Like Pavlov’s dogs, the September school bell rings and we all feel like we have to begin something new.
The kids go to school and the parents get the renovation itch. One of the most popular places to renovate is the kitchen, not only because it has good resale value but also we spend so much time there as families.
It’s amazing to see what’s developed for kitchens that you will want to have on your must-have list as you move forward with your renovations.
• Countertops of porcelain are ever more popular.
Sheets in varying thicknesses, colour and patterns can be cut to fit your kitchen. Porcelain is a non-porous surface, sturdy and priced better than most synthetic surfaces.
You can also face the cabinets in porcelain, resulting in a continuous uninterrupted surface. Makes for an amazing island!
• A tempered glass countertop can look amazing and be very durable. “Starfire” glass, which has no green hue, is a great design feature for the kitchen.
Carve a drain rack directly in to the surface, and you have a super modern, clean-lined countertop. Back paint the same surface and create an amazing backsplash as well!
• Panel receiving appliances: Now that the kitchen is open to the rest of the house, the panel receiving appliance has become incredibly popular. The stainless steel range is the central focus while the rest of the appliances disappear in the cabinets.
• Some appliances we don’t want to see. Microwaves, dishwashers and refrigeration drawer units are increasingly popular. That modern and industrial loft look with no upper cabinets has all the function with a completely different form.
• Black fridge interiors sound like an odd addition to the kitchen, but the food in the fridge looks so much better against black. They will soon be available to the Canadian market, and you’ll want one, I just know it!
• Induction heating has become increasingly popular because it gives you the precise heat of gas without the mess.
Appliances such as an induction cooktop allow you to place as many pots as you like, any size, anywhere on the surface and cook. Only the food gets hot while the glass top stays cool.
• Europe has been showing herb walls for the last couple of markets: a live wall of a variety of herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, etc., grow fresh in the kitchen.
Brings a whole new meaning to the hundred mile radius!
• Automation from touch taps allow you to turn on and off the water by touching the faucet. Brilliant when your hands are full or dirty from cooking.
Touch technology is part of cabinets as well, which open with a bump of an elbow or a knee. A brilliant feature for the recycling centre.
• Drawers aren’t particularly new in the kitchen, but they couldn’t hold much weight.
Hettich’s Arci-tech drawers slide and can easily carry 80 kilograms and maintain soft close. Now you can load the drawers up.
Glen Peloso is a design expert on The Marilyn Denis Show and Restaurant Makeover. For further info: www.glenpelosointeriors.com.
