Turn Your Kitchen Into a Baking Haven

Like to cook together? A new kitchen design should reflect that.

Who's the best person to take a lead on a kitchen remodeling project? No, probably not that cousin who is studying graphic design, or a close friend who took an online interior design course and fancies himself an expert. The person who does the most cooking and baking in the house should be the lead consultant on any upgrades or changes to the kitchen. Some of these can be simple adjustments to make life easier, but any meaningful kitchen overhaul should focus on making it more accommodating to home cooks.

Plan for prep stations
Whether the new kitchen plan includes a solid granite kitchen countertop or something more sleek and modern, home improvement enthusiasts should plan on adding specific food preparation areas too. Here is where individuals can get creative with the counter space and positioning. HGTV featured a range of kitchens geared towards home cooks. The more "traditional" kitchen had an extended countertop with a butcher block surface, which fairly screamed "home chef." If this is the route home remodelers wish to travel down, the end result will be a warm and cozy space, which can be a great place in which to gather family or friends.

For something more industrial, HGTV presented another project where the goal was to have extremely spacious counters. The design included frosted glass and steel kitchen countertops and cabinets which seemed perfect for the aspiring professional chef. With a more restaurant-like kitchen, whoever is responsible for cooking and baking in the home will certainly feel encouraged in his or her craft. As a bonus to a more industrial kitchen, include a large sink and kitchen faucet to collect all the dishes that will pile up. To get inspiration and guidance on kitchen fixtures and sinks, home remodelers should consult with professionals at a kitchen and bath showroom.

home, cooking, kitchenHome cooks may want to design a kitchen that fits their needs

Add an island
A kitchen island serves multiple purposes and makes for a great way for home cooks to include family and friends in their creative process – or just to show off!

For example, Ideal Home looked at the kitchens featured in the baking tents on the TV show "The Great British Bake Off," where home bakers compete against one another. The source admired the uses of the kitchen island. This functional and stylistic feature can include kitchen cabinets for storage – or, for more serious bakers, a warming drawer to assist in preparation.

Utilizing copper elements in a busy kitchen can also help it have a more rustic and inviting feel. This can range from a copper kitchen back splash to a copper sink, the source said, once again citing the staged kitchen areas on The Great British Bake Off. Either way, having plenty of kitchen cabinets might be beneficial for home cooks, who tend to have more equipment and pots and pans for the different, delicious dishes they whip up.

Designing a kitchen to be cooking-friendly is a great way to encourage people to spend more time together at home – eventually saving money and really utilizing a newly-remodeled space. By involving the household in making meals, everybody can have the chance to contribute, and maybe learn a thing or two from the home's head chef.

A Chic Seated Bathroom Vanity

The home bathroom can contain a space for getting ready.

Bathroom renovation projects can sometimes only focus around the functional: how can a bigger sink fit in the room? Will a walk-in shower make sense? Is it time to opt for a low-flow toilet?
There are many creative aspects to renovating the bathroom; there is tile to pick, colour schemes to incorporate. And the primary user is also a consideration: Will this be a family bathroom, a guest bathroom or simply for the adults in the household?

Vanity adjustments
One unique element that can suit either a powder room or the home's main bathroom is a seated bathroom vanity. Not only will it be a unit of storage, but the piece of furniture can also be a pretty place to get ready in the morning: There will be ample room for someone to shave, or to fix up a complex hairdo and prepare for the day.

By placing bathroom cabinets under the vanity, home improvement enthusiasts add storage options and remove the need for a separate set of drawers for towels, additional toilet paper and other styling tools. Apartment Therapy highlights several options for this trend, which was more popular in the past.

Dual sinks
One of the featured homes has two bathroom sinks with a low counter and stool in the middle. Each person can use their own sink, and there is space in the middle for someone to get ready in the meantime. To match the rest of the house which is farmhouse style, the decorator used reclaimed wood under the sinks and marble on top.

Renovating the bathroom? There may be room for a seated vanity.Renovating the bathroom? There may be room for a seated vanity.

For more options on how to create a bathroom vanity with a seated option, it is a good idea to stop into a kitchen and bath showroom to ask for ideas and assistance.

Selecting the perfect seat
Another seated bathroom vanity featured in House Beautiful places a small, round stool between two sinks – it seems to be the easiest and most popular option for creating an extra space. The designer used different textures and materials to make the room pop, rather than adding a ton of colour. Both bathroom vanities are made from cast concrete with wood bathroom cabinets below. The stool is of a softer grey material and matches the sinks perfectly.

Finding the right stool for the seated bathroom vanity can bring the room together. Be sure to measure the counter height to ensure the stool is not too tall. Then, decide whether the seat should blend in or pop out. Picking a seat in a bolder colour can add a spark to a more muted room, whereas keeping a consistent colour palette can maintain a uniform feel to the space. However the room is decorated, a seated bathroom vanity can add a bit of uniqueness to the bathroom space.

Make Your Kitchen Kid-Friendly

With the right kitchen design, the whole family can cook together and spent time together.

Encouraging kids to cook is a great way to create excitement around food and preparation. This can help some picky eaters try new meals, but more importantly, it brings the family together in a different way.

A kitchen remodel should last at least 10 years, HGTV suggests, so that the space can grow with the family. Smaller children and infants will require entirely different arrangements than teenagers who may want to grab their own after-school snacks or take more of an interest in cooking. If older children join sports teams, you may find yourself buying water, sports drinks or snacks in huge bulk amounts. These items will need adequate kitchen cabinet space, which you may not have available with smaller children. The source suggests that before remodeling your kitchen, you should set tangible goals for the space and understand why you are making changes.

Accommodate changes in age
For younger children through teenage years, you might want to consider adding a kitchen island. While this kind of arrangement may not work when babies are in high chairs, as they grow up a little they will want space for art supplies, their own plates and cups and even snacks. No matter what age, however, the source suggests that you select kitchen counter surfaces that are easy to clean. HGTV suggests selecting laminate or quartz, which is better at absorbing shock than granite.

The advantages of openness
Traditional Home advises that you create an open floor plan between the kitchen and dining area. This merges two rooms together and creates the illusion of more space. If the kitchen is on the small side, family members can hang out in the dining room and enjoy proximity to the kitchen. Those with much larger kitchens may want to consider incorporating two islands. The first can be used for prep, storage and may even contain a kitchen sink, space permitting. The second island, meanwhile, may function as more of  a breakfast bar. People can socialize in the kitchen while meals are being prepared, friends and family can gather around the spot for appetizers, snacks and conversation, and the seating arrangement can give kids another area in which to do homework or school projects.

Storage is key in any family home kitchen. There should be enough room for plates, cups and saucers, but also space for kids' art supplies and eating implements. One example on the House Beautiful website presented a kitchen with ample drawers for organisation and an armoire-style kitchen island with extra cabinets and drawers.

For kids of any age, a blackboard in the kitchen is a great way to make notes, display a menu, and create impermanent artwork. One home on House Beautiful's website includes a blackboard wall underneath the breakfast bar, but you can add the surface anywhere. It might be handy to have a blackboard near the back door to write down quick notes or messages for individuals coming and going.
You will find more inspiration at a kitchen and bath showroom, and you can always ask professionals there for tips on the best kitchen sink and appliances for your home.

How to Enhance a Tiny Kitchen Space

A small kitchen space, painted white, can help it seem larger.

People may have become more interested in smaller homes, thanks to the trend of tiny houses. These pint-sized spaces are often, according to Country Living, under 300 square feet in size. They can be made from a kit, or some budding home designers decide to create their dwelling from old shipping containers. With a tiny home comes a tiny kitchen, usually by choice. However, some people with limited apartment space are forced to navigate tighter quarters than they might like. No matter how small your kitchen – whether by design or by decision – there are many excellent ways to maximize your space and inhabit your kitchen comfortably.

Color-created illusions
Coastal Living presents a range of curious and intriguing ideas for a smaller-than-average kitchen. To present the illusion of a larger space, paint everything white. This may not be the best idea for those who tend to get messy while baking and cooking – you'll be cleaning a lot – but fresh, bright white walls and kitchen cabinets will look airy and spacious. The source also suggests incorporating wood and wicker elements into the design. Look for a light fixture made from woven wicker or a basket for a unique touch, and select stools while light wood legs to punctuate the brightness of the room.

Highlight the view
If you're lucky to have a great window view, try to highlight this feature. Coastal Living presents an incredibly small kitchen in a Cape Cod home. The space is only about five feet wide, but the kitchen decor focuses around the window, which looks right out onto the water. The rest of the kitchen cabinets and kitchen counters remain fairly rugged with open shelving, knotty paneling and rope instead of cabinet handles. This creates the illusion of a large frame to the window, acting like a picture. The owners chose to use blue tile on the kitchen counter which tastefully echoes the blue water outside.

Creating counter space
Rather than stress about adding a draining board and compromising already precious kitchen counter space, look for a dish rack that folds into the wall or that can be collapsed when not in use. Hanging pots and pans from a ceiling rack can be a great way to free up kitchen cabinet space. You can give the room the ambiance of a professional restaurant kitchen by installing a metal rack either above the kitchen island (if there is room) a small breakfast bar, which may double as your dining room space, or just over the sink. Simply reach up for the necessary items when required and re-hang after use.

If you're really crunched for space, Coastal Living suggests purchasing smaller appliances. You don't want your fridge to dominate the kitchen, and a smaller dishwasher may mean more room for kitchen cabinets.

For more ideas for a small space, you can stop into a kitchen and bath showroom. Professionals can assist with your needs and suggest how best to incorporate a kitchen sink and faucets that will best suit your smaller-than-average home.

Designing a Great Kids Bathroom

A kid-friendly bathroom can grow to suit their changing needs.

A kid-friendly bathroom can be a great addition to your home, especially if you have sufficient children and bathrooms! By giving them their own bathroom space, you maintain a bit of your own privacy and allow them to have a bit of independence and responsibility. You can also involve them in selecting bathroom decor so the kids feel involved, eventually creating a great space.

Accommodate kids' needs
Smaller children often need a step or stool to reach the sink. You can invest in a folding stool which can be used anywhere in the house, or go with an idea from Southern Living: creating a recessed step under or part of the bathroom cabinets. It can be pulled out when someone needs to reach the sink, and simply pushed back to remain part of the bathroom cabinet for the rest of the time.

Adding a little whimsy with small, decorative touches is another way to make the bathroom appealing to kids. The web site suggests using "quirky" elements like a funky zebra head wall hanging or unusual wall sculptures to give the room a more youthful element.

Keeping the whole family in mind
However, HGTV reminds home decorators that kids will soon be too old for lighter, pastel colours and childish decorations. Instead, you should try and design a bathroom that will appeal to the whole family, and you should try to go bold with the colors. One example is a gender neutral bathroom for both a boy and a girl decorated in turquoise and orange. There is ample space for each child, including two bathroom sinks. If the bathroom will be used by more than one child and there is not room for more than one sink, you might want to consider installing a larger bathroom sink and vanity to ensure room for each child's toothbrush and other personal items. Stopping into a kitchen and bath showroom can help you find ideas and hear expert opinions on what will work best for the area.

Using bright colors as part of bathroom decor can help it maintain a youthful vibe without appearing to be immature. HGTV highlights another bathroom remodeling project for kids where the end result is mainly a lime green with white and orange accents. To create more space and make for easy cleaning, the homeowners installed a pedestal bathroom vanity which stands alone, and a separate bathroom cabinet space for storage.

Southern Living suggests placing artwork and towel hooks at kid-height. If you choose to go this route use hooks that are attached to the wall with a sticky backing. As the kids get older and grow, you can adjust the hooks to be of a more appropriate height and move up the artwork as well.

Finally, always involve kids in the bathroom renovation project. Their input can be valuable and help you discover their preferences for the space, which is particularly important as they will be the ones using it most. It can become a fun activity for the whole family – with a beautiful outcome.

Pink Tile For The Bathroom: Retro and Chic

Don't fear the pink bathroom - it can be classy, retro and welcoming.

Vintage and retro home décor has been favoured for quite some time now. Many people have different definitions of what they consider to be "vintage," but looking for expert advice can often provide backstory for these ideas. When considering a bathroom renovation project, it may be rarer for people to consider decorating this room to have a vintage feel, especially when the colour in question is one some choose to remove. Yes, that pink-tiled bathroom is a hot retro shade that can be inspiration for chic bathroom décor.

The HGTV website highlights the classy, vintage feel of a pink tiled bathroom – they were often seen in homes from the 1940s and 1950s – explaining that they were "once quintessential in mid-century homes, and now there's a growing movement to save them." According to a design expert featured in this article, the shade was known as "Mamie Pink" or "First Lady Pink" as it was favoured by the First Lady Mamie Eisenhower and she used it in decorating the White House.

There are many ways to play up a pink tiled bathroom, and the source presents a range of images for some bathroom decor ideas. Adding black accents to contrast with the lighter pink tile makes for a pretty pattern. If you are installing tile yourself, you can speak  with a design professional to determine what kinds of tile are ideal, and where the black and pink patterns should go. According to the HGTV expert, pink tile is "timeless," so if you choose this bathroom décor route, it will last for years to come.

For more inspiration, one article from Apartment Therapy presented bathroom décor options. Adding different colours of paint to the walls can complement the tile well, and accents like plants or pictures will enable the room to feel complete. One couple chose to match the bathroom wall paint to the tub, and opted for a pastel grey shade. On the other hand, the source notes that blue and aqua shades complement the pink, and cited one example of a bathroom that had walls painted in that colour. The "interesting contrast makes visual sense," according to Apartment Therapy.

If you are adding tile to your bathroom especially in the shower area, the DIY Network website offers up some helpful tips. When the demolition is complete, first lay out and measure tile to be certain that it will fit the space properly. Then, when installing, be sure to use a starter board  – particularly with vertical tile – to ensure that the tile has a straight edge. Finish the shower floor last after the walls have been completed. Those who have a shower over their bathtub will likely not be tiling the tub, but there's always the option to find and select a new pink tub, to complement the pink bathroom tile.

Check out this pink MAAX tub sold at Kitchen and Bath Classics if you are hoping to stray from status quo.Check out this pink MAAX tub sold at Kitchen and Bath Classics if you are hoping to stray from status quo.

Looking for more bathroom inspiration? Visit a Kitchen and Bath Classics showroom to take a look at fixtures, faucets, tubs and much more.

Neutral Colours For A Great Bathroom Remodeling Project

Accents in a neutral bathroom can pop.

There are so many elements to select when embarking on a bathroom remodelling project. Probably the most important part is finding and embracing the right colour palette. For items like toilets and bathroom faucets, the colour selection can be limited, unless a gold toilet suits your taste! Otherwise, the limited colour choice can work to your advantage when tackling a bathroom remodelling project. You can use the paler tones in these bathroom fixtures to decorate the whole bathroom itself; there are a wide range of beautiful, neutral shades from which to choose.

Apartment Therapy highlighted a project by Paula E. Guzman studio where she and her design team renovated a bathroom in a New York City apartment. Challenges included working with a small bathroom space in a city apartment. To make it shine, and to make the bathroom feel more spacious, she opted for a neutral colour palette. Her finished bathroom presented some pretty and bright bathroom cabinet ideas, as well as simple, elegant fixtures befitting the smaller sink and space. Her bathroom was decorated in neutral tones, to highlight what she described as "unusual" colours in the floor tiling. She then selected the fixtures, bathroom cabinets, towels and bathroom sink to embrace the pattern and create what she described as a "shell" theme. The floor was also "busy," so she painted the walls a taupe-grey shade.

She chose to keep both the sink and the toilet white, but accented the space with unique bathroom curtains and a photograph taken by her boyfriend. Adding personal touches like this on the backdrop of a more neutral or calm bathroom can really make them stand out.

Better Homes & Gardens had additional advice for designing a bathroom in neutral shades. Using bathroom accessories to pop on a white, grey or beige colour scheme allows you to use your imagination and creativity. A bathroom that is not brightly coloured can be punctuated with a wide range of elements. For example, if your bathroom has large windows, the news provider suggests selecting "elegant floor-length drapes" to provide privacy.

For a more vintage, classy vibe, the news provider advises sticking to a simple black and white bathroom design scheme. These bathroom fixtures should have a shiny finish, which will make them sparkle against the calmer colour backdrop.

Some people think that neutral colours have a "cold" feel to them, especially if a bathroom has a tile floor and tile walls. Better Homes & Gardens advises this is not the case. Adding charcoal planks around the bathroom vanity and bathroom cabinets can warm up a space, in addition to – where possible – selecting "neutral paint colours with a warm undertone".

There are many shades of neutral colours available, ranging from pale and creamy whites to beige and even lighter blue colours. It can be fun to customize the bathroom space with outstanding, small elements that will pop against a calmer background. The shower curtain, for instance, does not have to be bold, nor do bathroom staples like rugs, bathroom cabinet doors, or even the floor itself. There is plenty of room for adding personal touches to decorate the walls, or even to bring in a plant or two which can balance out the softer background. However you choose to remodel your bathroom, it will certainly be a fun, satisfying project. Visit a Wolseley Canada Kitchen and Bath Classics showroom today to find some inspiration for a bathroom renovation project.

Add A New Backsplash for Brightness and Protection

A kitchen sink backsplash can look classy and be functional.

 

Showcasing a modern sink with a backsplash is a great way to make it the focal point of the kitchen. There are many different styles of backsplash available, ranging from shiny tile and metal to artwork painted on glass. Whether creating a backsplash is a do-it-yourself home kitchen improvement project or is professionally completed, the result will be the same: something that looks attractive, highlights the sink area and keeps the walls clean from water and food splashes.

DIY Network has several backsplash ideas ranging from simple to elaborate. All of these relatively inexpensive ideas are designed for at-home installation, and have the capability to compete with top designer kitchen ideas. Those who enjoy adding their own touches to a backsplash may want to consider a pegboard style. This is comprised of panels that are connected together and affixed to the wall. They can then be customized by adding hooks to display artwork or kitchen utensils. The result is clean and neat, and may be useful for those with smaller kitchens who want to free up counter space.

For a more vintage look, DIY Network suggests using old maps to create a backsplash. The maps are first attached to plywood that is cut to fit the area. The images are then sealed with shellac to remain waterproof and to add sheen.

Bidvine has some other ideas for daring home decorators. Tiles are always elegant and can be a good project for artsy types. The source suggests using Arabesque tiles, which are larger and slightly more expensive. They can provide a “high-end feel,” ideal for a smaller kitchen.

kitchen stove with a backsplashFind a backsplash style to suit your tastes.

Those looking for a more modern and industrial look can consider using copper as a backsplash. According to the source, copper is durable, “long-lasting, and easy to clean, and these qualities make it an ideal material” for a kitchen backsplash. “It is also antimicrobial, killing almost 100 per cent of bacteria that cause healthcare-related illnesses.” Copper is a viable option for a kitchen backsplash, especially for those who prefer an extra clean home environment.

Prefer a more random pattern? Bidvine advises using hexagonal tiles for a new backsplash. They fit together easily and can be arranged sequentially or punctuated with random dots of colour. This can add whimsy and visual interest to a kitchen that may otherwise be monochrome.

Finally, for those with an unlimited budget, marble is the most high-end of backsplash materials. It can stain easily, according to the news provider, which can dissuade some home decorators.
Working on a new kitchen backsplash can be a fun project; a pop of colour, new tile or even something more innovative can make all the difference. Those who choose a backsplash to complement a sink or intricate faucet may create a true conversation piece. Making a kitchen upgrade is not an arduous task, and while the family might need to order takeout while work is in progress, the complete project will bring a little excitement to any home. Visit a Kitchen and Bath Classics showroom today and let us help you facilitate your home renovation project decisions and design ideas.

Considerations Before Opting for a Kitchen Island

A kitchen island can provide extra work space.

 

In your kitchen, much of the furniture, appliances and containers are located against the walls – the fridge, cabinets, stove and sink, to name a few. But there is only so much area that you can take advantage of this way. When trying to find extra space to keep your things functional and organized, turn your eyes to the centre of the room. Kitchen islands are an increasingly popular trend that give you more space to work with in terms of both surface area and storage options.

If you are looking to make a significant change to your kitchen that will increase the functionality of the space, an island may be the right decision.

The benefits of a kitchen island
Before you start a major renovation project, you need to weigh the advantages of the new addition to your kitchen against the cost required to install the fixture.

These benefits include:

  • Extra surface area: If you love to cook, an island will give you extra space for chopping vegetables, stirring batter and prepping all of your favourite recipes. .
  • More storage: The increased surface area is definitely a plus, but so is the space below the counter. The area beneath can be used for additional storage to help you organize your pots, pans and other necessities.
  • Additional sink: If you want an extra sink, an island is the perfect location. At your local Wolseley Canada Kitchen and Bath Classics showroom, you can look through a variety of sink and faucet options from trusted brands to outfit your new addition.
  • Increased entertaining: Do you love spending time with people? A kitchen island with barstools gives you another place where friends and family can gather to talk and create memories.
  • Improved home value: Even if you do not plan on staying in your current home indefinitely, an island may still be a good investment. This kitchen feature can increase the value and appeal of your home if you decide to sell.
If you have the space, a kitchen island can offer a number of benefits to your room. If you have the space, a kitchen island can offer a number of benefits to your room.

Considering your kitchen needs
Though the benefits of an island are numerous, it is not the right choice for every kitchen. Before you get started, you should think about your own kitchen needs and your existing parameters, including the amount of space you have to work with.

Before deciding to install a kitchen island, consider the following factors:

  • Existing space: Though an island is useful, it is not worth installing if it will make your kitchen too crowded to move. Make sure you have plenty of space and choose an island that is an appropriate size.
  • Kitchen habits: If you rarely use your kitchen, an island may not be worth the effort it will take to install.
  • Storage needs: Need more room to store your small appliances and other kitchen necessities? An island might be the way to go. Depending on the size of your island, you should be able to install several drawers or cabinets to increase organization.
  • Desired appliances: If you want a wine cooler or trash compactor, an island could provide an opportunity for these extras. Some even involve ovens or ranges, though the installation for these types is much more intensive.

Not sure if an island is the right choice for your kitchen? Visit a Kitchen and Bath Classics location today for some advice and suggestions on your home improvement project.

Does Your Bathroom Need a Double Sink?

Two sinks can be a good choice for many bathrooms.

Think about your morning routine. Do you struggle to elbow past your partner to brush your teeth? Or have trouble finding space for your hot curling iron on the countertop? If every morning is a struggle, the solution to these challenges and more could be a double sink. 

You do not need to knock down a wall to create more space in this high-use area. If you are designing a new bathroom or renovating an old room, a double sink may be smart choice for your home. 

Reasons to consider a double sink
Unless you live by yourself, you probably split a bathroom with a romantic partner or platonic roommate. And while they say that sharing is caring, at times it may be more beneficial for your morning routine to have your own spaces. 

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. The most common reason to choose a double sink is that you need more space because you share the bathroom with another person. 

"Couples these days usually prefer the idea of two sinks for one simple reason," architect Thayer Hopkins told Houzz. "They lead busy lives and need access to the bathroom at the same time." 

However, simplifying your morning routine is not the only reason to choose a double sink. Another benefit of this optionis the increase of personal space. No more worrying about which tube of toothpaste is yours – just keep your possessions around your personal sink. 

You will also have more counter space, which can help if you use a straightening iron, curling iron or other tool in the morning that needs to rest on a flat surface. 

Finally, assuming you put in a double vanity as well, this strategy will increase your storage space. And who does not need more room for bathroom organization? 

A vanity with two sinks increases both counter space and storage in your bathroom.  A vanity with two sinks increases both counter space and storage in your bathroom.

Considerations for a single sink
A double sink is not for everyone. When making these bathroom layout decisions, one of the first things that you need to think about is space. Clearly, two sinks take up more room than one, so you need to make sure that this is a feasible option for your bathroom.

"If there isn't a solid 6 feet or more available for two sinks, I will counsel clients to stick with just one sink basin," Hopkins told Houzz. "These 6 feet or more will give the minimum 11- to 12-inch buffer needed between basins to keep a couple from banging elbows and crowding each other out." 

Keep in mind that just because you have the space does not mean that it is the right decision. Squeezing in an extra sink might make the room more crowded and give you less space to move around, which would actually make the resulting design less convenient when you get ready in the morning. 

Another downside to the double sink is the cost. Between the increased supplies, a larger vanity and more difficult piping and installation, you may spend significantly more than if you had chosen a single sink instead. So make sure that you are willing to invest in the project before you get started. 

Once you have decided on the right sink – or sinks – for your bathroom, give some thought to the faucets that you want to pair with the new design. At your local Wolseley Canada Kitchen & Bath Classics showroom, you can choose from a number of trusted brands, such as American Standard, DXV, and GROHE, to ensure you find the right sink and faucet solutions for your home.