3 Reasons Our Experience & Expertise Gives You a Better Kitchen Renovation Experience
Choosing the right designer or project manager for your kitchen renovation is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the entire process. The right person for the job will give you confidence and peace of mind, streamline the experience and minimize stress, and communicate clearly. Why Experience & Expertise Makes Your Kitchen Renovation Better With so many kitchen renovation companies to choose from, experience and expertise should be at the top of your list of criteria. Here’s why. 1. Confidence & Peace of Mind A kitchen renovation is a big project, and during the process, it can feel a bit unsettling. As your old kitchen is dismantled and removed, you’ll stare at a gaping space where you once enjoyed delicious meals and made precious memories. You wonder, “Are we doing the right thing?” When you place this monumental task into the hands of an experienced expert, you can have confidence and peace of mind for several reasons.
Relationship Matters: How the Manufacturer of Your Kitchen Cabinets Impacts You
Whether you’re getting a new kitchen or embarking on a kitchen renovation, the relationship between the kitchen cabinet manufacturer and your kitchen designer and supplier has a significant impact on the quality of your kitchen and your experience during the entire process. Most homeowners don’t think much about their cabinet manufacturer. You’re understandably more concerned about choosing the right designer for your new kitchen. That’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this process! The right kitchen designer will instill confidence and help turn your kitchen dream into a reality. But there’s more to a great kitchen than the design. You want quality cabinets that fit your budget and you want the entire process to be as stress free as possible. This is where the relationship between the cabinet manufacturer and your kitchen designer and supplier makes all the difference. Manufacturer Matters The manufacturer of your kitchen cabinets matters just as much as the designer and supplier,
Custom Cabinets vs Stock Cabinets: What are the advantages?
Your kitchen cabinets are like permanent furniture. They dominate the look and feel of the space, and you want them to last a long time. They are truly an investment. So as you shop for kitchen cabinets, you may wonder about the differences between custom cabinets vs stock cabinets. What’s the best option for your new kitchen or kitchen renovation? Custom Cabinets vs Stock Cabinets: 4 Key Considerations Cabinets are essentially boxes and doors with shelves and drawers. A cabinet seems like a simple thing, yet there are many factors that make the difference between a quality cabinet and one that’s basically disappointment in a box. The manufacturing process determines the design, style, functionality, cost, and quality of your kitchen cabinets. Let’s look at 4 key elements of a cabinet to compare custom cabinets with stock cabinets. Materials Joints Hardware Selection Stock cabinets are mass produced, and therefore more affordable than custom cabinets, but they’re only available in predetermined sizes
How to Choose the Best Bathroom Layout for Your Home
No matter what size your bathroom is, the layout makes all the difference. You can have beautiful fixtures, perfectly coordinated colors, and a luxurious feel, but if your layout isn’t good, the whole space will be frustrating because it won’t be functional. So how do you choose the best bathroom layout for your home? In this post, we’ll look at: Key components of good bathroom design 5 essential bathroom layouts Tips for choosing your bathroom layout Whether you’re renovating your bathroom or building a new home, use this as your guide to creating a bathroom you love to be in. 4 Key Components of Ideal Bathroom Design As you’ll see later in this post, there are some common bathroom layouts that work well in most bathrooms. But there’s room for creativity, and some bathrooms have unique dimensions, which makes the usual floor plans tricky to use. That’s where the key components of good bathroom design come into play. When you
3 Inspiring Concept Board Ideas for Your Bathroom Remodel
Is it time to renovate your bathroom? Planning is the crucial first step, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Have some fun and create a concept board to inspire your bathroom remodel. Whether your goal is to maximize the space in your bathroom, simply to make your bathroom look better, or a complete overhaul of your bathroom, a concept board is a good place to start. What is a Concept Board? If you’ve spent any time browsing for interior design ideas online, you’ve likely seen a concept board. In addition to inspiring your home improvement projects, It’s a tool for visually communicating design concepts, ideas and potential products you’d like in your space. Each concept board is unique. Your concept board is a collection of things you like and that inspire you, including patterns, colors, textures and images. It’s a visual representation of the look and feel you want your bathroom to have. Physical concept boards can simply be
9 Simple Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look Better
Is your bathroom looking a little drab? Do you want to make it look better without too much drama? A bathroom refresh sounds exciting, but maybe the reality of what’s involved seems daunting to you. This post will assure you that a new look for your bathroom doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are 9 simple ways to make your bathroom look better. 1. Get rid of clutter Decluttering your bathroom is a great way to start improving its dull state. Eliminate what’s unnecessary in your bathroom to make the space look cleaner. This gives you a better idea of the space you have available for items you actually need or want to keep. Does decluttering seem like a big job? Start small. Remove nearly empty bottles of lotions, creams, shampoos, and other toiletries you haven’t used for the last month.Focus on one unnecessary item at a time, and before you know it, your bathroom will be clutter-free! 2. Change
5 Obvious Things People Don’t Tell You About Bathroom Renovations
You have your dream bathroom in mind, and you’ve decided it’s time to renovate your bathroom. But even with the most detailed plan, there’s bound to be a few surprises. That’s the nature of bathroom renovations. To help you be even more prepared, here are 5 things about bathroom renovations. They seem obvious at first glance, but upon closer inspection, are valuable tips to make your remodel project less stressful. 1. Contractors are not mind readers Effective communication with your contractor is crucial to a successful bathroom renovation. What you really want and what you really mean can easily get lost in translation. Whether you are talking to a designer or a contractor, it’s vital that you clearly communicate your vision. In the planning stages, the more detail you can provide, the easier it is for your renovation team to understand your wants and needs. You might think it’s over-communicating, but in addition to sharing what you want, tell them
10 Places to Put the Microwave in the Kitchen
Wondering where to put the microwave in the kitchen? You are not alone. It’s a common conundrum. Moving your microwave to a new spot can get complicated quickly. The electrical outlet complicates things. If there’s no outlet in a convenient location for the microwave, rewiring turns a minor location shift into a massive job requiring a professional. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for ideal microwave placement! Here are 10 places to put the microwave in the kitchen. Elevated Locations An overhead microwave keeps your countertop clear and saves space. Here are 5 overhead spots for your microwave. 1. Over the range This is the most common choice in kitchens. Position your microwave above the stove to keep it up and out of the way. This makes access easier and saves space. Be sure to consider the size of your microwave. Too large, and it’ll overwhelm the space; too small, and it’ll look awkward here. 2. A drink station A
15 Design Ideas for Small Bathrooms
Are you frustrated with the lack of storage in your small bathroom? Are you ready to change up the style? Renovating a bathroom can be stressful, especially when space is limited. However, there are plenty of ways to improve the storage and style, no matter how small your bathroom is! These 15 design ideas for small bathrooms will refresh the space and keep it chic. How to Update a Small Bathroom 1. Mirror a wall or incorporate multiple mirrors Whether it’s a large one that covers a wall or multiples for design, mirrors give the impression of a larger space. The reflection of light gives the room a brighter feel, even if the bathroom doesn’t have a window. A large mirror that reflects a small bathroom gives the impression of magnifying the room. 2. Use a glass shower door instead of a shower curtain A glass shower door opens up your bathroom and makes it feel more spacious. Other benefits
10 Practical Design Ideas for the Awkward Kitchen Corner
The corner space where two banks of kitchen cabinets meet is called a “blind corner”. It’s often wasted space because it’s deep, dark, and inaccessible. Even when the design provides access by including a cabinet door, it’s difficult to reach items stored at the back unless you have exceptionally long arms and flexibility. There are many tried and tested solutions to the blind corner cabinet conundrum. Here are 10 of our best practical design ideas for the awkward kitchen corner. 1. Lazy Susan A lazy susan is the classic go-to for corner cabinets. Spinning shelves allow you to access anything in the cabinet without having to reach. This type of cabinet typically has a bifold hinged door. There are 3 main types of lazy susans: Full circle shelves set back into the cabinet so the door can fully close Pie-shaped shelves to allow for the folding door Pie-shaped shelves attached to the door so they automatically pull out when the
Watch Out! Don’t Make These 8 Common Bathroom Design Mistakes!
Despite the small size of a bathroom, it takes hundreds of decisions to complete a bathroom renovation. Careful planning makes all the difference. If you want your remodel project to be a success, don’t make these 8 common bathroom design mistakes! Mistake #1: Selecting the Wrong Mirror Size A mirror adds more to your bathroom than just a place to view your reflection. It has a significant effect on the look and feel of your bathroom. Some bathrooms use the mirror as a decorative piece, but the risk is having a mirror that’s too small. The bigger your mirror, the more open your bathroom feels. A typical bathroom mirror should be approximately the same width as your bathroom countertop. If you have a pedestal sink, or if your bathroom doesn’t allow for a mirror as wide as the countertop, the mirror should be slightly wider than the sink. If you use a mirror that’s too small, it’s not as helpful
How to Choose the Best Lighting for Your Kitchen
From early morning till late at night, your kitchen serves as a place to eat, socialize, and work. Light plays a key role in the functionality, ambience, and character of your kitchen. So how do you choose the best lighting for your kitchen? In this post, we’ll look at: 3 main types of kitchen lighting; 6 areas of your kitchen that need lighting; and Key components of perfect kitchen lighting. We’ll also give you some tips for choosing the best lighting for your kitchen. 3 Types of Lighting Your Kitchen Needs A well-lit kitchen is crucial considering all the ways you use the space. It’s a social hub in your home, a transit zone, a workspace, and a display area for decor. A multi-purpose space requires multi-purpose lighting. A single light fixture simply cannot do it all in your kitchen. Proper kitchen lighting uses a layered approach. Let’s look at the 3 layers of lighting your kitchen needs: Ambient lighting
How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Design Style for You
Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s a cliche, but it’s true. Today’s households use the kitchen for more than preparing food. It’s a place to hang out, do homework, and entertain. So you want that space to be a one you love, one that reflects your style. “But I don’t know what my style is!” Don’t worry. This is easier than you think. In this post, we’ll take the pressure off and demystify how to choose the perfect kitchen design style for you! Top 3 Kitchen Styles in 2021 It’s not necessary to choose a kitchen style that’s trending right now. If what’s “in” doesn’t suit you, there are plenty of other options that are just as fabulous. But if you’re curious about what’s popular in the kitchen design world, here are the top 3 kitchen styles homeowners are choosing in 2021. Modern Farmhouse If you browse online or in magazines for style inspiration, it won’t take
How to use the work triangle & zones for the perfect kitchen layout
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
How to Choose the Best Countertop for Your Kitchen
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
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
10 Signs It’s Time to Renovate Your Kitchen
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
Don’t Make These Top 10 Bathroom Renovation Mistakes!
Of all the major renovations Canadian homeowners have planned, 24% (a majority in this survey) are bathrooms. Even though it’s the smallest room of the house, a bathroom renovation can quickly get out of hand. Avoid these common bathroom renovation mistakes to keep your remodel project simple and affordable. Mistake #1: No Plan It’s tempting to plunge into a bathroom renovation without a plan. How hard can it be? Replace the tub, shower, toilet, vanity, sink, lighting, and voila! But a bathroom renovation without a plan never goes smoothly. There’s more to planning a bathroom renovation than picking out your design. Electrical regulations and plumbing need to be factored in. Now is the time to reevaluate the functionality of your current layout – maybe it’s time for a change. A professional designer or contractor can help you come up with a plan for the entire renovation, ensuring everything will meet legal requirements and avoid delays or unforeseen costs. Mistake #2:
How to Save Money on Your Bathroom Renovation
You’ve seen the signs and decided it’s time to remodel your bathroom. But the average cost of a bathroom renovation in Calgary, Alberta is $13,393. That’s no small chunk of change! So you’re probably wondering how to save money on your bathroom renovation. Why is a Bathroom Remodel so Expensive? Compared to almost any other room in the average home, a bathroom renovation seems expensive especially when you look at the cost per square foot. Why does a bathroom remodel cost so much? Here are a few reasons. Many trades are involved No matter how small your bathroom is, it’s guaranteed to need plumbing, electrical, drywall and paint, flooring, and likely cabinetry, a countertop, and tiling. If you want your bathroom remodel done right, you’ll hire contractors who are specialists in each trade. These professionals have the expertise needed for each component of your bathroom, and they usually guarantee their work. That costs money. Consider this: If you are doing
Should You Renovate Your Home During COVID-19?
It’s been a roller coaster of a year. Jobs and spending plummeted with the first lockdown in the spring, but things have changed dramatically. As work from home becomes the new normal, people are spending more than ever on home renovations, furniture, and maintenance. The question is: Should you renovate your home during COVID-19? You need to be comfortable with whatever decision you make. Here we’ll simply explore the pros & cons of renovating during COVID-19. Benefits of Renovating During COVID-19 In a time of many challenges and disappointments, there can be a silver lining! There are actually benefits of renovating during COVID-19 that you would not have at any other time. You have more time to plan & prepare The first phase of any renovation involves time to plan and prepare. You get to dream and create a vision for how you want your space to look when the project is complete. Measurements are taken, research is done, and
5 Key Factors of the Perfect Home Office for Remote Work
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
10 Signs It’s Time for a Bathroom Renovation
We sometimes overlook the obvious when it stares us in the face every day. Our homes are where we spend most of our time, so it’s easy to become accustomed to its quirks, aging and deterioration. What others might deem unacceptable, we just think of as “home”. The bathroom is on the list of top 10 renovations Canadian homeowners made this year. Maybe you’ve gotten used to the current state of your bathroom. Take a closer look for these top 10 signs that it might be time for a bathroom renovation. 1. The Colors Are Outdated The styles of the 21st century tend to favor neutral color schemes. Splashes of color are welcome, but not usually in the paint colors or fixtures. Bright and bold colors are reserved for accents. If your bathroom walls and fixtures (or both) are still the originals from when you moved in decades ago, it’s definitely time for an update. 2. It Smells Old A
15 Ideas for Bathroom Storage to Maximize Your Space
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
Is a Kitchen Renovation Worth the Return on Investment?
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
21 Simple Ways to Avoid Renovation Stress
Unexpected delays & surprise expenses can make a renovation stressful. These are our top 21 tips for avoiding renovation stress.
How to Avoid Common Renovation Delays
A renovation that goes from start to finish without a hitch is almost miraculous. These 8 things help you avoid common renovation delays.
7 Common Causes of Renovation Delays & How to Avoid Them
Even with the most careful planning and a perfectly scheduled timeline, delays in your home renovation are inevitable. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help keep your remodel project on track.
Kitchen Renovation Timeline: How to Remodel Your Kitchen in the Right Order
This kitchen renovation timeline outlines every step of the kitchen remodel process in order. Use it to plan your reno.
When is the Best Time to Renovate Your Kitchen?
The best time to renovate your kitchen depends on 4 key factors. Each season has its pros and cons for a kitchen remodel.
37 Ways to Make Your Small Kitchen Better
A small kitchen can be challenging to work in, organize, and enjoy, but there are ways to make your small kitchen better. Here are 37 ideas.
