Product Profile- Craft Art Wood Surfaces

There has been a lot of anticipation in the showroom this week as we had a mysterious new countertop arrive carefully packaged and wrapped. And now… the reveal of a brand new product available to our customers: Craft Art Wood Surfaces for your home! These wood tops are absolutely stunning in person and nearly impossible not to walk up and touch. When we say you need to come in to see and feel this product we mean it. Just a reminder that you never have to have an appointment to wander out showroom. We love it when downtown shoppers come in just to browse the displays.

We couldn’t wait to pair our new “Charcoal Blue” Koch painted island with this perfect farmhouse-inspired product for the display. Available in variety of woods, finishes, and edge profiles (1/2″ bevel shown below). These striking wood countertops warm any space up!

Our display is a warm, rich walnut wood in it’s natural finish. But how does it get that luster? A crosslinked Tung Oil finish is applied. This is how your tops get the look of furniture but the performance you need for countertops. The Tung Oil penetrates the wood so that moisture can’t. The finish in the wood prevents moisture from getting underneath the surface. This makes your wood tops more durable, more resistant to household chemicals, and easier to clean.

Something you will notice right away if you have been shopping for wood tops is that the boards in your top are not broken up or scrapped together. Craft Art uses full length boards for their wood islands and butcherblock tops. Never remnants. These tops are also food safe because of the finish process. That makes them safe to use as a food prep area. Need an expert endorsement? Rachel Ray has had Craft Art wood tops in her set kitchens and she uses them to cut, prep, and serve her dishes. She certainly isn’t gong to have time on her show to be worried about spills, stains, or messes. And you know it still looks camera ready after an oiling. Any surface imperfections or scratches from use can be easily sanded out.

How much maintenance does “Low Maintenance” mean? All that is required for upkeep of these heirloom-quality tops is to re-oil them monthly. No more work that wiping them clean after use really. Dozens of woods to choose from including Black Walnut, Sapele Mahogany, Zebrawood, Reclaimed Chestnut, Wenge, and many more.

There are many woods, finishes and even edges to choose from for your project and imagine how much texture and variety this project can bring to a complete kitchen design. Take a look at this gorgeous dining tabletop we installed in a Bettendorf, Iowa home:

This product is a wonderful addition to two-tone designs and kitchen islands lending themselves to a more furniture look. A smooth, rounded bullnose edge, or choose from a variety of ogee edges (shown above) and even an on-trend faux live edge option (shown below on Driftwood Walnut).

Not limited to just kitchens, consider this product for your home office, bar, or other spaces. At Village Home Stores we work hard to curate a list of products and services that match the quality our customers have come to expect from us. We have had many requests for a wood top product like this and are thrilled it is now available for our projects. This product also has many sustainable/green options available. Many are even LEED certified materials.

While we mentioned before you don’t need an appointment to browse, if you are wanting a quote or any questions answered, we do recommend that you call ahead to be sure we have a design available for you. You can find our store downtown Geneseo, IL at 105 S State Street Monday-Fridays from 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 9am-noon. Call us at 309-944-1344 , email us at info@villagehomestores.com or complete this online contact form with any questions for our Kitchen Design team.

October 2, 2017April 23, 2018

“Depth” of Knowledge- Counter VS. Standard Depth Refrigeration

As we work on a kitchen design with a customer, there are many questions to be answered. Questions from you about options and what comes next, plus many questions from our design team involving preference and need as we work through our process. During the design and selection stage of a project however, there will be some questions that do leave this team at a brief crossroads until a decision is made. One key detail questions you may hear early on from us is “will you be including a standard or counter-depth refrigerator in the new kitchen?”

Don’t worry if this detail isn’t something that was even on your radar until just now (standard model shown above). There is no one single industry standard for refrigerator depth. The only definite factor is refrigerators are getting deeper and taller as the demand for maximum storage increases. For decades and decades, counter-depth refrigerators were only available in extremely high-end and built-in situations.

This is no longer the case. The cleaner, more customized look of a counter-depth refrigerator makes it the most desired look for kitchen designs. This demand has made manufacturers respond with counter-depth models coming in at a variety of price points. If the phrase “counter-depth” has you seeing dollar signs, don’t worry! There may be a counter-depth model that does fit within your appliance budget! But does your design demand it?

So What Are The Differences In Refrigerator Depths?

Refrigerator depth doesn’t seem like that large of a detail when you first consider it. In kitchen design every fraction of an inch needs to be considered. That is the case for cabinetry solutions as well as the appliance package included. The kitchen below showcases a standard depth refrigerator installed.

This design above warrants no need for a counter-depth and the look is still magazine-cover worthy. Of course a counter-depth model would have looked great! Just less of the sides, or “cabinet” of the unit would show. Let’s discuss now some of those key differences between standard and counter-depth models:

Standard could mean the unit “sticks out” an extra 4″ or more into the kitchen. That could be noticeable in some designs and even restrict a walkway in others.
Cubic foot capacity will always be a main feature difference. A model that boasts the largest cubic footage of storage space will most certainly never fall into a counter-depth category.
Counter-depth models have limited water and ice options. Limited interior space means that some water and ice features are best suited for standard-depth models. We will discuss the topic later in this post.
Price used to be one of the main differences in upgrading to a counter-depth feature. Price isn’t necessarily as big of a difference as it used to be. Now many counter-depth models fit within the same price category as high-featured standard depth models.

If I Choose a Counter-Depth Model What Can I Expect?

Of course newer standard-depth models will always offer the latest and greatest in storage solutions and features. Now as more counter-depth models are introduced, many of those same features are being included in models as they are launched. This means that all of the best features and benefits are not limited only to standard-depth models.

In fact many times innovation is pushed forward to meet the challenge of a counter-depth model. The issue of an in-door ice unit being so large it takes up nearly 1/3 of the fresh food storage space has lead to the need to streamline the design. Now the smaller, compact units are included in standard and counter-depth models alike! Some counter-depth models may replace an in-door option with an icemaker in the lower freezer and interior water dispenser above (shown below).

Side by side refrigeration is no longer the most desired layout for storage so most of the newer models launching are French door units with a bottom freezer. While it isn’t the best storage layout for most lifestyles, side-by-side counter-depth refrigerators remain to be the lowest prices. Bottom-freezer models are constructed with a completely different design and parts. This keeps them beginning slightly higher in price from a side-by-side construction.

Busy kitchens require maximum fresh food and freezer storage no matter what depth you choose. Our expert appliance sales team can show you all of the amazing interior features your refrigerator will have. We can help you select the perfect model for your lifestyle. If the look of your refrigeration unit is important to your design, you may want a more built-in look.

How Can I Get A “Built-In” Look?

You have many options for how you can choose to surround your refrigerator in a cabinet design. No matter the depth of your model, you need at least 1/2″ on each side and above the unit for proper ventilation. An exception to this is the category of truly “built-in” refrigeration (shown below).

A trim kit is installed surrounding the unit for a custom fit. It is important to note that while counter-depth models offer a more built-in look, they still may show some of depth projecting from your cabinets. The only way to avoid that is to select from our built-in models. If your layout allows it, you may be able to include a recessed area on your wall for your refrigerator to set back into. This allows you the look of a counter-depth model but the choice of using any standard model.
The surrounding cabinetry can either be pulled forward to give the illusion of a built in look or ordered deeper from the factory. These recessed spaces are a wonderful solution and when planned correctly with your design team it’s a great look! Be sure to check out our Houzz ideabook including more examples of all of these concepts. Find that ideaboook here on our Houzz page.

Many of the questions we may ask you in our first few meetings have already been decided during your own research and inspiration process. In this case, we are just collecting information from you and getting everyone on the same page that will be involved on your project. It is our job to keep all of these details in order as we work through our process for your project at Village Home Stores. Discussing options and working through to find the best solution for your project and budget is a very key part of the big picture. This is the case with just a single new appliance purchase, or an entire remodel or new home build. Let our experts help. Contact us today by completing this online form or calling (309) 944-1344.

September 20, 2017April 23, 2018

Road Trip! Our 2017 Visit to The Whirlpool® Plant in Amana, IA

Village Home Stores works hard to curate a list of as many quality, American-made products as possible for our customers. By offering the Whirlpool® family of products, we are able to cover all of the Appliance needs of our customers to fit a variety of budgets and lifestyles. Combining this family of products from Amana, Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid brands we are providing our customers access to a Local Low Price Guarantee on products from #1 selling major Appliance Manufacturer in the world. American pride is important to the Whirlpool family of products and that is why they have invested in American manufacturing whenever possible. There are now 9 U.S. manufacturing plants as of 2017 and we are so lucky to be located near one of those manufacturing facilities. Because of this, we get the chance to visit a plant about once a year. The Whirlpool® plant located in Amana, Iowa manufactures all bottom-mount refrigerators and built-in refrigeration for all brands and it is an impressive place!

They are running 5 lines of production 24 hours a day, five days a week (plus currently every other weekend to keep up with demand). To put it in perspective, they are making a refrigerator every 18 seconds! We were able to tour the plant to see the smiling faces making the products we sell. Then we were given intense product training on some of the new models and features being launches by all brands. We were shown brand new items like the closet-depth compact washer and dryer shown below:

These compact units were impressive for their size. The other new models and features launching in Maytag® and Whirlpool® laundry are more geared to our Village Home Stores customers. Still not convinced your washer has enough water? Now you can add as much as you are comfortable with with the new built-in faucet feature on select models.

Built in faucet in washer available now. Image provided by Whirlpool®

Pre-wash stains right away as you find them. Fill the tub to soak tough stains ahead of a cycle. Just a press of the button gives you running water. Smart technology was also a big topic of conversation during our training. Does your household talk to Alexa, a Google device, or Siri? Then Whirlpool can help simplify many tasks with select Wifi enabled models and the Whirlpool app. Click below to watch (and hear) how voice-activated features are the latest and greatest.

Of course these models are jam-packed with amazing features outside of the Wifi capabilities. You can use them just as you would any other range or laundry pair. But for those households making adjustments and smart home investments, features like scan-to-cook might be right up your alley:

We also saw some great new finishes we can begin to offer for your home appliances! With the success of ® Black Stainless Steel finish, Whirlpool® has launched their own line of models in a Black Stainless Steel. This finish is beautiful and STAYS beautiful! Not only is it a stylish look, its completely fingerprint resistant as well! Wipes clean with just a wet microfiber cloth.

New Black Stainless finish available now. Image provided by Whirlpool®

Village Home Stores already has models on display in our showroom in this new finish option. The new finish and handle design have been receiving a very warm welcome from customers and our designers! Come in and test out the fingerprint resist in person! We are certainly going to be throwing a party once the other newest finish is launched and on our floor! Introducing the warm, new, on-trend Sunset Bronze finish available soon on some select Whirlpool® models! Imagine if you can… a room full of Appliance sales and service people from all over the Midwest Region getting unbelievably excited about a dishwasher door leaning against a wall. Yeah, we know…. sounds pretty nerdy but you would have thought the Whirlpool team had just introduced Lady Gaga as a special training guest. We all admittedly went nuts for this new finish once seeing it in person. Here it is installed in a completed kitchen:

New Sunset Bronze finish available soon. Image provided by Whirlpool®

The best way to describe it is a “warmer, softer Stainless” look. It takes the coldness and commercial feel of Stainless and softens it to a warmer look. This finish is exactly on-trend for what we have already began seeing in other kitchen design finishes throughout the industry. Lighting, hardware, accessories, flooring and tile, all are going the way of a warmer gray and golden accents. We are always excited to hear about the latest and greatest available for our customers. It is also always very reassuring to tour the factory and see that the quality, legacy, and innovation that we have seen from this family of product is still going stronger than ever. Our expert team of Appliance sales and service staff is just a phone call or a visit away. Stop in and see why we are your award-winning regional Appliance experts. Showroom located at 105 S State Geneseo, IL 61254 phone number: (309) 944-1344 shop online anytime here on our site.

May 17, 2017April 23, 2018

Product Profile- Self-Stick Wallplanks

We are thrilled to introduce this new product to our customers! While we have built the reputation for being your main source for complete remodels, we also provide quality products and expert design to empower our customers to do the work themselves. At Village Home Stores we value a customer who wants to invest their own time into a project that they will enjoy for years to come. It is not breaking news that shiplap, barnwood, and reclaimed woods of all styles and finishes have become very popular in kitchen and bath design. That is why we are very excited to launch this new self-stick wall plank product that is easy to install for an incredible impact! It truly is a DIY project that is NOT intimidating to take on.

What do we mean by a DIY project that is not intimidating to take on? The day our new display arrived for the showroom our owner Jim decided to just install it right away in between appointments. He had it finished well before lunch! Take a look at this video of some of that installation (we admit that did speed it up just a bit for your own sake).

This product is meant to be installed by the homeowner. So much so that you can install it using just a measuring tape, pencil, and utility knife. Much like many of our other products at Village Home Stores, these wall planks are made in the U.S.A. The 1/4″ thick panels are sustainably sourced and processed with real North American hardwood.

The boards are stained using a patent pending process of infusing stain pigments into the veneering process. The result is the illusion of exotic hardwoods and rustic and reclaimed characteristics on a smooth, easy to clean surface. A UV cured low-gloss finish is applied on the top of the planks and is wiped clean with water and a damp cloth. Let us walk you through the process step by step:

Plan & Measure Space:

Before installing it is recommended that you allow the wood planks to acclimate to the climate on the interior of your home. This helps to prevent any gapping or cracking in the planks if the humidity changes once installed. Carefully plan your space before you make your first cut. When this product says “industrial-strength adhesive” that translates to “once I’m stuck on the wall I won’t come off without a fight” adhesive.

Measure & Mark Your Cut Lines:

Be sure to measure your planks and mark on both sides of the material before scoring. Double check your wall dimension and your marked material one last time before scoring the plank.

Score the Planks:

Using a straight edge firmly placed along the marked lines, score the planks with a utility knife. You will want to do this on both side of the plank to achieve the cleanest break in the product.

Oh Snap!

Once both sides have been scored successfully, snap at the line firmly securing each side of the plank. Keep your hands close to the line to get the cleanest break.

Clean Up Edges:

Using your knife or a sanding block, clean up the splintered edges from your snapped planks.

RECOMMENDED CUT METHOD:

It only took a few rows of the utility knife method for Jim to switch to using a saw for the rest of the cuts. This made for quicker and cleaner cuts of the material. If you have access to a saw for use you will be thankful for this option. For areas like outlets and airvents, you can make these cuts using a drill first as a starter hole. Then use a jigsaw or scroll saw to complete the cuts. Always use eye protection when cutting materials with a saw.

Peel, Place, THEN Stick:

Remove the adhesive tape backing from the plank and place your first plank. Using your marked guidelines on the wall place your first plank. As your move along with the installation you will want to but the seams of materials together at a slight angle first before allowing adhesive to touch the surface.

Press Firmly:

Once in place, press firmly to allow the adhesive to make as much contact with the surface as possible. If you have one, A “J-Roller” helps with this task. Trim pieces are available if the look of the cut edges isn’t desired. Ask a salesperson about these trim options.

For Ceiling Application:

Yes you can absolutely use this wall plank system on your ceiling! It is recommended that once installed, you add small 18 gauge finish nails to help secure to the ceiling and take some strain off the adhesive being pulled by gravity.

Where can you use these wall planks? They can be installed on any structurally sound, clean, dry, and flat surface. Accent walls, decorative headboards, adding style to the back of an open shelf, the possibilities are endless and we can;t wait to see where our customers use it! It should be noted that this product is NOT recommended to install planks in any high moisture areas such as bathrooms or steam rooms. If you want this wood plank look in these areas ask us about the wood look tile options available from Village Home Stores.

This self-stick wall plank system is available in 9 different finishes all of which you can see on display in our Geneseo, IL showroom. Because this product can be installed by you without any added labor charges it is sold by the square foot and our sales team can help you estimate how much you will need for your project. We are offering this product at an introductory sale price!

Please contact us, stop in, or call us with any questions about this great new product! (309) 944-1344.

October 13, 2016February 23, 2017

Road Trip! Our 2016 Visit to Whirlpool in Amana, IA

Village Home Stores is proud to offer Whirlpool appliances to the Quad Cities region. We are able to say with great confidence that we carry products that are backed by U.S. manufacturing and jobs. Did you know that:

Whirlpool Corp. is the only full line appliance manufacturer based in the United States. They operate 9 US manufacturing plants in 5 different states.

Our staff is so lucky to be located just a short drive away from one of those plants in Amana, Iowa. We have been able to participate in a product training and plant tour now for the past few years. Please excuse our attire for the factory tour, this is not a fashion blog folks.

The plant we visited last week is home to all of the bottom-mount refrigeration operations as well as built-in refrigeration. This 2.1 Million square foot facility is huge! We clocked 1 3/4 miles on our factory tour alone. The water treatment facility for the plant also supplies the entire Amana Colonies with water. Whirlpool provides back-up power when needed for the region as well. This Amana, IA plant produces roughly 6,400 refrigerators a day! Pardon our pun but that’s pretty cool!

First of all, say hello to Seth (shown above on left). He is our newest member of the Appliances staff and was able to join us this year for this Whirlpool training and tour event. In addition to our tour, we received product training on many new models and features being introduced in laundry and kitchen appliances. Shown below is one of those new features called an “under-shelf prep zone” which utilizes an un-used space for for marinating or other storage needs in this new refrigerator model. This same new refrigerator model includes TWO ice makers, each with the ability to produce 4.6 lb.s of ice. Just get a text that you are entertaining guests after the work day? No problem! You can program to have plenty of ice by the time you get home right from your mobile phone. We saw so many amazing new products! Many of these models are already at our store or on their way.

View this current US Manufacturing Map from Whirlpool showing the locations and products represented in the 9 manufacturing plants in the US. Whirlpool Corporation currently employs 22,000 manufacturing workers. Whirlpool truly believes that “there is no right way to do a wrong thing” and has committed to this opportunity to stay in the US. For example, instead of moving freezer manufacturing to Mexico or China, Whirlpool has recently purchased an vacant factory in Ottawa, Ohio keeping thousands of jobs in Ohio and allowing another category of product manufacturing to remain in the US.

No complaints that we were greeted the morning of training with cupcakes alongside our breakfast (see our Instagram post on the right when we caught Rob with a cupcake at 8am). We were thrilled to hear that KitchenAid is hosting their #10000cupcakes campaign again this year to benefit Susan G. Komen. You can help make a difference for this cause! Share a photo or video with @KitchenAidUSA on Instagram or Twitter and include #10000cupcakes and #donate. For every original photo or video posted KitchenAid will donate $1 to support the fight against breast cancer, up to $10,000. Join us in store Thursday October 27th from 4:30-7pm as part of our annual “Witches Night Out” celebration and decorate your own cupcake to snap a photo of. Be sure to follow us on Instagram here to see our own cupcake posts.

Do you have a recent model of a Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, or KitchenAid bottom-freezer refrigerator in your kitchen? That unit was made just a short drive past Coralville in Amana, Iowa and we had the privilege to see the smiling faces that assembled it for you.Read about our trip to Amana last year here at this link. If you are interested in purchasing appliance brands that help support jobs in our own country, our expert sales staff is ready to help find the right product and features for your lifestyle and budget. Shop our products online anytime here on our website. Then give us a call or stop in the store to experience the award-winning customer experience at Village Home Stores.

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