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Feb 01 2023

Top Kitchen Design Trends for 2023 and 2024

Where does everyone want to hang out? In the kitchen of course! And which room do we end up using the most? That’s right… the kitchen. Kids are snacking or doing their homework, parents are cooking, friends are part of the food prep before a celebration, families are gathering and creating memories, enjoying the only times everyone seems to be together and engaged.

Kitchens are also an investment… not an expense… an investment! They are directly linked to the value of the home, and when they are well designed, they actually sell the home.

It seems like every year there are new innovations, design elements and fabulous ideas that get us dreaming of our ideal kitchen.

2023-Kitchen-Design-Trends
photo credit: Gaggenau

Eventually there comes the day when the dreams need to take form and become reality. To help you along, here are a few very important kitchen trends and styles for 2023 and 2024 along with some of the valuable tips I share with my clients.

Statement Lighting Over the Island

2023-Kitchen-Design-Trends-Statement Lighting Over the Island

Kitchens need general ambient light, in the form of recessed pot lights or a ceiling fixture, and they also need directional functional lighting that adequately covers all the counters as well as the kitchen island. Most clients need a little encouragement when it comes to selecting the style and type of pendant light hanging over the island. They timidly lean towards safe and small lamp shades for their own kitchen, forgetting how impressed they were every time they saw a statement light over a friend’s kitchen island.

Have fun with this aspect of your design scheme, it is not a huge expense and will go a long way in adding a ‘wow-factor’ focal point to your kitchen.

Integrated and Innovative Appliances

Companies like Gaggenau offer a range of ovens, combi-steam ovens, and combi-microwaves. Components such as storage, warming and ‘sous-vide’ drawers are also available in a variety of sizes to add flexibility to any design. All their components can combine with this fully automatic coffee machine. You can prepare every variation of espresso, coffee and milk-based drinks, as well as hot water for other beverages, including tea.

2023-Kitchen-Design-Trends-Integrated and Innovative Appliances
photo credit: Gaggenau

You can program and save any configuration you like for each member of the family. This Gaggenau combi-microwave, coffee machine and combi-steam oven set-up is functional and completely built-in and flush to the cabinets.

Natural wood with black and white

2023-Kitchen-Design-Trends-Natural wood with black and white

The all-white kitchen is being replaced by a warmer version, incorporating natural wood tones accented with hits of black for graphic visual interest. White oak is very popular as well as high quality veneers from companies such as Uniboard and Egger.

In this kitchen there is an equal distribution between the white and the wood tone, but you may choose to increase the ratio of either one. You must also consider the type and tone of the floor when choosing which wood essence will be used in the cabinetry.

Matte and Minimalist Black

One of the things I love about the popularity of using black in interior design, regardless of how it is applied, is that every component really stands out. Black is still a neutral which means it doesn’t clash with anything. And, as a bonus, every type of metal hardware or plumbing fixture looks great with black.

When it comes to using black, it is very important to balance out the darker elements with plenty of light, incorporating lighter walls, counter, and floor…and…. plenty of natural and artificial light.

2023-Kitchen-Design-Trends-Matte and Minimalist Black

If your kitchen is lacking in daytime natural light, up the ante with a good light plan including recessed pot lights. Also consider a nice shade of medium to dark grey as an alternative to prevent the kitchen from being too dark.

Fluted wood panels

2023-Kitchen-Design-Trends-Fluted wood panels

This is a trend I can really get my teeth into. Reminiscent of mid-century modern esthetic and design, fluted wood panels are a fabulous way of adding a unique and bold wow-factor to any room, including kitchen cabinetry and the kitchen island. A little goes a long way, and they don’t give this away so make sure you get the help of a designer to determine the best use of this graphic design element.

Fluted wood panels come in natural wood essence tones or can be painted any colour you like. In this case we see a beautiful combination of charcoal grey fluted wood on the upper cabinets and island paired with a light grey chevron floor tile and beautiful light natural wood.

The classic and always modern arch

In design school, we are trained to avoid too much of any one thing. And one of the design elements that is often overlooked is the over-use of straight-angular lines and right-angles. In our designs we are taught to balance out hard edges and corners with gentler curves and arches. You can see this design principle used in artists’ paintings through the ages as well as architecture going back to the Greeks and Romans (and caves, if you want to go that far back).

2023-Kitchen-Design-Trends-The classic and always modern arch

Arches can be introduced as a doorway, a window, a wall opening, a wall niche, a mirror or furniture.

Here is a great example of the archway integrated to a functional coffee station with added shelves. And I love the hexagon tile detail drawing the eye in.

When it comes to design trends, I recommend clients always think strategically, because kitchens are an expensive investment, and you want ROI and great lasting power design-wise. But when I look at the kitchen trends presented in this article, I feel confident that anyone of these ideas, if well executed and thought-out, WILL stand the test of time.

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To learn more about our kitchen design services offered to the Greater Montreal Region.

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You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Contact us to transform your home or office according to your style, your budget and your specific needs. By discussing your project we can provide you with relevant information concerning our services, the process and our design fee.

Click here to contact us.

Written by Lucie Pitt · Categorized: Kitchens

Apr 10 2022

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Make-Overs

You spend a tremendous amount of time in your kitchen. Because of this, it is vital that it be functional and inviting and that you feel great preparing meals as well as entertaining friends and family. If you are like most folks, you are most likely waiting for the finances to completely renovate and create the kitchen of your dreams.

The good news is that you can transform your kitchen without breaking the bank. There are strategies and ways of making specific changes that will have a high impact, even on a tight budget.

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Make-Overs

The first thing to consider when renovating on a budget is recycling what you already own because the factor that causes a kitchen improvement project to skyrocket in price is purchasing new cabinetry.

The second thing to consider is that re-configuring the floor plan will increase costs because of the plumbing and electrical work that follows. All this also requires a new floor because the old one no longer matches the new set-up, etc.

The third thing to consider is improving your kitchen in well planned phases…doing a little each year. Here are a few simple ideas to give your kitchen a face lift that will cost you far less than doing an entire kitchen renovation.

Paint Out Your Old Kitchen Cupboards

This will require some effort on your part, but you are perfectly able to accomplish this. Every standard paint manufacturer has a line of products for prepping and painting kitchen cabinets and You Tube is abundant with friendly tutorials as support. Alternatively, you can hire this out and it will still cost less than purchasing new kitchen cabinets. In some cases, the painter can paint the cabinets on site, in other cases, the doors are dismantled and moved to a clean and dry shop for spray painting.

Cover Your Old Floor with a New Area Rug

Is your old floor tired and out-dated? Cover it with a nice area rug to hide the wear and tear. Choose a low maintenance indoor-outdoor carpet or one with synthetic fibres. There is also a wonderful selection of waterproof vinyl carpets on the market. My favourite line of vinyl rugs is from Adama Alma, which Versa Style Design imports from Barcelona. Make sure the carpet is dark and patterned to hide any stains. And if your kitchen is neutral-toned, go ahead and add colour!

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Make-Overs

Recycle an Old, Cherished Piece of Furniture

Integrating a unique piece of furniture can make a huge difference in the appearance of a kitchen. Give an old, cherished piece that you inherited or picked up at the flea market a whole new life and purpose.

Farmhouse tables can be repurposed as kitchen islands for food prep as well as provide seating for friends and family. Old armoires can be upcycled as food pantries.

Replace Your Counter

If your budget is too tight for a granite or marble counter (costing on average $100.00/sq. foot) then Quartz or Corian are great cost-effective alternatives ($50 – $80.00/sq. foot). If you want to save even more, consider the new generation of modern laminates such as Formica. They are as beautiful as they are durable and go for between $25 – $50/sq. foot. They are also easy to install.

Designer trick: To make a laminate counter look high end, invest in a great looking high-quality backsplash tile.

Install Backsplash Tiles with a Lot of Personality

An outstanding wall tile gives any kitchen a lot of style. I often recommend that clients change up their backsplash and add a coat of paint to the walls because if they do just that, the entire kitchen will feel like it was renovated. For high impact, choose textured relief tiles and add lighting so the surface comes to life. I believe that the kitchen backsplash is like completing an outfit with a great necklace or necktie. A new backsplash adds a wonderful finishing touch to a kitchen and stands out like a jewel.

Replace the Lighting

Suspended lighting is both functional and makes a big style statement. Adequate kitchen lighting is vital and should be positioned over your dining table and kitchen island as well as over your sink. Remember to properly light specific work zones so you can perform your tasks with comfortable lighting; the cooking area as well as clean up and food preparation areas.

Be bold when choosing the scale and style of a suspended light.

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Make-Overs

Change the Door and Drawer Handles

Sometimes just changing up the door handles will give such a face-lift to the doors and drawers that you won’t feel as rushed to renovate the whole kitchen. Choose handles that are harmonized with your general kitchen style. Also consider a different metal; if you kept it safe with brushed nickel, opt for a warmer tone like gold, champagne, bronze or copper. Perhaps a brass or pewter handle would be a nice match. Again, be bold and creative.

Inject Some Colour With New Decorative Accessories

Probably the easiest and fastest way to a new kitchen is simply changing all the decorative elements. Choose new chairs, vases, bowls, curtains, artwork, a tablecloth, and napkins in a whole new accent colour.

You can have a brand-new kitchen after a few hours of shopping. If you have open shelving (also a budget-friendly idea) make sure there is a common theme and colour palette to avoid a cluttered look.

Even just one of these budget-friendly ideas can transform your kitchen. As you can see, you don’t have to renovate your entire kitchen to have what feels like a new one that fits with your personal style.

You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Contact us to transform your home or office according to your style, your budget and your specific needs. By discussing your project we can provide you with relevant information concerning our services, the process and our design fee.

Click here to contact us.

Written by Lucie Pitt · Categorized: Kitchens

Nov 01 2019

Kitchen Island styles, ideas and tips

The kitchen island is on everybody’s wish-list when it comes to designing a new kitchen. There are many types of islands to suit every need. Some islands can be purchased ready-made, like at Ikea or Costco, for instance. But most islands are custom designed and include specific components such as a wine fridge, deep drawers, a microwave, an eating counter with stools, a niche for serving bowls and recipe books, and much more.

Kitchen Island styles, ideas and tips

Since they help to maximize space with plenty of room for storage, you can have less cluttered countertops and more room for prepping food, eating, or helping the kids with their homework.

Kitchen Island styles, ideas and tips

Whenever I create kitchen designs for my clients, the first thing I confirm is if there is, in fact, enough space for an island. You need to allow at least 36 to 44 inches of space between the perimeter of the island and surrounding furniture, counters and cabinets. This space ensures that there is enough room for people to move around the kitchen unobstructed, as well as allow you to open cabinets and appliances such as the stove, dishwasher and refrigerator. 

I have designed some very narrow islands in small kitchens which were still functional, making sure there was plenty of room for circulation and functionality as a top priority.

Here are a few different kitchen island ideas to inspire you:

The shape of the island

As a general rule, an island should be the shape of the kitchen. If a kitchen is square, the island is usually square as well. Most kitchens are rectangular, so naturally, rectangular islands are very popular. If you have a very large kitchen you can have a U-shaped or L-shaped island. When your kitchen island design takes the shape-factor into consideration, the flow of the space feels inviting and it helps make the room feel more open. 

 The shape of the island

To make an island more interesting, consider painting it a different tone or colour and go ahead and add unique colourful pendants for more personality.

Up-cycle an older piece of furniture

 Up-cycle an older piece of furniture

If you want to add instant charm to your new kitchen, consider integrating an old table or counter-work-bench. Is there an old forgotten piece in the basement or garage? If not, a trip to the flea market may open up new options to you.  If the base of the island doesn’t work, we can change that with complimentary vintage wood, like the example here. An old weathered bench was given new rustic wooden legs for more height. This brings me to the next point.

The height of the island and the seating

If you buy a ready-made island that is too tall, or not tall enough, a good handy-man or carpenter can adjust it. You need to also consider the height of the stools in relation to the height of the counter. There are 3 heights in kitchen seating: standard table-height seats (for lower level counters) counter stools, and bar stools. Kitchen island counter heights vary as well, to accommodate taller people, shorter folks, pastry chefs, regular foodies, and everyone else. 

The height of the island and the seating

For large kitchens;  an island with an eating nook

 For large kitchens;  an island with an eating nook

If you have a very large kitchen, and you always dreamed of a custom eating nook, why not consider combining it within a u-shaped island. Just look at all that counter space! Nobody is getting in anyone else’s way and there is a lot of storage behind those benches. If you still need MORE storage, there are pull-out drawers underneath the seating.

Plumbing can be installed to accommodate a sink and dishwasher. Clearing up the table is as easy as handing it over the counter, where the sink is already waiting.

Also for large kitchens; an L-shaped kitchen island

L-shaped kitchen islands pack a double whammy; they have plenty of space for food prep, and a whole other section for eating, socialising, crafts or homework. They require very large kitchens that are more square than rectangular. Because of its sheer size, clean-up time may take a little longer, but you will never, ever complain that you don’t have enough counter space again!

 Also for large kitchens; an L-shaped kitchen island

Compact kitchen islands

 Compact kitchen islands

If your kitchen is very small, but you really have your heart set on adding a kitchen-island, then consider small-scale options, which can include an added butcher block, wheels and open shelving for easy access to your small appliances or serving platters. Often very charming, these tiny islands can be extremely functional, offering extra storage space and a pretty decent additional work surface. They are also much less expensive than a fixed or custom kitchen island. When you’re done, you can roll them away.


You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Contact us to transform your home or office according to your style, your budget and your specific needs. By discussing your project we can provide you with relevant information concerning our services, the process and our design fee.

Click here to contact us.


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Montreal Kitchen
Design Services

To learn more about our kitchen design services offered to the Greater Montreal Region.

Kitchen Design

Written by Lucie Pitt · Categorized: Kitchens

Sep 27 2018

Kitchen counters and how to choose one

A new counter will instantly elevate your kitchen, as well as increase the value of your home. Kitchen counters have developed over time, and are now designed to adapt to your lifestyle and budget.

Are you looking to change your kitchen counter but don’t know where to start? Here are the main considerations that will help you select the best countertop for your kitchen.

Kitchen counters and how to choose one

Determine how the counter will be used

Determine how the counter will be used

In a perfect world, a kitchen counter would possess durability, easy maintenance, water, heat and stain resistance, affordability and a nice look to top it all off. Unfortunately, the reality is quite different.

No material is perfect and everyone has their own criteria and preferences. Each person prioritizes certain aspects that will be more important than others in their selection process.

Some will favour price or ease of maintenance whereas others will prefer something that looks good or is very durable. Also, in order to help you determine which characteristics are most important to you, ask yourself what type of use you will make of your counter and in what type of environment it will be installed.

Will you cook a lot on its surface? Do you use Turmeric or other saturated spices? Are there children working on an island counter? Are you willing to spend a lot of time and effort to keep it looking nice and clean?

Determine how the counter will be used

Defining the budget

Defining the budget kitchen counters

This is the most important step of the process. Your budget is what will help you make your dream a reality. Essentially, it will allow you to know if you have enough money to do what you want and if not, to determine which compromises you will have to make to reach your goal. Even when you think you’ve found the perfect countertop, if it doesn’t suit your budget, you will have to find another alternative.

Elaborating your budget will also help you decide how the countertop will be installed. You could install it yourself or hire a designer with their supplier and installer to do the job. It’s up to you to see which option best suits your budget, your expectations and your manual skills.

kitchen counters

A budget includes all materials, the cut, delivery and installation. If you install it yourself, you must also take into account the price of renting tools if you don’t have the right ones.

Choosing the right materials

Choosing the right materials

There are many different options for kitchen countertop materials available on the market. Even though none are perfect, you will definitely find something that lives up to your expectations. In order to avoid useless spending and future regrets, take your time when making a choice.

Compare prices and check out the specific characteristics of each material. Visit the stores where they sell these types of products or Versa Style Design’s Montreal showroom, to compare the qualities, colours and prices. The more time you invest in this step, the more likely you are to be satisfied with the result.

Laminate counters

Laminate counters

Standard laminate is a sandwich of kraft paper impregnated with resin and topped by a decorative layer of melamine paper glued to a particleboard substrate. Only drop-in sink installations are possible with this type of counter. Available in a wide range of finishes, laminate can imitate the appearance of other materials, which makes it possible to enjoy the look of more expensive materials without the associated cost.

Laminate Counter Benefits

  • Affordable
  • Versatile
  • Durable
  • Wide range of colours and patterns available
  • Impact-resistant

Drawbacks

  • Only moderately heat and scratch-resistant
  • Joints are visible
  • Damaged surfaces are more difficult to repair

Maintenance

  • Clean with a mild soap

Wood counters

Wood counters

Hard woods such as yellow birch, white oak, teak, maple and cherry are the preferred wood species for work surfaces. A butcher’s block-style countertop is a chef’s dream, and is made by bonding together 3″ or larger laminated strips of unpainted wood. There are many shades of natural wood possible, making wood an ideal material to harmonize with the rest of your kitchen decor. Since wood is prone to water damage, avoid using wood for surfaces around the sink. Wood works very well in combination with other materials. A drop-in sink installation is necessary.

Wood Benefits

  • Authentic visual warmth
  • Versatile
  • Timeless character
  • Suitable for all decors
  • Can be repaired easily
  • Naturally water-resistant teak is an ideal wood for around the sink.

Drawbacks

  • High-maintenance
  • Scratch and impact-sensitive
  • Heat-sensitive
  • Shows knife marks
  • Expensive
  • Requires sealants

Maintenance

  • Prevent marks by cleaning up spills immediately
  • Apply a mineral oil to protect the wood every three months
  • Sanding and re-oiling will bring back its original look

Stone, quartz and solid-surface counters

Stone, quartz and solid-surface counters

Experienced professionals are required to install stone countertops and solid surfacing, and they must also make the necessary openings for the sink and faucets. Stone slabs are pre-cut and solid surface materials are made to order. Under-mount sinks can be installed with stone and quartz-surface.

Stone Benefits

  • Durable, elegant, unique and high-end
  • Easy to clean
  • Highly heat-resistant
  • Slabs can be cut to fit the size counter you want

Maintenance

  • Sealants must be applied to most natural stone
  • Colours are irregular, varying from one slab to another
  • Heat-sensitive
  • Periodic maintenance is required
  • Granite countertops must be installed over a plywood base
  • Expensive

Drawbacks

  • Clean with a mild soap
Stone, quartz and solid-surface counters

Quartz Counter Benefits

  • Requires less maintenance than slab stone
  • Water-tight and durable
  • Consistent colours
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Non-porous so sealant is not required
  • Heat, stain and scratch-resistant

Drawbacks

  • Expensive

Maintenance

  • Clean with a mild soap
Stone, quartz and solid-surface counters

Solid Surface Counter Benefits

  • Offered in a wide range of colours
  • Highly resistant to stains and abrasive products
  • No visible joints

Drawbacks

  • Expensive
  • Not very heat and scratch-resistant

Maintenance

  • Clean with a mild soap

Concrete counters

Concrete counters

Concrete countertops are available in three types. First among the options are custom precast slabs, which begin with taking the measurements of the countertop area, then building a mould. Once it has been fabricated offsite, it is then transported and installed in the kitchen.

Another option is “pour in place” countertops, which are exactly what they sound like. This type of concrete countertop is poured on the spot over a concrete board or plywood surface that covers the cabinets underneath with a moulding for the edges. The last type is the simplest and entails using pre-manufactured slabs and having them fitted.

Concrete counter Benefits

  • One of the most malleable materials from a design perspective
  • Can be pre-formed or poured on the spot
  • Heat and scratch-resistant
  • Colours and finishes easily customized
  • Metal and glass fragments can be added to the mix for decorative appeal

Drawbacks

  • Must be reinforced with steel and polypropylene fibre to prevent cracking
  • Stains easily so must be sealed properly
  • Base cabinets may need structural reinforcing
  • Must be reinforced with steel and polypropylene fibre to prevent cracking
  • Colour changes over time with a patina
  • Expensive

Maintenance

  • Wipe surfaces clean immediately

You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Contact us to transform your home or office according to your style, your budget and your specific needs. By discussing your project we can provide you with relevant information concerning our services, the process and our design fee.

Click here to contact us.

Written by Lucie Pitt · Categorized: Kitchens

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