Kitchen Renovation Cost in Canada – What You Need to Know

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-2000x1200 Kitchen Renovation Cost in Canada - What You Need to Know

A kitchen renovation can cost a lot or a little in Canada, so, here is what you need to know when deciding on an upgrade for this important space.

Depending on the scope of your project, a remodel can be time-consuming and expensive. But if your current kitchen isn’t meeting your needs, an overhaul may be worth it.

TYPE OF REMODEL TYPICAL COST

Minor $13,000 to $19,000

Mid-range $20,000 to $39,000

Major $40,000+

Todays Designer Kitchens kitchen-gf1dc1516a_640 Kitchen Renovation Cost in Canada - What You Need to Know

Factors that affect the cost of remodeling a kitchen generally include:

  • size of kitchen
  • materials desired in renovation
  • making changes to the initial layout/changing floorplan
  • moving electrical, plumbing, etc
  • level of demolition – eg. full gutting of area vs. keeping some of the original features

Some Kitchen Items Cost More to Replace

Your kitchen has many different parts of which some cost more.

Cabinets – One of the biggest expenses you’ll come across during a kitchen remodel is your cabinets, which can cost on average $130-$650 per cabinet. If you’re getting custom cabinetry, plan on spending even more.

Countertops – From granite to quartz, you can choose from many kitchen countertops in a variety of colours. Generally, natural products will cost more than anything that’s engineered. Countertops typically cost from $23 – $166.00 a square foot according to a Home Depot website.

Backsplash – Adding or replacing a backsplash is an inexpensive renovation that delivers a different look on a tight budget. The materials you choose will affect your cost, but you’ll want to budget $1,000 to $5,000 for this project.

Faucets and plumbing – If you’re changing your countertops, you may also want a bigger sink or a more functional faucet. Upgraded plumbing fixtures costs about $1,200 on average.

Lighting – Being able to see what you’re doing while cooking and washing dishes is important. Replacing your chandelier or installing recessed lights may cost about $1,500 on average, but it could cost more if your project requires complex electrical work.

Flooring – A kitchen floor needs to stand up to a lot of wear and tear, as well as moisture. Flooring costs vary widely based on the materials you choose, from hardwood to tile to laminate. On average, though, replacing a kitchen floor costs $2,100.

Paint – Regardless of the scope of your kitchen remodel, you’ll likely need to lay down a new coat of paint. Depending on the brand, colour and sheen you choose, you’ll probably spend anywhere from $15 to $100 for a gallon of paint.

Todays Designer Kitchens White-Shaker-1024x576 Kitchen Renovation Cost in Canada - What You Need to Know


Finishes

Every product in your kitchen has a different level of finish like builder grade finishes that affect costs. If you’re looking to keep your costs down, simple or builder grade items are the way to go. Bear in mind, however, these products may wear down quicker and require replacement or repair sooner than higher quality products.

Energy-efficient finishes. Even though energy-efficient appliances may cost you more than basic ones, you may save money in the long run due to potentially lower utility bills and available rebates.

Luxury or custom finishes. You should expect to pay top dollar whenever you opt for luxury or bespoke products, such as custom-built cabinets.

Appliances – Depending on the scope of your kitchen remodel, you may opt to get new appliances. The cost of these items can vary widely, but replacing the big four — the fridge, stove, microwave and dishwasher — could cost thousands of dollars. If you need to stay under budget and your appliances are still in working order, it can make more sense to hold on to them.

Structural changes

Many minor kitchen renovations don’t require a building permit, but you may need one and it will add time and cost to your project if your remodel involves:

  • Adding, moving or removing a wall
  • Adding or enlarging a window
  • Adding or enlarging a door
  • Moving gas, electrical or plumbing lines
    The rules about building permits vary based on your province and municipality, so it’s important to check with your contractor and city before getting started. The cost of a permit depends on the type of work you’re performing and sometimes, the square footage of the project. In most cases, your contractor will help you secure the permit.

Other kitchen remodeling costs to consider

Specific services that you may or may not require will be considerations for the kitchen remodel cost, like:

  • Designer or architect
    Before starting your remodel, you may need to hire a designer or architect. A designer is ideal if your project doesn’t require any structural changes and you need an expert to help you create the look you want in your space. Designers may charge a flat fee or, more commonly, a percentage of your project cost. Architects are needed for bigger projects, as they may need to draft drawings to help you secure your building permits. They typically charge by the hour.
  • Labour
    To complete the job, you’ll likely need to hire a variety of different professionals, including a: General contractor. A general contractor manages the kitchen remodel project, bringing in other tradespeople as needed. They may charge an hourly rate or a percentage of the project cost.
    Plumber. Complex plumbing beyond simple fixture replacements will require a plumber, and your general contractor will typically bring in a trusted professional. Plumbers usually charge by the hour.
    Electrician. Similarly, complicated electrical work requires a certified electrician. Your general contractor should be able to recommend an electrician who will typically charge by the hour.
    If the project goes according to plan, you may be able to keep labour costs close to what was predicted. However, any avid viewer of remodeling and renovation TV shows can tell you that surprises often pop up mid-remodel, especially in older homes. For example, if your general contractor opens up the walls and finds old or complex wiring that needs to be replaced, you’ll need to spend extra time and money on electrical updates. Disposing of materials and old appliances
    As part of your kitchen remodel, your contractor may need to rip out old flooring or cabinets and dispose of them safely. The cost of disposal is typically included in your quote, but it’s worth confirming. If you’re getting new appliances delivered, the retailer may pick up and dispose of your old ones as part of their services.

Final Thoughts

A kitchen makeover can be one of the most rewarding renovations done in the home that brings daily joy and offers a return on investment.

That being said, it is also one of the most time consuming and costly of renovations to take on and hiring a professional team to handle it is usually the wisest choice for those that want to save time, money and stress.

Our team at Today’s Designer Kitchens offer a 100% renovation solution where we design, supply and install with a fast turnaround. For homeowners that want to DIY themselves we also offer an option to order cabinets directly from us for maximum savings (even less then big box stores)! (Our recent work below in St. Catharines, ON)

Todays Designer Kitchens Slide3-2 Kitchen Renovation Cost in Canada - What You Need to Know
Todays Designer Kitchens Slide4-2 Kitchen Renovation Cost in Canada - What You Need to Know

We would love to work with you and discuss your project and welcome you to fill out the form below for a free home consultation in the Niagara Region!

ABOUT US

Todays Designer Kitchens image Kitchen Renovation Cost in Canada - What You Need to Know

The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-4 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284

RTA or Custom Kitchen Cabinets-Which is Right for You?

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-2000x1200 RTA or Custom Kitchen Cabinets-Which is Right for You?

When renovating the kitchen you can choose RTA (ready to assemble) or custom cabinets, but what is the difference and what is right for you?

Todays Designer Kitchens Step-Shaker-White-1024x576 RTA or Custom Kitchen Cabinets-Which is Right for You?

What are RTA Cabinets?

RTA cabinets are pre-manufactured cabinets that are designed to be assembled on-site. Here are some key features and benefits of RTA cabinets:

Cost-Effective: RTA cabinets are generally a lot more affordable compared to custom cabinets. They are mass-produced, which allows for cost savings in terms of materials, manufacturing, and transportation. A fully custom kitchen can cost more than double the cost of getting your cabinets unassembled.

Quick and Easy Installation: As the name suggests, RTA cabinets are designed for easy assembly. They come with detailed instructions and/or assembly videos and typically include all the necessary parts for a quick and secure assembly.

Variety of Styles and Finishes: RTA cabinets offer a wide range of styles, finishes, and configurations to suit your design preference. You can find options that mimic the look of custom cabinets, including different wood species, colors, and door styles.

Availability: RTA cabinets are readily available and usually ship quickly as a result.

Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are built-to-order cabinets that are crafted according to your specific requirements.

Todays Designer Kitchens kitchen-gc40382ac5_640 RTA or Custom Kitchen Cabinets-Which is Right for You?
Tailored to your needs but expensive: Custom cabinets can be tailored to fit your kitchen’s unique layout, dimensions, and style preferences. With custom cabinets, you have the freedom to choose materials, finishes, hardware, and storage options to create a truly one-of-a-kind kitchen.  The cost as a result will be significantly more than an RTA option.
Optimal Use of Space: Custom cabinets can maximize every inch of available space in your kitchen.
Unmatched Aesthetics: With custom cabinets, you have complete control over the aesthetics. Whether you prefer a sleek modern look or a traditional style, custom cabinets can be tailored to match your vision perfectly. 
Wait Time for Installs Usually Longer – Made from scratch and customized to your needs, custom cabinets take longer to obtain and usually can be 2 months or more in production depending on many variables in your unique situation(eg. high season renovation times like the fall).

Wrap Up:

When deciding between RTA cabinets and custom cabinets, consider your budget, timeline, design preferences, and the level of customization you require.

RTA cabinets offer affordability and convenience, while custom cabinets provide unmatched personalization at a higher price point with longer wait times.

By weighing the pros and cons of each option, you can make an informed choice that suits your budget, style, and functional requirements.

At Today’s Designer Kitchens we supply a huge variety of Ready to assemble cabinet styles that are readily available and customizable to every kitchen layout. You can DIY yourself by ordering them through us OR have us professionally install them for you.

Please contact us for a FREE estimate today by filling in the form below or call us at: 905-641-2284.

ABOUT US

Todays Designer Kitchens image RTA or Custom Kitchen Cabinets-Which is Right for You?

The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-4 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284

Ready To Assemble Cabinets for Kitchen Renovations

Todays Designer Kitchens Step-Shaker-White-2000x1200 Ready To Assemble Cabinets for Kitchen Renovations

Ready to assemble (RTA) cabinets can be a fantastic choice for a kitchen renovation if you have some basic handyman skills and are looking to save money on your project without sacrificing quality!

What Are RTA Cabinets

RTA kitchen cabinets are a popular choice for homeowners looking to update their kitchens without the big price tag.

Todays Designer Kitchens IMG_4517-1024x683 Ready To Assemble Cabinets for Kitchen Renovations
RTA cabinets in St. Catharines kitchen renovation

Ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets arrive flat-packed in cardboard boxes with the hardware needed for assembly. Because homeowners handle building them, and they cost the manufacturer less to transport and store, RTA cabinets can be half the price of factory-assembled versions.

Pros of Choosing RTA Cabinets

  • Affordability
  • Availability – short lead times with many RTA cabinets ready to ship
  • Quality – RTA cabinet designs and manufacturing techniques have come along way and are on par with many upscale varieties
  • Endless styles to choose from
  • Avoid the headache of the big box store’s limited offering of overpriced particle board cabinetry
  • Assembly is fun for DIY enthusiasts
  • Order RTA cabinets from the comfort of your home
  • On average, you can save 30-50% on the cost of your kitchen cabinets when you purchase them as ready to assemble (RTA) cabinets
  • RTA cabinets are as sturdy as their custom-made solid wood counterparts, and sometimes even better
Todays Designer Kitchens White-Shaker-1024x576 Ready To Assemble Cabinets for Kitchen Renovations
White Shaker RTA Cabinets

Customization

RTA cabinets can be configured to suit any kitchen. There are many different ways that you can customize RTA cabinets to match your kitchen.

Wrap Up

Convenience and cost-effectiveness are two important considerations when choosing kitchen cabinets. Ready to assemble kitchen cabinets can offer a convenient solution for those who want to save time and money.

If you want to order RTA cabinets, we have a wide range of styles and advice so please contact us at Today’s Designer Kitchens in St. Catharines for all your RTA needs at wholesale prices.

Current Styles

At Today’s Designer Kitchens we are experienced in managing kitchen projects of all scopes and design tastes, OR offer an RTA solution where you can order your own kits.

If you are interested in making the first step in a kitchen renovation, contact us now and save!

Todays Designer Kitchens image Ready To Assemble Cabinets for Kitchen Renovations

The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling. We also sell RTA cabinets directly to customers.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-4 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284

Is European Kitchen Design Right for Your Home?

Todays Designer Kitchens Euroline-Ultra-2000x1200 Is European Kitchen Design Right for Your Home?

European kitchen design is on trend and features beautiful minimalism, but is it the right choice for your home?

Less is more in a European kitchen. They are designed to be sleek in design. Homes in Europe are smaller and so are kitchens, therefore the focus is on functionality and efficiency. Kitchen cabinets are no exception. In order to maximize space, European kitchen cabinets are often simple. They feature flat surfaces, flush doors, little to no hardware and do not have many decorations or “frills”.

European kitchens have frame-less construction – or full overlay. This means, cabinets are constructed without a face frame attached to the front of the cabinet box. All that is visible are flat door and drawer fronts. This frame-less construction offers a seamless look while maximizing space as there is no divider in between the cabinets. Because of this frame-less construction, hinges and hardware are often hidden – adding to the seamless, streamlined aesthetic.

Cabinetry

North American cabinets tend to be larger and more ornate, with a focus on aesthetics and style.

Todays Designer Kitchens euroline-basix-shaker-1024x576 Is European Kitchen Design Right for Your Home?

European cabinets are usually crafted from premium materials like solid wood or MDF. * They are intended to be highly practical. They have little decorative features, with a focus on practicality and functionality. European cabinets are designed to maximize space and provide ample storage without taking up too much room.

*Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming it into panels by applying high temperature and pressure. MDF is generally denser than plywood. It is made up of separated fibres but can be used as a building material similar in application to plywood.

Todays Designer Kitchens Euroline-basix-slab-1024x576 Is European Kitchen Design Right for Your Home?

Materials Used

Materials used for European cabinets are tough, sturdy, and can endure regular use without getting damaged easily. Many European cabinets are also designed to be eco-friendly, focusing on using sustainable materials and minimizing waste.

Functionality

One of the key features of European cabinets is their functionality. These items are created to make the most of available space and offer sufficient storage without occupying too much area. Many European cabinets are also designed to be highly customizable, with various storage options and configurations available.

Conclusion

To choose your home cabinets, it’s important to know the distinction between European and American cabinets. European cabinets are typically more functional and practical, while American cabinets are often more ornate and decorative. In the end, deciding between these two styles is based on what you personally prefer and what your home requires. By exploring the differences between these two styles, you can create a kitchen space that truly reflects your style and taste.

Our team of kitchen installation experts at Today’s Designer Kitchens are experienced in managing kitchen projects of all scopes and design tastes. If you are interested in making the first step in a kitchen renovation, we welcome you to fill out a form online or give us a call to set up your no obligation home consultation and quote within the Niagara region.

ABOUT US

Todays Designer Kitchens image Is European Kitchen Design Right for Your Home?

The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-4 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284

The Benefits of Ready To Assemble Kitchen Cabinets

Todays Designer Kitchens White-kitchen-new The Benefits of Ready To Assemble Kitchen Cabinets

There are many benefits to choosing ready to assemble kitchen cabinets for your remodel project.

Ready to assemble cabinets can be used by a kitchen company and installed for you or if you are the DIY type, you can actually order them in flat packs, assemble them and install yourself.

Here are some of the benefits of ordering pre-made cabinets for your kitchen:

Cost-effectiveness
RTA cabinets are considered to be an inexpensive alternative to custom-made cabinetry. Even if you do need a few modifications to ensure that they fit your kitchen, they are still less costly than fully customized cabinets. You’ll also be saving money by installing them yourself, or by hiring a contractor who will be able to install them quickly and without any problems.

Todays Designer Kitchens Slide7-1 The Benefits of Ready To Assemble Kitchen Cabinets

 

Java RTA Cabinet Kitchen

Appearance
No matter what kind of theme you have in mind for your kitchen, you should be able to find RtA cabinets that will look great with the rest of the furnishings and décor. There are many colours, grains, stains, and details available. You can choose any type of wood or glass door. If a standard size will not fit in your kitchen, you can have your cabinets custom sized. You can choose between several wood species, whether you need base cabinets, tall cabinets, or wall cabinets.

Ease of installation
If you’re on a tight budget you will need to either install the cabinets yourself or hire somebody who knows what they are doing. If the cabinets are ready to be installed right at the start, labor will be a lot cheaper. Most of these units can be assembled with simple items such as a hammer, nails, screwdriver, etc. There are many resources available to help you learn how to install them.

Todays Designer Kitchens BW-new-1024x576 The Benefits of Ready To Assemble Kitchen Cabinets

 

Bermuda White RTA Kitchen Cabinets

Time –saving
Custom kitchen cabinets can take weeks to be completed. Ready to assemble cabinets are usually already in stock and ready to ship, unless you need any modifications. Even if some adjustments do need to be made, the order won’t take as long to process as it would if you were ordering a fully customized cabinet.

Quality
Despite popular belief, pre-assembled cabinets are not all cheap. You can find units with hinges and doorknobs that are just as good in quality as those used in custom-built units. As long as you shop from a reliable store, your RtA kitchen cabinets will be durable and nicely constructed.

Convenience
This is perhaps the greatest benefit. When remodeling your kitchen, you have many things to worry about – why should the cabinets be one of them? Get them out of the way as quickly and easily as possible. Have them put together before they even arrive at your house. The entire renovation project is simplified when the cabinets can be put in quickly and easily.

Todays Designer Kitchens Bermuda-white-and-midnight-blue-V1-1-1024x576 The Benefits of Ready To Assemble Kitchen Cabinets

 

Step Shaker White & Midnight Blue RTA Kitchen Cabinets

Wrap Up

Ready to assemble cabinets are made of high quality material and are a great alternative to custom cabinets for many reasons.

Whether you would like to order them to install yourself, OR have our team of professionals assist, our team at Today’s Designer Kitchens would be happy to help.

Call us today or fill out an online form to get an absolutely no obligation home consultation and quote and don’t forget we do it all from floor to ceiling and everything in between for your kitchen renovation including wall removal.

Get A Free Consultation

ABOUT US

Todays Designer Kitchens image The Benefits of Ready To Assemble Kitchen Cabinets

The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-4 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284

Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

Todays Designer Kitchens bw Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

Why Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets Work

There are so many kitchen cabinet styles to choose from when renovating but hands down the Shaker style cabinets are the most popular and work in most kitchens perfectly.

Why is Shaker-style cabinetry so popular?

The style has been around for ages (the name comes from the Shaker community) and maintains its appeal with a simple look that has a look and feel of the homemade wood furniture made in the past with its plain rail and stile construction.

(below, a classic white shaker kitchen cabinet door)

Todays Designer Kitchens 01-door-white-shaker Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

Contemporary Kitchen with White Shaker Style Cabinets

There are several reasons shaker cabinetry works with any home décor:

Classic Look

 

Todays Designer Kitchens Slide1-1 Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

Can be Stylized Easily

Shaker cabinets are one of the tenets of a timeless kitchen design that will never become outdated. The simplicity of shaker doors—almost like a flat-panel door but with a slightly raised border—are a large part of their appeal. It’s a basic and straight forward look, with just enough detail to provide depth and interesthaker cabinet doors are used for both traditional cooking areas and modern ones. Traditionalists appreciate the timelessness of their appearance and can opt to use slightly more ornate door handles and drawer pulls if they’re looking for more detail. Modernists, on the other hand, enjoy their clean lines. A transitional kitchen design will often implement Shaker doors as a way to marry the simplicity of a modern design with decorative columns or accoutrement on the kitchen island, the hood or elsewhere.

Shaker Cabinets Look Great in Any Colour

Shaker doors take paint or colored laminate very well, and both can produce gorgeous results to help you achieve your desired design style. On the flip side, the broad panels on the door serve to emphasize the beautiful natural wood grain patterns, so wood stains are a deservedly popular finish choice as well.

 

Todays Designer Kitchens SCG-modern-kitchen-view-2-1-1024x525 Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

 

Charcoal Grey

 

Easy Maintenance on Shaker Cabinets

For busy families and professionals, “low-maintenance” is one of the most desired attributes of any kitchen selection. The simplistic design of Shaker doors lends itself to easy sanitization of their surfaces. Without the copious ridges found in more traditional doors, which are known to trap dust, grease residue, and debris, a quick wipe-down cleans Shaker cabinets with minimal effort. If a low-maintenance kitchen design is high on your priority list, we recommend selecting cabinets with a laminate finish. They can take a beating and are not nearly as picky as real wood doors when it comes to cleaning and polishing requirements.

Affordable Shaker Cabinets

Typically, this cabinet door style won’t blow most budgets set aside for the remodeling project. The price point tends to fall right in the middle-range, thanks to their simplistic construction. Not to mention, their aforementioned timelessness makes them a wise investment that is likely to save you the cost of a future remodel, as the design trend tides change year by year.Regardless of your design style, they will stylishly coordinate with the look you want and endure the test of time.

Thinking About New Cabinets?

Whether you think this style fits your needs or you have your own idea that suits you more, our cabinet experts near you will be there to make it happen. Thanks to our dedication and professionals trained to use some of the finest industry practices, you’ll get personalized cabinets that will boast durability and aesthetics. Our experts will help you choose colors and materials that will complement the rest of the design.

Call us today or fill out an online form to get an absolutely no obligation home consultation and quote and don’t forget we do it all from floor to ceiling and everything in between for your kitchen renovation including wall removal.

SET UP A FREE QUOTE

 

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-pncyjpjsim7we8fxhed51bbdc6cr22xivn6oavtb54 Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-4 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284

There are so many kitchen cabinet styles to choose from when renovating but hands down the Shaker style cabinets are the most popular and work in most kitchens perfectly.

Why is Shaker-style cabinetry so popular?

The style has been around for ages (the name comes from the Shaker community) and maintains its appeal with a simple look that has a look and feel of the homemade wood furniture made in the past with its plain rail and stile construction.

(below, a classic white shaker kitchen cabinet door)

Todays Designer Kitchens 01-door-white-shaker Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

Contemporary Kitchen with White Shaker Style Cabinets

There are several reasons shaker cabinetry works with any home décor:

Classic Look

Shaker cabinets are one of the tenets of a timeless kitchen design that will never become outdated. The simplicity of shaker doors—almost like a flat-panel door but with a slightly raised border—are a large part of their appeal. It’s a basic and straight forward look, with just enough detail to provide depth and interest.

Todays Designer Kitchens Slide1-1 Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

Can be Stylized Easily

Shaker cabinet doors are used for both traditional cooking areas and modern ones. Traditionalists appreciate the timelessness of their appearance and can opt to use slightly more ornate door handles and drawer pulls if they’re looking for more detail. Modernists, on the other hand, enjoy their clean lines. A transitional kitchen design will often implement Shaker doors as a way to marry the simplicity of a modern design with decorative columns or accoutrement on the kitchen island, the hood or elsewhere.

Shaker Cabinets Look Great in Any Colour
Shaker doors take paint or colored laminate very well, and both can produce gorgeous results to help you achieve your desired design style. On the flip side, the broad panels on the door serve to emphasize the beautiful natural wood grain patterns, so wood stains are a deservedly popular finish choice as well.

Todays Designer Kitchens SCG-modern-kitchen-view-2-1-1024x525 Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

Charcoal Grey

Easy Maintenance on Shaker Cabinets
For busy families and professionals, “low-maintenance” is one of the most desired attributes of any kitchen selection. The simplistic design of Shaker doors lends itself to easy sanitization of their surfaces. Without the copious ridges found in more traditional doors, which are known to trap dust, grease residue, and debris, a quick wipe-down cleans Shaker cabinets with minimal effort. If a low-maintenance kitchen design is high on your priority list, we recommend selecting cabinets with a laminate finish. They can take a beating and are not nearly as picky as real wood doors when it comes to cleaning and polishing requirements.

Affordable Shaker Cabinets
Typically, this cabinet door style won’t blow most budgets set aside for the remodeling project. The price point tends to fall right in the middle-range, thanks to their simplistic construction. Not to mention, their aforementioned timelessness makes them a wise investment that is likely to save you the cost of a future remodel, as the design trend tides change year by year.Regardless of your design style, they will stylishly coordinate with the look you want and endure the test of time.

Thinking About New Cabinets?
Whether you think this style fits your needs or you have your own idea that suits you more, our cabinet experts near you will be there to make it happen. Thanks to our dedication and professionals trained to use some of the finest industry practices, you’ll get personalized cabinets that will boast durability and aesthetics. Our experts will help you choose colors and materials that will complement the rest of the design.

Call us today or fill out an online form to get an absolutely no obligation home consultation and quote and don’t forget we do it all from floor to ceiling and everything in between for your kitchen renovation including wall removal.

 

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-pncyjpjsim7we8fxhed51bbdc6cr22xivn6oavtb54 Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-4 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284

There are so many kitchen cabinet styles to choose from when renovating but hands down the Shaker style cabinets are the most popular and work in most kitchens perfectly.

Why is Shaker-style cabinetry so popular?

The style has been around for ages (the name comes from the Shaker community) and maintains its appeal with a simple look that has a look and feel of the homemade wood furniture made in the past with its plain rail and stile construction.

(below, a classic white shaker kitchen cabinet door)

Todays Designer Kitchens 01-door-white-shaker Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

Contemporary Kitchen with White Shaker Style Cabinets

There are several reasons shaker cabinetry works with any home décor:

Classic Look

Shaker cabinets are one of the tenets of a timeless kitchen design that will never become outdated. The simplicity of shaker doors—almost like a flat-panel door but with a slightly raised border—are a large part of their appeal. It’s a basic and straight forward look, with just enough detail to provide depth and interest.

Todays Designer Kitchens Slide1-1 Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

Can be Stylized Easily

Shaker cabinet doors are used for both traditional cooking areas and modern ones. Traditionalists appreciate the timelessness of their appearance and can opt to use slightly more ornate door handles and drawer pulls if they’re looking for more detail. Modernists, on the other hand, enjoy their clean lines. A transitional kitchen design will often implement Shaker doors as a way to marry the simplicity of a modern design with decorative columns or accoutrement on the kitchen island, the hood or elsewhere.

Shaker Cabinets Look Great in Any Colour
Shaker doors take paint or colored laminate very well, and both can produce gorgeous results to help you achieve your desired design style. On the flip side, the broad panels on the door serve to emphasize the beautiful natural wood grain patterns, so wood stains are a deservedly popular finish choice as well.

Todays Designer Kitchens SCG-modern-kitchen-view-2-1-1024x525 Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

Charcoal Grey

Easy Maintenance on Shaker Cabinets
For busy families and professionals, “low-maintenance” is one of the most desired attributes of any kitchen selection. The simplistic design of Shaker doors lends itself to easy sanitization of their surfaces. Without the copious ridges found in more traditional doors, which are known to trap dust, grease residue, and debris, a quick wipe-down cleans Shaker cabinets with minimal effort. If a low-maintenance kitchen design is high on your priority list, we recommend selecting cabinets with a laminate finish. They can take a beating and are not nearly as picky as real wood doors when it comes to cleaning and polishing requirements.

Affordable Shaker Cabinets
Typically, this cabinet door style won’t blow most budgets set aside for the remodeling project. The price point tends to fall right in the middle-range, thanks to their simplistic construction. Not to mention, their aforementioned timelessness makes them a wise investment that is likely to save you the cost of a future remodel, as the design trend tides change year by year.Regardless of your design style, they will stylishly coordinate with the look you want and endure the test of time.

Thinking About New Cabinets?
Whether you think this style fits your needs or you have your own idea that suits you more, our cabinet experts near you will be there to make it happen. Thanks to our dedication and professionals trained to use some of the finest industry practices, you’ll get personalized cabinets that will boast durability and aesthetics. Our experts will help you choose colors and materials that will complement the rest of the design.

Call us today or fill out an online form to get an absolutely no obligation home consultation and quote and don’t forget we do it all from floor to ceiling and everything in between for your kitchen renovation including wall removal.

 

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-pncyjpjsim7we8fxhed51bbdc6cr22xivn6oavtb54 Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-4 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284

There are so many kitchen cabinet styles to choose from when renovating but hands down the Shaker style cabinets are the most popular and work in most kitchens perfectly.

 

Why is Shaker-style cabinetry so popular?

The style has been around for ages (the name comes from the Shaker community) and maintains its appeal with a simple look that has a look and feel of the homemade wood furniture made in the past with its plain rail and stile construction.

(below, a classic white shaker kitchen cabinet door)

Todays Designer Kitchens 01-door-white-shaker Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

Contemporary Kitchen with White Shaker Style Cabinets

There are several reasons shaker cabinetry works with any home décor:

Classic Look

Shaker cabinets are one of the tenets of a timeless kitchen design that will never become outdated. The simplicity of shaker doors—almost like a flat-panel door but with a slightly raised border—are a large part of their appeal. It’s a basic and straight forward look, with just enough detail to provide depth and interest.

Todays Designer Kitchens Slide1-1 Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens
Shaker cabinet doors are used for both traditional cooking areas and modern ones. Traditionalists appreciate the timelessness of their appearance and can opt to use slightly more ornate door handles and drawer pulls if they’re looking for more detail. Modernists, on the other hand, enjoy their clean lines. A transitional kitchen design will often implement Shaker doors as a way to marry the simplicity of a modern design with decorative columns or accoutrement on the kitchen island, the hood or elsewhere.

Shaker Cabinets Look Great in Any Colour
Shaker doors take paint or colored laminate very well, and both can produce gorgeous results to help you achieve your desired design style. On the flip side, the broad panels on the door serve to emphasize the beautiful natural wood grain patterns, so wood stains are a deservedly popular finish choice as well.

 

Todays Designer Kitchens SCG-modern-kitchen-view-2-1-1024x525 Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

 

Charcoal Grey

 

Easy Maintenance on Shaker Cabinets
For busy families and professionals, “low-maintenance” is one of the most desired attributes of any kitchen selection. The simplistic design of Shaker doors lends itself to easy sanitization of their surfaces. Without the copious ridges found in more traditional doors, which are known to trap dust, grease residue, and debris, a quick wipe-down cleans Shaker cabinets with minimal effort. If a low-maintenance kitchen design is high on your priority list, we recommend selecting cabinets with a laminate finish. They can take a beating and are not nearly as picky as real wood doors when it comes to cleaning and polishing requirements.

Affordable Shaker Cabinets
Typically, this cabinet door style won’t blow most budgets set aside for the remodeling project. The price point tends to fall right in the middle-range, thanks to their simplistic construction. Not to mention, their aforementioned timelessness makes them a wise investment that is likely to save you the cost of a future remodel, as the design trend tides change year by year.Regardless of your design style, they will stylishly coordinate with the look you want and endure the test of time.

Thinking About New Cabinets?
Whether you think this style fits your needs or you have your own idea that suits you more, our cabinet experts near you will be there to make it happen. Thanks to our dedication and professionals trained to use some of the finest industry practices, you’ll get personalized cabinets that will boast durability and aesthetics. Our experts will help you choose colors and materials that will complement the rest of the design.

Call us today or fill out an online form to get an absolutely no obligation home consultation and quote and don’t forget we do it all from floor to ceiling and everything in between for your kitchen renovation including wall removal.

 

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-pncyjpjsim7we8fxhed51bbdc6cr22xivn6oavtb54 Why Shaker Style Cabinets Work in Most Kitchens

The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-4 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284

All About Under Cabinet Lighting

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-2000x1200 All About Under Cabinet Lighting

Lighting is so important in the kitchen and today we will talk all about the essential under cabinet lighting.

Many people suffer from inadequate kitchen lighting. In a room as functional as the kitchen, lighting can make more of an impact on your productivity than you may expect. and it serves many more functions as well.

What is the best lighting for a kitchen?
As we like to say, “kitchen lighting should never be an afterthought,” and under-cabinet lighting is one of the brightest ideas of them all. Before you hire one of the best kitchen remodelers near you to help you with this addition, let’s see what this solution has to offer:

Under Cabinet Lighting
The goal of comprehensive cooking area lighting plans is to provide three types of lighting:

Task
Safety
Ambiance

Under-cabinet lighting offers all-of-the-above.

Task lighting
By using brighter lights, gimbal fixtures (that can be angled as needed) and other-task-oriented lighting options, you can make your under-cabinet lights part of the task lighting plan for things like food prep.

Safety lighting
The combination of ultra-efficient LED lights, lower-wattage and/or dimmable lighting options make under-cabinet lighting serve as safety lighting when the chopping is complete and all the knives are placed back in the rack or drawer.

The dimmed lights are ideal for allowing passage into and through the kitchen in the after-hours, and wee hours, of the night and morning.

Todays Designer Kitchens SSW-1024x576 All About Under Cabinet Lighting

Ambient lighting
Ambient lighting is all about creating a mood. That can be a sleepier, cozier mood for a wake-up time in the morning, maybe it’s a more romantic glow for evening—or ambient light may even involve fun colors that augment the kitchen’s color scheme you’ve chosen for parties and just-for-fun.

Targeted hood lighting
Whether you’re simmering a pot of soup or just looking to infuse a little atmosphere in the kitchen, hood lights provide ambiance and light in a work area. A proper hood light transfers light directly onto the stove so you’re not leaning over a hot flame or pot.

Want to Know More About Renovating a Kitchen with Under Cabinet Lighting?
Want assistance choosing the best under-cabinet lighting plan for your kitchen design? We’re experienced kitchen contractors that know how to ensure you get one of the best and most affordable kitchen remodelings near you. We’ll use our experience and tried-and-tested methods to achieve optimum results you’ll be fully satisfied with.

Call us or schedule a free in-home consultation today for lighting and all your FULL kitchen renovation needs in the Niagara area.

To get started, set up your FREE home consultation and estimate today!

Top Reasons to Consider a Kitchen Renovation

Todays Designer Kitchens ws2 Top Reasons to Consider a Kitchen Renovation

If you are considering a kitchen renovation, here are the top reasons that may indicate it is time for an update!

Tired Looking

The kitchen is one of the most utilized rooms in your home, so mild to moderate damage is likely to occur over time and with regular use. The most careful homeowners will start to notice dings, dents, or wear on kitchen cabinets, counters, walls, and flooring eventually. And, even the highest quality products and materials will ultimately age due to daily wear and tear.

A kitchen renovation can be as time-efficient and straightforward as replacing cabinets and counters, or be an extensive overhaul. Sometimes getting a professional’s opinion here can be of great value so you can determine what you want and the best way to get it.

Todays Designer Kitchens before Top Reasons to Consider a Kitchen Renovation
BEFORE – A Tired Kitchen Before an Update from our team
Todays Designer Kitchens IMG_4518-1024x683 Top Reasons to Consider a Kitchen Renovation
AFTER – Can you believe this is the same kitchen as above?

Improve the Flow

As families grow and working remotely has altered life at home for so many, a lot of homeowners realize it is indeed time to update their kitchen functionality to accommodate more family time, cooking, and entertaining. A narrow or cramped kitchen layout can typically be solved with a few tweaks. Consider redesigning your kitchen with custom-built options or changing the layout with an island or peninsulas.

Todays Designer Kitchens ws3-1024x682 Top Reasons to Consider a Kitchen Renovation
Bermuda White Cabinets Above – Always a Winnder!

More Storage

Beat clutter and added stress by incorporating smarter, more user-friendly kitchen storage solutions. If your kitchen lacks efficient storage, you can amp up your world with a score of new solutions. Properly store all of your kitchen gadgets, pantry items, and small appliances — there’s practically a storage solution for everything!

Below, some low cabinets provide the perfect storage for spices!

Todays Designer Kitchens pantry-g59a357789_640 Top Reasons to Consider a Kitchen Renovation

Improve Every Day

A kitchen that you love and also functions well for your needs makes every day better and that is the BEST reason to renovate your kitchen.

Our team supplies, designs and installs with a fast turnaround and would welcome the opportunity to visit you for a FREE home consultation if you are considering a new kitchen.

Over time, kitchen cabinet and counter styles go out of fashion, while other looks remain timeless. The team at Today’s Designer Kitchens are trained to help you make selections that will stand the test of time. Don’t allow an outdated kitchen to keep you from enjoying your home. Schedule your free consultation today!

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-pncyjpjsim7we8fxhed51bbdc6cr22xivn6oavtb54 Top Reasons to Consider a Kitchen Renovation

The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-4 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284

Kitchen Trends – What’s In What’s Out

Todays Designer Kitchens Slide4 Kitchen Trends - What's In What's Out

Kitchen Trends - What's In What's Out Now

It is exciting to renovate a kitchen and if this is your goal in 2023 you’ll be interested to learn about the latest kitchen trends and what’s in and what’s out according to what we’ve seen out there with our clients.

Remember nothing is off limits.  Everyone has their own personal sense of style, however lots of folks find it helpful to get a sense of what is happening in the market so here we go…

Outdated Kitchen Trends for 2023

1. Super White Kitchens

First the good news, all-white kitchens aren’t a total no-no, so long as you bring in personality through other design choices in the space. That means if you do choose white cabinets and counters, make sure to put your focus on layering different textures and other interesting elements within the design.

That may be putting consideration into the material of the window treatments, adding color with cushions to a daybed or dining chairs, adding interesting art to the wall, even wallpaper.  Anything is a possibility if you love it and it breaks up the total white look.

2. Matching Everything

There is a big trend now to mix and match stainless steel, black and bronze colours on hardware.  There is no hard and fast rule anymore that everything has to match perfectly.

The same goes for the cabinetry itself and it is often we have clients wanting us to put one colour on the top level of cabinets and another on the bottom. 

Mixing everything (within reason) can really go a long way to make a kitchen feel homey, warm and inviting PLUS it gives you a lot of opportunity to get super creative. 

3. Mosaic Tile Backsplashes

Once all the rage, mosaic backsplashes are usually the exception and not the norm in today’s design landscape. There are so many choices available including glass, metal or even marble tile. Another gorgeous idea is exposed brick, mirrors, the list is unlimited, but ultimately the end product will be easy to care for and a great neutral backdrop to other elements in the kitchen when done right.

4. Overdone Lighting

Some of the old design ideas with lighting included the classic 3 pendants over the island.  However, this is often overkill for brightness and often 1 centrally placed or two is more than enough.

Another aspect of lighting that is fazing out is tons of potlights.  A kitchen can be TOO bright when many (especially LED) potlights get installed and over illuminate a space.

5.  Islands

With the open concept design idea in mind, islands in kitchens were once thought to be necessary in a good renovation.  

Times have changed however and we see many people go for lots of counterspace in the regular kitchen area and bypass the island altogether as it does take up so much floor space and isn’t always a necessary piece (especially in small kitchens).

 

Todays Designer Kitchens scggalley Kitchen Trends - What's In What's Out

 

What’s In for Kitchens in 2023

1. Colour

Rich vibrant hues are back on track in kitchens.  Even as part of a single accent wall they add so much personality to a kitchen and are easily switchable.

When it comes to cabinets warm earthy tones are hot.  Think rich coffee Java, or a sparkling grey tone.

These colours work well with everything and are loved by many.

2. Island Substitutes

Vintage tables repurposed, or even actual island cabinetry on castors are choices that many consider when renovating because they add to much flexibility to a kitchen space as well as have design impact.

These islands can also be adjusted for lower seating which is very appealing for comfort.

3. Imperfect Countertops 

Having counters that are made of natural materials are definitely making a comeback and with that an appreciation of their “loved” look over time.

Think butcher block or even marble.  They gain a rich patina over time that is very cozy and desirable in today’s modern kitchen.

4. Creativity

At the end of the day the kitchen renovation has evolved into something that is very versatile and no longer follows hard and fast rules of aesthetics.  

If you have a kitchen in the Niagara Region and are interested in creating your own dream space, we welcome you to contact us for a FREE home consultation and quote today!

 

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-bfkWR4-1024x683 Kitchen Trends - What's In What's Out
Todays Designer Kitchens kitchen-gf1dc1516a_640 Kitchen Trends - What's In What's Out
Todays Designer Kitchens scggalley-odo5q6y7a0zybgsbo0b0bhnnfyvtrofcm9vvmt9ed0 Kitchen Trends - What's In What's Out
Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-pncyjpjsim7we8fxhed51bbdc6cr22xivn6oavtb54 Kitchen Trends - What's In What's Out

The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-5 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284

How We Created a Dream Kitchen in Niagara Region

Todays Designer Kitchens IMG_4504-2000x1200 How We Created a Dream Kitchen in Niagara Region

Here is how we created a dream kitchen in the Niagara Region that was stunning, affordable and quickly turned around.

The Vision

It all started with a home in St. Catharines that had fantastic bones, but like many older residence’s had an unappealing layout and old furnishings.

Dingy appliances, old porcelain floors, florescent lighting, wall paper, worn laminate and wood paneling were some of the highlights from this kitchen which had definitely seen better days!

Todays Designer Kitchens before How We Created a Dream Kitchen in Niagara Region
Todays Designer Kitchens before2 How We Created a Dream Kitchen in Niagara Region
A kitchen that had seen better days needed a makeover!

Our team at Today’s Designer Kitchens began the renovation process with a vision that included taking down a wall for an open floor plan layout, choosing neutral colour palettes to maximize the space and deciding on the addition of a large island to add visual impact as well as adding needed dining space.

Todays Designer Kitchens architecture-g72ce642bf_640 How We Created a Dream Kitchen in Niagara Region
Design Plan for Kitchen

Our design team quickly found opportunities to not only increase the space of the kitchen but add modern elements that would make it perfect for the homeowners.

Cabinets and Accessories

With a design plan in motion that everyone was happy with, it was decided that Bermuda White Cabinets would be a beautiful choice in the new layout with Step Grey Cabinet accents to add dimension and style.

A waterfall island (a kitchen island where the countertop edge flows to the side of the island’s body) would anchor the whole design with granite counters, quartz would make up the bulk of the cabinet countertops and layered lighting underneath the counters, over the island and in the ceiling would provide a multi functional kitchen with class.

Demolition

At Today’s Designer Kitchens our design, supply and installation process kicks into high gear once we figure out the plan and then get to the demolition.

Our team of qualified installers got to work reconfiguring the space; wiring, plumbing, installing cabinets, counters and then painting so that the whole project was completed in two weeks from start date.

What a transformation!

Todays Designer Kitchens IMG_4505-1-1024x683 How We Created a Dream Kitchen in Niagara Region
A stunning kitchen makeover by Today’s Designer Kitchens
Todays Designer Kitchens IMG_4517-1-1024x683 How We Created a Dream Kitchen in Niagara Region
Contrasting cabinet and countertop colours make this kitchen pop

Products We Used

The Bermuda White and Step Charcoal Grey cabinets are highlighted with Antique Brass black handles, glass inserts, and simple subway tiles for a backsplash.

Stainless steel appliances and premium counters blended seamlessly in earth tones keep the kitchen bright yet soft. Dove Grey paint on the walls added to the warm ambience.

Positioning the kitchen around the large sun drenched living room window adds dimension and light. Tarkett Fiber Floors in natural wood provide stylish and long lasting flooring.

Bright white ceiling dimmable potlights, and a modern black box light above complete the incredible transformation of this home and give it many “moods” for all occasions.

If you have a kitchen in the Niagara Region and are interested in creating your own dream space, we welcome you to contact us for a FREE home consultation and quote today!

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-pncyjpjsim7we8fxhed51bbdc6cr22xivn6oavtb54 How We Created a Dream Kitchen in Niagara Region
The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide  a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-5 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284

Kitchen Design – Four Things to Avoid

Todays Designer Kitchens Java-full-kitchen-image-2000x1200 Kitchen Design - Four Things to Avoid

Kitchen design is an important first step before renovating and it takes a lot of careful planning, so, here are four things to avoid in that process to ensure a great outcome.

STORAGE

Storage is priority in a kitchen and ensures that it is functional and organized.

When designing a kitchen, it is crucial to not skimp on storage and utilize as much space as your home will allow. A kitchen lacking storage will become tricky to manage and you don’t want to worry about finding a spot for your most-used kitchen items. Especially in smaller kitchens, making use of all space is going to be incredibly important to ensure all of your items are easily stored.

Todays Designer Kitchens pantry-g59a357789_640 Kitchen Design - Four Things to Avoid

WORK TRIANGLES

There are established ways to set up a kitchen called work triangles within a kitchen layout (see our post HERE). Work triangles give an easy flow to all the things you need in this space. Consider appliance placement, and how this flow will affect your basic kitchen functions. Your sink, stove, and refrigerator appliances should be free of obstruction and placed in such a way that allows free movement from each. Placing the three properly forms the kitchen triangle, which should never be dismissed.

Todays Designer Kitchens BW-new-1024x576 Kitchen Design - Four Things to Avoid

COUNTERS

Even if you think you don’t need that much counter space, remember how quickly our counters can become cluttered with other everyday items such as coffee makers, toasters, and other smaller appliances. How much prep space does that leave you for actually preparing your meals? Not taking this into consideration can leave you feeling cluttered and disorganized. If possible, try to allow for as much counter space as possible in the design of your kitchen. If an island is not an option, consider an additional corner of cabinets and counters to allow for more storage.

EXPERT ADVICE

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-YlZ5PJ-1024x683 Kitchen Design - Four Things to Avoid

Yes, you may think you know exactly what you want for your kitchen, but, there are many details that can be quickly overlooked when not working with an experienced designer/installer that can cost you both time AND money.

At Today’s Designer Kitchens, we not only offer FREE home consultations before your kitchen renovation, but one of our experts will also make suggestions to ensure a great outcome.

No matter the size or budget of your kitchen, we are here to take it on and ensure that no detail is overlooked. We have remodeled hundreds of kitchens and our expertise will help you get what you want and need. From measurement to great communication our team ensures that your kitchen project will be amazing with our streamlined design, supply and install process.

We are booking now for fall, so please reach out and schedule your home consultation today.

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-pncyjpjsim7we8fxhed51bbdc6cr22xivn6oavtb54 Kitchen Design - Four Things to Avoid
The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide  a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-5 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284

How Kitchen Renovations Make Better Use of Space

Todays Designer Kitchens White-kitchen-new How Kitchen Renovations Make Better Use of Space

A kitchen renovation has many advantages in a home and one of them is that it can make a better use of the space that you have.

Even if your kitchen isn’t outdated, its design and layout might not be making the most of the space.

Below, a wall removal opens up the space in this client’s home and makes it appear so much brighter and larger.

Todays Designer Kitchens ws How Kitchen Renovations Make Better Use of Space

There are many considerations when it comes to good kitchen design, including the layout of the counter space, cabinet placement, and wall and floor use. So if your kitchen is driving you crazy– regardless of how old it is– it’s not you. It’s the layout.

Below, reorganization of wiring and plumbing and installation of a triple panel window transformed this space to a highly functioning kitchen.

Todays Designer Kitchens Java-full-kitchen-image-1024x576 How Kitchen Renovations Make Better Use of Space
Java Kitchen

Here’s what happens when you undergo a kitchen renovation with a functional redesign in mind:

-You’ll gain more storage space and cabinets (sometimes bigger cabinets, too!) that make your kitchen feel bigger, even if you don’t actually increase the square footage.

-You can incorporate new, sleeker appliances, making your kitchen “smart” and easier to use.

-The flow of your kitchen will change with the layout. You’ll free up counter, floor, and wall space, and shift from a cluttered feeling to a fresh, open, clean look.

-You can remove walls, and add windows and doors, to make the kitchen feel more spacious.

If you are ready to make the most of your home’s space and need a kitchen renovation, we welcome you to contact us at Today’s Designer Kitchen for an expert opinion and free estimate. One call does it all with our experienced team.

Top Five Must Haves in Kitchens Today

Todays Designer Kitchens living-room-gef24088f0_640 Top Five Must Haves in Kitchens Today

Here are the top five must have items that we include in kitchens that we build today.

A kitchen is a space that has a great deal of unique features for every household but there are some items that always seem to make the list. Here they are:

Kitchen Islands

Where islands in a kitchen were once limited to large open concept kitchens, there are now many choices in styles and sizes.

Kitchens have become entertainment hubs as well as cooking centres which also make them ideal for installing in a kitchen renovation.

Todays Designer Kitchens sswnew Top Five Must Haves in Kitchens Today
A simple and cozy island addition by Today’s Kitchens in a contrasting Java colour.

Pantries

Functional kitchens are what people love and pantries keep everything organized and streamlined.

Walk in pantries are a very popular ask these days and make cooking a breeze while keeping the clutter out of the main kitchen space.

Todays Designer Kitchens pantry-g59a357789_640 Top Five Must Haves in Kitchens Today

White Cabinets

There is something timeless and desirable when it comes to white kitchens!

Our company carries many colours and styles and yet year after year it is the white kitchens that are always the most popular.

White keeps a kitchen light and bright and the good thing about the colour is that there are many shades of white to choose from as well as door styles, so it still is not a one size fits all.

White also pairs perfectly with almost every home’s décor as well as contrasting well with other cabinet colours for a mix and match look.

Todays Designer Kitchens bw Top Five Must Haves in Kitchens Today
Bermuda White Cabinets by Today’s Designer Kitchens

Double Door Fridge Freezers

An American style fridge freezer is different to most tall fridge freezers as they feature double doors that open from the middle outwards, rather than a single door. This is why they’re sometimes referred to as ‘side by side American fridge freezers’ or a ‘double door fridge freezer’. Whatever you call them, we call them the most popular and practical fridge style today in kitchens!

Todays Designer Kitchens kitchen-gf1dc1516a_640 Top Five Must Haves in Kitchens Today

A Coffee Maker Station

Creating not only an area where your coffee maker will sit, but an actual station is a great idea that we add on to many renovation projects for coffee lovers.

Todays Designer Kitchens coffee-gf20e0096a_640 Top Five Must Haves in Kitchens Today

Having everything in one area makes mornings hassle free and planning for a good amount of uncluttered counterspace in the area is a wonderful addition as well.

Wrap

Thinking of a kitchen renovation and looking for some professional guidance? We specialize in just that. Please contact us for a free home estimate today!

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-pncyjpjsim7we8fxhed51bbdc6cr22xivn6oavtb54 Top Five Must Haves in Kitchens Today

About Today’s Designer Kitchens

Today’s Designer Kitchens is a family owned company located in St. Catharines, ON that can expertly and affordably bring your home remodeling dreams to reality.

We service the entire Niagara Region and specialize in the renovation, home improvements and kitchen and bath industries, providing top quality products and services at competitive prices.

We are committed to ensuring complete customer satisfaction with the service and quality we offer with a streamlined process and fast turnarounds times.

We provide free home estimates and undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges.

OUR OFFICES AND SHOWROOM

Our showroom is open Monday Through Friday 9 am-5 pm and can be visited currently by appointment only.

We can be reached by phone: 905-641-2284.

How to Design a Dream Kitchen

Todays Designer Kitchens sswnew How to Design a Dream Kitchen

A kitchen makeover that’s amazing is not only a renovation, but a careful pre plan that envisions what you want so here are our top recommendations on how to design a dream kitchen.

Function

Probably THE most important aspect to think about when planning a new kitchen is to determine what function you wish it to serve.

Cooking is likely the main function of a kitchen, however, over the years it has become so much more than that.

It has become the heart of the home, a place where we gather and spend most of our time inside. It’s become the single most important room in the house. Besides cooking and eating in the kitchen, many also work, watch tv, read the mail,  hang out with guests or sip on a glass (or two) of wine after a long day. While this may not be what you personally do, the point here is to narrow down exactly what you see yourself doing in this space, and how to make it work for your family.

Todays Designer Kitchens wine-g0566711cf_640 How to Design a Dream Kitchen

Here’s a few points to consider when thinking of the function of your kitchen:

How do you plan on using it everyday? Besides cooking, what other daily activities do you like to do in the kitchen? Do you like to entertain? How much seating do you need? Most kitchens nowadays are eat-in kitchens and have an area for an everyday family table, but if you are someone who likes to entertain, or want a more casual place to chat with your kids over an afternoon snack, you may wish to consider adding additional seating around an Island or peninsula.

The Work Triangle

Todays Designer Kitchens Work_triangle How to Design a Dream Kitchen

One thing to consider when planning your kitchen is the flow of your workspace, or what is also know as the work triangle. The work triangle is the distance between your stove, refrigerator and sink. A good triangle will result in an efficient workflow and allows you to move with ease between the 3 most used points. A poor work triangle will cause you to run all over your kitchen to access the most important aspects of your kitchen.

Below, an entertainer’s dream kitchen with an extra large island below.

Todays Designer Kitchens stepcharcoalgrey-with-island How to Design a Dream Kitchen

Light

Having the right amount of light in your kitchen is so important which includes electric and natural.

General Lighting. This is what lights up the entire space. We recommend recessed pot lights for general lighting as it’s the best way to evenly disperse light throughout the room with dimmers. Pendant lights over islands, or chandeliers over tables are also an example of general lighting but more personal in taste.

Task Lighting. Just as it sounds. Lighting that helps perform certain tasks. Under-cabinet lighting is an example of task lighting that a lot of people tend to skip, but it is really important for prep work. Integrating your lighting within your cabinet design will also lead to a seamless look.

Todays Designer Kitchens kitchen-2022 How to Design a Dream Kitchen

Accent lighting (pictured above on this island)

This is the lighting that’s not really necessary for function, but highlights the wonderful design of your kitchen, which you are going to want to show off! Uplighting, or lighting in glass cabinets are a great example of accent lights. Under cabinet lighting is necessary for tasks, but can also accent your upper cabinets and countertops beautifully.

Storage

One of the major requests we hear from our own clients is making sure there are storage solutions.

If you use small appliances regularly, think about where the easiest place would be to access them. Maybe create an appliance garage with doors that retract, or build a large pantry with pull-out drawers to easily lift out the instant-pot.

Other storage solutions that can make your kitchen function with ease could be pots and pans drawers, pantries with pull-out shelves, or walk-in pantries.

Also take advantage of spaces that might not be too easily accessible to house items you don’t use everyday, like adding hidden doors under the seating area of the Island to store them. They only come out when needed, so even though the location isn’t best for everyday use, it’s perfect for accessing every now and again.

Appliances

We recommend to figure out your appliances first so that you can figure out a proper layout with the room that is left.

(Below a Midnight Blue and Step Shaker White Kitchen by Today’s Designer Kitchens with a built in microwave,  hood insert and fridge cabinet surround).

Todays Designer Kitchens Bermuda-white-and-midnight-blue-V1-scaled How to Design a Dream Kitchen

Consider: If you love to cook, you may want to opt for a 6 burner stove or cooktop. Do you prefer gas or electric? When choosing your range or cooktop, there are stand alone options that usually have the controls at the back, or slide in options with the controls at the front. What kind of range hood do you prefer? An insert or a chimney hood? If you are a baker, double wall ovens may be the way to go. Refrigerators also widely vary in size and depth. You can get counter-depth options for a more built-in look, standard depth, or built-in appliances that can be covered with door fronts that match your cabinetry for a seamless look. Do you use your microwave a lot? You may want to invest in a built-in option. As you can see there are so many options available for appliances that factor into the overall design of your kitchen.

Materials 

The materials and finishes you select for your kitchen will ultimately dictate the look and feel of the room, but more importantly will determine the longevity of the space. You will want your new space to not only look good, but stand the test of time. Try to put in as many high quality materials as your budget allows.

(Below, quartz counters give the wow factor and are very durable)

Todays Designer Kitchens white-ice How to Design a Dream Kitchen

The vertical surfaces, or countertops, get the most wear and tear. We recommend splurging on stone or quartz countertops as they are the most durable option, HOWEVER laminate is still a great option that will keep the budget under control if you need to.

Also, choosing quality cabinets with high quality hinges will keep your kitchen looking fantastic and make it a joy to spend time in.

Wrap up: As you can see there are many factors involved in planning out your dream kitchen for your dream kitchen.

If you need help with a kitchen renovation, our highly experienced team at Today’s Designer Kitchens in St. Catharines would be pleased to assist.

Please fill out the form below for a free consultation and kitchen estimate today!

CONTACT US FOR A FREE KITCHEN ESTIMATE

Kitchen Design Trends for 2022

Todays Designer Kitchens Bermuda-white-and-midnight-blue-V2-2000x1200 Kitchen Design Trends for 2022

We love watching kitchen design trends for 2022 and incorporating them into the renovation projects we do  and here are some of our favourites!

Keep it Natural

The overall aesthetic of using natural elements has a lot of appeal. Natural elements such as wood-toned cabinetry, mixed metal hardware, and marble countertops pair together to bring this trend to life. With more and more people working from home permanently, it’s no surprise the choice of a design that will deliver a calm atmosphere is the go-to trend.

Below, this gorgeous Java kitchen is rich on style and oozes natural wood tones.

Todays Designer Kitchens Java-full-kitchen-image-scaled Kitchen Design Trends for 2022
Java Kitchen

Colour

White and black kitchens have dominated the market for many years and still have their place, however, colour has emerged as a new favorites. We are seeing bold bright shades and even deep, dark moody kitchens.

Shades of blue is a perfect example as seen below in the Midnight Blue cabinet collection.

Todays Designer Kitchens Slide4 Kitchen Design Trends for 2022

Sleek And Modern

Hidden pantries, integrated appliances, and sleek, clean countertops. The modern kitchen has been around for some time now but is leaning more towards the seamless and clean look for the new year. Accessorizing with clean hardware like this bronze single lever tap accentuates the clean style that many of our clients want in their kitchens!

Todays Designer Kitchens mix-300x291 Kitchen Design Trends for 2022

Vintage and Retro Vibes

Many of the kitchens we do can have a dramatic transformation by the accessories chosen during the finishing touches of the renovation.

For example, handles and lighting are fantastic ways to add a vintage or retro look to your space and yet easily changed out if you get tired of them down the road. 🙂

Below the classic Globe Lighting adds amazing ambience to this kitchen island.

Todays Designer Kitchens cropped-cropped-SSW-and-FG-kitchen-1-scaled-1-1-1024x614 Kitchen Design Trends for 2022

Below, these interesting gold tone handles put the wow factor in any cabinetry style.

Todays Designer Kitchens gold-handle Kitchen Design Trends for 2022

At Today’s Designer Kitchens, whether you are looking for a traditional style or an up-and-coming style, our team is at the cutting edge of the trends, the classics and giving you great advice.

We are here to help you choose the design that will work best in your space, and help make your kitchen renovation dreams a reality.

Please contact us for a FREE in home consultation today by filling out the form below OR call us M-F at: 905-641-2284

Contact Us

 

 

 

 

Why Choosing the Right Cabinetry is Important in a Kitchen Renovation

Todays Designer Kitchens scgnew Why Choosing the Right Cabinetry is Important in a Kitchen Renovation

Cabinets in a kitchen renovation are important as they set its design aesthetic and are key to its flawless functionality daily.

Design Aesthetic

First and foremost, deciding on what type of design you are looking for in the cabinets is a great start in the renovation process.

Colour will make the room appear larger or more cozy, door styles can be classic or more simplistic giving a room a modern edge and hardware always affects the design sense of cabinetry in a kitchen.

Below Step Shaker White cabinets with glass inserts completely brighten the look of this kitchen and makes it appear larger.

Todays Designer Kitchens P-37-SSW-kitchen-with-SCG-island-and-rangehood-2-1024x576 Why Choosing the Right Cabinetry is Important in a Kitchen Renovation

Below, darker wood cabinetry such as the Step Charcoal Grey below, for example, can embody a more traditional feel.

Todays Designer Kitchens SCG-modern-kitchen-view-3-1024x628 Why Choosing the Right Cabinetry is Important in a Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen Space and Cabinets

As a designer kitchen supplier, we know a great deal about how cabinets affect a kitchen space. One of the biggest parts of good kitchen design is about how you use the space, and it’s your kitchen cabinetry that dictates how much of it you have.

Everyone is different in how they use a kitchen and cabinet selection will vary as a result. For example, if you are a person who cooks a lot you may need extra prepping space, storage and cabinets. If you have a large family or entertain a lot you may want an extra large array of cabinets structured in an island.

When it comes to choosing your kitchen cabinets, too, there might be far more options than you first thought. Will it be freestanding, or wall-mounted? Do you have room for it to be recessed, or have you got the space to extend it all the way up to the ceiling?

Below, wall mounted Midnight Blue cabinets set a warm vibe to this kitchen. A small island with oven insert adds great function for a family.

Todays Designer Kitchens Small-midnight-blue-kitchen-1-1024x576 Why Choosing the Right Cabinetry is Important in a Kitchen Renovation

Whether it’s your floorspace or storage for your crockery and cutlery, the functionality of your kitchen is essentially based on the functionality of your cabinets, so it’s definitely not a quick decision.

Below, organization in this cabinetry keeps thing neat and easy to find in a kitchen.

Todays Designer Kitchens drawers-2022 Why Choosing the Right Cabinetry is Important in a Kitchen Renovation

WHAT DO YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS SAY ABOUT YOU?

If you’re thinking about redesigning your kitchen, your cabinetry is one of the first things you’ll need to think about.

If you are considering a renovation, our team at Today’s Designer Kitchens in St. Catharines would be pleased to offer you assistance in the design and creation of your new kitchen.

Please contact us for a no obligation quote at 905-641-2284 or contact us below and start the process of our full service peace of mind renovation process!

How to Improve Kitchen Workflow when Renovating

Todays Designer Kitchens kitchen-2022 How to Improve Kitchen Workflow when Renovating

One of the most important – and often overlooked – benefits of renovating a kitchen is the improved workflow that can come from a new design.

Although a kitchen can be a great place to entertain, its primary function is to make meals and this is where a well-executed workflow will come in handy. Here are our top ideas to make that happen!

  1. Make a Floor Plan

A spacious, well-thought out floor plan will help to create an ideal workspace for your kitchen. Some questions and things to consider when laying out your new kitchen floor plan include:

-How often do you plan to cook?
-What types of meal do you plan to prepare?
-Do the meals you cook the most require a lot of counter and prep space?
-Do you cook alone or with someone helping you?
-Are you short or do you struggle to reach items on high shelves?
-In addition to preparing meals, do you use your kitchen for entertaining, or other family gatherings?

With the answers to the questions, and the right kitchen contractor on the job, you can begin to form a kitchen floor plan that is not only efficient and functional but will work for you in all aspects of your life.

  1. Direct Traffic Away from the Work Area

One of the biggest problems in a kitchen workflow is foot traffic through the area where the primary work needs to be done. One of the most popular ways to help divert traffic is through the addition of an island or peninsula counter. Islands help to segregate the social areas of the kitchen from the work areas, while adding a decorative and functional element to the room.

Todays Designer Kitchens Small-midnight-blue-kitchen-1024x576 How to Improve Kitchen Workflow when Renovating
A Midnight Blue Kitchen Island by Today’s Designer Kitchens

A great option to consider for improving the workflow of a small kitchen is to add a mobile island (on casters) that can be moved into place when needed and stores away when not needed.

  1. Designate Work Zones

Once your floor plan and traffic areas have been laid out, you can begin to determine the best places for your work zones to reside. Areas for food preparation, cooking, and cleanup should be placed where they make the most sense to you and work with your cooking habits. This “work triangle” should be the starting point for incorporating other aspects of room, including breakfast bars, microwave areas and coffee stations.

Todays Designer Kitchens UKitchen How to Improve Kitchen Workflow when Renovating
A sample u shape kitchen workflow

The first thing you should consider is where you want your sink to be. Most people spend twice the amount of time at the sink as they do in from of the stove while preparing food. Something else to consider is the addition of second prep sink located in an island. This can help out greatly if you are a family or more then one cook. Talk to your kitchen contractor about ways to maximize your counter space and where it makes the most sense for your appliances to fit in.

  1. Regularly Used Items

Is your trashcan stored under your sink or against a wall in the line of traffic? If so, you may want to consider moving it.

Are your utensils and other kitchen items that you use regularly in an easy access space?

Todays Designer Kitchens drawers-2022 How to Improve Kitchen Workflow when Renovating

Consider adding dedicated pullout bins for trash and well placed drawers with compartments for other high use items in places that the workflow will not be interrupted.

  1. Create Snack Centers Outside of the Work Area

Another thing to consider when setting up your floor plan is your family’s occasional before meal snacking. While you can do your best to keep traffic out of the kitchen, if your refrigerator is located within your work zone you are bound to have grazers wondering in. Try placing the refrigerator at the end of a set of cabinets or near a door to keep snackers and browsers out from underfoot. If that’s not possible, consider installing a beverage refrigerator in an island facing out from your work zone.

Todays Designer Kitchens fog3 How to Improve Kitchen Workflow when Renovating
A Fog Grey kitchen has the fridge placed outside of the work zone for easy access
  1. Select Multitasking Appliances

Most kitchens today contain at least half a dozen appliances designed to make your life easier, while still taking up more and more counter space. If you are looking to simplify your kitchen without loosing any of the functionality of your appliances, you may want to consider multitasking appliances. Steam/convection ovens and microwave/convection ovens are two examples that combine function while downsizing space. Also consider storing your less frequently used appliance in a pantry or storage area instead of on the counter.

Wrap Up

Improved kitchen workflow can provide homeowners with a greater sense of happiness when it comes to preparing meals for themselves and their families. It creates an atmosphere of efficiency and can save time.

If you are considering a kitchen renovation, our build team will work with you to develop a highly efficient, functional and, of course, beautiful floor plan for your new kitchen. We design, supply and install everything for peace of mind renovations.

Contact us for a FREE home estimate today. Call 905-641-2284 or fill out a contact form online.

Important Questions to Ask Before Your Remodel the Kitchen

Todays Designer Kitchens Bermuda-white-and-midnight-blue-V1-2000x1200 Important Questions to Ask Before Your Remodel the Kitchen

A kitchen remodel can be a big undertaking so it is important to ask yourself some questions before you begin.

What are my goals?
What are you trying to accomplish with your kitchen renovation?

Are you looking to just update the look of your kitchen, or do you need to improve its functionality by perhaps altering the layout?

Todays Designer Kitchens fog1-1024x637 Important Questions to Ask Before Your Remodel the Kitchen
A Fog Grey Kitchen Renovation – Today’s Designer Kitchens

Thinking about what annoys you about your kitchen can be a good place to start, as well as how you wish to use the space. Most kitchen usage goals fall into one of three categories: Would you like to cook more, entertain more, or have areas designated for other use such as a desk for homework?

Also, be realistic: Do you truly need a full-on chef’s kitchen , or do you simply want a fresh look? Get laser-focused on your priorities, since this will affect how your entire kitchen renovation unfolds, including how much it costs.

What’s my budget?
Before you dive in and fall head over heels in love with pricey appliances or a new layout, know how much you can afford, then figure out where to allocate those dollars.

To help you zero in on what kind of kitchen reno you can afford, share a ballpark budget with a kitchen remodeler.

This can give you a good sense of what to do now and what might have to wait until later and remember that sometimes you can do stages to a remodel to assure you achieve your dreams when you and your budget are ready.

Where can I save money?
Many areas of a kitchen reno offer plenty of wiggle room, including the following:

Materials: Most of your material choices—such as cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and lighting—can vary greatly in price.

Layout: If you want to change your kitchen layout, you probably need a larger budget because electrical, water, and HVAC connections to support the appliances have to move, keeping the current layout is less costly.

Todays Designer Kitchens step-charcoal-grey Important Questions to Ask Before Your Remodel the Kitchen
Step Charcoal Grey Kitchen – Today’s Designer Kitchens

Appliances: How important are brand new appliances to you in your renovation? They cost a lot for the most updated models so figure out if that is something that is worth it to you. Great appliances do not have to be the latest ones. Buy slightly older products that save you money or fix up the ones you have are options if your kitchen goals align with that.

Do I have a contractor I trust ?
Before starting a kitchen remodel it is recommended that you get at least a couple of estimates in the research process.

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-YlZ5PJ-1024x683 Important Questions to Ask Before Your Remodel the Kitchen

In this way things like budget, strategies, time lines, etc can be reviewed and compared and you can have the confidence of moving forward with your project.

Having a contractor that you have good communication with from the beginning is also crucial to make sure things go smoothly. Renovating can be stressful but having a great contracting team will make all the difference.

A great local contractor will also have good supplier connections and ideas for your remodel which will not only save you money but decrease the stress level for your project.

Final Thoughts

If you are still in the thinking process of your kitchen renovation, our team at Today’s Designer Kitchens would be pleased to give you a no obligation in home estimate.

We specialize in full service kitchen renovations and service the entire Niagara Region.

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-300x103 Important Questions to Ask Before Your Remodel the Kitchen

The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide  a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-5 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284

Make Your Kitchen Look Bigger With These Tips

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-0miS94 Make Your Kitchen Look Bigger With These Tips

Here are some tips that will make any kitchen look bigger, because we may not all have the luxury of a massive kitchen, but we can definitely maximize the appearance of the space!

Cleanliness
Keep your kitchen clean. It sounds simple and it is with a little general tidying every day to keep on top of things.

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-SrFbws-1024x683 Make Your Kitchen Look Bigger With These Tips

When any room is dirty, it is hard to focus on anything else. Believe it or not, your kitchen will look bigger if it is really clean. And don’t forget the floor. No matter how clean the counters are, if the floor is dirty, then the whole kitchen looks dirty.

Clutter
Get rid of clutter. Any kitchen looks cramped when it is cluttered. Clear off the countertops, have nothing in the sink, and put away whatever is in the drying rack. Making the kitchen look sleek and minimalist will help to make it appear larger.

Todays Designer Kitchens P-37-SSW-kitchen-with-SCG-island-and-rangehood-2-1024x576 Make Your Kitchen Look Bigger With These Tips

Taking the time to put countertop appliances like kettles, cutlery and more away can also make a difference. Try creating some dedicated drawer space for these items so they are easy access but out of sight when not being used.

Design
There are a few design ideas that will help your kitchen look bigger. For example, in general, lighter colors expand the space and darker colors contract the same space.

Another tip is not to make the kitchen too “busy.” Too many patterns and textures will make the kitchen look crowded. Make sure your components go well together and don’t clash or compete for the eye. Similarly, you will want one focal point that draws the eye. Too many focal points will make the kitchen look crowded.

Todays Designer Kitchens Bermuda-white-and-midnight-blue-V2-683x1024 Make Your Kitchen Look Bigger With These Tips

If you are planning a new kitchen, definitely consider a kitchen professional to help you achieve harmony and rhythm in your design components. Once you have a good design, then keeping the kitchen clean and uncluttered will give you the polish that you want and the space will appear as large as possible.

Today’s Designer Kitchens in St. Catharines, is your source for everything kitchen when it comes to products, services and fantastic design. We take your project from start to finish including demolition, planning and installation.

Please contact us for a no-obligation quote and we will visit your home to provide you with a professional free estimate.

Is A Grey Kitchen Right for You?

Todays Designer Kitchens fog_grey_view_2 Is  A Grey Kitchen Right for You?

The popular trend for grey cabinets began in 2018 and contiunes today, so we will explore the colour to see if it’s right for you.

Get Away from Traditional

These days, a growing number of homeowners are shifting from traditional white or brown cabinetry into choosing grey color schemes in their kitchen because it is unique, neutral and adds a timeless sophistication to any home. If you are feeling like something new in the kitchen, grey may be just the thing you’re looking for.

Todays Designer Kitchens fog3 Is  A Grey Kitchen Right for You?
Fog Grey

Relaxing

Grey coloured kitchens form the backdrop for creating a sense of calm and tranquility in an otherwise busy space. The colour grey has an elegant and formal appeal which conforms well to any design scheme and because of its neutrality is easy to combine with other accents like paint colour, hardware, etc.

How to Pair Grey Cabinets with Accents

Todays Designer Kitchens SCG-modern-kitchen-view-2-1-1024x525 Is  A Grey Kitchen Right for You?
Step Shaker Charcoal Grey

Understanding how to properly mix and match your kitchen cabinetry with other elements is important for a good design outcome. Here are some ideas:


o Incorporate natural materials such as granite or marble countertops, wood or stone flooring or add simple touches of potted plants and flowers. The beauty of nature is a perfect way to infuse life, and natural accent into your grey kitchen.

o Combine your grey kitchen cabinets with a unique backsplash to spice things up. A backsplash such as the subway tiles, modern chevron, or a dot-patterned tile will create a fabulous sleek and modern design concept.

o Enhance your kitchen with rich textures of curtains and window treatments; this can soften and give a welcoming feeling into your grey kitchen.

o To add some subtle excitement, break up the upper and lower kitchen cabinetry by combining your grey cabinets with another neutral color such as white for the upper cabinets. By doing so, it will give your kitchen a high-end look and a feeling of luxury.

Todays Designer Kitchens cropped-cropped-SSW-and-FG-kitchen-1-scaled-1-1-1024x614 Is  A Grey Kitchen Right for You?
Step Shaker White

Lots of Flexibility with Hardware Colours

Todays Designer Kitchens london-fog Is  A Grey Kitchen Right for You?
London Fog

Silver is usually the most common and traditional hardware used with grey kitchen cabinetry, this works especially well with cooler grey tones kitchen cabinets.

Another stylish touch for grey kitchen cabinets is to add leather handles which can make even the off-the-shelf units look high-end.

Blue-grey kitchen cabinets looks elegant especially paired with metallic tone hardware like nickel or silver.

Dark grey kitchen cabinets are simply stunning when paired with a black finish handles and drawer pulls.

Practicality

One of the reasons why you would want to use grey cabinets is because the colour does not show dirt as white does. White cabinets have dominated the home design landscape for quite some time; however, grey cabinets tend to be a bit more forgiving.

Wrap Up

Grey is a fantastic and practical choice for a modern beautiful kitchen that blends well with almost any accents and is very forgiving to wear and tear.

Need advice in your kitchen renovation? Today’s Designer Kitchens offer free expert estimates and full service renovations in the Niagara area. Please contact us and we would be pleased to assist with your project.

Todays Designer Kitchens site-icon Is  A Grey Kitchen Right for You?

Today’s Designer Kitchens is a family owned company located in St. Catharines, ON that can expertly and affordably bring your home remodeling dreams to reality. We service the entire Niagara Region.

We specialize in the renovation, home improvements and kitchen and bath industries, providing top quality products and services at competitive prices.

We are committed to ensuring complete customer satisfaction with the service and quality we offer with a streamlined process and fast turnarounds times.

We provide free home estimates and undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges.

Do Dark Cabinets Work in Small Kitchens?

Todays Designer Kitchens espresso-w Do Dark Cabinets Work in Small Kitchens?
Todays Designer Kitchens espresso-w Do Dark Cabinets Work in Small Kitchens? Step Charcoal Grey Kitchen

Many of our clients love the trend of rich dark cabinetry, but are not sure if it can work in their smaller scale kitchen space.

Today we will talk about how dark colours can be a great choice, with a few considerations to keep in mind…

Light Accents

As seen in the main Step Charocoal Grey Kitchen above,  a fabulous beige based light granite counter top coupled with a matching tan wall paint make these dark cabinets stand out.

Add to that a creamy tiled floor and a neutral window dressing around the natural light source and you have a tight kitchen space that appears airy and light.

Todays Designer Kitchens Espresso-bar-1 Do Dark Cabinets Work in Small Kitchens?

Glass Doors and Open Shelves

Combining a solid wood cabinet with either glass inserts, shelves, or both adds dimension and interest to compact space and gives the illusion of space once again as seen in the Espresso Kitchen above.

Glass or open shelving further, allow the eye to see all the way back into the cabinet boxes – which adds at least a foot of extra “visual” space in cabinetry.

Todays Designer Kitchens 2-tone Do Dark Cabinets Work in Small Kitchens?

Create Contrast with a Two Tone Concept

Consider using light cabinets on top and the dark cabinets on the bottom.

This popular design trend leads the eye up, gives the illusion of height and still gives you a rich dark cabinetry that grounds your space on the bottom.

A stunning combination as seen above in our Step Charcoal Grey and Step Shaker White Collection above.

Thinking about renovating your small kitchen space?  We specialize in bringing your dream kitchen to life, on budget and on time.

Please contact our design centre for an estimate today!

Tips to Keel Your Kitchen Remodel Budget Friendly

Todays Designer Kitchens L-SHAPE-KITCHEN Tips to Keel Your Kitchen Remodel Budget Friendly

It’s exciting to start a kitchen remodel, but there are important things to consider when you want it to be as budget friendly as possible.

Keep the Existing Layout

Todays Designer Kitchens Small-midnight-blue-kitchen-1-1024x576 Tips to Keel Your Kitchen Remodel Budget Friendly
Midnight Blue

If you are happy enough with your kitchen’s existing footprint, leave it as is. Keeping your layout is one of the most effective ways to save money.

One of the biggest ways to drive up spending is by tearing down walls and reconfiguring the space, which usually requires expensive professionals to move plumbing and electrical work. Keep outside labour costs low and don’t shift the sink, lighting, and appliances without good reason.

Consider Cabinets

Todays Designer Kitchens cropped-cropped-SSW-and-FG-kitchen-1-scaled-1-1-1024x614 Tips to Keel Your Kitchen Remodel Budget Friendly
Step Shaker White

One of the biggest sticker shocks you can get with a kitchen renovation is selecting custom cabinets and in many cases they are unnecessary.

High quality Ready to Assemble (RTA) cabinetry in standard sizes, installed by a professional installer can look just as good as custom and save you lots of money.

Save on Appliances

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-bfkWR4-1024x683 Tips to Keel Your Kitchen Remodel Budget Friendly

New appliances make a kitchen renovation complete, but you can break the bank on them if you don’t shop wisely.

By doing your research, finding sales, taking advantage of package deals, and being open to purchasing older models or even open box products you can have budget friendly results and great products for your new kitchen.

Buy Your Hardware Online

Those pulls and cabinet handles are a gorgeous finishing touch on the cabinets, but can cost a fortune if you let them.

Figure out the size and style that you like and shop online for the biggest bang for your buck. You’ll be surprised what a little leg work can do for savings.

Consider materials that are Less Expensive but Look Great

Countertops are another feature in a kitchen renovation that can greatly increase the overall cost of the project.

Consider less costly options like laminate that have come a long way in the variety of styles that they offer with great durability.

Hire Kitchen Professionals

By hiring professional kitchen renovators, you can save time and money by getting expert advice on how to save money and you will also benefit from their contacts with local suppliers that they deal with regularly.

Bottom Line – A great looking kitchen does ot have to be an expensive one. Need assistance? Our team at Today’s Designer Kitchens would be pleased to assist and start the process with a FREE in home estimate in the Niagara Region.

Space Efficient Kitchen Design

Todays Designer Kitchens cropped-P-37-SSW-kitchen-with-SCG-island-and-rangehood-2-scaled-1 Space Efficient Kitchen Design

All great kitchens designs share a common characteristic—they are space-efficient.

If your kitchen isn’t well designed, every task, from cooking to cleaning to socializing, can be frustrating. Space-saving kitchens maximize the space you have and will look and function well.

If you are considering renovating your kitchen, now is the time to plan ahead and consider these design tips to maximize every inch that you have.

Increase Vertical Space.

Instead of building out, try building up. Consider stacked cabinets and/or tall cabinets. Glass inserts in cabinets can also add an illusion of space in a kitchen.

Consider hanging utensils, or wall-mounted spice and knife racks which use wall space instead of counter space which eliminates clutter.

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-0miS94-1024x686 Space Efficient Kitchen Design

Kitchen Island

Kitchen islands can add extra cabinetry, countertop space, preparation and cooking surfaces, etc. They can even house a second sink, oven, dishwasher, or whatever else you need. If you don’t have room for an island and don’t want to expand the space, you can always use a mobile island.

Todays Designer Kitchens Bermuda-white-and-midnight-blue-V1-1-1024x576 Space Efficient Kitchen Design

Two-tiered islands are also a consideration for a dining area option that could eliminate completely an extra dining table with chairs if desired, maximizing kitchen floor space.

Appliances

Buy quality appliances. More modern appliances tend to be more compact—not to mention more energy-efficient and attractive—and can help you save space in your kitchen.

Install a top-bottom fridge and freezer, not a side-by-side model. Side-by-side refrigerators and freezers not only are less energy-efficient, but they also take up more space.

Paint

Use light paint colours that will add airiness and space in perception of the room.

Whatever colour you do use, consider mimicking the cabinet colour from the top of the cabinet to the ceiling to create the illusion of height in the ceiling.

Lighting

Todays Designer Kitchens off-white-w-1024x768 Space Efficient Kitchen Design

Install bright white potlights in the ceiling with dimmers. Potlights bring the ceiling height up visually, are great for task lighting and can create ambient lighting when dimmed.

Chairs

Use chairs without arms. You may not think it, but using chairs without arms can save a lot of room around the kitchen table. These are especially helpful in small kitchens where space is extra tight.

Wrap Up

If you are considering a kitchen renovation, our expert team would be pleased to give you a no obligation quote. We design, supply and install in the Niagara Region.

Call: 905-641-2284 or fill out the contact form online for a quick response.

Contact Us!

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Todays Designer Kitchens site-icon Space Efficient Kitchen Design

Today’s Designer Kitchens is a family owned company located in St. Catharines, ON that can expertly and affordably bring your home remodeling dreams to reality. We service the entire Niagara Region.

We specialize in the renovation, home improvements and kitchen and bath industries, providing top quality products and services at competitive prices.

We are committed to ensuring complete customer satisfaction with the service and quality we offer with a streamlined process and fast turnarounds times.

We provide free home estimates and undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges.





Space Efficient Kitchen Design

Why Dark Kitchen Cabinets May Be a Great Choice for Your Kitchen

Todays Designer Kitchens Small-midnight-blue-kitchen-2000x1200 Why Dark Kitchen Cabinets May Be a Great Choice for Your Kitchen

Dark kitchen cabinets may be a great choice for your kitchen as they can offer coziness, elegance, drama and so much more so let’s discuss.

Ambience

A dark cabinet will give a kitchen an immediate contemporary and cozy feel. Inky surfaces, like the ones in this elegant kitchen (main picture our newest Midnight Blue Collection), help enclose the space slightly to create an intimate feel.

Hides Imperfections

A dark surface can be more forgiving than a light one and won’t instantly show scuffs and stains. This makes dark cabinetry especially useful in busy households and will minimize cleaning time on a daily basis.

Contrasts Perfectly with White

If you’re going for a white countertop or white cabinetry for accents, contrasting it with a dark shade will have the most striking effect and makes the style of this kitchen pop as pictured below.

(Midnight Blue Cabinetry paired with Bermuda White Cabinetry).

Todays Designer Kitchens Bermuda-white-and-midnight-blue-V1-1024x576 Why Dark Kitchen Cabinets May Be a Great Choice for Your Kitchen

Luxury Finishes Blend well with Dark Cabinets

Dark colors look beautiful with metallic finishes, such as brass and copper, as this space by Today’s Designer Kitchens below illustrates. The dark blue cabinets complement, rather than clash with the brass and the two surfaces are wonderfully balanced, giving this room a feeling of understated luxury.

Todays Designer Kitchens midnight-blue-1 Why Dark Kitchen Cabinets May Be a Great Choice for Your Kitchen

Overall Style Appeal

For a dose of sophistication, you can’t beat dark cabinetry. Moody colors give a grown-up feel that can make a space feel seriously chic and unique.

Todays Designer Kitchens Bermuda-white-and-midnight-blue-V2-683x1024 Why Dark Kitchen Cabinets May Be a Great Choice for Your Kitchen

Wrap Up

If you are considering a kitchen renovation and love the warmth that a dark cabinet can add to the space, why not consider this beautiful alternative to the usual go-to white?

If you need assistance in getting your dream kitchen in motion, please call our expert team at Today’s Designer Kitchens for a FREE home estimate. One call does it all: 905-641-2284 OR fill out a contact form online below for a quick response.

ABOUT US

Todays Designer Kitchens cropped-Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-e1613237308173 Why Dark Kitchen Cabinets May Be a Great Choice for Your Kitchen

Today’s Designer Kitchens is a family owned company located in St. Catharines, ON that can expertly and affordably bring your home remodeling dreams to reality. We service the entire Niagara Region.

We specialize in the renovation, home improvements and kitchen and bath industries, providing top quality products and services at competitive prices.

We are committed to ensuring complete customer satisfaction with the service and quality we offer with a streamlined process and fast turnarounds times.

We provide free home estimates and undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges.

  • Phone
    905-641-2284
  • Address
    239 Carlton Street
    St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1
  • www.todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

Kitchen Islands – Should You Get One?

Todays Designer Kitchens fog3 Kitchen Islands - Should You Get One?

Kitchen décor trends come and go and the kitchen island is one trend that has remained popular over many years, so should you should get one if you’re renovating?

While they’re undeniably aesthetically pleasing, the kitchen island’s versatility has kept it front and center.

The kitchen island provides extra counter space and hidden storage, plus, thanks to its location in the center of your kitchen, islands offer a seamless convenience L-shaped layouts or peninsula countertops can’t match making working in a kitchen so much easier.

Below, a Step Charcoal Grey Island is paired with White Cabinets by Today’s Designer Kitchens.

Todays Designer Kitchens sswnew Kitchen Islands - Should You Get One?

The social function of an island is also an appealing aspect to consider as kids love to do homework on them, folks love to congregate around them and they add another eating space to your home which is never a bad thing.

Got a lot of kitchen gadgets? Any island with some power in it could be just the thing to add a little extra counter space for those.

Below, a Fog Grey Island with wine racks pairs beautifully with these Step Shaker White cabinets by Today’s Designer Kitchens.

Todays Designer Kitchens SSW-and-FG-kitchen-2-683x1024 Kitchen Islands - Should You Get One?

Islands can also hold cabinets and drawers, tuck away small appliances from eye level, carry electrical outlets as mentioned, and hide a mini- or wine fridge.

Bottom Line: Whether you are looking to infuse the latest trends into your kitchen or simply want to make the most of your space, one thing’s for sure: A great kitchen island won’t go out of style and their enduring popularity will add value to your home.

Not sure where to start in your kitchen renovation? That is our specialty. We design, supply and install kitchens in Niagara Region from start to finish. For a complimentary estimate please call us at: 905-641-2284 or fill out the form for a quick response.

ABOUT US

Todays Designer Kitchens cropped-Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-e1613237308173 Kitchen Islands - Should You Get One?

Today’s Designer Kitchens is a family owned company located in St. Catharines, ON that can expertly and affordably bring your home remodeling dreams to reality. We service the entire Niagara Region.

We specialize in the renovation, home improvements and kitchen and bath industries, providing top quality products and services at competitive prices.

We are committed to ensuring complete customer satisfaction with the service and quality we offer with a streamlined process and fast turnarounds times.

We provide free home estimates and undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges.

  • Phone
    905-641-2284
  • Address
    239 Carlton Street
    St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Wall Removals and Kitchen Design

Todays Designer Kitchens SSW-and-FG-kitchen-1-scaled Wall Removals and Kitchen Design

Have you ever thought about removing a wall in your kitchen so that you could maximize its functionality and design?

You are not alone and that is why we are going to discuss one of the most popular aspects of a renovation that comes our way in kitchen projects and that is the removal of walls.

It may sound like a big deal, but it really is not when you consider all the benefits that a wall removal could bring to your every day life.

During a kitchen remodel, one of the most important areas you will think about is the floor plan. It influences everything from construction costs to how you spend time with your family. To build a larger kitchen design, where you have room to move and the family has room to move about the space freely, consider removing a wall between the kitchen and an adjoining living room or dining room.

This creates an open floor plan, which allows you keep everyone together, while giving yourself some extra space. Open floor plans produce a modern vibe, where each room flows into the next.

An open floor plan will:

MAKE YOUR SPACE LOOK AND FEEL LARGER.
While open floor plans work in any size home, it is particularly good for smaller houses, as removing a wall or two opens up the space. No matter the size of your home, removing a wall will give your space a more open, airy feel.

ALLOW YOU TO KEEP AN EYE ON THE KIDS.
In your new kitchen design, you can cook dinner and perform other household chores, while the kids are in the same room.

INCREASE NATURAL SUNLIGHT.
With fewer walls, the sun can now permeate through the house.

Todays Designer Kitchens fog_grey_view_2-1024x638 Wall Removals and Kitchen Design

MAKE YOU A BETTER ENTERTAINER!
Now, you can easily converse with your guests without tripping over them and without feeling like you’re missing interesting conversations.

INCREASE THE RESALE VALUE OF YOUR HOME.
Adding an open floor plan as part of a kitchen remodel is increasingly popular and can boost your home’s value when it’s time for you to sell.

Before you get going on your kitchen renovation, here are a few things you need to know before you remove a wall:

CONFIRM THE WALL ISN’T LOAD BEARING.
Walls always separate spaces, but sometimes they bear weight from above and are vital your house’s structural integrity. Load bearing walls can be removed, but a beam must be installed to support the load, which will add to your kitchen remodeling costs and construction time.

CERTAIN WALLS MAY BE THERE FOR A REASON.
Walls were created for other reasons than to bear loads. Before you take down all the walls, think about how sound and smell will travel in an open floor plan, and consider your energy and privacy needs.

SOMETIMES, WALLS HIDE THINGS.
All of your utilities run through the wall – electrical, plumbing, cable, and telephone. If the wall you’re looking to remove contains utilities, they will have to be contained somewhere else.

While constructing open floor plans comes with some obstacles, it is worth it to the overall value of your home and comfort level.

If you are planning a kitchen renovation of any kind, our expert team would be happy to provide you a free consultation. We design, supply and install for less with a quick turnaround.

Please call us: 905-641-2284 OR fill out the contact form for a quick response.

Safely Renovating During COVID-19

Todays Designer Kitchens SSW-and-FG-kitchen-1-scaled Safely Renovating During  COVID-19

As COVID-19 has a lot of us spending time at home on a regular basis, you may have been considering the value of updating your surroundings but are unsure about the safety of renovating in these times.

Most of our area is in a current lockdown, however renovations have been proceeding prior to this and will likely resume shortly when things open up so we will discuss this topic today as it is one that is on the minds of many of our customers.

Todays Designer Kitchens P-37-SSW-kitchen-with-SCG-island-and-rangehood-2-1024x576 Safely Renovating During  COVID-19
A Step Shaker White and Charcoal Grey Kitchen by Today’s Designer Kitchens

The “Safety First” approach to remodeling
You are like many other homeowners who wonder if it is safe to remodel your home during a pandemic. Just the way other businesses are evolving to address the security needs of their clients, the remodeling industry is no exception. Once the pandemic was declared, Today’s Designer Kitchens put a process in place to improve the safety measures to ensure the health of clients, employees, and contractors. This policy took into account local and national governmental guidelines for safe business practices.

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-Is3EDO-1024x683 Safely Renovating During  COVID-19

Here are a few of the options we offer to keep it safe for our clients:

-limiting the number of contractors on site at one time

-wearing masks on the job

-disinfecting the work area

-creating barriers between the renovation area and the rest of the home space

-dedicating entrances to the work crew when possible

-maintaining social distancing to ensure the homeowner and crew are safe.

-offering virtual options for communication and estimates

Is now the right time to remodel your kitchen or another part of your home?
You have to be comfortable in your own home. A renovation in “normal” times is challenging enough. The good news is that innovative design/build companies that want to serve their clients are taking precautions and creating new ways to ensure families have peace of mind to proceed with a renovation and are safe during these times.

Todays Designer Kitchens P-42-lower-SSW-SCG-combo-laundry-set-1024x576 Safely Renovating During  COVID-19
A laundry renovation by Today’s

All of this being said, now is a perfect time to line up a professional design/build company for that kitchen renovation if you are comfortable with a project going on with safety protocols in place.

We can’t stress enough that if you are considering a renovation in the near future, making plans to start now by contacting us by email or phone is a great way to get ahead of the line ups that always occur when the pandemic restrictions subside.

Final Thoughts

There are opportunities to make a kitchen renovation (or any renovation) happen during the coronavirus. Doing so can improve your living environment so it is more enjoyable for you and your family, which is vital these days when you are spending more time at home. Mitigating health risk is something that the best renovation companies are taking seriously. Understanding the company’s health and safety policies is crucial to the health and well-being as you move forward with a renovation project to achieve the kitchen of your dreams.

Please contact us to find out more by calling: 905-641-2284 or filling out a form online.

Classic Kitchens are Back

Todays Designer Kitchens P38-AW-kitchen-set-scaled Classic Kitchens are Back
Todays Designer Kitchens P38-AW-kitchen-set-1024x576 Classic Kitchens are Back
Picture above: an Antique White Kitchen by Today’s Designer Kitchens

The classic or traditional style kitchen is a popular trend we are seeing in renovations now so we are going to explore what that is and why it may be a good choice for your household.

In the last few years, modern, all-white kitchens were a thing, but their popularity has shifted to classic kitchens that give off more of an inviting feel with a timeless appeal.

Todays Designer Kitchens SSW-and-FG-kitchen-2-683x1024 Classic Kitchens are Back
A Step Shaker White and Fog Grey Cabinet Combo by Today’s Designer Kitchens

Given that the kitchen tends to be the focal point of one’s home, it should be functional but also warm and homey. With classic-style kitchens, it’s all about details which can include things like built in wine racks, unique handles, shaker style cabinets and glass-pane cabinet panels.

Integrating the trend: Opting for shaker style cabinets is a great starting point. You can also consider brass handles or knobs for the cabinetry.

With classic kitchens, we typically see rich colours as well like a classic walnut or if you like the brightness of white, choosing a shade that is off white or creamy white.

Todays Designer Kitchens Walnut-kitchen-1-1-1024x626 Classic Kitchens are Back
Walnut Kitchen by Today’s

Classic kitchens also look great with traditional countertop choices. Marble is a great choice on the higher end of the price point spectrum, however we also install a lot of laminate that is made to look like a classic marble, but comes in at a much lower price point. White is the go-to for a classic look.

Todays Designer Kitchens laminate-1024x768 Classic Kitchens are Back
A laminate counter top (Calcutta Marble)

Other Accessories

Tile: When it comes to a backsplash tile in a classic kitchen, a simple white subway tile looks fantastic, but also comes in many shades if you prefer and ultimately is a great budget choice.

Lighting: Warm lighting and pendants give off a great glow to a classic kitchen’s ambience.

Paint Colour: Soft neutral tones do best in a classic style. We do a lot of off white, but pale greens and greige (beige and grey combined) are also a very popular choice right now.

Floors: Porcelain tile is a very durable kitchen floor choice and also comes in a great deal of styles that will complement a traditional kitchen and leave you with years of long lasting beauty. Wood floors are less durable, but also a classic and gorgeous choice.

Personal Details: A traditional kitchen can be a great backdrop to showcase your favourite dishes, vases, ornaments, you get the idea.

Todays Designer Kitchens P-37-SSW-kitchen-with-SCG-island-and-rangehood-2-1024x576 Classic Kitchens are Back
A classic Step Shaker White Kitchen with Glass Panels by Today’s Designer Kitchens

Flexibility

Traditional kitchens are ultimately a great choice because they are chameleons. You can take the same kitchen and completely change its look by mixing in modern bar stools or lighting, or industrial bar stools and lighting, or traditional — you get the idea.

Final Thoughts

The traditional kitchen is a fantastic choice of style for most households and will never go out of style.

At Today’s Designer Kitchens we have a kitchen for every taste and budget and would love to assist you in making your kitchen an amazing space in your home.

It all starts with a no obligation quote by filling out a form online.

We look forward to hearing from you and making 2021 the year of your dream kitchen!

Corian, Quartz or Granite? Which is the Best for Your Kitchen?

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-bfkWR4 Corian, Quartz or Granite? Which is the Best for Your Kitchen?
Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-bfkWR4-1024x683 Corian, Quartz or Granite? Which is the Best for Your Kitchen?

Corian, Quartz and Granite have become three of the most popular countertops for our customers lately, but which is the best for you and your kitchen?

Comparing Kitchen Countertop Options
Quartz, granite and Corian® solid surfaces can be transformed into a range of countertop shapes and sizes to accommodate almost any kitchen space.

In terms of functionality and style, each one offers slightly different benefits including appearance, durability, maintenance and overall value.

Seamless Corian solid surface, made from an advanced mixture of natural minerals and pure acrylic polymer can be installed with no visible seams which looks amazing.

Natural Granite is the top contender for style in terms of organic color and pattern. As a naturally occurring stone, minerals settle into each beautifully unique slab of granite, so every countertop is an original work of art.

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-MvOq35-1024x688 Corian, Quartz or Granite? Which is the Best for Your Kitchen?

Colours All three countertop material options offer a variety in colour. If you prefer a wider range of colours, corian solid surface and quartz are great options since they are both manufactured using man-made pigments and recycled materials.

Durability

Quartz is virtually indestructible and requires no sealing or special cleaning. Both quartz and Corian solid surfaces are non-porous, stain-resistant and extremely sanitary. Granite is also durable, but can still be prone to cracking, fissures and staining. And granite requires simple, but regular, sealing to maintain.

Eco-Friendly

If eco-friendly materials and design in your home is important to you, here’s how each countertop material stacks up:

Quartz countertops are ultra-durable and slabs contain one of earth’s most prolific minerals, as well as pre- and post-consumer recycled content. They last pretty much forever.

Todays Designer Kitchens fireclay Corian, Quartz or Granite? Which is the Best for Your Kitchen?

Corian is not only durable, but repairable too. Because they are man-made, solid surfaces are don’t require the level of mining to produce, They also are easier to maintain than a lot of other materials too.

Granite is a natural product, and must be carefully mined and transported to avoid damage, which makes granite the lowest-tier option in terms of sustainability.

Todays Designer Kitchens Walnut-kitchen-3-1-1024x623 Corian, Quartz or Granite? Which is the Best for Your Kitchen?

Budget

In terms of overall price in today’s market, here is how these materials compare:

Quartz is usually the more expensive option, per square foot.

Corian is usually the in between price point and granite tends to be the least expensive material of the three, (with the exception of standard, solid-color Corian).


Wrap Up: Don’t forget, these three countertop surfaces are not your only options. Many of our customers love laminate which is very durable, cost effect and absolutely gorgeous with many style options available.

If you need a new countertop, kitchen cabinets or anything in between, our team at Today’s Designer Kitchens are experienced professionals with all aspects of a renovation and would be happy to give you a FREE in home estimate for your kitchen in the Niagara Region.

Call us at 905-641-2284 or filll out the contact form for a quick response.

Stay safe and well everyone!

Top Kitchen Reno Tips to Try in Your Home!

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-0miS94 Top Kitchen Reno Tips to Try in Your Home!
Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-0miS94-1024x686 Top Kitchen Reno Tips to Try in Your Home!

If you are thinking about renovating your kitchen, here are our top tips to try in your home that are guaranteed to give you the most bang for your buck.

There are certain details in your kitchen that you just need to get right. Simple mistakes can cost you hundreds of dollars and affect the ultimate look of your kitchen space so here are some very practical ideas to consider.

CONSIDER UPLIGHTING
If you are looking for suitable lighting solutions for your cabinetry, this is an excellent choice. With uplighting, you tend to create a source of ambient lighting that beautifies the space. This type of lighting works for kitchens that don’t have cabinetry that goes up the ceiling. It’s a nice way to give the kitchen a nice mood and warmth.

INSTALL ISLAND PENDANTS
Pendant lighting in kitchens will never go out of style. The reason why it works so beautifully in kitchen islands is because it is both practical and adds aesthetic value. For pendant lighting to work in your kitchen, you must ensure it is installed properly. The ideal height for the pendant lights is 30 to 40 inches above the island countertop. As a rule of thumb, try not to measure the height of pendant lights from the ceiling and instead measure it from the countertop. This is because ceiling heights vary considerably and this can make a huge difference on how the pendant lighting appears.

INSTALL THE MICROWAVE CORRECTLY
One major mistake that homeowners make when renovating their kitchens is placing the microwave too low or too high. A good height would be 48 inches above the floor. This will ensure the appliance is easy to reach and also complement the rest in the kitchen.

INSTALL A CEILING RANGE HOOD
You don’t have to go the traditional way and place a hood over the island. In fact, if you don’t want the range hood area near your cooktop to be the kitchen’s focal point, consider installing a ceiling hood. Ceiling hoods open up the space and give other elements like your beautiful backsplash an opportunity to stand out more.

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-8FQkR1-1024x679 Top Kitchen Reno Tips to Try in Your Home!

GET AN OVERSIZE HOOD
A larger range hood comes with two important advantages. For a start, it can help you to capture the odor and grease much better than a regularly sized hood. Secondly, it tends to open up the space visually by increasing the space between the hood and the cabinets. Simply choose a design you like for your range hood and go for a size that is larger than your range or cooktop.

CHOOSE A NEW BAR STOOL STYLE
The extra details such as your kitchen’s bar stools can make a big difference in its overall look. If you plan on sharing meals on the island, a bar stool with a back would do just fine. With proper back support, you should be able to comfortably enjoy a meal or do homework on the kitchen island.

With every kitchen renovation , consider details like these that count. Make sure you work out a budget beforehand and start planning for the renovation way in advance.

If you live in the Niagara Region and need assistance with your kitchen renovation be it big or small, our team at Today’s Designer Kitchens would be pleased to assist in every way and it all starts with a FREE in home estimate by calling us at 289-641-2284 or filling out the form HERE.

About Today’s Designer Kitchens

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-1024x350 Top Kitchen Reno Tips to Try in Your Home!

We are a full service kitchen design, supply and installation team located in St. Catharines, ON.

We specialize in high quality, low priced kitchen solutions with a fast turnaround time.

Our showroom is open 9-5 pm M-F located at 239 Carlton Street Unit#1, St. Catharines.

Phone: 905-641-2284

Email: info@todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

UNDERMOUNT SINKS – Pros and Cons

Todays Designer Kitchens undermount-sink UNDERMOUNT SINKS - Pros and Cons
Todays Designer Kitchens undermount-sink UNDERMOUNT SINKS - Pros and Cons

If you are remodeling the kitchen you will need to choose a sink and an undermount style is a popular choice so today we will examine its pros and cons.

Traditional kitchen sinks drop in and rest on top of the counter. However, undermount sinks — a growing trend in the last few years — sit under the countertop’s surface, creating a continuous flow from countertop to sink.

Pro: Undermount Sinks Are Clean

Seamless looks are in and look sleek and modern. Undermount sinks attach to the underside of the countertop. Because of this, there’s no raised edge or lip on the top of the counter, where food and debris might collect so they are easier to clean and keep clean.

Con: Undermount Sinks Can Fail if Installed Incorrectly

Professional installation is vital in an undermount sink. That means clips or straps need to be part of the process not just silicone.

The proper way to install an undermount sink involves screwing it into the countertop to properly secure the sink. Failure to mount the kitchen sink properly could result in it dropping. An effect that can happen gradually over time.

Pro: Undermount Sinks are Desirable for Resale

The undermount style has surged in popularity and are often seen as a premium to homebuyers . If you are thinking about selling your home in the near future, an undermount sink is a good investment for resale.

Con: Undermount Price

Undermount sinks can be more expensive than drop ins. That being said there are a wide variety of price options that are available.

Pro: Undermount Faucet Placement

Faucets can be conveniently placed in any location with undermount sinks. Many don’t come with pre-drilled holes like overmount sinks usually do, which allows you to place the faucet in the most convenient location.

Wrap Up

Undermount sinks are all the rage right now, but they also are very practical for a kitchen no matter what your budget.

If you are in need of a kitchen makeover and need some expert advice our team at Today’s Designer Kitchens would be pleased to give you a free in-home estimate.

We specialize in kitchen solutions from floor to ceiling for every homeowner and every budget with a fast turnaround.

Renovating a Kitchen for Resale – Top Tips to Sell Your Home

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-rQVxSz Renovating a Kitchen for Resale - Top Tips to Sell Your Home
Todays Designer Kitchens kitchen-2174593_640 Renovating a Kitchen for Resale - Top Tips to Sell Your Home

The real estate market is still hot right now and renovating a dated kitchen properly will help sell your home for top dollar so here are our top tips.

Simplicity

Keep the style and color scheme very simple. Neutral countertops, cabinets, floors, backsplashes and appliances are the best way to go.

Soft colours including whites, greys and cream are ideal and will appeal to the largest population of buyers PLUS make the most of a space making it appear bright and spacious.

Avoid eclectic styling choices even if they are appealing to yourself personally. This includes accents like lighting, hardware and tile choices.

Keep Decent Appliances

If the foundation of your kitchen looks great , slightly dated but functional appliances can often be kept as buyers can see beyond them and ultimately are viewed as an easy fix to replace.

Keeping your existing appliances can save a great deal of money and ultimately if you do want to change them consider purchasing upgrades that are used which can save thousands of dollars.

Talk to Your Local Pros

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-YlZ5PJ-1024x683 Renovating a Kitchen for Resale - Top Tips to Sell Your Home

Ask a local real estate agent about kitchen must-haves in your neighborhood for kitchens according to the feedback that they have received from buyers. Find out what attracts buyers, and what repels them. A little research can go a long way to ensure you spend money only where you need to.

Get Economical Cabinetry

You can spend a lot on cabinetry and luxury features, but is it worth it for resale? Generally, no. Don’t cheap out, but avoid the highest end items and features.

Todays Designer Kitchens Bermuda-Kitchen-1024x576 Renovating a Kitchen for Resale - Top Tips to Sell Your Home

Open Concept Still Highly Desirable

Open up the space. If you have a larger budget for your kitchen renovation and your floor plan is one that doesn’t allow the kitchen to flow to other spaces in the home, it could be worth your while to knock out a wall because open concept kitchens are still highly desirable for most buyers.

Granite is a Hit

Go for granite if you can swing it. No matter the price range of your home, buyers want to see granite countertops and it sells kitchens as well as elevates the entire look of the room.

Wrap Up

If you are selling and you have a dated kitchen, any upgrades will see a positive return on your investment, but spending a bit more and doing it right will make your home stand out, attract more buyers and sell your property for top dollar.

At Today’s Designer Kitchens in St. Catharines, we have assisted many sellers in upgrading their kitchen for resale purposes.

We welcome you to contact us for a free in home estimate to find out more about our economical beautiful kitchen solutions with speedy turnaround times.

About Today’s Designer Kitchens

We are a full service kitchen design, supply and installation team located in St. Catharines, ON.

We specialize in high quality, low priced kitchen solutions with a fast turnaround time.

Our showroom is open 9-5 pm M-F located at 239 Carlton Street Unit#1, St. Catharines.

Phone: 905-641-2284

Email: info@todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

Fall is the BEST Time to Renovate the Kitchen – Here’s Why…

Todays Designer Kitchens open-concept Fall is the BEST Time to Renovate the Kitchen - Here's Why...
Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-K1mcH9-1024x678 Fall is the BEST Time to Renovate the Kitchen - Here's Why...
Fall Renovation

Many homeowners believe that summer is the best time of the year for a renovation project, but, the reality is that fall is actually the best time to remodel the kitchen. Here’s why:

The Weather is Ideal

While you may find it a little chilly, most contractors prefer to undertake kitchen renovation projects in the autumn due to its optimal weather conditions. Summer is too hot, winter is too cold, and spring is too rainy – fall is just right! In fact, fall conditions are ideal for installing wood or tile flooring which are affected by temperature.

The temperature also is ideal for cabinetry and any materials that are affected by expansion and contraction due to the climate.

Todays Designer Kitchens antique-white-kitchen Fall is the BEST Time to Renovate the Kitchen - Here's Why...
CLASSIC STYLE – An Antique White Kitchen by Today’s Designer Kitchens

Contractor Demand is Generally Less

Because many renovate in the warmer months, demand for products and contractor services is generally less meaning a faster turnaround for most projects. Your renovation time will likely be cut in half by renovating in the fall.

Todays Designer Kitchens espresso-w Fall is the BEST Time to Renovate the Kitchen - Here's Why...
Step Charcoal Grey Kitchen by Today’s Designer Kitchens

You’re Spending More Time At Home

With colder temperatures comes more time indoors and dinners around the kitchen table. Getting a project completed during the fall means your home is ready to enjoy during the season ahead when you will be spending more time inside.

Todays Designer Kitchens Bermuda-Kitchen-1024x576 Fall is the BEST Time to Renovate the Kitchen - Here's Why...
SIMPLE MINIMALIST STYLE – A Bermuda White Kitchen by Today’s Designer Kitchens

The Holidays Are Approaching

If your kitchen is no longer pulling its’ weight and isn’t as functional as it once was, fall is the perfect season to remodel your kitchen and get you ready for the holiday season and entertaining. PLUS, you’ll get to start the new year off with a fresh new kitchen space.

Wrap Up

If you are considering renovating the kitchen, now is an excellent time to take advantage of the fall season.

The team at Today’s Designer Kitchens located in St. Catharines will be happy to guide you during all the steps of your project to ease your mind throughout the project. Do not hesitate to contact our team and get a quote for your renovation work.

We specialize in beautiful and affordable kitchens with a one call does it all approach . From floor to ceiling we’ve got you covered in your kitchen renovation! For inspiration check out our collections HERE.

It all starts with a FREE in home consultation. Please call us at 905-641-2284 or fill out the form below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Contact Us

8 Reasons To Redo Your Kitchen

Todays Designer Kitchens step-shaker-white 8 Reasons To Redo Your Kitchen
Todays Designer Kitchens step-shaker-white 8 Reasons To Redo Your Kitchen
Step Shaker White Kitchen – Today’s Designer Kitchens

If your kitchen isn’t working for you consider these 8 factors that may be reason for you to consider a redo in this important space once and for all.

SMALL FIXES HAVEN’T WORKED OUT

Maybe you’ve tried repainting cabinets, replacing hardware, or switching up appliances. Or, you could have tried smaller jobs like painting the walls or buying new window treatments. If whatever you have tried isn’t doing the trick, considering putting an end to spending on the little things and instead making an investment that will cost more but in the long run give you so much more back.

WORKFLOW

Todays Designer Kitchens scggalley 8 Reasons To Redo Your Kitchen
GOOD WORKFLOW – A Step Charcoal Grey Galley Kitchen – Today’s Designer Kitchens

Tripping over yourself or others in the kitchen space? Not able to easily access what you need while cooking or entertaining? Your kitchen may not be set up ideally for you — time to consider a refresh when the layout is not working for your needs.

OUTDATED AND OUT OF OPTIONS

At some point a kitchen not only looks dated, but because of its age it does not function optimally. Think cupboards that don’t open and close effectively, appliances that have issues, lighting that is dim and dated in appearance. All these aspects may indicate that a renovation would be a wise choice aesthetically and functionally.

VALUE

A well-done kitchen renovation will add value to your home if you sell AND add value to your everyday life as long as you live there. Think about it, you are in your kitchen every day, that alone means there’s a lot of value to you personally in investing in a renovation.

SPACE

Todays Designer Kitchens Bermuda-Kitchen-1024x576 8 Reasons To Redo Your Kitchen
SMALL CAN BE BEAUTIFUL – Bermuda White Kitchen Install by Today’s Designer Kitchens

Even if you’re keeping the same square footage, a renovation can add more space! Through improved cabinetry, better appliances, and careful planning, you will find you have much more room.

CHANGE IS IN THE WIND

Kids leaving home? Parent moving in? If you’re experiencing a life change your house may need to change too, and that includes your kitchen.

TECHNOLOGY

There have been countless improvements and innovations in kitchen technology from appliances to lighting to cabinetry.

LED lights mean no more replacing lightbulbs plus energy efficiency.

5 Star Energy Rated Appliances also mean more energy efficiency.

Taps with water flow technology mean less water can be used.

Cupboards with soft close hinges and durable HDF materials will look amazing and last for longer than ever in a kitchen.

A NEW KITCHEN IS MORE ECONOMICAL THAN IT EVER WAS

Kitchen Cabinetry which was once extremely cost prohibitive is now mass manufactured and made of a variety of materials that brings the cost down significantly while maintaining a high end look and functionality.

When you work with an experienced kitchen renovation company your costs will be further minimized because they are able to buy in bulk, know how to customize stock cabinetry for any space and have access to surplus materials on hand which will save time and money on a renovation project.

Overall there are lots of reasons why remodeling a kitchen is something to consider. If you need assistance our team at Today’s Designer Kitchens would be happy to answer your questions or even come to your home for a free in home consultation and quote.

We design, supply and install everything for less. Call 905-641-2284 or fill out the form below.

GET A FREE QUOTE NOW

Hardwood Floors in the Kitchen – The Right Choice for You?

Todays Designer Kitchens fog_grey_view_2 Hardwood Floors in the Kitchen - The Right Choice for You?
Todays Designer Kitchens fog_grey_view_2-1024x638 Hardwood Floors in the Kitchen - The Right Choice for You?
A Fog Grey Kitchen with Hardwood Floors/Today’s Designer Kitchens

If you are renovating a kitchen, you may be considering the popular choice of hardwood floors, but are they right for you?

Hardwood flooring has become increasingly a popular choice in a kitchen remodel and creates a gorgeous look but there are some key considerations before choosing it over other flooring products so let’s explore.

The Pros of Hardwood:

-looks great

-can be refinished

-increases home value

-softer, warmer than tile

-can be reasonably priced

-can usually be installed quicker than traditional flooring like tiles

The Cons of Hardwood:

-susceptible to water damage, scratches, dents

-higher maintenance

-hard for DIYers to install

-can be expensive

Not all Hardwoods are Created Equal

If you have decided to install hardwood, note that oak, maple, and cherry, are the most durable. Softwoods, such as pine, will dent—even if treated with a penetrating finish.

Also, lighter colours will often be more forgiving than darker colours when it comes to dirt. Patterns in the wood also help naturally camoflauge daily use.

Tough Enough?

When treated right, hardwood floors last a lifetime. But beware of pets’ claws and high heels, never leave standing water, and consider window treatments to limit sunlight.

How to Clean:

Wipe up spills immediately. Sweep, dust, or vacuum regularly and occasionally wipe the surface with a damp mop or cloth. Avoid oil-based sprays, waxes, and polishes, as well as abrasive cleansers.

Good Alternatives

Luxury Vinyl Planks are one of our top products that we sell to our customers that want the look of a hardwood floor but need something that is water-moisture-mold-and mildew resistant, as well as impervious to stains and more cost effective.

Todays Designer Kitchens tarkett-1024x576 Hardwood Floors in the Kitchen - The Right Choice for You?
Tarkett Cerused Oak Powder Luxury Planks / Today’s Designer Kitchens

Final Thoughts

Hardwood flooring is a good choice for your kitchen if you can afford it, are willing to be diligent about caring for it, and want the appeal of a natural flooring material.

It will be a less successful choice if you have a busy, messy family and are on a tight budget in which case an alternative like luxury vinyl may be worth considering.

If you need help renovating your kitchen from floor to ceiling in the Niagara Region please fill out the form below for a fast free in-home quote from the experts at Today’s Designer Kitchens. We design, supply and install for less.

GET A FREE QUOTE FROM TODAY’S DESIGNER KITCHENS

3 Types of Lighting Every Kitchen Needs

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-dspEf9 3 Types of Lighting Every Kitchen Needs
Todays Designer Kitchens step-charcoal-grey 3 Types of Lighting Every Kitchen Needs
Grey Kitchen By Today’s with 3 Lighting Features

We will examine the 3 most important types of lighting every kitchen needs because proper lighting is crucial for not only function but beauty!

  1. Ambient (pot lights in picture above): This will be your main source of light—whether in addition to natural light, or to fill in for lack of it. You want to cast as much of it as evenly as possible from your ceiling. You can do so with a combination of different lights that suit your taste.
  2. Task (under cabinet lights in picture above) : While ambient lighting is used to illuminate the entire kitchen, it often leaves shadows in areas that require more focus. With the help of task lighting, work surfaces and cabinetry are properly illuminated so you can safely prepare meals, read recipes, and easily spot ingredients on a shelf. Common kitchen task lighting options include strip lights and puck lights.
  3. Accent (hanging pendant lights in picture above) : Consider these flourishes the cherry on top of your well-designed kitchen: toe kick lights, cabinet lights and any other light that might accentuate your favorite elements. They also might cross over into ambient and task lighting as well.

Get Expert Advice on Your Kitchen Lighting and Design

If you are considering a remodel on your kitchen, the good news is that fantastic lighting is one of the most inexpensive yet rewarding aspects of the project.

Need assistance planning your new kitchen? Our expert renovators cans assist you in the design, supply and installation of everything. From floor to ceiling we do it all with just one call. It all starts with a free in home estimate.

Please fill out the form below or call us at 906-641-2284 to find out more about our affordable, beautiful solutions and get your project started!

GET A FREE QUOTE NOW

Countertops – The Best Surfaces for Minimizing Germs in Your Kitchen

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-CgPXBE Countertops - The Best Surfaces for Minimizing Germs in Your Kitchen
Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-CgPXBE-1024x768 Countertops - The Best Surfaces for Minimizing Germs in Your Kitchen

Your kitchen countertops get a lot of use and with the right surface you can minimize germs and keep the space clean and safe for everyone.

Many beautiful materials, including wood and natural stone that are used for counters are porous which mean bacteria can flourish. It is for this reason we recommend a non-porous countertop surface for your kitchen. Beyond being free of naturally occuring cracks or fissures, these surfaces not prone to etching, staining or divots (all signs of softer, more porous surfaces). So let’s explore:

QUARTZ

Todays Designer Kitchens quartz Countertops - The Best Surfaces for Minimizing Germs in Your Kitchen
A Classic Calacatta Quartz Counter – Today’s Designer Kitchens

Quartz is one of the most durable and hygienic countertop surfaces made from a mixture of natural minerals held together using polymers and resin. It’s non-porous and easy to maintain with a non-abrasive cleaning cloth with soap and water.

SOLID SURFACE

Todays Designer Kitchens kitchenwhite-1024x718 Countertops - The Best Surfaces for Minimizing Germs in Your Kitchen
Corian – Solid Surface Counters – Today’s Designer Kitchens

Corian® a solid surface counter, was developed by DuPont™ over 40 years ago by blending pure acrylic resin with natural minerals. It’s grout-free design make cleaning and maintenance easy plus it’s non-porous and stain resistant. All that is required for cleaning is a soft, cotton cloth and warm, soapy water. They are also ultra-durable, repairable and heat and blade resistant.

LAMINATE

Laminates have come a long way and offer a high-end look at an affordable price and although they can be disinfected easily to decrease germs it must be remembered that there are seams. If excessive amounts of water are left on laminate countertops, especially near any seams, the countertop may swell and create more opportunities for bacteria, fungus or mold. So, a great economical choice that can be kept super clean IF you are careful with maintenance.

Todays Designer Kitchens 4-inch-backsplash2-1024x619 Countertops - The Best Surfaces for Minimizing Germs in Your Kitchen
Laminate Counters – Today’s Designer Kitchens

GRANITE

Granite is a very popular counter choice and is a good germ free selection ONLY if it is properly sealed to reduce porousness. Professional sealing does more than maintain granite countertops’ natural beauty; it helps prevent harmful bacteria and other germs. Granite must also be cleaned with care and harsh chemicals will ruin it.

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-bci8kt-1024x705 Countertops - The Best Surfaces for Minimizing Germs in Your Kitchen
Granite – Today’s Designer Kitchens

Wrap Up – No matter what countertop material you currently have in your kitchen or are looking to install, we always recommend that you follow the appropriate proper care and maintenance guidelines and hope this overview has been helpful.

For all your kitchen renovation needs, our team at Today’s Designer Kitchens in St. Catharines would be pleased to answer your questions, make suggestions, or even visit you home for a free consultation if you are looking to remodel.

Please fill out the form below for a quick response.

CONTACT TODAY’S DESIGNER KITCHENS

About Today’s Designer Kitchens

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-1024x350 Countertops - The Best Surfaces for Minimizing Germs in Your Kitchen

Today’s Designer Kitchen was created with a vision to give customers: high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable and stress free.

Today’s Designer Kitchens and Twoday’s Bathrooms have been providing quality home renovations to the Niagara Region for over 10 years and guaranteed their customers the best renovation experience at the most competitive prices in the market.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges.

Today’s Designer Kitchens Showroom

239 Carlton St Suite #1

St. Catharines, ON

 L2R 1S1

905-641-2284

www.todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

Kitchen Renovation: The Four Most Important Things

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-39rEV1 Kitchen Renovation: The Four Most Important Things
Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-39rEV1-1024x681 Kitchen Renovation: The Four Most Important Things

If you’ve been dreaming of remodeling your kitchen, here are four key things you need to consider to make your project a success.

  1. Layout

The layout of your kitchen is the most important part of your kitchen remodel.

Since kitchens are used a lot, it is important that the workflow is efficient and works for your needs. A key element here is to use the “work triangle” which takes into consideration the the efficiency between the three major kitchen appliances: the refrigerator, the sink, and the stove. The “work triangle” is a great tool to use when planning your kitchen layout. (see below)

Todays Designer Kitchens Work_triangle Kitchen Renovation: The Four Most Important Things
  1. Materials and Finishes

Budget comes into play with the materials and finishes you use, but remember spending more is not always necessary to get the look you want.

Major decisions that need to be made for a kitchen remodel include: countertop material, cabinetry, and flooring. Material options can dramatically range in prices, so it is important to do your research on each option.

Some popular countertop materials include granite, quartz, laminate, concrete, and marble. Flooring options range from ceramic tile, hardwood, linoleum, vinyl, among many others. Cabinets are also available in a wide range of materials including: solid wood, plywood panel, aluminum, wood veneer, and polyethylene.

(Below a galley style kitchen finished in economical Step Shaker White Cabinets made of durable High Density Fibreboard.

Todays Designer Kitchens galley-kitchen Kitchen Renovation: The Four Most Important Things
Step Shaker White Galley Kitchen
  1. Lighting

We can’t always have ideal window lighting in a kitchen but we can add brightness with proper light installation.

Kitchens require lots of light for safety when cooking and lighting can set the tone for the entire space (making it important from a design perspective).

There are many lighting options for your kitchen including can lights, pendant lights over a bar/breakfast bar area, and under-cabinet lighting. Lighting is also a good way to make some energy-efficient choices through choosing LED or fluorescent bulbs.

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-8rBh9W-1024x683 Kitchen Renovation: The Four Most Important Things
  1. The Small Things Make a Big Impact

The smaller things, ie. finishing touches can make or break a space.

Some finishing touches to keep in mind are: paint colour, seating options, backsplash, as well as other decorative items like pictures, shelving or plants.

A good rule of thumb is to contrast your cabinet colour with your paint colour to add some dimension to your space.

Your backsplash should contrast with your cabinet and countertop, as well as to add visual interest to the space. Of course if you prefer muted tones, you can switch this up.

The finishing touches of the space are a great place to let your personality shine through.

(Below a traditional white subway tile is inexpensive yet packs a punch when set against the dark Step Charcoal Grey Cabinets. The mix and match countertops add visual interest and personality to the kitchen space).

Todays Designer Kitchens scggalley Kitchen Renovation: The Four Most Important Things
Step Charcoal Grey Galley Kitchen

There are many factors that have to be considered in a kitchen remodel, including: layout, materials, lighting, and the finishing touches.

FINAL THOUGHTS: A kitchen remodel can be an overwhelming and stressful project if it is not planned out, which is why it is important to consider getting a professional’s opinion and guidance.

At Today’s Designer Kitchens, we specialize in the design, supply and installation processes of kitchens across the Niagara Region at unbeatable prices with a fast turnaround.

If you’d like to find out more, or get a free in-home quote from one of our renovation experts, please fill out the form below and we will get back to you promptly.

CONTACT US

About Today’s Designer Kitchens

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-1.1-1024x350 Kitchen Renovation: The Four Most Important Things

Today’s Designer Kitchen was created with a vision to give customers: high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable and stress free.

Today’s Designer Kitchens and Twoday’s Bathrooms have been providing quality home renovations to the Niagara Region for over 10 years and guarantee their customers the best renovation experience at the most competitive prices in the market.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges.

Today’s Designer Kitchens Showroom

239 Carlton St Suite #1

St. Catharines, ON

 L2R 1S1

905-641-2284www.todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

5 Tips to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-tyBXJO 5 Tips to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget
Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-tyBXJO 5 Tips to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget

Try these 5 tips to get more bang out of your kitchen renovation buck!

LAMINATE COUNTERS

Everybody is crazy about granite, stone, and marble counter tops these days, but did you know LAMINATE is not only much more cost effective but it looks amazing with the advances in designs it has seen.

Other advantages to laminate are that it is long lasting and a solid surface, so it’s not porous, and therefore doesn’t absorb bacteria and food spills as some natural stone surfaces do making it very family friendly. (below a white ice laminate counter)

Todays Designer Kitchens white-ice 5 Tips to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget

KITCHEN ISLANDS

A custom kitchen island is every kitchen renovator’s dream, but, did you know you can save thousands by selecting a stock island system and then customizing it to your space?

You can design it to have all the storage and counter space you like and you’ll be the only one who knows it wasn’t custom made!

(below an Off White Kitchen Island by Today’s Designer Kitchens)

Todays Designer Kitchens Off-white-kitchen-1-1024x639 5 Tips to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget

SWAP OUT ACCESSORIES

Replacing lighting, the faucet, the sink and cabinet hardware with fresh new accessories is cost effective and gives a huge lift to any kitchen space for very little money.

To give your kitchen “flow” try to choose complementary pieces that will give a clean aesthetic.

(below, this American Standard faucet features 3 spray options and a soap dispenser and goes great with Stainless Steel Appliances).

Todays Designer Kitchens danoa-300x279 5 Tips to Renovate Your Kitchen on a Budget

GIVE YOUR KITCHEN A NEW PAINT JOB

Easy and obvious, a new coat of paint is the cheapest and simplest way to upgrade your kitchen and give it a fresh start.

There are so many options when it comes to paint, however we usually recommend keeping it light and bright for a kitchen which never goes out of style, and if you like a bold colour consider an accent wall (red is a popular kitchen choice) rather than doing all the walls in a dramatic shade.

NOT EVERYTHING HAS TO BE BRAND NEW

One person’s junk is another person’s treasure – that’s why yard sales exist. And, that’s why you should go out on a Saturday morning and see if you get lucky enough to find a table, or a chair for $50 or $100 that you can make your own and add to your new home renovation. Mirrors and old art are also great thrift finds.

Final Thoughts: Creativity and ingenuity are key to your kitchen remodeling budget.

If you decide that you would rather outsource this big undertaking to the professionals, please give the team at Today’s Designer Kitchens a call at: 905-641-2284 or fill out the form below for a free quote.

We serve the Niagara Region and specialize in beautiful budget friendly kitchen solutions.

7 Things to Consider BEFORE a Kitchen Renovation.

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-Fc9zjF 7 Things to Consider BEFORE a Kitchen Renovation.
Todays Designer Kitchens Antique-white-kitchen-set-2-1024x532 7 Things to Consider BEFORE a Kitchen Renovation.

Before getting into a kitchen renovation, there are seven important considerations that we will discuss today.

Lifestyle

How do you want your kitchen to function? Do you want to use your kitchen to entertain guests? Do you prefer natural light? Can you make room for an island? What works for you now?

Considering your lifestyle and how your family personally will use the kitchen is key to choosing a design and materials that will work successfully in your renovation.

Design

Design is both function and beauty. That being said, because the kitchen is often the focal point of the house, consider your home’s current design and what will blend and work with it in the new kitchen. A modern white cabinet collection or a warm toned wood can all be fantastic choices but they should blend with the current décor for flow and be placed in a way that works for you.

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-JzdUBi-1024x683 7 Things to Consider BEFORE a Kitchen Renovation.
A Step Shaker White Kitchen

Also, now is the time to consider the layout and think about what you may want to change with the current setup.  New plumbing or electrical must be sorted at the beginning to avoid over spending later.

Appliances

Todays Designer Kitchens modern-kitchen-1772638_640 7 Things to Consider BEFORE a Kitchen Renovation.

As a rule of thumb, appliances are important so get the best you can afford. If you want built in appliances they need to be planned for from the beginning. Steam ovens, built-in coffee makers and wine fridges are finding their way into the mainstream market and if your kitchen is your entertainment space, you’ll want to consider incorporating them into the plan.

Budget

Next to the bathroom, the kitchen can be one of the most expensive rooms to renovate. With the variety of labourers (plumbers, electricians, etc), materials and time, there are many things going on in a small space. A rule of thumb is to invest approximately 10 per cent of the home’s overall value so that you can maximum value for your investment.

Timeframe

A contractor or designer (if you have one), will always give you a timeframe for the project, BUT always be prepared for the job to take longer than you planned for. This means planning your kitchen renovation at a time that is not so tight in your schedule that if it takes longer you will cause unnecessary stress.

Don’t cut costs!

You may think you can save money by keeping the existing plumbing, lighting, etc. and that may be true BUT, let your contractor determine what, if anything is worth keeping. It may cost more money to work around older pieces or infrastructure. Sometimes cutting costs leads to more expensive, unnecessary issues in the future.

Pay it forward

Consider donating your used cabinetry, appliances and fixtures like faucets and sinks if they are in good condition. Places like, Habitat For Humanity’s ReStore will pick up at your location with notice.

Wrap Up

A new kitchen adds value to your asset, your investment, your home and is an amazing way to improve your everyday life.

Consider these points before you embark on creating your new kitchen, don’t lose your sense of humour in the process and if you need assistance, kitchens are our specialty at Today’s Designer Kitchens in St. Catharines, so please CONTACT US for a FREE in-home estimate.

We not only will fully renovate your kitchen but have a full complement of services to assist you with design and our large supply chain means you will get the best price in town.

A special note with COVID-19, that our business is open and we are undertaking all of the safety measures outlined within the governmental regulations for your peace of mind.

About Today’s Designer Kitchens

Todays Designer Kitchens Todays-Designer-Kitchens-small-1 7 Things to Consider BEFORE a Kitchen Renovation.

Today’s Designer Kitchens located in St. Catharines, ON is a full service design, supply and install team for kitchen renovations.

Our speciality is high quality, prompt renovations that are budget friendly.

We undertake projects of all scopes and welcome your inquiries.

239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1
Phone: (905) 641-2284 www.todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

 

 

How to Clean Your Kitchen – COVID 19

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-tCkrYz How to Clean Your Kitchen - COVID 19
Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-tCkrYz How to Clean Your Kitchen - COVID 19

Right now it is important more than ever to ensure your kitchen workspace and your foods are cleaned properly for the safety of your household as we go through this COVID-19 health crisis.

Here are some of our top recommended tips that we have put together with information gathered from expert sources and as the situation evolves we remind you that these are just guidelines but we hope you find them useful.

Clean the Kitchen More

More people are at home right now for long periods of time and this means extra cleaning is important as  surfaces get touched more frequently.

When we also consider scientific studies published that indicate the coronavirus may remain on some surfaces like plastic or stainless steel for up to 72 hours an accelerated cleaning schedule is the best plan.

Particularly focus on high traffic areas like: counters, tables, refrigerator door handles, knobs, sink handles and cabinets.

What Cleaning Products Can Be Used?

If a surface is visibly dirty, clean it with soap and water first, then use a disinfectant.  For a guidelines on effective cleansers visit the link HERE and always check label instructions to make sure you use them properly and wash your hands when done.

Bleach diluted is another good alternative, although make sure you have good ventilation and gloves are recommended. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diluted bleach, hydrogen peroxide or 70% isopropyl alcohol kill coronavirus.  The CDC suggests mixing 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Let it sit for one minute on the surface until you dry it off.

Be Careful of Surfaces You Treat

Not all surfaces are tolerant of all products, like bleach for example (read the label).For example countertops of engineered quartz can tolerate the diluted bleach solutions recommended, but laminate, Formica and older countertops with a sealant that has degraded may be damaged. Most butcher block counters have no sealant and it’s safe to use diluted bleach on them.

Do I Need Gloves?

No, just wash your hands after cleaning with soap and water.

Dishwasher Sanitation

Some machines have a sanitation feature that uses an extended hot-water rinse to kill germs.  According to The National Sanitation Foundation dishwashers bearing this certification kill 99.99 percent of bacteria when operated on the “sanitize” setting.

Food Containers

Consider transferring dry food in containers that have been sitting (like cereal or pasta for example) to fresh containers to eliminate possibilities of lurking contamination.

Produce

Experts say there are no known instances of produce or food itself transferring the virus. Rinsing is sufficient not soaking to clean.

Wash Hands and Repeat

After cleaning or handling food items wash for 20 seconds and clean hands with a fresh towel.

Final Thoughts:

The good news is that the coronavirus is vulnerable to soap and disinfectants so be vigilant and feel good that it is an effective measure to clean for your household’s safety! For updates on COVID-19 please reference the website HERE.

We hope you found this information useful and are looking forward to seeing everyone again soon for all their kitchen renovation needs.

Although our retail showroom is closed the team at Today’s Designer Kitchens are still responding to all of your phone calls and emails and welcome you to contact us if you need to!

Alternatively you can fill out the form below for a quick response.

About Today’s Designer Kitchens
Serving the entire Niagara Region, Today’s Designer Kitchens is a full service kitchen design, supply and installation company dedicated to the highest quality renovation at the best price.  We undertake projects of all scopes and budgets.
Phone:  905-641-2284 Email: info@todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

 

 

Granite Counters – Top Trends Now

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-UU2ffj Granite Counters - Top Trends Now
Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-UU2ffj Granite Counters - Top Trends Now

Granite is a gorgeous choice for a countertop in a kitchen and there are several trending types that seem to resonate with many homeowners.

Granite is special in that its naturally occurring variations make each slab a unique piece of art, plus it is very practical in that it is easy to clean and requires little maintenance.

Here are some of the most popular granite colours on the market now.

Kashmir White

Todays Designer Kitchens kashmirwhite-300x172 Granite Counters - Top Trends Now

This warm white stone has just a bit of texturing and a salt and pepper pattern, making it easily matchable with dark or light cabinets.

It also is great for adding brightness to the room and minimizes the appearances of messes on the countertops.

Steel Grey

Todays Designer Kitchens steelgry-300x212 Granite Counters - Top Trends Now

A cooler toned granite,  light grey highlights the other shades of darker grays, creating a beautiful, neutral canvas.

White Primata

Todays Designer Kitchens primata-300x206 Granite Counters - Top Trends Now

A classic granite choice with a simple, yet elegant pattern. The black and gray crystals create a beautiful contrast against its white base making it a colour palette that works with pretty much all kitchen design styles.

Black Pearl

Todays Designer Kitchens black-pearl-300x212 Granite Counters - Top Trends Now

With its gold, silver, brown, gray and even blueish mineral deposits this countertop is a lot more than just your basic black.

Black Pearl is a great countertop choice for anyone seeking to incorporate luxurious contrast in their kitchen design.

Desert Brown

Todays Designer Kitchens desrtb-300x207 Granite Counters - Top Trends Now

Perfect for warmer palettes and with darker kitchen cabinets.

This neutral counter colour has specs of brown with burgundy accents and has a rich feel to it.

Things to Think About

As you search for countertop surface materials for your kitchen project, keep in mind that any granite used for countertops occurs naturally and each one will look a little different.

TIP: The best way to view and select granite countertop samples is in the lighting of your own home to see what works for you!

ALSO: Remember that granite is just one of many types of great countertops that are available on the market today.

Need a bit of help with your kitchen plans?

The team at Today’s Designer Kitchens in St. Catharines welcomes you to contact us at: (905) 641-2284 or fill out the form below for a prompt response on all your kitchen project needs!

3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Sink

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-LYHX0p 3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Sink
Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-LYHX0p 3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Sink

Whenever you undertake a kitchen improvement project, you will be faced with many choices including what is the best sink for my needs. Here are a few things to think about.

Material

Cast iron or stainless steel? Composite or porcelain? There are pros and cons to each.

Stainless steel is a popular choice. It fits in nearly every style of kitchen, and is durable to boot. While the metal can be scratched, it can also be buffed out. Newer stainless steel sinks aren’t as noisy as you might remember, and they’re generally easy to clean.

Porcelain sinks are beautiful, and come in many color choices. They work well in traditional-style kitchens. However, they need to be treated gently, as they can chip or scuff easily.

Composite sinks are resistant to scratches and chips, and they don’t even show water marks. They’re easy to take care of, but some can be expensive.

Cast iron sinks are durable and less noisy than some other sinks. They also come in several different colors.

 

Todays Designer Kitchens L-SHAPE-KITCHEN-1024x603 3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Sink
A Double Sink by Today’s Designer Kitchens.

Configuration

The two-bowl sink is what we all grew up with, and it made sense. It used to be that dishes were washed by hand, so people needed a washing sink and a rinsing sink. With dishwashers, that need is no longer so there are more options.

One single kitchen sink basin is gaining popularity. It’s attractive and offers a streamlined look. Plus, it’s versatile, and it allows for a lot to go on at once. You can also buy add-ons to make food prep easier.

Two basin sinks are still an option, but you also have the choice of choosing between two equal-sized basins or two basins of differing sizes. Dual basins with a smaller sink allow for food prep to happen at the same time as cleanup. But the smaller basin isn’t ideal for soaking large pots or pans. Two basins of equal size give you a symmetrical design, and allow for soaking while prepping or washing.

Triple-bowl sinks give you two large bowls, with a small basin in the middle for food prep.

Style

Rounded corners. Farmhouse. Self-rimming sinks. And more. You’ll want to spend some time on Google and Pinterest to discover the many styles available to you. Here are some popular ones:

  • The farmhouse sink. This sink is beautiful and makes a statement.

  • Self-rimming sinks are durable and affordable

  • Undermount sinks are gaining popularity because they create a seamless look from countertop to sink. They’re also easy to clean.

  • Integrated quartz sinks. If you’re opting for quartz countertops, see if your manufacturer offers integrated sinks. They offer a unique, seamless look.

  • Prep sinks. These are secondary sinks that are often installed in the island. Accessories make them very utilitarian.

Whatever sink you choose, make sure you select a remodeling company who will treat your home with care, use only the best techniques, and will help you make the best decisions for the way you cook and live.

Today’s Designer Kitchens proudly serves happy homeowners throughout the Niagara Region.   Give us a call at (905) 641-2284, or request your free consultation online.

How to Design a Social Kitchen

Todays Designer Kitchens kitchen-3689917_640 How to Design a Social Kitchen
Todays Designer Kitchens kitchen-3689917_640 How to Design a Social Kitchen

The kitchen transforms into whatever you need it to be. It’s got many practical uses, but with a few design hints it can also become a great social space.

If you have a kitchen with a layout that doesn’t easily permit groups and activity, consider these design ideas to transform it into a more social space.

Kitchen Islands and Carts

A stationary island or a rolling cart can instantly create a more social kitchen and  gathering spot for all your friends and family.  They come in a wide variety of sizes, price points and styles and can add more storage and counter space as well.

Open Plan Ideas

The open floor plan is the ultimate in creating a social environment making it easy for traffic to flow in and out of every area.

But, if you’re not into having all that open space, or want more distinction between rooms you could incorporate half-walls with shelves into the design or consider a glass cabinet or wall which gives the impression of open space but still allows for division of space.

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-hIgY3H-300x200 How to Design a Social Kitchen

Durable Materials

A social kitchen means you’re getting a lot of use out of the space. To be sure you can entertain for years to come, you’ll want to select materials that are durable with crowd proof features like hard wearing Quartz counters, soft close hinges and even stainless steel appliances.

Seating Options

Sit-down furniture, such as chairs, stools and benches can create social zones.

For example,  banquette seating in the kitchen makes a convenient spot for everyone that prompts discussions and conversations, or a breakfast nook adds a welcoming spot for smaller groups.

Thinking about how you could make your kitchen more entertainment-friendly? For additional social kitchen design ideas, schedule a FREE appointment with a Today’s Designer Kitchens expert today.

Ready to find out more?

Please contact us at 905-641-2284 or fill out the contact form for a FREE IN HOME CONSULTATION.

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About Today’s Designer Kitchens

Today’s Designer Kitchen is a full service kitchen design company located in St. Catharines, ON that offers high quality kitchen renovations at affordable prices.

Utilizing the vast resources of professional relationships we have acquired over the years with suppliers and professional renovators and plumbing and electric service professionals and then adding to that a team of in house designers, Today’s Designer Kitchens has a mission to give clients the best renovation experience at the most competitive price in the market.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges.

www.todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

Is it True that WINTER is a Great Time to Renovate a KITCHEN?

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-Gm6NS2 Is it True that WINTER is a Great Time to Renovate a KITCHEN?
Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-Gm6NS2 Is it True that WINTER is a Great Time to Renovate a KITCHEN?

Summer is the most common time to take on a kitchen renovation project, but are their advantages to doing it in the winter instead?

There are actually some key advantages to renovating in the winter, like availability, cost, and timing.

Contractor availability
Less competition in the market in getting a contractor for a renovation is a huge plus for the winter season.

Spring and summer are the busiest times of year for home renovations, and contractors’ plates will be full once renovation season is in full swing, which could leave you competing for the best builders.

A renovation project in the winter months may also get you more time and attention from your contractor.

Off-season discounts
When business slows, contractors may decrease their prices a bit to keep their crews busy.

Because there a fewer projects to be had in winter, you’re more likely to score a discount from a contractor.

Also, big time discounts in stores (think Boxing Day) are great times to get deals on things like new appliances.

Timing advantages
For those with children in the home during summer months, it may be difficult to vacate the house for renovations.

Many people travel in the cold winter months as well making it potentially a great time for a contractor to renovate when they have less activity in the home.

So when is the best time for a renovation?
Ultimately, the best time for a renovation is when you’ve fully defined the scope of your project and you’re ready to move forward with a contractor you can trust. How to choose a contractor
Choosing a contractor is a kind of matchmaking process. You’ll want to make sure your contractor has the same standards of quality, experience in the type of work you need, and can work within the timeframe you have.

When reviewing contractors, start by looking for someone with experience in your neighborhood and who has done similar work. This can help you narrow down the field from thousands of general contractors to just a selection of experienced professionals.

Once you’ve found someone you think would be a good fit for your project, take it one step further and make sure they’re a good fit for you. You’ll be working with this contractor for the duration of your project, so you should like them and feel both of your communication styles are a good match.

One of the tougher jobs will be ensuring that the contractor can truly deliver on your vision for the project. Good contractors have good ideas. Spend some time bouncing ideas around to make sure they understand what you’re after.

If you are considering a kitchen renovation, our team at Today’s Designer Kitchens are you local professionals and are just an email or phone call away for a free in home consultation to get the process started.

You can call us directly at: 905-641-2284 or email us at: info@todaysdesignerkitchens.ca.

Exploring HDF Kitchen Cabinets

Todays Designer Kitchens SSWSCG-kitchen-set-view-2-1024x445 Exploring HDF Kitchen Cabinets

HDF Cabinet Doors or High Density Fiberboard Cabinet Doors are everywhere these days in kitchen and bath design. Why? Because they provide the best look for the price and hold up exceptionally well to daily use.

A high density furniture grade core is a quality material made from real hard and soft wood fibers pressed together by high pressure and temperature. This process renders the boards much more durable and resistant to cracking and warping than even solid woods.

This makes HDF a fantastic choice for busy families as well as people who want a long lasting hard wearing kitchen for many years to come.

At Today’s Designer Kitchens, we have many customers who prefer the look and price point of this type of kitchen cabinet ( a Step Shaker White Kitchen is pictured above).

Add complementary hardware to the doors and one would be hard pressed to tell the difference between HDF and expensive alternatives.

As each customer prefers their own unique style, we work with a variety of suppliers to ensure we have cabinets that suit everyone from modern to traditional to solid wood and more.

If you are considering a renovation and are looking for a complete kitchen design supply and install solution, we would be happy to come to your home to give you a free estimate.

Please call us directly at 905-641-2284 or fill out the contact form HERE.

The Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Appliances

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-wIHTHE The Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Appliances
Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-wIHTHE The Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Appliances

We do many kitchen renovations and although there are many choices of finishes on the market when it comes to appliances, stainless steel is the most popular.

Today we will examine some of the pros and cons of stainless steel and explore whether or not it may be a good choice for your home.

The Pros of Stainless Steel Appliances

  • It looks fantastic. Stainless steel is the go-to option if you want your kitchen to look modern, sleek and shiny. There’s a reason it’s still the top choice of many kitchen designers.
  • It’s resistant.  Because of its elemental makeup, stainless steel is very durable. It fights off rust, fire and heat which makes it top-choice for those who want an appliance that will last and not show wear and tear.
  • Long wearing. If your goal is to have an appliance that lasts as long as possible on the inside and out, then choose stainless.

The Cons of Stainless Steel Appliances

  • It shows smudges. It’s well-known that stainless steel appliances leave marks from handling.  Luckily, there are tricks to assist (a light coat of car wax to the appliance, dried and buffed will ward off most prints). However if you have kids the smudging will be an issue that will need to be cleaned regularly.
  • Expensive. Stainless is often the most expensive option for appliances in the kitchen.
  • (Sometimes) It’s non-magnetized. Some stainless appliances aren’t magnetic which can be a pest if you like to post things on the fridge.

Bottom Line – Stainless steel is a beautiful choice that will last a long time if you don’t mind cleaning it and investing in a more expensive appliance finish!

Not sure where to begin? We assist our customers in all steps of the renovation process including design, supply and installation.

Start the process with a FREE in-home consultation in the Niagara Region by contacting our team at: 905-641-2284 M-F 10 AM-5 PM, email us at info@todaysdesignerkitchens.ca .

We look forward to helping you make the sound decisions that will increase your home’s value and make it all that it can be!

SET UP A FREE IN HOME ESTIMATE

Book Now

Kitchen Cabinets: Reface vs. Replace

There is a lot of information buzzing out there about refacing cabinets instead of replacing them when a kitchen remodel is in the horizon.

The main argument is that by refacing, money will be saved. So let’s take a look at the options.

Refacing your cabinets is basically replacing the doors and drawers, leaving the cabinet box as is, and sometimes refinishing the exterior. By downsizing the amount of new materials and labour involved, yes there will be some money saved. But is it worth it?

A refaced room means everything must stay where it is and you have no room to change the layout.

By replacing your existing cabinetry on the other hand, you can play around with your floor plan. Maybe moving a few cabinets around to change the look completely and making it more functional to your needs.

Also, if you are refacing old cabinetry in your home, consider this: Cabinetry over 20 years old will have inferior drawers, tracks, and hinges. This is true even for older expensive custom cabinets. Yes your cabinets will look better, but will they work well?

Also consider that refacing a kitchen with design and functionality issues and then proceeding to purchase expensive countertops, appliances, flooring, and fixtures will cost nearly as much as a new kitchen and leave an elephant in the middle of your renovated room.

Today’s Cabinetry has Revolutionized Renovations

In the last few years inexpensive well made cabinetry has become available at a fraction of the cost it once was. These less expensive cabinet lines use the top of the line drawer boxes, tracks, and hinges.

Bottom Line:

If you go to the expense of refacing and still end up with a nonfunctional kitchen, you’ve wasted your money.

If you are interested in exploring economical options for new kitchen cabinetry, the team at Today’s Designer Kitchens specialize in  high quality low priced products that will give you a brand new functional kitchen inside and out.

Todays Designer Kitchens espresso-w Kitchen Cabinets: Reface vs. Replace
Step Charcoal Grey Kitchen

Not sure where to begin? We assist our customers in all steps of the renovation process including design, supply and installation.

Start the process with a FREE in-home consultation in the Niagara Region by contacting our team at: 905-641-2284 M-F 10 AM-5 PM, email us at info@todaysdesignerkitchens.ca .

We look forward to helping you make the sound decisions that will increase your home’s value and make it all that it can be!

Set up a Free In Home Estimate

Book Now

Design Tips for Kitchen Cabinets

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-BDbAEg Design Tips for Kitchen Cabinets

 

Todays Designer Kitchens scggalley Design Tips for Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen is the heart of any home and cabinets are the focal point of the kitchen!

The cabinet style and color establish the look of the entire kitchen space.  They also represent a large portion of your renovation budget, making them an important  consideration in the remodel process.

So, with that in mind here are some top tips from Today’s Designer Kitchens to assist you in your cabinet selection:

Quality

Purchase good quality cabinets that will last over time with daily wear and tear.  Solid wood and High Density Fiberboard are two excellent choices that we offer and both ensure you will have great looking cabinets for years to come.

Todays Designer Kitchens Antique-white-kitchen-set-2-1-1024x532 Design Tips for Kitchen Cabinets

Function

How do you use your kitchen? The design of your kitchen cabinets should accommodate your cooking habits and needs.

Think about a design plan that will make it easy to reach all the areas of the kitchen you use most.  Cabinet designs can include handy pull-out drawers, trash pull outs, spice cabinets, wine racks and the list goes on.  So why not incorporate that into your plan as you design your new space?

Todays Designer Kitchens family-drinking-orange-juice-619144_640 Design Tips for Kitchen Cabinets

Size

It is important to have sufficient space inside the kitchen so make sure not to overdo it and get too many cabinets that will limit your area. Measure your kitchen carefully, and make sure your kitchen cabinets go in accordance with the dimensions of the room.

Consider tall cabinets only if you have high ceilings and even think about the counter tops colors and the visual impact of the designs.  Too busy can sometimes make a room feel small.

Storage Space

The perfect kitchen cabinets design should be functional with lots of storage nooks that use all the space wisely.

For example, you can utilize dead corners with Blind corners cabinets or Lazy Susan cabinets to give life to these hidden, unused places. Also, utilize your drawers to its fullest potentials by separating and dividing it into compartments. This will create more space and keep your drawers organized.

Cabinet Handles

When selecting handles, knobs and hinges make sure they are good quality and can stand up to the continuous opening and closing motion.  Good quality will also look better over time.

Glass

You can opt for glass cabinets in certain spaces just to make a beautiful contrast and create an airy and open feeling in the place. Glass cabinets can also make a  beautiful display area where you place all your unique items.

In conclusion, remember that choosing the right kitchen cabinets take time, effort and money, so take your time, study the available options, figure out your needs and then establish the styles that you like that will blend in well with your home’s decor.

For total peace of mind, consider hiring a full service design, supply and install company like Today’s Designer Kitchens.  We are experts in all kitchen projects in all price points!

Start the process with a FREE IN HOME CONSULTATION today in the Niagara Region.  Call: 905-641-2284, email us at info@todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

OR fill out the form HERE for a quick response.

How to Create a Traditional Style Kitchen

Todays Designer Kitchens traditional How to Create a Traditional Style Kitchen

A traditional kitchen is a beautiful and sought after kitchen style.

First off it’s important to not confuse a traditional kitchen with Old World or country style. Although, like the other two, the traditional kitchen design style is warm and classic, with elements of English and French taste, the colour palettes are different.

Todays Designer Kitchens Antique-White-kitchen-set-1-1024x528 How to Create a Traditional Style Kitchen
Antique White Kitchen by Today’s Designer Kitchens

For example, instead of the brighter blues and golds you’d find in an Old World design, the traditional kitchen has soft, muted colors: creams, whites, taupes, light grays or greens.

Part of its charm, like country, is that it brings the outdoors in, so patterns can include things like plants or birds for example and the shades of nature. Natural materials on the cupboards and floors also complement the look of a traditional kitchen as do materials like marble, brick, stone and even wood on the back splash giving the kitchen a “handcrafted “ look.

Todays Designer Kitchens Walnut-kitchen-1-1024x626 How to Create a Traditional Style Kitchen
Walnut Glaze Kitchen by Today’s Designer Kitchens

To create the traditional look, here are a few top tips:

  • Clear the kitchen space of furniture that has no defined period style or ornamentation, and get rid of contemporary or modern pieces that have simple, straight lines. Replace this with a few period pieces that you love and build a design around those by adding molding and cabinet door trim that fit this particular style. Then mix that with compatible pieces from other periods for an eclectic blend.
  • Consider using a pattern when designing the flooring, such as a basket weave or random pattern with wood. If it’s stone, such as limestone, the irregular shapes of the natural stone itself can help create a more natural look and feel to the room.
  • Look for furnishings with carved legs, columns and turnings.
  • Use fabric to bring color into the room. Pick nature scenes for curtains and cushions and mix them with stripes, not geometric shapes or designs, which do not fit well with this style.
  • To create focal points wherever you look in the traditional kitchen, have fun with the knobs on cupboards by choosing different designs, shapes and colors for each door panel. Mix and match wood stains or paints.
  • Avoid streamlined hardware. Choose faucet fixtures and other hardware, such as light fixtures, that have shape and detail.
  • If you can afford to leave these out, skip anything made of lacquer, veneer or laminate.

The team at Today’s Designer Kitchens are experts in creating the kitchen of your dreams no matter what the style.

If you are thinking of starting a renovation project, why not start the process off with a FREE in-home consultation.  We help our customers through the entire process of their project with design, supply and full installation and work with all scales of projects and budgets.

Call us M-F 905-641-2284 or email us for an appointment at: info@todaysdesignerkitchens.ca.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Kitchen Renos – When Should I Take Out a Wall?

Todays Designer Kitchens wall-removal Kitchen Renos - When Should I Take Out a Wall?
Todays Designer Kitchens wall-removal Kitchen Renos - When Should I Take Out a Wall?

You Want More Kitchen Space

Larger sized kitchens are desirable for many reasons including a chef in the house who enjoys the extra space for cooking, to a larger sized family that needs to access it regularly.

Todays Designer Kitchens Walnut-kitchen-1-1-1024x626 Kitchen Renos - When Should I Take Out a Wall?
A Walnut Glaze Kitchen from Today’s Designer Kitchens

 

Removing a wall is sometime the best solution in cases like these when there are no other options in the current layout to increase kitchen functionality.

You Want to Combine the Dining/Kitchen Space

Depending on your home’s layout, the dining and kitchen areas may naturally flow better with an open space and make day to day activities easier and more enjoyable.

You are OK with a More Involved Renovation Process

Removing a wall an be very gratifying in your kitchen renovation outcome , but keep in mind it will take more time to complete the job .  Issues like whether or not it is load bearing and also if it contains wiring, plumbing etc., in the wall you want to remove means professionals need to take time to ensure the perfect result.

You Would Love a Kitchen Island

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-ggvunA-1024x774 Kitchen Renos - When Should I Take Out a Wall?
An Off White Kitchen from Today’s Designer Kitchens

An island has become a wonderful family gathering place for eating and sharing time in the modern kitchen layout.  Sometimes the only way to gain enough space for this is to remove a wall.

You Have Considered How it May Affect Resale of Your Home

Open kitchens usually sell homes hands down.  However, every market is different.  If selling your home in the not too distant future is something you have thought about, make sure an open kitchen plan is something that is desirable in your neighbourhood.

A local realtor can definitely steer you in the right direction if you ask them!

Final Thoughts – A kitchen wall removal can be a great way to renovate your kitchen and give you lots of added features, but it is not necessary or desirable for every project.

Make sure to have a professional consultation on your plans to make sure it’s the right choice for your home!

The team at Today’s Designer Kitchens in St. Catharines provide full service design, supply and installations of gorgeous kitchens on a budget.  Please contact us for a free in-home consultation and we will help you figure out the ideal layout for your home!

Call us M-F 905-641-2284 or fill out the contact form below.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The L-Shaped Kitchen – What is It?

Todays Designer Kitchens pixel The L-Shaped Kitchen - What is It? Todays Designer Kitchens L-SHAPE-KITCHEN The L-Shaped Kitchen - What is It? L-Shaped Step Shaker White Kitchen by Today’s Designer Kitchens.

The popular L-shaped kitchen layout is a standard design for many home kitchens.

The L-Shape Design has been around for a long time and its stylish functionality continue to make it a popular choice.

What makes the L-shaped kitchen design so functional is that it has a sensible work triangle to the preparation, cleanup and cooking areas.

The shape simply refers to the floor plan layout and does not constitute any additional restrictions or requirements passed that.

To get a proper L-shaped design, the kitchen must be built at a corner where two walls form a perpendicular angle and where one wall is twice the length of the other.

The L-shape is often used in smaller kitchens that cannot incorporate an island or G-shape.

Below, a diagram that shows the layout of a L Shape kitchen and its work space flow.

Todays Designer Kitchens L-SHAPE-diagram The L-Shaped Kitchen - What is It?

An L-shaped kitchen also provides a lot design flexibility. Cooks love this basic layout, as it reduces the walking time between kitchen stations.

It makes it very easy to create an ergonomically efficient kitchen triangle, with the refrigerator, stove, and sink arranged in the classic three-point shape.

At Today’s Designer Kitchens in St. Catharines, we have had the pleasure of installing many L-Shaped Kitchen layouts as shown in Step Shaker White Cabinets in the main picture.

If you are ready to create a gorgeous, budget friendly, functional kitchen, why not start the process with a free in-home estimate today.

We design, supply and fully install with our one stop shop service.

Call us M-F: 905-641-2284 or email us directly : info@todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

Farmhouse Sinks – Things You Might Not Know!

Todays Designer Kitchens step-charcoal-grey Farmhouse Sinks - Things You Might Not Know!
Todays Designer Kitchens step-charcoal-grey Farmhouse Sinks - Things You Might Not Know!

A classic farmhouse sink is a very popular choice with our customers right now (as seen in one of our Step Charcoal Grey Kitchens here)

Farmhouse sinks are beautiful, but before you make the choice on this pricey kitchen feature, there are a few factors you should consider that a lot of folks don’t know so let’s explore.

1 Dishes Will Break More Easily

The deep basin of a farmhouse sink—the same reason this style sink is ideal for washing dishes—makes it more likely you’ll accidentally break glasses and dishes knocked over into the porcelain bowl.

2 It Will Get Stained (And Potentially Chip) 

If you opt for a classic white porcelain farmhouse sink, it’s very likely to get stained, and it will require regular cleaning to keep it sparkling. Scrubbing the sink with baking soda will help remove sauce stains, yet this mild abrasive won’t scratch the surface. If you don’t want to commit to cleaning your sink often, you may want to consider getting a farmhouse-style sink in another material besides porcelain, such as stainless steel.

3 There Are Other Options Besides Porcelain

When you think of a farmhouse sink, it’s likely a pristine white porcelain one that comes to mind. But there are many other options available, so be sure to pick one that best matches your kitchen design and lifestyle.

For example, stainless steel is durable and won’t chip like porcelain. Copper is another popular option for its beautiful colour. If you want the look of porcelain but at a slightly lower cost and with less maintenance, fireclay could be your best bet. A polished marble farmhouse sink adds a luxurious look to a kitchen, but it comes at a higher price and will need to be resealed every few years.

A Fire clay Sink below in a Off White Cabinet is stunning and functional.

Todays Designer Kitchens fireclay-300x293 Farmhouse Sinks - Things You Might Not Know!

 

5 Consider Your Kitchen Habits Before Choosing Single vs. Double Basin

As with many types of sinks, farmhouse sinks come in both single- and double-bowl designs. This choice should be considered as carefully as the sink material. Think about the way you cook and dish wash. Do you do a lot of food prep in your sink? A large single-bowl sink could be the right choice. Do you like to tackle some of the dishes while dinner is cooking? A double-basin sink that lets you wash dishes on one side without disturbing the rinsed salad greens on the other side could be for you.

6 Counter tops

If you’re planning to upgrade to a farmhouse sink in your current kitchen, you may have to change your counter tops. Because farmhouse sinks are wider and deeper than standard sinks, your counter top (and potentially the cabinets below) will need to be adjusted to make room. And if you’re installing a heavy porcelain or stone option, you’ll need to check that the cabinets below can handle the weight, or else they may need to be reinforced.

Still on the fence with your sink renovation?

At Today’s Designer Kitchens we assist folks all the time to make sure they get the right products that fit their lifestyle.

Now is a great time to consider a kitchen renovation if you have been thinking about it.

We guarantee the best price and service in the Niagara Region for design, supply and full installation of quality kitchens.

We would be pleased to give you an estimate to get things going.

Please Email us HERE

The Galley Kitchen

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-7LW4xO The Galley Kitchen
Step Charcoal Grey Galley Kitchen

If you have small kitchen and want to maximize the space, then a galley design might be right for you.

Below, a diagram of the basic galley kitchen layout.

Todays Designer Kitchens galley-640x501 The Galley Kitchen

What Is a Galley Kitchen? A galley kitchen consists of a single wide lane with appliances and cabinets on either side. It helps maximize efficiency and control the flow of traffic through the kitchen. It follows the design idea of the work triangle where the three most used appliances (stove, fridge and sink) form a triangle in the kitchen. Often, the stove is on one side and the sink and refrigerator on the other.

Timeless Design If you have a galley kitchen, then you’ll probably have a mix of open and traditional shelving. Vertical shelving is most often used because if makes use of the space better than horizontal shelving. The open shelves are used for easily grabbed items. Sometimes glass can be used to open up the space visually as well.

Organization Is Key When you have a galley kitchen, organization is an important part of keeping the kitchen functional and efficient. The vertical cabinets often have baskets that hold necessary utensils and cooking tools. Since space is at a premium, get rid of any appliances that you don’t use much.

The goal of a galley kitchen is to have as much functionality as possible while maximizing the space available. It’s important that counter tops and cabinets don’t have clutter, or you’re defeating the whole purpose of having this style of kitchen.

 

Todays Designer Kitchens galley-kitchen The Galley Kitchen Step Shaker White Galley Kitchen

Top Reasons To Consider a Galley Style Kitchen:

– appliances will be within close range of each other, ensuring it is easy to reach everything without needing to travel much.

-due to the smaller footprint of a galley kitchen, the kitchen triangle will often fit naturally into the design – meaning your fridge, sink and oven are conveniently close to each other

-galley kitchens tend to be cheaper, because they usually require fewer cabinets and do not require any corner cabinets or specialized accessories – like wire work.

-fewer areas grouped closely together also means that they are easy and quick to clean.

-large  homes as well as smaller ones can look great with a galley style kitchen

If you are considering a kitchen makeover and need assistance with layout ideas, call the team at Today’s Designer Kitchens in St. Catharines and we would be happy to assist.

Call: 905-684-5484 M-F 10-5 pm.

Email: info@todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

Great Ideas for LIGHT in the Kitchen

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-6cjayd Great Ideas for LIGHT in the Kitchen
U Shape Shaker White Kitchen

The days are getting shorter, and darker faster. Is there any way to change things in the kitchen to compensate for this loss for the next 5 or 6 months?

Yes!  Here are a few tips from our designers at Today’s Designer Kitchens.

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Remove them entirely to allow more natural light into the kitchen. Even a few inches of a valance extending into the window will have a noticeable difference.

The removal of the fabric will add a clean, spacious look and will reflect more light into the kitchen immediately.

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-6cjayd-300x199 Great Ideas for LIGHT in the Kitchen

DECLUTTER

The change of seasons is always a good time to reassess what is clutter and what is needed, especially on the counter tops.

By de-cluttering you are opening up your space and visually making it lighter and brighter.

LIGHT COLOURS

Light colours enhance a feeling of spaciousness in a room that has lots of visually heavy design elements.

This time of year, why not try to incorporate light colored accessories, dinnerware,  placements, even rugs  into the kitchen in the “dark months”.

Finding the light by using light colors and whites will collectively add more light into the kitchen and will lift your spirits. Think spring and summer style – really!

LIGHTING

While it’s not so easy to add light fixtures into the kitchen for seasonal reasons, make sure that adequate natural and artificial lighting is seriously considered in the kitchen planning stage.

CLEAN

Making your kitchen sparkling clean and fresh smelling (think citrusy scents like lemon) is an incredible way to enhance the feeling of a light and airy kitchen.

Overall, there are many things that can be done in your kitchen for brightness during the darker months so we hope this has been helpful in giving you some ideas.

If a bright NEW kitchen is on your mind, now is a fantastic time to renovate and the team at Today’s Designer Kitchens would be pleased to assist.

Call 905-641-2284 (M-F 10-5 pm) or email: info@todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

About Today’s Designer Kitchens

Located at 239 Carleton Street in St. Catharines, ON., we are a full service design, supply and install kitchen renovation company that specializes in budget conscious projects whether small or large in the Niagara Region.

www.todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

 

The Advantages of a 4-Inch Backsplash

Todays Designer Kitchens 4-inch-backsplash The Advantages of a 4-Inch Backsplash
Todays Designer Kitchens 4-inch-backsplash2 The Advantages of a 4-Inch Backsplash

The 4-inch backsplash had been a standard in general construction installations for many years (as shown in the picture above) and many people love it.

Just to be clear the 4 inches refers to the length of the extension of the countertop itself that runs flush with the wall.

Here are a few things to consider about this style for your project.

Budget Friendly

A 4-inch backsplash is cost effective. It is made of less material than a half- or full-height backsplash and as a result, costs less to fabricate and install.

Simple

It has a clean straight line design that complements many different types of kitchen themes and design tastes.

Blends Well

When this backsplash is made from material that matches the countertop itself, it creates a pleasing and uniform look.

Keeps Wall Clean

The 4-inch backsplash does provide protection for the walls, from splatters and other kitchen activities.

Cozy

It can also make a large kitchen feel cozier. By covering part of the wall, its height alters perception and makes walls seem shorter and a ceiling seem lower.

Are Their Drawbacks to this Counter Style?

As the saying goes “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and with this said, some people do not like this counter style as they consider it a dated look for a counter (other’s love it though)!

The other main drawback of this counter is that it is limited in the amount of wall protection it gives as it is lower than some other styles.

As with all design choices in a kitchen, it is really up to you as to what you like and what works with your daily kitchen regime.

There are many styles and materials available when it comes to choosing a good counter.

If you need assistance with this, or perhaps you need a full scale renovation of your kitchen space, the team at Today’s Designer Kitchens in St. Catharines, ON are pros at designing, supplying and installing beautiful kitchens on budget and on time.

Call or email us for an in-home estimate today.

Call: 905-641-2284.

Contact by Email: .

Exploring The U Shaped Kitchen

Todays Designer Kitchens ushape2 Exploring The U Shaped Kitchen
U Shape Shaker White Kitchen

U-shaped Kitchen:

The U-Shape Kitchen is a popular layout that has stood the test of time.

Space and storage can be maximized in this layout, it is ideal for the 2 cook household with its counter space and it even can be a place to eat with an island addition.

Essentially, the U-shaped kitchen can offer the best of all worlds. You will have all the space you need to make sure that you can use the kitchen to its full potential – perhaps separating the cooking and preparation areas and giving yourself ample storage space, but the space in the middle is yours to play with.

This is ideal for the home owner that likes to not only spent lots of time in the kitchen making meals and baking but also sees it as a communal family room where everyone can get together.

 

Todays Designer Kitchens ushapediagram Exploring The U Shaped Kitchen U Shape Layout

U-shaped kitchen advantages

-Counter space

-Easy for two or more cooks to operate at once.

-U-shaped design helps to keep traffic out…

-Incorporating a kitchen island keeps cooking social

-can work in various space restrictions

Now sure about the kitchen layout that works for your home?  The team at Today’s Designer Kitchens are highly experienced in assisting our customers design a layout that works for their unique needs.

There are many other layouts that can be considered as well.

For all your kitchen renovation needs in the Niagara Region, we are a full service design, supply and installation company that work in all project scopes and budgets and would be pleased to assist in your remodel.

Please contact us M-F 10-5 pm: 905-641-2284 or email us directly for an in home consultation: info@todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

About Today’s Designer Kitchens

We are a full service design, supply and installation company with a dedication to keep projects on time and on budget.

Serving the Niagara Region, our showroom is at 239 Carleton Street in St. Catharines.

www.todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

Making Open Concept Kitchens Work

Todays Designer Kitchens open-concept Making Open Concept Kitchens Work
Step Shaker Brilliant White Kitchen

Popular and gorgeous, there are a few key things to consider in an open-plan kitchen:

Materials can be used to create connections; the dining table or chairs could be in the same wood as a solid wood breakfast bar on an island, for example.

Colour is also a crucial element to think about when linking separate areas and can also be used to define the space. For example, colour used in a back splash in the kitchen might be picked up in the dining area on a feature wall.

Function: Think about how you use your kitchen and make sure your design matches your needs. For example; are you a serious cook with a need for lots of prep space; do you do a lot of entertaining and need a dedicated dining area; do the family often congregate in the kitchen – a large island may provide a perfect solution.

Focal Point: If your kitchen is to be at the centre of your family activities in an open plan room then make sure the kitchen cabinetry looks as good as possible, as it is part of your general living space.

A good design team will help you think through all your options at the planning stage and will come up with creative ideas and solutions to help you make your open-plan space as cohesive as possible.

At Today’s Designer Kitchens, we make the process simple by giving our customers an in home consultation.

Then we design a kitchen that works perfectly for your unique tastes and needs, supply all the materials to make it happen and install it from start to finish at a price point that will leave you smiling.

Serving Niagara Region, please call us today to start the process: 905-641-2284, or email us at: info@todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

 

Off White Kitchen

Top Tips for Creating Kid Friendly Kitchens

Todays Designer Kitchens washing-dishes-1112077_640 Top Tips for Creating Kid Friendly Kitchens
White Shaker Kitchen

If you’re considering remodeling your kitchen and there are children in the family you may want to consider these kid friendly features:

  1. Round edge details. When you choose your counter top surface, you’ll have plenty of options for the counter top slab edge details. We recommend using a style with a rounded edge, which is much more forgiving on heads that bump against them.
  2. Hygienic options. Kids spill and drop- and in a busy family kitchen, Quartz and Corian are excellent counter top solutions because they’re virtually indestructible, easy to clean, maintain and are hygienic.
  3. Lowered countertop heights. Consider lowering a section of countertop to a child-friendly height. By having a kitchen surface well within their reach, children can safely prepare their own food without stretching or standing on other furniture – making them more accident prone.
  4. Touch-free faucets. Kids have a hard time turning faucets on and off, and can accidentally kick on water hot enough to scald. Touch-free faucets are the solution and can be pre-set to a safe “start temperature” that can be changed once the faucet is on and running.
  5. Kid-friendly storage. Dedicate a drawer and/or cabinet in the under-cabinet section and organize it with kid’s plates, bowls, cups, and utensils, as well as some of their favorite snack items. Refrigerator drawers can be great for this too. That way, kids have everything they need at a safe level.
Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-Kphjgz Top Tips for Creating Kid Friendly Kitchens

If you are looking to remodel the kitchen and you need some kid friendly features, the team at Today’s Designer Kitchens have lots of experience finding the perfect balance of form and function for any busy family.

Contact us in the Niagara Region M-F 10 am-5 pm: 905-641-2284 OR

Email: info@todaysdesignerkitchens.ca

Will a New Kitchen Increase the Value of My Home?

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-wIHTHE Will a New Kitchen Increase the Value of My Home?
Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-wIHTHE Will a New Kitchen Increase the Value of My Home?

According to a new survey by real estate firm Royal LePage, homeowners looking to increase the value of their property will get the biggest bang for their buck if they renovate the kitchen.

That makes a kitchen renovation a great investment in your property if it is something you have been considering.

According to website homeownership.ca:

“Kitchens are the single most important room in the home relating to valuation. As such, it is crucial that you invest in having a modern, fresh and desirable kitchen. Modern cabinetry, under cabinet lighting and new appliances will all significantly increase the value of your home on the market.”

If you live in the Niagara Region and are interested in renovating but are concerned about the cost and stress of a kitchen remodel, the team at Today’s Designer Kitchens offer a one call does it all solution.

We design, supply and install beautiful kitchens for less for our customers that they can enjoy for years to come and then profit from when they sell their home.

We welcome you to contact us for a kitchen renovation estimate today by email or phone.

Call Today’s M-F 9-5 pm :  905-641-2284

Email

Today’s Designer Kitchens Showroom:

239 Carleton St.

St. Catharines, ON

L2R 1S1

6 Things To Consider Before a Kitchen Renovation

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-NTAzYl 6 Things To Consider Before a Kitchen Renovation
Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-NTAzYl 6 Things To Consider Before a Kitchen Renovation
WHAT CABINET HARDWARE IS BEST FOR MY KITCHEN?

For you to achieve a good flow visually, you must choose the right cabinet hardware and ensure that it is properly installed. You may want to pay attention to the minor details such as how the cabinet drawers and doors open. When you decide to change the knobs of your existing cabinets or put on knobs on new cabinetry for the first time, make sure you coordinate the styles.

WHAT SHAPE SHOULD I CONSIDER FOR THE EDGES OF MY COUNTER TOP?

While this may seem like a small detail, it can make a significant difference in the way the kitchen counter top looks and functions. Most modern kitchens are designed with counters that have an eased edge to give them a modern and elegant appeal. Though you can always think outside the box and create a design that gives your kitchen a unique personality.

WHAT FINISHES AND MATERIALS ARE BEST FOR KITCHEN FIXTURES?

Kitchen fixtures, which are usually metals, come in different kinds of finishes. You need to choose a finish that is practical and fits in beautifully in your kitchen. You don’t have to choose a single finish for all kitchen fixtures. A little mix and match is allowed. For instance, stainless steel and brushed glass fixtures go really well together.

WHAT STYLE OF SINK SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Sinks come in different style options and what you choose will affect the type of materials that are available to you. Under mount sinks are very popular in modern kitchens because they make it easier to keep the counter area clean. However, they cannot be installed in laminate counters since the cutout will make the finishing look unappealing.

WHAT FINISH SHOULD MY COUNTERS, BACK SPLASH AND FLOORING HAVE?

When you’ve settled for counters, back splash and flooring for your kitchen, the next important thing is to choose a suitable finish. Granite and quartz can look really well with a polished finish. A good finish can protect the surface, prevent scratches and make it last longer. With each stone sample you review, be sure to ask about the different kinds of finishes available. A good finish will enhance the appearance of your kitchen.

WILL THE KITCHEN DESIGN BE UP TO CODE?

There’s no harm in breaking the rules in your next remodeling project. Just ensure that the new design will still be up to building code. For instance, your choice of hood fan may be dictated by what’s laid out by your local building code. Additionally, your kitchen design should facilitate proper ventilation. Make sure you consult an expert in this department.

The professional team at Today’s Designer Kitchens are here to assist you with your new kitchen and our years of experience will be at your fingertips to ensure a successful and budget friendly, beautiful kitchen.

Contact us HERE.

Antique White Kitchens

Antique White is one of the most popular kitchen cabinet colours on the market. It’s bright and airy, appealing to homeowners with both small and large kitchens. Plus, white is a timeless finish.

The beauty of Antique White, is that it has a warmth to it with its yellow based undertone which makes it less sterile than the look of a pure white kitchen with its blue based undertones.

Add to that a solid wood raised panel door style and options for ornate detailing and homeowners can achieve a luxurious feel to their kitchen space effortlessly.

If you like the feel of a traditional take on modern design, the Antique White collection delivers.

Are you thinking of white cabinets in your home but are not sure what white would work in your space?

Our team at Today’s Designer Kitchens would be pleased to assist.

Visit our showroom to see all our cabinet selections in person, or simply give us a call at: 905-641-2284, or email us for an in home consultation.

How To Design Your Dream Kitchen

Todays Designer Kitchens pexels-alex-qian-2343467-2000x1200 How To Design Your Dream Kitchen

Here is how to design your dream kitchen if you are planning a renovation. Our tips come from years of kitchen installation experience so we hope you find them useful.

Remember that making a plan before you begin is the key to success. So, with that in mind, here are very important considerations before you begin your kitchen project.

Kitchen Function


One of the most important aspect to think about when planning a new kitchen design (or any space for that matter) is to determine what function you wish it to serve.

Kitchens are a lot more than just cooking spaces these days. Kitchens are the heart of the home, a place where we gather and spend most of our time. Just think of all the things you do in your kitchen everyday like: work, watch tv, read the mail, chat with the family, do homework, entertain friends and so much more.

Todays Designer Kitchens pexels-terry-magallanes-2635038-1024x684 How To Design Your Dream Kitchen

That’s why its so important to narrow down exactly what you see yourself doing in this space! Here are some things to consider:

-How do you plan on using it everyday? Does your everyday resemble a busy hang out or is more a place that is just used for cooking?
-Besides cooking, what other daily activities do you like to do in the kitchen? Do you like baking? Watching TV while you work? Need a special space for homework like a desk area?
-Do you like to entertain? If so, you may want to think about a dedicated place for a beverage center that houses a wine fridge, wine glasses, or a coffee bar.
-How much seating do you need? Most kitchens nowadays are eat in kitchens and have an area for an everyday family table, but if you are someone who likes to entertain, maybe you need an island with more seating?

Kitchen Work Triangle

Having a proper flow in your kitchen is critical to make it function. One thing to keep in mind is the distances between each point in your triangle (sink, stove, fridge access points).

Todays Designer Kitchens Slide1-1 How To Design Your Dream Kitchen

There are many ways to do this but here is a typical work flow triangle for reference, keep things between 40″ – 60″ apart if possible. For detailed layout information go HERE.

Todays Designer Kitchens Work_triangle How To Design Your Dream Kitchen

Kitchen Storage

If you don’t think about storage now, you sure will wish you did later! No matter what size your kitchen you need to have a plan of how to store your stuff.

What do you use all the time and need easy access to? What can be stowed away that you do not need to use all the time?

-If you use small appliances regularly, think about where would be the easiest place to access them.

-Maybe create an appliance garage with doors that retract, or build a large pantry with pull-out drawers to easily lift out items where they can sit without using up counter space.

Todays Designer Kitchens SCG-modern-kitchen-view-4-724x1024 How To Design Your Dream Kitchen

-Other storage solutions that can make your kitchen function with ease could be pots and pans drawers, pantries with pull-out shelves, or walk-in pantries and spice racks

-what height and where do you like your plates, glasses, mugs, utensils?

Kitchen Lighting

There are 3 recommended types of lighting for every kitchen renovation.

Todays Designer Kitchens ws3-1024x682 How To Design Your Dream Kitchen

General Lighting. This is what lights up the entire space like pot lights. Add dimmer switches for versatility. Pendant lights over islands, or chandeliers over tables are also an example of general lighting, but we tend to use more statement pieces here that lend a decorative touch.
Task Lighting. Lighting that helps preform certain tasks. Under-cabinet lighting is an example of task lighting that a lot of people tend to skip, and its so important! Shadows from overhead lighting can often be cast underneath the cabinets, making prep work on the counters difficult, even dangerous if your finger didn’t see the blade of the knife coming! Integrating your lighting within your cabinet design will lead to a seamless look. Another place that task lighting is often overlooked is over the sink.
Accent lighting. This is the lighting thats not really necessary for function, but highlights the wonderful design of your kitchen, which you are going to want to show off! Uplighting, or lighting in glass cabinets are a great example of accent lights. Under cabinet lighting is necessary for tasks, but can also accent your upper cabinets and countertops beautifully.

Kitchen Appliances

Choose kitchen appliances ahead of time! Until you know what kind of appliances you want to put in your kitchen, you wont be able to properly determine your layout.

If you like to cook you may want to opt for a 6 burner stove or cooktop. Do you prefer gas or electric? When choosing your range or cooktop, there are stand alone options that usually have the controls at the back, or slide in options with the controls at the front. What kind of range hood do you prefer? An insert or a chimney hood? If you are a baker, double wall ovens may be the way to go.

Refrigerators also widely vary in size and depth. You can get counter-depth options for a more built-in look, standard depth, or built-in appliances that can be covered with door fronts that match you cabinetry for a seamless look.

Do you use your microwave a lot? You may want to invest in a built-in option. As you can see there are so many options available for appliances that factor into the overall design of your kitchen.

Want to Renovate the Kitchen and Don’t Know Where to Start?!

The team at Today’s Designer Kitchens in St. Catharines can assist you wherever you are in your kitchen renovation journey. We design, supply all materials and do full installations.

Call us today or fill out an online form to get an absolutely no obligation home consultation and quote and don’t forget we do it all from floor to ceiling and everything in between for your kitchen renovation including wall removal.

Get A Free Consultation

ABOUT US

Todays Designer Kitchens image How To Design Your Dream Kitchen

The team of professionals at Today’s Designer Kitchens are dedicated to bringing high quality full service kitchen renovations that are affordable beautiful and functional.

We undertake work in all scopes and budget ranges and provide a full service kitchen solution from floor to ceiling.

Visit Our Showroom M-F 10 am-4 pm.

Address: 239 Carlton St Suite #1, St. Catharines, ON L2R 1S1

Phone: 905-641-2284