Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/136981
design » to go Designer KARLA AMADATSU delights in creating classic and livable homes in her signature new traditional style. bright ideas While many of us fantasize about a full-on renovation, the reality is most of us cannot justify the cost or waste of a gut job. When it comes to kitchens, too many of us, particularly those of us living in the suburbs, are faced with genericlooking spaces, or cabinetry and countertops that are in great condition, but not our style. Our recently purchased nine-year-old home came with a laundry list of things that I wanted to change, but nothing more so than the kitchen. Dark cherry cabinets, speckled purple laminate countertops and poor lighting all begged for an upgrade. After looking at the layout, I determined that what our kitchen needed – like so many suburban homes – was more of a facelift than reconstructive surgery. I added smaller (a few with glass fronts) cabinetry boxes on top of existing ones and gables and furniture kicks for structure and detail. A coat of fresh white paint also provided an instant update. When it came to the countertop, I splurged on a marble top for my island and saved by using co-ordinated putty-grey laminate and inexpensive ceramic tile along the perimeter. A polished nickel faucet and hardware and a pair of milk glass and bronze pendant lights complete the look. Faucet Kitchen fixtures are a key area to spend money on. Think of the faucet like the jewelry of the room! It will elevate the whole design. Counters and backsplash Treat this as a high/low combo. Pick one element to spurge on (counters or backsplash) and then pick something less expensive for the other area. For example, pair a quartz or marble countertop with an inexpensive white subway tile. Lighting Like faucets, I find lighting is an area where you can immediately tell quality. Plan to buy good quality fixtures. My favourite sources for classic kitchen lighting are Visual Comfort and Restoration Hardware. Hardware This is an opportunity to really add character to a kitchen. Look for weighty hardware in a beautiful finish – think polished nickel, bronze, or antique brass – and combine pulls and knobs for a unique look. Lee Valley, The Home Depot and Restoration Hardware are great sources. ■ kerrisdaledesign.com Bu e Spraydegist x ting doo hood fa Here are a few key rs Countertno,padd mouldin,gbuild a decorative elements to a successful detail $ Cabinet ha s kitchen re-facing project: 7,5 rdware Lighting Cabinetry $ 2,60000 Sink $ 2 Keep the same configuration if you can, Backsplas $ 1,00000 or move existing cabinetry to new locaWindow tr h tile $ 35 tions if required. Fill in any gaps with Faucet eatment $ 2000 new cabinetry boxes if necessary. If you $ 4 love the cabinets, then have them pro$ 80000 fessionally sprayed. Or, just replace *does not To include any the doors for an updated look. electrical, p tal: $13,050 lumb ing or tilin g p24-25_Design to Go.indd 25 work July/August 2013 BC HOME & GARDEN | 25 Northwest Landscape.indd 1 13-06-0713-04-22 4:02 PM 11:38 AM