Remodeling | Panache Vue' Magazine

A Match Made in Heaven

February 10, 2013 By Nina Stanley 9 Comments

Art and Diane Whitney - Photo: Don Shepherd XOPIXO

Art and Diane Whitney, owners of A-1 Custom Cabinets is truly a unique couple. Art is a rare bird as he is a lifelong resident of Pinellas County. His cabinet career started in 1976 at a small cabinet shop. The name of that shop was A-1 Custom Cabinets. After two years of perfecting the fundamentals, he went on to work in other high end cabinet shops, followed by working directly for building contractors in custom homes.

In 1980 he sought fame and fortune moonlighting as the drummer for “The Fanatics”, with a huge following throughout Florida. As the flame of fame began to dim, he again followed his passion for construction and worked as project manager for a local builder. Never one to be still, he entered the competitive world of off-road motorcycle sports earning class champion status. His competitive spirit fueled his desire to be his own boss, and there was no question as to what business he would pursue.

In 1994, he returned to A-1 Custom cabinets with a silent partner and an offer to buy out the company. His destiny seemed fulfilled once he bought the company where he started his career. However, there was a new buyer on the horizon, a not- so- silent partner who sparked a whole new fire within him. Two years later his partner became his wife and he never looked back.

Diane grew up in the small town of West Milton, Ohio. After graduating high school, she went to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she majored in Interior Design. Upon graduation she promptly got married and followed her husband to New York. There she worked as an Interior Designer in a major furniture store. Realizing that marriage and the bitter cold were not for her, she migrated to Florida like so many Midwesterners do. Upon her arrival, she took a position in an area interior design studio before seeking her fortune in sales. Diane worked for 7 years as a regional manager for an automotive marketing company, after which she ignited her creative flair as a freelance designer. About this time, she was overseeing a major project when she happened upon a dashing cabinet maker named Art Whitney. Apparently she was so desperate for a date that she bought into his company. The two hit it off splendidly and within two years they were married. The rest is history!

As a husband and wife team, they bring both masterful cabinet making and exquisite design together under one roof. The original A-1 Cabinets was a small cabinet shop that built mostly laminate cabinets. Art and Diane moved the shop to a new location, four times the original size, upgraded to automated machinery, and dramatically increased the volume of business. They now focus primarily on wood cabinetry with intricate detailing. Their focus is building credibility of A-1 Custom Cabinets so that their name is synonymous with life-long quality. Art and Diane want to create a legacy. A-1 Custom Cabinets provides top quality workmanship to both residential and commercial markets, wood and laminate, indoor and outdoor. They always extend personal service and strive to exceed their clients’ expectations, each and every time. Their clients can choose from hundreds of styles and finishes, and have much more versatility in their design than other companies. A-1 also offers full remodeling services such as lighting, wall coverings, flooring, furniture, accessories and more!

Their goal is to be the premier remodeling resource center in Tampa Bay! When not working, Art and Diane devote much of their time to local organizations as sponsors and contributors; they have a very strong belief in giving back and are Members of NARI and an Allied Member of A.S.I.D. They both love the outdoors; are loving parents to their 24 year old daughter Ryan, their dog Roxie and cats Sam and Gato. Both feel they owe a large part of their success to their parents who were inspirations for them and always believed in them. They taught them the value of hard work, honesty, integrity and a belief in God. Without their constant guidance and support, they WOULDN’T be the people they are today! Art is fun-loving, compassionate and discriminating while Diane is intelligent, focused and very, very classy. Truly, a match Made in Heaven!

A-1 Custom Cabinets can be reached at 727.447.6815 or visit their website at www.A-1CustomCabinets.com. Showroom hours are by appointment.

Filed Under: 2013, Entrepreneur, February 2013, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Entrepreneur, Features, Green Living, Health, Home, Home Organization, Kitchens, Palm Harbor, Remodeling, South Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Tampa Bay

Kitchen Design Trends for 2013

February 10, 2013 By Diane Whitney Leave a Comment

Art and Diane Whitney

Kitchen designs are, by far, the slowest changing trends in home décor. This is due to the fact that they are expensive, time consuming and so invasive to the homeowner. But at A-1 Custom Cabinets, we are seeing a gradual upheaval in the way we specify the kitchen space. Here are some our top recommendations for 2013:

Move Toward Modern

In 2012 the National Kitchen and Bath Association ranked the “Transitional Style” over “Traditional” for the first time ever in the history of their ranking system. This means more simplified lines and big, open spaces made with gathering in mind. Traditional woods (cherry and maple) are being replaced by Alder, Birch, Walnut and Bamboo.

Natural Color Schemes

Kitchen design trends are showing a rise in neutral colors with a twist. New natural colors build around greys and greens with a variety of wood finishes. Classic white and black are making a comeback as well. Bright colors are prevalent, but should be reserved for accents. Another trend is to mix wood cabinet finishes and painted finishes, which give an eclectic yet cohesive look.
Hideaway Appliances

Most people know that stainless steel appliances are a must-have for kitchen remodels, but there’s also a push toward unusual appliances. Not only does this include ones fronted with the same material as the cabinets, but also an emphasis on hidden appliances. Certain refrigerators, microwaves and dishwashers can be integrated into drawers for a seamless look.

All-Over Lighting

Good kitchen lighting has become more important over the years. Because the kitchen is the epicenter of the home, lighting should be layered combining general lighting, task lighting and ambient lighting. There is also a big push toward the inclusion of LED’s, which are already popular for under-cabinet lighting.

Super Stylish Components

2013 trends will move away from conventional range vents and include a variety of decorative hoods. Ones with built in LED lights can even couple as an island chandelier. Also, don’t overlook the kitchen sink. They are becoming a focal point in updated kitchens. Stainless steel sinks will remain popular, many with new modern designs, but there will also be a variety of stone composite, copper or fireclay sinks to offer smooth, non-porous options that won’t show wear and tear.

Glass Backsplashes

Luminous, reflective finishes abound in the modern kitchen, and nowhere is this more beautiful than on backsplash walls. Single-sheet, back painted glass with no seams, no grout, and easy maintenance wins on all counts. Its reflective quality gives a polished finish to the kitchen. This could also be achieved with glass tiles, which are a quick and inexpensive way to update your kitchen.

Call A-1 Custom Cabinets today for more information, or to schedule your free in-home consultation. 727-447-6815.

Filed Under: 2013, Green Living, Home, March 2013, Tampa Bay Tagged With: A-1 Custom Cabinets, Art Whitney, Bamboo, Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Diane Whitney, Green, Green Living, Home, Home Organization, Kitchens, Lyptus, Organization, Outdoor Kitchens, Pinellas County, Recycled, Recycled Glass, Remodeling, Space Organization

Simple Ways to a New You

December 16, 2012 By Diane Whitney Leave a Comment

Art and Diane Whitney

It starts with excess clutter and loose receipts, builds through the holidays and by the time the New Year rolls around it’s everywhere! It’s clutter, and chances are, it’s driving you crazy. However, A-1 Custom Cabinets has a few secrets to get it under control, so you can focus on more important things—like tackling that extra holiday weight!

#1—Do a paper purge in your office. What—no office? Find a nook where you can install a custom desk to create your “command central.” New file drawers help find homes for organizing important contracts, personal documents, receipts and product warranties.

#2—Divide and conquer your kitchen. There’s one pot you need for dinner, but reaching into the back of the cabinet triggers a culinary avalanche. With a couple extra shelves and drawer pullouts, we can help you take advantage of the space between shelves. Tiered organizers make it easier to see and reach the items at the back of a shelf.

#3—Find a home for all your clothes. Who needs a leopard print dress when your closet is a jungle? A-1 Custom Cabinets can organize your hanging space, add shelves for sweaters and shoes, a pullout bar for dry cleaning, and a home for your hamper. Sorting “like” items together makes the whole space easier on the eyes.

#4—Harness hidden space in your bathroom. Rummaging to find your favorite body butter while getting ready in the morning is not the way to start your day. A-1 has an assortment of drawer organizers that help maximize storage space. We can even create additional storage under the sink.

Call A-1 Custom Cabinets today for your free consultation. We’ll address notoriously difficult clutter issues for your first step towards a whole New You.

Filed Under: 2012, December 2012 / January 2013, Green Living, Home, Tampa Bay Tagged With: A-1 Custom Cabinets, Art Whitney, Bamboo, Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Diane Whitney, Green, Green Living, Home, Home Organization, Kitchens, Lyptus, Organization, Outdoor Kitchens, Pinellas County, Recycled, Recycled Glass, Remodeling, Space Organization

The Holidays

November 14, 2012 By Diane Whitney Leave a Comment

Art and Diane Whitney

It is hard not to be nostalgic around the holidays. To me, celebrations center on family and close friends. As everyone gathers together to enjoy good food and good times, the kitchen inevitably becomes the hub for activity. It really is the heart of the home. It is no wonder that builders, realtors and prospective home owners focus on the kitchen.

Take a good look at your kitchen. Does it reflect current trends in addition to your personal style? Do your cabinets maximize storage space and assist in organization? Are they designed in such a way that they facilitate work flow and entertaining? Are you proud to show them off to your family and friends? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it’s time that you call A-1 Custom Cabinets for a free in-home consultation. We can show you ways to update your cabinetry or completely overhaul your kitchen for transforming results.

Because I am blessed to be married to a talented cabinet maker, I thankfully answered “yes” to all the above questions. I’m looking forward to sharing the joy of the holidays with those I hold dear and having my kitchen overflow with love. While others are out shopping till they drop, I’ll be dropping to my knees to thank God for all His wonderful blessings.

To all our great friends, wonderful customers, and customers yet to be, A-1 Custom Cabinets offers our sincerest gratitude and extends warmest wishes for a happy holiday season.

Filed Under: 2012, Green Living, Home, November 2012 - Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: A-1 Custom Cabinets, Art Whitney, Bamboo, Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Diane Whitney, Green, Green Living, Home, Home Organization, Kitchens, Lyptus, Organization, Outdoor Kitchens, Pinellas County, Recycled, Recycled Glass, Remodeling, Space Organization

Create the Kitchen of Her Dreams

September 18, 2012 By Diane Whitney Leave a Comment

Art and Diane Whitney

How better to pamper “her” than to create the kitchen of her dreams. While the primary function of a kitchen may be cooking, storage plays an essential role in how well a kitchen functions. No matter how large or small the room, if it’s not well organized and efficiently arranged, it will undermine the space as well as her sanity.

At A-1 Custom Cabinets, we recommend incorporating some key storage elements when designing a new kitchen or remodeling. Roll-out shelves for base and pantry cabinets help maximize your space and eliminate unnecessary straining to reach items in the back of the cabinet. The same is true for swing-outs or lazy-susans in corner cabinets. We also encourage the use of spice racks, back-of-door storage, drawer dividers, cutlery inserts, and dual trash/recycling pullouts to keep the kitchen looking tidy. We represent companies like Rev-A-Shelf and Hafele who offer a wide range of terrific cabinet accessories, in addition to beautiful rail systems for backsplash storage.

Also, because we design and build our own cabinets, we can customize storage in clever ways. The toekick beneath cabinets is completely wasted space, but add a shallow drawer and it becomes a great place for large platters and trays. Or we can add extra depth to cabinets to increase their capacity. For example, a standard upper cabinet at 12” deep can be increased to 16” without much added cost, yet it allows an extra row of glassware or food items. We often sneak shallow base cabinets on the back side of an island or peninsula, perfect for small appliances and cookbooks.

Working with the design professionals at A-1 Custom Cabinets is your first step towards creating a beautiful, creative kitchen that can be life changing. As I often tell my husband: “Happy wife, happy life.” Put yourself on that path to happiness, call today for your free consultation.

Filed Under: 2012, Green Living, Home, September 2012 – Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: A-1 Custom Cabinets, Art Whitney, Bamboo, Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Diane Whitney, Green, Green Living, Home, Home Organization, Kitchens, Lyptus, Organization, Outdoor Kitchens, Pinellas County, Recycled, Recycled Glass, Remodeling, Space Organization

Eco-Friendly Home Extravaganza

July 18, 2012 By Diane Whitney Leave a Comment

Art and Diane Whitney

Not long ago, making the eco-friendly choice meant compromise: settling for less than you wanted orpaying more than you should. Fortunately, those days are fading into memory. Today, there are manyways to make environmentally responsible lifestyle and product choices. A-1 Custom Cabinets is proudto offer responsible choices yet still provide the creativity, quality and value our customers expect.

Most consumers are aware of the availability of sustainable fabrics, paint products with low VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds), and floor & wall coverings with recycled content. However, many are not aware of “green” products available for your kitchen and bath. For instance, countertops can bemanufactured in sustainable or recycled materials. A-1 Custom Cabinets has beautiful counter-top selections in bamboo (sustainable), recycled glass, and solid surface made with 40% recycled content.

An earth-friendly choice available for cabinetry is Lyptus. This wood is carefully managed for sustainability. It’s fast-growing and yet has the hardness of maple, the grain of mahogany and the warmth of cherry. Lyptus is a naturally-occurring hybrid of eucalyptus which can be harvested in as little as 15 years (vs. 50 to 100 years for traditional hardwoods). It is grown on deforested land reserves that are reclaimed from the Rain Forest and specially maintained to preserve the balance of the ecosystem. Lyptus has a naturally deep, warm coloration that accepts a variety of finishes and a lovely grain pattern that ranges from straight fine patterns, to burls, to faint tiger striping.

To promote “green” awareness, A-1 Custom Cabinets is offering Panache readers a rebate on any Lyptus cabinetry purchased in July or August. Be sure to mention the “Eco-Friendly Home Extravaganza.”

Filed Under: 2012, Green Living, Home, July/August 2012 - Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: A-1 Custom Cabinets, Art Whitney, Bamboo, Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Diane Whitney, Green, Green Living, Home, Home Organization, Kitchens, Lyptus, Organization, Outdoor Kitchens, Pinellas County, Recycled, Recycled Glass, Remodeling, Space Organization

Reality TV Hits Home

May 17, 2012 By Diane Whitney 21 Comments

Art and Diane Whitney

It has been a long and emotional month. We unfortunately endured the passing of Art’s thoroughly unique mother, Bernice. Amidst the sorrow, we began the arduous task of emptying her home. She lived in a small post-WWII home for over 50 years and it was filled to the brim with memorabilia. Every drawer, every closet, every corner, every nook and cranny was piled with stuff.

I read somewhere that when God calls a loved one home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. In Bernice’s case, it’s a gift that keeps on giving. We have come across a treasure trove of mementos (high school yearbooks, family photos, reunion nametags, even Art’s first Christmas stocking), but we have also come across the ridiculous (15 pairs of scissors, 30 nail files, a box of empty prescription bottles, hundreds of pens, thousands of empty bags). I joked that Bernice was about 3 years from being featured in an episode of Hoarders!

You are probably asking, “What does this have to do with cabinetry?” Well, stick with me. As I started taking an inventory of stuff in my own home, I realized that we have equal ridiculous numbers of things: 10 pepper grinders, 30 Christmas Villages, 50 salt and pepper sets, hundreds of gift bags, thousands of photos. The difference between Bernice and me is nothing more than good cabinetry. Art built me display cabinets to turn my “crap” into a “collection.” He has installed closet organizers to tame mass numbers of boxes, and a home office to house my hundreds of pencils, pens and scissors. He saved me from reality TV!

A-1 Custom Cabinets can do the same for you. We are your resource for artful organization and the masterful use of space. See how we helped others become clutter-free by visiting our website at www.A-1CustomCabinets.com. Then call us today for your free in-home (or office) consultation.

Filed Under: 2012, Home, May/June 2012 - Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Tagged With: A-1 Custom Cabinets, Art Whitney, Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Diane Whitney, Home, Home Organization, Kitchens, Organization, Outdoor Kitchens, Pinellas County, Remodeling, Space Organization

We are Often Asked the Cost of Custom Cabinetry

March 18, 2012 By Diane Whitney 773 Comments

Art and Diane Whitney

At A-1 Custom Cabinets, we are often asked the cost of custom cabinetry? It’s a simple question with a very complex answer. Naturally, your price will depend upon your decisions: wood or laminate; maple or cherry; traditional or contemporary; licensed or unlicensed?

While no one wants to pay too much for cabinetry, we caution against paying too little. Your quest for savings might leave you vulnerable. Unlicensed contractors and cabinet builders operate outside the limits of the law (illegally). So, where do their “savings” originate?

Perhaps they save on advertising. It seems reasonable, but without ads in phone books, magazines, or newspapers, it is very easy to quietly disappear. Perhaps they save on taxes. Although paying employees “under the table” may seem harmless, think of the price we all assume when these same individuals collect unemployment checks and require government assistance.

Perhaps they save on insurance. Crippling costs are associated with general liability insurance and workman’s compensation. However, we know of several people who experienced the horror of costly mishaps; the worst of which was a punctured gas line which exploded the house.

Worst of all, perhaps they save on licensing. The Pinellas County Contractors Licensing Board (PCCLB) established stringent guidelines to protect consumers from unqualified, uninsured, unethical contractors. From electrical fires to plumbing floods, unlicensed contractors leave you liable for damages; but isn’t that why you have home owners insurance?!

Do yourself a favor. Call A-1 Custom Cabinets, a PCCLB licensed company in business for over 40 years. We will build you the cabinets of your dreams without any unwanted nightmares.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Home, March/April 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, March/April 2012 - Tampa Bay, North Pinellas / Pasco, Tampa Bay Tagged With: A-1 Custom Cabinets, Art Whitney, Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Diane Whitney, Home, Kitchens, Outdoor Kitchens, Pinellas County, Remodeling

Looking Forward to 2012

January 21, 2012 By Diane Whitney 34 Comments

Art and Diane Whitney

My husband loves Disney World. Unlike the tourists who strategize their plan of attack, he charges head-first for Space Mountain. He is energized by the thrill of racing up and down through relative darkness. While our young daughter stood transfixed by beautiful horses on the carousel, he cajoled her into joining the battle cry for adventure. Although some may consider this a mild form of child abuse, it actually is a great lesson. Rarely does life proceed in an easy, breezy fashion. Life, by its very nature, is unpredictable.

For A-1 Custom Cabinets, saying goodbye to 2011 was like exiting a roller-coaster. The year sped by in such a frantic fashion that we often felt rushing wind. There were dizzying highs and agonizing lows, but through it all we remained focused on the future. Looking back is fruitless when all that matters is where we are going. Instead of pining for the prosperity of previous years, we allowed the slowing economy to affect our business in a positive way.

With the real estate slump forcing many homeowners to postpone remodeling plans, the recent surge in commercial activity presented A-1 Custom Cabinets the opportunity to return to our roots. For many years we were the sole cabinet supplier for Pinch-a-Penny franchises. We are adept at building display units and cash wraps. We also compiled an impressive portfolio of expert laminate cabinetry in medical offices, mail rooms, break rooms and reception stations. As a result, we were selected to complete the cabinetry for the new Sun Toyota dealership, Bayshore Animal Hospital, Suncoast Family Care, Stevens & Stevens Business Record Management, and Surgical Services of Tampa Bay.

So as we enter the New Year, A-1 Custom Cabinets is optimistic that this upward trend will continue to expand in residential real estate. Knowing that the majority of homeowners recognize the value and desirability of remodeling, we are eagerly looking forward to 2012.

Filed Under: 2012, 2012, Home, January/February 2012 - North Pinellas/Pasco, January/February 2012 - Tampa Bay, North Pinellas / Pasco, Tampa Bay Tagged With: A-1 Custom Cabinets, Art Whitney, Bathrooms, Business, Cabinets, Clearwater, Diane Whitney, Home, Kitchens, Outdoor Kitchens, Pinellas County, Remodeling

PanacheVue' May 2013