5
Kim,
Fix My House!
Places to
Check Out!
How can I save money on my kitchen
reno?
1
HIRE A PRO
Photo by Stephani Buchman
Other than making
your new kitchen look
fabulous, there are two
other excellent reasons
to hire a designer and
contractor. An established
interior designer will be
able to offer big discounts
from suppliers while an
experienced contractor
will reduce the number of
costly mistakes.
COUNTER TOPS COUNT
There are so many
gorgeous options for
counter tops on the
market that it’s just a
matter of choosing the
right one. Consider both
style and functionality.
If you don’t mind some
nicks and marks showing,
then good old-fashioned
butcher’s block is an
affordable and practical
choice. There are several
natural and manufactured
stone surfaces available
in practically the same
price range. Quartz
counter tops are very
popular as they mimic
the look of marble but
without requiring the highmaintenance care. For a
seamless look, continue
the counter material all the
way up the wall to create
a matching backsplash.
There are tricks to getting
a beautiful counter on a
budget. If you love granite,
there are various grades
available that range in
price. The counter top
will dictate the colours
and style of the space, so
choose wisely.
GO LIGHT ON THE
LIGHTING
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CANADIANHOMETRENDS.COM
The more lights you require,
the more your labour cost
will increase. Plan for a
combination of lighting to
ensure that all areas of the
kitchen are well lit. A couple
of hanging pendants with
under cabinet lighting is a
great combination. Scour flea
markets and thrift shops for
a single chandelier that will
make the space unique.
EVERYTHING BUT THE
KITCHEN SINK
Try not to move existing
plumbing if you can avoid it.
By keeping the sink where
it currently resides, you will
save yourself lots of money
in plumbing costs. If you
have completely changed
the layout of your kitchen
and must move the sink,
plan to upgrade your pipes at
the same time so you won’t
have to do it in the future.
An undermount sink is a
design trend that is not likely
to disappear anytime soon.
Figure out if you would get
more use out of a single or
a double sink. Add a stylish
faucet to finalize the look. -
Text by Kim Bartley
Seasons Christmas
Show
Days to attend:
Friday, November 21
Saturday, November 22
Sunday, November 23
Here are a few of our
favourite events in our
calendar for the coming
months.
Address for GPS:
BMO Centre, Stampede Park
20 Roundup Way SE,
Calgary, AB
T2G 2W1
Get tickets here:
www.calgarywomansshow.com
Address for GPS:
The International Centre - Hall 5
6900 Airport Road
Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8
Get tickets here:
www.seasonsshow.com
2 Markham Home Show
Days to attend:
Friday, October 17
Saturday, October 18
Sunday, October 19
Address for GPS:
Markham Fairgrounds
10801 McCowan Road
Just north of Elgin Mills Rd. and
McCowan Rd.
Get tickets here:
www.markhamhomeshow.com
3 Calgary Woman’s Show
4
Retro Design &
Antiques Fair
Days to attend:
Sunday, October 19
Sunday, December 7
Address for GPS:
3250 Commercial Drive, 16th Av.
Vancouver, BC
Get tickets here:
www.21cpromotions.com
5
21st Century Flea
Market
Days to attend:
Sunday, November 16
Sunday, January 18
Address for GPS:
Croatian Cultural Centre
3250 Commercial Dr. at 16th Av.
Vancouver, BC
Get tickets here:
www.21cpromotions.ca
Day to attend:
Saturday, October 25
Sunday, October 26
Monday, October 27
$500 Kitchen Makeover
Your kitchen cabinetry has the biggest
impact on the look and feel of your kitchen.
Don’t have the budget for new cabinetry?
Give your kitchen a whole new look with
Rustoleum Transformations and new
hardware. Price Tag: $300-$500 for the kit,
supplies and hardware. - www.rustoleum.
ca