Renovations2018 Full_Digital_Mag | Page 44

rreia n a C o org a L ittle desig n yn kl EASY WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK. Adding a backsplash or updating your existing one can complete the look of your kitchen. I love the look of a glass tile. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and can be installed a few different ways to suit the homeowners' style. Pelt No 254 Farrow & Ball www.farrow-ball.com Hague Blue No 30 Farrow & Ball www.farrow-ball.com If your kitchen cabinets are white or a light color, you can add personality and drama to the walls with a dark hue. I love high contrast when it comes to design and adding a dark color to the walls is an easy way to incorporate that into the space. X-Tile, www.x-tile.net This outdated kitchen needed a fresh, new look and we accomplished that with paint and tiles. The cabinets were painted a bright white to lighten up the space and the island was painted black to create a stunning contrast. We also added a gloss black tile backsplash. The result is a fresh, modern kitchen with minimal expense! If your kitchen cabinets are in great shape you can get the same modern update by having them spray painted by a professional or you could paint them yourself. If you decide to paint them yourself, start with an adhesive bonding primer, it promotes adhesion and gives the primer and paint something to stick to. Next, apply a coat of primer and finish with a cabinet paint. 44 CANADIANHOMETRENDS.COM Whether your renovation is focused on one small portion of your home, or you’re engaging in a full flip, you can stay organized and maintain a simplified life during a renovation by ensuring you are organized. DOCUMENTS Use a document box with file folders to house important information such as contracts, schedule, pre-construction agreements, construction plans, construction schedules, estimates, permits, budgets, order changes, drawings and plans, any relevant correspondence with contractors or third parties, manufacturer samples, paint chips, etc. STORAGE Investing in a storage unit during a large renovation is also a smart move. Always go larger than required, as you may wish to access or retrieve some items during the duration of the renovation. Heirlooms, paintings, keepsakes, jewelry, and other valuables should all be stored away to avoid accidental damage or loss. SIMPLIFY To keep life simple during the renovation, part with items that do not contribute to your day-to-day routine. Personal items and toiletries you use daily should be at the top of your priority list; allow yourself a small travel pack to house these items. If you are living out of a suitcase, choose versatile, neutral wardrobe staples that give you the opportunity to create a variety of outfits and reduce the amount of laundry you’ll need to do. TAKING CARE OF FAMILY For a large renovation, I recommend investing your grocery budget in a prepared meal service. A renovation can leave you sparse time for preparing healthy meals for your family. A prepared meal service will keep you fueled and save you time.  I also recommend that you take up any offers you have from friends and family to look after your little ones, or your pets. Sending them to a reno- free zone will allow them some normalcy and safety and give you freedom to focus on the renovation. - Mikela Correia, www.spaces-simplified.com