The modern kitchen means more than just a space to cook and eat. A significant amount of time is spent meeting with friends, playing games, doing homework and other activities in many families. We capture this information during our design process and ensure it is used to develop the final plan.
A great kitchen design accounts for the client's aesthetics needs. The colour scheme, style and material selection are critical in creating a space the customer will love for years to come. To determine storage needs, the designer should find out details such as how much fresh produce you keep on hand, how often you buy in bulk, and similar information. We capture that and more.
We can help you pick the appliances, lighting, flooring and cabinetry that will meet your needs for years to come. We work with many suppliers to offer a wide selection and save you money.
Countertops come in a wide variety of materials and colours. They each have trade-offs in characteristics, and you will have to pick the one that suits your project. It would be wise to match the cabinets' quality as they may be damaged during a replacement.
Modern sinks are often tied to countertop choice, so you should decide what type you want before ordering either. Common types are Farmhouse, Undermount, Flushmount, and Top Mount. There are specialty types such as Bar and Corner Sinks. Common materials are Stainless Steel, Composite Sinks, and Fireclay. Another consideration is the number of bowls and features such as drying areas.
Finally, you need to pick what type of faucet you want. These are tied to sink selection as they come in 1,2,3, or 4 hole versions, and your sink needs to match. There are Pull Out, Single Handle, and Two Handle. There are also specialty features such as Touchless, Soap Dispensers, Pot Fillers, etc. Finally, there is the style and finish of the faucet.
Your lighting choices are important as they may impact the work done in your kitchen. Lighting needs to be chosen before construction starts as the electrical work must be completed nearly immediately. There are three main types of lighting ambient, task and accent. You should consider brightness and colour temperature when choosing.
We work with some of the top lighting specialty businesses in Thunder Bay and will help you with the kitchen renovation design, so lighting needs are covered.
There never seems to be enough storage in a kitchen. To get the most of your kitchen renovation, look at your current storage and see where you have wasted space. Base cabinets often have a few items and a lot of space above them. When planning your kitchen, take advantage of the cabinet accessories mentioned above or adjustable shelves. Check if poor lighting is causing you to avoid placing items in an otherwise suitable storage location so you can avoid the problem with the new design.
If space allows, you might want to consider adding an entire pantry to the design if you need the storage. Large pantry cabinets are another great choice. It also may be a great time to invest in a good set of stackable pots and plastic ware as the odd-sized items waste a lot of space. Another space saver is a pot hanger above an island.
Appliances are one of the most important items in a kitchen renovation, and you should include them in the plan even if you are not currently replacing them. You may want to replace them down the road, and it is a good idea to have utilities and space ready.
There are many options available you may not have seen before. Our designers will go over options such as built-in, panel ready, and a host of other choices available to you.
It is also critical that you decide what kind of ventilation you will be using before construction as ductwork and electrical needs to be in place. There is down-draft, over-the-range microwave, under-cabinet and chimney hood types.
If you are replacing the cabinets, you should consider utility upgrades even if you only planned to do the cabinets. With them removed, it is often easy for tradespeople to rewire and/or plum the kitchen. Often older utilities are not up to modern kitchens' requirements and, in some cases, are downright dangerous. At the very least, get a quote on the work as you might be surprised at how little some things cost.
