"Easy" kitchen makeover

I am working on two kitchen renos at the moment that share some similarities. Both have wood cabinetry, both center around a kitchen island, and both have great bones, but need updating.

That is basically where the similarities end. Although both have wood cabinetry, one client wants to maintain the wood finish, while the other has had the wood painted. Each are having fairly extensive renovations, but the goals for each kitchen remain simple: create family friendly spaces that are functional and beautiful. Both want to have a work space/computer station incorporated- but one centers around the dining table, while the other has done away with the dining table in lieu of a great breakfast bar that feels very conducive to gathering. One thing is for certain: both kitchens are going to look forever changed and beautiful.

Updating your kitchen can become an enormous project. Kitchen projects tend to grow and grow, and part of my job is to present options that will work for a large range of budgets. You can do just about anything. The only thing limiting you is creativity and budget. Basically, if you dream it, you can have it...at a price! One of the simplest, but most dramatic changes that doesn't call for bringing in the cavalry is painting your cabinets and changing your countertops. Yes, you can go high-end and install granite, soapstone, or marble, but you can also get a huge improvement by installing new, updated laminate. Laminate has come a long way, selection wise. The patterns mimic high-end looks much better and are often more realistic from a budget consideration. Something I do recommend is that unless your sink is in pristine condition and you love it, consider installing a new one. If you freshen up everything else, your sink may look quite downtrodden in comparison! Why don't you invest in my dream sink...a beautiful farmhouse sink. Lucky you!!

Next, consider the jewellry of the kitchen - the lighting, the handles/pulls, and the faucet. That is where you can really have fun, for a small price. My favorite hardware source is Lee Valley Tools. Here you can choose from the most unbelievable selection of cabinetry hardware and benefit from buying in bulk (ordering 10 or more knobs/pulls nets you a considerable saving.). Check them out if you haven't already. Lighting is a great, easy change as well. Select fixtures that reflect the design direction your kitchen has taken. A great faucet can actually be a focal point in your kitchen. Everyone goes to the sink and guests will be suitably impressed if you have taken care in selecting a stand-out faucet.

Don't overlook flooring. Do consider choosing something other than wood if you have wood cabinets. Too much wood can be overwhelming, and neither floor nor cabinetry will stand out. Tile is great, but has its drawbacks: cold under foot (unless you have in-floor heat), is not great if you have any "butterfingers" living with you, and while it can be your "final" floor (due to its durability), do you really want it to be your final floor? If you crave change, the permanence of tile may not be the best for you. Take another look at vinyl flooring. While I don't usually recommend it for resale (everyone seems to want hardwood or tile), if this is your "forever home", and you like the feel and low-maintenance of vinyl, go for it!! Vinyl selection has gotten better and better. You can find styles that come very close to the appearance of tile; and if you like the vintage look, the manufacturers have come up with some beautiful designs that mimic the linoleum of yester-year.

Have a look 'round your kitchen. Perhaps you've been holding off on remodeling it until you can afford exactly what you want. Maybe you ought to consider giving your kitchen a minor facelift that will help you enjoy it better in the interim. Think paint, cabinet hardware, beef up the cabinets with some great crown moulding and treat yourself to a new light fixture and faucet. Why not? Who knows...you just might fall in love with your "new kitchen" and use the money you save on something even better. It's worth a look!!