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26 bca a .com winter 2015 (top kitchen) PURE Interior Design, Debbie Evans Interior Design Artful Upgrades add value to your home with statement- making renovations BY Janet GYenes W hether you're stripping your home down to the studs or refining a tired room – on a budget – kitchen and bathroom renovations can yield the best return on your investment. Here, two local award-winning interior designers share their on-trend ideas. 1. Go big Super-sized ranges and hoods are de rigueur in Europe, says Ami McKay, interior designer and owner of Vancouver's PURE Interior Design. "They've been doing this for years." Outsized appliances add luxury and a focal point to the heart of the home. McKay recommends choosing a 36-inch range, at minimum, instead of the standard 30-inch size. 2. Cut back on cabinets Wall-to-wall cabinets that wrap around the range might be practical, but they're hardly original. Instead, create some wow factor with a feature wall, says Debbie Evans, interior designer and owner of Debbie Evans Interior Design in West Vancouver. Evans suggests installing a decorative range hood and open shelves, surrounded by statement-making tile stretching up the wall. "It lightens up the kitchen and gives it more drama." 3. trade in the tub If your clunky porcelain tub is looking dated (and you never use it anyway), rip it out and put in a two-person shower. It's not such an audacious idea, according to Evans. "That's the number one thing we're doing," she says. Think rain shower heads, steam units and subdued hues, such as greys and taupes. It's all about creating a luxurious, spa- like space. Can't part with your super-soaker? In larger spaces, upgrade with a freestanding tub, complemented by luxurious tiles and accents that add a little sparkle, says Evans. 4. Mix metals Stainless steel is a classic, but "more muted metals are becoming highlighted in the kitchen," says Evans. "People are going for more gold, bronze and copper – similar to jewellery." Avoid matchy- matchy looks: blending is better. For instance, meld stainless-steel appliances with copper elements on light fixtures. Look for metal accents in backsplash tiles too. "As long as it's all blended and coordinated, it looks warm," says Evans. 5. Create a bijoux bathroom "Powder rooms give a wow impact on the main floor," says McKay, who suggests using standout wallpaper or patterned tiles on the floor or wall. Add glamour with incredible – and unpredictable – pendant lighting and black or brass fixtures. And forget the diminutive mirror: get one that goes all the way up the wall. n BCAA Members save 25% on all regular- priced Dulux paints. bcaa.com/dulux MEMBERS SAVE quick fix Short on time or money? Break out the paint. Ami McKay modernized a dark kitchen using a few coats of white and soft grey. She also replaced the counters and added hardware and look-at-me lighting, while retaining the original cabinets and appliances – the bulk of kitchen reno costs. "These little changes are great for resale," says McKay. TIP! Fixing up your home? Keep your belongings safe and out of the way with on- or off-site storage. BCAA Members save up to 10% on PODS moving or storage solutions. bcaa.com/pods at home renovations BefoRe afteR

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