North Vancouver Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen renovation in North Vancouver done by Mike Williams of Coordinated Kitchen and Bath. Beautiful french white kitchen cabinets on maple wood produced by Columbia Cabinets. Dynamic natural quartz counter-top created by Cambria. Counter-top colour is Windermere.

Kitchen Cabinets: Materials

Whether you are remodeling or renovating your entire kitchen, the cabinets will play a primary role in the overall mood, look, and feel of your kitchen. There are many different species of wood to choose from for your kitchen cabinets. At Coordinated Kitchen & Bath our design team believes choosing the right wood, finish, and cabinet style for your kitchen is imperative to creating the space and feel you desire. Below is a rough outline of different woods species popular for kitchen cabinets in Vancouver. Different woods, finishes and styles are available through partners Columbia Cabinets and Hertco Kitchens.

Birch: A dark and strong wood. Birch is known for absorbing stains, this allows it to ‘mimic’ other woods, passing itself off as a more expensive wood. Birch is prone to irregular colouring; this makes it a relatively inexpensive choice for kitchen cabinets.

Cherry: A hard wood that can withstand bumps and knocks. Cherry is a versatile wood that can be used for both traditional and contemporary looks. The reddish wood tends to darken over time thereby changing the tone and feel of your kitchen.

Hickory: Hickory is a pale wood that can be stained. However, its natural complexion is often best highlighted through the use of clear or natural finishes. Hickory is typically used to create a rustic or traditional feel in your kitchen.

Maples: Another commonly used wood, Maple is found in a wide variety of species. Maple is a fine-grain and lightly coloured wood. Maple is often finished with a clear or natural glaze, this helps give the kitchen a ‘lighter’ feel.

Oak: One of the most commonly used woods for kitchen cabinets; Oak tends to be the most economical choice. There are numerous species of Oak, the two most popular being Red Oak and White Oak. Red Oak is strong and durable. It comes in a wide variety of finishes, the two dominant being natural and honey. Red Oak is most often used for traditional kitchen cabinet styles. White Oak tends to be stronger and more durable that Red Oak. White Oak tends to have more subtle grains and a more golden hue.

Pine: A popular choice for creating a rustic feel in your kitchen. There are three different types of Pine - ponderosa, yellow, white. Pine is a pale wood that can be easily stained. It is also one of the softest woods available for use and thereby can dent easily.

Kitchen Cabinet: Plywood Core Options

Kitchen Cabinets cores are constructed primarily out different plywood options. When discussing plywood, several different types of board can be referenced, including Particle Board, MDF, and Veneer Core. At Coordinated Kitchen & Bath we have created a rough outline of three different plywood options.

Particle Board uses the coarsest wood out of the three options; it is formed out of adhesives, fibers, and wood shavings/chips. Particle board is often overlooked for Kitchen Cabinet use in relation to MDF and Veneer Core due to its surface and edges being not as durable, smooth, and consistent.

Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) is made from fine wood fibers that are glued and compressed together under great pressure. The material is stable, consistent, and durable. Because MDF is made from compressed wood fibers to the area under the veneer is often very stable, this results in better veneer consistency and durability for your Kitchen Cabinets.

Veneer Core Plywood is more from three (or more) layers of wood veneer. The veneer consists of cross-layered pieces which are then bonded together through an adhesive. Due to the construction process veneer is very stable and resists cracking and warping. It is the most durable out of the three materials.

Design Trends in 2014

Design trends in North Vancouver and West Vancouver for 2014. At Coordinated Kitchen & Bath we can’t wait to see how these ideas could work out in your home.

Layering: Materials and textures overlapping with one another to form a cohesive and dense space. Think different metals, woods, and fabrics.

Blue: Navy blue is the colour of 2014. Blue’s in general will dominate the colour landscape this year.

Black & White: These two colours have become a staple in the modern home. However, 2014 will see these colours soften and become cozier.

Impact Accents: The use of neutral and timeless colours with accents of colour and splash. The use of a versatile neutral space with allow for the easy change of decor through the use of accents. Kitchen cabinets & countertops can be thought of in relation to your accents, instead of the other way around.

Natural Materials: 2014 will see the return of the industrial: yet warm look. Exposed beams, brick veneer, and concrete will make a return this year. Look for different mixes between your flooring, kitchen cabinets, and countertop.

Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops

A properly selected countertop can define the feel of your kitchen or bathroom and increase the functionality of the space. This post will provide a quick overview of different countertop materials and styles available at Coordinated Kitchen & Bath to assist you with your kitchen renovation and bathroom renovation.

Laminate: The least expensive countertop material. Laminate is made in a wide variety of colours and can easily be cut into different shapes and sizes. Laminate countertops can look like more expensive materials and are generally easier to install. However, it should be noted that laminate countertops are easy to damage and show scratches and dents.

Granite: Natural stone that is sealed before being installed in your kitchen and bathroom. Granite is a durable stone that is resistant to heat and shock. Granite countertops are available in numerous colours, however, because they are made from natural stone, patterns and colours may vary from section to section. In conjunction, being natural stone, granite is porous and can show stains and acidic wear if not properly maintained. Granite counter-tops need to be resealed once a year in order to help prevent staining.

Soapstone: Natural stone that is sealed. Like granite, soapstone is a durable material that will not stain. Soapstone countertops can scratches easily, though damage by scratches can be reduced by sanding.

Quartz: Engineered stone countertop that is made up of 93% quartz crystals and 7% resin. Quartz countertops are designed to resemble the look of natural stone, however, different colours are added to give quartz a unified and polished look. Quartz is one of the most popular countertops in West Vancouver and North Vancouver.

Corian: A solid surface countertop manufactured by DuPont. The primary substances used in Corian countertops are acrylic polymers and various stone derived materials. Corian countertops are available in a wide-range of colours and patterns. Corian is easy to clean and is stain resistant, as the material is non porous. However, while stain-resistant, Corian scratches quite easily and can be damaged by placing hot pans and vessels on the counter-top.