Audience Question

(Generally) We have pretty much redone everything in our house, except the kitchen. We have no clue what to do.
Do we gut the whole kitchen or work with what is there?
Do we extend the counter or put in an island?
Do we install hardwood to match the rest of the house?
We are open to any and all suggestions!
Thank you,
Lynn


Ask Steven and Chris

• We can understand why you left the kitchen to the end of your renovation - it can get overwhelming with so many decisions to make!

• Your kitchen is not terribly large, so we think that your layout is going to have to stay pretty similar. Keep in mind that when you are shopping for new cabinets, you should sketch out what you are thinking for your new space. It doesn't have to be perfect, but if you want accurate quotes, you will need to know your measurements and locations of windows, doors, gas and water feeds, etc.
• We would like you to purchase new cabinets and have them go right to the ceiling. We like the idea of lightening up the space with some painted cabinet doors. This will make your kitchen feel fresh and give the illusion of even more space!
• Option 1: WHITE
• Option 2: CREAM 
• We don't think that your kitchen can handle the island that you are hoping for, but for some pow, go for a dark cabinet finish on your base cabinetry. This will add great contrast and visual weight in the otherwise light and bright kitchen.

Image from Andrew Grint Photography.

• Fridge - We would like to see you choose a counter-depth fridge and have some narrow cabinetry separating the fridge from the doorway.
• Dishwasher - Consider concealing your dishwasher with a cabinet front. This will keep the kitchen streamlined with limited "distractions."
• Stove - We would like you to consider beefing up your stovetop and having a hood fan installed right to the ceiling. This will create a much-needed focal point in the kitchen area.

Image from Decor Pad.

• Open shelving - Think about open shelving around the window to help keep the feeling light and airy.
• Option 1: If you want the browns to all tie together nicely, go for a Caesar Stone in the same color as your dark cabinetry. This one, with the little fleck of sparkle, adds some subtle glam.
• Option 2: If you would rather keep things light, we suggest this polished marble. The warm brown viens pick up on the warm tones in both the dark cabinets and the oak floors.
• Keep things simple here with:
• Option 1: A clean, white porcelain subway tile. The 2"X4" tile will just disappear in the space to let the focal points, like the island, shine!
• Option 2: A travertine subway tile will create flow and movement without taking away from the new focal point of the stove and hood.
• By choosing neutral colours for the big ticket items like countertops and cabinetry, you are free to choose whatever wall color you would like because it is one of the most inexpensive components to alter down the road. 
• We would like to see you continue the warm oak floors that are seen in your surrounding rooms into the kitchen. This will enhance flow into your adjoining rooms and add warmth to the heart of the home.

Product Name and Links

Subway Tile from Stone Tile

Counter Sample from Caesar Stone

Paint from Debbie Travis Paints ("Parisian Café")

Fabric from Beacon Hill