UGLY KITCHEN CONTEST

2012-02-20T11:36:00.000-08:00

Didn't get enough 'Ugly' yet? Check out the slideshow of all our contestants at Cornerstone Cabinets & Countertops website for one more hit of ugly. Remember to check back to see the progress of our contest winners!

2012-02-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

Random Drawing Winners

Do you see your kitchen in here?

If so, congratulations! You were selected at random to receive

20% Off Cabinet Refacing or New Laminate Countertops!!

(Winners will receive full details via mail soon)

2012-02-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS

Keith & Mickie Rogal

You have won the Cornerstone Cabinets & Countertops

Ugly Kitchen Contest!

You have won a prize package value at over $12,500.00 from

Cornerstone Cabinets and Countertops

Cullen's Home Center

Seland's Floor Center

Dan Fitz Designs &

The Market

We were looking for the ugliest all around kitchen and we found it. Cutting
edge design and decor when it was installed 30 years ago but now
desperately ready for updates to the cabinets, countertops, appliances and floors.

Yes, again, that is carpet. I wish I could say differently but carpet on the
kitchen floor was a common theme with many entries. This was likely
some hip stuff in 1972 but its time for it to go!

Good, quality, solid, UGLY. The perfect cabinets for refacing.

Thank you to all the who participated. Check back later for the announcements for the Random Drawing Winners as well as to follow the progress of the Rogal's Ugly Kitchen Redo!

2012-02-15T12:23:00.001-08:00

Ugly Kitchen Contest Winner will be announced tomorrow on KBRF's Morning Show between 9:30-10:00am!! Listen in to find out!!

Random drawing winners will be notified in the mail early next week.

Thank you to everyone who participated! You have made this contest a great success! Stay tuned for more Ugly Kitchen updates!

Dark, Darker, and Scallops

2012-02-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

Dark, Darker & Scalloped Accents

Do these kitchens have anything in common with yours?

Want to 'lighten' up you kitchen and bring it up do date?

These people did and so they entered our Ugly Kitchen Contest.

If you don't completely 'love' your kitchen enter today!!

Love the retro-red bistro table. But the cabinets leave something to be desired.
Look closely and you will see there is literally NO countertops
on either side of the sink.
Yeah, we can fix that.

Dark oak, strange two level countertop, quasi open to the dinning area.
Yeah, we can fix that.
Check out this slide show to see a similar kitchen we refaced.

We can't do much about the wallpaper, but updating these
'knotty' pine cupboards into something crisp, clean and new?
Yep, we can fix that.

Do you have fancy scroll work on your cabinets?
We have seen a lot of these in this contest and
they don't exactly scream hip.
Yup, we can fix that too.

Plenty to do here

2012-02-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

Here are some more selections from our entries. Plenty of updates needed around here. How about your kitchen?

Stop and see us. We can help.

Cornerstone Cabinets & Countertops

I kid you not, the is old school red linoleum flooring for a countertop. Not as
unusually as you may think. Yeah, we can fix that.

Not to bad of a color scheme for an older kitchen. Bad laminate seams and
30 years of use of use have this countertop ready for an update.
Yeah, we can fix that.

Another example showing why paint is best left on the walls.
Thinking there has got to be a better spot for the sink too.
Yeah, we can fix that.

Orange Counters and a Chain

2012-02-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

This homeowner provided her own captions for these kitchen photos. Our favorite part is the chain.

On the Air

2012-02-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

Listen to Cornerstone's Mike Thorson talk about the Ugly Kitchen contest with KBRF's Morning Talk Magazine hosts Greg Brady and Mary Dolan.

Not Ugly, just Blah

2012-02-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

Classic Blah.

Not every old kitchen is super 'ugly'. Many, if not most, kitchens are just like this contest entry. Perfectly 'fine' but not very inspiring.

Standard dark cabinets and plain white countertops leave much to desired. They function just fine but are not much to look at.

That's why refacing is so perfect for many homes. We can preserve the positive elements of your kitchen while creating a space you WANT to spend time in. All in less time and for less money than you thought a new kitchen possible! Find out more at Cornerstone Cabinets & Countertops today!

Safe to say these floors could use a makeover.

Watch the Refacing Process in Action

2012-01-31T19:25:00.000-08:00

Check out this slideshow to see how cabinet refacing works and the dramatic transformation of this Fergus Falls kitchen!

Painting vs. Refacing

2012-01-31T08:35:00.000-08:00

Crackle finish paint. Not all it was cracked up to be.

When looking at updating your kitchen you really have three choices: all new cabinets, refacing cabinets, or painting them.

Painting has some pretty good things going for it. It is fast, relatively cheep and you can do it yourself. If you are looking for a fast fix this might be for you.

However, there are also drawbacks.

1) Selection. While there is an infinite selection of colors to choose from, you cannot paint a realistic wood grain. So as long as you are happy with a solid color paint, it may be ok. But if you are really looking for a Cherry, Oak, or Hickory kitchen painting is not for you.

2) Maintenance. When you paint your cabinets you are committing yourself to a life of "touch up." Not only will your paint chip on the outside, every place your doors and drawers make contact with the frame or each other will, over time, chip, peel and wear, needing constant attention.
When you have your cabinets professionally refaced by Cornerstone Cabinets and Countertops, your cabinets will be completely covered with a durable, washable, and maintenance-free finish.

3) Hardware Choices. Painting your cabinets may give you a quick bump in the look of your kitchen it won't do anything for its function. When you paint your cabinets you are limited to the existing door hardware. When refacing we can provide a wide selection of options like soft-close hinges and drawer slides as well as adding cabinet pull-outs, garbage and recycling solutions, and many, many more custom features you would find in today's new kitchens.

Paint....

Painting these doors did a decent job of bringing this
kitchen up to date, but how they wear over time may
turn out to make it more work than expected.

vs. Refacing!

This kitchen not only looks stunning but will be easy to maintain.

So many surfaces, so little time.

2012-01-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

Not sure what type of countertops are right for your project? This article can help you get started.

Cornerstone Cabinets & Countertops carries all types of surfaces. Stop into our showroom and let our knowledgeable staff help you find the right style and material for your project.

While you are at it...

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Refacing your kitchen cabinets is a perfect time to make small alterations to your kitchen to make big improvements in function.

A smart idea to free up more countertop space is to find a better home for your microwave than sitting on the counter, taking up space.

In this refacing project we modified one of the existing base cabinets to make a built-in for the microwave. This gave the kitchen more usable countertop space, better function, and sight-lines as well as a more "custom" look.

Nice Appliances, Ugly Kitchen

2012-01-26T17:43:00.000-08:00

As often happens in life things get done in stages. This entrant has some nice appliances...but not much else. Sign up today for your chance to get your kitchen makeover done in one fell swoop! Cabinets, countertops, floors and appliances all at once!

Um, yeah, that's carpet

2012-01-23T08:22:00.000-08:00

Well, here is another selection of some of the Ugly Kitchen's to come across our desk for this contest. This kitchen definitely has all the elements needed for our contest; worn countertops, out of date appliances, dated cabinets. But what takes the cake has to be the flooring. Check it out and check back for more selections from our contest. Remember, everyone has a chance to win so keep those entries coming!

We can't decide if the edges of the fridge are faded or if the center is faded. Either way it could use an update.

Yes folks, that is carpet. Not sure if it is kind of a funky wood-grain pattern or tiger print. Grrrrr!

There is something missing here.....

2012-01-21T12:04:00.000-08:00

Check out this recent entry!

This kitchen could definitely use some help, but the flooring (or lack thereof) most of all. Not only is it ugly and out of date, half of it seems to have already removed itself. Perhaps it left out of shame? Or maybe it was just worn out and tired of the the abuse? Whatever the reason, it is clearly time for an update.

If your floors are out of date, worn out, or just plain ugly the staff at Seland's Floor Center are ready to help you out.

Visit their showroom to see their complete line of every kind of flooring you can imagine. And while you are there pick up and entry form for the Ugly Kitchen Contest!

Healthy Living With Formica

2012-01-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

When you think about 'healthy living' do you also consider the products that make up your home? Something to think about. Find out more about what the Formica line of products is doing to keep your home safe and healthy.

Clutter Cutting Ideas

2012-01-19T23:00:00.000-08:00

Thirteen more great ideas for getting that paper clutter under control in your kitchen.

Paper Clutter Making Your Kitchen Ugly?

2012-01-19T17:52:00.000-08:00

If your kitchen is anything like mine you probably have a section that looks like this. The perpetual pile of bills, mail, paper and all other manner of 'important' things that really have no business being in food prep zone.

Many of us do not have a room to devote to a 'home office' but that doesn't mean you need to prepare your meals in a room that feels more like an overwhelmed cubicle than a functioning kitchen.

Check out some of the great ideas from a 'Pocket Office' to whole room Home Offices at the link below. And whether it's part of an overall kitchen redo or its own project Cornerstone Cabinets & Countertops can help you put together the right storage and work surfaces to fit your space and needs.

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1049580/w/sid=1/list/Readers--Choice--The-Top-20-Home-Offices-of-2011

Find Out More!

2012-01-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

The original cabinet, before refacing

The Cornerstone showroom is open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by to see how refacing works and drop off your entry form.

The showroom is located at 504 S. Concord, just behind the Dairy Queen. See an example of a refaced cabinet and check out the material and finish options.

The same cabinet, after refacing. Refacing is a fast and affordable way to update your kitchen.

Not Ugly Enough? Don't Worry, You Could Still Win!

2012-01-18T21:03:00.000-08:00

You don't really love your counters or cabinets, but your kitchen's not desperately ugly? Then this news is for you:

All entrants into the Ugly Kitchen Contest will be entered into a drawing for 20% off cabinet refacing and laminate countertops from Cornerstone Cabinets & Countertops.

Five lucky kitchens will win this great deal on refacing or counters, so don't delay - enter today!

Download the entry form or stop in to Cornerstone's showroom, Seland's Floor Center, Cullen's Home Center, or the Market to pick up a form. Fill it out, attach your photos, and drop it off at Cornerstone (504 S. Concord St., behind the Dairy Queen) before February 10.

The drawing will be held on February 15, the same day the ugliest kitchen is announced. The 20% off certificate must be used by December 31, 2012.

Not-So-Ugly, But Could Use Some Help

2012-01-18T06:44:00.000-08:00

You know what this kitchen could really use? New countertops, cabinet refacing, a new floor, and new appliances! While it’s not exactly ugly, the worn contractor-special flooring, chipped and dented beige counters, and plain, boring builder’s cabinets make this otherwise fun and functional kitchen drab and sad. It could be so much more.

The large island is functional but the shape dates the kitchen.
A new top in an updated shape easily remedies that.

The worn, cracked linoleum is not going to last much longer!

Unfinished edges and paperboard sides are less-than-stylish
detractors from otherwise functional cabinets. Refacing to the rescue!

Ugly Flooring - Ugly Kitchen

2012-01-17T07:24:00.000-08:00

Are your UGLY floors bringing the rest of your kitchen down?

Don't forget winner gets $500 of new flooring from Seland's Flooring!

1st Entries Arrive

2012-01-16T16:57:00.000-08:00

Can your kitchen beat this?

If your kitchen ugly or just out of date? Enter today!

You could win a complete kitchen makeover!!

Get Ready!

2012-01-14T13:26:00.000-08:00

Start photographing your kitchen! The contest opens on Monday, January 16.
In this contest, the worst wins!

Contest Opens January 16!

2012-01-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

Can you beat this? We'd love to see your ugly kitchen!

Cornerstone Cabinets and Countertops announces a special opportunityfor Fergus Falls area homeowners – its first-ever Ugly Kitchen Contest.

Residents of Fergus Falls and within 30 miles may enter theircracked-linoleum, 1979 cabinetry, or broken, dingy countertops for the chanceto be considered the worst. The ugliest kitchen will win its homeowner akitchen renovation worth up to $12,500!

The contest opens January 16. Click here for an entry form, or pick one up at The Market, Cornerstone's showroom, Seland's Abbey Flooring Center, or Cullen's Home Center. Photographs must accompany the form andboth must be delivered to the Cornerstone showroom at 504 South Concord St. inFergus Falls (just behind Dairy Queen). The contest closes February 10.

Cornerstone will provide the winning kitchen with new laminate countertops, anew sink, and cabinet refacing, a retail value of up to $10,000! JoiningCornerstone in offering great prizes and value to the contest winner are Cullen’sHome Center, which will provide two new appliances with the purchase of twoadditional appliances (worth up to $1,500), Seland’s Abbey Flooring Center,which will provide $500 toward a new floor, Dan Fitz Designs, which willprovide kitchen design consultation and planning (valued at $400), and TheMarket, which will provide a gift basket of kitchen accessories worth $150.

“The businesses that have teamed up to offer this contest reallyrepresent what Fergus Falls can offer homeowners right here in town,” said MikeThorson, president and owner of Cornerstone. “You can design, build, renovate,and furnish a terrific-looking, high-quality, contemporary kitchen and buylocal at the same time. This contest is our way to showcase that, and I hopepeople really get into how much fun it can be.”

Follow this blog to see the kitchens as they are entered. We'll post the ugliest photos we can.

After February 10, a panel ofFergus Falls experts will convene to choose the ugliest kitchen in town! Thewinner will be announced on February 15.