How to modernize an older home in Kelowna

As many people are aware, the best dollar-for-dollar return on renovations comes from the kitchen. Whether you are thinking resale value or whether you are hoping to stay in the home for many years, an updated kitchen will certainly make the home feel fresh and new. A renovation to the kitchen can also dramatically change the functioning space and therefore drastically effect how you live in your home. For example, a kitchen that starts off with dark, cramped working quarters might have the possibility of turning into a bright, open space, perfect for multiple cooks and for entertaining. Where the possibility of entertaining may not have existed before, you may want to spend a lot more time in the new favorite room of the house.

Similarly, bathrooms benefit from a renovation through the possibility of giving the space a fresh, clean feeling. Because bathrooms are generally smaller spaces, it is sometimes possible to splurge on more expensive finishes and fixtures while still keeping within a budget.

If you are working on a tight budget and want to get as much bang for your buck as possible, these items will do wonders for updating a space.

• Countertops – Laminate countertops can be easily and inexpensively replaced by a countertop company with minimum disruption to the space. Laminate countertops are fastened to the base cabinets by screws that can be easily removed, which allows the old countertop to be slide off and a new one to take it’s place. The only caution with this process comes if there is a tile backsplash in the kitchen. Because tile is installed after countertops, when removing countertops there is a chance that one or more of the tiles may crack or break (not a problem if they are being replaced anyways, but definitely a problem if you are wanting to preserve them).
• Cabinet Hardware – Often referred to as the jewelry of the kitchen, replacing the knobs and handles can instantly provide a new sparkle to older cabinets. Cabinet hardware is also a good way to tie in the finish from appliances or from new lighting.

• Paint – Although many individuals shy away from painting a wood cabinet, more and more people are catching onto the idea. Painting cabinets gives them an instant facelift and can dramatically brighten an entire kitchen. Consider an aged-oak kitchen with it’s dark brandy-coloured tones, if the cabinets are painted white the entire kitchen responds with a brightness that visually expands the space.

• Lighting – In addition to replacing dated-looking fixtures, changing lights can also provide more light to a space which will brighten and make the space seem larger. There are many lighting fixtures that can be purchased in the most current finishes relatively inexpensively at all lighting stores and big-box stores.

Nadine Andrews D.I.D.
DESIGN EVOLUTION
Ph 250-864-9848
Fax 250-469-9411
designevolution@shaw.ca
http://www.designevolution.ca/