Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Six inexpensive ways to easily update your kitchen

1. Freshen up your cabinets with paint and trim work:

  • Instead of going with standard white, paint your cabinets a neutral color such as: Taupe or Beige. Benjamin Moores, Rocky Road CC-470 is an ideal neutral. If this is too much of a commitment, paint out the upper cabinets in white and the lower cabinets in a darker color. If you currently have flat panel doors, add some trim work: 3" wide x 1/4" deep, to mimic a shaker door style which will add interest and instant character to your space

2. Replace your old counter tops:

  • Even if your budget is small, replacing your dated counter tops with new and contemporary laminate counter tops will make a huge statement. Wilsonart Laminate, 4588-07 Kalahir Topaz is an excellent choice. Have the suppliers make a "square under-wrap edge profile" and eliminate the laminate back splash
3. Install a new back splash:

  • A back plash can really pull the whole look together in your small renovation project. Choose something simple and inexpensive, not sinking a lot of your money into it. White subway tile is a cost saving, but stylish option. It will be crisp and clean, adding the perfect amount of pattern for your room. For a more modern look: Install the tiles with the grout lines all matching up. For a more traditional look: stagger the grout lines.
4. Install new cabinet hardware:

  • The hardware is like accessories with an outfit, pulling it all together. This choice will really direct the style of your kitchen. Check out http://www.cabinethardwareuniverse.com/ for thousands of options. Here's one of my favorites:






Alno A853 Contemporary Suite Cabinet Knob

Price: $9.00 each

5. Install a new faucet:

  • Adding a new faucet will create sparkle and shine in your updated space. Similarly like the new hardware, the style of your faucet will also direct the whole look of your kitchen. Here is a modern option from Home Depot:


Pegasus

Kitchen faucet with a spring spout CP

Price: $264.00

Model Number: 1000124527





6. Update your lighting:

  • It doesn't matter anymore if you live in a small starter home or a newly constructed high end home, Chandeliers are in! Add a sparkling chandelier over your kitchen table, which will give your new space an elegant mood. Here is an inexpensive, yet stylish option from the Home Depot:







ML 5-light Chrome Chandelier

Price: $169.99

Model Number: 27158


Links: http://www.homedepot.ca/
http://www.cabinethardwareuniverse.com/

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Adding Instant Charm and Character to a Space

Often our rooms need some pattern or texture to create interest and keep your attention. Wallpaper is a great way to achieve that. If this option seems like too much of a risk or commitment for you, try wallpapering : your Powder Room, a feature wall (choose one main wall in a room to cover), the back paneling of an open cabinet or shelving unit, or if you are really nervous you could wall paper a large canvas for art work.


Here are some of my favorite patterns for the season:






These five wallpapers are all from Crown Wallpaper and Fabrics: http://www.crownwallpaper.com/residential-wallcoverings-detail.php?id=384

If you are interested in wallpaper history:
http://wallpaperhistory.com/VintageWallpaperGuide/

Vancouver Home and Interior Design Show

The annual Vancouver Home & Interior Design Show is coming to
BC Place Stadium on October 15 to 18, 2009.

Show Dates and Times:
  • Thursday, October 15, 4pm to 9pm
  • Friday, October 16, 12pm to 9pm
  • Saturday, October 17, 10am to 9pm
  • Sunday, October 18, 10am to 6pm

Ticket Prices:
  • Adults (at door) $15.00
  • Seniors (60+) $12.00
  • Seniors $5.00 before 5pm on Friday
  • Youth 13 to 17 $12.00
  • Children under 12 Free

Celebrity Guests Include:
  • Ty Pennington (From Extreme Home Makeover), Thursday only
  • Colin and Justin (From Home Heist), Friday and Saturday only
  • Cheryl Torrenueva (From Home Heist)
  • Anthony Sedlak (Chef)
  • Wendy Russel (Best know from She's Crafty)
  • Shawn Felix (Custom Audio and Visual Tech.)

The Vancouver Home and Interior Design Show is great for: giving you idea's, hooking you up with companies to help you complete the work and providing seminars to enhance your skills for a project.

To purchase tickets and for more details, check out there website: www.bchomeandgardenshow.com/ME2/sites