A section of the booth we exhibited at Build Boston. Classic white painted cabinetry, assorted door styles and a stunning quartersawn oak piece were all on display.

As 2011 comes to a close, we’re looking back at a very successful fall trade show season.  Most recently, we made an appearance at the 2011 Traditional Building Conference Series in Washington, DC.  A two day event, the conference allowed area architects to get 10 AIA credits while also having the chance to network and meet vendors like Crown Point!

Victorian Designer Series island with soapstone top.

We also exhibited for the third time at Build Boston, allowing us to meet many great new architects, designers and builders.  For the first time, we offered a drawing with a custom island as the prize.  We had a lot of interest, and one lucky show attendee can now call the custom island, from our Victorian Designer Series, her very own!

After the new year, our attention will turn to preparing for three upcoming shows; NAHB’s  International Builders’ Show, The Grove Park Inn Arts & Crafts Conference and The Architectural Digest Home Design Show.  We hope to see you at one (or more) of these venues!  Until then, enjoy the holidays!

Fantastic install of the new Prairie Line from Crown Point Cabinetry.

In homage to master architect Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie movement, Crown Point Cabinetry is proud to introduce our new Prairie Line!   Our approach to Prairie styling is historically correct yet decidedly unique with innovative design elements that bring custom cabinetry to a whole new level.

This kitchen is the perfect complement to a newly constructed Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home in Central New York.

Strong lines, cantilevered projections and terraced surfaces. All details inspired by the exterior of this Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home.

Our design staff worked directly with the homeowner and architect to utilize many of the signature design elements found in the home.  Horizontal and vertical lines, dramatic brackets and posts are repeated throughout the kitchen.

An example of borrowing design details from the architecture of the home can be found in the island brackets.  They were designed to perfectly mimic the cantilevered second floor terrace.

Crown Point's design patented square channel face frames.

Our patented channel face frame is a foundational element that adds a level of lineal detail and visual interest to the entire kitchen.  To achieve this look, we apply inlays made of the same wood species (in this case, Sapele) which intersect to create a distinct square detail.

This stunning project features the Highland Park and Ellsworth Door styles.

An adjoining bar area features upper cabinetry with our Highland Park door and clear leaded glass.  Lower cabinetry features the Ellsworth door (design patent pending) with its solid wood panel and wood muntins.  Doors within this line are customizable as homeowners can choose from multiple specialty glass options.

The Linea shelving system offers a customizable way to keep your necessities at easy reach.

Another show stopping detail is our Linea Shelving System.  A customizable panel can be installed as a partial or full backsplash, or as is shown here at the end of the island.  Homeowners can choose from a number of useful elements such as clear acrylic, aluminum or wooden shelves, as well as various hooks.  Wall shelf boxes, as shown above in matching Sapele, allow you to conveniently transport your essentials from shelf to counter and back again.

More photos of this stunning Prairie Style kitchen may be found in our Gallery, album number 70!

As promised, below is our second installment in the Edson Project: The Transition Begins!

Follow George through the partially gutted space as he explains how the layout will come together.  Also stay tuned toward the end as George gives us an inside peek at a clever tradition he has kept up since he started building.

Didn’t see the first installment?  Click here to catch up!

Hankering for more? Part three in the Edson Project: Gutting the Kitchen will be posted shortly!  Also, visit Crown Point’s YouTube Channel to check out our growing video library!

**Update 8/15/11: Watch the third installment in The Edson Project: Gutting the Kitchen!

**Update 10/13/11: Watch Part 4 of the Edson Project: Framing, Electrical and Insulation: Oh My!

Allowing for a proper width walkway is key to successful island placement

“What is the minimum suggested walkway next to a kitchen island?”

If you turn your body sideways, suck in your tummy, and can just squeeze through, you’re good. OK, completely kidding there…(Although, there might actually be a house out there with a layout like that!) Anyway, the recommended minimum is 36″. If you have 42″, you will find that to be more comfortable in the long run.

Have a design tip that will help others? Send us your tip!

A black painted island makes a strong visual statement in this Early American kitchen

“Having a hard deciding: Should the kitchen island match the cabinetry, or be in a different color?”

Though there is no truly wrong answer, some thoughts come to mind:

• With larger kitchens, having a contrasting/complementing island helps break up the area visually.
• If your cabinet runs tend to be straight and uniform (same depth, same height), an island in a different finish adds appeal.
• A kitchen that gets an above-average amount of light could benefit from an island in soft complementary color.
• Cabinetry in a dark stain or paint works well against a light colored island, especially in smaller kitchens.

The bottom line, of course, is go with what you like. Search the web (or, say, our section on custom kitchen islands!), flip through magazines, and soon you’ll feel more comfortable about the decision.

Have a design tip that will help others? Send us your tip!

This barnboard and black kitchen cabinetry features a unique combination for an amazing one-of-a-kind custom kitchen island!

We’ve handcrafted the authentic, honest-to-goodness barnboard lumber (reclaimed by the good folks at Carlisle Wide Plank floors) into posts and horizontal runners for cabinets that feature our frameless construction! The island itself will contain an oven on one end, and a cooktop in the center area. (Note: The brackets you currently see under the cabinetry won’t be necessary once the cabinets are installed into the client’s home.)

Here’s a look at the opposite side. The left door on the end is fixed, and the right door is hinged to function as a normal door.

Front view.

A closer look at the door and frameless construction.

Our last image brings us in close for a detail view that really shows the beauty of the barnboard!