Crown Point Cabinetry to be Featured on This Old House the Week of November 3rd!

Crown Point Cabinetry is excited to announce that we will be featured on the Emmy Award-winning television show This Old House, premiering nationally during the week of November 3rd on PBS! (Viewers should check their local listings.) The new episode will include footage from earlier this year when This Old House Master Carpenter Norm Abram visited the Crown Point facility. Crown Point President Brian Stowell accompanied Norm and crew on a trip through the facility for an up-close look at cabinetry being crafted for the show’s featured project in Weston, Massachusetts.

The This Old House Weston project, a new timberframe home prefabricated by our NH neighbors Bensonwood Homes, was designed to reflect the rustic look of an old New England barn. Cabinetry for the kitchen, pantry and master bath was hand brushed with Old Fashioned Milk Paint, using a process exclusive to Crown Point. The cabinetmakers then distressed the cabinetry for a well-worn look befitting an old New England barn.

We are proud to have been selected as the cabinet supplier for this exciting project! The episode featuring Crown Point will premiere nationally the first week of November on PBS, so be sure to check your local listings! For more information, visit these related links! Norm Abram and Crew from This Old House Visit Crown Point for Upcoming Episode! Learn more about the Weston This Old House Project!

Compliments to the Cabinetmaker!

"A Gracious and Beautiful Cook's Kitchen..." "I am thrilled!  Crown Point designed and crafted a gracious and beautiful cook’s kitchen for me.  I use every cabinet every day, and the warm wood is always there to greet me."

"My Crown Point Designer, Lois Horan, listened carefully to my needs and designed my dreams into a reality.  The fine quality cabinet doors and drawers glide open and shut seamlessly, and extra deep corner cabinets for the sink and pantry make the most of my long, narrow space."

"Everyone who sees my kitchen says ‘WOW! Can I come live with you?’ I love my Crown Point kitchen and take pleasure in cooking up a storm for my friends and family!  Thank You!" -Homeowner, Brooklyn, NY

Nate Duford Receives Crown Point Scholarship!

Crown Point was recently honored to award the second annual Crown Point Cabinetry Scholarship to local high school graduate, Nate Duford. The employee funded scholarship was established in 2007 to help one local student pursue a bachelor's degree in the field of general construction. As the recipient of the Crown Point Scholarship Nate will receive a check for $1,000 toward his first year at the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine.

Nate's application and essay stood out among the other applicants due to his dedication to academics as well as sports and the community.

Nate graduated 11th in his class, with a GPA of 3.8. While working hard to make the High Honor Roll every semester of his high school career, Nate still had time to excel in three sports. When he wasn't studying or playing sports himself, Nate enjoyed helping out with local youth sports programs.

This fall, Nate will be attending Maine Maritime Academy to study Power Engineering Technology. "I've always been excited about math and exploring new ideas," Nate said in the scholarship interview. "This school and their power engineering program will give me a chance to do just that." Nate will also be playing football for Maine Maritime, and he's looking forward to being a member of their team. The Crown Point Charity Committee felt especially honored to present Nate with the scholarship because his father, Keith Duford, has been a Crown Point employee for seven years. Keith is also very involved in the community and volunteers his time to coach several youth sports teams every year.

Congratulations, Nate! Good luck at school! The Crown Point Cabinetry Charity Committee, a rotating group of employees which distributes employee donations to local charities and other causes, established the scholarship to support a high school student intending to continue his higher education in the general construction field. Other requirements included a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, a written essay and an interview with Crown Point Cabinetry Charity Committee Members.

Contemporary Mountain Retreat in Vermont!

Located in the mountains of Vermont, this vacation home boasts a Crown Point kitchen that combines the timeless beauty of period style cabinetry with contemporary details for a sophisticated look. Soft blue cabinetry, ceramic tile floors and a custom tile backsplash are anchored by a substantial cherry island finished in Chestnut stain. A convenient desk area, casual breakfast nook and built-in pantry complete the versatile kitchen.

Say Hello to Jeff Stowell, Creative Director

Jeffrey Stowell, the eldest son of Crown Point founders Norm and Deanna, has been working for Crown Point Cabinetry since 1980.  At that point, the company consisted of Norm, Jeff and two of his younger brothers Brian and Scott.  Together, they handcrafted the finest period style custom cabinetry in a small workshop in Newport, New Hampshire.  Almost 30 years later, Jeff is an even greater asset to the company, working as the Creative Director. He designed and built the Crown Point website and continues to maintain it on a daily basis. In addition, he is a professional photographer and has photographed over 60 Crown Point kitchens now featured on our website. In your 28 years of working at Crown Point, you’ve gone from Cabinetmaker to Marketing Manager.  How many other positions have you held over the years? Somewhere between four and four hundred. In a family business, especially in the “early days” with all seven of us kids working here, when there was a need, it got filled! What does a typical day entail for you? I feel very fortunate in that my typical day is anything but typical! I may be on a photo shoot, doing my best to capture some of the loveliest kitchens I’ve ever seen, or I could be working on our latest series of ads, or updating and enhancing our web site. (And yes, I am a self-confessed and obsessed Mac computer geek) In all aspects of my job, I get to work closely with a diverse group of people with different needs, but with the same passion for what we create!

Which aspect of your job do you enjoy most and why? There’s something special about being able to talk to clients in their own homes, and listen as they praise their cabinetry. I think about how much work and effort goes into every job, and seeing and hearing how happy the client is…well, it makes me very proud! Forgive the impertinence, but c’mon, you sound like a salesman! I know, I know, but you have to understand: This is more than a business or job. My family and extended family at Crown Point  work very hard building amazing cabinetry, and an amazing company. Come to our facility, talk to anyone, and I mean anyone, and you will see for yourself the pride that comes from working here.

What do you do in your free time? In the warmer months, I love to work on and informally race my nitro RC car. (OK, technically speaking, it’s a stadium truck). In the winter, it’s snowmobiling. I also started playing the guitar about five months ago. Make that learning to play. More like “strumming chords badly at a painfully uneven rhythm.” With my wife, two children, one dog, and three cats,  there’s never a dull moment. Actually, a dull moment sounds kind of appealing!

Norm Abram and Crew from This Old House Visit Crown Point for upcoming Episode!

Crown Point Cabinetry was recently honored to have the PBS Television series This Old House film scenes with master carpenter Norm Abram for an upcoming episode of the show's Weston project, which premieres in October.  Crown Point President Brian Stowell accompanied Norm on a trip through the facility for an up-close look at the custom cabinetry being crafted for the home being featured in Weston, Massachusetts. 

Over the course of the day, Norm and the This Old House crew were able to see their kitchen at various stages of the cabinetmaking process. Filming their handiwork gave the Crown Point crew a well-deserved turn in the spotlight!

Filming concluded in the early afternoon with some great scenes featuring "Crown Pointers" assembling the finished cabinetry.

Crown Point first became involved in the This Old House Weston project through long-time client and collaborator, Tedd Benson of New Hampshire based custom homebuilding company Bensonwood. As the architectural firm and home builder on this project, Bensonwood will be utilizing cutting edge techniques to build 75 percent of the house in a controlled workshop environment.“We’ve worked with Bensonwood for decades and have advertised with This Old House Magazine for many years as well,” said Stowell. “We were thrilled to become involved in an aspect of the This Old House Weston project.”The new timberframe home built by Bensonwood will reflect old New England barns built centuries ago. Crown Point Cabinetry will be supplying cabinetry for the kitchen, pantry, bathrooms and several other rooms.  Crown Point Kitchen Designer Richard Preston worked closely with This Old House and the homeowners to incorporate cabinetry finished in Old Fashioned Milk Paint, distressed by hand to achieve a rustic period style. 

Crown Pointers were delighted to see that Norm Abram is exactly as he appears on TV. His genuinely friendly manner made it easy for him to fit in among our cabinetmakers.  We were honored to welcome him to our facility.Watch for updates on the This Old House Weston project. The new season is set to premiere on New Hampshire Public television in October 2008. In the meantime, learn more about this project and our partners at these related links:Learn more about the Weston This Old House Project!Check out the progress of the Weston This Old House Project live via Webcam!

Cahill Construction Receives Award for Crown Point Kitchen!

Christopher Cahill Construction was recently honored with a Cornerstone Award for Cahills' own Crown Point kitchen. The space is warm and inviting with Crown Point cabinetry in contrasting finishes, authentic timberframe details and modern stainless steel appliances.

Presented annually by the Home Builders and Remodelers Assocation of New Hampshire, Cornerstone Awards are coveted awards that recognize excellence in all areas of the building industry.

Cahill took home the Silver award in the category of New Kitchens under $35,000 for his Crown Point kitchen in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire.

Cahill worked directly with Crown Point designer John Napsey to design a modern space without compromising the rustic feel of his post and beam home. "John's experience was invaluable," said Cahill. "His attention to detail helped the project go smoothly."

Cahill chose a bold Pitch Black Milk Paint finish for the base cabinetry, creating a stunning contrast against Maple upper cabinetry finished in Burnt Umber. Red Dragon granite countertops tie the two finishes together, completing the look.

Other design details include a dropped baking station below the window, true lite muntin doors, and beautiful maple crown moulding. "I was very impressed with the entire process," said Cahill. "Each piece fit together like a puzzle, and the cabinetry just speaks for itself." Congratulations to Chris and crew, from all of us here at Crown Point!

Crown Point Kitchen featured in Kitchens and Baths Magazine!

A beautiful Arts and Crafts Crown Point kitchen is featured in the latest issue of Kitchens and Baths Magazine! With six pages of photographs, plus commentary from Crown Point designer Lois Horan, readers learn how to achieve an impressive Arts and Crafts look while making the most of a small space.

Lois listened carefully to the client's needs, adding stylish Craftsman details to handsome, highly functional Quartersawn Oak cabinetry. "I wanted to create a beautiful kitchen using every last inch for added storage," said Lois. "Now that its finished, everything has its place, and the family couldn't be happier with their kitchen."

Design details such as custom routing, antique glass, and square pegging give the kitchen a true Arts and Crafts feel.

An intricately designed dog gate adds character and provides a cozy retreat for the family's pair of dachshunds, Max and Maya.

To ensure a place for everything, Lois incorporated several storage solutions. For example, extra deep drawers and roll out can storage in the banquette were essential in keeping the family organized.

Crown Point Frameless Cabinetry Updates New Jersey Beach House!

For the owners of a summer home in North Beach, New Jersey, an open floor plan was essential. When remodeling last year, they opened up the semicircular kitchen to the living room to take full advantage of expansive ocean views. Stainless steel appliances and sleek frameless cabinetry from Crown Point work together to create a beautifully contemporary kitchen.

From the Cabinetmaker's Bench,Craftsman Banquette in Quartersawn Oak!

This handsome Craftsman style banquette is one of a pair that will flank a solid wood table to become an inviting breakfast nook. Handcrafted in Quartersawn Oak and built to the principles of Arts and Crafts furniture, this piece makes wonderful use of space with an extra long drawer at one end and hinge top seating at the other.

Oregon Architect Christian Gladu Pens New Book, Highlights Crown Point Cabinetry!

Christian Gladu, owner of The Bungalow Company in Bend, Oregon, recently published a beautifully illustrated book detailing the classic bungalow as it fits into today's lifestyle. Entitled "Small Bungalows," Gladu outlines the distinctive details of the modern bungalow, then provides several plans that scale down the look for homes under 1,800 square feet.

A New Hampshire native, Gladu has worked with Crown Point Cabinetry for several years. "Crown Point really gets the details," says Gladu. "From a distance, they use the architectural cues of the homes I design and create beautiful period style cabinetry with an unparalleled level of craftsmanship."

Gladu illustrates the attributes of the modern bungalow with photographs of a beautifully constructed home in Bethesda, Maryland. Designed by Gladu and built by Arts and Crafts Builders, this home smartly incorporates modern amenities while staying true to the distinctive detail and craftsmanship of the classic bungalow style home.

Crown Point Cabinetry Designer John Napsey worked with Brian Maury to design custom cabinetry for this new Craftsman home. Speckled gray and white stone countertops tie together the Steeple white cabinetry and integrated stainless steel appliances. A small island offers casual seating, an additional work area, and a second sink.

In true bungalow fashion, a cozy breakfast nook is tucked in the far corner. Drawing inspiration from traditional bungalow built ins, Crown Point designed this one to include a beadboard back, integrated storage beneath the seats and a handcrafted cherry table.

In the original bungalow style homes, the fireplace was the "heart of the home." The same is true in this modern bungalow. Crown Point cherry bookcases flank the fieldstone fireplace, creating the perfect place to gather with family and friends.

Christian Gladu has an obvious passion for Arts and Crafts Architecture. In addition to "Small Bungalows," Gladu has written "Bungalow Plans" and also co-wrote "The New Bungalow." With these books, he has shared that knowledge, creating a wonderful starting point for those looking to build a bungalow style home with a beautiful Crown Point kitchen.

Crown Point Gives New Clothes to Local Families in Need!

Every holiday season, Crown Point participates in Greater Claremont CARES, a local giving program that distributes new clothing to those in need. This year, we received thirty specific requests for warm clothing items.

Thirty Crown Point volunteers each drew one name and then volunteered their time to shop for the new clothes. Each volunteer was given $30 from Crown Point's Charity Fund to fulfill their wish list.

"It's great to know that we can help someone in our area have a better Christmas," said Crown Point employee Berta Stowell. "We're happy to help!"

Clothing on the wish list included warm pants for an eleven-year-old girl, pants and shirts for an eight-year-old boy and cozy turtlenecks for a two-year-old girl.

This is our 5th year participating in the Holiday Giving Program and we look forward to helping more families next year!

New Handcrafted Sign Marks the Home of Crown Point!

Upon moving into our new facility on River Road, Crown Point President Brian Stowell knew we'd need a sign that would convey the beauty and craftsmanship of our cabinetry. He also wanted something welcoming, with classic elements and an architectural feel.

Brian and Fred Puksta, our Product Designer, got to work experimenting with various styles and materials. After several revisions, the design that reflected these goals was a Bungalow style sign with a stone base, two large columns and a shingled roof above.

Using genuine materials, such as stone, Western Red Cedar and copper flashing, Crown Pointers began handcrafting the sign in the cabinet shop early this spring.

Once the warmer weather arrived, a local mason built the stone base with granite caps. Now the sign was ready for Crown Pointers to complete the construction and installation.

Ornamental details such as copper flashing, Craftsman brackets, fish scale shingles and cedar shakes created a stunning period style look.

The center of the sign, made of solid Western Red Cedar, weighs 200 lbs and is held in place by custom designed stainless steel hinges.

The new sign is a wonderful representation of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that are the hallmarks of our Crown Point Crew. The next time you're in our neighborhood, come on by and let our beautiful new sign welcome you to our cabinetmaking facility!

Crown Point Joins Bensonwood for Habitat Project!

In this section, we showcase one of our latest kitchens, keeping you up to date with what's new in kitchen design.

Earller this year, Tedd Benson of Bensonwood Homes, contacted Crown Point Cabinetry with a request. Tedd was serving as Project Steward of a Habitat for Humanity home nearby, and was looking for local support. We readily agreed to join the project and Tedd went on to describe the family we would be helping.

A local couple and their eight children were living in a three bedroom mobile home with only one bathroom. These tight living conditions were brought to the attention of the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. Upon hearing about the family's living situation, Habitat teamed up with Bensonwood and immediately began making arrangements to build an affordable home with enough space for the entire family.

“Both Tedd and I can relate to the family's living situation; I grew up in a family of 9 and Tedd in a family of 11. We wanted to help out in any way we could," said Crown Point President, Brian Stowell.

The plan was to build a 2,100 square foot walkout ranch with five bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

It all came together over a period of just eight days when the house went from foundation to completion! Five hundred volunteers and more than 50 local and national businesses generously donated time, labor and materials to complete the home.

Crown Point chose to help in the best way we know how; by contributing beautiful cherry custom kitchen cabinetry!

After the completion of the home, a dedication ceremony was held. More than 100 visitors and volunteers toured the home and then gathered together to recognize those who contributed to the project's success.

The homeowners are very grateful for their new home. Like all homeowners, they made a down payment, and will pay a monthly no-interest mortgage, taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. The family put in a great deal of volunteer hours working on their own home and will also volunteer on a future Habitat project.

Crown Point is proud to have been part of this project. To see a few other examples of our employees’ commitment to their community, please click here, here or here.

Craftsman Kitchen in Larchmont, New York

In this section, we showcase one of our latest kitchens, keeping you up to date with what's new in kitchen design.

Crown Point Cabinetry can be found in several rooms throughout this beautifully remodeled home in Larchmont, New York. Two notable details include a custom range hood and one-of-a-kind dog gate in the peninsula. Nearby is a breakfast banquette, desk area and mudroom. Craftsman details such as custom routing, wispy maple colored glass, and angled brackets are a few of the finishing touches that complete the Arts and Crafts look of this home.

Featured Architect: Enco Construction, Millwood, New York

In this section, we spotlight an independent design professional who has worked with Crown Point on various projects. This month, we are proud to introduce you to Pat Ende, owner of Enco Construction!

Located in Millwood, New York, Enco Construction Services builds and remodels homes in the Westchester and Fairfield County areas as well as in Upper Manhattan. Whether remodeling an 18th Century Victorian, building a new Craftsman Bungalow, or adding on to a country cottage, Enco strives to blend the old construction with the new, creating a beautiful period style look.

What makes Enco Construction special?

The quality of our work and high standard of customer service. We try to minimize the disturbance to our customers and maintain a level of quality and cleanliness that we would keep in our own home.

How do you approach a new project?

For us, the key is to achieve a look that appears to be original to the home. We always start by assessing which period style and materials would best fit the home. My favorite thing to hear upon the completion of a remodel or addition is, "what did you add?"

What do you believe is the most crucial phase in remodeling a home?

Finishing. The finer details such as setting cabinets, applying trim and finishing the floors can make or break the project. The finishing touches provide the real character to the home.

Do you have a favorite Crown Point project?

All of my projects are great, but so I don't offend anyone, I'll say my favorite is my own Crown Point kitchen! We renovated an old carriage house deep in the woods and were careful to maintain the country look. The cabinetry was designed in keeping with the period style of the home, complete with a Barn Red Milk Paint finish.

Do you currently have any projects underway with Crown Point?

Yes, currently we are working on a kitchen addition in Chappaqua, NY. We recently finished a complete remodel, also in Chappaqua. We're also working on a large kitchen and alteration in Larchmont, NY.

What do you like about working with Crown Point?

I can't say enough nice things about Crown Point. You're absolutely the nicest, most professional cabinet maker/vendor I have ever dealt with. I think the world of my Crown Point Designer, Mark Belaire. His level of professionalism is unparalleled and he's always a step ahead, sending samples, visiting the job site or just giving me the courtesy of returning my call right away. It's like you guys are right next door, not a couple of states over.

How do you spend your free time?

Now that my kids are all grown up, I have a whole new batch of kids; my dogs, cats, chickens and pigs. We live on some fairly secluded acreage and so my place is like a farm!

Ryan Erisman Receives Crown Point Scholarship!

Crown Point was recently honored to present a Crown Point Cabinetry Scholarship to local High School graduate, Ryan Erisman. The employee funded scholarship was established to aid a student pursuing further education in the area of home construction. A check in the amount of $1,000 will go toward Ryan's first year in Keene State College's Architecture program this fall.

Ryan stood out among the applicants due to his demonstrated commitment to education and the community. In his four years at Stevens High School, Ryan maintained a rank of 15th in his class, took several honors courses and made the High Honor Roll all four years. In addition to his studies, he played soccer, basketball and track, and received the male Athletic Award his senior year.

Ryan believes his greatest accomplishment was achieving Eagle Scout, the highest advancement rank in the Boy Scouts of America. As an Eagle Scout, Ryan completed an ambitious project which impressed the Crown Point Charity Committee. With help from his grandfather, father and fellow scouts, Ryan designed and built a foot bridge across a ravine in nearby Charlestown, NH. He dedicated "Eagle Bridge" to his grandfather, Ronald Erisman, who volunteers his free time to work on area camp trails. "The bridge has been something my grandfather has wanted to do for years, and he couldn't do it himself. He has been such a positive influence in my life, and I knew it would be a fun project we could do together," Ryan said.

We wish Ryan the best of luck in his studies in the field of Architecture at Keene State this fall!

The Crown Point Cabinetry Charity Committee, a rotating group of employees which distributes employee donations to local charities and other causes, established the scholarship to support a high school student intending to continue his higher education in the general construction field. Other requirements included a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, a written essay and an interview with Crown Point Cabinetry Charity Committee Members.

Compliments to the Cabinetmaker!

In this section of Wood Shavings, we let our customers do the talking. Through photos and thank you notes, they tell us how much they love their Crown Point cabinetry!

A homeowner in Dobbs Ferry, New York expresses her thoughts and shares her Crown Point experience after completing her kitchen remodel last year: "When I decided to remodel my small kitchen in New York, I knew I wanted Crown Point Cabinetry, but I thought for sure that they would be out of my price range. So I grudgingly went through the beginning stages of the design process with another cabinet provider who was nearer to me. I took one look at their sample and immediately called Crown Point. As I imagined, their quality far surpassed that of my local guy. What I hadn’t expected was that their quote actually came back less expensive!"

"Another great thing about working with Crown Point was the amazing customer service. My sales designer, Bob Davis, could not have been more helpful. He listened to everything I wanted in a kitchen and designed something even nicer than what I imagined-and I was imagining for 6 years!"

"Initially, I was hesitant to use Crown Point, not only because of price, but also because they were so far away. Their unwavering attentiveness and excellent customer service laid those concerns to rest and I will forever be a fan of Crown Point!"

Homeowner, Dobbs Ferry, New York

Want to share Compliments to the Cabinetmaker? Please contact Stacey Cheeney . We'd love to hear from you!