A recipe for a reno success
by Sarah Richardson
![Sarah's House - Kitchen Makeover]( "Sarah's House - Kitchen Makeover")
You can design a fabulous, functional kitchen without breaking the bank. It's a matter of knowing when to splurge and when to save.
A house is not a home without a place to entertain, welcome friends and whip up some gourmet feasts. In any project I tackle, its imperative that adequate funds be allocated for the kitchen and dining area. It's the hub of the home and the centre of the action so I like to create a space equivalent to "mission control."
In order to achieve this goal, my preference is always for an open concept plan, yet this desire is almost always at odds with the bare bones existing space I have to start with. I tend to tackle more reno's than new builds, so the first step towards satiating my gourmet tastes almost always involves upheaval, dust, demolition and a sledgehammer (plus an engineer, a beam or two, and all manner of skilled trades).
Decorating can solve many cosmetic blemishes, but the big changes that create the best payoff can't be accomplished without a real reno. If dollars are tight you'll need to prioritize where to save and where to splurge to make it all happen — here's some tips that I hope will help.
Determine the demo scope
My first step in any renovation is a meeting with the contractor to find out what the most logical plan for making structural changes will be. Instead of arbitrarily deciding that all walls must go, I like to ask my contractor what makes the most sense and what the most cost effective solution can accomplish.
In this case I was able to remove the entire wall towards the dining area and most of the wall connecting to the living room, save for one vertical post that needed to remain if I wanted to save some dough. In the grand scheme of removing over 18 feet of existing wall, is it really such a big deal to be left with one measly post?
Keeping my eye on the bargain prize, I decided that I could instead make the post useful to me. I widened it to 18 inches to accommodate enough width on the kitchen side to mount a small flat panel TV, a bank of plugs, and a phone jack. By discreetly hiding this technology I was able to put TV right where it would be most easily watched from both the kitchen, eating counter and dining room (thanks to a swivel arm), and ensure that the sightlines from the front door weren't marred by a direct view of phones and wires. Clutter has no place in the open plan kitchen!
Design around what remains
I'm pretty flexible when it comes to layout and floor plans. No matter what the available space looks like, there are always numerous workable solutions to make the room function in an efficient and useful way. It's one of the elements I love best about my work — no two spaces are ever the same and a new, original design is always needed.
Embrace the challenge of what's possible instead of allowing yourself to become frustrated by what you can't have, what doesn't fit, or what you can't afford. Being reasonable and realistic about what's achievable is paramount to having a happy renovation.
Shift your views
I've often found that the major stumbling block to a great design stems from an existing window opening. In my case there was a picture window in the kitchen that looked right into the neighbour's kitchen and a tiny door in the dining room that made the space feel even tighter than it was, while also limiting access to an awesome, private side deck (the perfect place to slip outside on a beautiful morning and enjoy coffee and the paper in the peaceful morning sun).
Building codes only allow a certain percentage of window and door openings on any side of the house so you may find that you can't open a new door unless you close a few windows. My solution was to trade off a small window in the powder room and to shift the opening from the kitchen, allowing me to knock open the entire dining room wall, creating a glorious 9 foot wide "lift and slide" door in the dining room.
The new opening blurs the distinction between indoors and out, and fills the room with so much light it now feels open and airy — and far bigger than the tiny footprint would indicate! In bricking up the kitchen window, I gained enough wall space to hang much needed upper cabinets, replacing much of the storage I lost when the walls came down. This allowed me to centre the range to create long runs of prep space on either side — a better solution to its original placement where it was crammed into the wall with no room to move around.
Cash in on your cabinet choice
I love the endless possibilities that custom designed and manufactured cabinets offer, but it's not always in the budget. When push comes to shove, I would rather have it "all" and get the floors, counters, backsplash, appliances and accessories that I want rather than sacrifice everything else for custom cabinets.
This is where my save/splurge approach to design really comes into play. By selecting an in-stock, off the rack cabinet style from those clever Swedes at Ikea (that happened to also be on sale for 50 per cent off the regular price!!!) I was able to install all my cabinets and granite counters, customized to my preferences as much as the building blocks would allow, for a grand total of about $11,000. With over 30 linear feet of counter top (thanks to a raised bar that wraps around from the dining room right through the living room) you can imagine that my save really paid off!
Never sacrifice your need for custom touches
My design partner, Tommy, laughed at my inability to accept the in-stock kitchen cabinet choices exactly as they were offered. He mocked my dismay when I couldn't get everything I dreamed of, but then I showed him a thing or two.
By re-spraying some the upper cabinet doors and the door faces that opened onto the living and dining rooms, I was able to extract a reference to the muted olive undertones in both the kitchen counters and the living room fabrics; by cutting down pieces of in-stock laminate countertop with an aluminum edge, I was able to turn a dead corner into a stunning open display area with floating shelves; by sourcing handles and pulls from other retailers I was able to give my cabinets the high-end look I desired (and had satisfied my obsessive need to make it "mine").
Keep your inner chef in check
No kitchen seems complete these days without sleek and sexy stainless steel appliances to give the cool look of a restaurant kitchen. But let's face it, top of the line professional grade appliances would have completely blown my budget, so I was on the hunt for a more palatable solution.
Instead of professional restaurant I opted for "café" appliances, which cater to kitchen enthusiasts trying to get it all for a little less. In the end, by making a few simple tradeoffs I happily ended up with a dynamite kitchen that guarantees "mission control" is humming whenever the chef is ready to roll.
View more photos of the Kitchen and Dining Room makeover
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comments:
jackie verhiel Says:
i love this kitchen, please tell me the measurements . are tthe counter tops on the fridge wall and the counter with nothing on it only 12 inches. i am moving to a nerw home and hope to replicate it. thanks so much
Thursday, 05 February 2009 16:52 PM EST
Kim F***an ( Trenton) Says:
Hello Sarah, I love love what you did to this house. I really liked the stlye of the house and then you redid it and "oh my God" it is so beautiful. I love doing laundry in my home, but doing laundry in your new laundry room,,is so Happy and fresh I wouldnt want to leave. Your house is amazing, and the one question I have is when are you buying another home to reno?
Thanks I love your "Sarah house and of course your
Desing Inc. show
Kim
Friday, 06 February 2009 16:27 PM EST
Judy Lloyd Says:
I was particularly interested in this reno/design as I grew up in a similar house. It was extremely interesting so see what Sarah would do with this 1957 "Rob & Laura Petry" house. I absolutely love the fresh, light and bright look,bringing it into this century minus retro furniture,which only looked great when cars had fins.Thanks so much, I thoroughly enjoyed every step of the way. Can't wait to see the cottage next.
Tuesday, 10 February 2009 18:59 PM EST
Ceilingblog_mod Says:
Love you show.... thx for sharing with all of us.
I'm about to have my very 1st new home. For the ceiling would you go flat or spray (popcorn style) ?
thank you
Tuesday, 10 February 2009 22:17 PM EST
Mr Mark Sciberras Says:
Sarah's work is the best out there, i love your show. i do have one question, why did you cut your hair, you look way better with long hair:) besides that,keep up the good work and keep smiling:) i also love how you designed your house.
Saturday, 14 February 2009 12:09 PM EST
Tracey Lynn Waddleton:from Newfoundland,Canada Says:
I never miss an episode.You and your team are fabulous,giving me inspiration to challenge myself to take on renos of my own.Thank you for all your ideas and tips.My basement is next,which I am really excited about.
Congrads on a job well done.
I LOVE IT! I lOVE IT!
Saturday, 14 February 2009 12:39 PM EST
Carlene Says:
Love the house!!! I love your design and style.
Sunday, 15 February 2009 11:29 AM EST
Kelly Says:
I think my favourite rooms in the house are the guest room and the laundry room. The backyard isn't a a room, but it is fabulous.
The work was stunning and it was great to see it all come together. Although it sounds like the house is priced to break even was that really the goal?
Would you not want to make some money for all the effort and work that went into the reno?
Monday, 16 February 2009 17:12 PM EST
Daniela Says:
Sara...I absolutely love your style. You did a fantastic job on this house. My husband and I renovated our entired 24 yr old house ( with the help of his brother who is an industrial designer ), and we had a blast. He thinks the world of you. Keep up the great work.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009 08:48 AM EST
LEANNE Says:
Hi Sarah
I am in New Zealand and just wanted to say that I really love you programme. We have it on SKY TV and I never miss a programme. Your ideas are always great and I can see myself living in one of your houses. Must say thanks
Thursday, 19 February 2009 15:53 PM EST
tess Says:
hi sarah
I jsut love your shows I hve been watching your shows since the beginning and never get tired of your wonderful classy ideas
love you house what a lovely difference from beginning to end
love the intereaction between you and tommy and the girls
keep up the good work
thank you for all the wonderful ideas
Sunday, 22 February 2009 21:44 PM EST
Cathy Says:
Sarah...I've been following your shows for years in Columbus, Ohio. Regretably I cannot see "sarah's house" here, but hope springs eternal for reruns. I have big dreams for my little cottage and I think your style would fit in just fine.
Monday, 23 February 2009 02:10 AM EST
Leanne Says:
Hi Sarah!
Great job on another fabulous reno!!! I am dreaming of renos of my own, and you have some wonderfully inspiring ideas. I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.
Tuesday, 03 March 2009 22:01 PM EST
Kim Chaisson Says:
I need help. I have 10 foot ceilings with dark wood trim. I don't want to paint the trim, but don't know what colors to use to paint the rooms. All rooms need to painted. Kitchen, dining room, 3 bedrooms and a long hallway with a big staircase in it. The woodwork is in good condition, just needs a little tlc, but want to keep it original. Can you please help.
Thank you
Sunday, 08 March 2009 19:54 PM EST
Cristina Says:
Hi Sarah, I've been a fan for years. I love your designs. I have a question about the lift and slide doors: What happens with bugs? Did they come with screen options? How much were the doors?
Can't wait to see your cottage next.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009 22:29 PM EST
Donna W. Says:
Sarah,
O M G, I just love your shows and your work! I've watched you from your Savoir Faire days through your Room to Grow days to your current shows. I watch all the episodes, several times, and never tire of what I see. I get new ideas all the time. I do have one question. You and the team refer to having furniture "sprayed" or "resprayed", when you need to change the colour, or add colour to wood. I want to do this to a couple of 30 year old bedroom pieces. Where does one go to have furniture professionally sprayed???
Thanks in advance for helping me out.
Loving you and your team in Toronto,
Donna.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009 00:08 AM EST
Mark S Says:
God bless Sarah, She is a design god:)
Saturday, 14 March 2009 10:59 AM EST
michael Says:
i love Sarah you are the best in the biz, although i agree with Mr Mark S. keep your long hair, you look very pretty with long hair:)
Saturday, 14 March 2009 11:02 AM EST
Barb Says:
I love your work as well. Can't wait for the cottage episodes. I would also like to know where to go to have funiture/cupboards sprayed.
Thank you for your help.
Tuesday, 17 March 2009 12:11 PM EST
Annalisa Says:
I live in Italy, the land of style, art and good food.
Design inc. is a very good program, I like especially the use of the colors and the combination of the clothes.
BRAVA!
Annalisa from Parma, Italy.
Saturday, 21 March 2009 12:20 PM EST
LoveSarah Says:
How can we find out where Sarah goes to do her shopping? Where is the tile place? the auction? the second hand store?
Sunday, 22 March 2009 22:52 PM EST
HGTV.ca Editorial Team Says:
Hi LoveSarah,
There is a "Where To Buy" info tool found under the image gallery of each specific episode (under the "Episodes" tab found at the top of the page in the main navigation). Simply click on the "Episodes" tab and select an episode that you would like to learn more about.
Cheers!
HGTV.ca Editorial Team
Monday, 23 March 2009 10:05 AM EST
Uli Says:
I'm really curious about what happens with the houses when they are done. Are they sold completely decorated and furnished as we see them?
If I won a lottery, the first thing I would do is buy a property and have Sarah decorate and design it.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009 08:40 AM EST
jeneblog_mod Says:
paint color# for the Bench in mudroom?
Tuesday, 24 March 2009 17:46 PM EST
Julie Says:
Bonjour,
J'aimerais savoir s'il est possible de se procurer Sarah's house en DVD? Merci
Tuesday, 24 March 2009 18:20 PM EST
Annalise Says:
hi Sarah
I have been a fan for years.love all your shows and ideas.
your designs are always so fresh and crisp.
keep up the good work.
Friday, 27 March 2009 22:07 PM EST
Sophie Says:
You're designs are absolutely inspiring! Is there a "Sarah's Decorating" magazine in the works?? I would love to create a "In Your Dreams" scrapbook and your style as well as your decorating advice would be a great starting point.
Thursday, 02 April 2009 01:00 AM EST
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