StarMark’s 10% Off of Everything SALE

StarMark never ceases to amaze me. When we started with them 16 years ago, it was a simple, semi-custom cabinetry line. Since then, it has turned into a full-fledged custom operation that produces fine furniture quality cabinetry at semi-custom prices.

In the last couple of years, StarMark has introduced inset cabinetry doors, exotic veneer finishes, Old World style distressing, and now custom color matching.

Did I mention that all of this is available from a company that is still 20%-45% less than the other custom cabinet manufacturers?

Now they’ve done one better – from now until August 16, StarMark is taking 10% off of the entire cabinet line: all the doorstyles, accessories, finish upgrades, customization – everything! A straight 10% off – that’s totally unheard of in the kitchen design community.

By the time you finish adding up all the savings, there is no way another custom company can touch them. I’ve run the comparisons. With 10% off, StarMark competes with the price of my budget-conscious cabinetry offerings.

So kitchens, bathrooms, home offices, wet bars, you name it. If it’s StarMark Cabinetry, there’s 10% off in it for you. Talk about an affordable custom cabinet!

But you better hurry, when summer is over, so are the savings. Everything from StarMark is on Sale – but only until August 16. (contact Duncan's Creative Kitchens)

Exorcize Your Closet Monster

Do you have one? You know, one of those closets – the kind that makes you cringe when you open the door? Have you lost articles of clothing (or maybe even one of the grandchildren) somewhere in the closet, never to be seen again? Well, it’s spring. Maybe it’s time to tackle that monster in your closet and get organized.

First off, you’ve got to get everything out and tossed into one of three piles: “Keep”, “Donate”, and “Toss”. If you want to keep it, no problem. If it’s time to get rid of it, then be honest – if it’s wearable, you can donate it to your favorite thrift store or have a garage sale to get rid of it. If it’s seen better days, then throw it out. If you’re like me, the next thing you have to do is actually drive the ‘Donate’ things to the thrift store and drag the ‘Toss’ pile to the curb. (If I save it to do later, it will just end up back in the closet until I get time to ‘deal with it later’.)

Next, looks at the “Keep” pile. Decide what needs hangers, what goes on shelves, which items would be best stored in drawers, and if you need any ‘special’ storage for some items. Once you have your inventory, then you can get to work on deciding the best remedy for your storage needs. There are all sorts of boxes, bins, hooks, and tags you can pick up at housewares or container stores to suit your situation.

A more permanent solution might be to install a closet system to solve your storage problems. They can range from simple shelves and coat storage for the excess stuff in your hall closet, all the way to a fashionista’s master closet dream. The choice is yours. If you’re handy, you can tackle this yourself. If you hire a professional for this, they will sit down with you, evaluate your storage needs, survey your closet inventory, and tame the closet monster you’ve been living with all this time.

So steel your nerves, fling open the closet doors, and kick that closet monster out once and for all.

Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets

A clean and happy kitchen is a wonderful thing. Unfortunately, they don’t yet clean themselves. Nobody likes it, but we all have to do it from time to time. People always call and ask how and what they should be using to clean their cabinets. Really, there is no specialized equipment necessary – just some everyday things you already have, a little elbow grease, and a couple of quick techniques will take care of your everyday cleaning requirements. Read More

Champagne Tastes on a Beer Budget

After the Party - Dealing with Countertop Spills & Stains

It’s a question I get asked all the time – “How do I get a (fill in the blank) stain out of my granite countertop?” Well, there’s a pretty simple formula that takes 5 minutes worth of work, a few basic ingredients, and a little bit of patience that will tackle most of the spills that cause granite countertop owners headaches. Read More

Sell It In A Little While (3-7 Years)

Most people fall into this category. Even when you don’t have any plans to sell in this timeframe, if you aren’t sure about the length of time you’re going to own your home, these are the tips to follow.

Individualize, But Not Out of the Mainstream
You’re going to be there long enough to put your personal stamp on things, but you want to make sure that it’s not too ‘out there’. Make the permanent pieces (cabinets, counters, and floors) a nice neutral, then you can bring in blocks of color with paint and accessories.

Splurge Judiciously
It’s OK to go overboard on some things, but narrow it down to the 1 or 2 that you really want. Scale back on those things that are less important. So go ahead and get the Viking range, but maybe you don’t need the triple-upgrade, hand-carved onlays on every door.

Classic, Not Trendy
Stick with a timeless look, and stay away from the trends of the day. That way, if you decide to sell in three months or fifteen years, it will still look relevant.

Proper Lighting Is A Must!
Need I say more?

Move the Walls – If It Makes Sense
Be prudent with any structural changes. Although I’m always in favor of a larger kitchen, it doesn’t always make practical sense, and practicality is the key here.

It’s never easy to determine the correct decision when you are contemplating a remodeling project. But if you follow these simple recommendations, you’ll always know if you’re spending the proper amount, regardless of your situation.

UltraCraft Savings