Benna sent an email: "I am looking for a place to purchase cabinets. Reasonably priced, but simple and modern, and preferably in Chicago. So far I've tried Home Depot, Lowes, Remodeler's Supply Center, Expo Center, Ikea, etc. They either seem of cheap quality, are too expensive, or are not very modern looking. Can you please help??"
We went to the giant Kitchen and Bath Show (KBIS) last year at McCormick place and our favorite find was a cabinet maker just about to open their showroom. They make amazing looking aluminum cabinets (shown above) which are designed and manufactured right here in Chicago.
The aluminum cabinets are from the Celona line and the showroom is called Modern Habitat. They are located in River West at 1820 W. Hubbard and have walk-in as well as by-appointment hours.
We are not sure of the price points, as they were just previewing the cabinets at KBIS, but the showroom is up and operating now and we think they are definitely worth a look for anyone in Chicago looking for a modern cabinet.
Any other suggestions for Benna? Let us know in the comments...
(image via: Modern Habitat)
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My husband and I got creative last year when we were in the same predicament. We bought cabinets without doors from IKEA, and hired a young carpenter to cut doors and side panels out of bamboo to cover the white laminate IKEA skeletons. The result is incredible - we love it! Although a lot of extra legwork was involved, I think we really achieved a custom look for a pretty reasonable price. Good luck!
amy - that sounds really cool. can you share pictures?
We looked into this awhile back when we thought about rehabbing our house in Bucktown. Try Unico:
http://www.unicochicago.com/
Very similar to the styles Poliform carries and the prices were much less.
There is another one I'm racking my brain on, which is even cheaper than Unico. I only remember that they are located on the 7000 block of Western Ave and the cabinets are made in Czechslovakia. I believe the Unico ones are actually made here in Chicago so there is less lead time.
A very simple way to get exaclty the look you want is to buy the cheapest IKEA cabinets (they matte white doors), then buy laminate (Formica, Wilsonart, Nevamar) in exactly the color you want (try www.specialtysupplies.com or Home Depot sells it). It takes very little skill to apply laminate to the doors. A high-end laminate trimmer is $100 (DeWalt and Bosch recommended). I've done this many times and the results look just like POliform. Incidentally, and this has been covered on AT before, but IKEA cabs are good quality. THeir hardware is top of the line Blum with Blumotion (can't get better) and their boxes, while they could be made of a higher grade board, are sturdy and well made. THe hanging system is reliable and in line with frameless industry standards. I was a cabinetmaker and I recommend IKEA cabs often. FOr the money you can't beat them.
Take a look at Medallion's "Glenwood" slab. We just put these in our kitchen with long silver pulls.
http://www.medallioncabinetry.com/CabinetDetail.aspx?productID=116
Aspen Kitchen & Bath on Division is a good dealer and very reasonable. Ask for Bob.
http://www.aspenkitchens.com/
leah,
I am not at home, but I'll try to post pics later.
-Amy
That picture looks exactly like the cabinets that used to be in the showroom when the EXPO was at North/Clybourn. The nearest location is out in Downers Grove and their showroom doesn't have many modern styled cabinets.
www.cambiumhome.com
Located in the Furniture District, see Brian
I think he has some displays he is trying to move in order to show some new styles. NICE stuff.
Have you looked at Kraftmaid cabinets? They have a modern Euro-style line.
Go to www.kraftmaid.com and click on VENICIA.
Dear Cosmo, I am interested in Glenwood kitchen, but I cannot find any showroom to see it in real life. Can you post the pictures of your kitchen.
Thanks
Asim
You should really check out the kitchen cabinet line at Modern Habitat Chicago. They have a great selection and the style is very modern.
Check them out at: http://www.modernhabitatchicago.com