Kitchen & Cabinetry Blogs

5 Ways to Maximize Your Kitchen Space with Drawer Organizers

5 Ways to Maximize Your Kitchen Space with Drawer Organizers

Have you ever burned the food you were cooking because you struggled to find a utensil or ingredient amidst the chaos of your kitchen? Drawer organizers provide the solution to this common frustration. By transforming your cluttered drawers into neat and accessible spaces, you can save time, reduce stress, and bring order to your culinary endeavors.  In this post, we’ll look at five types of drawer organizers, how to choose the right ones, and tips for installing and maintaining them for a consistently organized kitchen.  Benefits of Drawer Organizers Drawer organizers offer numerous advantages for your kitchen: Improved Accessibility: Easily find what you need, saving time and effort during meal prep. Enhanced Aesthetics: Keep your kitchen looking clean and organized with a tidy drawer system. Space Efficiency: Maximize available drawer space, ensuring you use every inch effectively. Reduced Clutter: Maintain a streamlined and orderly kitchen with a dedicated space for every item. By incorporating drawer organizers, you can transform your

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How to Achieve a Timeless Look in Your Dream Kitchen with Shaker Cabinets

How to Achieve a Timeless Look in Your Dream Kitchen with Shaker Cabinets

Few styles are as enduring and versatile in kitchen design as Shaker cabinets. Known for their simple, clean lines and unpretentious functionality, these cabinets have been a favourite for generations. They seamlessly blend with a variety of kitchen styles, from traditional to modern, making them a timeless choice for any home.  Shaker cabinets originated from a religious sect in the late 18th century in the northeastern United States. The Shakers were known for their communal living, commitment to simplicity, and high standards of craftsmanship. They valued utility, honesty, and quality and believed in creating furniture that was both practical and beautiful, avoiding any unnecessary ornamentation.  This approach resulted in the hallmark features of Shaker cabinets: clean lines, flat panel doors, and minimal detailing. The focus was on functionality and durability, using high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. Over time, the aesthetic and practical appeal of their cabinets transcended the Shaker communities and gained popularity in mainstream North American homes. The design’s

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How to Organize Your Kitchen in Style with a Custom Spice Rack

How to Organize Your Kitchen in Style with a Custom Spice Rack

A well-organized kitchen makes cooking a joy rather than a chore, and a custom spice rack can be the perfect solution to streamline your culinary space. Not only does it keep your spices within easy reach, but it also adds a touch of personalized elegance to your kitchen. With a custom spice rack, you can say goodbye to the cluttered chaos of mismatched jars and hello to an orderly, stylish spice collection. Why a Custom Spice Rack? A custom spice rack provides three benefits for the home cook: Personalization Space efficiency Aesthetic appeal A custom spice rack allows you to tailor the storage to fit your specific needs and preferences. Whether you have a collection of exotic spices or a selection of everyday herbs, your spice rack can be designed to accommodate your unique assortment. Maximizing kitchen space is crucial, especially in smaller kitchens. Custom spice racks are designed to use every inch of available space efficiently, making your cooking

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2024 Kitchen Styles: Embracing Tradition, Transition, and Modernity

2024 Kitchen Styles: Embracing Tradition, Transition, and Modernity

Kitchen design in 2024 continues to evolve, offering a blend of timeless elegance, transitional functionality, and modern innovation. Whether you’re drawn to the warmth of traditional kitchens, the versatility of transitional designs, or the sleekness of modern kitchen styles, this year’s trends cater to a wide range of preferences and lifestyles.   Top 3 Kitchen Styles in 2024 Let’s explore the key kitchen styles dominating this year and discover how you can infuse your space with the perfect blend of tradition, transition and modernity.  Traditional Style Traditional kitchens, characterized by rich wood tones, ornate details, and a classic, timeless appeal, exude warmth and elegance with intricate mouldings and antique finishes. Characteristics: Rich wood tones, ornate details, and a classic, timeless appeal Elements: Intricate mouldings, antique finishes, and furniture-like cabinetry Colours: Warm, inviting hues like deep browns, creams, and soft neutrals Trends for 2024: Incorporation of modern appliances and fixtures into traditional designs for a blend of old-world charm and contemporary convenience

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effective kitchen storage in a deep and organized custom kitchen drawer

How to Maximize Kitchen Storage: Creative Solutions for a Clutter-Free Space

As a pot simmers on the stove and threatens to burn, you scramble through various cupboards and drawers—all so full you can’t even see half of the contents—looking for the missing ingredient. The amount of stuff inside your cabinets implies your kitchen is well-stocked, yet finding what you need proves challenging on a regular basis. Does this sound familiar? It’s a symptom of insufficient kitchen storage.  Limited cabinet space, awkward corners, and varying shelf heights can make it difficult to store items efficiently. Over time, the accumulation of gadgets, utensils, and pantry items can lead to clutter and disorganization. Without proper storage solutions, valuable counter space can become overcrowded, making meal prep and cooking a cumbersome task. Efficient storage solutions are the key to maintaining a clutter-free and functional space and improving your cooking experience. Organizing kitchen tools and ingredients can streamline meal preparation, saving time and reducing stress. A well-organized kitchen also promotes better food safety practices, as you

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a custom kitchen revealed beneath a custom kitchen design

The Cost of Custom Kitchens: What to Expect and How to Budget

As the cost of living rises and inflation impacts household budgets, homeowners are increasingly conscious of their spending. Transparency pricing and accurate budgeting are crucial for determining the cost of custom kitchens and other home renovations. You want the security of predictable expenses and the assurance that your investment will pay off.  We’re here to guide you through the actual costs of custom kitchens, helping you make informed decisions about your dream kitchen without financial surprises. In this post, we’ll: explore the various factors that influence the cost of a custom kitchen,  provide a breakdown of typical expenses,  offer budgeting tips and  suggest cost-saving strategies to help you create the kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank. 5 Factors Influencing the Cost of Custom Kitchens What determines the cost of your custom kitchen? Understanding the factors that affect costs can help you better anticipate and manage your budget. 1. Size and Layout The size and layout of your kitchen

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IKEA kitchen vs custom kitchen comparison

IKEA Kitchens vs Custom: How to Settle the Debate & Choose the Best Kitchen for You

IKEA is often the go-to choice for homeowners planning a new kitchen. As an international brand known for its affordability and modern designs, IKEA kitchens have become synonymous with stylish yet budget-friendly options. However, while IKEA may seem the obvious choice at first glance, it’s important to consider factors beyond first impressions and initial cost. Does “you get what you pay for” apply to kitchens? What are the advantages of stock cabinets? Can an IKEA kitchen deliver the same feel, functionality, and value as a custom kitchen? Let’s explore the pros and cons of IKEA vs. custom kitchens to help you make an informed decision about your kitchen renovation project. Whether you’re drawn to the convenience of IKEA or the bespoke nature of custom kitchens, understanding the differences between the two will ensure that your new kitchen meets your needs and provides the best value for your budget. 5 Considerations for Comparing IKEA Kitchens vs Custom Kitchens The kitchen renovation

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outdoor kitchen with built in fridge and grill

Outdoor Kitchens: The Ultimate Guide to Designing Your Dream Outdoor Cooking Space

Your backyard has the potential to be more than just a patch of grass—it can become an extension of your home, a place where you can cook, dine, and entertain in the fresh air. Outdoor kitchens are a growing trend—and for good reason. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of outdoor kitchens and provide tips and ideas for designing your own outdoor cooking space. 5 Benefits of Outdoor Kitchens According to HomeStars’ annual Reno Reports, deluxe outdoor kitchens were the top “fantasy feature” desired by Canadian homeowners in 2021 and 2022. An outdoor kitchen can provide many benefits you may not enjoy in your indoor kitchen.  Easy Cleanup Outdoor kitchens are easy to clean and maintain. Many outdoor kitchen components are made from durable, weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements and are easy to wipe down after use. Energy Efficiency Cooking outdoors can help reduce your energy consumption. Instead of heating your kitchen with the oven or stove,

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a custom kitchen island with beautiful marbeled countertop

10 Ways a Custom Kitchen Island Can Improve Your Life

Is your kitchen merely where you prepare food? It should be the heart of your home, where you prepare meals, share stories, and make memories. A custom kitchen island can transform your kitchen into a space that enhances your cooking experience and brings your family and friends together.  10 Reasons Your Home Needs a Custom Kitchen Island Let’s reimagine your kitchen experiences with a custom kitchen island. 1. Enhanced Work Efficiency Picture this—you’re preparing a family dinner, juggling pots and pans as you rush back and forth between the stove and the countertop. We could classify your scrambling as a workout! Now imagine preparing a family dinner with a custom kitchen island. This dedicated workspace makes meal prep a breeze because you have everything you need within arm’s reach—from ingredients to utensils. Cooking a meal is no longer a workout but a seamless and enjoyable experience.  2. Increased Storage Space When your kitchen is small, every inch of space matters.

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a white custom kitchen pantry

5 Compelling Reasons to Choose a Custom Pantry Cabinet for Your New Kitchen

As the hub of your home, your kitchen impacts most aspects of your life. A well-designed kitchen maximizes functionality and organization as it facilitates the care and feeding of your household. It also provides a space to foster social connection, contributes to the aesthetic appeal of your home, and increases your property value. But a pantry can make or break your kitchen design.  In this blog post, we’ll address the common challenges with standard pantry cabinets and look at the benefits of a custom pantry cabinet. We’ll also give you our top tips for designing a custom pantry cabinet that serves your needs best.  Common Challenges with Standard Pantry Cabinets The pantry provides storage for food, cookware, and household essentials, contributing to your kitchen’s functionality and user experience. But not all pantries are created equal—some hinder more than help. Here are some common challenges households experience with standard pantry cabinets. Limited Storage Space Have you ever come home from a

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white custom kitchen cabinetry with silver hardware

Custom Cabinetry: Your Secret Weapon for Actually Keeping Your 2024 Resolutions

The most common New Year’s resolutions for 2024 revolve around health and finances, according to the Forbes Health/OnePoll survey. Our health and personal finances are both significantly impacted by our homes, yet few people consider optimizing their living spaces to help them achieve their goals for the new year.  In this post, we’ll explore the role of custom cabinetry in helping you achieve and maintain your goals for 2024.  6 Ways Custom Cabinetry is Your Secret Weapon to Achieving Your Resolutions This Year Why do New Year’s resolutions fail? One key factor is an environment that’s not conducive to your goals. (Here are six other factors in failed resolutions.) Let’s explore how custom cabinetry can transform your home and set you up for success in achieving your goals.   1. Decluttering and Organization Clutter and disorganization create stress, which is not good for your health. It’s more difficult to clean a cluttered home, and disorganized belongings lead to wasted time (searching

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statement gold lighting in custom kitchen with green cabinets

Top 10 Trends in Kitchen Cabinet Design for 2024

The world of interior design is dynamic, and trends evolve to meet homeowners’ changing needs and lifestyles. Keeping up with the latest kitchen design trends allows you to infuse your personal style into a highly functional space that aligns with contemporary tastes, meets your current needs, and stands the test of time.  Let’s dive into current kitchen design trends and discover what’s making waves this year.  10 Kitchen Design Trends for 2024 More than just a cooking space, your kitchen is a significant part of your lifestyle. That’s why evolving trends combine functionality improvements with modern aesthetic appeal.  1. Slab Front Cabinets: Sleek and Modern Elegance There’s a noticeable shift towards sleek and minimalistic designs this year. Slab front cabinets take center stage with their clean lines and refined, uncluttered look. Their simple elegance is a blank canvas, allowing you to incorporate other bold and interesting design elements in the kitchen. (As you’ll soon see, bold statements are trending in

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hands setting the kitchen table for hosting an unforgettable event

Effortless Entertaining: The Best Kitchen Design for Hosting Unforgettable Events

Your kitchen is the heart of your home—the epicentre of connection, conversation, and celebration. Whether you’re an avid host or someone who simply loves the idea of bringing people together around culinary delights—even if it’s just your own family—your kitchen can be a space that effortlessly transforms into the backdrop for memorable moments and unforgettable events.  In this guide, we’ll explore the essentials behind the perfect kitchen for hosting intimate dinner parties, lively social gatherings, and everything in between. You’ll learn about the key elements that elevate your kitchen from a functional space to a haven of entertainment.  Far more than a design philosophy, this is an invitation to explore the possibilities of creating a space where the joy of cooking and the pleasure of hosting seamlessly intertwine, to envision a kitchen that caters to your culinary needs and sets the stage for gatherings that linger in the hearts and memories of your guests. Assess Your Needs Before you design

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a secondary suite kitchen in basement with bar seating and white cabinets

Maximizing Comfort and Functionality: A Guide to Secondary Suite Kitchens

Earlier this year, we explored the value of transforming your basement into a secondary suite. At the time, homeowners in the City of Calgary had 9,497 legal suites. At the time of this writing, that number has risen to 11,715. More homeowners are balancing the rising cost of living by turning part of their living space into a revenue property.  Whether it’s to accommodate family members, generate rental income, or simply create a more flexible home, the design of secondary suite kitchens plays a pivotal role in the overall functionality and comfort of these spaces. This guide will delve into crucial considerations, practical tips, and innovative ideas to help you create a well-designed and efficient kitchen for your secondary suite. 3 Key Considerations for Secondary Suite Kitchens In the intricate dance of space and functionality, secondary suite kitchens demand careful consideration and strategic planning. The challenge lies in crafting a culinary space that fits seamlessly into the suite’s overall design

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a well-organized custom closet

Tailored to Perfection: 10 Advantages of Custom Closet Design

Let’s face it. Closets play a significant role in your lifestyle. Think about it: If you had better closets, would your quality of life and the enjoyment of your home improve? Picture a space where every item has its designated place, your morning routine flows seamlessly, and the stress of clutter is replaced by a sense of serenity. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many advantages of investing in a custom closet design and compare custom closets to conventional closets. Whether you’re considering a revamp of your existing closets or looking to integrate custom solutions into a new space, this guide aims to provide insights into the transformative power of thoughtful design and organization.  10 Advantages of Custom Closet Design Custom closets offer numerous advantages that can significantly enhance your storage space, organization, and overall lifestyle. Here are some key benefits: 1. Maximized Space Utilization Custom closets are tailored to your specific needs, ensuring every inch of space is

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clean and maintained white custom kitchen

The Complete Guide to Caring For and Maintaining Your Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are a significant investment in your home. You want to protect their beauty and keep your kitchen looking fabulous for as long as possible—not only for your own benefit but for the resale value of your home. Even though custom cabinets boast a higher quality than stock cabinets, they still require cleaning and maintenance to preserve their timeless elegance and tailored functionality.  In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of caring for and maintaining your custom cabinets, including:  Daily cleaning and maintenance Seasonal maintenance Protecting cabinet finishes Plus, we’ve included two free downloads to help you: a Kitchen Cleaning Guide and a Kitchen Maintenance Checklist. Daily Cleaning and Maintenance Daily cleaning and maintenance is simple. A basic wipe-down of your countertops and cupboard doors takes care of splatters and crumbs and prevents dust from building up. Wipe up spills quickly to prevent staining or warping of the wood.   Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can damage

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an okotoks kitchen with open shelving and custom cabinets

Open Shelving vs. Cabinets: Pros and Cons for Small Kitchens

Open shelving has seen increasing popularity in recent years. Which is better for small kitchens—open shelving or conventional cabinets with doors? Both options have merits, but they also come with drawbacks. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of open shelving and cabinets to help you make an informed choice that suits your space, style, and storage needs.  Pros of Open Shelving With so many advantages of open shelving, its trending status is no surprise.  1. Visual Openness Open shelves can help you highlight visual elements in your small kitchen, like brickwork, wallpaper, backsplash tile, or an accent paint colour. Turn your shelving into art by displaying your spices in clear glass jars, showcasing seasonal dishes, or featuring a stunning vase with flowers.  Additionally, open shelving can make a small kitchen feel more spacious by creating a sense of airiness.  2. Accessibility With open shelving, everything is within easy reach. You can quickly grab what you need

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custom kitchen design blue print

The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Kitchen Renovation in 5 Simple Steps

Planning your kitchen renovation can be a daunting task. Decision-making starts with determining when it’s time to renovate your kitchen and continues with seemingly endless choices about your kitchen style, renovation budget, how to survive while your kitchen renovation is in progress, and everything in between.  How to Plan a Kitchen Renovation To simplify the process of planning your kitchen renovation, you can break down the process into five simple steps.  Dream: Identify styles and features you like Decide: Choose your professionals, priorities, and budget Design: Select design components and layout Finalize: Review and approve final drawings, plans, and timeline Prepare: Get your home ready for the renovation Let’s look at each step in more detail.  Your Kitchen Renovation Planning Guide Bookmark this post to use as the ultimate guide to planning your kitchen renovation. We’ll walk you through each of the five steps in the process.  Step 1: Dream For many homeowners, this step is fun. You get to

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small kitchen renovation with white cabinets, open shelving, and large windows

Small Kitchen Renovation: 25 Ways to Transform Your Home & Love Your Kitchen

A small kitchen can be challenging to cook in and enjoy, but you can transform your kitchen from cluttered and cramped to convenient and classy. These 25 small kitchen renovation ideas will help you find the best design, lighting, and storage solutions to make your small kitchen a space you love. 25 Small Kitchen Renovation Ideas With the right strategy, a small kitchen renovation can transform your home and make your kitchen roomier, brighter, and more functional. Here are our best ideas and tips for your small kitchen reno. Small Kitchen Design Ideas Take a “less is more” approach to your small kitchen design. Make the best use of your small space by considering workflow and maximizing functionality.  1. Incorporate the work triangle The work triangle—a standard concept in kitchen design—is like an imaginary line between the sink, cooktop, fridge, and back to the sink. Its purpose is to minimize movement and maximize convenience. Learn more in How to Use

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a woman and a man with a clipboard planning kitchen renovations in a kitchen with a brick wall and white cabinets

Kitchen Renovations: Expert Advice for the Kitchen Reno of Your Dreams

Kitchen renovations can improve your life in many ways. This explains why a third of homeowners report healthier lifestyles after their kitchen renovation. So, if your kitchen has any issues—such as leaks, electrical issues, poor lighting, inadequate storage or prep space, outdated appliances and style, or a layout that isn’t functional—or if your needs have changed, it’s time to renovate your kitchen.  Kitchen renovations are a big deal—there’s a lot involved, including time, money, and energy (both mental and physical). This post is your quickstart guide, providing you with information, tips, and advice from our kitchen renovation experts. Planning a Kitchen Remodel Let’s start at the beginning—the planning stage of your kitchen renovation. Before you hire a contractor or order any materials—even before you design your new kitchen—you need to decide on a few things and plan ahead. DIY Kitchen Renovations Should you do it yourself or hire a kitchen renovation professional? The answer to this question depends on three

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white crown molding on a grey wall

How to Enhance Your Cabinet Design With Crown Molding: A Complete Guide

Custom cabinetry in any room of your home provides ideal storage solutions, upgraded value, and personalized design. You can elevate your cabinet design with crown molding, an elegant and increasingly popular custom cabinet feature.  In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the benefits of crown molding and how it can transform your space into a stunning visual masterpiece.  What is Crown Molding? Crown molding is a decorative trim typically installed along the top edge of cabinets. It serves two purposes: Crown molding adds visual appeal to your cabinet design, and  It creates a seamless transition between the cabinets and the ceiling. Crown molding can be traced back to classical architecture and has evolved over time to become a staple in modern cabinet design. 3 Benefits of Crown Molding in Cabinet Design Whether you’re renovating a fixer-upper, designing a brand new home, or simply wanting to elevate your home’s look, crown molding offers multiple benefits.       1. Enhance visual appeal and add elegance

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partially open and well organized kitchen drawers with soft-closing feature

3 Compelling Reasons to Choose Soft-Close Cabinetry

When renovating your kitchen or designing the kitchen for a new home, most of your selections affect what your kitchen looks like, including your kitchen design style, countertops, flooring, lighting, hardware, appliances, fixtures, and more. But there’s an invisible feature that can make all the difference—soft close cabinetry. The benefits of soft-close cabinetry are definitely worth considering. But first, what is soft close cabinetry, and how does it work? What is soft-close cabinetry? Soft-close cabinets are equipped with hinges or drawer slides designed to close your cabinet doors or drawers slowly and automatically. This functionality was a high-end upgrade for many years, but it’s quickly becoming standard in new homes.  Soft close hinges and drawer slides employ a hydraulic mechanism that slows the motion of the door or drawer as it closes. A soft-close cabinet door or drawer is nearly impossible to slam.  The first time you encounter soft-close cabinetry, you’ll likely experience an odd sensation because of the gentle

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basement kitchenette with custom cabinetry

7 Crucial Considerations for Ideal Basement Storage Solutions

Basement storage solutions abound, but not all solutions work for every household. How can you choose the ideal basement storage options for your home?  7 Important Factors for Basement Storage Solutions Whether your basement is finished or not, and regardless of what you store there, you need to consider several important factors before you invest in storage solutions for your basement. 1. Moisture- and Pest-Resistance Basements have a reputation for attracting pests and trapping moisture. This can damage your belongings. Even a well-organized pegboard for metal tools fails to protect from rust, and a dedicated rack to hang out-of-season clothing won’t ward off that horrid musty smell.  Prevent rust, mold, mildew, and that damp, musty smell by choosing storage that protects your belongings from moisture and pests—such as cupboards or closets with doors, and lidded bins or baskets. It’s a good idea to run a dehumidifier in your basement, too.  2. Awkward Spaces Some basement layouts create awkward spaces that

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modern Bathroom Laundry Room Comb with standing shower and built in laundry

How to Design a Bathroom-Laundry Room Combo That Works Best for You

A bathroom-laundry room combo can be the perfect solution for small spaces. These two rooms have related functions that require similar utilities and features. There are many design and layout options, so here are a few tips on how to design the best bathroom-laundry room combo for you. Is a Bathroom-Laundry Room Combo Right for You? Before you invest time and energy into designing a bathroom-laundry room combo for your home, it’s important to evaluate if this combination space is right for you. Here are four great reasons to design a bathroom-laundry room combo. Save money If you’re home needs both a bathroom and a laundry room, combining these two spaces into one can save money. Because the bathroom fixtures and laundry machines share plumbing, the cost of installation is reduced. Save space Naturally, combining two rooms into one will save valuable square footage in your home. A bathroom-laundry room combo doubles the use of the space for optimal efficiency.

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modern white kitchen with tall cabinets to minimize the space between your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling

10 Creative Ways to Use the Space Between Your Kitchen Cabinets & the Ceiling

Most homeowners consider the space between the kitchen cabinets and the ceiling unattractive and a waste of precious square footage. This design feature is intended to create a more open feel. And standard-dimension cabinets are not installed to reach the ceiling because they’d be too high to reach. So, what are you supposed to do with that awkward gap?  10 Ways to Use the Space Between Your Cabinets and Ceiling We’ve come up with some creative ways you can maximize the space between your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling.  1. Extend the cabinets to the ceiling With custom kitchen cabinets, you can add an open shelf below the cabinets, allowing you to move the standard cabinets up to the ceiling.  Another option is to select taller-than-standard cabinets, creating an extra top shelf inside your cupboards, and completely eliminating the gap. Keep in mind, the top shelf will be difficult to reach, so it’s best used to store items you don’t

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5 Easy Ways Your Kitchen Can Save You Time & Money

Inflation is a topic we hear about constantly these days. When they reach their limit on financial frugality, some people work more hours to make up the difference. So, Canadians are looking for ways to save both time and money. Surprisingly, your kitchen design can help! 5 Tips for a Kitchen That Saves You Time & Money By incorporating a few strategic kitchen features and practicing a couple of helpful habits, your kitchen can lower your grocery costs and make efficient time management possible.  Here’s how to use your kitchen to help you save time and money.  1. Set up an information center to prevent impulse purchases The rising cost of groceries has significantly reduced the number of unplanned items Canadians buy, a recent study found. Impulse buying has become a luxury since sticking to our budgets is more difficult.  An information center—sometimes called a command center—in your kitchen can minimize the temptation to buy on impulse. Set it up

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custom white kitchen cabinets with built in appliances and open shelfs

14 Effective Techniques to Make Your Small Kitchen Look & Feel Bigger

You don’t have to choose between cramped or convenient in your small kitchen. Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation or designing a kitchen for a new home, there are clever ways to make your small kitchen seem more spacious. 14 Ideas to Make Your Small Kitchen Look & Feel Bigger We’ve rounded up 14 of our favourite ways to make your small kitchen roomier. You don’t have to employ them all. Implementing even one or two will make a big difference in your small space.  1. Select Colours & Materials Strategically White is a small kitchen’s best friend. It reflects light and creates the illusion of a larger space. Multiply the effect by using several shades of white throughout your kitchen.  If white doesn’t appeal to you, stick with lighter hues like light yellows or pale grays to create an airy feel. If you’re determined to incorporate darker colours, be sure to keep the darkest shades in the lower third

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minimal custom kitchen with built in white cabinets

Top 10 Kitchen Upgrades to Add Value to Your Home

The kitchen is one of the top 3 most important rooms of your home. It can significantly elevate the design, functionality, and value of your property. But an inefficient or outdated kitchen can actually diminish the look, feel, functionality, and value of your home. But which kitchen upgrades add the most value to your home?  10 Kitchen Upgrades to Add Value to Your Home A kitchen renovation is a big investment. (See How much does a kitchen renovation cost?) If you want to get the best bang for your buck, you must be strategic in choosing which elements of your kitchen to upgrade. These 10 kitchen upgrades will get you the best return on your investment. 1. Put in new countertops Durable countertops are crucial because they undergo a lot of wear and tear—chopping, hot cookware, and more. The countertop is also one of the largest surfaces in your kitchen, so it greatly affects the visual appearance of the space. 

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Bright modern laundry room with white and light wood cabinets, black countertops, wicker baskets, a sink under a large window

10 Practical Ways to Upgrade Your Laundry Room

Gone are the days of traipsing into a dark and dingy unfinished concrete basement to use the washer and dryer. Our laundry rooms are high-functioning spaces, deserving a more dignified design. Is it time to upgrade your laundry room? How to Update Your Laundry Room: 10 Simple Ideas These 10 practical ways to upgrade your laundry room will make this ongoing household chore more enjoyable and add value to your home.  1. Hide the washer and dryer If your home doesn’t have a separate room for your washer and dryer, you can improve the look of the space by hiding the appliances behind a curtain. Better yet, have them installed inside a closet. If you want to dress it up, put decorative doors over the opening.  2. Add more storage It’s surprising how much space laundry takes up. Maintain a tidy laundry room by adding enough storage to keep dirty laundry out of sight. Pull-out drawers can store laundry bins

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open modern kitchen with white and blue cabinets

The Top 10 Kitchen Design Trends for 2023

Most homeowners don’t update their kitchens every year to keep up with the latest trends. But if it’s time to renovate your kitchen or design a brand new custom kitchen, it’s good to be aware of what’s in style right now. A classic kitchen has its place, but a kitchen with on-trend design elements is top-notch and increases your home’s value. Riverstone’s Top 10 Kitchen Design Trends for 2023 These are the top 10 kitchen design trends we’re excited about for 2023.  1. Lower Cabinet Drawers Lower cabinet drawers might be our favourite design trend because they’re incredibly practical. Drawers hold so much and are far more accessible and convenient than a bottom cupboard shelf.  2. Slab Backsplash Marble, stone, or quartz slab backsplashes are replacing subway tiles. The slab backsplash can be a bold statement in your kitchen. It’s also practical because it’s seamless, so it’s easier to clean than a backsplash with grout lines.  3. Butler’s Pantry Also

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