Home renovation
TOP, MIRALIS; BELOW, DAVE DUCHESNE, BOTTOM; GROUPE CARTIER.
Design a timeless kitchen with forward thinking
With many of us staying at home these days, it’s no surprise we’re noticing more aspects of our spaces that we’d love to change. The kitchen, in particular, has come under scrutiny as we find ourselves cooking more with restaurants closed, and it’s often doubling as a temporary office and/or school workspace. Maybe your cabinets are looking worn from the daily wear and tear? Or you can never find anything in your pantry? Do you need to store your dishes lower so your kids can reach them (and put them away!) on their own? Maybe your whole kitchen just isn’t helping you live your best life, and it’s time for a renovation.
In order to build a kitchen that really functions well and will do so for a long time, we need to think beyond our immediate needs and wants and into the future. “We need to think a lot more long term,” says Valérie Brière, brand and communications director for Miralis, a Quebec-based company that uses innovative quality materials and intelligent design to build kitchens that stand the test of time. “We strongly believe a kitchen should be built to last 20 to 25 years. You shouldn’t need to renovate again after seven or eight years.”
The first step to what Brière refers to as a “timeless kitchen” is design. “An efficient and effective design can evolve to continue to meet your changing needs.” And timeless doesn’t mean it lacks character. Brière likens it to a little black dress. “It’s like a canvas, and you add accessories to bring personality. You can also change the style by changing the accessories. The dress itself is timeless and works with many different styles,” she says. “Many years later, it still doesn’t feel dated. Your kitchen should be the same.” And of course, like the dress, your kitchen must be well constructed and fit you well.
So it’s best to choose more neutral hues for your cabinets and countertops, and add flair through things like your backsplash, faucets, lighting fixtures, stools and artwork – just like accessories, they can be modified without much effort. “If you choose a trendy stain for your cabinets, it’s easy to know when that was popular,” explains Noémie Bernier, head of product innovation for Miralis. “You want natural tones that will be beautiful for many years. Hardware can also be specific to a year or style, so by choosing ones with standard attachments such as a single screw, you can change them easily instead of replacing the whole door. It’s one of the reasons Miralis offers handle-less cabinets. This type of design is not specific to a time.”
More is not always better, either. Many kitchens feature floor-to-ceiling cabinets, but you don’t necessarily need that many cabinets, especially those that are hard to reach. “Fewer cabinets and more drawers, optimized to provide more organization, can actually hold the same if not more,” says Bernier. “For instance, drawers can hold a lot more plates than a cupboard with one shelf. This leaves room for more windows and light, and gives you space to breathe.” A clean contemporary design with simple straight lines will always feel in vogue.
Working with a skilled kitchen designer is the best way to ensure you get a design that will see you through many years. Designers can address issues you may never even have considered, plus you have someone knowledgeable to answer questions. There are DIY options, but with them comes a lot of room for error, which can be costly in time and money. “People who have done this tell us they would never do it again because it takes up so much of their time and it’s hard to get things right on their own,” says Brière.
At the end of the day, you want a lasting beautiful kitchen that works for you and your family. A kitchen that makes you want to cook and bake or just spend quality time with your family (and hopefully soon, your friends). “The kitchen is the heart of the home,” affirms Brière. “It’s a space that has to work for you and make you feel comfortable.” Investing in expert design and quality products will ensure you get a timeless kitchen that you’re proud of.
Timeless Design Trends
It’s important that we really enjoy our living spaces, considering how much we find ourselves in them right now. Here are some ideas to make your home more inviting and comfortable.
Warm tones: Shine soft light on the walls and use cozy textured fabrics like velvet to create a warm mood. Lighter species woods are popular for warming a room, especially maple and white oak. Replace cold whites with rich cream-coloured accents.
Natural accents: Whether it’s wooden benches, stools or window coverings, natural materials can offer a nice contrast to shiny appliances. Dress cushions in linen while straw and rattan can climb the walls and be found on light fixtures. For accessories, add handmade pottery and terra cotta.
Simplicity: Opt for solid colours and simple shapes, such as geometrics. Go for a minimalist look including shaker-style or single-piece cabinets. Terrazzo and ultra-thin porcelain counters can complete the look.
For more stories from this feature, visit globeandmail.com