Blog | Page 5 of 7 | Todays Designer Kitchens

February 25, 2020February 25, 2020

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

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

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!

February 12, 2020February 12, 2020

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.

January 14, 2020January 14, 2020

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.

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

December 19, 2019December 19, 2019

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.

December 6, 2019December 6, 2019

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.

November 25, 2019November 25, 2019

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

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November 11, 2019November 11, 2019

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!

November 1, 2019November 1, 2019

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.

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.

October 15, 2019October 15, 2019

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.

October 9, 2019October 5, 2020

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!

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