Home Renovation Blog

Homeowners always have a lot of questions when it comes to home renovations. What are the latest trends? How do I find the right contractor? How much will it cost?

RenosGroup’s home renovation blog is the go-to source for all your renovation needs. We provide tips, tricks, and advice from the experts to help you make your renovation project a success. From start to finish, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen, restore your bathroom, or add an addition to your home, the RenosGroup blog has the information you need to get the job done right. We’ll help you save time and money while ensuring that your renovation project is a beautiful and stress-free experience. Let us help you turn your house into the home of your dreams.  Don’t hesitate to contact us (613)727-9427 should you have any questions

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.

Additions That Add the Most Value

5 Home Renovations and Additions That Add the Most Value

Ottawa homeowners plan renovations and additions to address their changing lifestyle or family needs. However, improving the resale value of the home should also be a consideration. Here are five home renovation and additions that add the most value to the home:

Kitchen Renovation

According to HGTV, homeowners can expect to recoup between 60 to 120% of the cost of the kitchen renovation when it comes time to sell. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and no one wants to see an outdated kitchen with linoleum countertops, scuffed flooring, and appliances that could break down at any minute. A kitchen remodel can be as simple as replacing hardware, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, and giving cabinets and walls a fresh coat of paint. Of course, a fully upgraded kitchen renovation from a trusted Ottawa contractor like RenosGroup.ca would wow potential buyers and add a lot of value to your home.

Bathroom Remodel or Addition

Bathroom additions pay back 80% to 130% of their cost when it comes time to sell the home. Nobody wants to walk into a humid and cramped bathroom that hasn’t been upgraded in thirty years. Whether you are updating the family bathroom, creating a stunning master bedroom, or adding a powder room on the main floor, all of these upgrades pay off when it’s time to sell. Home buyers expect to have at least two bathrooms in a home, and a master bathroom is always a desired bonus.

Finished Basement

Homeowners can expect to recoup 70 to 80% of the cost of a finished basement renovation. Don’t turn off home buyers with a perfect home that has an unfinished basement. Your basement can house a media room, guest bedroom, kid’s play area, exercise room, laundry room, or even an income suite.

Deck Addition

Remember, the value of your property extends beyond the home itself. Upgrade your outdoor space with a deck addition, which returns 65 to 95% on investment. Enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation with an outdoor kitchen, built-in seating, outdoor dining area, and more. When it’s time to sell, you’ll be glad you made the upgrade.

Full Home Addition

Sometimes, space is the biggest problem of all. The return on investment will vary depending on the size and function of the full home addition. Create a master suite, in-law suite, great room, or transform the layout of your home with the extra space.

For more inspiration, contact Ottawa contractor Renosgroup.ca to find out which home renovation or additions that add the most value to your home.  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

Staying Safe in the Bathroom

10 Handy Tips for Staying Safe in the Bathroom

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada, more seniors are injured at home than at any other location. About half of all seniors falls happen at home. Environmental hazards in the home are the most common environmental risk factor for falls, and nowhere are these hazards more prominent than in the bathroom. Here are ten handy tips so you can stay safe and prevent falls in your home bathroom:

Throw Out Throw Rugs


According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, throw rugs are the number one cause of household falls in the US. If you like the look of the rugs and don’t want to remove them, you can secure the rugs in place with slip-resistance backing or double-sided tape.

Non-Slip Shower


Water and soap are both slippery, which makes taking a shower a pretty big risk for falls. For this reason, you should place a non-slip mat or anti-slip shower treads on the floor of the tub or shower. If you plan a mobility renovation, you can choose to have slip-resistant tiles installed. These tiles are coated with an abrasive material for safety purposes.

Clean Tub


If you don’t clean your tub regularly, soap scum can build up and make the tub slippery. So clean it on a weekly basis. As an added safety bonus, you’ll also clear away mould and mildew growth.

Dry Floor


It’s no surprise that water on the floor creates a hazardous condition. Make sure you keep your bathroom floor dry and mop up any wet spots if they appear. To prevent water from the shower dripping on the floor, purchase a weighted shower curtain.

Mobility Renovations


Grab bars and rails around the toilet, shower, and tub are important safety features, especially for seniors. They help you maintain your balance so you don’t fall. If you do accidentally slip, you can reach out and grab a bar to regain your balance. Remember, items like towel bars are NOT substitutes for proper grab bars.

Lighting


You should place nightlights in the hallway to easily guide you toward the bathroom at night. Within the bathroom, place a nightlight or install an illuminated switch so you can safety turn on the light and conduct your business.

Higher Toilet Seat


Trying to crouch down onto a low toilet seat isn’t only uncomfortable for people with mobility limitations, it can also lead to a fall. Invest in a heightened toilet seat or use the opportunity to upgrade to a new toilet that not only sits higher, but is more energy efficient.

Bath Seat or Bench


Your mobility renovations should also include a bath or shower seat or bench. This gives you a place to rest if you feel tired, and you can also bathe yourself comfortably while sitting down safely.

Handheld Showerhead


If you are trying to get your whole body clean with a stationary showerhead, it requires a lot of movement on your part. A handheld showerhead is much more convenient, and can easily be used from the comfortable perch of a bath seat or bench.

Slow and Steady


When you try to rush, you are more likely to cause an accident. Go slow and steady and make sure you are safe and balanced. Make sure you allocate more time in the bathroom for yourself by waking up ten minutes earlier, for example.

These ten tips should help keep everyone safe in the bathroom. For more handy tips regarding mobility renovations, contact RenosGroup.ca today.  To get in touch to schedule renovations, you can fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427

Protect Your Home from Water Damage

15 Tips to Protect Your Home from Water Damage

If you’ve recently had a beautiful renovation in your home, the last thing you want is to see the work ruined by water damage. Water damage can come from many sources – like a foundation crack, a shower leak, or poor ventilation. Here are some helpful tips to protect your home from water damage

Ceilings, Walls & Floors

  1. Keep an eye out for stains or bubbling paint on the ceilings. This may indicate that there is a leak in the roof or in a pipe.
  2. If you do see stains or bubbling, the source may still be located elsewhere. Track the problem back to the original source and get it solved.
  3. If there is bubbling paint or stains on the walls, it may indicate that a pipe, toilet, or shower is leaking. It may even be a sign of a leak from the foundation.
  4. Place your hand on the wall. Does it feel damp, or does the paint feel flaky? There may be a presence of water behind the walls.
  5. Look for water stains and bubbling tiles on the floors. This is especially important near sources of water, like sinks and dishwashers.
  6. Floor drains should always be left uncovered so they can do their job when the time comes.

Plumbing, Pipes & Appliances

  1. Keep an ear out for strange sounds. Trace them back to the source and you may find a leaky pipe.
  2. If you have a leaky toilet or faucet, repair it right away before it spirals into a bigger problem.
  3. Regularly inspect around sinks, the washing machine, and the hot water tank. If you spot anything off, get it fixed right away.
  4. If you have a leaky toilet drain, replace the wax toilet ring for a leak-proof seal. If not, it could turn into a bigger problem in the future.
  5. Consider investing in a water damage alarm. It will let you know when trouble has started.

Sump Pumps & Sewers

  1. A sump pump is a strong preventative measure because draws off unwanted water from the home. Have it installed by a professional, and make sure a plumber inspects it at least once per year so it works when you need it.
  2. Contact a professional to install a sewer backflow preventer valve. If the main sewer does get backed up, the water won’t end up in your home.

Controlling Moisture

  1. If you have a damp basement, run a dehumidifier regularly to pull moisture from the air.
  2. It is very important to have proper ventilation throughout the house. The three most important places to ventilate properly are the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room.

If you take these preventative steps, you can enjoy your home, renovation and all, for many happy years to come. For more tips about water damage or if you have any questions about home renovations, contact RenosGroups.ca today.  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 Home Addition

5 Questions to Ask When Planning a Home Addition

If your home isn’t quite doing it anymore, a home addition is a great solution to address your needs without having to go through the stress of relocating. As you begin planning a home addition, make sure you consider the answers to the following five questions:

How Would You Design a Home from Scratch?


When we buy existing homes, we have to make a lot of compromises. Sure, you can easily repaint the walls and switch out cabinet hardware, but other changes require a lot more time and money. Close your eyes and picture what you would want the home to look like if you were starting anew. Some of these changes can be made through a home renovation, like upgrading the countertops or rearranging the upstairs space to create an ensuite bathroom. In other instances, a home addition is the best option to get the home of your dreams.

How Much Value Will an Addition Add?


Adding value to your home shouldn’t be the only factor, but it’s something you need to think about when it’s time to move on. Additions with needed spaces like bathrooms and bedrooms usually have high return-on-investment. It will be difficult to recoup the costs of some other additions, like adding a sunroom or upgrading the home well beyond the standards of the neighbourhood. By all means choose an addition that speaks to your heart, but don’t ignore the ROI altogether.

Is There a Renovation Alternative?


Before you break ground, consider whether it is possible to achieve your goals within the existing space in your home. Ottawa contractors like RenosGroup are very creative and can transform spaces in ways that you couldn’t imagine. A home addition may indeed be the correct choice, but make sure you explore whether a less costly and less time-intensive remodel is feasible.

How Will it Blend with the Existing Home?


One of the trickiest parts of planning a home addition is making it fit in with the rest of the home. On the exterior, you’ll want the rooflines, windows, and siding to match. If you can’t get them to match, at least choose a complementary option that enhances the original home. On the interior, there should be a natural flow in the space.

What Will You Spend?


No two home additions are alike, and neither are the costs of the projects. We offer free in-home consultations and free estimates, so you can get a realistic and honest view of what the project is expected to cost. There’s a big difference between a mid-scale kitchen remodel and the creation of an entire two-storey addition, but we’ll help you plan and design a project that makes sense for your goals and your budget.

Once you’ve figured out the answers to these questions, it’s time to get started. RenosGroup.ca can plan and build a home addition that makes sense for you and your family. Stop living in cramped space and embrace the opportunity that a home addition brings.  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 Care for Hardwood Floors

How to Care for Hardwood Floors

Have you recently had hardwood floors installed as part of an Ottawa home renovation? Do you want to keep your original hardwood floors in good condition? Follow these tips on how to care for hardwood floors:

The trick with hardwood floors is to practice simple and quick daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance. This will spare you the hassle and expense of more intensive (and expensive!) restoration down the road. You should dust daily to sweep up dust, hair, dirt, pet dander, food remnants, and other nasties. If left unattended, these particles can scratch your floor. Use a soft material like microfibre to attract dust and prevent scratching. If something gets spilled on the floors, wipe it up immediately.

Vacuum your floors about once per week. Use an attachment with a brush or felt head  designed specifically for use on hardwood floors, as beater bars or the regular vacuum can scratch the finish on your floors.

Polishing


Polish your floors with a water-based polish every season. These will restore the shine to your floor, and also fill in micro-scratches before they turn into more noticeable blights on your floor. Make sure you wipe your floors dry with a soft cloth, as standing water can damage wood floors.

Preventing Marks


Sometimes the biggest thing you can do to protect your hardwood floors is to adjust your behaviour. No one should ever walk with hardwood shoes on the floor. If you have high-trafficked areas, consider placing area rugs to reduce wear on your floors. Keep pet nails trimmed so they don’t scratch the finish with their claws. Place protective pads underneath your furniture and tables so they don’t scratch the floors if moved. Maintain a comfortable humidity level in the home.

How to Remove Marks


Even with attentive care, sometimes you can’t avoid getting marks on your floor – pet stains, water marks, heel scuffs, you name it. Most of these marks can be removed with floor wax, but it’s important to read the label beforehand and test on a small area first.

What to Avoid


Never used any products on your floor unless they are specifically for hardwood floors. Vinegar can dull the finish, soap and wax leave residues, and the heat and water from steam cleaners can do damage. Do not use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners.

Hardwood floors may be the crown jewel of your Ottawa home renovation, so treat them with care and they’ll look incredible for many years.  Contact us through our  online form, or give us a call at (613) 727-9427 to request your free in-home

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.

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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