Modern Kitchen with Character

January 16, 2021/0 Comments/in Kitchens, Renovation, Residential Construction /by Technique

When we first met with our client to renovate the kitchen in his newly purchased home, we saw just how poorly the space was utilized. The previous owner had removed some walls and added an island, but didn’t make use of the space as you come in the front door.

The working space of the kitchen was cramped all to one side, with a large open area and angled cabinet at the front door. The oak island had a bar height top and a bulky column hiding a telepost to support the ceiling. All in all, it was pretty inefficient and out of date.

Our client had been considering the kitchen for some time, and had begun discussing new layouts with Cupboard Brothers. The vision was to make use of the entire space and update the look. Appliances would be moved, the island would change, and finishes would be updated. The finished look is a gorgeous contrast to the original, with black cabinets, open wood shelving, and a touch of old charm by uncovering an existing brick chimney.

In order to complete this look, we had to pull out the existing cabinets and flooring, and also remove a bulkhead near the entrance. Upon removing the bulkhead, we realized there was some structural issues that needed to be addressed. It seems the previous owner had removed load bearing walls without considering how it may affect the structure of the home, and a new beam was needed to prevent further damage. After fixing this, as well as adjusting the teleposts beneath, we were able to patch the ceiling, install potlights and lay the flooring.

The final look is stunning, and most importantly, functional. Our client loves how it all turned out, and we’ve been working with him on his ensuite bathroom as well!

black geometric pendant light in kitchen

Black and White Kitchen Upgrade

August 23, 2018/0 Comments/in Kitchens, Renovation, Residential Construction /by Technique

Kitchen Upgrade

We were approached by our customer to upgrade his kitchen in his home with the idea that he might sell in the near future. The original floor plan stayed the same, but we replaced the flooring throughout the main floor with tile and hardwood, updated the fireplace in the living room, and built a new kitchen. The updated colour palette gives this kitchen upgrade a modern look that would be appealing to anyone.

The Before

As you can see, there was a decent amount of oak going on. Since red oak isn’t a trendy colour these days, we removed as much of it as we could, which included baseboards and trim throughout the main floor. The kitchen cabinets were a neutral white, but not very functional. We decided to take the cabinets close to the ceiling, move the microwave into the island, and create a more functional pantry beside the fridge.

Our customer met with a designer at Alford’s to select finishes and flooring for the house. They decided on a solid hardwood for the kitchen, dining, and living areas, and a porcelain tile for the entrance, laundry and half bath.

The After

What a difference, right? The oak is replaced with clean white trim, and a rich granite counter top ties in the black pendants with the white cabinets and back splash.

We also installed new hardwood and tile flooring, plus we removed the hearth and mantle from the fireplace and installed new stacked stone from floor to ceiling.

New Fireplace

We used a piece of hardwood to transition from the tile to hardwood, rather than a strip of metal for the den and kitchen area. This requires precision work, and we nailed it!

Precise Transition

Like our other kitchen renovations, we use quality materials and trusted suppliers. We know we can depend on companies like Cupboard Brothers, Alford’s, Richardson’s, McKenna’s, and Sherwin Williams to provide us with the best products and service. Thanks to all!

If you’re thinking of a kitchen upgrade, check out our handy guide on what you should know before you start, then give us a call.

kitchen renovations white cabinets and navy island

Wascana Kitchen Renovation

July 3, 2018/in Renovation, Residential Construction /by Technique

Wascana Kitchen: The Before

Let me tell you, this space wasn’t so great when we first walked in here. The home owner had visions of taking down the oak, (tears of joy here), tearing down walls, and creating a massive kitchen. We could see how good this space would be. Not only did she want an open concept space, with a dedicated office area that could be closed off, she wanted a large ensuite with a walk-in shower. The kitchen renovation would also be an entire main floor renovation.

wascana kitchen renovation oak cabinets before

See all that oak? In all it’s sunshine ceiling glory? GONE!

The Design

The home owner met with a designer at Alford’s to go over the plans, select flooring, and co-ordinate interior finishes. They decided on a wide plank engineered hardwood floor, that would give them the country chic look they were after. The kitchen design features a 14 foot long island in quartzite, with a navy blue island and white cabinets. The dining area has a small built-in cabinet for dishes and wine, and the navy blue barn doors separate the office from the dining area.

Navy blue island

wascana kitchen renovation railing and dining

Custom stair railing with glass insert

Not only did we turn the closed off main area into a great open space, we gutted their ensuite and turned that into an amazing bathroom experience. The walk-in shower has a wall to wall lighted niche, heated floors, and a custom vanity. We used the Wedi waterproofing system to keep the water inside the shower, and prevent leaks from ruining any of the finishes in the basement.

The crystal knobs are a nice touch

Don’t you wish your shower had ambient lighting?

If you’re looking to renovate your kitchen, check out our blog on what you should know before you start. For more photos, check out our Facebook album!

Suppliers:

Flooring, tile, design services: Alford’s
Cabinets: Cupboard Brothers
Lighting: Richardsons

Warehouse Bathroom Update

May 31, 2018/in Renovation, Residential Construction /by Technique

Soapstone Counter

The Ensuite Renovation

This ensuite renovation took place in 2018 in the warehouse district of Regina. I wish I could show you a picture of the original bathroom, but I don’t want to burn your eyes. The client wanted to keep the deep soaker tub, add more counter space and a larger custom shower.

The layout largely had to stay as it was, however we were able to move the toilet to make room for a make-up counter and the larger shower.

The Design

The client had a very clear idea of how she wanted her space to look like. On her list of must haves: mother of pearl tile, soapstone counter, and major wow-factor. We’re pretty pleased we were able to accomplish all three objectives.

Mother of pearl shower and maple double vanities

We had a pretty great space to work with. Since it was a warehouse that was turned into luxury condos, we had a lot of great features like original brick walls, exposed wood ceilings, and high ceiling height. The client picked a deep green for the wall colour, lots of light fixtures, copper plumbing fixtures, and a dark slate flooring to polish off the design.

Copper plumbing on the mother of pearl mosaic tile

Mother of pearl soaker tub with green wall

The herringbone design on the floor was a challenge, but turned out great. There’s a step to the soaker tub in the same slate material as the floor, so we had to make sure the pattern continued perfectly on the top of the step. How do you think we did?

The herringbone design continues on the step of the tub.

Overall, we are pretty jealous of our client’s ensuite renovation! If you’re looking for a luxury ensuite renovation, give us a call or e-mail us.

Suppliers:

Flooring and tile: Alford’s
Counter top: Tubello’s
Lighting: Richardson’s

McTavish Addition and Renovation

May 31, 2018/in Addition, Renovation, Residential Construction /by Technique

View from the living room into the dining and kitchen on the main floor.

McTavish Addition

We were approached by the owners of this Cathedral area bungalow in 2017. Their request: they need more space! If you can imagine, the 800 square feet of this main floor had two bedrooms, a full bath, plus the kitchen, dining and living room. So they decided to renovate the main floor and build a second storey addition.

The main floor was arranged to have an open concept floor plan, with a large front entrance and wide open kitchen. The plumbing for the bathroom stayed in the same place, but was reduced down to a toilet and vanity. Three bedrooms are located on the second floor, as well as an ensuite bathroom, and full bath, and a laundry.

New Main Floor Layout

Second Floor Layout

The Design

Our clients met with a designer at Alford’s to start selecting their interior finishes. They wanted to keep the character of the home, but give it a modern feel. Durability was important, so they went with a high quality laminate on the main floor, and a good quality carpet on the second floor.

The ensuite bathroom floor features a neutral patterned tile, granite counters, custom tiled shower, and glass block window. A niche in the shower holds all their soaps and ties in the pattern floor tile.

Dark vanity with granite in the tiled ensuite.

Patterned porcelain tile floor for the ensuite

The original fir wood in the ceiling structure was saved and used again in a variety of areas in the new home design. The wood was used as the mantle for the fireplace, a custom made vanity in the powder room, and the railings for the stairs going to the second floor. The original doors were re-used for closets as well as the entry closet.

cement tile subway tile fireplace surround

Reclaimed wood mantle with white subway tile and cement tile hearth.

Custom made vanity from reclaimed wood in the powder room

One of our favourite parts of this build was the custom designed railing and custom storage under the stairs. Concealed in the molding, these slide outs house all the shoes and boots this family needs and is a must for any house with limited storage. The railing wood was reclaimed from the house’s existing ceiling, and the black metal sets off the stain colour nicely.

Roll out shoe storage makes use of the space under the stairs

Suppliers:

Flooring, tile, design services: Alford’s
Cabinets: Cupboard Brothers

Kitchen Upgrade

The Before

The After

Wascana Kitchen: The Before

The Design

Suppliers:

The Ensuite Renovation

The Design

Suppliers:

McTavish Addition

The Design

Suppliers:

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