Deer Ridge Kitchen Renovation

We are just finishing up on an amazing kitchen renovation this week....and I am sooooo excited to show you the before/after.  Who doesn't love a good before and after?!

I initially met with these clients back in May to start the design process.  I took cues from their existing style, as I had worked on other decorating projects with them in the past.  The demo started the first week of November with the intention of having it complete before Christmas....and we made it!

This was the BEFORE....

The cabinets were dated and the layout wasn't functional.  We had originally wanted to add an island, but as you can see, there was little room in the existing U-shaped layout.

And these are the AFTER!

Amazing change!  Brighter space and more functional storage.  Way more counter space......and we even managed to incorporate a peninsula.

It turned out so well....and the clients are super happy!  

Nicole

Kitchen Renovation: Working with a Designer

Continuing on with our Kitchen Renovation blog series.......At this point in the process, you have some idea of what you want the kitchen to look like, and your budget is set.  Now its time to meet with a designer to put all of the pieces together.  Do a little research first....choose a designer that has similar design style to what you are looking for and ask around to friends and family to see if they have worked with anyone in the past.

via BetsyBrown Interiors

An Interior designer can help pull all of your ideas together into one cohesive design. When you first meet with the designer, bring magazine clippings or pinned pictures of styles you like. Also, be prepared to chat about how you live in the space and things you love about your existing kitchen and things you want to change.  Have some idea of the appliances you are looking at purchasing.....specific bells and whistles, and appliances that you plan on keeping.  Discussing timelines is very important at this point.  Letting your designer know if there is a holiday coming up where you are hosting company is an important factor when ordering items and hiring trades people for the project.

The first few meetings are filled with information.  Discussing layout, choosing cabinets, countertop, backsplash, flooring, sinks, faucets, appliances, hardware, storage solutions to list a few. This is when the fun begins.  Measurements are taken of the kitchen space and drawings are started.  There is usually a few drafts before the final one is chosen.

 As a designer, I would then take all of your finishes and place them into moodboard to give you an idea of how the overall design will look at the end.

Once the renovation begins, this is when your designer is invaluable.  We are there throughout the entire process, ensuring every detail is perfect!  With a designer on site during the renovation, you can trust that your initial design is carried out until the end.

Next up......layout of your kitchen.  Will you keep the existing layout or reconfigure it for a more efficient workspace?

Kitchen Renovation: Budget

Continuing on with our Kitchen Renovation series.....

You have decided the style direction you want to go with in your kitchen...now to decide what you can afford to spend.  Of course, there is a wide range of budgets when it comes to kitchens. It all depends on the ultimate goal of the renovation.  There are a few factors to take into account.  Is this your forever home or will you be moving in the next few years.  Will you get the money out of the renovation?  If you plan to sell shortly after the renovation, the rule of thumb it that you should spend between 5-15% of your home's total value.

The average cost of a full kitchen remodel varies between $15,000 - $60,000...and of course can go much higher if you so desire.  It always helps to sit down with a designer or contractor and go through the costs of the renovation, develop a plan and payment schedule.

These are some guidelines to follow when estimating costs:

• Design fees: 4%
• Installation: 17%
• Appliances and ventilation: 14%
• Cabinetry and hardware: 29%
• Countertops: 10%
• Lighting: 5%
• Flooring: 7%
• Doors and windows: 4%
• Walls and ceilings: 5%
• Faucets and plumbing: 4%
• Other: 1%

You may not need to replace all of these areas of the kitchen.....and you may decide to save money in certain areas and splurge in others. This is where the expertise of a designer is valuable.  You can also search for Renovation Cost Calculators on the web to give you a more accurate breakdown of your project.

Next up......Working with a designer on your kitchen renovation.

Kitchen Renovation: Inspiration

Over the next few weeks, I will be delving into the inner workings of the Kitchen Renovation process.  We will begin with finding inspiration, to assessing your budget, hiring a designer/contractor, figuring out the best layout and choosing cabinets, appliances, finishes and fixtures.  Join me as we uncover the truths and myths of a kitchen overhaul.

Today we will begin with finding inspiration.  You have decided you want to tackle a kitchen renovation but you have no idea where to start or what you want it to look like in the end.  First off, lets begin with figuring out the overall style of the room.  What do you want it to look and feel like? Since this is one of, if not the biggest and most expensive projects in your home renovation, you want it to be perfect.  Lets take a look at a few trending kitchen styles ......

CLASSIC

via Loveitorlistitvancouver

BRIGHT WHITE

via Style at Home

PAINTED CABINETS

via houseandhome

WEST COAST MODERN

via pinterest

SCANDI-INSPIRED RUSTIC

via namdangmitchell.com

MODERN FARMHOUSE

via deVOL 

TWO-TONED CABINETS

via Houseandhome

As you can see, there is no shortage of inspiration for your kitchen renovation.  Do not feel like you have to have an all-white kitchen because that is what is all over the magazines.  Go with what you feels right and suits your personality.  

Next....discussing Budget and how to figure out a price range that works for you.

Friday Favourites: Stools

Happy Friday before a loooooooong weekend!  We have big plans to eat lots of turkey and pumpkin pie and spend lots of time with family.  I will also be doing a little shopping. I am obsessed with finding new stools for our kitchen island....and hope to narrow something down this weekend.  I have rounded up my favourites from around the web.  Let me know your favourites......

robin | pacifica | tig | felix | toledo | french t-back | taburet | vapor | slope | tolix  | afterroom | glenn | school 

Enjoy your weekend!

Nicole

Ikea catalogue 2017

I will admit that I love the Ikea catalogue!  It feels like christmas when it arrives in the mail in August.  I have always loved adding Ikea pieces to my designs....for me, its all about mixing the "high" and "low".

Here are a few of my favourite new items to hit the Ikea shelves:

glass dome | chair | vanity | sofa | table

My Favourite Blind Styles

I thought it would be a good time to feature my favourite blind styles......to coincide with my BIG BLIND SALE this month!

When I first started my business 20 years ago (no...it can't be that long), the most popular window coverings were by far the swoopy drapery valances and mega pleated panels, along with the aluminum and wooden blinds.  We were just transitioning into the tab top drapery panels.  Over time, we have seen drapery become far more simple and streamlined.  No longer taking center stage but instead blending into the background, adding texture to the room.

I would say in the last few years, even drapery has started to take a back seat to custom blinds.  A more modern and clean approach to decorating.  My favourite blinds are the following:


Modern Roller Blinds

These are not the roller blinds of the 1970s....they have come a looooong way!  I love them for their clean look and  how they completely roll up into the header, allowing the entire window to be be open. They also come in different opacities which, depending on the room, allows as much light through as you wish.

Honeycomb Blinds

These blinds have had a reputation for being a little traditional, but they too have come a long way.  They are now being offered with a wider pleat and some stunning modern fabrics.  They are the Superhero of energy efficiency in that they have the ability to trap air within the honeycomb.....making your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Roman Blinds

I love this style of blind because it is a blend between the modern and the traditional.  A roman blind can be added to any style of home with the use of different fabrics.  They give a softness to yourdecor without being fussy.

Solera by Hunter Douglas

And an honourable mention goes to the Solera blind by Hunter Douglas.  This style has just recently become one of my favs.  I love the softness of the pleats, especially in white.

Those are my favourite blinds at the moment.  What are yours?  

Oh...and don't forget about the BIG BLIND sale going on until the end of August for those in the Edmonton area.

Nicole

Tile Transitioning

Trend Alert!  Tile transitioning is the next big thing to hit your floors.  The use of tile bleeding into other flooring materials is a creative way to bring the wow factor to your home.  I love the use of hexagonal tiles with hardwood...but you can use all sorts of tiles.  Making sure the textures and colours compliment.  Next step is to get your contractor on board!





















What do you think? Would you consider adding this to your home?

Have a great weekend!

Black exteriors

We have been in our 1974 bungalow for 12 years now.  We have done many renovations inside (many more to come) but the exterior remains 1974. Every summer I dream of renovating the exterior,  but this is a BIG job that is a lot of money.  So, I question myself as to whether I would rather spend that money on the interior.  We have a few bathroom renos to do, kitchen reno, basement reno...the list goes on.  But, I keep coming back to the exterior because first impressions right?!

Anyway....my obsession with a black exterior has been a long one.  One day I will get it!!  Here are some inspiration photos to give you a sense of what I'm thinking.....because many of you will immediately say BLACK?!!!



















What do you think?  Amazing right!!

Nicole

Outdoor lounging

Happy Monday!

With summer in full swing, its time to move outdoors and do some decorating.  There are lots of sales on outdoor lounge furniture if you are in need.  I have rounded up a few options that would look great in any backyard.  I really can't decide which ones I like best.  Which ones are your favourite?

white tray table | wooden chair | stone side stool | oval wicker chair | bongo side tables | stripe sofa  | grey wicker chair | white chair | teak chair | geometric white side table | concrete c-table  

Side Tables

Happy Friday.....its been awhile!  I'm feeling super happy today...spring is here and we are celebrating my daughter's 12th birthday this weekend.  Lots of goodness!

I've rounded up some of my favorite side tables from the shop today.  This is a piece where you can have some fun!  There are way too many amazing tables in the shop right now to feature on this post....check out the full line up HERE.

fluted | gold | acrylic | nesting | silver | teak | triangle | black 

Friday Favourites

Focusing on art today!  Choosing art is one of my favourite things to do in the design process....and usually the most challenging.  Art is very personal and can be difficult to choose for someone else. There is also sooooo much to choose from that it can become overwhelming.  But one thing to remember....it doesn't have to be super expensive to make a statement in your home.

Abstract 1  //  Abstract 2  //  New York  //  Owl 1  //  Owl 2  //  Mirrors

Have a great weekend!

Scandinavian style.

I love Scandinavian design!  I love the clean lines, the textures and natural palette of the style.  I think my obsession started when I happened upon the Instagram account of Swedish photographer and stylist Daniella Witte. You need to check it out....Her photography is amazing!










Another inspiring blogger from Norway is Nina Holst of Stylizimo.com.  Her Instagram account is really great as well. I would LOVE to have her home...the floors, the furniture, the art...all of it!

I would love to go for a visit.... Anyone with me?!