What to Expect When Replacing Cabinets in an Older Calgary Home

Older homes have a way of surprising you. The bones are solid, the character is undeniable, and the kitchen has likely been through a few decades of family dinners, holiday chaos, and daily coffee routines. But when it comes time to replace the cabinets, that character can come with some complications most homeowners don’t anticipate. If you’re planning a kitchen cabinet replacement in an older Calgary home, knowing what’s ahead before the first cabinet comes off the wall will save you time, stress, and a few unwelcome budget surprises. Ready to get started? Reach out to the team at Riverstone Kitchens to talk through your project. Older Calgary Kitchens Have Character But a Few Complications Homes built before the 1980s in Calgary tend to share a few common traits: smaller kitchen footprints, non-standard dimensions, and layouts that weren’t designed with today’s workflow in mind. The cabinets themselves were often built on-site by framers rather than sourced from a cabinet maker, … Read more

Why Cabinet Layout Matters More Than You Think

Most people planning a kitchen renovation spend the early weeks absorbed in cabinet door styles, countertop materials, and hardware finishes. That makes sense. Those are the things you can easily picture. But experienced Calgary kitchen designers will tell you that the single decision with the biggest impact on your finished kitchen is one most homeowners barely think about: the layout of your cabinetry. If you are working on custom kitchen designs in Calgary and want a space that actually performs as well as it looks, Riverstone Kitchens is ready to help. Get in touch with our team to start the conversation. The Part of Your Kitchen Everyone Overlooks Layout is not the flashy part of the process. No one posts photos of a floor plan on social media. But layout is the thing that determines whether your kitchen feels natural to move through or frustrating to navigate every single morning. It dictates where your fridge sits in relation to your … Read more

Why the Cabinet Matters More Than the Countertop

Walk into any bathroom showroom in Calgary and you’ll notice where people’s eyes go first. The countertops. The tile. The fixtures. The dramatic soaker tub in the corner. These are the things that photograph well and generate excitement, and there’s nothing wrong with loving them. But if you’re planning a bathroom renovation in Calgary and you want results that actually hold up, the most important decision you’ll make is the one most people gloss over: the vanity cabinet. Get that right, and the rest of the room falls into place. Get it wrong, and no amount of beautiful countertop will save you. If you’re ready to start thinking through your bathroom renovation, reach out to Riverstone Kitchens & Renovations and let’s talk about what your space actually needs. Everyone Focuses on the Wrong Thing It makes sense that countertops and tile get all the attention. They’re visual. They’re tactile. They show up in every inspiration photo you’ve ever saved. But … Read more

Working with a Calgary Kitchen Designer: Your Complete Collaboration Guide from First Meeting to Final Reveal

bright white kitchen designed by Calgary kitchen designer

A kitchen renovation is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home. It’s also one of the most personal. You’re not just choosing cabinets and countertops — you’re designing the space where your family eats, gathers, argues about whose turn it is to do the dishes, and comes back together again over a good meal. Getting it right matters, and working with the right Calgary kitchen designer makes all the difference. At Riverstone Kitchens & Renovations, we’ve spent over 30 years guiding Calgary homeowners through this process. If you’re thinking about a kitchen renovation, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us today. What to Expect When Working with a Calgary Kitchen Designer A lot of homeowners walk into their first design consultation expecting to be shown a catalogue and asked to pick something. That’s not how a good kitchen designer operates. The first conversation is really about listening. Your designer wants to understand … Read more

How to Make Your Kitchen More Kid-Friendly

A timeless family-friendly kitchen design can support family connection. In this post, we want to focus specifically on kids in the kitchen. Let’s explore how you can encourage your kids to be in the kitchen—and why you should want to. 9 Benefits of Kids in the Kitchen Perhaps the most obvious benefit of involving kids in cooking is that you have help and won’t have to do all the work yourself. But there are so many more reasons to cultivate kitchen confidence in your children! The advantages are life-changing and long-lasting. Lay a foundation for a healthy lifestyle When you include your children in the preparation of family meals, snacks, and packed lunches, they learn how to make healthy food choices. You can explain why you use fruits and vegetables and talk about a balanced diet. Teaching your children to cook at home gives them the skills necessary to avoid processed foods or resorting to a fast food diet. Expand … Read more

Relationship Matters: How the Manufacturer of Your Kitchen Cabinets Impacts You

mother and child sitting at kitchen table look on computer

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, … Read more

10 Places to Put the Microwave in the Kitchen

person in kitchen using kitchen countertop microwave

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 … Read more

10 Practical Design Ideas for the Awkward Kitchen Corner

Bright bohemian kitchen with white painted brick walls, butcher block countertops, white kitchen cabinets, floating shelves, hanging plants, and vintage gas range

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 … Read more

How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Design Style for You

luxury kitchen design with white custom cabinetry and large wood island

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 … Read more

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