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This classic off-white kitchen is one that will always be on trend. It suits a country home but would fit in a transitional-contemporary abode as well. The cabinets are simple shaker style, the farmhouse bib sink adds immediate charm and the beadboard backsplash is easy, inexpensive and never goes out of style. Changing to a new stainless deep-vessel sink would make this kitchen also perfect for a modern home as well. Investing in a little bling through fantastic drawer pulls, upgraded faucet and stainless steel appliances keep the room updated. The walls stay an off-white to keep the soft and clean look. Hits of nature-inspired greens provide the accent colour.
This is a kitchen with classic elements that will stand the test of time.
Image from Better Homes and Gardens.
Stop by Kitchen Fashions for design help in creating your own classic kitchen.
Whether undertaking a full remodel or just updating a few elements, lighting is an essential component in kitchen design. Lighting makes a kitchen functional (or not) and it also adds the final touch to the overall look of the room. It needs to blend into the architectural, functional and decorative plan. So what should your plan include?
A layered approach:
1. Task lighting- recommended is a blend of recessed lighting positioned to shine down on counter space and under-cabinet lighting. Florescent tube lighting under the cabinet is very effective as it shines on the complete countertop and the backsplash without creating shadows. Also think about pendant lighting over an island and sink that is bright enough to make tasks in those areas easier.
2. Ambient lighting- this is the general overall lighting that creates a warm glow and fills in shadows to create a brighter feeling in the room. If possible, try to allow lots of daylight into your kitchen for natural ambient lighting. Add to this overhead ceiling light fixtures – track or recessed halogen lights work well.
3. Accent lighting- this is decorative lighting used to elevate the style of the room and focus on special areas. It can include pendant lights and/or drum shades or chandeliers. It may also include spot lighting for artwork or a special display. And don’t forget about puck lighting inside glass cabinets. Rule of thumb: the larger the space, the grander the accent lighting. This is where you can show your own personal style, so think about the statement you want to make, and also try to to tie it into the overall style of the rest of the home.
All images via Pinterest
Feel free to drop by our showroom to ask our knowledgeable designers about a lighting plan for your kitchen.
Whatever your style, modernizing your kitchen to be functional for today’s lifestyle is essential. Take a look at this great article on trends to help modernize your kitchen.
Please stop by our showroom anytime for help from our designers on modernizing your kitchen your way!
When it comes to living an easy and convenient life, having an organized kitchen stacks high on the must-haves. Here are some ways you can design, or redesign, the room that we race into and out of every morning, spend family time in every night and enjoy lazy brunches and cooking adventures in every some weekends:
1. Use open shelving. Not only is it easy to access frequently used items, it also forces you to keep things neat when out in the open. It’s also great for small kitchens because it opens up the space.
Source: google.ca via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest
2. Customize your cabinets. You can do this when you order cabinetry or you can do it yourself with existing cabinets thanks to all kinds of great organizational gadgets now available. Pull-out shelves, dividers for cookie sheets, custom recycling and garbage units, spice jar inserts and towel bars all keep things in their place and easily accessible.
Source: an-organized-life.net via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest
3. Drawer organizers are a must. Every single utensil and kitchen do-dad has its place, and it is in a drawer organizer. Get one. Or many.
Source: styleathome.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest
4. Use hooks. Hooks for towels, utensils, pots and just about anything else are so useful and help you avoid throwing things on the counters.
Source: google.ca via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest
5. Use counter space wisely. Keep counters open except for frequently used items. Store cooking utensils in pretty jars near the stove, and snacks in glass containers so you can clearly see what’s there.
Source: google.ca via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest
6. Look up. Utilize the space between your cabinets and ceiling, and on top of your refrigerator by throwing lesser-used items in baskets or pretty bins. Or if starting fresh, customize your cabinets and take them all the way to the ceiling.
Source: styleathome.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest
7. Utilize awkward corners. Open shelving that goes all the way to the wall in a corner is a more efficient use of space than a corner cabinet (and adds interest).
Source: styleathome.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest
8. Make better use of lower cabinet space. Open shelving below the counter is convenient for everyday items.
Source: styleathome.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest
9. Gather appliances. Carve out a for all your small appliances to keep them together, ideally one that is handy to an outlet and behind a closed door. An appliance garage (yes, they have been updated) is fantastic for this.
Source: styleathome.com via refresheddesigns. on Pinterest
10. Give cookbooks their own space. Keep recipes and cookbooks together and handy on a dedicated shelf.
It has never been so easy to be stylish and green in the kitchen. Recycled backsplashes are now available in all kinds of materials, colours and styles, and they are budget-friendly as well. You can even get the classic white subway tiles in recycled ceramic.
Recycled glass tiles are considered quite sustainable as they are made up of a mixture of post-consumer and industrial glass waste.
Recycled ceramic tiles are often a combination of unwanted glass, stone, dirt, dust and even plastic.
Recycled aluminum uses post-industrial and consumer aluminum shavings and scraps to form beautiful green tiles and solid surfaces.
Adding or changing a backsplash is an easy weekend DIY project that will add functionality and instant style to your home. And since there are so many sustainable design options, it’s a must-do!
So many great options to choose from! Will you choose an eco-friendly tile for your next kitchen backsplash makeover?
Well-designed kitchens make a home, so you really need to consider the essential details when planning. Take a look at these fantastic kitchens in the homes of top designers. Notice the similarities:
1. Good lighting. This includes both natural light through ample windows plus task lighting. There is a focus on ample stylish pendants over islands, tables and work areas. Lighting needs to be super-functional in kitchens, but can also be the place to make a style statement.
2. Lots of prep space. Again, function is key here, but counters are another place that can make or break a kitchen. Countertops are such a great way to make an impact.
3. Taking advantage of vertical space. In addition to extra storage, cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling are more visually appealing and give a custom look. Or forgo upper cabinets for open shelving that also takes advantage of the full height of your walls.
4. In-kitchen eating areas. Whether at islands or tables, well-designed kitchens have comfortable spots for the family and guests to mingle with the cook and do everything from have a glass of wine to finish homework.
5. Personality. Whether through collectibles, colour, interesting lighting or unique and unexpected accessories, designers know how to inject personality and character into rooms, even kitchens.
So do you have these elements in your own kitchen? If you would like help designing the kitchen of your dreams, visit our showroom and talk to one of our talented designers.
(All photos courtesty of House Beautiful, where you can see even more designer kitchens).
I just wanted to let everyone know we have some specials going on in our show room this month!!
For a limited time we are offering 50% off solid surface counter tops! Ask one of our designers for all of the details and restrictions.
Also from now until July 15th we are offering up to 750$ mail in rebate when you purchase Windows, Doors and Siding from us! What a great deal!
Just testing to make sure our blog posts can be shared on Facebook. If you’re reading this — it works!
The combination of yellow and grey keeps this space fresh and playful!
