Behind the Design

January 25, 2011

Glen Peloso talks great kitchen design, whether your budget is unlimited or economical.

The nature of the kitchen has changed over the years. It used to simply be a space to prepare food and store the equipment needed to make and serve a meal. Then the meal was delivered to the dining room to be consumed. Friends didn’t go to the kitchen unless they asked if they could assist and were invited in. It was much like a professional kitchen in a restaurant. Now the whole party ends up in the kitchen and as a result the requirements for that room have changed dramatically.

Economical budget

When you are working on an economical renovation (a good thing to do if you are trying to sell your space and want to get the most return for the smallest investment), consider doing things such as painting the cabinets, changing the hardware, adjusting the lighting, redoing the countertops and addressing the backsplash. Continue to work with the appliances where possible as this can be a big cost savings. Reusing the existing cabinets but adding a coat of paint can give you a new look and another life out of them. Cabinets have not changed that greatly over the years so it is really the element parts that suggest their age. Changing the hardware, such as the door pulls and hinges, completely rejuvenates the look cabinets.

With the budget squarely in mind, making a change to the countertops to a more modern version of the laminates will really change the look of the space as well as the function. The older solid-coloured laminates show the age of the space and often the colour selections place it specifically in a time period. The cost of new laminate will only be several hundred dollars, as opposed to using stone or a man-made stone product such as Cambria or Caesarstone which can cost several thousand. Be aware that you will need to have some skills with plumbing as you will need to remove the sink and faucets and re-install them into the new counter but the effort is well worth it.

Once you change the countertop the next important element will be the backsplash. It is in your line of vision as soon as you walk into the kitchen. Using a simple subway tile (a tile that is three-by-six or brick shaped) and installing it in a brick pattern, has a classic look and feel to it as well as being easy to maintain. If you want to spend a bit more money here per square foot it is an suitable choice as you generally don’t have much area to cover. Remember that you will also need to buy some “J” moulding to finish the tiles at the end of the counter space but speak to your tile store about what is needed before you begin.

Add some track lighting to the space as it is the easiest way to create general lighting without the intrusive element of adding potlights to the space. The look isn’t as slick or clean as the potlighting but it can be done for a fraction of the cost of pots.

Unlimited budget

If you have a decent budget, then invest it in the cabinetry, countertops and backsplash. These are the areas that are the most permanent in the space and create the biggest visual impact. Make sure the elements you need to cook, such as pots and pans, utensils, spices, etc. are all easily accessible. If you have to walk to a pantry to access dry goods, a little preplanning can assist.

From an esthetic point of view, the cabinet finish affects the mood of the space indicating either traditional or modern style. The countertops are also a major element in that they are not only seen but generally felt and continually experienced by both you and your guests so they have a major sensual impact on the kitchen. The backsplash is generally not that large of an area in terms of square footage, so choosing a tile that is a little more per square foot won’t brake the bank. It is an element that is almost at eye level and therefore is one of the first things that you see when you enter the space. The difference between an arborite backsplash versus a glass or stone mosaic can dramatically affect your sense of the “quality” of the entire kitchen.

Finally, although it should be well planned in advance in order to enhance the kitchen, is lighting. You need both general and task lighting in this space and dimmers are essential. Lighting can create romance which you will want when hosting a small party; however, lots of light is required when you will be using sharp knives and high heat.

To read more, pick up the February issue!

Glen Peloso, design editor at Home Décor and Renovations and principal designer of Glen Peloso Interiors, has been designing spaces for commercial, corporate and residential clients for more than 15 years. You’ll recognize Glen as the host of such television design shows as Restaurant Makeover, Take This House & Sell It and Renovate My Wardrobe, to name a few, as well as from speaking engagements at home shows across Canada.

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