Kitchens Etc.

Tips on Expert Kitchen Design

Admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:18:59 +0000

If it is an open concept kitchen you desire consider the space adjacent to the kitchen. You want your colours and finishes to flow from one area to the next. Choose items that compliment the entire space.
Simple design for kitchen cabinetry will stay relevant for a long time. Decorative detail can become dated and is more costly.
Avoid trying to save on flooring. If renovating make sure floors are level and use durable, good quality product such as wood or porcelain. Consider heated floors.
Research out new technologies, materials and finishes to something you like.
When kitchen remodelling or re configuring consider closing in a window or doorway. This is something that will pay off in the overall design and is relatively inexpensive. Same goes for moving a doorway or creating a window.
Most bulkheads can be removed to allow for extended cabinet or shelving space. If bulkheads or other fixed obstacles have to stay they should be painted the same colour as the walls so they blend in.
Go for good quality appliances if possible. These are the hardworking items in your kitchen. They have to be right.
Quartz is an alternative to granite countertops. Because it is manmade and a composite it is stronger and no sealing is required.
To add to your wow factor consider the smaller details such as handles and knobs.
If somehow you find you have some money left over consider splurging on light fixtures, maybe a chandelier or something vintage.

10 Home Improvement Tips

Admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:15:18 +0000

When doing a home improvement keep resale value in mind as opposed to your own personal expression. Make smart choices that would appeal to potential buyers when it is time to sell your home.
Be honest with the budget when planning your renovation. You want to make sure your contractor uses higher quality materials so you get more value for your money.Lesser quality will translate into less resale value.
If this is a major home remodel it is best to hire a professional. Architects plans will cost money as will a general contractor but there may be zoning, environmental issues or permits that are required. Also licensed trades such as electrical may be required. In Ontario a homeowner can be fined if a licensed electrician has not performed the work.
Do your homework. Give yourself time to shop around for best prices and selection of materials as well as the right professions to get the job done right.
Make sure your budget accommodates unforeseen expenses,especially with older homes. Once walls start coming down or plumbing is uncovered there may be nasty surprises that will need to be brought up to code.
With any home improvement consider how long you plan to be in your home. If you know you will be in your home more than 5 years from now your home remodel may be different than someone who is planning to sell this year.
Make sure you renovate the parts of your home that home buyers are interested in. Kitchen renovations and bath remodels will get you the best return on your investment.
Get inspired ahead of time. Seek out ideas from magazines,showrooms or swatches from your favourite paint store. The more you accomplish ahead of time translates into less stress when the project begins.
Patience is required! Be realistic with timelines. Kitchen renovations that we see on HGTV that are accomplished in one episode are not realistic. You may be looking at several months if you are tackling a major home improvement and 6-12 weeks for a kitchen.
Keep positive and excited . When that dream project is complete you can sit back and enjoy!

10 Kitchen Cabinetry Ideas – Cabinets That Store More

Admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:03:09 +0000

Window seats can provide an opportunity to implement storage.Deep drawers beneath a window seat gives extra storage.
Use larger upper cabinets or a row of small cabinets on top for storage of less frequently used items, such as serving platters. If you have some pretty pieces these upper cabinets could be glass and illuminated.
Swing out units such as a Magic Corner will bring your items into full view.Shelves within the unit organize cooking gear. Store your spices in a pull out Spice Rack or a slanted spice drawer. This keeps your spices organized and visible.
A pull out pantry incorporated into your kitchen cabinetry accommodates small boxes and packages as well as ingredients and cooking staples at your fingertips.
Roll out shelving especially in a pantry cabinet brings your items out within easy reach.
Corner cabinets are a great opportunity for a Super Susan. A carousel that accommodates more heavy items like pots or pans and bakeware. There are two levels of storage.
Contrasting kitchen cabinetry is still popular. Alabaster maple on main cabinets and Sienna cherry on the island, or a darker tone on lower cabinets and a light colour on the uppers. Mix finishes for a unique look. If different colours of cabinetry does not appeal to you than think about different granite or quartz countertops if you have an island.
Framed kitchen cabinetry is coming back into favour for those that might want a more vintage look. Exposed hinges on the framed cabinetry gives a real traditional appearance.
Wood species such as maple and cherry are still popular for more traditional looks. High gloss finishes flat door panels and eco wood species like bamboo are more contemporary. Painted finishes on wood or mdf are also an option.
Whatever kitchen cabinetry you choose ,the most important thing to keep in mind is quality. Don’t be tempted by inexpensive cabinetry that looks cool but won’t stand the test of time. Your kitchen remodel is an investment. Always think resale value as opposed to what is trendy now. Find a cabinet manufacturer that offers a good solid waranty program.

Full Renovation

Admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:08:15 +0000

This Kitchen renovation started as a full renovation by Homes Etc and Kitchens Etc. It eventually became a design build.

Many kitchen design ideas were brought forward. The inner wall by the downstairs stairwell was moved to accommodate space for an island.

The Kitchen Cabinetry is a maple with a ginger finish on a Lexington door style. The island and upper cabinets are seashell on maple.

The contertops in this kitchen remodel are Cambria Coswell Cream.

Dibiase Renovation

Admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:24:33 +0000

DiBiase Home Renovation

Our current renovation in process is the DiBiase residents located in the GTA. We are currently completing a full renovation of the kitchen and two full size bathrooms. Our Designer Chantal Carter, helped guide the client in the right direction for selecting finishes for each room including tile, kitchen cabinet style and color, lighting fixtures, paint and other various finishing touches in each room. All rooms were gutted to bare studs by our contractor Homes Etc. to install updated electrical and plumbing to accommodate new design. Drywall and plywood were then installed to prep walls and floors for painting, tiling and cabinet installation.

Materials used for the Kitchen

- Regency Maple Door in Seashell with suede Glaze

- Regency Cherry Door in Toffee with Mocha Glaze for the island

- Oil rubbed bronze Hardware on kitchen cabinets

- Porcelain tile that resembles hardwood

- Cambria Quartz in Lincolnshire color

- Glass and Marble backsplash imported from Italy

Kitchens Etc. and Homes Etc. are currently working on 2 complete bathroom renovations. View the renovations in progress. Both baths were completely gutted and reconfigured.

Master ensuite renovation.

Beautiful cabinetry in Maple with Seashell color. This same color and Kitchen Craft product was used in the brand new kitchen renovation just recently completed. The client wanted to acheive a very classic, spa like atmosphere with their bath renovation, so our designer incorporated a beautiful cast iron claw foot tub. Also part of this remodell is a walk through shower which is accessible from either side. This classic renovation also includes porcelain tile, double sinks in vanity cabinetry and for a very special touch the client designed and made her own stained glass window. Other renovation features are granite countertops in Bianco Antico, a bidet and a luxe chandelier and wall sconces. Also a new skylight was added to the renovation for extra brightness and light.

Boys Bath

The needs of the clients 2 sons was the main factor in this bathroom renovation and design. The bath design, colors and cabinetry all have a slightly more masculine appeal than the master bath. The vanity cabinetry is Maple with Portobello coloring. The brand new shower has a Rain Fall type glass for obscurety and interest. The tile is porcelain with the floor having a wood like grain. The soaker tub used in this renovation also has a hot aromotherapy feature. Light fixtures were chosen with a more contemporary design in mind. The countertops feature granite in Silver Pearl.

More pictures to come soon on completed kitchen renovation featuring Kitchen Craft Integra cabinetry. All cabinetry has soft close capability on doors and drawers.

MasterBrand Cabinetry Dealer

Admin — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:28:45 +0000

Kitchens Etc. in Durham area are now distributers for MasterBrand cabinetry.

These quality line of cabinets include Kitchen Craft cabinetry. Custom framed cabinetry Omega Embassy. Plus Arristokraft builder line.

BILD Finalist’s at National Home Show – 2011

Admin — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:49:18 +0000

Recently, Kitchens Etc. was at the National Home Show and qualified as a finalist in BILD renovation awards with a beautiful Kitchen remodel.

The Pickering family was confined and cramped in their outdated kitchen. To create an open concept design the wall in between the family room and Kitchen was removed. All Electrical, heating and plumbing was updated and brought up to code. New hardwood flooring in Kitchen was married up with refurbished flooring in the family room. New pot lights crown moldings and trims were added in the family room. The kitchen wish list was achieved with several work areas, lots of storage, island with seating, granite and beautiful maple and cherry cabinetry. Complete project was $48,000.00 under the projected $50,000.00.