Kitchens that work
Everyday Renovations3 min
That Countertop Seam Deserves a Conversation Before Cutting
A showroom sample has no doorway to squeeze through. Your full countertop does. Agree on the seams before the slab is cut.
Read the postThe Workshop / 14 useful reads
Layout & daily use.
Ontario kitchen renovation advice for the decisions behind a useful room: layout, cabinetry, appliances, permits, budgets, and installation order.
A closer look
1–12 of 14
Kitchens that work
Workshop Notes3 min
Why Does Your Counter-Depth Fridge Still Stick Out?
The fridge arrived on time. Its handles arrived a little further into the room than expected.
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Kitchens that work
Everyday Renovations3 min
Wood Countertops Meet the Splashy Person in Your House
Wood beside the sink can be lovely. Be honest about the wet sponge, drying dishes, and person who turns washing lettuce into a weather event.
Read the postKitchens that work
Everyday Renovations3 min
Your Faucet Hose Has Befriended the Recycling Bin
The faucet worked beautifully until you put everything back under the sink. Start with the cupboard, not a shopping trip.
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Kitchens that work
Project Guide2 min
Can You Put a Hot Pan on Quartz? Keep the Trivet
Quartz is durable, but hot cookware still needs protection. Plan a landing spot beside the range before an everyday habit leaves a permanent mark.
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Kitchens that work
Project Guide2 min
Kitchen Filler Strips Are Not Always Wasted Space
A narrow strip beside a cabinet can make doors and drawers usable. Check handles, wall irregularities, and internal pull-outs before removing it from the plan.
Read the postKitchens that work
Project Guide2 min
A Fridge Beside a Wall: Will the Drawers Actually Open?
A refrigerator can fit its opening and still have blocked drawers. Check the exact door swing, handle projection, ventilation, and replacement route before ordering cabinets.
Read the postKitchens that work
Project Guide2 min
Dishwasher Beside a Corner: Check the Open Doors
An open dishwasher can block drawers, a corner cabinet, or the only route to the sink. Test the unloading routine before finalizing a kitchen layout.
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Kitchen Renovations3 min
Backsplash Before or After Countertops?
The tile is ready. The countertop is late. Filling that quiet week can create a very loud mistake.
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Kitchen Renovations3 min
Is Your Kitchen Too Small for an Island?
The island fits on the drawing. Then someone opens the dishwasher and the kitchen becomes a queue.
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Decision Note3 min
Kitchen Drawers or Cupboard Doors? Bring Your Biggest Pot.
Full-extension drawers are lovely until the stockpot is taller than the drawer. Measure the awkward things first.
Weigh the optionsDecision Note3 min
Sink in the Island or Under the Window?
The island sink faces the room. So do the breakfast dishes. Decide which view you are actually buying.
Weigh the options