How to use the work triangle & zones for the perfect kitchen layout

Modern U-shaped kitchen with high-gloss tan cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, built-in wall oven, and large format tile flooring

When you renovate your kitchen or design the kitchen for your new home, you want the perfect layout. A new kitchen is a big investment, so you want to be sure it’s going to be both beautiful and functional. The kitchen work triangle and kitchen zones are two concepts that can help you plan the perfect kitchen layout. What is the kitchen work triangle? For the last century, the kitchen work triangle has been the standard for kitchen design. It’s like an imaginary line between the sink, the cooktop, the fridge, and back to the sink. Basic guidelines for the kitchen work triangle are The position of the cooktop, sink, and fridge creates a triangle pattern. Each “side” of the triangle should be between 4-9 feet. The sum of all 3 sides of the triangles should not be less than 13 feet and not over 26 feet. There should be no obstacles intruding the triangle (such as cabinetry, island, or … Read more

How to Choose the Best Countertop for Your Kitchen

Elegant white kitchen island with dark quartz countertop, fresh flower arrangement, tiered cookie stand, decorative mullion glass upper cabinets, and natural wood accents

Remember the days when laminate was the only option you had for your kitchen countertops? Things have changed! With so many surfaces available today, you might wonder how to choose the best countertop for your kitchen. In this post, we’ll look at what you need to consider when choosing your kitchen countertops, and the pros and cons of the most common countertop options. 5 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Countertops Choosing the right countertop for your kitchen is about so much more than picking a color or pattern that matches your cabinets. 1. Maintenance Maybe it’s because laminate is so easy to maintain, but it surprises most people that some countertop surfaces require ongoing maintenance. Any natural stone requires regular maintenance to ensure it stays properly sealed, for example. 2. Cost Cost is an obvious factor to consider when choosing your countertops. You can stick to your budget and have the best countertop for your kitchen. Modern countertop surfaces … Read more

How to Add Colour to Your Kitchen

The major components of a kitchen are often relatively neutral, but that can become boring after a while. Whether you’ve just installed new white cabinets or you’re still cooking amidst natural wood cupboards, you’ve probably wondered how to add colour to your kitchen. For this post, we’ve asked Holly Wiebe, our in-house interior designer, for some pro tips. 9 Ways to Add Colour to Your Kitchen Without Commitment It’s easy to add colour to your kitchen without commitment. These inexpensive ways give you the freedom and flexibility to change your colour scheme often. Try changing the colours with the seasons or for special occasions and holidays. Kitchen linens like dish towels and dishcloths Small appliances like your stand mixer Serving dishes and dinnerware A bowl of fruit Fresh flowers Art pieces Drapery Seat cushions on dining chairs or bar stools Runner or mat in front of the sink and/or stove The amount of colour you want to add to your … Read more

10 Signs It’s Time to Renovate Your Kitchen

High angle close up of Espresso maker, earthenware mug and jug and wooden spoon on vintage wooden kitchen cupboard

Want to renovate your kitchen but can’t seem to convince your spouse it’s time? Or maybe you’re the spouse that isn’t convinced! Or maybe your kitchen has been hinting and you’re in denial. Let’s take the guesswork out of this huge decision. If the heart of your home shows these telltale signs, it’s time to renovate your kitchen! 1. Your needs have changed If you’ve lived in your home for a while, it’s likely the kitchen you loved at first no longer meets your needs. Adding children or older parents to your home might make your kitchen feel too small. Or if you’ve become empty nesters, maybe a smaller kitchen fits you better now. Family size is an important factor in your kitchen needs, but lifestyle plays a part, too. Maybe you entertain a lot these days, or you prefer eating at your island instead of a full-size dining table. If you enjoy cooking with your spouse or kids, your … Read more

5 Key Factors of the Perfect Home Office for Remote Work

modern dark wood office with custom built in cabinetry

Earlier this year, 39.1% of Canadians were working from home. That was in direct response to the onset of the pandemic, but working from home has become the new normal for many of us. If you switched to working from home suddenly, you may have set up a makeshift space to work in your home and “made do” for a while. Now that your home has become a permanent place for you to do your job, it’s time to take another look and create a more intentional space for productive work. Take these 5 factors into consideration to set up the perfect home office for remote work. 1. Strategically Separate Professional from Personal It’s important to keep your professional life separate from your personal life. This is essential for business professionalism, record-keeping and tax filing, but it’s also a means of maintaining mental health and work-life balance. If you don’t have the luxury of an entire room dedicated to … Read more

15 Ideas for Bathroom Storage to Maximize Your Space

modern-simple-elegant-bright-white-bathroom, brushed brass shower head, wooden vanity

Bathroom storage is a common challenge. Maybe it’s because bathrooms are often small spaces despite the amount of time we spend in them. Or it could be that our bathroom belongings are too numerous. Whatever the case, finding creative ways to maximize your space in the bathroom is a must. Here are 15 of our best ideas for bathroom storage. Think Vertical There’s a lot of space in your bathroom that typically goes unused. Flat surfaces and cupboards are automatic storage, but it’s time to think outside the box! 1. Use your wall space. Your walls can become valuable storage space while adding some design appeal. Install floating shelves with baskets to hold extra toilet paper rolls and clunky items like hair dryers and curling rods. Even the space over the bathroom door or above the toilet can become storage with a shelf or two. 2. Let a ladder hold your linens. A decorative ladder is a handy spot to … Read more

Is a Kitchen Renovation Worth the Return on Investment?

Man painting white window trim with a brush during a home renovation project

If you’re trying to decide whether or not to renovate your kitchen, you’re probably wondering if a kitchen renovation is worth the return on investment. Do the benefits outweigh the costs, time, and energy? Let’s explore some points to ponder as you evaluate whether a kitchen remodel is right for you. Does a Kitchen Renovation Increase Home Value? A well-designed kitchen can elevate the appearance and functionality of your entire home. In contrast, an outdated and inefficient kitchen can really bring down the look and feel of the house. The kitchen is considered one of the top 3 most important spaces in your home according to homebuyers. Here are some interesting statistics about kitchen renovations and home value: A kitchen renovation is the 3rd most popular type of home improvement. General kitchen upgrades are the 2nd. Of buyers who bought homes without certain features, 69% said they would have paid more for new appliances and 55% would have paid more … Read more