Design

Steel Door vs. Fibreglass Door Replacement

Steel Door vs. Fibreglass Door Replacement

Your front door is the focal point of the entranceway to your home. A door that is in poor condition or lets in cold air during the winter can really take away from all the hard work you put into making your front yard and entrance look clean and inviting. For homeowners in Ottawa, fiberglass entrance doors are becoming popular because of their durability and their aesthetics. In older homes, steel entry doors were commonly used because they are sturdy and affordable. If you are thinking about replacing your entry door, here are the pros and cons of steel doors vs fiberglass doors:

Pros of Fibreglass Doors


Fibreglass doors are lightweight compared to their steel counterparts, making them easier to install. These doors are highly resistant to dents and warping. They are also energy efficient and can help you save money on your energy bills. They offer a sleek wooden look that is very desirable.

Cons of Fibreglass Doors


If your fiberglass door is constantly exposed to direct sunlight, delamination can occur. Delamination is the failing of the bonding between the insulation and the door skin. If your door frame is not the standard door size, you will need to have a manufacturing professional mold the fiberglass to fit your door frame’s shape, which will cost you extra money.

Pros of Steel Doors


Steel doors are a less expensive option than fibreglass. They are, of course, made of steel so they are very solid and secure. Steel doors are also energy efficient and will help you save money on your energy bills. Experts routinely report that upgrading to a steel door often has the best ROI (return on investment) of any home improvement project.

Cons of Steel Doors


Unfortunately, steel doors can face frequent scratching that can lead to rust, and paint chipping which will require routine maintenance from the homeowner. About once a year, you can lubricate the hinges with a small spray of grease or silicone. Steel doors conduct the temperature of the outside air, so the door will be hot to the touch during the hot summer months, and cold in the winter. While this may seem concerning, steel doors actually provide excellent insulation for the home.

When trying to decide between picking a fiberglass door or a steel door as your replacement, the first thing you should consider is your personal preference. Both doors offer similar pros, but there are big difference in their cons and how they look. Give us a call and we’d be happy to discuss the steel door vs fiberglass door debate. We’re here to help with all of your home renovation and home addition needs in Ottawa!  Please don’t wait to get in touch for a free in-home consultation, you can call us at (613) 727-9427.

Choosing The Right Colour For Your Master Bedroom

Choosing The Right Colour For Your Master Bedroom

A home is a reflection of your aesthetic sense, a space where you feel free to be yourself, and a place to unwind. Playing one of the most important roles in creating a truly relaxing space is the paint or wallpaper you use. This is especially true in the master bedroom, where choosing the right colour is critical. With that in mind, let’s spend a moment reviewing two competing colour choices. Along with describing how lighter golds and deeper reds differ, we will go into variations of each to further explore the options available. With that, let’s begin!

Golds

Golds are softer, inviting colours that liven up a space, make it appear brighter, and make it even feel happy and youthful. The colour yellow has a lot of connotations in our society, and finding the right tint can make all the difference in the world.

Golds: Warmth and Brightness

Golds exude warmth and vibrancy, making a space feel cheerful and inviting. The inherent optimism associated with yellow, a key component of gold, plays a significant role in creating a positive ambiance.

Beyond the visual aspects, gold is often associated with positive emotions like happiness, creativity, and success. This psychological influence can contribute to a more uplifting and energizing atmosphere in your master bedroom, perfect for starting your day on a positive note.

Choosing the Right Gold Tone:

The key to harnessing the power of gold lies in selecting the perfect shade for your specific needs and preferences. Consider these factors:

  • Room size: Lighter shades, such as tame yellow, can visually enlarge a smaller space, while soft gold can work well in both larger and smaller rooms.
  • Natural light: Rooms with abundant natural light can handle bolder gold tones, while rooms with limited natural light might benefit from lighter shades like tame yellow to avoid making the space feel closed in.
  • Personal preference: Ultimately, the perfect shade is the one that resonates with you and creates the desired mood in your personal haven.

Choosing The Right Colour For Your Master Bedroom

The Soft Gold Look

Soft gold has a classic feel that is nearly impossible to deny. While it creates less of contrast with wood, it still is inviting. Nearly rustic in its application, the soft gold look provides an aged warmth that is hard to replicate in any other way.

The Allure of Soft Gold:

  • Classic and Enduring: Soft gold transcends fleeting trends, offering a timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style. This classic hue exudes a sense of sophistication and refinement, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet inviting space.
  • Warmth and Invitation: Unlike stark white or cool grays, soft gold possesses an inherent warmth that fosters a sense of welcome and comfort. This quality makes it ideal for creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere in your master bedroom, a space dedicated to unwinding and rejuvenation.
  • Subtle Contrast: While soft gold may not create a stark contrast with wooden elements like furniture or flooring, this very feature contributes to its charm. The subtle interplay between the warm tones of wood and the gentle gold hue creates a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic, fostering a sense of peace and tranquility.

A Tame Yellow

The tame yellow look creates a feeling of openness, airiness, and space. It is warm and inviting. Often going incredibly well with the darker browns of wood borders, windows, and furniture, even a tame yellow is still bright and inviting. With countless classic looks, soft gold is highly versatile.

The Allure of Tame Yellow:

  • Warmth and Brightness: Similar to soft gold, tame yellow exudes warmth, instantly brightening your space. This is especially beneficial in rooms with limited natural light, as it can combat feelings of gloominess and create a more inviting atmosphere.
  • Openness and airiness: Tame yellow has the unique ability to visually enlarge a space. This characteristic makes it ideal for smaller bedrooms, as it can create the illusion of more square footage and contribute to a feeling of openness.
  • Versatility and Balance: Unlike bolder yellows, tame yellow is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with a variety of colors, from crisp whites and calming grays to rich browns and even pops of contrasting colors. This allows you to create a personalized and balanced color scheme that reflects your preferences.

Reds

Reds are perfect for creating a cozy, calm, and inviting master bedroom. Often accented with pillows, decorations, and bronzed metal fixtures, deeper reds draw us in and don’t disappoint. Like with the golds and yellow, success in using deeper reds is all about identifying the right shade for your needs.

The Allure of Deeper Reds:

  • Cozy and Inviting: Deeper reds possess the unique ability to create a sense of warmth and intimacy, making your master bedroom feel like a true haven. This quality is particularly appealing in larger bedrooms, where cooler tones might create a feeling of vastness.
  • Calming and Relaxing: Contrary to popular belief, deeper reds can actually promote relaxation. Studies have shown that certain shades of red can have a calming effect on the nervous system, fostering feelings of peace and tranquility – perfect for unwinding after a long day.
  • Sophistication and Elegance: Deeper reds exude an air of sophistication and elegance that can elevate the aesthetic of your master bedroom. This is further enhanced by carefully chosen accents, such as bronze metal fixtures or plush velvet throw pillows.

Burgundy

Vibrant, burgundy is deep, dark, but still has enough going for it to stand out. With incredible success as a background colour paired with white or a very fine tan, burgundy is often not the only colour used on the walls. Consider your space when considering burgundy as it can be highly specific to the space in your home.

The Enthralling Allure of Burgundy:

  • Statement-Making Potential: Unlike lighter colors, burgundy makes a bold and dramatic statement. It instantly elevates the visual impact of your space, fostering a sense of sophistication and elegance.
  • Depth and Intimacy: The depth of burgundy creates a sense of intimacy and warmth, making your master bedroom feel like a cozy and inviting retreat. This is particularly appealing for larger bedrooms, which can sometimes feel vast and impersonal.
  • Versatility with Accents: While stunning as a background color, burgundy pairs beautifully with other elements to create a cohesive and balanced aesthetic. White or very fine tan accents provide a perfect contrast, preventing the space from feeling overwhelming.

Reddish-Brown

Toned, classy, and mesmerizing, the reddish-brown colour acts like the soft gold in creating an aged yet inviting look. Matched well with darker woods and tan accents on the ceiling, reddish-brown has a lot of potential.

The Allure of Reddish-Brown:

  • Sophistication and Elegance: Reddish-brown exudes an air of refinement and sophistication. It instantly elevates the visual appeal of your space, offering a more subdued alternative to bolder shades of red.
  • Warmth and Comfort: The inherent warmth of brown, accentuated by the subtle red undertones, fosters a sense of comfort and tranquility. This quality makes reddish-brown ideal for creating a space that feels both inviting and relaxing.
  • Timeless Appeal: Unlike fleeting trends, reddish-brown possesses a timeless quality. It seamlessly blends with various design styles, from traditional to contemporary, making it a versatile choice for a long-lasting aesthetic.

For all your home renovation needs, including choosing the exact right shade and hue to bring your renovation to the next level, RenosGroup is here to help. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 for a free, no-obligation consultation and let inspiration guide the way!

New Year’s Resolutions For The Home

New Year’s Resolutions For The Home

Every year brings the opportunity for change. In sticking with the holiday tradition of setting a New Year’s resolution, let’s review some of the things people consider doing every year but somehow never seem to get around to actually doing. In addition to some small changes, we will also review an inspection you should definitely get this year as well as a more expensive present that will give back for years to come. With that out of the way, let’s begin!  Here are some new years resolutions for your home:

Soften The Water

If your home has hard water, isn’t it time you soften it to reduce residue and buildup? Filtered water is fantastic for the shower, as it damages your hair less and provides a cleaner overall experience. In addition, getting a filter for your sink can improve the taste and remove any odour that may come from the water you are drinking. A simple, inexpensive, and incredibly beneficial change, consider this the next time you are making a New Year’s resolution for the home.

Roof Inspection

Do you know that the majority of homeowners are unaware that their roof requires minor fixes? Starting off as a small problem and growing into something that can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage, having your roof inspected by a professional can provide you the peace of mind that only comes when things like a leaky roof are not a problem. In addition, sealing up roof leaks can cut your energy expenses dramatically by reducing heat loss in the winter and A/C loss in the summer.

Paint That Room The Colour You Always Wanted

While some may love painting, the majority of individuals out there find it a chore. If you have been wanting to paint that room for a while now, make a New Year’s Resolution to finally do it, or resolve to bring in the pros to renovate the room. You will replace the thought of having to change what you see with a happy thought every time you see the new colour. It takes about a day of work to paint a room, but the refreshed look and feeling of accomplishment will endure for years.

Consider Solar Panels

A final consideration, solar panels for your property can help to reduce the amount of electricity you use and bottom out your utility bills during the sunnier months. While the initial cost may be relatively high, there are ranges of subsidies in place that help to reduce the cost to a more manageable amount. The province of Ontario also has great programs to incentivize the installation of solar panels and you can even sell some of the energy you produce, so it’s worth investigating.

Looking for more inspiration? The renovation pros at RenosGroup are here to help! Schedule a free in-home consultation and we can work together new year’s resolutions for your home.  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.

The Right Interior Door for your Home Renovation

The Right Interior Door for your Home Renovation

The doors inside of our homes provide privacy between family members and separate spaces. But when considering interior door options during a home renovation, we often overlook an important fact: interior doors can be unique and stylish. Instead of opting for a simple interior door style, open the doors to new design opportunities. Consider an interior door that shows your personality and upgrades the style of your home, and you will see a very noticeable difference in your home’s interior. We have come up with a list of things for you to consider while choosing the right interior door.

Door Style

The style of interior door that you select can completely change the look of your home. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a door with personality to reflect your preferences. This will help to add a fun aspect to the room. Remember that most doors in your home should have some similar elements to help with the flow throughout the house.

An important thing to consider when choosing a style is the size of the room. For smaller rooms, avoid large, bulky doors as they will become the focal point of the room and make them feel smaller.

There are several door styles to choose from! If you need help deciding and are looking for a home renovation, contact us.

Pocket Doors: Slide into the wall, instead of swinging open. Pocket doors are most convenient for small rooms or rooms with an awkward layout where a swinging door would interfere with objects.

Folding Doors: Usually for smaller spaces such as closets, laundry rooms, or pantries.

Barn Doors: If you’re home renovation is looking for something with rustic charm, or wants a room that has a more industrial feel, these doors are the way to go.

French Doors: French doors are perfect for separating two spaces without fully closing either of the spaces off. These doors have a frame with several transparent panels and can be customized to suit your needs.

Door Swing

For your convenience, you can choose the direction that your interior door swings. In order to be the most efficient, a door shouldn’t open into a hallway as it will block yours’ and your guests’ direct paths. Consider if you want a right-hand or left-hand door swing for each room, depending on the shape of each space.

Door Framing

You wouldn’t put a beautiful photograph in a poorly built frame would you? The same goes for the doors that you select in your home. A poorly made frame will take away from the door itself, and can even cause damage to the door.

Door Material

Depending on the style of your home, you have several options for the material of your interior doors. Solid wood, metal, glass, hollow core (plywood), or a wood-fibre blend.

Still have questions or concerns about adding new interior doors to  your home renovation project? Contact RenosGroup.ca, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 and we’d be happy to help with these and all other home renovation needs.

Bathroom Renovation Trends

Biggest Bathroom Renovation Trends

Every year, the home and garden website Houzz conducts a survey measuring the behaviours and interests of North American homeowners. So, what trends do we see in bathroom renovations this year? Are homeowners expanding bathrooms or working with the existing footprint? What are the biggest bathroom renovation trends?

Supersize Showers

Even if the footprint remains the same, homeowners want supersized showers, especially in the master bathroom. In fact, 84% of homeowners upgraded their master showers during the bathroom renovation. 30% of master bath showers were increased by 50% of more in size.

Mobility Renovations

The Baby Boomer generation is three times more likely to install grab bars and other accessibility features than younger generations. However, other features of mobility renovations like hand-held shower heads, shower seats, non-slip flooring, and thermostatic mixers were popular regardless of the age of the homeowner.

What Matters Most in Terms of Design

Most homeowners reported that they wanted their renovated bathrooms to be stylish and beautiful (83%) or to have a spa-like atmosphere (41%). Other popular design elements include a reflection of personality (38%), abundant natural light (34%), making a statement (23%), being energy efficient (22%), being eco-friendly (8%), and being romantic (7%).

What Matters Most in Terms of Function

55% of homeowners wanted a bathroom that was easy to clean (55%), while 53% of respondents wanted easy storage. Other important functions include good lighting (47%), compatible for two people (46%), easy to get ready in (36%), relaxing (34%), and making the homeowner look good (2%).

How Often Are Bathrooms Renovated?

According to the survey, 46% of homeowners last upgraded the bathroom between 16 to 30 years ago. 30% of full baths were last upgraded more than 30 years ago! Some homeowners have the renovation bug, though, with 4% of full baths being remodeled under five years after the last renovation.

What Style is Most Popular?

Contemporary is the most popular style (25%), followed by traditional (21%), and transitional (18%). Other popular styles include modern (10%), eclectic (5%), craftsman (5%), and beach (3%).

Flooring & Walls

Ceramic was the most popular title choice, followed closely by porcelain. Other common flooring options included marble, wood, travertine, and linoleum. Paint was the overwhelming favourite wall finish (71%), but other common choices included ceramic tile, porcelain tile, marble, wood, travertine, and wallpaper.

Lighting

Many homeowners placed an emphasis on good lighting in the bathroom. The most common options were wall sconces (60-64%) and recessed lighting (44-61%), followed by lighted mirrors (14-16%), chandeliers (5-15%), and pendant lamps (9-12%). However, in 12% of masters and 17% of family baths, the lighting was not upgraded at all.

Whether you want to follow the popular trends or set out on  your own path, RenosGroups.ca is here to help make your bathroom renovation dream a reality. To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Things to Consider for Bathroom Renovations

7 Surprising Things to Consider During Your Bathroom Renovation

There are many reasons why Ottawa homeowners decide it’s time for a bathroom renovation. Maybe they want to upgrade an outdated bathroom, improve the functionality of the space, create more storage, accommodate changing family needs, or increase the value of the home. No matter the reason, here are seven surprising things to consider for bathroom renovations:

The Importance of Prioritization


When planning a bathroom renovation, it can be easy to lose your head in the clouds, dreaming of heated floors and a wood plank feature wall and vintage clawfoot tub. This is all well and good until you realize you didn’t leave enough room in the budget for the thing you needed most, a new toilet. Make a list of your priorities and budget accordingly. Otherwise, it’s all too easy to get lost in the details.

Find a Balance


When planning a bathroom renovation, you have to balance an investment of time, money, energy, and quality. Going with a DIY approach may save you money, but it will “cost” a lot in terms of time, energy, and worse results. That’s why turning to a professional bathroom renovation contractor offers the best balance with outstanding quality delivered on time and on budget.

Contingency Fund


Once you calculate what you can afford to spend, take at least 10% to 20% of this budget to use for a contingency fund. If you allocate every penny of your budget, any delay, damaged material, or unexpected surprise behind the walls will spell trouble. Be prepared so your project can continue smoothly.

Out of the Bathroom


Consider the bathroom a “no go” zone when it’s under renovation. Move all of your bathroom essentials like toothbrushes and razors to another bathroom if possible, otherwise turn your kitchen into “bathroom central” until the renovation is complete.

Create a Sketch


Don’t just visualize your remodeled bathroom in your head. Even just a rough sketch of the layout is a good start, but then take exact measurements and get drawings or a 3D model to get an accurate picture.

Measure Twice…


This should go without saying, but the old adage “measure twice, cut once” holds as true as ever. Haste makes waste, so work slowly and accurately so you get better results. Even better, hire a bathroom renovation contractor for perfect precision.

When Replacing Flooring


If you are replacing the flooring in your bathroom, use the opportunity to replace the underlayment as well. This will provide an even, watertight surface for your flooring, and you’ll be able to undo any water damage that has gathered over the years.

Save yourself the headache and turn to the bathroom renovation professionals at RenosGroups.ca. We do it right the first time so you end up with a beautiful, functional, and durable bathroom to enjoy for years to come.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Hottest Bathroom Trends

The Hottest Bathroom Trends

Whether you’re cooling off in the shower after a hot summer’s day outside, cuddling up with your partner in a Jacuzzi tub, or trying to wrangle the kids for a quick bath before bed, we demand a lot from our bathrooms. We also deserve for them to be relaxing spaces. If you’re planning a bathroom renovation or upgrade, consider this year’s hottest bathroom trends:

Elegant Bathtub

Gone are the days when a bathtub is just a vessel for your shower – this year standalone tubs get the spotlight all to themselves. Whether you want an elegant clawfoot tub with cast iron features and a rolled rim, an Art Deco pedestal bathtub or a freestanding soaker tub made of reinforced acrylic, there is a tub to match any design style. These quality tubs run a pretty penny, but they are incredibly durable and will be well worth the price the first time you soak into the warm and bubbly water.

Dual-Flush Toilet

We don’t talk about toilets much, but they’re definitely an important facet of the bathroom! This year, it’s all about high-efficiency dual-flush toilets. There are two different buttons or handles to flush a different volume of water depending on what is needed. The dual-flush technology cuts down on water usage, helping the environment and trimming your monthly expenses. For an extra luxury, wall hung toilets take up less space and use even less water.

Vanity with Storage

Are you sick of toothbrushes, hairbrushes, makeup, creams, and lotions that you haven’t touched in three years crowding your bathroom counter? A vanity completes the look of the space, but it also serves an important function in terms of organization. Choose from a contemporary urban vanity with natural earth tones and chrome handles, a colonial birch double vanity, or an espresso-coloured wood vanity with sophisticated granite counters.

Everything But the Bathroom Sink

No matter the size of your bathroom, you can invest in a contemporary sink that enhances the look of the space. Choose between popular options like a slim pedestal sink made of China, glass sink with a chrome faucet, or deep ceramic wall mount vessel sink. With waterfall faucets and other aesthetically pleasing features, even kids will be excited to wash up!

If you want to be at the peak of style this year, any one of these elements can give the bathroom renovation look you’ve always imagined. Whether your style is sleek and contemporary or warm and vintage, RenosGroups.ca can make it happen.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Make a Safe & Accessible Kitchen

How to Make a Safe & Accessible Kitchen

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

How to Make a Small Kitchen Feel Big

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:

Satisfied Customer - Kitchen Renovation by Renosgroup

 

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 staple in many kitchens, but a bulky countertop model can eat up valuable space. Consider a space-saving option like a built-in microwave or a microwave with a smaller footprint.

Hanging Pots & Pans

If there is available wall space (or ceiling space, if you have an island), consider going with a hanging pot/pan rack. This frees up valuable cupboard space in a small kitchen. Of course, you’ll only want to display your pots and pans if they’re in good condition, so maybe it’s time for an upgrade.

Small kitchens require creative storage solutions, and hanging pot and pan racks are a fantastic way to free up valuable cabinet space while adding a touch of personality to your kitchen.

Benefits of Hanging Racks:

  • Space Savers: Hanging your pots and pans frees up precious cabinet space for other essentials like dishes, small appliances, or pantry items. This is particularly beneficial in a small kitchen where every inch counts.

  • Easy Access: Having your pots and pans readily accessible on a rack saves you time and frustration when you’re in the midst of cooking. No more rummaging through cluttered cabinets searching for the right pan!

  • Stylish Statement: A well-organized pot and pan rack can be a beautiful focal point in your kitchen. Choose a rack that complements your décor and display only your most attractive and well-maintained cookware. This creates a visually appealing and personalized touch.

Choosing the Right Rack:

  • Location, Location, Location: Consider the available space in your kitchen. Wall-mounted racks are a popular choice, but if you have an island, a ceiling-mounted rack can be a great option.

  • Matching Your Style: Pot and pan racks come in a variety of styles – modern, rustic, industrial – so choose one that complements your overall kitchen décor. Consider the material as well – chrome, stainless steel, or wrought iron.

  • Size Matters: Make sure the rack is large enough to accommodate all the pots and pans you plan to display. You don’t want it to look overcrowded, so be realistic about how much cookware you’ll be hanging.

Before You Hang:

  • Upgrade Time? This is a great opportunity to assess your cookware. If some of your pots and pans are dented, scratched, or have worn-out handles, consider replacing them before putting them on display. A well-curated selection of attractive cookware will enhance the visual appeal of your hanging rack.

Maintaining Your Rack:

  • Keep it Clean: Just like any other surface in your kitchen, your pot and pan rack needs to be cleaned regularly. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dust and grease.

  • Space it Out: Don’t overcrowd your rack. Leave some space between each pot and pan to allow for easy access and prevent them from scratching each other.

Remember: Don’t be afraid to express your personal style! A small kitchen doesn’t have to be bland or boring. With a little creativity and these design tips, you can create a kitchen that’s both functional and reflects your unique taste.

Happy Cooking!

Contact RenosGroup.ca today for more information about how an Ottawa kitchen renovation can make your small kitchen work.  To get in touch you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427.

Perfect Basement Home Theatre

Creating the Perfect Basement Home Theatre

Are you a big movie buff, but hate having to deal with lineups for tickets, inflated concession prices, and someone kicking the back of your seat all movie long? If so, you may be the ideal candidate for a basement home theatre. Here’s everything you need to know about creating the perfect basement home theatre:

Special Installation


As you’ve probably guessed, a home theatre is not quite as simple as plunking down a TV next to a La-Z-Boy chair and calling it a day. Unless you want wires hanging everywhere, a DIY approach simply won’t cut it if you want a proper home theatre. A professional renovation company can tuck away all the wires and connections out of sight, install built-in components like speakers and the display screen, connect dimmable lighting, create sound insulation, and route HVAC to regulate temperature. All of these upgraded features combine to make the perfect basement home theatre, and cutting corners won’t do.

Choosing a Location


The basement is usually the best place to install a home theatre because it is large, open, and relatively isolated from the rest of the house. This “blank canvas” lets professional renovation companies work their magic without having to tear apart the rest of the house. Remember that windows carry sound, so your best location is an area with one or no windows. Take space that would otherwise be wasted and turn it into a movie lover’s paradise.

Creating a Layout


Once you have selected the right location, next you must determine the layout of your home theatre. A professional renovation company can help choose a layout that accounts for lighting, sound systems, cable hookups, and other components. A layout will help you visualize the best seating locations and mounting points for your A/V equipment.

Selecting Equipment


A layout is one thing, but equipment is what will really set your home theatre apart. Create an equipment budget and work from there. Identify which aspects are most important and which can be scrapped for more economical choices. For example, a PlayStation 4 can act as a video game console, Blu-Ray player, media streamer, and music player.

Design Time


With all of the equipment selected and a layout design in place, next you must choose your finishes. Do you prefer elegant hardwood flooring or cozy carpet? Rustic wood paneling or warm and earthy paint tones? Built-in cabinetry or sleek smooth walls? You can choose a design aesthetic that blends with the rest of the home or stands out all on its own. If premium leather reclining seats are important to you, then don’t be afraid to invest the money.

Trust a professional renovation company to create the perfect home theatre. Lights, camera, action!  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Contact us

Office Address:
251 Laurier Ave W, #900
Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6
Phone: (613) 727-9427
Office Hours: 
Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

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