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.

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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

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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

Kitchen Cabinet Colour Trends

Todays Designer Kitchens Bermuda-white-and-midnight-blue-V1-1-2000x1200 Kitchen Cabinet Colour Trends

Kitchen cabinet colour trends are always changing and today we will look at the “new blue” for cabinetry that has become a favourite with us and our customers!

The beautiful thing about our blue cabinet collection is that it is a true classic shade with timeless appeal and it looks amazing with accent cabinetry or completely on its own.

Below, wow, what a difference a week can make in a kitchen when the team at Today’s Designer Kitchens get to work!

Why Go Blue?

Make a dramatic statement in your kitchen with a colour that is different from the usual white. We find that this shade adds a real touch of elegance to a room also, not to mention it is a great colour for hiding dirt!

Other reasons to consider blue cabinets:

-blue is an opportunity to bring some colour into the kitchen, so the homeowner doesn’t have to default to white cabinets

-blue kitchens coordinate with neutrals perfectly

-similar to blue and white china, blue is a colour that’s been favoured by designers for decades

-blue cabinets have lasting power that won’t date your space

-blue cabinets coordinate well with staple, long term design choices like stainless steel or brass hardware

If you’re ready to change how your kitchen looks and functions, our free design consultation is fun, informative and easy PLUS you will get a quote for that new kitchen project!

Todays Designer Kitchens Small-midnight-blue-kitchen-1-1024x576 Kitchen Cabinet Colour Trends

Call Us: 905-641-2284 OR fill out a form HERE.

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.

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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

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

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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

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

Why Hire a Kitchen Design Team?

Todays Designer Kitchens qtq80-A6j5zA Why Hire a Kitchen Design Team?

Hiring a kitchen design team like Today’s Designer kitchens for your renovation can eliminate stress, plus save you time and money! Let’s dig a little deeper…

Designing a kitchen involves choosing materials and appliances; determining a layout; working through plumbing and electrical configurations; and so much more.

A professional full service design company can help put all of these pieces together so you get the kitchen of your dreams with ease while saving you money with their expertise and installation services.

Having professional designers, suppliers and installers working as a team on your behalf can help you budget wisely, avoid mistakes and make the space beautiful and functional in an organized and timely fashion.

That being said, it is always important to work with a company that can be sensitive to your specific needs.

At Today’s Designer Kitchens we handle small to large scale projects and listen to our customers, delivering you a unique one on one experience, customized to your needs and budget.

To find out more, give us a call or better yet visit our showroom, see our products in person and meet our team! M-F 10-5 pm.

Todays Designer Kitchens show-room-1024x683 Why Hire a Kitchen Design Team?