Kitchens

5 Essential Elements of a Chef's Kitchen Renovation

5 Essential Elements of a Chef’s Kitchen Renovation

Just because you don’t have your own restaurant, doesn’t mean you can’t feel proud about being the master chef at home. If the kitchen is where you find joy, then why not bring some more love into this space by creating your own chef’s kitchen right at home? You may never get the chance to show off your culinary delights in a five-start Michelin, but really, who cares when you get to be the head chef for your family and friends? If cooking is where your heart lies, then making the effort and investment to create a chef’s kitchen is well worth it.

When you’re ready to spice up your kitchen, make sure to add these 5 essential elements of you chef’s kitchen renovation project.

Ample Amount Of Room


If you ever peak back behind the scenes at a restaurant, often you can see chefs fluttering around the kitchen in an almost orchestrated rhythm. So the first necessary element for a proper kitchen is to have ample amount of room for both you and anyone involved to move around in. Having an open floor layout is essential. If you have partition walls separating your kitchen from your guests in a neighbouring room, think about how you can eliminate them in your design and add in an island instead to place your culinary skills on display as you interact with your loved ones.

Gas Cook Range


For any chef – whether at home or in a restaurant, the stove is often where most of the magic happens. So, naturally, you need it to excel in performance with this appliance. When taking on your chef’s kitchen renovation, don’t skip out of the appliances that matter. Having a gas cook range that operates with a high British thermal unit (that’s above the average 7,000 Btu) provides larger, hotter flames, with a grill to go alongside it.

Chef’s Kitchen Renovation

Large Sink And Extendable Faucet


With the amount of pots and pans getting used up on a regular basis, having at least two large basin sinks is extremely helpful. You can add these features to the island, or simply add them into your current layout. Just be sure to add in an extendable faucet that can allow you to reach the hose into areas easily.

Sufficient Storage To Organize Your Equipment


For a chef, the knives, spatulas, spoons, flambé torch and all of the other gadgets and gizmos that get used on a regular basis are your essential tools. And keeping them organized and stored away properly and conveniently is essential. Keeping the kitchen organized with a flow that makes sense to you is all about adding in those necessary pull-out drawers, Lazy Susan’s and other organizers to keep your tools stored away properly. Keep this in mind during the renovation to incorporate enough cabinetry and units to make your kitchen work for your culinary rhythm.

Finishing Touches


If the kitchen is where you truly feel at home, then make it truly your own by adding in those finishing touches that you love. Install elegant pot lights along the ceiling, place your favourite copper pots on display, add in that luxurious granite countertop you’ve been dreaming of working on.  Make it yours!

Get creative and use these other key elements to help make your dream chef’s kitchen renovation into a reality that you can enjoy everyday at home.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Tips-for-Surviving-a-Kitchen-Renovation  

Tips for Surviving a Kitchen Renovation  

Taking on a kitchen renovation can be one of the trickiest projects to live through. Without having access to your kitchen sink, stove, and other necessary amenities, it takes some planning in order to make it as practical and stress-free as possible. The inconvenient factor is something that’s next to impossible to avoid, but with a little strategizing beforehand, you can avoid having a remodel impede your lifestyle during the process. If you’re wondering what the best approach is to make your project as easy as possible on you and the family, here are some tips for surviving a kitchen renovation.

Create a Stand-In Kitchen Zone


Getting around using the kitchen sink usually means taking over the bathroom sink. Alternatively, you can use a basin to fill and empty for wash dishes in. But with a little space, you can place a simple table, folding chairs, and even a hot plate that you can use for cooking up some stovetop meals. Turning to fast food and take-out is always a part of the reno process, but if it’s a large undertaking that will take some time, it can get tiring very quickly and put a significant dent in your budget. Creating a simple makeshift stand-in kitchen zone can be practical with just enough space and amenities to help you and the family survive without living completely off of fast food.

Plan Out Your Meals


Having a plan on what you can make that will be easy and practical can save you time and help you avoid resorting to fast food when you don’t feel like putting effort into meal prep. Before you begin the renovation, make a practical and easy meal plan for each day of the week so you know what to do which can help take the guessing game out of what to prepare and make.

Take Advantage of the Grill and Crock Pot


When your kitchen is under construction, it’s the perfect time to take full advantage of those appliances that can make your life a whole lot easier. Depending in the time of year, the grill can be the perfect substitution that will let you grill up some delicious BBQs. Also, the crockpot lets you throw on meals well in advance so you can have dinner simmering away so it’s ready when you are. Preparation is key to surviving a kitchen renovation. And with these three tips, you can sail through that project without having it cause a major huge impediment to your meal times throughout the process.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

You-Deserve-the-Kitchen-of-Your-Dreams

You Deserve the Kitchen of Your Dreams

With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, there’s no better time to finally commit to creating the kitchen that you’ve always dreamed of having. If you think about all of your hard-earned money that’s gone into purchasing your home, and the number of times you’ve said that you would make that dream kitchen a reality one day – well now’s the time to start. You deserve the kitchen of your dreams, and to help inspire you to get started, here are some ideas to consider.

Extra Room

If your kitchen feels boxed in and confined, then this is the first issue to address. Nothing is as important than having enough room to move around comfortably in your kitchen. But you can overcome this barrier by removing an adjacent wall or two. Partition walls were a very common design feature in homes throughout the 70s and 80s. But today, it’s all about the open concept layout that allows you to prepare dinner in the kitchen while still being able to see and speak to your family or guests.

Marble Countertops

When it comes to great kitchen designs, the countertops are what stand out the most. Whether you prefer granite, marble or even a rustic and industrial slab of concrete – the options today are endless. With a little research you can find the perfect beautiful slab to replace your current countertops that can enhance the entire look of your kitchen space.

Luxury Finishes

Even if you’re not able to commit just yet to a budget for new granite countertops, you can still create that dream kitchen design by focusing on the smaller details. For example, the finishes such as the faucets on the sink, can really enhance the functionality and luxury with a chrome pull-down spray nozzle.

New Cabinetry

Alternatively, if you are looking to really overhaul your kitchen, then new cabinetry is usually essential. If your current cupboards are extremely old and worn, then replacing them is necessary since they equate to a significant portion of your kitchen design. And with the wide variety of materials and styles available today, you’re guaranteed to find the style and price range that you want.

The kitchen really is the highlight of a home. It’s the room that gets used the most, and it’s where family and friends are commonly drawn to hang out. If you love to cook or simply love the idea of having a stunning kitchen to walk into every day, then make this year the one where you finally commit to creating the kitchen that you’ve longed for. And when it’s time to get started, you can contact us! We have qualified professionals who can take care of any renovation project that you need – from the kitchen to an entire home renovation. Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today and we’ll help you get started!

Getting-the-Most-Out-of-a-Smaller-Kitchen

Getting the Most Out of a Smaller Kitchen

If your kitchen feels a little more than snug, there are some simple tricks that you can incorporate into the design to help it feel much larger than it really is. Here are few of the most utilized tricks to help free up some more room and create that illusion of more space.

Stick to Neutral Colours

Although you may be attracted to bold, colourful cabinets and walls, try to resist. If your space is limited, using bright, bold colours will only detract from the space that you do have, making it feel more boxed in and confined. Try to stick with neutral, or even white walls and cabinets, while adding in colour through simple accent features. This keeps it open and airy, making it look and feel much larger than it really is.

Consider Shallow Cabinets


 Think outside of the ordinary cabinets! You can also save on space by using cabinet designs that are slimmer than the regular 24-inch deep designs. It is possible to have cabinets that are 12 or 15-inch deep that can save a great deal of space for both the lower and high cabinetry. This can prevent that large jut-out appearance that usually consumes space.

Minimize Clutter

Of course, minimal space means there should also be minimal clutter. That means avoid have too many knickknacks and hardware throughout your kitchen and on display. Keep the counters simple and as clear as possible. You can also remove cabinet doors handles and opt for more modern designs that are simple and flush. These simple additions can really add up to a roomier design.

Rethink Appliances and Other feature Designs

Beyond the cabinetry, there are other options available that reach beyond the typical sizing and designs. For example, you can purchase appliances that are more compact and specifically tailored for smaller kitchens. With condos and apartment living becoming increasingly popular, you can find compact dishwashers, and even slimmer, compact refrigerators. Think beyond the standard size and designs, and you’re very likely to find alternatives to suit your intimate space.

If your kitchen is limited on space, you need to do as much as you can to avoid adding in any design elements that will detract even more from it. Thankfully, with the vast range of designs that are tailored to smaller living spaces, you can find so many options to help you achieve this, while creating the illusion of more space. Use these tips to help get you started.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Is a Skylight Right for Your Space

Is a Skylight Right for Your Space?

A skylight can create many added benefits to your interior design. Both aesthetically pleasing and good for your overall health, skylights are frequently used to improve the comfort levels throughout a home by opening up any given space and enhancing the abundance of natural light.

If you’re trying to determine whether a skylight is right for your space, here we look at some of the reasons why you should consider installing one in your space.

Adds Space

You can make any room look more inviting and spacious by simply adding in a skylight. Slanted ceilings and narrow spaces can make a room feel boxed in and confined. A skylight can provide that necessary illusion of more space. That’s why skylights have become such a popular addition to rooms such as the attic, bathroom, and small bedrooms.

More Light

One of the biggest advantages of having a skylight is being able to enjoy more natural sunlight in a room. With various health benefits, exposure to sunlight is proven to reduce anxiety and stress, and to improve your overall level of comfort in any given space.

Natural Ventilation

Certain skylight designs can also offer you added ventilation throughout your home. Whether it’s placed in a bedroom or even the kitchen, you can let in some fresh air and take advantage of natural ventilation. This is also an excellent, cost-effective way to control room temperatures and reduce humidity throughout your home.

Improved Insulation

Believe it or not, skylights can help make your home more energy efficient if installed correctly. They allow heat to enter the home and insulate against further heat loss. For rooms and spaces that have poor insulation and tend to be cooler, a skylight can help maintain a more comfortable temperature by retaining heat from the solar rays that shine in.

Adds Value

Did you know that a skylight can boost the value of your home? Skylights are seen as a luxury item when it comes to interior designs. And with the added benefits mentioned in the above points, it’s easy to understand why it can increase the resale value.

A skylight can be right for just about any space in your home, including your kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room, and even your attic. There are also many different sizes and models to choose from so you can find the right fit for your space.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Types of Kitchen Sinks

5 Types of Kitchen Sinks

When it’s time to replace your kitchen sink, it can be difficult to decide on what style and material to choose. Today, there are a variety of different styles and materials that are each great for various designs and uses. Below, we outline five of the most common types of kitchen sinks to consider if you want to enhance the look and functionality of your kitchen.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a popular choice for many homeowners since it is economical and simple to install. Stainless steel sinks are very durable and are also very versatile. They can however, be prone to scratching and watermarks which can make it more of a hassle to maintain. But this can be a minimal drawback considering how resistant it is against harsh stains and heat.

Double Bowl Sink

This sink design incorporates two bowls that are attached for greater convenience. This is the most common style of sink used in modern kitchen designs today. You can be more selective with the size of the basins – both can be of equal size, or you can choose to have one larger than the other.

Fireclay Sinks

The fireclay style sink is a more eccentric style that can really add that unique touch to your kitchen. Fireclay is created by molding ceramic clay into a shape of a sink, and is then dried. It is then coated in porcelain enamel. This material is very durable and strong.

Concrete Sinks

Concrete has become increasingly popular with the modern, industrial kitchen designs. These can be greatly customized and can be incorporated into any design features. Concrete is however, heavy and does require periodic sealing against the moisture, so it’s not as low maintenance as other materials.

Cast Iron

This material has been used the longest for creating kitchen sinks. Cast iron is very strong and is sealed with an enamel, glossy finish. You can customize the colour of the designs as well. This material is also very heavy and makes installation much more difficult. It is also prone to rust.

There are many different materials and styles of kitchen sinks available today that can create the perfect addition to your kitchen design. Take the time to explore the different options available to help you find the best one for your home.

Are you planning an Ottawa kitchen renovation? Contact RenosGroup.ca to book a free in-home consultation or request a free estimate!  Or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Benefits and Drawbacks of Granite

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Granite

When remodelling your kitchen, it can be easy to select a product purely based on aesthetics. But beyond the appeal, it’s important when choosing a material that you’re also considering the durability, longevity, and maintenance. Granite is one of the most popular materials used today for countertops, but it is one of the more expensive investments per square foot. It’s important to weigh both the pros and cons of before committing. Here are some of the main benefits and drawbacks of granite, to assist you with your final decision.

Benefits:


Extremely durable


Since this material is natural rock, it is extremely durable. With proper maintenance and care, it can be the only countertop you ever need. However, just like with stone it can be prone to chip. You must be careful when placing solid objects on it, especially along more vulnerable edges.

Available in a variety of finishes


Granite finishes can also be customized greatly to suit your style and design. You can choose from different shades and colours, such as greens, corals, beiges, blacks, and whites. And whether glossy or matte, you can choose a preferable look.

No two pieces are the same


Since granite is natural stone, you can enjoy the fact that your countertop will always be unique since no two pieces are really ever the same. Even when it comes to the type of finish, each may look slightly different than the next, giving your kitchen a truly customized and personal touch.

Drawbacks:


Imperfect surface


Since granite is literally a slab of stone taken from the earth, it can have an uneven and imperfect surface. If you’re in search of that glistening, slick, even surface, this material may be a bit too earthy and raw for your taste. Additionally, since this is a natural, rustic material, no two pieces will ever look the same. A sample of what you see in a store, may not be exactly what you end up with.

Porous surface


Since granite stone has a porous surface, it will also need to be resealed each year for as long as you expect to maintain the countertop. This is especially important since it will be around a lot of moisture and potential stains.

Extremely heavy


Granite is also an extremely heavy material. It is not a material that’s ever recommended to be included as a DIY project when remodelling your kitchen. You should always hire a professional installer when dealing with this material.

Obvious seams


Another drawback to this product is that seals cannot be hidden or fully concealed. If you desire a seamless surface, granite might not be the best choice to consider.

If you’re struggling with the decision on whether to go with a granite countertop, be sure to take all of the factors into account. Whether you choose granite or another beautiful material like quartz or marble, you can feel confident in your selection.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Benefits of Installing a Kitchen Backsplash

5 Benefits of Installing a Kitchen Backsplash

Backsplashes installed above the kitchen countertops aren’t just placed simply for the purpose of aesthetic appeal. Although they do look great and enhance a kitchen design, they actually serve a greater purpose. Below we’ve outlined a few of the benefits of installing a kitchen backsplash.

Protects Paint and Wallpaper


Your kitchen is the most used room in your entire home. And with all of the baking and cooking that happens there on a regular basis, it doesn’t take long for it to get messy. Backsplashes are great for this purpose since they cover the area of the wall above the countertop to protect the paint or wallpaper that’s on it from getting dirty. So when that tomato sauce starts to bubble and splash, you can simply wipe it off the tile instead of worrying about it staining the wall.

Covers Gaps in the Walls


Often when countertops are installed – especially granite ones – the cuts of it can leave some minor gaps between the end of the counter and the wall behind it. By installing backsplash tiles, it covers these gaps and makes it much more appealing.

Protects Against Water and Mould


In addition to covering gaps, it also provides a barrier against water. It blocks any water from seeping behind the counter and wall, which can also prevent the growth of mould.

Protects Against Heat


When the stove is blazing and there’s a cooking frenzy happening, all of the heat from the stove can gradually affect the wall close to it over time. Tile can also provide a barrier for the wall from the heat or those rising flambé flames that can get a little too hot sometimes.

Enhance the Aesthetic Appeal of your Kitchen


If you walk into a kitchen, the backsplash is often one of the first elements that get noticed. And with the wide variety of styles, colours, and patterns available today, you can get creative with it and add that splash of colour and flair to your kitchen décor.

So if you’ve been toying with the idea of whether it’s worth it to add in backsplash to your kitchen reno, consider each of these factors. You can ask just about any interior designer and they will encourage you to use them. They not only look great, but they can extend the design of your kitchen by providing that necessary barrier to protect the wall to keep your kitchen looking great for years to come.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Open Concept or Closed

Open Concept or Closed?

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?

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

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Ottawa, ON K1P 5J6
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