Topic: How To

We want to give you all the necessary resources to have the best possible experience with your Showplace cabinets. These quick tips will give you the information you need to quickly make an adjustment or even install a replacement part.

The Blum COMPACT CLIP Hinge

Posted on by Justin Ehrman

We use the COMPACT CLIP hinge by Blum for our framed overlay cabinet line (as of January 23, 2023). One of the benefits of this new hinge is that it is very easy to remove and reattach a door to the cabinet.

If you need to remove a door from your new Showplace cabinet for any reason, it’s really easy to do.

IMPORTANT: Do not unscrew the hinge from the frame or door (unless you confirm with your dealer that your cabinets did not come with the Blum COMPACT CLIP hinge).

Follow these steps to remove the hinge from the cabinet frame.

Compact Clip Remove-Step1

Step 1:

Locate CLIP release lever on back of hinge(A) and press down to release(B).

compact door hinge diagram displaying the movement of the hinge.

Step 2:

While the CLIP lever is released, pull forward on to remove from cabinet.

Follow this step to attach the hinge to the frame.

diagram explaining how the compact clip attaches.

Step 1:

Slide hinge onto CLIP plate until hinge clips in place.

Watch this video to learn how to attach your Showplace cabinet door to the cabinet with the Blum COMPACT CLIP hinge.

The Blum COMPACT CLIP hinge features three-dimensional cam adjustments for height, depth and side.

Watch this video to learn how to adjust the Blum COMPACT CLIP hinge.

5 Kitchen Layout Ideas to Elevate Your Space

Posted on by Justin Ehrman

A kitchen is not just a place to cook and store food, but it is also a space where you can gather with family and friends.

Learn More

It’s important to choose a kitchen layout that not only functions well but also reflects your personal style and enhances the overall look of your home. If you’re looking for a modern kitchen layout, here are five ideas to inspire you.

Open Concept Kitchen

Open Concept

An open concept kitchen is a popular choice for modern homes, as it provides a spacious and airy feel to the room. The open concept kitchen allows for an easy flow between the kitchen and the living or dining area, making it ideal for entertaining guests or cooking with family. You can also incorporate a large island with seating for a casual dining option.

U-Shaped White Kitchen

U-Shaped Kitchen

A U-shaped kitchen is a great option if you want to maximize storage and counter space. The U-shaped design provides plenty of cabinetry and countertop space, making it ideal for busy kitchens. The U-shaped design also creates a closed-off area, making it ideal for privacy while cooking.

L-Shaped Kitchen

L-Shaped Kitchen

An L-shaped kitchen is another popular modern kitchen layout, as it provides a functional work area with plenty of counter space. The L-shaped design is ideal for small kitchens as it provides an efficient work triangle. You can also incorporate an island or a breakfast bar into the design for added counter space and seating.

Galley Kitchen

Galley Kitchen

A galley kitchen is a narrow and long kitchen design that provides plenty of counter space and storage. This design is ideal for small kitchens, and it allows for an efficient work triangle. You can also add an island to the design for extra counter space and storage.

One other layout option is the peninsula kitchen. A peninsula kitchen is similar to an L-shaped kitchen, but with a peninsula that extends out from the wall. The peninsula provides additional counter space and seating, making it ideal for casual dining. This layout is also a great option for small kitchens as it maximizes counter space while still providing an open feel.

Choosing the right kitchen layout is crucial to creating a functional and stylish kitchen. Whether you choose an open concept kitchen, a U-shaped kitchen, an L-shaped kitchen, a galley kitchen, or a peninsula kitchen, these modern kitchen layout ideas can help you create a space that meets your needs and enhances the overall look of your home. So, pick the layout that best fits your lifestyle, and start creating the kitchen of your dreams.

Blue island and White kitchen cabinets
white and gray kitchen cabinets
Brown stained and white kitchen cabinets

Let’s get started!

Now that you have some ideas for the perfect layout option for your new kitchen, it’s time to speak with a professional designer!

Connect with a local Showplace dealer to get started on your next home improvement project.

Find Your Local Dealer

How to Choose the Right Colors for a Two-Toned Kitchen

Posted on by Justin Ehrman

A two-toned kitchen is a popular and stylish choice, allowing you to add visual interest to your space while also making a bold statement. However, choosing the right colors for your two-toned kitchen can be a challenge.

Learn More

With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some tips to help you choose the right colors for your two-toned kitchen.

Kitchen with window by sink

Consider your existing décor

Before choosing your kitchen colors, take a look at the rest of your home’s décor. The colors you choose for your kitchen should complement the rest of your home, so think about the color scheme and overall style of your living spaces when making your decision.

kitchen with two colors

Consider the Mood for Your Space

The colors you choose for your kitchen can have a big impact on the overall mood of the space. If you want a warm and inviting kitchen, choose warm colors like browns, yellows, and oranges. If you want a more modern and sleek look, consider cool colors like blues and greens.

Floor Plan

Consider the Layout of Your Space

The layout of your kitchen can also play a role in the colors you choose. For example, if you have a large open kitchen, you may want to choose bold, contrasting colors to create a statement. However, if your kitchen is small or has limited natural light, consider lighter and more neutral colors to help the space feel more open and airy.

Also, color psychology can be a useful tool when choosing your kitchen colors. For example, blue is often associated with calmness and tranquility, while red can create a more energetic and dynamic feel. Consider the mood you want to create in your kitchen and choose colors that reflect that mood.

Of course, one of the most important things to do is get color samples from your local dealer’s showroom and paint store. When you’ve narrowed down your color choices, it’s important to see how they look in the room itself. Our dealers offer color chips to help you narrow down your cabinet colors; but before making your final decision, it’s important to order a sample door in your top color choices.

Place color samples in the kitchen and observe how they look at different times of day and under different lighting conditions. See our blog about how light affects cabinet color.

By following these tips, you can choose colors that will make your kitchen look beautiful, feel warm and inviting, and reflect your personal style.

Blue island and White kitchen cabinets
white and gray kitchen cabinets
Brown stained and white kitchen cabinets

Let’s get started!

Now that you have some ideas about how to choose the right colors for your new kitchen, what are you waiting for?

Connect with a local Showplace dealer to get started on your next home improvement project.

Find Your Local Dealer

How Do I Care for My Stained or Painted Cabinets?

Posted on by Justin Ehrman

Showplace cabinetry is designed and crafted to stand up to rigorous daily use. No special or unique care is required for your paint or stained cabinets. Simple common-sense precautions and practices will keep your Showplace stained or painted cabinets looking great for years to come.

White and gray kitchen cabinets
Natural bathroom cabinets
Dark stained bathroom cabinets

Things to keep in mind

  • Darkening: All woods naturally darken with age. There is no way to prevent this process as it is a part of wood’s natural character. Woods subjected to prolonged direct sunlight will darken faster.

  • Dimensional changes: Since wood is a naturally porous material, it will absorb and release moisture, causing unavoidable swelling and shrinking. Typically associated with switching seasons, this can cause dimensional changes, and in larger pieces, can result in minor warping. We recommend humidity levels in the home between 30% – 55%. Humidity levels outside that range can lead to cracked joints, shrinking center panels and broken mullions in doors with that modification.  

  • Drawers and interiors: Drawer glides and hinges should need no periodic maintenance or lubrication.

  • Surface damage: Touch up those inevitable nicks and scratches with a Showplace touch-up kit. Kits are available from your Showplace dealer and include instructions.

  • Curing time: Showplace Cabinetry uses the highest quality Sherwin-Williams paints, SHER-WOOD® stains, sealers and topcoats providing high performance and a long lasting, enduring finish.  All SHER-WOOD® finishes require a period of curing to take place, approximately 30 days, so the film can achieve its full performance properties.

Please be aware that the Showplace warranty does not apply to finishes that are exposed for prolonged periods of time to tobacco smoke and/or other smoke sources.

Horizontal surfaces: If your cabinetry uses finished wood for horizontal surfaces, remember these precautions:

Lifting Icon

Do not slide items across the surface. Rather, pick them up and set them down.

Plant Icon

Make sure plants are in pots that will not seep water onto the wood, and take care that leaves do not touch the wood.

Drink Coaster Icon

Use coasters under glasses, and hot pads under pots and pans.

No Magazine Icon

Never set synthetic materials like rubber or plastic directly on the wood. The synthetic chemicals can damage the finish. Likewise, inks from printed materials can transfer into the finish.

Wiping Cabinet

Basic Care Tips

  • Wipe up spills, splatters and water spots as they occur. Keep cabinets dry.
  • Clean as needed with a soft, lint-free cloth. Use mild detergent or soap and warm water. Dry surfaces immediately with a soft cloth.
  • Avoid using a dishcloth or sponge, which could contain remnants of grease or detergents. Do not use products with bleach, ammonia or abrasive additives.
  • Never use scouring pads, steel wool or powdered cleaners.
    Do not allow oven cleaners to come in contact with wood finishes.
  • Avoid placing small kitchen appliances where heat is directed onto cabinet surfaces.
  • Avoid draping damp clothes or dish towels over cabinet doors. Excessive moisture can cause permanent damage.
  • Have fingerprints? Try Murphy’s Oil soap (use as directed).
Find Your Local Dealer

How to Care for Acrylic Surface Cabinets

Posted on by Justin Ehrman

Showplace cabinets with acrylic surfaces require care that is specific to these cabinets only because they are not wood materials finished with paint or stain. Here are ways to clean and care for these special surfaces.

Gray gloss and white kitchen cabinets

High-gloss Acrylic Tips

  • Do not store panels outside or in direct sunlight.
  • Clean with a wet micro-fiber cloth or chamois.
  • Use water or mild soap and water combo.
  • Never dry-wipe the acrylic finish.
  • Avoid acetone, harsh household cleaners and abrasives including paper towels, brushes and scouring pads.
  • Ultra-gloss super polish kits are required and are available from your Showplace dealer.
Dealer locator

Ready to get started?

With millions of combinations and options, we work with a trust network of over 800 dealers across the country to help you design and find the cabinet finishes you want and need.

Find your local dealer