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!

Designer Delights: Paint Colours of 2012

Paint colours are one thing that can tend to be overwhelming for some, and a bit stressful at times.
Is this the right shade? Will it be too dark? How do I match it up with the rest of my home?

Have a look at our Team of Designers Top Picks for 2012 and maybe this will help you find that perfect colour.


1. Patricia: Benjamin Moore - Oasis Blue - 2049-20

What Patricia adores about this peacock-turquoise-greeney blue, is it's ability to be multi-dimensional in terms of style, 

"Peacock blues are typically a traditional colour, but when paired with colours such as avocado greens, deep browns, bright whites, and reflective surfaces such as smoked mirrors, and polished chrome it becomes very dramatic and creates a space that will have a modern fresh feel. These colours also work very well with natural wood finishes.".

2. Alycia: Benjamin Moore - Dove Wing - OC-18

 Alycia is a die-hard fan of white on white on white. When it comes to finding the perfect white, it can often be challenging. But there is hope: Benjamin Moore's Dove Wing is Alycia's "Go-To" white, 

"Dove Wing is the perfect white as it lends itself to warmer tones, as well as cooler tones. Having a slight greyish undertone contributes to it's neutrality and capability of blending with many other tones. Dove Wing has yet to disappoint me when coordinating with other whites or any other colour for that matter. It's soft, gentle, simple, yet elegant.".

3. Ashley: Benjamin Moore - Coral Gables - 2010-40

Ashley with her bubbly personality, had to choose a colour that reflects just that. She went with Benjamin Moore's Coral Gables,

"I love anything in coral. It instantly takes a room from dull to chic, in the form of accessories or accent walls. Coral has a sweetness to it, with the ability to add cheerfulness to every home - and I see nothing wrong with that!".

4. Amy: Benjamin Moore - Natural Linen - CC-90

 

 After previously working at a Benjamin Moore Paint Store, being exposed to so many different colours, Amy has grown very fond of Benjamin Moore's Natural Linen.

"Natural Linen is a beautiful neutral. It tends to have a grey undertone which keeps it fresh and timeless."

5. Jennifer: Benjamin Moore - Trout Gray - 2124-20

 

Jennifer is all for being bold and dramatic. Hence, her favourite paint colour is nothing less than that of Benjamin Moore's Trout Gray. A gorgeous deep shade that will contribute a "wow" factor to any space.

"Trout Gray is a rich, smouldery grey that's bold and dramatic, yet classic. I envision this next to crisp white trim and detailed architectural mouldings. It creates the dramatic backdrop for a few bright accent colours!".

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6. Pam: Benjamin Moore - Revere Pewter - HC-172

Pam's choice happens to be one of the most timeless and classic grey's that Benjamin Moore has to offer.

"Revere Pewter is one of my favourite colours.. it's definitely in my own house! It's a gorgeous shade of gray with a warmth and just enough coolness to not be considered a beige."

7. Danielle: Benjamin Moore - Gray - 2121-20

Danielle loves her cool tones - anything bluey-grey and she is sold! What colour better represents the coolness than that of Benjamin Moore's Gray. It is exactly what it claims to be - Gray,

"Benjamin Moore's Gray is a true gray. Bluey undertones give it a gravel-y, charcoal-y look. Pairing this with a high contrast black and white herringbone or chevron patterned wallpaper is all you need in life."