Your Dream Kitchen is Closer then you THINK!

This is the perfect year to tackle that dated kitchen, with the new Home Improvement Bill that was passed, the tax man will help with the renovation cost!! Jan/Feb Better Home and Garden Special - Kitchen and Bath ideas, is just the magazine that you need to start this project. It covers everything, from floor layouts, appliances, new materials and most important how to work out a kitchen budget. It has great tips on where to spend your money and where to save it, along with other helpful idea's. "Simple Kitchen Updates - Refinish or reface cabinets, change hardware, replace appliances, install a tile back splash, upgrade counter tops, improve lighting, put in a new drop-in sink." There are a ton of things that you can do to update your kitchen without spending a lot of money, paint goes along way! So for cost effective purposes, paint out your cupboards to a colour you like until you can afford the real ones. There are a lot of paint techniques that can be applied to give a rich look. Changing your hardware makes a huge impact immediately and it is a task that can be done in an hour or so. When it actually comes to the big things, plan ahead, figure out how you truly need the space to function for you. Also, literally plan ahead, will there be children in the near future, if so there will be different needs. To keep cost down, hiring a designer does save you in the long run. Why hire a designer? 1. Can help you plan ahead and keep the project organized "a designer can ease the burden of remodeling by coordinating all the details." 2. They can offer storage solutions, layout ideas and more, making sure that you achieve the kitchen that will work for you. 3. Knowledge, "Professional designers know where to get high-quality products and have connections with wholesalers, dealers and contractors to give you the best products you can afford." Why hire a designer? It will help you come out ahead! Your new kitchen is a bigger investment than ever, so make sure you find the right designer! I read somewhere, "choose your kitchen designer as you would a doctor. Is this a person you want doing heart surgery on the heart of the home?" Quick tip, Build 10% cushion into your budget for unexpected costs.

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!