Design solutions: Renovating

Q: We live in a 10-year-old starter home that we want to stay in long-term. One of the original low-cost features is our white melamine kitchen cabinetry with basic pulls. I'd like to make the kitchen look more contemporary. Can you offer some suggestions? PATTI DURAND, HUMBOLDT, SASK.

A: First things first: clear the clutter from the counters and above the cabinets. Stash as much stuff out of sight as possible. Then, for a truly amazing contemporary statement, transform the cabinets with a custom-printed mural by the Quebec-based company Wall You Need Is Love. There's an incredible selection of images to choose from on its website (wallyouneedislove.com) – this birch tree design is just one. Select the image you like, or submit one of your own, along with your cabinet dimensions. The company will print the mural paper in sections and provide easy step-by-step installation instructions if you want to do it yourself. Switch out your existing hardware in favour of invisible touch latch hardware (check out leevalley.com) or inconspicuous plain pulls so as not to detract from the mural image.

Q: My husband and I are going to buy a sectional for our TV/movie room. How big is too big? Our room is 20' x 22'. Do you have any insight into how to choose a good-quality leather sofa? We have two small dogs who often hide their bones between the sofa cushions! JULIE REPP, CALGARY

A: My fave overscale sectional is the Dr. Pitt by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. The thing is massive and supercomfy. You can arrange it in so many different ways, depending on the shape of your room. Now, you'll notice it's not leather. I was hoping I might talk you into a slipcovered piece as a pet-friendly option instead. Since your dogs are given to hiding their bones in the cushions, I'm worried that their digging claws will scratch a leather sofa irreparably. I also think a large leather sectional would be way too overpowering in any room, no matter the size. A heavyweight cotton slipcover will stand up to digging dogs, plus the cushion covers can be removed and laundered if there are any messes from man or beast.

Main image courtesy of Hickory Chair.  
Mural kitchen image courtesy of Wall You Need is Love.
Sofa image courtesy of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.

Read more in How-To and Ask Us