A little about us

The following tells a little about us here at Southern Kitchens, and our design process.


We would like to take the opportunity to welcome you to Southern Kitchens, the finest kitchens under the sun! We realize that the process of designing your new kitchen is a special undertaking, and hope to make your experience with us special as well. Our experienced design staff specializes in the design of unique and proficient kitchens. We have selected our manufacturers based on their quality, craftsmanship, and their diversity of products. Again we would like to extend a warm southern welcome and hope that together we will embrace this journey into designing the kitchen of your dreams.

The following information is provided so that you will have an understanding of the kitchen design process executed by Southern Kitchens.

Design Process

The design process is the initial phase with Southern Kitchens. Your initial appointment will be with one of our designers in your home. In order for your designer to truly understand your wishes we have a planning questionnaire we would like for you to complete. This is also a perfect time for you to share with us your ideas for your new space. We love to see pictures or magazine clippings of what you have in mind!

Southern Kitchens consultation fee for the initial visit is $150, to be paid at the time of the visit. At the conclusion of your first appointment your designer will then schedule a second appointment.

On your second appointment you will meet in our studio located in Alexandria, where a 3-D CAD design and estimate for product proposal will be presented to you. During this appointment you will view our showroom displays, consider different cabinet styles, woods, finishes, countertop surfaces, etc. and review your design choices. At the end of your second appointment Southern Kitchens requires a retainer of 10% of your project cost, which is applied as a deposit on your contract. Once retained Southern Kitchens will re-design or modify your design and pricing.

Please keep in mind that your design process can be lengthy based on the amount of decisions that have to be made. Always feel welcome to call and discuss any design options that you may have. Making these decisions can be very difficult and we are here to help you in the process.

Obtaining A Contractor

The next step with your new kitchen is to obtain a contractor. We will recommend several qualified contractors that specialize in kitchen installations or you may choose to use your own. Either way please keep in mind that Southern Kitchens will be accessible at all times during your project. Southern Kitchens can help coordinate a meeting with one of our recommended contractors at your home. An estimate will then follow.



Ordering of Products

Once you have agreed on your design, pricing, and your kitchen installation requirements are resolved, ordering of your product is the next step. At time of ordering we require a 50 % investment which is payable to Southern Kitchens Inc. Coordinating your installation with your contractor is now necessary. Keep in mind that product can take anywhere from three to sixteen weeks for delivery.

Coordination and Installation Process

Coordinating your job with proficiency can be very trying as a result Southern Kitchens will gladly coordinate with contractors for a fee of 5% of total product cost. This coordination fee enables Southern Kitchens to establish a projected timeline of events for installation of product. Once we are informed of the date of cabinet arrival we will inform you and your contractor. Coordination for dates of delivery of cabinets, appliances, and fixtures will also be made with the contractor, and once those dates are confirmed we will then send you a formal letter informing you of those dates. After dates of the above are determined and scheduled, dates for field measurement of countertops as well as installation of countertops will be scheduled.

Southern Kitchens requires that remaining payment for all kitchen products are paid at time of cabinet delivery. When cabinets are in place, field measurement for countertops will commence. Installation of all countertops can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks depending on materials and availability. As you can see the more organized we are, the sooner this project will conclude. We strive to stay on schedule and hope you can understand that sometimes changes will be necessary.

Now that your cabinets are installed, countertops are in place and appliances are running and you are enjoying your new kitchen, please invite us over to photograph your new kitchen to display on our website, and possibly a magazine.

A Few Good Kitchens- Accent Colors

Some kitchens have more than one color in their design. Sometimes the island is a paint, where the rest of the cabinets are a stained wood. Other times, the cabinets by the sink or range can be in an accent color as well. Either way, bringing another color into the kitchen cabinetry can provide a beautiful focal point in your kitchen.

A Few Good Kitchens--Inset Cabinets

Today's featured kitchens are those with inset cabinetry.

A Few Good Kitchens-Painted Cabinets

Over the next few days I will be posting pictures of kitchens designed by us with a specific theme. Today I am featuring some of our painted cabinets.

Happy July 4th

Southern Kitchens wishes everyone a safe and happy July 4th!!

Inset Cabinet Installation

The following information is from Wellborn Cabinetry pertaining to their Estate Inset Cabinetry. I thought this was very informative and I would share it with you. Most of the information will pertain to all inset cabinetry, but warranty information does vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.


There are many differences in the design and the installation of inset cabinetry. Sue to the cabinet design with doors and drawers inset into the face frame, many design rules are different than in standard overlay cabinetry including pull dimensions, door opening tolerance for adjacent cabinets and interior accessories and many more. Installing inset cabinets has many differences from standard overlay.

The effects of moisture are more noticeable on inset cabinetry than on overlay door styles due to the tight tolerances of the door set inside the face frame. It is very important to store and install inset cabinetry in climate controlled environments. Heating and air should be in place to maintain an acceptable range in relative humidity. Relative humidity should be maintained in the 40% to 45% year round during storage, installation, and use to prevent door panels from shrinking and swelling. Inset cabinets leave the factory with a preset gap of 3/32 of an inch. If inset doors are tight in the frame, this is an indication that these doors have taken on moisture from the surrounding environment.

Prior to installation, cabinets should be placed on a level surface, door spacers removed and each door and drawer inspected for proper opening and closing. If there are any issues with operation of the cabinet parts, contact us prior to cabinet installation. The door and drawer front opening and closing operation will be voided from warranty if the cabinet has been installed prior to full inspection and notification.

Inset cabinets must be carefully installed with proper shimming to walls and floors so that cabinets are level and plumb when fastened, to avoid racking the cabinet out of square, which could cause binding and malfunction of the doors and drawers.

Cabinets must NOT be racked in any way during installation.

Cabinet doors with Barrel hinges should not be removed from cabinets during installation.

Check cabinet for squareness when fastening together and to the wall, visually monitoring door and drawer front "gap" to frame opening.

Final adjustment for proper door and drawer front alignment is the responsibility of the field installation crew.

Failure to comply with the above listed design and installation guidelines will void the cabinet warranty relative to the door and drawer front opening and closing operation.

Wellborn Cabinetry's Estate Collection

The Estate Custom Collection is a new brand of cabinetry by Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. Wellborn has been manufacturing quality kitchen and bath cabinetry for 48 years.

Paul Wellborn, President and CEO of Wellborn Cabinet Inc., states, "Our new Estate cabinet brand enters the custom market with unprecedented quality and service that Wellborn is known for. We are offering our dealers another level of style and sophistication to service your clientele."

"The foundation of the Estate Custom Collection is based on an all new, high-end cabinet featuring all wood construction with finishes interiors and premier hardware. The collection includes a wide range of traditional and full overlay door styles and features a new line of inset doors. The inset cabinetry offers both concealed and barrel hinges in multiple finishes with both beaded and non-beaded frame options. The Estate Custom Collection includes many stains and painted finishes that can be enhanced with a glaze and vintage effects. Estate delivers a unique range of high-end cabinetry for the distinguishing clientele", states Angela Wellborn O'Neill, Director of Marketing.

Estate Custom Cabinetry will be manufactured in Ashland, Alabama. Contact your Wellborn Sales Representative today about the new Estate Custom Collection.

Alexandria Kitchen

I am always inspired by a classic kitchen that can accomodate any decor, and this kitchen is no exception.

This is a kitchen we did a few years ago in the Alexandria area. The Mouser Custom Cabinetry in the white paint provides a crisp background to the beautiful red accents placed in this kitchen. The client selected the Coventry door style in a beaded inset frame. Double stacked wall cabinets show off the room's height, while the glass doors give an open feeling. The dark granite keeps this kitchen neutral to any decor. The island wood countertop compliments the wood floor. The stainless steel back splash highlights the Wolf Range, while the cabinetry hides the Sub Zero refrigerator.

Too Good Tuesday--Black Bean, Corn, and Tomato Salad

I can't believe summer is already here and the 4th of July will be here in just a week and a half! Summer time picnics always leave me searching for a great recipe to wow my friends. Since I haven't posted a Too Good Tuesday in a while, I figured I would post a summery recipe.

This is a recipe that is super easy. I cannot remember which cookbook I copied this from years ago, but it is still one of my favorites!!

Enjoy!


Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can black beans
1 big red onion
1 package cherry tomatoes
1 or 2 small ears of corn, steamed and cut off cob
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Mince the garlic, and chop the onion and cilantro. Drain the black beans and rinse thoroughly. Combine all ingredients and refrigerate.

Feature Friday--McLean kitchen

This was a kitchen designed by Bill R for one of our Builders, JK Development, in McLean. The Cabinets are Mouser Custom Cabinetry, Beaded Inset, Plaza Door Style with the matching five-piece Drawer Front. The Perimeter is finished in a Natural Cherry with a Glaze. The island is a Black Painted Maple with a Rub Thru Distressing. The custom Habersham Wood Hood is a beautiful focal point over the Wolf range.

Some other features include double stacked cabinetry, wire & glass doors, two Fully Integrated Sub Zero 700 series refrigerators, and a fantastic design!

Sizzling Summer Sale--Medallion Cabinetry Rebate

Last week I promised you another Medallion promotion announcement. Better Homes and Gardens magazine will feature a Medallion Cabinetry ad on the back cover of their July/August issue. This ad will give you a rebate of up to $500 when you purchase Medallion cabinets from June 16th until September 30th.

If you purchase 3 to 7 cabinets, you will receive a rebate of $100. Purchase 8 to 11 cabinets and receive a $300 rebate. For the $500 rebate, 12 or more cabinets must be purchased.

It can take a little while to design your perfect kitchen, so call us to day to schedule an appointment so we can get started. We don't want you to miss out on this fantastic savings opportunity!

Medallion Calistoga Door in Vintage Morel finish.

Our White Kitchen

The white display kitchen in our showroom is one that people always comment on. Most people, including my mother, ask if we can just put this kitchen in their home.

This kitchen features white painted, inset cabinets made by one of our custom cabinet manufacturers. The doors and simple yet classic to stand the test of time. The double stacked wall cabinets show off the room's high ceilings. Classic polished nickel cup pulls, latches, and knobs add the perfect final touch to this kitchen.

The centerpiece in this kitchen is the AGA Four Oven Cooker in the Dark Blue finish.

The cabinets are topped with Statuary Marble, where as a beautiful Walnut wood top rests on the island cabinets.

Things to consider

If you are about to start the process of having your kitchen remodeled, or already started, here are some things to consider about your new kitchen.

The easiest thing for you to do in order to prepare for your kitchen design meeting is to look at magazines or pictures of kitchens on the web. Save your favorite photos to bring with you on your first design appointment. That helps us to know what styles you prefer.

In your appointment, we will need to know some things about you and your current kitchen. You might want to give some thought to the following questions before your appointment.

What are the present problems with your current kitchen? Are your countertop areas too small? Is your refrigerator too far from the main work area? Is the lighting inadequate?

How many cooks use your kitchen? Are there children that help out in the kitchen? Are you left-handed or right-handed? Do you bake often, or make your own juice?

Do you want an eating area in your kitchen? Do you want an island you can pull barstools up to, or do you prefer a table?

These are only a few of the many things we will ask you in order to provide you with the best kitchen for you and your family.

Are you thinking about a kitchen remodel?

Have you been thinking about a kitchen remodel, but reluctant to start something given these economic times? Southern Kitchens may be able to help. Some of our cabinet manufacturers are offering discounts to us, which we would love to pass on to you.

Medallion Cabinetry is offfering a free sink base and sink for an order of 10 cabinets or more. They are also have a new promotion coming out this month, which we will announce soon.

Corsi Custom Cabinetry and Greenfield Cabinetry are also offering a discount on their cabinets.

We do not know how long these sales may last, so call to schedule an appointment today.

Our apologies

Due to technical difficulties on our website, SouthernKitchens.net we have been unable to receive e-mails from our "Contact Us" section of our website.

If you have recently submitted the form on our website and have not received a response from us, we sincerely apologize. The problem has since been repaired. If you have submitted a request recently, please resubmit one on our website, and we will promptly respond.

Feature Friday--Alexandria Kitchen

This week's featured kitchen is a kitchen and a bathroom for a client here in Alexandria. We took pictures of the kitchen before the remodel.

We reconfigured the floor plan, removed the drop ceiling and a bathroom, and moved doorways to recreate the workspace. The client chose the Coventry door style (our door style of the week)in the Cherry American finish, made by Mouser Custom Cabinetry in a beaded inset frame. Granite countertops, Giallo Ornamental, top the cabinetry beautifully.

We also designed the Master Bathroom for this residence. The cabinetry used in the bathroom was the Rose Hall Square in Maple Divinity from Wellborn Cabinetry.

This remodeling project was installed by Thorsen Construction in Alexandria.

Product Thursdays--New Fireclay sinks

Whitehaus Collection has a few new fireclay sinks coming out this spring. Here are some of the beautiful sinks. Some models are available in White, Biscuit, Black and Sapphire Blue to compliment any kitchen.

Fireclay sinks

We are often asked about why one would choose a fireclay sink over other options out there. We decided to post some of the information we have about the Whitehaus Collection Fireclay sinks.

About Fireclay

Fireclay sinks continue to be handmade in a process that takes several days to produce a single sink. The core is made by pouring liquefied fireclay into a mould. Once set, the sink is removed, hand finished and slowly dried to prevent cracking. It is then sprayed with a glaze made from ground glass and fired in a kiln at 1250 degrees Celcius to fuse the glaze onto the sink.

How is Fireclay different from Vitreuos China?

Fireclay is a version of vitreous china that has greater amounts of quartz and feldspar (minerals) in the clay material. It is denser thicker and approximately 30% heavier than regular clay. These characteristics allow for a durable, smooth, flat surface on large fixtures not attainable with standard vitreous china.

How do you clean a Fireclay sink?

Clean your fireclay sink with a mild soap and warm water or a gentle general purpose cleaner. Wipe the entire surface dry with a clean, soft cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or metallice wire sponges. To avoid potential stains or damage to the finish, avoid soaking dishes for abnormally long periods of time and refrain from leaving coffee grounds or teabags in the sink.

Whitehaus Collection recommends the use of a protective grib in the bottom of the sink to avoid scuffing from heavy-duty cookware. If scuffing does occur, it can be easily buffed out with Gel Gloss and a clean, soft dry cloth.

Too Good Tuesdays-April 28

With the warm weather we have been having and Cinco de Mayo coming up in a few short weeks, I thought this was a perfect recipe to share.

Chipotle Shrimp Taco

Door style of the Week--April 27

This weeks featured door is Mouser Custom Cabinetry's Coventry door style, shown in Hickory. It is also available in Knotty Alder, Cherry, Maple, Red Oak, Select Alder, Quarter Sawn Oak & Pine wood species.

This door can be used in a Full overlay or Inset frame. This door is constructed with 2-1/4" stiles and rails and a solid wood center panel. The center panel has 4 different options.

Feature Friday--McLean Kitchen

This was a kitchen designed for a Custom Home by JK Development, located in McLean, Virginia. The Cabinetry selected was from Mouser Custom Cabinetry. They chose a Beaded Inset Winchester Door with a custom drawer front. The Cabinets were finished with a white painted finish on the perimeter with a black glaze, while the island had a Black Painted finish.

The side by side 700 series Sub-Zero refrigerators are cleaverly hidden by matching cabinetry. The double stacked cabinetry highlights the kitchen's high ceilings. The island cabinetry surrounds a beautiful 44" AGA Legacy. The custom Copper Hood finish is echoed by the Copper Apron Front Sink.

Product Thursdays--Copperhaus Sinks

Whitehaus Collection has a beautiful collection of copper sinks for the kitchen and bathroom. They are available in the following colors:

This is just a few of the Copperhaus sinks available from Whitehaus Collection.Decorative Front Farm Sink in Smooth Copper
Single Bowl Undermount Sink in Hammered Copper
Undermount Prep Sink in Hammered Copper and Hammered Bronze

Copper sinks can be something most homeowner's shy away from, thinking that the upkeep of a copper sink is more than they would want to take care of. Maintaining a beautiful copper sink is easier than one expects. the Copperhaus sinks from Whitehaus are specially made with a patina finish to give them a weathered look. With this finish, there is no need to scrub or polish them for cleaning. If you rinse your sink water after every use, and clean with a mind soap and a soft cloth periodically, you will easily maintain a beautiful sink.

Classic Farm Sink in Smooth Copper