The only thing we love more that designing great cabinets for the kitchen, bathroom, and throughout the home is sharing everything we’ve learned over the past 40 years about design and renovating.

In order to share our knowledge, and provide expert advice so important to a beautifully designed kitchen or bathroom, we will be writing every month on a different topic related to designing your new kitchen and bathroom.

A major home renovation project can cost a lot of money, especially when it comes to one of the most important rooms in your home – the kitchen. You want to get it right the first time, and create a space that you’ll love for a long time.

We’ve assembled some great advice that should guide you as you work with your kitchen designer to create that truly timeless kitchen. But please be sure to ask us any specific questions about your home or project in the comments section at the end of this post. We are happy to answer and provide the kind of information that is sure to help make your kitchen truly timeless.

Colour: Select soft neutrals, and white is always in style. If you choose stained wood, select a mid-range stain – nothing too dark or too pale.

Door Style: Choose a transitional look by selecting simple door styles – not too decorative, but not too contemporary either. Shaker style or shaker with a small inside ogee edge is classic, clean, and easy on the eyes. This style can easily be dressed up to look more traditional or pared down to be more contemporary.

Design: Design for today, yes, but also account for the future. If you think you will be moving in four to five years, be sure the style of your kitchen will appeal to a broader demographic. Or if you expect to have children in the near future, you may want to consider designing your kitchen to accommodate a larger fridge or more space for seating or homework. And if you plan to stay in your current home well into retirement, you may want to think about how to account for the inevitable mobility and physical challenges – like moving around the kitchen and accessing items in hard to reach areas – that we all face as we age.

Layout: Ensure the layout of your kitchen is as functional as possible. Nothing prompts people to redesign their kitchen more than a wrongly placed sink or appliance, or the need for more storage or counter space. Maximize storage using inserts that will help you access difficult to reach space. Inserts will also help organize, reduce clutter, and make a space more enjoyable for working and entertaining.

Accessorize: Select a backsplash, countertop, and floor that doesn’t have too much ‘personality’, so you don’t tire of them. Instead, make bold statements with elements that are less costly and easier to replace, such as bar stools, light fixtures, and small decorative pieces.

Tile and countertops: Subway tile is always a good choice, but go easy on the colour. Neutral quartz countertops with fine particulate also look great for longer periods of time.

Appliances: Professional grade appliances cost a bit more, but are likely to last much longer. They also don’t look dated as quickly.

Lighting: Ensure you’ve adequately lit your kitchen as part of the renovation process. Overhead, as well as under-cabinet/task lighting make a kitchen easier to work in and can enhance the overall ambiance of the room. Adding lighting after the fact can be challenging and costly.

Now that you’ve got the basics covered on how to create a timeless kitchen, what other questions do you have about ensuring you love the hub of your home for the next 10 years or more?

We look forward to your thoughts, observations and questions.