Whether you’re building your dream home or transforming a small space into something trendy, a consult with an interior designer can help you gain a fresh perspective while maximizing the most of the space you’re working with.
“What I do most is kitchen and bathroom designs,” said Cindy MacKenzie, local full service interior designer and owner/operator of Purple Turtle Design.
“My goal is to not have two bathrooms or kitchens look the same.”
MacKenzie, who tries to highlight her clients’ tastes rather than focus on trends — which come and go — shared some of her insights on current trends and styles that she feels are a thumbs up…and a thumbs down.
“Stainless steel appliances are still number one, but with cabinetry we’re starting to see people get away from really dark finishes,” said MacKenzie, adding that lighter finishes, including whites, off-whites and greys have exploded in popularity.
One of her least favourite trends is white subway tile with a dark grey grout — advising clients to choose a lighter grout to match the white tile.
“I think people are going to get tired of this one quickly and those who have done it will want to change it in a couple of years.”
Another trend MacKenzie has noted is that master suites (bathrooms) are getting bigger, while kitchens are getting more compact.
For home renovators working with smaller spaces, a few simple guidelines can help create a bigger, more open feel.
“If we can open up a wall, that’s one way of making it feel bigger without changing the footprint,” she said, adding that keeping materials in the same, lighter colour palette, maximizing storage spaces (drawers over cabinet storage, especially corner cabinets) and choosing recessed lighting (pot lights) over pendant lighting will make a nook kitchen feel and look substantially larger.
Keeping kitchens uncluttered is another point MacKenzie noted — including less ‘busy’ countertops (often quartz over granite) and ‘clean, simple lines’ (simple shaker or slab doors over anything ornate).
Of course, the more windows and natural lighting — the better. Steam showers are reigning supreme in master suites and MacKenzie said there seems to be a movement away from tubs.
Favourite colour combo?
“Pale yellow and charcoal grey is always a classic combo — they have always looked good together and always will.”
