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Wood Shavings
The Journal of Crown Point and our Neighborhood

Welcome to Wood Shavings, our online journal! Here you'll read about current projects, employee achievements, special events and various other Crown Point tidbits. We update weekly, so be sure to check back with us again soon!

July 24, 2008

Say Hello to Jeff Stowell, Creative Director

In the Say Hello section of our journal, we profile a "Crown Pointer," giving you a glimpse of their contribution to the cabinetmaking process.

Jeff takes a break from photographing a beautiful cherry Arts and Crafts Designer Series Crown Point kitchen in Massachusetts

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 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!

Jeff photographed this Early American Crown Point kitchen in 2004 and has used the images in several Crown Point print advertisements

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 we are proud of our 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.

In his free time, Jeff races RC cars with his son, Andrew

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!


June 20, 2008

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

Norm Abram of This Old House a closer look at the Milk Painted finish on this Crown Point door. Crown Point President Brian Stowell explains the finishing process as cabinetmaker Brenda Wood and Production Manager Don Paquette look on.

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. 

This Old House Director David Vos (far right) walks through an upcoming shot with Norm, Brian and cabinetmaker Jodi Sylvia. In this shot Jodi is showing the work involved in building a face frame.

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!

Norm and Brian discuss the finishing process as "Crown Pointers" Dona Cass (left) and Linda Kingsbury prepare the milk painted doors for another coat of milk paint.

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

Between takes, Norm watches intently as cabinetmaker Jim Knight puts the finishing touches on a base cabinet.

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. 

Norm Abram shakes hands with cabinetmaker Lee Lamott before filming a scene with him

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!


May 12, 2008

From the Cabinetmaker's Bench
Sea Green Base Cabinet with Saw-tooth Detail!

This section of Wood Shavings invites you to see newly completed cabinetry before it leaves our cabinet shop! Each month we feature a snapshot of an interesting piece and share the details of its design.

Saw-tooth adjustable shelf supports add character to this period style base cabinet

Traditional saw-tooth adjustable shelf supports are the unsung heroes of this handsome base cabinet. These brackets provide excellent shelf stability, allow for flexibile storage options and add period style charm. A Knotty Pine beadboard back creates a nice contrast against the distressed Sea Green finish, completing the look.

 Wood..................

Clear Pine/Knotty Pine

 Series.................

Beaded Inset

 Finish..................

Sea Green/Burnt Umber with Van Dyke Glaze

 Door Style...........


For more photos of this intriguing piece, along with many others, visit the From the Cabinetmaker's Bench section of our Web site!


April 21, 2008

Cahill Construction Receives Award for Crown Point Kitchen!

Cabinetry in Pitch Black Milk Paint and stained maple create a stunning contrast in Cahill's 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 & 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.

Chris Cahill proudly displays the Cornerstone Award he and his company received for his beautiful Crown Point kitchen

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.

True lite muntins are a nice touch, adding visual interest to this run of cabinetry

Stainless steel appliances are fully integrated on the range wall, and a dropped baking center increases functionality

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!


March 27, 2008

Crown Point Kitchen featured in Kitchens & Baths Magazine!

The newest issue of Kitchens & Baths Magazine includes a six-page article featuring an impressive Crown Point kitchen
The featured Crown Point kitchen, with cabinetry in Quartersawn Oak, makes great use of every inch of this "real-size" kitchen

A beautiful Arts & Crafts Crown Point kitchen is featured in the latest issue of Kitchens & Baths Magazine! With six pages of photographs, plus commentary from Crown Point designer Lois Horan, readers learn how to achieve an impressive Arts & 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."

Click here to read the full online article "Waste Not, Want Not"

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

The custom range hood is paneled to match the Craftsman door style, and Quartersawn Oak appliance panels conceal dishwasher drawers

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

The family even found space for a custom dog den, perfect for their two dachshunds

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.

The banquette provides the family with a casual dining nook

The printed article entitled "Waste Not, Want Not" can be found in Issue Number 2, 2008 of Kitchens and Baths, a Woman's Day Special Interest Publication.

This Craftsman kitchen was featured on Wood Shavings in September of 2007. Click here for more photos of this stunning Crown Point kitchen!


March 14, 2008

Crown Point Frameless Cabinetry Updates New Jersey Beach House!

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

Frameless cabinetry runs effortlessly along the curved wall in this contemporary vacation home on the Jersey shore

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.

Wood...........

Maple

Series..........

Frameless

Finish...........

Natural

Door Style....

Flat

Click here for more detailed photos of this impressive Crown Point kitchen!


February 6, 2008

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

This section of Wood Shavings invites you to see newly completed cabinetry before it leaves our cabinet shop! Each month we feature a snapshot of an interesting piece and share the details of its design.

The beautiful rays of Quartersawn Oak are shown off in this gorgeous Craftsman banquette

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 & Crafts furniture, this piece makes wonderful use of space with an extra long drawer at one end and hinge top seating at the other.

 Wood..................

Quartersawn Oak

 Series.................

Square Inset

 Finish..................

Burnt Umber

 Door Style...........


For more photos of this intriguing piece, along with many others, visit the From the Cabinetmaker's Bench section of our Web site!


January 11, 2008

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

Christian Gladu's latest book "Small Bungalows" gives tips on building the modern American bungalow in homes under 1,800 square feet

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."

This stunning home in Bethesda, Maryland is a great example of Gladu's modern bungalow

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.

A Steeple White finish, period style details and modern stainless steel appliances create an ideal kitchen space in this Bethesda Bungalow

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.

Original bungalow built-ins were the inspiration for this informal breakfast banquette

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.

Flanked by cherry bookcases, this fieldstone fireplace provides a place for family to come together

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 & 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.


December 17, 2007

Crown Point Gives New Clothes to Local Families in Need!

Crown Pointers Mark Belaire, Berta Stowell, Lillian Harford and Tricia Paquette load up the car with new clothing to be distributed 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!


November 27, 2007

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!

Accents of soft green are the perfect complement to Steeple White cabinetry. The calming color pallette sets the tone for a relaxing space to gather with the family.

"The cabinets fit like a glove..."

"It is such a pleasure to spend time in our beautiful new Crown Point kitchen!"

"The cabinets exude quality from the distinctive crown moulding and high-functionality features to the beauty and durability of the painted finish. They integrate well with the rest of the home and are the perfect complement to the large arched opening between the kitchen and family room that was a 'must-have' design element from the start."

To the right of the range is a corner susan, and to the left, a rollout can storage keeps items within easy reach. Above, a stacked moulding treatment adds elegance to the crisp white cabinetry.

"We would especially like to thank our designer Jeff Schneider. His attention to detail and extra guidance for our contractor during the construction phase ensured that the cabinets fit like a glove upon arrival!"
Upper cabinetry frames the window, ushering plenty of natural light into the kitchen.

"Crown Point's custom touches and Jeff's ongoing guidance made the difference between 'That's a nice kitchen' and 'Wow-what a fabulous room!'"

"Our compliments to Jeff and the entire cabinetmaking team for turning our dreams into a reality that our whole family enjoys every day."

-Homeowner, Towson, MD

A wet bar was custom designed around a large pillar that supports a paneled archway. True lite muntin glass doors add interest, and elegant toekicks below create the appearance of stand alone furniture.

Wood...........

Maple

Series..........

Beaded Inset

Finish...........

Steeple White

Door Style....

Newport

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


November 9, 2007

New Handcrafted Sign Marks the Home of Crown Point!

Crown Pointers handcrafted this Bungalow style sign that now welcomes guests to our facility

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.

Crown Pointer's Lee Lamott and Bud Morse prepare the rooftop for cedar shakes

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.

Lee Lamott installs the columns

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.

Lee Lamott secures the sign to the hinges as other Crown Pointers Matt McElreavy, Randy Fullam and Joseph LaFountain hold the sign in place.

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!


October 23, 2007

Crown Point Joins Bensonwood for Habitat Project!

The finished Habitat home sits on a hill, complete with landscaping and a deck overlooking the backyard

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.

Tedd Benson and Crown Point President Brian Stowell go over details on site


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!

Cherry cabinetry is the perfect complement to the warmth of the beams above


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.


A carving above the front door represents the family and pays homage to all of those who came together to build the home


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.


September 14, 2007

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.

Impressive cabinetry handcrafted in Quartersawn Oak creates a warm contrast against the white walls and coffered ceiling in this Larchmont, New York home

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.

Wood...........

Quartersawn Oak

Series..........

Square Inset

Finish...........

Vintage Brown with Van Dyke Glaze

Door Style....

Craftsman

Click here for more detailed photos of this impressive Crown Point kitchen!