Kitchen Noir - A Dining Table Drama

A little drama in the kitchen is a good thing - in the design anyway. Drama in the kitchen discussion is another thing entirely. A kitchen noir comes with high contrast colors, oversized lighting fixtures and bringing in formal elements normally reserved for the living room (think oil paintings, candelabras, upholstered armchairs - anything luxe).

The color that brings the most drama to the kitchen or any other space: black. Black is all the hues combined. What do you get when you put the entire extended family into a room? That’s right, drama. It’s so rich and deep, you get visually pulled into its warmth.

If black were to employ an online dating service. His ideal match would be white. This high contrast couple is classic and timeless. Every ying needs it’s yang, and for black, it’s white. If your kitchen demands a more modern spin on this classic, try adding a silver metallic to the palette.

Here’s some black, drama-inducing kitchen and dining room tables from Kitchen Tables and More to get you all moody.

Loft natural and black set by Canadel Furniture {source}

Black upholstered chair set by Canadel Furniture {source}

Copper table with Lorraine bar height chairs, Palettes by Winesburg {source}

For more nior kitchens and table sets that will knock your socks off, see our new Kitchen Noir pinboard.

Shabby and Chic Tables

Shabby and Chic Tables

Popular for their comfortable-but-put-together look, shabby chic kitchen and dining rooms are here to stay.

The shabby chic style is a paradox in itself. How can it be shabby and chic? The key is to use rustic furniture and finishings but keeping the color palette limited - otherwise it’s just, well, shabby.

Messina Estates II rectangular table 7 piece set with arm chairs by Liberty Furniture {source}

The signature color for shabby chic is white. You can’t go wrong with a white base, say a table, and then add pops of mints, sherbets or any Easter egg hue. Or, mix it up and make the table pop.

Caribbean Coast Table Set by Canadel Furniture {source}

Though paired with contemporary chairs, this blue table would feel at home in a shabby chic kitchen. 

Ohana antique white and cherry 5-piece round set by Homelegance {source}

This subtly distressed table set accents the shabby in a shabby chic design, but is still traditional enough that it could fit into any traditional design style if you tire of the shabby and seek more chic.

For more inspiration, check out our shabby chic pinboard.

Custom Tables - When Your Kitchen’s Not Out-of-the-Box

10 Reasons to Consider a Custom Kitchen or Dining Table Set

10. The paint and stain options when ordering a custom table allow you to get just the right color to achieve the look you want.

Canadel’s furniture customizing tool {Udesign by Canadel}

9. You’re drooling over a kitchen table set you found in a magazine, but can’t find it at any major retailer.

Copper Table from Palettes by Winesburg {source}

8. Custom means handmade and higher quality. Your table and chairs will last for generations.

{source}

7. You found the perfect table, but the chairs aren’t your style or vice versa. Box sets can work against you.

6. Your space dictates a narrow/extra long/extra wide/extra tall table, you need all bench seating or an odd number of chairs. Whatever the situation calls for, the option isn’t available out of a box.

5. Custom ordering allows you to complete your themed kitchen or dining room. Express your love for The Ohio State Buckeyes or your initials by laser etching them into your chairs.

4. You feel matching chairs and tables are - well - too matchy matchy.

Black and Canvas Rectangular Set by Canadel Furniture {source}

3. You have a budget - any budget. Custom options may allow you to get the perfect table, but choose a different chair option so you hit your budget number. Custom options are often thought to be more expensive, but that’s not always the case.

2. You’re not in a hurry. Delivery lead times vary, but a custom order is typically 6-8 weeks.

1. You value craftsmanship and sustainable initiatives. Custom ordering from retailers such as Canadel and Palettes of Winesburg supports craftsmanship, jobs and sustainable practices from businesses in the United States and Canada.

Raw edge table from Palettes by Winesburg {source}

Find thousands of custom furniture options here.

Modern kitchen tables pop (with color)

Modern style is known for clean lines, minimal decoration and a neutral color palette. This allows for fun pops of color without overwhelming the space. Many kitchen designers choose to add this color through an accent wall or a section of cabinetry. Consider an easy, less permanent way to have fun with color: your kitchen table or chairs.

Sun Flower Counter Height kitchen table set by Canadel Furniture {source}

High Style Turquoise and Black kitchen set by Canadel Furniture {source}

High Style Peppercorn and Red kitchen set by Canadel Furniture {source}

Get more ideas on our Modern Kitchen Pinterest board.

Bring farmhouse furniture into your house

When someone talks about a country kitchen tables and accessories, one thinks of weathervane roosters and kitschy cow cookie jars, but a farmhouse kitchen brings images of rustic wood, white baseboards - light and airy comfort.

The centerpiece of any farmhouse kitchen is the table. Sturdy and time weathered wood are hallmarks of a classic farmhouse kitchen table. Thanks to recent trends using reclaimed wood, these tables are not hard to find.

Reclaimed Table, Palettes by Winesburg {source}

Farmhouse style is known for a white palette, but too much white can end up looking sterile. Opt for warm white hues - think vanilla, praline, linen, and cream.

Willow and praline table, Canadel Furniture {source}

Amaretto and biscotti table, Canadel Furniture {source}

If you like the farmhouse look, but lean towards a more contemporary style, select a pedestal table with angular lines paired with more traditional chairs.

Champlain yellow and oak table, Canadel Furniture {source}

For a small kitchen, consider a double-duty kitchen table and island combo. Or, a drop leaf table set.

Farmhouse center island table, Liberty Furniture {source}

Low Country drop leaf table, Liberty {source}

However you choose to bring the farmhouse into your house, this easy, relaxed style will help to bring peace to an often hurried and hectic space.

For more farmhouse inspiration, check out our farmhouse kitchen pinboard.

Canadel Furniture and the 2011 Price Increase

Canadel Dining Furniture

If you have been in the market for a new kitchen or dining room set by Canadel Dining Furniture, you may want to move forward with your decision.  For US customers, there will be an “increase of roughly 10%” on May 9, 2011. Yeah 10%!  That means if you’re looking at spending $3,000 it will cost you $3,300 once the price increase kicks in.  There are a select few items that won’t have the full bump like 36″ wide tables (5%) and the Champlain Collection(3%) but the rest will cost you the full tithe. Canadel Furniture cites the declining US Dollar as the culprit.  Get your orders in before the deadline… or offer to pay with Canadian Dollars.

Champlain by Canadel

Canadel Dining Set

For most people looking for high-end dining furniture that is customizable the common answer is Bermex, Canadel or Amish. However, for someone who wants something different, rustic and flat-out gorgeous, then the answer may very well be Canadel’s Champlain Collection.

Every piece of this collection goes through an 11-step antiquing process, so you know that your furniture is 100% unique. It is based on early colonial workmanship, but don’t let that paint a picture of “country furniture” this style is very transitional and flow with most any kitchen or dining room.

The quality is amazing, which is to be expected with any product made by Canadel. The finish is a baked-on, catalyzed lacquer to ensure longevity. You also get to chose your stain including 2-toned if you like. There are several chairs, fabrics and tables that come in different shapes and sizes.

Let me tell you, if you haven’t seen Champlain by Canadel, you are missing out. It is absolutely beautiful!

Canadel Furniture vs Bermex... FIGHT!

Canadel vs Bermex

Canadel Furniture and Bermex Dining are two competing dining furniture lines.  They are both made in Canada and they both have nice products.  If you are in the market and can’t decide which of these manufactures fit your needs best, maybe I can help.
Quality of Finish: Both companies have a Catalyzed finish. Bermex features a catalyzed varnish where Canadel has a catalyzed lacquer.  Most experts will tell you that a varnish is better, but it is usually thinner than the lacquer. Bermex +1

Quality of Table Construction: Both companies use a high-quality birch.  However, Canadel uses anti-warp boards on the underside of the table top. Canadel +1
Quality of Chair Construction: This one is a wash in my opinion.  You can expect the chair to last a lifetime (if not abused) from either manufacture.  EVEN
Fabric Options: Canadel-over 300   Bermex-186 Canadel +.5

Wood Finish Options: Candel-120   Bermex-114 EVEN
Shipping Time: This varies quite a bit.  Depending on the time of year you may wait 3 weeks or over 2 months.  Canada has a mandatory shut down for the factories every summer, and the timing depends on where your custom set is in the production cycle. EVEN
Style Options: Both factories have several options on table shape, table size, chairs, buffets and hutches.  I side with Canadel on this one because of their Udesign software that lets you create your combination and it displays it to you on their website. Canadel +1
Price: Both companies are pricey, but well worth the value.  This furniture, if cared for, will last for generations.  Canadel in general is a little less expensive, but they also have a Champlain collection that is higher than Bermex.  Canadel +.5
So, according to my formula here Canadel wins by 2. So, why do I have a Bermex table, chairs and buffet in my dining room at home? Because they had the look that I wanted.  You can look for opinions of everyone you know and it won’t matter.  Go with the set and manufacture that you like best and you’ll be happy with it, after all you’re the one that get to eat there.

Canadel Furniture

One of the finest lines in kitchen and dining furniture is Canadel Furniture
.  While it costs more than the average set, the quality is hard to beat.  Why are they one of the best?

1. Catalyzed Lacquer Finish-  The finish is literally baked on the furniture.  This helps prevent chips and dents, but mainly will help you avoid water rings or water marks left by a wet glass and staining.
2. Solid Birch or Oak- The wood used by Canadel is top quality Birch which gives a beautiful and rich look or if you prefer the deep grain the Oak option is very nice.(Correction: Canadel now solely offers Birch as a wood species option.) Plus birch is considered a “hard wood” which adds to the longevity.
3. Custom Choices- Canadel has over 70 finishes and over 55 fabrics to chose from.  Chose your table size and shape, then you can actually chose the leg or pedestal style for the table and the leg style for most chairs.  Then you can chose the edge(profile) of your table. Distressed or matte finish.  All that then you can even get Coran or Zodiaq.
4. Solid Construction-  Table: Solid wood including sliding tracks, blocked corners, undersides of tables are completely sealed with ultraviolet seal coat and reinforced with anti-warp boards to prevent warping due to humidity.  Chairs: Blocked to prevent twisting and cracking, chair joints are glued and nailed(or screwed), legs are individually adjusted to eliminate rocking, backs of chairs are steam-bent to prevent cracks and are nailed and glued for strength and durability.

Yeah, they’re top-notch.  So, where do you purchase such a fine piece of furniture? (Made entirely in North America)  Several high-end retailers sell Canadel, but Kitchen Tables and More Furniture in Columbus, Ohio guarantees the lowest price in Central Ohio… just sayin'.

Canadel Furniture: What you need to know when custom ordering

If you’re looking to custom order high-end kitchen or dining room furniture such as Canadel Furniture there are some very important things you should know. Check out this video to get the skinny.

Canadel, Canadel, Canadel

Canadel Furniture Kitchen Dining Set

One of the finest lines in kitchen and dining furniture is Canadel Dining Furniture
.  While it costs more than the average set, the quality is hard to beat.  Why are they one of the best?

1. Catalyzed Lacquer Finish-  The finish is literally baked on the furniture.  This helps prevent chips and dents, but mainly will help you avoid water rings or water marks left by a wet glass and staining.
2. Solid Birch or Oak- The wood used by Canadel is top quality Birch which gives a beautiful and rich look or if you prefer the deep grain the Oak option is very nice. Plus birch is considered a "hard wood" which adds to the longevity.
3. Custom Choices- Canadel has over 70 finishes and over 55 fabrics to chose from.  Chose your table size and shape, then you can actually chose the leg or pedestal style for the table and the leg style for most chairs.  Then you can chose the edge(profile) of your table. Distressed or matte finish.  All that then you can even get Coran or Zodiaq.
4. Solid Construction-  Table: Solid wood including sliding tracks, blocked corners, undersides of tables are completely sealed with ultraviolet seal coat and reinforced with anti-warp boards to prevent warping due to humidity.  Chairs: Blocked to prevent twisting and cracking, chair joints are glued and nailed(or screwed), legs are individually adjusted to eliminate rocking, backs of chairs are steam-bent to prevent cracks and are nailed and glued for strength and durability. 

Yeah, they're top-notch.  So, where do you purchase such a fine piece of furniture? (Made entirely in North America)  Several high-end retailers sell Canadel, but Kitchen Tables and More in Columbus, Ohio guarantees the lowest price in Central Ohio... just sayin :)