Every now and then we take some time to go through the many reviews posted on our site. Not only do we find great contractors (and some to avoid), but through reviews we find great design ideas. Here are a three trends in kitchens from the past few months.
A Thousand Islands
We’ve been noticing many kitchens with shiny, new islands. While attractive, these islands are mostly geared at function.
Some like the one installed by ReCreate Homes for Laura in Mississauga combines aesthetics with functionality, creating a kitchen that might be a pleasure to work in. Pictured below are before and after pictures of Laura’s kitchen.
Can’t you just imagine cleaning up after a dinner party? Instead of turning your back to everyone, you can chat at the sink. If you have to have an open kitchen, that’s the way to go.
Many of these kitchens are also very open to the outdoors. Take this kitchen by Clareville Distinctive Kitchens, for example.
Completed for a client in Brampton, this island looks out onto the dining area and backyard. It’s perfect for a large family or entertaining. Visions of breakfasts and barbecues are dancing through my mind – and I love the fact the microwave is hidden.
All in the Backsplash
Another trend we noticed in kitchen renovations is the backsplash. If you are looking to update an old kitchen or really make your new kitchen stand out, consider doing something different with your backsplash.
The dark backsplash Marianne and Mark in Vancouver picked out for their kitchen is striking. Pictured here to the right, the pot lights flooding down the wall and on the matching counter brighten the strong contrast between the backsplash and the cupboards.
Backsplashes can also really set the mood or style for a kitchen.
Nadurra Wood Corporation added a beaded board backsplash to Jeff’s kitchen in London, pictured here to the left. The yellow tongue and grove look makes the kitchen appear more country in style and relaxed than it might have been with a starker white tile, for example.
The subway tile SarahP in Mississauga chose for her kitchen leaves the room crisp and modern, but still inviting. SarahP hired P&P Renovations for the makeover, which is pictured here to the right.
Having it all – in a small kitchen
Small kitchens pose a unique challenge, as we know well. A modern life just involves so much more stuff – both in terms of storage needs, but also for convenience. Sometimes fitting it all in just seems impossible. These last few kitchens manage to incorporate all the convenience, but without compromising style – and many have both islands and beautiful backsplashes.
Diana in East York recently had Total Renovations redo her small kitchen in a 80-year-old home. The muted, but textured backsplash makes the small space warm and deep, without being too busy. The use of compact appliances lets Diana enjoy all the modern conveniences without losing too much precious space.
Kate and Ryan, also of East York, faced similar space constraints in a home that is just slightly older.
They hired 310-Reno to completely renovate their kitchen, opting for a tiled backsplash that lends character to walls that are otherwise too small to do much with. Kate and Ryan also used compact appliances.
A simple, small island in the middle of the kitchen provides much need additional workspace, and a little bit more storage in a cramped kitchen. Had the island been closed, it would have visually broken up the space and made the kitchen seem even smaller. As it is, the islands sits perfectly in the middle of the room or can be moved out of the way.
