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LAUNCH JUMPSTARTER

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Kitchen Jumpstarter

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<p>If you are interested in adding a versatile island to your kitchen, the <a href="https://jumpstarter.rebode.us/start?_gl=1*vpujo2*_gcl_au*NzUyNTM5NDMxLjE3NDM0MzM3MzA." data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rebode Kitchen Jumpstarter</a> tool can instantly display what works in your space. Simply complete our quick online quiz and share your goals, style, and budget, and you can instantly visualize your ideal design for your kitchen island and even connect with a local designer to start the remodel process.</p>
<figure data-asset-id="e3e5031c-5cb4-43d8-864d-1d19865e448c" data-image-id="e3e5031c-5cb4-43d8-864d-1d19865e448c"><img src="https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/0db336b9-f9fe-00c7-e281-19da52b96daa/ed474195-ebd9-4f59-af21-374120fd9d2f/Omni.PT.Snw.PT.Adm_K2.png" data-asset-id="e3e5031c-5cb4-43d8-864d-1d19865e448c" data-image-id="e3e5031c-5cb4-43d8-864d-1d19865e448c" alt="A kitchen island with bar chairs that is a space for cooking and dining."></figure>
<h5>Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.&nbsp;</h5>
<h2>Kitchen islands as dining tables</h2>
<p>In a recent designer survey, we found that 52% of modern kitchens include eat-in spaces for dining or seating. Installing an island in your kitchen can both ground the space and enhance the dining experience. By simply adding chairs, you can make your kitchen family-friendly and perfect for entertaining guests. Using your island as your dining table is also a great space saver, and an extendable tabletop can seat a crowd without taking up too much space—and provide increased functionality in your overall floorplan.</p>
<p>There are some kitchen island designs that we specifically recommend for dining use. The L-shaped island, for example, lends itself well to being a dining kitchen island, as it gives the cook space for food preparation while also allowing guests to converse at the table. The T-shaped island is another option, as it essentially bumps a table up against the island, providing plenty of seating for six or even more and giving guests the ability to face each other.&nbsp; Overall, dining kitchen islands are a great idea when you may have a tight space but love entertaining.</p>
<figure data-asset-id="47b4611b-fc1f-4bd7-9908-6ef02c01aa53" data-image-id="47b4611b-fc1f-4bd7-9908-6ef02c01aa53"><img src="https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/0db336b9-f9fe-00c7-e281-19da52b96daa/2710af09-df4e-4655-8ac5-a58339d9d419/Farrel.PT.Coc.GsP.Mrt_K2.png" data-asset-id="47b4611b-fc1f-4bd7-9908-6ef02c01aa53" data-image-id="47b4611b-fc1f-4bd7-9908-6ef02c01aa53" alt="A T-shaped kitchen island is an optimal multifunctional surface for cooking and dining."></figure>
<h5>A T-shaped kitchen island is an optimal multifunctional surface for cooking and dining. Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.&nbsp;</h5>
<p>Another way to transform your kitchen island into a dining area is to add banquette seating, which can create a warm and cozy spot for the entire family to gather. Guests can still sit and comfortably chat with the chef while they finish cooking, or the whole group can relax back and enjoy a leisurely dining experience. Bench seating specifically provides a benefit that is often overlooked: extra storage that is hidden from sight.</p>
<h2>Kitchen islands as work spaces</h2>
<p>As increasing numbers of office jobs allow for remote or hybrid work, the kitchen is becoming the optimal flex space not only for cooking and dining, <a href="https://www.rebode.us/blog/posts/modern-kitchen-ideas-for-a-stylish-and-work-friendly-space" data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">but also for working</a>. Moreover, modern kitchen islands can be a great and spacious work station during the day that transforms into a preparation and dining space at night.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The spacious nature of kitchens, along with their easy access to outlets and snacks, makes them a great option for a calming and functional home office. Designing your kitchen island to serve as a desk also saves you space and therefore increases comfort and ease of movement in the heart of your home.</p>
<h2>Getting started with selecting a kitchen island</h2>
<p>Given the kitchen island serves so many purposes, we know that this design choice is not made lightly. That’s why we have the <a href="https://jumpstarter.rebode.us/start?_gl=1*vpujo2*_gcl_au*NzUyNTM5NDMxLjE3NDM0MzM3MzA." data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rebode Kitchen Jumpstarter</a>, which will help you discover what kitchen island ideas work best for your space in just a few clicks. From there, you can connect with a local kitchen designer who can help you bring your multifunctional kitchen to life with the perfect island.</p>

More and more, homeowners are forgoing the formal dining room or home office setup and embracing the kitchen island as a multipurpose surface for cooking, eating, and working. A smart and beautiful island can fulfill all your functional needs while simultaneously serving as a focal point of your unique kitchen design. Let’s look at some ways for incorporating your kitchen island ideas into a multifunctional and modern space.

Kitchen island ideas for designing a multipurpose space

<p>More and more, homeowners are forgoing the formal dining room or home office setup and embracing the kitchen island as a multipurpose surface for cooking, eating, and working. A smart and beautiful island can fulfill all your functional needs while simultaneously serving as a focal point of your unique kitchen design. Let’s look at some ways for incorporating your kitchen island ideas into a multifunctional and modern space.</p>

<p>Manufacturers typically do not pre-drill your cabinets for cabinet hardware, because knobs, handles, and pulls vary drastically in size, finish, and style. Therefore, the manufacturer doesn’t want to limit a homeowner in choosing their perfect match. Identifying the hardware that works best for the style and function of your cabinets is a critical design element, and an experienced kitchen designer can help guide you through the selection and placement process.</p>
<figure data-asset-id="340c11dc-37f1-4925-9478-d5096e91942e" data-image-id="340c11dc-37f1-4925-9478-d5096e91942e"><img src="https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/0db336b9-f9fe-00c7-e281-19da52b96daa/9349c484-766f-4696-8384-ebd28a131820/Merrin.QS.Drw.MP.Emm_K3.png" data-asset-id="340c11dc-37f1-4925-9478-d5096e91942e" data-image-id="340c11dc-37f1-4925-9478-d5096e91942e" alt="A kitchen with wood cabinets and an island displaying a variety of hardware, including knobs and drawer pulls."></figure>
<h5>Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.</h5>
<p>Once your cabinet hardware is in place, it most likely cannot be moved. You don’t want to find yourself having to reorder cabinet doors because your original hardware placement isn’t what you had in mind!</p>
<p>Read on for tips and tricks about how to install the perfect hardware for your unique, modern kitchen design. Once you have a sense of what you like, launch the <a href="https://jumpstarter.rebode.us/start?_gl=1*vpujo2*_gcl_au*NzUyNTM5NDMxLjE3NDM0MzM3MzA." data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rebode Kitchen Jumpstarter</a> tool to try out different cabinet styles without ever drilling a hole in your cabinet doors. From there, we can match you with a local kitchen designer who can work with you to finalize your cabinet and hardware selection and installation.</p>
<h2>Placing decorative hardware on base kitchen cabinet doors</h2>
<p>Your kitchen designer will guide you through placing hardware on your kitchen cabinets, but we’ve also outlined the steps so you can begin thinking about what would work best for your space. To find the correct placement for cabinet hardware on a standard base door, follow this simple process:</p>
<ul>
  <li>If your kitchen cabinet profile has a shaker doorstyle (in other words, not a flat or slab profile), locate where the rail and stile meet in the inside top corner of the door. The rails are the horizontal pieces of wood that make up a cabinet door frame, while the stiles are the vertical pieces.</li>
  <li>After deciding the best placement for your hardware on the left or right side, place painter’s tape along the stile to allow for pencil marks. Do not mark on the finished cabinet.&nbsp;</li>
  <li>Starting from the inside profile, draw a straight line to the outer edge of the door as a guide. Typically, it would look best not to install your hardware above that area.</li>
  <li>Next, find the center of the flattest space on the stile and mark it with your pencil (again, on the painter’s tape). You will then measure the distance from the center of one of the drill holes to the center of the other hole of the drawer pull you want to install (this measurement is commonly called center-to-center or c/c).</li>
  <li>Finally, mark your c/c on the tape and lay the decorative hardware over on its side. Line up the screw holes with the pencil marks for a final check before drilling. If you are installing knobs, you’ll find the center of the straight line and drill your hardware in that location.</li>
</ul>
<p>This is a great general guideline for knobs and pulls, as this installation process allows for plenty of clearance around the decorative hardware and is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When installing cabinet hardware on slab doors, a general rule is to place knobs and pulls 1 inch over and 3 inches down from the top of your base cabinet door.</p>
<p><strong>DESIGNER TIP #1:</strong> Typically, a hardware template works well for cabinet doors if you are wanting to place all pulls or knobs in the same location throughout the kitchen. But placing hardware on drawers can have challenges from a consistency standpoint: typically, not all drawers are equally sized, which requires hardware placement to vary throughout the kitchen. A template might become more of a frustration than an asset in this case.</p>
<p><strong>DESIGNER TIP #2: </strong>When placing hardware on wall cabinets, follow the general guide for base doors, but reverse the rules. You’ll find where the stile and rail meet in the bottom left or right corner as the decorative hardware will be towards the bottom of the door for functionality purposes.</p>
<h2>Placing hardware on kitchen cabinet drawers</h2>
<p>Kitchen cabinet drawers come in all different shapes and sizes, and it’s important to keep that in mind when determining the best placement for knobs and pulls. As your designer will tell you, the most crucial step before you start installation is to adjust all your drawer guides throughout the kitchen: ensure that each drawer is perfectly plum and that all are aligned. If this step is missed, you risk misaligning your hardware when you install it.</p>
<figure data-asset-id="b9851b54-8482-48b5-b8b4-865d2cfa69b2" data-image-id="b9851b54-8482-48b5-b8b4-865d2cfa69b2"><img src="https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/0db336b9-f9fe-00c7-e281-19da52b96daa/b7fb2520-57d3-4cc7-9010-c63fa271892b/Tnv.DrawerDetailMGyEc.A.ret.png" data-asset-id="b9851b54-8482-48b5-b8b4-865d2cfa69b2" data-image-id="b9851b54-8482-48b5-b8b4-865d2cfa69b2" alt="Kitchen cabinet doors and drawers with knobs and drawer pulls."></figure>
<h5>Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.</h5>
<p>The most appealing place to install hardware on drawers is in the center, but you should make sure that any interior storage, such as cutlery organizers, won’t interfere with that placement. Here is a step-by-step guide to placing cabinet drawer hardware:</p>
<ul>
  <li>To start, remove the drawer box from the cabinet and stand upright on a flat surface.&nbsp;</li>
  <li>Place painter’s tape in the approximate center of the drawer and then use a tape measure and pencil to mark the center. If you are installing a single knob, that is the drill location. If you are installing a pull, you will measure the hardware’s center-to-center.&nbsp;</li>
  <li>Once that measurement is determined, divide that number by two. Find the center mark again and measure out to the right and then to the left to mark the screw holes.</li>
  <li>Check if your hardware is straight by either measuring from the top of the drawer down to your pencil mark or by using a small level. Keep in mind that the screw length needed when installing hardware on drawers is typically longer as it needs to go through the drawer front and drawer box. Typically, the screws included with the hardware will have multiple locations to snap off excess length as needed.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>DESIGNER TIP #3:</strong> If your drawer is 12″ to 30″ wide, typically one decorative pull will suffice. However, if your drawer width exceeds 30″, consider placing two pulls or one longer pull on that drawer to allow for proper weight distribution when opening. Plan ahead to determine how many pieces of hardware each cabinet needs before ordering. You can also add painter’s tape to each cabinet where the hardware will be placed to visualize whether a pull or a knob is needed, especially if you are mixing hardware in the space.</p>
<h2>Choosing hardware for wall and base pullout cabinets</h2>
<p>The popularity of <a href="https://www.rebode.us/blog/posts/five-ideas-for-designing-a-modern-kitchen" data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">base and wall pullout storage</a> is growing rapidly in modern kitchen designs. For example, waste and recycle bins are currently in the top five of cabinet must-haves among homeowners. However, because these kitchen cabinets function differently than regular base ones, the hardware placement process also differs.&nbsp;</p>
<figure data-asset-id="0aa7cdbd-c322-4a33-ba2f-6651d69ea9ce" data-image-id="0aa7cdbd-c322-4a33-ba2f-6651d69ea9ce"><img src="https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/0db336b9-f9fe-00c7-e281-19da52b96daa/d57b6ae4-54d3-4ab4-8103-6efbca99fd7c/3.TrashBinsMAby.IN.S.png" data-asset-id="0aa7cdbd-c322-4a33-ba2f-6651d69ea9ce" data-image-id="0aa7cdbd-c322-4a33-ba2f-6651d69ea9ce" alt="A base pullout kitchen cabinet with a drawer pull. "></figure>
<h5>Base pullout cabinet with a drawer pull. Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.</h5>
<p>When installing decorative cabinet hardware on wall and base units, it’s always best to consider using a drawer pull on the top rail of the door as opposed to a knob. Given these doors are typically heavier—and the interior components also add weight—a knob tends to be more difficult to use. Therefore, drawer pulls are the easier and more efficient option. Consider a reasonably sized pull that is placed horizontally in the center.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The same rule applies to wall cabinet pullouts. Be extra cautious that you don’t interfere with any of the cabinet components before you choose the location and start drilling, though!</p>
<h2>Getting started</h2>
<p>Kitchen cabinet hardware is both a functional and stylistic piece of your cabinet doors. It adds character, and it can be a great design element to any space. Now that you have a sense of how to select and place appropriate pulls and knobs for your cabinets, the <a href="https://jumpstarter.rebode.us/start?_gl=1*vpujo2*_gcl_au*NzUyNTM5NDMxLjE3NDM0MzM3MzA." data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rebode Kitchen Jumpstarter</a> tool can help you visualize which cabinets and hardware best suit your space at a price within your budget. We can also match you with a local kitchen designer, with whom you can discuss your ideas and collaborate to install the perfect hardware on your new cabinets.</p>

There are so many fun decisions involved in completing a modern kitchen remodel, with a crucial one being the placement of your cabinet hardware. This list of simple recommendations can help you determine where and how to install decorative cabinet hardware and prepare for a conversation with your kitchen designer.

Pro tips for placing kitchen cabinet hardware

<p>There are so many fun decisions involved in completing a modern kitchen remodel, with a crucial one being the placement of your cabinet hardware. This list of simple recommendations can help you determine where and how to install decorative cabinet hardware and prepare for a conversation with your kitchen designer.</p>

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Start planning your remodel with Rebode Measure.

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Measure and explore your space in 3D. Available on select iPhone and iPad Pro+ models.

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<p>The first step after dreaming about your new cabinetry is to properly evaluate your space so that you can select the ideal new kitchen cabinets—be they <a href="https://www.rebode.us/blog/posts/are-premium-custom-or-premade-kitchen-cabinets-right-for-you" data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">premium, custom, or premade</a>—in your home. If you are confident to measure your kitchen on your own, you will likely want to do this in a very detailed manner. Alternatively, you may simply want to get a rough draft of measurements that enables you to be a step ahead when you meet with a kitchen design expert.</p>
<figure data-asset-id="71a94200-0166-4567-8609-10eac7e4a6e8" data-image-id="71a94200-0166-4567-8609-10eac7e4a6e8"><img src="https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/0db336b9-f9fe-00c7-e281-19da52b96daa/254776da-0683-4274-8ce4-054b0d37c58c/Huck.MP.Ctl_K2.png" data-asset-id="71a94200-0166-4567-8609-10eac7e4a6e8" data-image-id="71a94200-0166-4567-8609-10eac7e4a6e8" alt="A kitchen featuring stained wood cabinets and a kitchen island."></figure>
<h5>Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.</h5>
<p>Getting started can be overwhelming, but <a href="https://jumpstarter.rebode.us/start?_gl=1*vpujo2*_gcl_au*NzUyNTM5NDMxLjE3NDM0MzM3MzA." data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rebode Jumpstarter</a> makes it easy to envision your perfect new kitchen, and we can even connect you with a local designer to make your dream a reality.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Rebode Measure can make measuring easy</h2>
<p>Rebode can help you measure your kitchen without ever having to pick up a ruler. We now offer Rebode Measure, an app that helps measure your space as you plan for cabinet installation. <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rebode-measure/id6745407959" data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rebode Measure</a> is available on iOS for iPhone models 12 Pro and later and iPads that have the LiDAR Scanner. It is currently not available on Android. This highly-rated app allows you to measure and explore your space in 3D, which makes starting your remodel as easy as possible.</p>
<h2>Measuring your kitchen</h2>
<p>If you don’t have an iOS device that supports the Rebode Measure app, we have good news: no special skills are required when manually measuring for your kitchen renovation. All you need is a tape measure, a pencil, paper, a ruler, and a level. Below is a list of steps to take when measuring your kitchen space. This checklist of steps goes into further detail in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.masterbrandcabinets.com%2F&amp;embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.masterbrandcabinets.com&amp;source_ve_path=MzY4NDIsMjg2NjMsMjg2NjQsMTY0NTAz&amp;v=KwN79ZYu3gs&amp;feature=youtu.be" data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">this video</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Steps for Measuring For Kitchen Cabinets&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>1. Draw an outline of your kitchen, labeling all the openings and obstacles. </p>
<p>2. Measure solid walls from corner to corner. &nbsp;</p>
<p>3. Measure the width and height of openings. </p>
<p>4. Measure ceiling height. </p>
<p>5. Add in your appliances. </p>
<p>6. Mark plumbing and gas locations. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Once all the above steps are completed, make sure to take photos and videos of your space from a variety of angles and record your measurements. You can then send your measurements to your kitchen designer. </p>
<h2>Bringing your kitchen cabinet design to life</h2>
<p>The <a href="https://jumpstarter.rebode.us/start?_gl=1*vpujo2*_gcl_au*NzUyNTM5NDMxLjE3NDM0MzM3MzA." data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rebode Kitchen Jumpstarter</a> tool—supported by the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rebode-measure/id6745407959" data-new-window="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rebode Measure</a> app—is a great place to start as you consider installing new kitchen cabinets. From there, you can connect with a local kitchen designer who can help you kick off the remodeling process. By completing our easy online quiz and sharing your goals with a local pro, Rebode can help you from preparation through execution of your dream kitchen.</p>

Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or building a brand new one, we know the process of measuring for kitchen cabinets can be challenging. You might not know where to start, especially if it's your first time designing a kitchen. To help you get started, we’ve put together tips on how to plan for new kitchen cabinets so you can select the best ones for your design.

A guide to measuring for new kitchen cabinets

<p>Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or building a brand new one, we know the process of measuring for kitchen cabinets can be challenging. You might not know where to start, especially if it's your first time designing a kitchen. To help you get started, we’ve put together tips on how to plan for new kitchen cabinets so you can select the best ones for your design.</p>

Rebode Blog

A guide to measuring for new kitchen cabinets

Photo from MasterBrand Cabinets.

Rebode Measure can make measuring easy

Measuring your kitchen

Bringing your kitchen cabinet design to life

Take the first steps to living your kitchen dreams.