanity top with a built-in bowl.

4. UPDATE YOUR PLUMBING FIXTURES

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You can completely change the look of your bathroom just by installing new faucets and shower head. These improvements are affordable, easy to do, and will give the room a fresh new look. Opt for fixtures that are designed for improved efficiency and you can also reduce water usage and your monthly water bill.

5. GET A NEW TOILET

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Most people think of toilets as purely functional, but today’s models offer a level of performance, efficiency and style that was not available a decade ago. Choosing an economical, high-efficiency or ultra-low-flow toilet offers substantial water savings without sacrificing performance or aesthetics.

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Photo Credits:
Toilet and shower photos used with permission from totousa.com
Medicine cabinet photo used with permission from fairmontdesigns.com
Cabinet hardware and vanity top photos are owned by Williams Kitchen & Bath

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Super Bowl Sunday is something of an unofficial holiday in the United States.  And like any other holiday, it brings friends and family together in a celebration of food and football fandom. If you are planning to host a party this year for the Big Game, we have compiled some quick and easy tips to […]

Super Bowl Sunday is something of an unofficial holiday in the United States.  And like any other holiday, it brings friends and family together in a celebration of food and football fandom. If you are planning to host a party this year for the Big Game, we have compiled some quick and easy tips to prep your kitchen for SUPER entertainment just in time for the big game this weekend!



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Remodeling the kitchen can be an overwhelming project. For many homeowners, the expense and inconvenience of such a project may give them pause when considering such an undertaking. The good news is that kitchen makeovers don’t have to cost a fortune. Read our tips below on easy ways to not break your budget, and make this […]

Remodeling the kitchen can be an overwhelming project. For many homeowners, the expense and inconvenience of such a project may give them pause when considering such an undertaking. The good news is that kitchen makeovers don’t have to cost a fortune. Read our tips below on easy ways to not break your budget, and make this the year that your dream kitchen becomes the envy of your neighborhood.

1. Include a Kitchen Designer in your Master Plan.

Many homeowners choose to be their own contractor in order to cut costs on their remodel project. However, don’t let your confidence with a hammer and nails overlook the value of working with a professional kitchen designer. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) the “services of a professional designer usually represent only about 4% of a total project budget.” This is a real bargain considering that a designers’ expertise saves you time and money in the long run by ensuring that you don’t make expensive errors. Designers can also visualize the best ways to maximize the functional use of your space, and in many cases may create a layout that you didn’t even consider.
(Source)

2. Bigger Is Not Always Better

Many people make the mistake of assuming that to get more storage and function out of your kitchen you must go bigger. The truth is, your goal should be to increase efficiency, not size. There are many products available that maximize kitchen organization, even in the smallest of spaces. Consider upgrading your cabinets to include dividers, pull-out trays, lazy susans or other cabinet accessories. If you are not planning on replacing your cabinets, these same products can also be bought aftermarket. If the price tag of these cabinet accessories seem pricey, just remember that if your alternative is to knock down walls and/or add square footage, the cost of accessorizing is most likely much cheaper.

3. Have Everything On-Site Before You Get Started

In an article for HGTV, Robin Siegerman, Chief Design and Renovation Officer at Sieguzi Kitchen & Home Inc. in Toronto, Canada, advises to have everything you want in the kitchen on-site before a single inch of space sees the sledgehammer. She explains, “One of the factors that sends a budget spiraling out of control is a homeowner picking products during the renovation.” If a product is backordered, the homeowner is often faced with a choice: pick a different item that is often pricier, or wait for their original choice, when their trades people may have other jobs scheduled and the homeowner may be charged extra for the work.
(Source)

4. Keep Plumbing and Appliances Where They Are

Simply put, moving plumbing equals more money and time. Plumbing is located underneath the floor, behind the walls, and in most houses it impacts other rooms in your home. The process isn’t as simple as moving a sink from location A to location B. Moving your appliances around requires a major rethink in terms of where the plumbing sits within the structure of our home. To keep your remodel on budget, it is always recommended to keep your plumbing and appliances in the same spot whenever possible.

5. Big Box Stores Aren’t Your Only Option

Get to know your local cabinet shops and discount home stores. These stores often sell off old displays or unused products at deeply discounted prices. If the store has a scratch-and-dent or Outlet center, take advantage of the great prices. In most cases, if you can’t find all the pieces you are looking for, the store will still be able to order the remaining product. It’s also common for contractors and builders to donate or sell their overstock and/or unused products which you can then buy at a great value. Additionally, these smaller stores are usually happy to recommend builders and contractors if you need assistance with this aspect of your remodel.

6. Get Creative With Your Architecture

You can give your kitchen a custom high-end look without spending too much money. Adding toe-kicks or bun feet to your cabinetry is a small detail but one that has a big impact on the finished project. It’s a simple way to spruce up a standard stock cabinet with a custom, furniture style look. Be trendy with your textures by adding beadboard paneling, stacked brick or stone, or a wood planked focus point. Islands and back splashes are two areas that work well as a canvas for creativity.

7. New Hardware Goes A Long Way

Don’t overlook the importance of cabinet hardware. The shape and finish of your pulls, knobs and handles can make a big impact on the look and feel of your entire kitchen. With the unlimited variety of shapes, sizes and colors available, it’s a simple and inexpensive way to freshen up your existing kitchen and add a flare of personality to your home.


 

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The leaves are falling, the air turns crisp. Fall is here. ‘Tis the season for home improvement projects, color tours, trips to the pumpkin farm, and best of all – Halloween! Follow us this October for Spooktacular Saturdays – filled with tips and tricks and an all around frighteningly fun time celebrating this spooky season. […]

The leaves are falling, the air turns crisp. Fall is here. ‘Tis the season for home improvement projects, color tours, trips to the pumpkin farm, and best of all – Halloween! Follow us this October for Spooktacular Saturdays – filled with tips and tricks and an all around frighteningly fun time celebrating this spooky season.

spooktacularsaturdays

#spooktacularsaturdays

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Everyone knows that going green is better for the environment, but sometimes  getting in the habit can be hard. Here are a couple tips to keep your kitchen eco-friendly without breaking the bank or completely changing your lifestyle. Use cloth kitchen towels instead paper towels. Think about how many times you reach for the roll […]

Everyone knows that going green is better for the environment, but sometimes  getting in the habit can be hard. Here are a couple tips to keep your kitchen eco-friendly without breaking the bank or completely changing your lifestyle.

Cloth Towels

Use cloth kitchen towels instead paper towels.

Think about how many times you reach for the roll of paper towels without even thinking about how much paper you are wasting! Instead, reach for a cloth kitchen towel. Worried about stains or smelly messes? Try buying dark microfiber kitchen towels and keeping a small hamper under your sink. By using a dark material stains are not as viable plus having a hamper within reach will make it easy to “dispose” of dirty towels.

Use reusable bags for your groceries

Similar to paper towels, we are willing to bet you use your fair share of plastic grocery bags- and the government is starting to pay attention. Did you know that in some states there are bans or restrictions on plastic bags? Get ahead of the curve and adapt the habit of using reusable bags now. To get started: stock up and keep reusable bags in your car so you’re less likely to forget them at home. Along with being good for the Earth, reusable bags are usually much more durable and stylish than the plastic bags you get at the store!

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Create a recycling station

It’s easy to recycle when you have a place to organize your recyclables! Best of all, creating a recycling station doesn’t have to be an eyesore. With Rev-A-Shelf you can easily create a custom system that works best for you. Once you’ve filled up your containers, you can easily take the bins out of the cabinets and take them to be recycled!

Grill OutImage credit: Carnivore Style  /  https://carnivorestyle.com/blog/

Grill out

It’s summertime here in West Michigan, so celebrate by using your outdoor grill! Cooking on an outdoor grill takes less energy than your stove and keeps the heat out of your house, reducing the energy to counteract the heat from the AC.

White Kitchen

When remodeling, think long term

Although this last tip may be a big change, if you happen to be remodeling your kitchen think about the long term. When creating an eco-friendly kitchen it is great to have energy-reducing appliances and planet friendly-features but timeless-ness is also a key feature to going green. Ripping out an eco-friendly kitchen only to replace it with another one a couple years later is a waste of money, time and resources. So when planning a kitchen, choose a design you will love for years to come and a design that would fit others’ styles if you’re interested in resale.

White kitchens have long stood the test of time. Consider going with this timeless color that allows homeowners to add trendy accents without replacing the cabinets entirely.

Kitchens use the most energy and create the most waste out of every room in the house. When applying these eco-friendly (and budget friendly!) tips you can create a kitchen that doesn’t just make you happy but makes the Earth happy as well.

If you’re interested in remodeling your space to create a functional kitchen for years to come, or would like to make a couple updates to make your space a little more green, come in and talk to us!

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When shopping at our Outlet it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the volume of cabinets, vanities and tops that we have. Some people don’t even know where to start and others have a clear vision of what that want to create. Some find the experience inspiring and walk out with items to create […]

When shopping at our Outlet it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the volume of cabinets, vanities and tops that we have. Some people don’t even know where to start and others have a clear vision of what that want to create. Some find the experience inspiring and walk out with items to create a DIY project that they hadn’t even thought of before they stepped through our doors!

We sometimes receive whole kitchens from old showroom displays or special buys and these kitchens end up in the Outlet. Often, they come with hardware or countertops if they were in an old display. These kitchen sets likely have neat features that we love showcasing, making them quality cabinets with expensive upgrades, however these kitchens are marked down at all time lows! Perfect for a DIY project

Miscellaneous Smart Cabinets & discontinued Executive cabinetry display with hardware, all purchased from the Outlet.

This garage project was created using a combination of our miscellaneous cabinet selection and a display from our Lansing showroom. The three pantry cabinets on the left and the upper cabinets are Smart Montana Rootbeer and lower cabinets on the right are from an Executive Cabinetry display that we no longer carry. Included with the Executive cabinets was the heavy duty masculine hardware, which is the perfect fit for this garage storage project. The project was completed with two aluminum truck tool boxes attached below the upper cabinets and a butcher block countertop.

This DIY project would make a great addition to any handy man’s garage. The cabinets are sleek and modern giving the garage a more luxury look at a low price point. The cabinets also provide much needed storage for tools, seasonal items and other miscellaneous objects, plus an added work space for projects!

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