For years, my wife and I dreamed about renovating our kitchen, but work always got in the way.
By the end of 2010, I'd published six cookbooks in seven years and that, along with my newspaper and other work, kept our kitchen humming. No time to rip it apart and rebuild.
With no plans for a book this year and our kitchen looking very tired, we agreed it was time to finally do it.
Our old kitchen had poor cupboards, no dishwasher because there wasn't a proper space for one, bad lighting and limited counter space. We wanted to change that and have a kitchen that matched our preference for a classic look with modern touches, we told Don McCarthy, owner of Good Manors Development (goodmanors.ca) in Victoria, B.C.
We hired the designer and building contractor based on glowing word-of-mouth recommendations. McCarthy took note of our priorities and drew up a sketch of what he thought would work, including a two-metre-by-one-metre island.
We couldn't believe an island that size would fit in such a small space, but McCarthy had a plan. He would recess the refrigerator into one of the walls, freeing up space. The old cupboards would go and be replaced with ones that provided ample room to move around the island and to open appliances.
The stove would stay where it was and be the focal point of floor-to-ceiling custom-built cupboards that included eight drawers, generous counter space and a powerful exhaust fan.
Because the island was so large, two or more people could simultaneously work there. There would also be room for a sink to access water for cooking. More drawers, cupboards and a spot for the microwave would be built into the island.
A metre-high unit that would house a dishwasher, double sink, more cupboards and even more counter space would go on the window side of the kitchen. The old window would be replaced with a much larger one, providing a nice view of our backyard.
His plan sounded awesome. We said yes, then made decisions on cupboards, surfaces, flooring, paint and new appliances.
We wanted a bright space and have always liked the colour combination of white, black and yellow. We chose a black-and-white tile floor like the one we previously had, only this one would be heated, a nice feature in winter.
We opted for attractive, fairly easy to clean white lacquered cabinets fitted with black hardware. Subway tile dressed up the walls behind the double sink and stove. The walls were painted a comforting yellow called buttermilk.
We chose marble countertops, something we saw in European kitchens and liked. We know it can stain, but if treated properly, marble can age gracefully and take on a character of its own.
For the appliances, we went to countless stores and did plenty of online research before making our choices. We selected a KitchenAid dishwasher. It was well-designed, quiet and on sale -- three good reasons to buy it.
To limit how far it would recess into the wall, we bought a counter-depth fridge by Frigidaire. It's only 28 inches deep, including the doors, has good capacity and a well-thought-out interior. It was also one of the most reasonably priced counter-depth refrigerators.
We wanted a gas stovetop but, for the most even cooking and easy cleaning, preferred an electric oven. We could have that combination if we bought a dual-fuel range and opted for a "restaurant-style" one made by Electrolux.
It's solidly built, has powerful gas burners and an easy-to-clean top. We also like its smart and simple controls, sturdy, easy-to-pull-out oven racks and wok stand.
A kitchen renovation like this -- depending on the finishes, fixtures and appliances you choose -- can cost from $40,000 to $60,000 or more.
When friends walk into our newly renovated kitchen, they are shocked by the dramatic transformation. They comment on its spaciousness, smart design, calm and serene feel and welcoming atmosphere.
My wife and I are pleased with the results and now have to decide what art to hang on the walls. It shouldn't surprise you to know some of it will include illustrations of food.
-- Postmedia News
Eric Akis is the author of the best-selling Everyone Can Cook series of cookbooks.
