Open Concept or Closed?

March 6, 2017 No Comments

Open concept or closed – that is the question for many attempting to map out the design of their kitchens. Like anything, there are pros and cons to both, but it really comes down to personal preference and functionality. While an open concept can provide the convenience of spending time with guests and family while preparing meals, the closed concept can give you that sense of privacy when you end up getting a little messy. So which is the best option for you? Here we break down a few of the pros and cons of each to help you determine what suits your lifestyle and design best. Open Concept Pros Open concepts kitchens generally provide a greater abundance of natural light since there are fewer barriers in place. This can make your space feel airy, bigger, and well ventilated too. When preparing meals for family and friends you don’t have to be secluded. Without the barriers, you get to join in on the conversation and fun while prepping for dinner. If you love to cook then you can easily show off your culinary style and skills. Without those walls, everyone gets to see the chef at work. You can also keep an eye on the kids (and the pets) when you’re busy getting dinner ready. Cons Although it can be a great way to show off your culinary skills, it also means that the accompanying mess will be on display as well. So if you’re one that hates the idea of making a mess in front of the guests, a closed concept might be best. Without any barriers or walls in place, it could create a lot of ruckus with the pots, pans, and dishes clattering about. All eyes are on you when you are in there prepping for a meal, so if you don’t like the pressure of having an audience, then it may create an uncomfortable environment. Sometimes, open concepts can remove a sense of coziness from the interior without having some of those barriers that make great nooks and crannies. Closed Concept Pros A kitchen can act as a sanctuary for some homeowners and having a closed layout can provide that sense of space where you can get into the groove of cooking without interruptions or distractions. Having a closed concept kitchen also helps to contain some of those aromas stemming from your cooking. They also help to contain your mess so that you won’t feel obliged to tackle it immediately to get it out of sight when guests are over. With more walls, comes more room to store things. You have more storage options. Cons Closed concepts tend to be old fashioned. So if modern design and trends are important to you, this could be reason enough. This design can also become outdated easily, and if you ever happen to dislike it in the future, having to rip down walls and renovate could be a costly endeavour. With more walls in place, less natural light can flow through, making your space appear darker with less ventilation. This can also make your interior appear smaller and more confined. There are many pros and cons to each option. The key is spending the time to weigh and consider each. By doing so you can determine which will suit your needs and design best. Planning a kitchen renovation or home remodel? RenosGroup.ca can help. Get a free estimate today! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

What is Universal Kitchen Design?

November 28, 2016 No Comments

What is Universal Kitchen Design? Home is where the heart is, and we all know that the heart is where the kitchen is. The kitchen is, without a doubt, the focal point of a home. It’s where you and your family spend time together, eating, collaborating on new recipes, discussing homework, and so much more. That’s why the design of your kitchen is so important – it should permit and encourage those interactions. It’s all about providing a cohesive, open and inviting atmosphere, and that’s what the universal kitchen design aims to create. It combines aesthetics with functionality, along with the added benefits of safety and comfort. Here’s a breakdown of how this universal design can be benefit your kitchen. Universal design principles ensure that your kitchen is truly accessible to everyone regardless of age, size, or ability. Safety First When it comes to the kitchen, safety always comes first – especially if you have young children. Always consider this when developing your kitchen design. For example, when laying out the stove, sink and countertops, try to always ensure that there is sufficient room to manoeuvre without congestion in the kitchen. That means having enough counter space to easily place objects from the stove. Design that Makes Sense Universal layouts are all about creating a design that makes sense. So when you need to move from the sink to the dishwasher, or have bake-offs with your kids, your design provides room and space so that you and your family can easily place things down, fill things up and interact with each other. Whatever needs to be done, think ahead of how it can flow cohesively and make sense for your family and lifestyle. Minimal Effort No one likes to expend unnecessary amounts of energy. And starting your kitchen design off with the right layout and design can help to alleviate any unnecessary effort and aggravation. For example, storing appliances and bakeware in locations within the kitchen that make sense to how and where you use them; or even installing appliances that are easy to clean and don’t provide your arms with a serious workout can make all the difference for keeping your life that much easier. Monitoring Ability These days, with the high-tech appliances that are available, you can sit back and relax in the living room as dinner cooks away. Instead of worrying about the hot stove, the kids, or the pets, your appliances can monitor them for you with visual or auditory alarms. Talk about convenience! Creating a space that optimizes functionality, cohesiveness, and a layout that just makes life a bit easier for you, is what universal kitchen designs are all about. And it’s no wonder more homeowners are jumping on board with these layouts. When it comes to your home, who doesn’t want to make life easier? RenosGroup.ca specializes in mobility renovations. Our renovations strive to provide more space to manoeuver, better access to cabinets and counters without benching or reaching, and safety to cook in comfort. The RenosGroup.ca team of renovators insists on a free in-home consultation to ensure we get your renovation done right. Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

What Renovation Projects Add Home Value?

October 31, 2016 No Comments

Performing renovations to your home not only improves the aesthetic appeal, but when done correctly, can also add value to your home. However, if your sole purpose for renovating is to increase that value with a high return on investment (ROI), there are certain projects that – despite all your efforts – won’t make the dollar sign increase to make it worth your while. If you’re trying to plan your next home reno, here are the best areas of focus if you want additional value that is worth your while. The Kitchen If you were questioning whether it’s worth it to rip out those dated cabinets and cupboards – it is! Just like we’ve always been told, the kitchen is one of the most important features of a home, especially when it comes to selling it. It’s the most utilized room, and therefore the most significant. For any areas that look decrepit, outdated, or just ugly, renovating and upgrading them will benefit your ROI in the future. If budget is tight, affordable but effective changes like replacing cabinet hardware and adding a modern backsplash are well worth it. If the budget is higher, a new countertop, new floors, and new sink will pay off. To save money, try to keep your existing cabinets if they’re in good shape, and avoid moving the plumbing (sink, dishwasher) if you can help it. The Flooring These days, flooring is a big deal, and new buyers aren’t exactly keen on purchasing a home when they know they’ll have to spend more time and money ripping up that floor. It’s worth your time and money to bite the bullet and install that beautiful hardwood flooring that buyers are looking for. Then, you can just tack on a little extra when it comes to your selling price – you can bet that people are willing to pay more for work that’s already been done. If your carpeting is in rough shape, consider peeling a corner discreetly to see if hardwood lays underneath. The Exterior If your exterior has little to no curb appeal, you can bet that it will impact any prospects for selling. Since your exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see, it’s one of the most important for giving them a great impression of the home. Whether it’s the dead lawn, cracked patio stones, or crumbling façade of the home – add it to your renovation list! The Basement Gone are the days when the state of the basement wasn’t really a significant factor in the success for selling purposes. But today, more and more homeowners take great value in having that extra space remodelled and finished, not only for the potential purpose of having an extra den or TV room, but for renting purposes as well. So if your basement is unfinished and could use some extra TLC, take the time to finish it. This goes doubly so if your basement is damp or mouldy. When it comes time to place your home up for sale, you want to make sure that the effort you put into your renovations will benefit your return on investment. So focus on these main areas and you’ll be set to bump up that value to your home, guaranteed. What renovations will pay off for you? Schedule a free in-home consultation with RenosGroup.ca. Our Ottawa general contractor will evaluate your home and recommend the best areas for improvement. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

August 29, 2016 No Comments

One of the simplest (and least expensive) home renovation projects you can tackle all on your own is the project of completely refacing your kitchen cabinets. You’ll be able to breathe a lot of life into an otherwise old and outdated kitchen with this kind of upgrade. Better than that though, you’ll be able to completely transform the way that your kitchen space looks like without wasting any money on and oversized budget – making this one of the savviest construction projects you can choose to tackle. To better help you with your kitchen cabinet refacing project we’ve put together the information in this quick guide. Shall we dive right in? Determine whether or not your cabinets should be refaced in the first place Even if you are really committed to refacing your kitchen cabinets and saving quite a bit of money, you have to be 100% certain that your kitchen cabinets can – and should – be refaced in the first place. This project saves money, but it will require some serious sweat equity. You don’t want to undertake this project only to find out in a couple of months – or even just a year or two – that all of your work is for naught because your cabinets are falling apart and need to be completely replaced. Figure out whether or not you are going to be able to handle this project from start to finish If you are working with solid “bones” as far as your cabinet frames are concerned, you really don’t have all that much skilled or challenging work ahead of you. A little bit of paint, some new hardware, and a handful of simple and straightforward refinishing tricks are usually more than enough to transform your cabinets. At the same time, if you have to repair the structure of your cabinets (especially your upper cabinets) things can get out of hand pretty quickly. This is especially true if you don’t have a lot of construction or woodworking experience to lean on. Repairing damaged wood is not the kind of project most people feel completely comfortable tackling, and it’s easy to see why. Make sure you’re up for the task at hand before you dive in! Fall in love with YouTube At the end of the day, it’s possible to find tips, tricks, and tutorials about pretty much anything and everything imaginable on YouTube. If you’d like to better understand the project that you are about to undertake or even just pick up a couple of new tips and tricks to help the project go faster be sure to jump on YouTube and watch videos to your heart’s delight. You can save a bit of money by choosing to reface kitchen cabinets, but you’re going to want to leave the big projects to the pros to handle with finesse and expert techniques. RenosGroup.ca is here to guide your Ottawa kitchen renovation project at every step of the way to make the kitchen of your dreams a reality. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Designing a Vintage Kitchen That Wows

July 11, 2016 No Comments

A blank canvas provides space for endless ideas to come to life. As modern kitchen layouts demand more and more space, the interior opportunities of a kitchen become (like the canvas) limitless. Simply put, it has never been easier to specialize the look and appearance of your kitchen to meet your aesthetic needs. A popular transformation is to turn modern looking kitchens into vintage kitchens. Below we review some of the areas you should focus on when designing a vintage kitchen to make it stand out and absolutely wow any person who walks in. Replace What You Can, Make Vintage What You Cannot A modern kitchen is filled with necessary devices that many cannot live without. When making your kitchen look vintage, you will need to identify what you can replace and what you cannot. You would be surprised at just how many vintage alternatives there are to common household appliances. For the things you cannot replace, you can find ways to make them look vintage. Focus on colours, as the matching aesthetic will be necessary to create a uniform appearance. And on that note… Pick Your Colour! Many vintage kitchens were designed around a single primary colour that stands out and shocks. Yellow and blue as well as turquoise and red are common colour pairings for backgrounds. For those things in the foreground, consider pastel yellow, mint, and pale pinks. Be aware that you will have several competing colours. While some of them you can choose, others will have to be incorporated from things like appliances or counters that cannot be replaced. Never Forget the Cabinets A central part of making your kitchen look vintage will be the cabinets. Check out scanned copies of early in home magazines. They will have photos of kitchen and be a great source of information for the kind of aesthetic you are looking for. Kept relatively simple, painted, and neat, the vintage cabinet look is surprisingly easy to recreate. Where Do We Go From Here? If you are experienced with do it yourself operations, then you no doubt know the first thing you should do. If not, then consider hiring a kitchen renovations contractor in Ottawa to review the process and lend their experience. Along with being able to save you a lot of hassle later in the process, you may be surprised at what they can offer in terms of insight. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

5 Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen

June 13, 2016 No Comments

Next to bathroom renovation projects, kitchen renovation and kitchen addition projects are the top priority for homeowners in Canada. According to Houzz’s Canadian Kitchen Trends Study, homeowners choose to renovate the kitchen because can no longer stand the old kitchen, recently purchased the home and want to make it their own, the old kitchen broke down, or they recently found inspiration to make changes. By far the most popular motivation was wanting to do it all along, but finally having the means to renovate. What are the most convincing reasons for undertaking a kitchen renovation project? We have collected five of the very best reasons below: Dramatically Boost the Value of Your Home The biggest remodel projects you can tackle to dramatically improve the overall value of your home are going to be the kitchen and in the bathroom, two of the most “valuable spaces” in any property and two of the most important spaces new home buyers are going to focus on. Knock your kitchen remodel project out of the park and you will be able to sell your home above asking price in record time! Just remember, if you are planning to resell in the future you may want to avoid overly customized features, like neon green cabinets or your family name lovingly etched into the backsplash. Increase Your Ability to Entertain on a Grander Scale Probably the second most referenced reason to completely remodel a kitchen (only behind the first reason that we mentioned above), when you improve your kitchen with a remodel project you will be able to more effortlessly entertain on a much grander scale with a lot less effort. Hosting family dinners, Christmas gatherings, and Super Bowl parties will be a joy, not a headache. Substantially Boost the Overall Enjoyment of Your Home There is just something a little bit depressing about having an old and outdated kitchen that makes you want to spend a lot less time at home and a lot more time out at a restaurant or ordering in pizza. Improve the overall impact of your kitchen on your lifestyle by dramatically improving its aesthetics and functionality with a remodel project. Improve Your Ability to Cook All Your Favourite Foods Nobody likes to cook in a kitchen that is cramped, difficult to maneuver around in, and generally unappealing. Renovate your kitchen and you will be able to spend a lot more time in it – and not only that, but you’ll actually begin to look forward to spending a lot more time in your kitchen as well! If you have any special interests in the kitchen, you can design the new layout around your preferences. For example, you may want to include a special prep area if you love to bake, or add additional cabinetry if you have a lot of accessories to store. When you cook more frequently at home you aren’t just going to be able to enjoy healthier and more diverse food options, but you’re also going to be able to save a lot of extra money compared to those that spend all of their time eating out at restaurants. To learn more about planning a kitchen renovation for your Ottawa home or to schedule a free in-home consultation, get in touch with RenosGroup.ca today! Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Choosing The Right Flooring For Your Custom Kitchen

December 10, 2015 No Comments

Creating a custom kitchen can improve the quality of the home, making it more livable and even more attractive to future buyers. One aspect of a custom kitchen that often presents a challenge is the flooring. With that in mind, let’s review some of the most commonly used materials to help in choosing the right flooring for your kitchen. Wood Wood feels more inviting when you walk on it than stone. It is warm, and can be bright or rustic depending on the stain used. When finished properly, the wood floor can withstand frequent use and even spills. The primary issue with wood kitchen flooring is in the price. Laminate can be a cost-effective alternative, though it is much less durable than hardwood. Vinyl Long gone are the days where vinyl only comes in one or two generally repulsive colours. Now vinyl offers the widest colour and patterning selection available, making countless combinations possible. In addition, they are among the least expensive flooring options out there, and resistant to water to boot. The downside is that many people consider vinyl to be cheap and instead go for something like wood or tiling. Cork In addition to wood, you may want to consider cork. Durable, resistant to water, and resistant to impact, cork is generally versatile and reliable. However, expect it to wear a bit more than other materials on this list. Tile Or Stone If the kitchen is in a part of your home where there is a lot of traffic, then tile, stone, and even concrete work very well. Whether they are ceramic, tile, or stone, you will have many different options for creating the colours, textures, and feel of your kitchen. At the same time, you face some of the highest prices for kitchen floors. In the end, you may save more by looking for a local source of the material where shipping and reselling fees will be less. Limestone Limestone is separate from tile or stone because it is composed of a porous material that will stain and damage easily if not sealed. Along with being sealed when first installed, it will need to be sealed every two years after. In addition, there is the cost that can be higher as well. So, why bother? Well, limestone offers an old world look that is captivating and it can bring an entire kitchen together. Regardless of the material you choose, consider hiring a professional renovation contractor in Ottawa like RenosGroup.ca. With years of experience and countless past jobs helping out people like you, a contractor will speed up the process, make sure a high-quality job is done, and even save you materials on supplies and overall cost when compared to DIY. Please don’t wait to give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to get the ball rolling. You can also use this form to request a free in-home consultation and estimate.

10 Unexpected Kitchen Backsplashes

August 24, 2015 No Comments

When you’re planning a kitchen adventure, the only limit in terms of finishes is your creativity. Do you want neon pink cabinets or a bubble wrap backsplash? No one’s stopping you! If you want jaws to drop for the right reasons, though, consider these unexpected kitchen backsplashes for inspiration: Wood From dark stained pine to rustic reclaimed barn wood, wood adds a warm and natural feeling to the kitchen. It is not ideal behind the range, but it can make a stunning accent feature behind the counters or pantry. Rustic Charm: Reclaimed barn wood adds a touch of history and authenticity, with weathered textures and imperfections creating a truly unique focal point. Modern Elegance: Dark stained pine or walnut offer a sleek and sophisticated look, complementing contemporary kitchens beautifully. Beyond Aesthetics: Explore light woods like ash or maple for a Scandinavian-inspired minimalism, or opt for exotic woods like teak or bamboo for a touch of global flair. Chalkboard Paint Whether you have an active family on the go, or you’re an avid chef, magnetic chalkboard backsplashes definitely provide a unique look and important function. Write down recipes, pin up pictures, write a grocery list, or leave a little love note. If black backsplash is not your style, chalkboard paint is available in a number of different colours so you can find the perfect fit. Inspiring Ideas: Create a designated message board: Dedicate a section for family notes, inspirational quotes, or daily affirmations. Combine with other materials: Pair your chalkboard paint with subway tiles, shiplap, or exposed brick for a unique layered look. Get creative with shapes: Instead of a standard rectangular backsplash, use stencils or freehand designs to create playful shapes or patterns. Incorporate lighting: Install spotlights or under-cabinet lighting to highlight your artistic creations. With its versatility, functionality, and endless creative possibilities, a chalkboard paint backsplash can transform your kitchen into a dynamic and engaging space. Copper Metal Copper goes fantastically well in a modern kitchen, but who says it has to be limited to the vent hood? A copper backsplash adds a touch of shone and elegance to your kitchen. For a more rustic look, consider choosing hammered copper for more texture. Beyond Modern Marvel: While copper shines in contemporary settings, its warmth and character transcend style boundaries. Explore: Rustic Charm: Embrace the natural beauty of hammered copper for a touch of warmth and texture, complementing farmhouse or industrial kitchens beautifully. Vintage Vibes: Polished copper exudes a timeless elegance, adding a touch of vintage charm to traditional or eclectic kitchens. Global Fusion: Pair copper with vibrant tiles or natural stone for a touch of global flair, reminiscent of Moroccan or Mediterranean influences. Mosaic The wonderful thing about using mosaic tiles is that each kitchen looks completely unique. Gather china from old plates, your friends, yard sales, and second-hand stores. Then have some fun smashing away and composing a mosaic out of the pieces. Inspiring Ideas: Themed Mosaics: Create a nature-inspired scene with pebbles and glass tiles, or a nautical theme with seashells and blue hues. Geometric Patterns: Opt for classic tessellations like hexagons or triangles, or get creative with freeform geometric designs. Personalized Touches: Incorporate initials, family names, or meaningful symbols into your mosaic for a sentimental touch. Textured Mosaic: Combine smooth and textured tiles to add depth and visual interest to your backsplash. Wine Corks or Bottle Caps While this may not be suitable for an entire kitchen, the backsplash around the bar area would be enhanced with sliced wine corks or bottle caps. Plus, it’ll be a lot of fun to collect the materials… Beyond Functionality: Tell Your Story: Each cork or cap represents a memory, a shared experience, or a cherished moment. Let your collection showcase your love for entertaining and good times. Warmth and Texture: Natural cork and metal caps add a tactile element and a touch of rustic charm, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Endless Customization: Arrange corks and caps in patterns, create mosaics, or spell out words and messages – your creativity sets the limit. Stained Glass Use circular pieces of stained glass to add some colour and shine to your backsplash. It may be too costly or time-consuming to create an entire kitchen backsplash out of stained glass pieces, but it works very well as an accent piece in the bar area or behind the range. Inspiring Ideas: Mosaic Masterpiece: Combine small stained glass pieces in various colors and textures to create a unique and eye-catching mosaic. Framed Beauty: Mount individual stained glass panels in decorative frames for a gallery-like feel. Layered Look: Combine stained glass with other materials like tiles or wood for added depth and visual interest. Backlit Beauty: Install LED backlighting behind your stained glass to create a mesmerizing glow. Photography Backsplashes don’t need to be made of pre-existing materials. You can blow up an image of your family, or a garden, or a Parisian café – it’s entirely up to you. Photographs can add a vivid angle to any kitchen backsplash. Beyond Everyday Snapshots: Family Memories: Showcase a cherished family photo, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that sparks happy memories. Travel Inspiration: Transport yourself to your favorite vacation spot with a stunning landscape or cityscape, bringing a touch of wanderlust to your kitchen. Artistic Expression: Channel your inner artist with abstract photography, black and white images, or vintage prints for a unique and eye-catching statement. Food Photography: Celebrate your culinary passion with close-up shots of mouthwatering dishes, turning your backsplash into a delicious work of art. Whether you would like to choose an unexpected kitchen backsplash or stick with the “tried and true” materials and textures, it’s up to you. Once you’ve made your choice, RenosGroup will execute your kitchen renovation on time and on budget to deliver outstanding results. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

How to Make a Safe & Accessible Kitchen

June 22, 2015 No Comments

As we age, we unfortunately begin to develop physical limitations and challenges which make life difficult in our current homes without adjustments. Fortunately, mobility renovations can allow you to remain in your beloved home instead of having to move to a care facility. Next to the bathroom, the kitchen should take priority when it comes to making the home more accommodating. Here are some features to include in a safe and accessible kitchen: Countertops & Cupboards Existing countertops and cupboards are often too high for someone a wheelchair to use safely or functionally. You can put yourself in danger trying to reach for a glass in a tall cupboard or trying to chop vegetables on a high countertop. Mobility renovators can replace the existing countertops and cupboards for lower ones that are much more accessible and therefore safer. Mobility renovators can also install adjustable countertops and cupboards to accommodate other residents in the house and serve a more long-term purpose as needs change. Drawers & Cabinets Traditional drawers and cabinets with knobs or handlebars may be difficult for people with diminishing dexterity to use, like people with arthritis. Touch and release drawers and cabinets are easy and safe for everyone to use. Lighting & Outlets Mobility renovators can improve lighting for visibility, which can be helpful for residents with declining vision. Likewise, they can place light switches and electrical outlets in more accessible locations rather than high up on the wall or at the back of a deep counter. Taps Knobs on taps can be difficult for people with arthritis to use, and may be hard for you to reach if you are in a wheelchair. Mobility renovators can relocate taps to a more convenient position or install hands-free taps for easy use. Flooring If the existing flooring in the kitchen is made of slippery material, a fall while holding a knife or carrying a hot pot of water could be tragic. You can purchase non-slip flooring mats, or mobility renovators can install non-slip flooring to keep things safe. Pull-Out Shelves If counters are too high to use when seated, you should investigate installing pull-out shelves. These will pull out to allow you to cut, chop, mix, and dice while in a comfortable seating position. Pull-out shelves can be tucked away to save space when not in use. Schedule a free in-home consultation with RenosGroup.ca to see how a kitchen renovation can make homes more safe and accessible for people of advancing age. Contact us here, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

How to Make a Small Kitchen Feel Big

June 15, 2015 No Comments

Just because the square footage of your kitchen is smaller than average doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice an inch of style and function. With an Ottawa kitchen renovation, RenosGroup.ca can maximize the efficiency of a kitchen of any size. Don’t be discouraged if your kitchen boasts a more modest footprint than average. Small kitchens can be transformed into delightful and functional spaces that belie their actual size. With a few clever design tricks, you can create the illusion of a more expansive room while maximizing every precious square inch for ultimate functionality. Here’s a treasure trove of tips to unlock the hidden potential within your compact culinary haven: Tall Cabinets If the ceiling height accommodates, think about installing extra tall cabinets. The exaggerated length makes your small kitchen appear larger than it truly is, with the added bonus of providing much needed storage space. Use the highest parts of the cabinets to store rarely used kitchen items, like your turkey roasting pan or ice cream maker. Space is at a premium in a small kitchen, so don’t let that extra height go to waste. Maximize Storage: Every Inch Counts Embrace the Vertical Reach: Don’t let valuable storage space go to waste! Install cabinets that stretch all the way to the ceiling. This creates a dramatic vertical line that draws the eye upwards, making the room feel taller. Plus, those high cabinets become the perfect home for rarely used appliances or seasonal items, freeing up precious counter space below. Outsmart the Ordinary Cabinet: Cabinets can be so much more than just plain wooden boxes. Consider built-in features like lazy Susan turntables and pull-out shelves. These ingenious solutions maximize the usability of every inch within the cabinet, making it easier to reach those tucked-away items in the back. The best part? Many of these features can be retrofitted into your existing cabinets, offering a cost-effective way to boost functionality without a complete kitchen overhaul. Mirrors Mirrors have long been used by interior designers to enlarge small spaces because of the way they bounce light around the room. Cabinet doors with mirrored glass work wonders in a small kitchen. If mirrors don’t quite suit your taste, shiny stainless steel or glossy glass tiles can fulfill a similar function. Here are a couple of ways to incorporate mirrors into your small kitchen design: Mirrored Cabinet Doors: This is a classic and highly effective technique. By replacing traditional cabinet doors with mirrored panels, you create a stunning and functional focal point. The mirrored surface reflects light throughout the space, making the room feel larger and brighter. This is a great option for kitchens with upper cabinets, as it expands the feeling of ceiling height and openness. Beyond the Cabinets: Don’t limit yourself to just the cabinets! While mirrored cabinet doors are a great choice, there are other creative ways to introduce reflective surfaces. Consider a strategically placed mirrored backsplash behind your sink or cooktop. This will not only add a touch of glamour but also reflect light across the countertop, making the workspace feel more open. You could even explore the possibility of a mirrored accent wall, though this is a bolder design statement and might work best in kitchens with a bit more breathing room. Light Colours Dark colours and tones have an unfortunate side effect of making spaces feel smaller, like the walls are closing in. Light colours have the opposite effect and make walls feel farther than they truly are. For this reason, opt for light wood cabinets, white or light countertops, and light neutral tones in the backsplash or paint. Light Colors: Beyond Paint and Cabinets The impact of light colors extends beyond just walls and cabinets. Here are some additional ways to incorporate light hues into your small kitchen: Appliance Harmony: If your appliances are due for an upgrade, consider opting for lighter-colored models. Stainless steel is always a classic choice, but you might also find refrigerators and dishwashers available in white or other light tones. This creates a cohesive look that reinforces the feeling of openness. Light and Breezy Fabrics: When choosing curtains or blinds, opt for light and airy fabrics in soft colors. Sheer curtains allow natural light to filter through, further enhancing the feeling of brightness. Avoid heavy drapes or dark fabrics, as these can visually shrink the space. Storage Space Cabinets these days can be a lot more functional than two slabs of wood. Custom cabinetry with features like lazy Susans and pull-out shelves will save space and maximize efficiency. Even better, these features can be built into your existing cabinets without the expense of overhauling the whole kitchen. Beyond Cabinets: Creative Storage Solutions Rolling Carts: A rolling cart can be a lifesaver in a small kitchen. It provides extra storage space for appliances, cookbooks, or pantry items, and the wheels allow you to easily move it around as needed. Under-Sink Gems: Don’t let the space under your sink go to waste! Install pull-out drawers or under-sink organizers to maximize storage for cleaning supplies, dish towels, or even a small trash can. Smaller Appliances If your old appliances are due for an update, think about going with the slightly smaller alternatives. You can get attractive energy efficient appliances that make more sense for the space without sacrificing any style at all. If you don’t use your kitchen much, do you really need a double-wide refrigerator or restaurant-calibre range? Right-Size Your Appliances: Rethink the Refrigerator: Do you really need a double-door behemoth if you’re a single person or a couple? Consider a compact refrigerator with a smaller footprint. Many offer innovative features like adjustable shelves and efficient storage solutions, allowing you to maximize every inch of space. Range Right-Sizing: A professional-grade range might be a dream for some, but for a small kitchen, it might be more of an obstruction. Explore compact ranges that offer all the functionality you need – multiple burners, an oven, and even a broiler – in a smaller package. Microwave Magic: Microwaves are a

Planning a Stunning, Affordable Kitchen Remodel

Caring for Your Granite Countertops

May 20, 2015 No Comments

If you’ve invested in gorgeous natural granite countertops as the centerpiece of your kitchen renovation, you deserve to have your investment stand the test of time. Follow these steps from our kitchen renovation company to keep your granite looking beautiful as the years pass: Seal of Approval Part of caring for your granite countertops is reseal your countertop on a regular basis. If you only use your kitchen sparingly, reseal about once every two years. If you use your counters daily, reseal once per year. And if you practically run a bakery/catering service out of your kitchen, reseal every six months. Be Gentle Harsh products, abrasive scrubbing sponges, and acidic cleaners can weaken the seal on your countertops. Don’t use bleach, ammonia, vinegar, citrus cleansers, or Windex. As the seal begins to breakdown, liquid can start to seep into the stone and cause unsightly stains. So keep a vigilant cleaning schedule, but don’t use harsh products and cleaners. Act Quickly If you notice a spill on your granite countertops, wipe it up quickly. Fast action is your best protection. Even with a strong seal, granite is still a porous stone, so don’t give liquids a chance to seep through. Disinfecting Granite countertops are not likely to play host to bacteria, but you should still be safe and sanitize your countertops daily. All you really need to use is hot water and dish soap with a soft microfibre cloth. You can also spray a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol, let it sit, and then wipe it off. It only takes a few minutes, but it could save your granite countertops. Cleaning Your Granite Countertops Start by wetting a dishcloth with warm water and dish soap. Wipe down your countertops with the dish soap, making sure to sop up all liquids and wipe up any crumbs. Use a soft cloth or towel to dry your granite countertops. This will prevent any streaking, making sure your countertops look stunning from any angle. Disinfect your countertops with a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it away with a clean cloth. It’s that simple! If you put in the effort to keep your countertops clean on a daily basis and make sure to reseal the granite as needed, they’ll stay in mint condition for years and years. Let your granite countertops be the centerpiece of your kitchen renovation well into the future thanks to proper care and maintenance. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Planning a Stunning, Affordable Kitchen Remodel

May 8, 2015 No Comments

If you have been putting off your dream kitchen remodel because you think you can’t afford it, think again. You can easily plan a stunning yet affordable kitchen remodel with these handy tips from the pros: Paint It is not always necessary to make major changes to change the look of a room and that includes the kitchen. Paint can make a positive change to the look of your kitchen by cleaning and refreshing your walls and adding an affordable splash of colour for your backsplash. Lighting Adding new touches to your kitchen such as lighting can help to modernize a space instantly. Lighting in a kitchen can also make it easier to work. Pendant lighting hung over an island adds sparkle and interesting design detail, while a chandelier above a table can add elegance and sophistication. Cabinet Refacing The most affordable cabinet refacing is a lick of paint. However you can also have completely new cabinet doors and trim without the costly removal and installation associated with a complete gutting. Refacing allows you to choose new cabinet doors and drawers and use the existing bases and wall mounts. Original Fixtures and Appliances You can also save a lot of money by maintaining as many of the original fixtures and appliances as possible. If they do not look too bad and the electrical and plumbing is in good shape this will save thousands of dollars as well as fuss and mess. As long as appliances are running and energy efficient you can save up and replace them when your budget allows. Sinks just need a good polish to shine again. Flooring If your flooring is not in bad shape you can keep it in place as well. There are also many laminate tile and wood flooring products that are available at a fraction of the cost of real hardwood, ceramic or stone. Counters Of course we all want the glamour and sparkle of granite, but this is a huge expense during a kitchen remodel. Instead opt for a modern laminate that will give you a new stone look without the hefty price tag. You can always save up and replace them at a later date. Your kitchen remodel doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Using these affordable tips will allow you to have a stunning kitchen you will enjoy for years to come without the high price tag. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

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