Kitchen & Bath
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A kitchen for all ages A kitchen for all ages
A kitchen for all ages ofOverall look Designer Gillian Oxley cleverly mixes high and low: the three pendants over the island only cost a total of $100. She splurged on the limestone brick backsplash, which sells for $37 per square foot. the lookClassic contemporary à la rich woods and stainless steel set into a seamless backdrop of white cabinetry and matching walls and trim. the analogyCommunications pro-cum-designer Gillian Oxley likens her timeless Shaker-style cabinets to plain white dinner plates. “You just can’t go wrong with white,” she says. “The great chefs use it to show off their food.” With that winning strategy in mind, Gillian kept the cabinetry simple to highlight the limestone backsplash and granite counters. The details “I crave light,” says Gillian. Sun teems through the large, unadorned windows and reflects off the granite, stainless steel and other hard surfaces. The windows and French doors look out to the backyard, where mature trees provide privacy. The raison d’êtreFamily rules. “My kids started baking when they were two and three,” Gillian says. That’s why she tailored parts of her kitchen for her two pint-size foodies. Aubrey, 5, and Maxine, 6, are the beneficiaries of low dish and cutlery drawers, hidden stepstool storage – even a counter-level shelf for Cooking Rocks! Rachael Ray’s 30-Minute Meals for Kids and other choice cookbooks. The secret ingredientGillian swears by her trusty stainless-steel coffee maker for turning her kitchen into a bistro in minutes. For underage patrons, it also whips up great steamed milk with honey. The constantThere’s something magical about the black-and-white framed waterfall print Gillian picked up at IKEA eight years ago. “Wherever I move, I somehow always put it in my kitchen. It’s soothing and brings the outside in,” she says.The must-haveThe 12- by five-foot oak island comfortably seats eight and has an L-shape granite overhang that’s ideal for playing games, which for this family includes everything from Candy Land to euchre. deatils 2 The striking six-element gas cooktop and matching hood are surrounded by wall-to-wall cabinetry and a silvery tumbled-limestone backsplash. Open shelving displays treasured items, like a dark wooden vase from L.A., a gift from Aubrey’s godmother. The fingerprints“I have friends who refuse to get stainless-steel appliances, but I’ve never had a problem,” Gillian says. “Use a good stainless-steel cleaner and, boom, the prints are gone.”The golden ruleSelect finishes that make you feel comfortable. “I love both silver and gold, but from a design perspective I find silver unbiased – it’s a black- and white-based metal that goes with everything,” says Gillian of her stainless-steel appliances and brushed-nickel hardware.The last word“There are so many great trends you can pick up on,” says Gillian, “but you really have to be careful and ask yourself, Am I going to love this in 10 years?” Last word Clean, understated lines can be found in the cabinetry profile and pulls, and even the window muntins. A clever use of space, the long, slim cabinets next to the ovens house built-in spice racks and cookie trays for easy access. The modern gooseneck faucet adds a nice curve. What was usedCustom Shaker-style cabinetry spray-painted with Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White, Francis Duquette Custom Woodworking. Stainless-steel pulls in brushed nickel, Richelieu Hardware. Antique Brown granite countertop with silver flecks, KC Granite & Marble. Sicis’s Azul Marlena backsplash tiles in polished limestone, Ciot. GE Monogram stainless-steel appliances, GE Appliances. Franke undermount stainless-steel sinks; KWC’s Deco stainless-steel faucet (island); Hansgrohe’s Interaktiv brushed-nickel faucet (by window); Taps Bath Centre. Easy Lite Mya pendant lights, The Home Depot.- Credit
- Sheryl Steinberg
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Dining in style: A dining table makeover Dining in style: A dining table makeover
Dining in style: A dining table makeover ofA dining table fix-up 1 Why buy?When I spotted this dining set at a neighbourhood garage sale, the purchase was a no-brainer. I snapped up the table and five chairs – four sidechairs and one armchair – for a little over $150. At a modern furniture store, just one of the chairs (made over) would easily sell for at least $200. The pieces had classic mid-century lines, but the wood finish was tired and the upholstery fabric dirty and worn. A paint and reupholstery facelift would make it chic again. "Shopping secondhand sources is a great way to get style on a budget"2 The makeoverThis was a basic paint and upholstery makeover. I unscrewed the backrests from the chairs, then sanded all the chairs and the table. Next came priming and painting with two coats of semigloss white latex. But it's the upholstery that makes such a huge difference. I chose white faux ostrich from BB Bargoons, and the upholstery job was done by Vince Belfiore of J V M Interiors in Markham, Ont. 3 Other makeover optionsSince this set is constructed of hardwood, it could have been stripped andstained a deep brown or ebony tone. Mix it up by painting the table black and the chairs white, or the reverse. Try upholstering modern chairs like these in a traditional fabric – perhaps toile or damask. 4 Styling tipsThe new look for this set is fresh, bright and modern. It's just right for akitchen or dining room at home or the cottage. I played up the modern feelwith a lacy Moooi Random Light pendant. Sky blue and a hit of orangemake a clean, crisp colour statement.- Credit
- Kevin Austin
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Make a splash: Kitchen backsplashes Make a splash: Kitchen backsplashes
Make a splash: Kitchen backsplashes ofKitchen backsplashes Looking to make a splash? Consider colourful glass mosaic tiles for your kitchen backsplash. Although today's ubiquitous white subway tiles remain on trend (if you just installed them, don't worry: they'll look great for years to come), if you're designing from scratch this year, consider taking a pass on that trend and trying something newer, something edgier, something eminently funkier – but versatile and sophisticated too. And that's mini mosaic tiles in a look-at-me hue like cherry red, royal blue, mineral white or even the deceptively neutral "colourless" natural glass hue. Making their presence known in a number of designer booths and installations at this year's Interior Design Show, held in Toronto this past February, miniature glass mosaics are a bold alternative to the subway tiles so popular in the 00's. Their translucent finish also offers a lighter, more modern feel than opaque ceramic or natural stone tiles.Go smallAvailable in intriguing shapes, including 5/8-inch-by-5/8-inch squares, 1-inch-by-1-inch squares, 5/8-inch-by-2-inch rectangles, tiny "penny-rounds," ovals, or even "shards" of thin, long tiles resembling mineral crystals, these pretty wonders are usually sold as 12" by 12" "tiles" adhered onto mesh backing for easier application. Just apply them with organic mastic (a latex- or petroleum-based "mortar" for vertical surfaces – conventional thin-set mortars take too long to set), and grout when dry. Because the tiles have a repetitive pattern (all those tiny grout lines!) and, in many cases, eye-catching colours, they work best in a clean, streamlined contemporary kitchen. Consider them a natural if you have flat-panel cabinetry in a high-gloss lacquered finish. (Or, if your paste is more transitional, they also work with plain Shaker-style cabinets.)To avoid sending mixed design messages, skip basic-issue white appliances in favour of appliance panels, or stainless steel or black finishes – unless your idea of white is conveyed via luxe revival whites as shown by Aga. Pricing considerationsAlthough pricing varies, expect to pay between $15 and $18 per square foot (not including installation). They're a great pairing to high-end European kitchens, and a nice way to add an upscale feel to less expensive IKEA knockoffs of the aforementioned kitchen designs!If you move on this look now, you're acting on the trend at its early pre-mainstream phase. It's popular enough that you can find options at Canadian specialty retailers like Saltillo Imports (saltillo-tiles.com), but not so popular that the look is being trumpeted in big-box store catalogues and flyers. (Yet. The Home Depot does now carry one-inch-by-one-inch glass tiles.) While individual tastes vary, it's safe to estimate that if you install a backsplash of mini glass tiles today, they'll feel fresh for at least a decade.For more useful tips and tricks on backsplashes, check out The Home Decorator's Tile Bible: A Complete Guide to Using and Choosing Tiles by Morwenna Brett.Photo courtesy of: The Home Decorator's Tile Bible: A Complete Guide to Using and Choosing Tiles by Morwenna Brett. Copyright 2008 Quarto Inc. Published by Firefly Books Ltd. $29.95. Reprinted with permission- Credit
- Yuki Hayashi
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Custom-design kitchen Custom-design kitchen
Custom-design kitchen ofCustom design kitchen Decorator Jacqueline Glass's Oakville, Ont., home first appeared in STYLE AT HOME in July 2003. When an appliance on the fritz meant making changes to her kitchen, she and Christine McGee, her partner at Jacqueline Glass & Associates, transformed the space into an oasis of comfort and calm. Q: How did you end up with your new kitchen?A: When we moved in, we decided within the first few months to renovate the kitchen. We put in one that was custom-designed in terms of layout; however, I decided to be frugal and keep my old appliances. Unfortunately, a couple of years later, the fridge went on the blink. I also realized I needed more space in a refrigerator. The models I was looking at tended to be deeper and lower because I wanted the freezer at the bottom, and they didn't fit where my side-by-side fridge had been. I would have ended up tearing out half the kitchen to fit in a new fridge, and would also have struggled to match the existing cabinetry. The kitchen is still similar in terms of being an open galley, but it's much more practical now because of all the things we added, like more storage, a counter-level island and a beverage fridge.Q: Is you kitchen more user friendly now?A: Yes! The fridge was in the corner and we moved it out, so Christine could add a full pantry for canned goods. Although it's a small pullout, it helps, as does extending the cabinetry to the ceiling. Switching from a breakfast bar to a counter-height island was also a popular move with my family.Q: What did you want most in the new space?A: I've really developed a love of cooking. I needed more space for prep work and for pots. Plus, I'm a dish junkie, so I was really strapped for storage. Christine suggested adding a window seat in the adjoining family room, which stuck in my head because on either side of that window seat, I could have cabinetry and open shelving with pullout drawers underneath for even more storage. A much-loved new feature is the corner gas fireplace in the sitting room – both that room and kitchen are cozy, without the kitchen being too hot.Q: Which small details did you add to complete the room?A: I switched from a solid-surface counter to Carrara marble. I love poured sinks for their cleanliness, but this time I chose a porcelain farmer's sink. Together with the countertop, it creates the feel of a French bakery. I played up the blue in my palette, so the glass cabinets have beadboard painted Yarmouth Blue by Benjamin Moore & Co. The JAB Anstoetz fabrics in the window seat area were the inspiration for the colour.Q: What's the first thing you ask your clients when starting to plan their new kitchens?A: We always start by asking them for their wish lists. And because kitchen renovation is expensive, I always also ask our clients, “Is this a forever home?” Because if it is, then let's go for it. But if they don't feel their home is forever, then sometimes I think it's better to simply repaint or reface. In general, I'd say we have to be very intuitive regarding budget and whether the client is going to get a return on a kitchen renovation if it's not a forever home.- Credit
- Tracey Williams
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Cabinetry 101 Cabinetry 101
Cabinetry 101 ofCabinetry: Door styles, hardware, finishes and materials DOOR STYLESSlab Flat door with no raised or recessed panels. May be single piece of wood or other material, several pieces laminated together and cut to size, or substrate with surface material like veneer or laminate.Recessed panel Frame with flat panel secured within. Frame, inner panel or both may be grooved or otherwise decorated.Raised panel Construction similar to recessed panel, but with inner panel made from several pieces of joined lumber, cut dimensionally and routed or shaped to desired profile, which protrudes past plane of frame.Routed MDF or other materials routed to simulate raised or recessed panels. May be painted or laminated.DOOR HARDWAREKnobs Attached with one screw. Can be installed directly into fragile surfaces like glass. Easy to place exactly where you want them. Can be highly decorative. Less expensive than more elaborate hardware.Pulls Attached with two screws. Variety of lengths. Many design variations, from traditional to modern. Over time, fingernails and oils may affect door finish behind pulls. Must be sturdy or well made to prevent breaking.Drop pulls Similar to regular pulls but with pivoting handle. Curved, elegant shapes, lovely in furniture-style cabinets/units. Ideal where projection is problematic, as drop pulls hang flush with cabinet when not in use.FINISHES & MATERIALSNatural-finish woodPros Beautiful look - Wide variety of grains, colours, species - Modern urethane finishes protect wood for years - Choice of sheen levels, from matte to highglossCons Light woods may darken over time, especially when exposed to sun - Shows dirt.Cost: $$–$$$ Varies with species and construction quality - Fast-growing alder is least expensive of all softwoods, which also include pine and maple, while hardwoods like oak, cherry and imported exotics (teak and mahogany) are more expensive.Stained wood Pros Lighter, less expensive woods can be made to resemble darker, more exotic species - Hides dirt and stains - Choice of colours and stains (semi-opaque stains highlight grain) provides design versatility while imparting translucent sheen.Cons Stain absorbed differently, depending on wood - Won't be protected from moisture and grease unless stain labelled “protective,” so urethane topcoat recommended.Cost: $$ – $$$ Varies widely according to type and quality. Kitchen: Finishes and materials Painted surfaces Pros Wide choice of colours - Highand semigloss finishes washable - Since substrate (underlying layer) won't show, can be less expensive wood or other material like MDF - Offer inexpensive facelift for ugly or old cabinets.Cons Vulnerable to scratches - Spray lacquer provides smoothest finish, while brush or roller finishes aren't as smooth - Laminate and melamine don't accept paint as well as wood, unless melamine paint used.Cost $ – DIY - $$ – pro job.Solid wood Pros Durable and long-lasting - Can be better grade than veneers.Cons Natural variations in grain and colour - Vulnerable to warping, especially in humidity of kitchen - Serious damage may necessitate replacement.Cost $$–$$$VeneerPros Can have look of expensive woods at lower price - Greater warp resistance compared with solid wood - Often cut from one piece of wood, achieving uniform look - Damage is repairable.Cons Veneer can lift or crack - Cheap veneers can look fake - Quality of substrate is keyCost $–$$Melamine Pros Variety of looks at lower price, ranging from matte and highgloss finishes to imitation wood (sometimes quite realistic) - Easy to clean, virtually maintenance-free - Very stable in kitchen environment - Affordable.Cons Less durable than other materials like wood - Difficult to repair if damaged - Can be cheap in looks and quality.Cost $–$$Stainless steel Pros Resistant to corrosion - Low maintenance - Easy to clean - Highly durable - Comes plain or painted for high-tech kitchens - Great for those with chemical sensitivities - Inner core reduces sound vibrations.Cons Polished finishes vulnerable to scratches and fingermarks (less obvious with textured or matte finishes) - Not yet widely available.Cost $$$–$$$$Laminate / Thermofoil Pros Design variety at lower cost - More durable than melamine - Simulations of woods and other materials can be extremely realistic.Cons Not as durable as real wood - Difficult to repair, as colour is only one layer deep - Quality of substrate is variable.Cost $–$$ Kitchen: cabinet types CABINET TYPESFramed Definition: Box with frame surrounding front edges to which door is attached, so hinges are visible.Pros Sturdy construction - Hinges and frame show for traditional, classic look - Can be refaced with new fronts.Cons Less access to interior than frameless cabinets.Frameless Definition^: Hinges attached directly to doors and end or side panels of box.Pros Widely available - Hinges don't show, so suitable for modern, sleek look.Cons Doors can start to sag over time.Stock Definition:Standard sizes often sold off-the-shelf or quickly ordered from retailers and kitchen companies.Pros Economical - DIY - Increasingly wide variety of shapes and sizes - Fast delivery - Damaged unit can be replaced without rebuilding entire kitchen.- Quality can be as good as more expensive options.Cons More limited sizes and styles than semi-stock - No customization - May need filler strips to fit into existing space.Semi-stock Definition: Built to order within standard specifications, sometimes with choice of options.Pros Wider variety of styles and finishes than stock - Allows for some customization - Often less costly than custom-built.Cons Not as much variety as with custom - Longer wait time for delivery than with stock.Custom Definition Custom-built to exact specifications.Pros Can be tailored to unusual or non-standard space, without fillers or modifications to space - Often, very high-quality craftsmanship and special materialsCons Most expensive option - Longest wait time - Does not automatically mean the best quality, only that it's customized for you.- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
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Kitchen design: All about kitchens Kitchen design: All about kitchens
Kitchen design: All about kitchens ofKitchen design What's cookin' in the kitchen? The latest kitchen design trendsDesigners serve up the latest when it comes to kitchen decor.Kitchen design: 10 items every kitchen needsWhat do you need to make your cutting-edge kitchen run smoothly? Check out our list of 10 hot new kitchen must-haves.Kicthen design: 8 great kitchen gadgetsImpress your guests with the most stylish tools for cooking and baking.Kitchen design: 8 ways to make your kitchen uniqueAdd personality to your kitchen and create a room that's a joy to spend time in.What's your kitchen design style?For many, the kitchen is the hub of the home. Find out what style suits you best.Kitchen design: Update your kitchen for under $100Quick and easy kitchen fix-ups that won't break the bank.Kitchen design trends from the prosDesigners share the inside scoop on what's hot in kitchens.Top 10 kitchen renovation tipsFrom the cabinets to the appliances, find out how to ensurea successful renovation.Kitchen design: 7 ways to find order in the kitchenTry out these simple storage solutions that'll help you maximize your efficiency in the kitchen.- Credit
- styleathome.com
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10 secrets to beautiful backsplashes 10 secrets to beautiful backsplashes
10 secrets to beautiful backsplashes of10 secrets to beautiful backsplashes Beverley Leigh Binns, kitchen design specialist at Toronto's Binns Kitchen and Bath Design, offers the following suggestions for creating a beautiful backsplash.1 Decide on the theme of your kitchen: country, traditional, contemporary or transitional (a blending of two styles).2 Determine your budget.3 Use more than one material to define specific work areas, for example, stainless steel behind the sinks and cook-top and tile in the remaining areas.4 A current trend is to continue the counter material up the wall and use it as the backsplash material. This helps maintain the continuity of the design and keeps the number of material choices in the kitchen to a minimum.5 The backsplash is often the last decision to be made during a kitchen renovation or redesign, but because it's at eye level, it should be given the same attention as the cabinetry, hardware and counter material choices.6 If you have budget restrictions, consider creating a focal point using a more expensive material over the cooking area or sink, and then doing a paint technique such as Venetian Plaster in the remaining areas.7 Look at a large variety of materials before deciding -- choices include laminates, glass, ceramics, metal and solid surface materials (either natural or man-made).8 A neutral colour palette is still the most requested, but consider adding impact with colours in a border or interspersed in a decorative pattern.9 Don't be afraid to include tiles collected from your travels in your backsplash -- they add interest and re-create fond memories.10 There are many choices and deciding can seem overwhelming, so don't be afraid to seek professional advice. Spending a little at the planning stage can be less costly in the long run.- Credit
- Beverley Leigh Binns
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8 ways to make your kitchen unique 8 ways to make your kitchen unique
8 ways to make your kitchen unique ofAnother 4 tips for a unique kitchen Even the most confident home decorator can be confused when it comes to adding personal style to your kitchen. Without a bit of fun to go with the function, the fanciest professional renovation -- replete though it may be with gorgeous granite counters and gleaming brand-new appliances -- can end up feeling a bit, well, anonymous. But there are actually lots of ways you can make your kitchen uniquely yours, and best of all, none of them cost much money. Here are a few ideas, with some help from Toronto designer Jacqueline Glass. 1 Pick a theme. Collect items that reflect this theme. Some great traditional kitchen motifs are strawberries or vegetables; chickens or cows, especially in a French country style kitchen; sunflowers; antique advertising signs. 2 Beautiful kitchen implements can dress it up. Relieve the coldness that sometimes goes with smooth materials such as granite and stainless steel with beautiful pepper mills, an arrangement of herbed oils in beautiful bottles, a marble mortar and pestle, or a china bowl filled with garlic bulbs add an organic feeling. 3 Create vignettes. In the kitchen, for a look that's both practical and visually pleasing. Next to the coffee maker, put out a selection of pretty cups and matching creamer and sugar bowl; arrange a wooden knife block and breadbox next to a handsome maple cutting board. 4 In Europe, beautiful design in everyday things is considered a matter of course. Alessi's famous Costco teapot, pots and pans from Williams Sonoma or Ashton Green, and ergonomic cooking utensils are as pleasing to look at as they are to use. Top 4 tips for your kitchen 5 In the kitchen, set aside an area purely for display. These areas are as important as in any other room in your house. Consider mounting a shelf with decorative corbels or mouldings and arrange mugs, bowls, or even a framed picture on top. If you're blessed with recessed niches in the wall, or a section of wall where one can be built in, use it to display a single flower in a tall vase or a thin sculpture. 6 For that matter, artwork in the kitchen is underrated. Mount your art away from wet or greasy areas such as the stove, that's all. As an alternative to prints or paintings, have children's artwork framed (a lovely alternative to the old refrigerator-art gallery routine) or hang a row of family photos. 7 The area above cabinets provides a great visual opportunity. Wicker baskets are a classic look-and a great place to store out-of-season or less-used items-but consider alternatives such as ceramic pottery bowls, or perhaps a collection of antique kitchen implements such as cast-iron scales. Be sure to keep the proportions of display items relatively large to avoid a "bitty" look. 8 If all else fails, choose a theme around colour. Pick a cheery colour that complements the permanent elements in your kitchen, and gear all your accessorizing to that: placemats, casual tableware, oven mitts, tea towels, even a dish strainer and plastic cooking utensils. IKEA, Pier 1 and many specialty kitchen stores often have a large selection of colour-coordinated items, and they're a great way to perform an instant makeover on any kitchen, old or new.- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
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Update your kitchen for under $100 Update your kitchen for under $100
Update your kitchen for under $100 of1 to 5 If your kitchen is looking a bit blah, there are lots of ways to spruce it up without breaking the bank -- or taking on a full renovation. Here's a rundown of ideas, all of them under $100, which will help to cheer it up.1 Paint is one of the most versatile decorating tools there is. Painting the walls in a lovely new colour will do a lot to lighten and brighten, but don't stop there. Repainting the cabinets can completely transform your look -- after all, cabinetry takes up most of the wall space in many kitchens. Melamine paint is best for kitchen cabinets, since it's tough, easy-to-wash and can be tinted any colour you like, and it's now available in easy-to-use latex formulations. Some types of flooring, such as wood and sheet vinyl, can also be painted. 2 Change the backsplash. Peel-and-stick mirror tiles are available at most building stores, for an instant brightener. Ceramic subway tiles are another trendy backsplash look that's surprisingly easy to do, especially if you can adjust the design to avoid having to cut them. (If you want or need to cut tiles, you can rent a tile cutter at a rent-all store.) Ceramic tile is also a great do-it-yourself way to update worn-out counters.3 Make a shirred café curtain for your window. Cut a piece of pretty sheer fabric, half the height of the window plus 2 inches for hems, and 1-1/2 times the window width. Sew 1” hems on all four sides and thread it onto an adjustable curtain rod. Mount rod across the centre of the window, leaving the top half of the window bare.4 Thin slatted blinds in wood or PVC make a clean-looking (and easy-to-clean) kitchen window covering. Wood blinds have the added advantage that you can paint them to match your colour scheme.5 Change all the cabinet and drawer hardware. You can get all kinds of great designs, from forks and knives to sophisticated modern looks. 6 to 10 6 Change the faucet. Many of the new looks are specially designed for do-it-yourself installation, using just basic tools, and there are many styles to choose from that cost less than $100. 7 Add new mouldings. For instant elegance, new crown mouldings, chair rails or beefed-up baseboards (either to replace existing skinny ones, or added as an extra course above them) are another done-in-a-day job. For a glamourous look, you can also add crown mouldings to the tops of plain cabinets. Nowadays, some types of mouldings feature premitered corners, removing the trickiest aspect of the job. 8 For a low-cost mood lifter, simply treat yourself to new tea towels, oven mitts, and potholders in a bright colour or cheery pattern. 9 Update your accessories with stylish new ones. Canisters in graduated sizes, a tall pottery jar filled with wooden spoons and cooking utensils, or a beautiful antique breadbox are lovely additions for your countertop. Add a few hanging plants for a fresh look.10 Finish a wall with a beautiful framed posters that coordinates with your kitchen scheme, or create a vignette with a series of frames from an art or photo supply store, filled with family photos or pictures taken from an old botanical calendar. If the frames are unfinished, paint them in your signature colour palette.- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
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Tips for your kitchen makeover Tips for your kitchen makeover
Tips for your kitchen makeover ofPointers for your kitchen makeover Ellen Cheever knows her kitchens. The Wilmington, Del., kitchen designer (ellencheever.com) has literally written the book on kitchen design. She authored the first two textbooks on kitchen and bath design for the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), and while serving as the NKBA's director of educational services, her research led to new industry planning standards manuals. She's an informed trend watcher who has a residential practice, and she consults with major manufacturers on product design and projects. She spoke with STYLE AT HOME about trends in kitchen design. Here are her kitchen renovation pointers. Choosing cabinetry If you have an active family and cook a lot, invest in the best-quality cabinets you can afford. "They're built better, have better hardware, which means doors will open and close better over 20 years, and they have elaborate finishing systems, which is critical," Ellen says. Custom cabinets that are finished on-site don't provide the best finish. "I'd rather work with a manufacturing facility with quality controls leading to an extended warranty on the finish." Ensure that the finishing process is a systemized one that includes either flash-off or heat baking. Ellen's small-space kitchen reno pointers: • Once you have the right amount of counter space, don't add more. • Switch to floor-to-ceiling pantry-type storage; it's one of the best ways to maximize a small space. A 12-inch-deep cabinet gives you immense storage. • Don't assume everything you have is a necessity. "Think about what you use weekly, monthly and yearly. You can organize and work in a small space if you have self-discipline about your possessions. • Have areas that do double duty. If you have a table, can it have a shelf underneath for oversize pots and pans? If there's wall space above the table, can you install an open rack there? • Buy the best cabinets you can and outfit the insides of them so that every inch is organized. Better-quality cabinets have full base shelves (ones that extend to the front of the cabinet), while cheaper ones only have half-shelves. Hiring a kitchen designer Hiring a kitchen designerEllen says you can design your own kitchen if you're on a budget, if the materials and equipment in your room have just given up, and if the plan is to take everything out but put new things back in the same spots. "But you lose out on the opportunity to have a professional with a fresh set of eyes, years of experience and knowledge of the latest developments in design improve your space in ways you wouldn't think possible," she explains.The concerns the consumer has about working with kitchen designers are: Will they create the most expensive solution because they're money hungry? Will they specify products because they have an allegiance to the manufacturer rather than defer to what I want or can afford? According to Ellen, you can be confident about the professionalism of a designer if you can answer yes to the following questions:1 Has the firm or designer practiced in your town for several years? That's almost a guarantee they don't overcharge or they wouldn't still be in business.2 Has he or she invited you to see past work and offered many references?3 Does the designer have a state-of-the-art, well-maintained showroom?4 Does he or she have work showcased in local show houses or community projects?- Credit
- Kathleen Dore
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Top 10 kitchen renovation tips Top 10 kitchen renovation tips
Top 10 kitchen renovation tips ofTop 10 kitchen renovation tips Renovating your kitchen will add ease to your lifestyle and value to your home. Here are the 10 most important things to consider when you're updating your kitchen.1 Use quality materials. -
Stylish kitchen decor Stylish kitchen decor
Stylish kitchen decor ofCabinets, backsplashes and windows We grab our first cup of coffee there, pencil appointments in our calendars, open mail and pay bills. It's also where we help the kids with homework. And, whether we like it or not, it's where the party always ends up. Oh, did I mention cooking?If the kitchen is “activity central” in most homes, why do so many feel utilitarian, cool or sterile? Whether you own a new builder's-beige kitchen or one that's sleekly renovated, the following design ideas will bring personality and style to the heart of your home.CabinetsRegardless of style, kitchen cabinets provide endless opportunities to add interest.1 Exchange solid doors for glass-fronted ones to give dishes and glassware a chance to get noticed. 2 Forgo cabinet doors altogether. Open shelving works beautifully for rustic, country or exotic decors. 3 Add wood moulding to plain cabinets to create panelled doors. Inset areas can be painted or covered with wallpaper.4 For contemporary sparkle, apply metallic foils to cabinets. A coat of antiquing glaze creates old-world charm.5 Splurge on new hardware. Today's choices are endless, from pewter insect shapes to hand-painted porcelain. 6 Who says pantry cupboards have to match the rest of the cabinetry? Try a screen door or wrought-iron gate as a clever alternative to traditional cabinet doors.BacksplashBecause of its visual prominence, a backsplash offers an obvious place for bold colour and style. 1 Cut a simple motif from wallpaper or wrapping paper and découpage it in the centre of a tile; seal with a few coats of acrylic urethane. Add motifs randomly or in a row. 2 Tiles are a great canvas. Why not hand-paint an eye-catching motif or scene centred above the cooktop? 3 Embossed tin panels, found at salvage yards or building supply centres, provide vintage charm. WindowsWindow treatments don't have to be elaborate to be effective. Use your imagination. 1 Create a display area for serving pieces, collectibles or glassware by installing glass shelves in front of a window. It's also the perfect spot for growing a herb garden.2 Make a small window more prominent by adding shutters to either side of the frame. 3 Hang a stained-glass panel directly in front of an existing window and watch the colours dance. 4 No window over the sink? Paint one. Enhance it with wood moulding and curtain fabric to complete the illusion.Page 1 of 2 Flooring, lighting and storage FlooringOf course flooring is expected to be practical, but that doesn't mean that it has to be prudish.1 A floor runner can create seamless style and comfort. Choose sea grass to lend texture to cool surfaces or an oriental-style rug for traditional warmth. 2 If your wood or linoleum floor has seen better days, paint (offering endless creative possibilities) may be the answer. A hand-painted floor cloth is another option.Island eating counterAn island eating counter should be so inviting that family and friends will want to linger. 1 From a butcher-block table to a steel trolley, if you've got extra floor space, an interesting island can steal the show. 2 Dress up plain-Jane stools with padded cushions. 3 Tea towels make fun napkins and look great rolled up in a wicker basket. 4 Placemats are an easy way to add pattern. LightingDon't restrict yourself to “kitchen” lighting. Good lighting is critical to any setting. Who says that a kitchen is no place for a crystal chandelier?Clever storageIf you think of every item you purchase as beautiful and practical, you won't want to hide it.1 Take your cookware out and hang it above the cooktop.2 Use the space between the upper cabinets and ceiling for storing baskets filled with infrequently used items.3 Use that silver teapot to hold fresh flowers or utensils. Click to read more of Kimberley's fantastic design tips for the whole home.Page 2 of 2- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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The before & after issue
In this issue
Before & after
Bathroom suites: Enjoy 5 inspiring designs; Whole home makeovers: Stunning interiors - before and after their spectacular renovations; Pure & simple: Preview a living/dining room from design editor Samantha Pynn's new TV show, Pure Design!; Cosy... more -
Quiz
Quiz: How clean is your bathroom?
Clean as a luxury hotel ensuite or sketchy as a gas station restroom? Find out how your bathroom rates!
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Featured Blog
Favourite Things
Latest Posts
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Poll
Forum Buzz
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Editor's Picks
