Friday, October 28, 2016

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?

Thursday, October 27, 2016

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.




Monday, October 24, 2016

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

LOLV EP3071 - After - Kitchen 1:
via Loveitorlistitvancouver



BRIGHT WHITE
Stunning kitchen makeover: The after:
via Style at Home



PAINTED CABINETS

via houseandhome

WEST COAST MODERN
via pinterest


SCANDI-INSPIRED RUSTIC
LOVE, need this island.  Also, love hood central with openness around hood, and then longer side cabinets.:
via namdangmitchell.com


MODERN FARMHOUSE
The Queens Park Kitchen | deVOL Kitchens:
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, October 7, 2016

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......




Enjoy your weekend!
Nicole