Transform Your Kitchen with Custom Cabinets: Expert Tips & Design Trends

Thinking about upgrading your kitchen? In this episode of the Morantz Custom Cabinetry Podcast, we sit down with Harold Morantz to explore how custom cabinetry can transform your space. From innovative storage solutions to the latest design trends, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a stylish, functional kitchen. Whether you’re starting from scratch or planning a refresh, Harold’s expert insights will guide you through the process. Tune in and get inspired for your next remodel!

• The Importance of Custom Cabinetry – How tailored designs enhance functionality and aesthetics in modern kitchens.
• Smart Storage Solutions – Innovative features like pull-out drawers, hidden compartments, and space-maximizing layouts.
• Trending Cabinet Styles & Finishes – Exploring the most popular colors, materials, and designs in today’s market.
• Balancing Aesthetics & Functionality – How Morantz Custom Cabinets helps homeowners achieve both beauty and practicality.
• Expert Advice for Homeowners – Key considerations when planning a remodel, from budgeting to selecting the right cabinetry.

Transcription

Ashley White: Welcome to the Morantz podcast. I’m Ashley, and today we have a very special guest, Harold Morantz, the owner of Morantz Custom Cabinetry, a premier cabinet firm in Lauderdale, Florida. Whether you’re planning a full kitchen remodel or just considering a few updates, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Before we jump into the conversation, I want to remind our listeners that kitchen remodeling is not just about aesthetics. It’s also about creating a space that works for your lifestyle. There are so many decisions to make, from layout and materials to the timeline, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

That’s why we’re here today—to get expert advice straight from the source. Harold, thank you so much for joining us today.

Harold Morantz: My pleasure.

Ashley White: Let’s dive right in. So, Harold, when homeowners are thinking about remodeling their kitchen, what’s the first step they should take?

Harold Morantz: The first step they should take is to hire a designer, architect, or contractor, depending on whether they’re building a new home or renovating an existing one. This will give them a comprehensive understanding of what’s involved—the timeframe, pricing, and overall scope of the project.

As cabinet makers, we supply the cabinetry for the project. Of course, homeowners are welcome to contact us at the beginning to visit our showroom and explore the types of materials available. But first things first—they need a designer, architect, or contractor to guide them through the process.

Ashley White: My next question is about the timeline. How long does a typical kitchen remodel take, and how should homeowners prepare for that timeline?

Harold Morantz: That depends a lot on the client. Many homeowners in Florida are snowbirds, which means the planning stages can take longer if they’re not on-site and are relying on other people.

Here in South Florida, permits can take time, and if it’s a condo, the process will take longer than it would for a single-family home. Hiring contractors and coordinating trades also requires being present or having a design-build professional managing everything.

From the time we receive an order to the time we deliver the cabinetry, the process can take anywhere from six to fourteen weeks. This depends on how busy we are and how far in advance the client plans for their project.

Ashley White: Balancing aesthetics and functionality is always a challenge. How do you achieve that balance?

Harold Morantz: The key is understanding what the client wants in terms of style. Once we establish that, we invite them to our showroom to explore the different types of cabinetry we create.

Most of our cabinetry is flat-slab, European-style cabinetry. We don’t do traditional kitchens with large crown moldings. Here in South Florida, the modern, sleek look is the most popular.

Functionality is integrated into the design so clients can make the best use of their space while maintaining an attractive aesthetic. There are plenty of options for materials and layouts. For example, many clients today prefer pull-out drawers on the lower cabinets, and some opt not to have upper cabinets at all, storing dishes in deep drawers instead.

Design and functionality must go hand in hand, and that’s where our experience comes in.

Ashley White: Open-concept kitchens are very popular these days. What’s your advice for homeowners deciding between an open-concept and a traditional layout? What’s the best option?

Ashley White: Yeah, it really depends on how you use your space.

When it comes to cabinetry, which is your expertise, how do you help clients choose the right style and finish?

Harold Morantz: Clients typically visit my showroom. Many times, before they even come in, we like to pre-qualify what the client is interested in. All they have to do is go onto Houzz.com or Pinterest—there are many design websites where people can look for inspiration. They send us their inspiration pictures, which helps us understand the style they are looking for, and we work from there.

Within the modern range of cabinetry, we offer everything from high-gloss whites to exotic veneers, which have a completely different look while maintaining the same functionality.

If a client is working with a designer, they usually go through this process with the designer first. Then, they come into the shop together. Designers have experience in cabinetry design, color schemes, and trends, but we receive a vast range of samples that designers may not always have access to. Even experienced designers sometimes come in and say, “Oh, I’ve never seen that product before. Can you get it for us?” And I say, “Of course.”

We help expand their horizons by offering new possibilities they may not have previously considered.

Ashley White: So your showroom offers a lot of different cabinet types?

Harold Morantz: We don’t actually have different cabinet types on display because the interiors of most kitchen cabinets are fairly standard. However, we do offer variations such as plywood interiors or textured melamine interiors, depending on what the client wants.

The exteriors, on the other hand, are what truly matter. These can range from rosewood veneer, which costs around $1,000 per sheet, to high-gloss acrylic, which is about $200 per sheet. The aesthetic differences between these materials are significant, and I have all these samples in my showroom.

Since I’ve been in business for 44 years, I also have an extensive collection of photos showcasing kitchens, wall units, and other custom cabinetry projects. These visuals help clients understand how different materials and finishes look in completed spaces.

Ashley White: Should people book an appointment with you before visiting the showroom?

Harold Morantz: Yes. My showroom is part of my shop, so it’s in the same building. However, I’m often on the road, visiting clients in their homes, working on-site with architects, designers, or contractors. To ensure I’m available to meet with clients, appointments are necessary.

Ashley White: Everyone can book an appointment with Harold using the website, and we’ll link it below in the show notes.

My next question is about appliances. Appliances can significantly enhance a kitchen’s functionality and style. How do you guide your clients in selecting the right ones?

Harold Morantz: Clients first need to decide whether they want their appliances to be visible or seamlessly integrated into the cabinetry.

Many high-end European appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, and warming drawers, are designed to be paneled. These “panel-ready” models allow us to design cabinetry that conceals the appliances, creating a sleek, cohesive look.

As long as clients provide us with the appliance specifications, we can incorporate them into the kitchen’s design. Refrigerators, for example, require specific opening widths, sidewall clearances, and ventilation considerations. These details are essential in ensuring a functional and well-integrated kitchen.

Harold Morantz: We advise clients on appliance selection, but ultimately, the brand choice is up to them. If a client has the budget for a Sub-Zero, in my opinion, there’s no doubt it’s the best. But there are certainly many other great brands—Miele, Thermador, Bosch, and Liebherr, to name a few.

Most appliances today, especially high-end models, can be paneled. While ovens cannot be hidden, dishwashers, warming drawers, and refrigerators can be seamlessly integrated into cabinetry. If a client wants a fully paneled look where appliances blend into the design, we can absolutely do that.

Of course, the final decision comes down to budget, as there is a wide range of price points for these options.

Ashley White: And what about must-have features in a modern kitchen? What trends are you seeing?

Harold Morantz: One trend that’s gaining traction—and will likely become more popular in the future—is the invisible cooktop. These cooktops are built into quartz or quartzite countertops, creating a completely smooth surface. Instead of traditional burners, you place induction heating pads on the counter, and those specific spots heat up. This technology is already available, but it’s still at a very high price point.

Undermount sinks continue to be a popular choice because they provide a seamless surface, allowing you to wipe crumbs and spills directly into the sink.

Some homeowners, especially those who entertain frequently, opt for two dishwashers to accommodate large gatherings. Warming drawers are also a popular addition for those who like to keep food warm before serving.

In terms of design, colors and materials evolve constantly. When I attend industry trade shows, I see what’s trending, and my vendors—who manufacture these materials—are always ahead of the curve. We receive samples from them, allowing us to keep up with current trends.

Bottom cabinet storage has also become increasingly important. Many homeowners, particularly those who are shorter or have mobility issues, prefer full-extension pull-out drawers instead of traditional lower cabinets with shelves.

Soft-close drawers are now a standard feature because they enhance durability by preventing cabinets from slamming shut.

For a sleek, handle-free look, we offer the Gola profile, which eliminates the need for visible hardware. Floating shelves have also become very popular, particularly for homeowners who want to display decorative dishes or plants. However, open shelving is a more casual look—it’s not typically suited for storing fine china.

Ashley White: Can I ask what colors are trending in cabinetry?

Harold Morantz: White remains one of the most popular choices.

White oak, in both real veneer and laminate, is also in high demand. It offers a clean, natural look that works well in modern and transitional designs.

The mid-century modern aesthetic is still strong, with walnut and mahogany tones gaining popularity. Many homeowners are mixing and matching colors—perhaps using one finish for their island and another for the main cabinets.

We’ve also seen some demand for blue kitchens, though it’s not as widespread. Trends are always evolving, but these are the strongest requests I’ve been receiving lately.

Ashley White: Lighting is so important, yet it’s often overlooked. What do you recommend when it comes to kitchen lighting?

Harold Morantz: Lighting in a kitchen needs to be carefully planned because different areas require different types of illumination.

As a standard feature, we install under-cabinet LED light strips. These have evolved significantly in recent years. Earlier versions had visible bulbs, which could create distracting reflections on dark countertops. Now, we use COB (Chip on Board) lighting, which produces a continuous line of light, making it much more visually appealing.

Many modern under-cabinet lighting systems include dimmable features and color temperature controls. This allows homeowners to adjust the warmth or coolness of the light based on their preferences, ranging from 3000K (warm) to 5000K (cool). Some homeowners like to keep their kitchen subtly illuminated at night with very low-level lighting.

Ceiling lighting is best planned by electricians or lighting specialists, as they have expertise in positioning and intensity. However, it’s essential to ensure that overhead lighting effectively illuminates work surfaces while minimizing shadows.

One important tip I always give homeowners is to maintain consistency in color temperature. If they are using warm lighting throughout the home, the under-cabinet lighting should match for a cohesive look.

Ashley White: That makes a lot of sense. Now, remodels don’t always go as planned. What are some unexpected challenges that often come up?

Harold Morantz: Unexpected challenges can arise in several areas.

If everything is planned well in advance and we’re working with an experienced contractor, potential issues can be minimized. However, proper coordination between all trades is essential.

When we create or receive kitchen design drawings, it’s crucial that all trades—plumbers, electricians, and appliance installers—have the same set of plans.

One of the most common issues we encounter is improper placement of plumbing or electrical outlets. For example, if the plumbing for the sink is installed in the wrong location, it can create significant delays. Appliance electrical planning must also be carefully coordinated to ensure that clearances and power requirements align with the design.

By ensuring that all professionals involved in the remodel are working from the same drawings, we can prevent many of these issues before they occur.

Harold Morantz: Rework, of course, costs the client money, or it costs the trades money, and nobody wants to have to deal with that. The more a project is planned in advance, the smoother everything will go.

One of the things we do, besides creating 3D drawings of all our cabinetry, is offer full-color renderings for clients who want a more realistic visual representation of their kitchen. For this, we work with an independent company—we send them our 3D drawings along with color samples, and they create high-quality renderings that look nearly identical to the final kitchen design. This helps ensure there are no surprises later on.

Additionally, we build all of our cabinetry in our plant and set it up before manufacturing the doors. This allows us to verify that all joints, grain patterns, and spacing between doors are correct. It also gives clients a chance to see pictures during the construction process. If anything looks unusual to them, they can bring it up before installation rather than after the kitchen is in place.

For out-of-town clients, such as snowbirds or those from Europe, we provide updates and pictures at every stage. This keeps them informed and gives them an opportunity to address any concerns early. While some clients may still struggle to visualize the final result, this process eliminates 99% of potential issues by ensuring clear communication and transparency throughout the project.

Ashley White: Yeah, communication is so important.

Harold Morantz: Absolutely.

Ashley White: My next question is—how do you handle homeowners who have different opinions on design choices?

Harold Morantz: Oh, I stay out of that. I’ve been married for 54 years, and I’ve learned that good communication is key. But to say it’s always been successful? Well, I can’t say that!

I certainly won’t step into the middle of a disagreement between a husband and wife. Sometimes one partner is deeply involved while the other doesn’t care at all—until the final decision is made, and then suddenly, they have a strong opinion. I don’t get involved in those conversations.

Ashley White: And finally, for homeowners with a limited budget who still want a stylish kitchen, what advice would you give?

Harold Morantz: Today, even lower-cost materials can look beautiful. You don’t need expensive materials to achieve a stylish design.

For example, real oak veneer with book-matched doors can be quite costly. However, we can achieve the same aesthetic with modern sheet goods, which have consistent grain patterns and offer a high-end look at a lower price.

My own kitchen, for example, is a high-gloss white kitchen. I live in a condominium on the ocean, and while my kitchen isn’t as large as one in a full-sized home, it’s stylish, functional, and timeless. White kitchens never go out of style.

Ultimately, good design is not about cost—it’s about making smart choices that fit within the client’s budget while still achieving a beautiful, cohesive look.

Ashley White: That makes sense. So, Harold, I’m curious about your thoughts on framed, frameless, and inset cabinets. Can you explain their differences?

Harold Morantz: Sure.

We don’t build framed cabinets—we only do frameless, which is the European style of cabinetry. Frameless cabinets maximize storage space and are much easier to clean because there’s no frame obstructing access to the interior.

Framed cabinetry, on the other hand, has a face frame attached to the cabinet box, and the doors are hinged onto that frame. This type of cabinetry has wider gaps between doors and is more expensive to manufacture because it requires additional materials and labor. While framed cabinets are still popular in Middle America, they’re not widely used on either coast or in Florida.

Inset cabinetry is a type of framed cabinetry where the doors fit inside the frame rather than overlaying it. This design reduces cabinet storage space since the frame extends into the opening. Inset cabinetry is typically found in traditional kitchens with raised panel or shaker-style doors. It’s especially common in English bespoke kitchens.

Inset cabinetry also requires a high level of craftsmanship and finishing, making it one of the most expensive options. It can’t be done with laminate—it has to be sprayed and carefully finished so that paint doesn’t interfere with the door tracks. It’s a beautiful, classic style, but we don’t offer it because we specialize in modern European-style cabinetry.

Ashley White: That’s a great explanation.

Harold, for homeowners who are just beginning to think about remodeling their kitchen, what final advice would you give?

Harold Morantz: The best advice I can give is to start by gathering inspiration.

Look at design websites like Houzz, Pinterest, and even Wayfair—though Wayfair sells more furniture, it can help homeowners coordinate their kitchen design with the rest of their home. Since many people renovate multiple spaces at once, it’s important to ensure everything is cohesive.

By exploring different designs, homeowners can refine their style preferences before they even meet with a designer or cabinetry professional. This makes the process much smoother and helps ensure they achieve a result they’ll love.

Harold Morantz: I would always recommend that if a customer is investing in a full home renovation or even just a kitchen remodel, they should hire a professional designer to handle the design work.

That’s not the part of the trade that we focus on. Even a general contractor—unless they are also a designer—will primarily be able to tell you the cost of construction, whether walls can be removed or added, whether ceilings can be lowered, or if fire codes and sprinkler systems will be an issue.

A kitchen designer, however, is trained to coordinate all aspects of the design, ensuring that the layout, functionality, and aesthetics come together seamlessly.

Before meeting with a designer, I always advise clients to gather inspiration and explore different styles. Designers will still ask, “What do you want?”—so having a clear vision beforehand helps give them a more focused direction to create a space tailored to the client’s needs.

Ashley White: Absolutely. That makes a lot of sense.

So, no matter where you are in your remodeling journey, taking the time to plan and work with the right professionals can make all the difference.

For our listeners—if you’re looking to upgrade your cabinetry or remodel your kitchen and want to learn more about what Morantz Custom Cabinetry has to offer, be sure to visit their website and give them a call. Their team is always happy to answer questions and provide guidance to help turn your dream kitchen into a reality.

Thanks again for joining us, Harold, and thank you to our listeners for tuning in to the Morantz Podcast. Until next time—stay inspired and keep working toward the home of your dreams.

Harold Morantz: Thank you.