So you want a new kitchen?

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, bringing together good food and company while making a statement about your home.

Kitchen Remodel – where to start:
You should first determine the primary reasons why you want to renovate or remodel your current kitchen. Is it to improve ergonomics, bring it up to date, add a dining space, or add or remove a kitchen island? This will help you to establish your needs.

Plan your work to reduce costs and avoid mistakes
Whether you’re dreaming of a nice kitchen for breakfast, to read the newspaper, to house a mini-library for recipe books or a storeroom for your wine, it will be necessary to plan the layout of your space. The secret lies in the details. We know the best experts in kitchen design that can help you plan according to your needs and original kitchen ideas.

When you take a step back and think of all the different elements you have to store in the kitchen, you notice that the organization is essential. You will need to arrange your workspace. You should be sure to have enough space between the sink and the walls, the cooktop and the worktop. We will work with you to determine the layout of these areas and assure materials will be chosen according to your taste, budget and the practical use of the space.

Kitchen cabinet materials
If you are a chef at heart, your workspace should be functional and resistant to damage. For cabinets, a multitude of materials are available to you. From melamine to polyester and wood, you’ll be spoiled for choice with your kitchen cabinets.

If you opt for wooden cabinets, allow for a substantial budget. Wood, a high-end material, will cost you more. Another less expensive option is a wood veneer for your cabinet doors. Here again, materials such as melamine or polyester can perfectly reproduce various types of finish.

These materials have improved over time and come in many colours and textures that will work with your style. And don’t forget that, in addition to the finishing, you can choose from a variety of storage types. From the side drawer for pots to spice drawers, you will be able to create custom cabinets to suit your needs and those of your family.

If you don’t want to change the configuration, and your kitchen cabinets are still in good condition, it may be possible to only replace the cabinet doors and drawer facades to save money.

Kitchen countertops
Several finishes, colours and styles are available for your kitchen countertops. Your kitchen renovation can definitely match your expectations with all of these available options. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Laminate counter
Advantages:

• Significantly cheaper than stone
• Stain resistant

Disadvantages:

• Appears less bright than other materials
• The life of the laminate sheets is shorter than that of stone
• Less heat-resistant and water can seep into it if poorly sealed

Quartz countertop
Advantages:

• Stronger than granite
• Does not require sealing
• Known to be very ‘practical’
• There are now even stronger variants from manufacturers such as Silestone

Disadvantages:

• It’s a manufactured imitation of natural stone some may consider not ‘authentic’

Butcher block countertop
Advantages:

• Additional functionality to your workspace (permanent area dedicated to cutting)
• Authentic rustic appearance
• Unlimited potential for preparing dishes

Disadvantages:

• Wood is susceptible to scratches, so without regular maintenance, your counter will not look new for a long time

Granite countertop
Advantages:

• Available in a wide variety of colours
• Each piece is unique (you will not find two identical pieces of granite)
• Very resistant to heat and stains
• Luxurious material that gives a high-end look to the kitchen

Disadvantages:

• Although durable and very strong, corners can be chipped with impact

Marble countertop
Advantages:

• Luxurious appearance
• Available in a variety of unique colours and styles
• Marble is heat-resistant and tends to be fresh, making it perfect for baking, for example
• When properly sealed, it is stain resistant

Disadvantages:

• Requires periodic sealing to prevent stains

Stainless steel counter
Advantages:

• The surface is very durable and resistant to heat and stains
• Usually easy to keep clean (major advantage for kitchens with heavy use)
• Possibility to be made of recycled steel
• Looks good with household appliances of the same material

Disadvantages:

• If physically damaged, it is almost impossible to repair (however, it takes a lot of force to damage it)
• Scuffs and scratches will reduce its glossy appearance