OGDEN -- These days, many people are choosing not to move but instead update their home with a more modern look.
One of the most noticeable changes a homeowner can make is to replace or resurface their kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
"If you don't want to replace your entire cabinet, a little cleanup will make quite a difference," said Jim Stratton, marketing sales manager for DreamMaker in South Ogden.
To start with, you can replace the door or the drawer front with new hinges or molding, Stratton said. Those two things alone will change the look and feel of your cabinet. Although painting and staining can also be done, they are more of a quick fix and wear out faster than new cabinets, he said.
"Right now, the latest look for cabinets has been leaning toward the warm tones," Stratton said. "Maple is especially popular. But a lot of people like the glazing. White and two-tone looks are also quite popular."
North Davis Cabinet sales representative Kylie Anderson said a lot of people are incorporating a fancy hood over the microwave oven as well, which adds a strong decorative look to the kitchen. In addition, she said, a lot of people like the knotty alder wood, which adds character and variation to cabinets.
"A lot of it really depends on your taste and trying to decide what look you want for the next 20 years," Anderson said. "Trends are trendy and they come and go out of style, so the more conservative you are, the longer your look will last."
Brian Wyatt, owner of Wasatch Custom Cabinets, said his company is doing quite a variety when it comes to different species of woods -- cherry, hickory, maple, alder and oak -- because lumber prices are very competitive.
"Colorwise, it seems that a lot of customers are leaning toward darker cabinets," he said.
Stratton said a lot of people are adding back splashes and granite counter tops to finish the look of new cabinets as well.
According to about.com, cabinets account for up to 50 percent of the cost of a kitchen or bathroom makeover. However, because they are so visible, cabinets can actually set the tone for your entire room.
"You can go as expensive or inexpensive as you want," Wyatt said. "It's really all up to the customer. We have a variety of looks and designs. The customer is always in charge."
Stock cabinets, which are pretty much a standard drawer and cupboard, are the least expensive. Semi-custom and custom cabinets, on the other hand, provide dozens of options in design, style and storage needs. Regardless of which you choose, your cabinets should have solid frames, drawer fronts and doors, especially as they are opened and closed several times a day. The finish on the wood should also be smooth.
Before you select your new cabinets, it's always best to have a professional come to your home, look over your space and get accurate measurements, according to the website.
"Customizing the look to the individual and to the architecture of the home is huge," Stratton said. "It's really important to sit down and go through your options and make sure everything is just right for your needs."
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