In the past centuries, cabinets were never part of the kitchen construction, they used to be freestanding structures such as racks, that could be moved easily from place to place.

During the 20^th century, the introduction of small kitchen appliances made kitchen cabinets a necessity, and these became an integral part of the kitchen, no longer being considered a secondary need.

Cabinets were most often handmade from solid wood, they had fine details indicating precisely where a set of cabinetry came from. Each region, where the cabinets where made, had it’s own style and decorative elements. Cabinets managed to be a main feature of the contemporary home.

As time went by, handmade cabinets started to be less, as companies began mass producing cabinetry with cheaper materials and cheaper labor. This is where a division between types of cabinets appeared, a division between quality-made cabinetry and lower grade products.

Lower quality cabinetry might seem like a better deal, as many of these cabinets seem durable and solid. The two forces that ruin poorly made cabinetry are general use and the environment. Humidity, temperature changes and too much weight bends or bows the cabinetry over time. Wood cabinets are lasting and durable against these threats. As wood ages, many types of solid wood cabinets will slightly change over time.

Cherry cabinets will subtly darken over time. Maple cabinets are known for the beautiful and unique grains. Oak is a sturdy wood that has pronounced grains, and oak cabinets may even contain what is called a “pin knot.” Birch has been labeled a “contemporary” wood and accepts paints and stains well. Alderwood is like cherry when stained. This is a medium hardwood that has a close grain. Rubberwood is also known as Plantation Hardwood. The grain is straight, but this type of wood is also known to have unusual markings that create visual interest.

The known disadvantages of solid wood cabinetry have been targeted for years. Many makers of solid wood kitchen cabinets have produced designs that are virtually impervious. The engineering of wood kitchen cabinets today goes through a variety of processes.

Just a few of the common treatments include ultra-violet inhibitors to protect against sun damage, heat catalyzed finishes, hand-painted and rubbed stains. The thick sealants and finishes used today are far more durable and lasting than those in the past.

You are certain of installing a lasting and elegant feature when you choose solid wood cabinetry. Your kitchen cabinets will retain their beauty through the years. Solid wood cabinets are an investment that will provide you with valuable returns as long as you own your home.

Flux Collection by Lasa Idea

With the trend of bathroom furniture at an all-time high, Italian company Lasa Idea has released its fabulous new 2009 Flux collection, live and in vivid color! These fabulous bathroom furniture sets come in a range of hot hues like spring green, deep red, royal purple, black, white, and even a wood finish to suit your traditional tastes. But who says you have to settle for just one? Mix and match these various modular elements to bring your dream bathroom to life. Whether displayed in groups or individually, these rounded wall-mounted and floor cabinets, cupboards, mirrors and shelves not only look great, they also offer lots of storage options to achieve a clean, contemporary look. But regardless of whether you’re going for simple minimalist elegance or elaborate fashionable funk, this modern bathroom furniture collection has got you covered.

Tantante White Flower Decor is by Fratelli Branchetti

Fresh, floral modern bathroom furniture … the Tantante White Flower Decor is by Fratelli Branchetti. These exquisite cabinets, vanities and wall-mounted storage units are part of the Tanteante Decor collection. Perfect for modern living, the White Flower collection lets us get back to nature without even stepping outside. Bold, real flower motifs made the units come alive… yet the focus on white makes sure the look stays subtle and sophisticated. The overall feeling is unquestionably feminine, but has a powerful look the man of the house can’t possibly object to. Fratelli Branchetti celebrates the joy of nature with this elegant bathroom furniture range.

The surprising mix between classic and contemporary captures enduringly popular details of design and brings them totally up to date. Straightforward geometrical shapes make up the bathroom cabinets in black, white, iris and pink lacquered finishes, as well as polished rosewood. In contrast to their solid contemporary forms, the cabinets feature stunning decorative elements in luxurious chrome and gold satin finishes. Handles, legs, and accessories (such as mirrors and rails) are made up of soft, stylized scrolls. Available in different sizes and combinations, Glamor is a fabulous modular bathroom collection designed by Marco Poletti. By Eurolegno.

What is it that makes them so irresistible? We think it’s the exquisite attention to detail… characterised by the fabulous vanities: bathroom furniture that takes centre stage. These cabinets inspire the bold designs, fabulous tiling, and other themes throughout the bathroom ideas. The Unique 63 bathroom is a Moroccan style bathroom featuring vanities in wenge wood and glossy blackcurrant. Typical of this collection by Delpha, the cabinets have a professional, almost office-like look! This will appeal to those who like to neatly file away items, keeping them close to hand, but out of sight. Unique 123 is a geometrical, stunning bathroom in Imperial Red and metallic. The white cabinet displays a refined red, stylised flower in the bottom right corner of each drawer. Zesty Unique 123 also comes in brilliant oranges and pinks. As shown here, the vanities in this bathroom have a lovely all-over floral motif. In all these bathroom pictures you’ll note the vanity cabinets are finished with simple, linear metal handles. New, from Delpha.

Inspired by the fine, luxurious and yet functional style of car dashboards of bygone ages, Yomei demonstrates attention to detail. The soft Yomei buffalo leather enfolds the cubic shapes while the proportions contrast against the sensual material.
The results are elements for low boards, flexible sideboards and display cabinets, all trimmed in ‘made-to-measure’ Yomei buffalo leather. Perfect design is reflected in the detail solutions, allowing the elements to be combined in different ways, depending on your requirements.

Yomei seating, such as lounge sofas and armchairs, harmoniously complete the concept: sumptuously handcrafted from genuine, ultra-soft YOMEI neck leather – strong, compact and sensual at the same time. Furniture that creates a relaxed atmosphere which makes us feel entirely free.

The fusion of shapes, colors and materials boasts a distinctively Oriental inspiration. Leather and lacquer are the luxurious materials that unite the entire Yomei collection. Bold black and red, teamed with neutral cream is the color theme running throughout the range. Presented in glossy finishes, and unusual upholstered matt leather finishes, the pieces ignite the senses of both sight and touch. Ideal for contemporary living areas, the furniture range from Yomei provides answers to your home entertainment, storage, dining, and relaxation needs. Clever ideas such as the geometric wall boxes pictured below are not only storage solutions, but also eye-catching demonstrations of your interest in modern design with international flair.