Choosing Timeless Finishes

When deciding to renovate your kitchen, or contemplating building a new house there is one thing that most people worry about - choosing the best finishes that will not date themselves in a few years.

There's something to be said about that classic, timeless look that can stand the test of time.

But how do you achieve such a look?

Source: Style At Home

First of all, think first and foremost about what you like - it's important to know your style, so that you don't end up just choosing what's "trendy" at the time of your reno or build.

Sift through websites, magazines, and pictures and pull the ones that catch your eye. Take down notes that describe the elements that you like in the photos - the colour palette, the door style, the flooring, the overall look, etc.

When meeting with one of our Kitchen Designers, you can bring these photos in as inspiration for the overall design.

Working with a designer will ultimately result in the dream kitchen design that you're aiming for. They will be able to implement your desires and needs for the space while keeping the style true to you.

When selecting the finishes to pull together the space, neutral is always a classic way to go.

Keeping the cabinetry and countertops a neutral tone will allow you to change with the trends in other ways - wall colours, hardware, accessories, etc. 

Try not to go too trendy in terms of materials - for instance, mosaic backsplash tiles are trendy now, but the busy look will most likely look dated in 3-5 years from now. 

You want to be able to keep the more "permanent" aspects of your new kitchen neutral, and leaning to a simple style.

For instance, what once was very popular was a raised panel, detailed door style. These now are looked at as dated and very traditional. While that may be your style, try to go to a simple version of the look you like. Keeping it simple will be more appealing to the masses (thinking resale value), and again will make it easy to keep up with the trends and update the look as time goes on.

Source: Decor Pad

Be sure to stop by our London or St Thomas showrooms to start the process with one of our talented designers. Leaning on their expertise and knowledge of kitchen design and how to achieve that classic timeless look will undoubtedly make the whole experience an enjoyable one! We look forward to working with you!

Two (or more) Toned Kitchens

Two-toned kitchens, believe it or not, have been around for quite some time.

Of course, as with everything that "comes back", the two-toned kitchens of today are a modernized version.

For a while, it was very popular to have two upper cabinets a darker colour than the rest of the kitchen. This eventually evolved into a combination of a white (or off-white) painted perimeter, and a darker wood island. This has proven to be a very beloved look, as it's popularity has sky-rocketed.

It's timeless quality is evident, since it incorporates the classic white kitchen appeal, as well as the richness of wood that never really will go out of style. The stain colour is another story - right now, dark is very "in" but we cannot guess the longevity of it's popularity.

As of late, another two-toned combination has made it's way to the spotlight; gray painted base cabinets, with white upper cabinets. A gorgeous look, that definitely provides a beachy, shabby chic, but yet classic sort of look.

Photo courtesy of Greige Design Blogspot

Being the latest trend, one might worry that this is just a fad. With most interior design styles/trends, fads come and go. There are those, though, that seem to remain but evolve throughout the years. For instance, you absolutely cannot go wrong with a timeless white kitchen. Classic.

Before & After Kitchen Reno!

There's nothing better than a "Before and After" Transformation.
Watching all of the Design Shows on HGTV or W Network, the best part is always the reveal at the end of the show!
What's even better, is hearing the true testimonies of our client's home renovations.
Seeing the looks on their faces and hearing them describe what a transformation it has been, is pure joy.
It's like a real life design show for us each and every day!

Here's one of our client's Before and After Stories:

What a transformation! What do you think?