Kitchen | Home Decor Interiors

23rd Dec 2019 Patrice Garrioch Home, Kitchen, News

How To Tell When It’s Time To Renovate

So your house is starting to look a little like that old, dusty, crumbling house straight from the corner of your least favourite horror film. And naturally, you’ve been thinking about renovating for a while now.. But even so, you’re still not quite sure whether or not now is the right time. But, if now isn’t the right time, then when is?

To help you make the right choice, we’ve put a few simple steps together on how to evaluate whether your home is ready for a renovation, or not:

Home renovations can be expensive, time-consuming and require extraordinary, superhero-like courage. But have no fear, we are here to make these steps seem like a walk in the park.

Step one: Property valuation

It’s hard to think about selling if you’re about to spend a small fortune on a place you’re already living in (unless your plan is to Hulk it out and flip the property), but you should know what your property is worth. Moreover, what it can be worth after the renovation, and what houses typically sell for in your neighbourhood.

You don’t want to spend R1 million on a house that’s already worth R2 million in an area where the biggest property sale in the last five years was R2,3 million.

Consult your real estate agent or contractor about what the housing market looks like, and, whether or not they foresee an uptick in demand. This can be six months to a year from when you wish to begin. And, while they’re at it, they can tell you which parts of your house need improvement and will yield the highest returns, in terms of raising your property’s value.

Step two: Visualise

This is an entire topic on it’s own. It’s the fun part. Envision exactly what needs to be done, down to the very last tile or piece of wallpaper. Figure out every cost, like building materials, paints, finishes, contractor’s and draftsman’s fees, and absolutely everything in between. And in your evaluation, it’s also critical to figure out how long it will take – bearing in mind that you might need a little wiggle room.

Your home will be your new canvas, and a great way to build your vision before laying down any work is to create a 3D model of your idea.

Step three: ‘Tis the season to be building

Obviously the best time of the year to do any building is in the summer, when construction won’t be halted due to bad weather conditions. Yet, this also depends on what you’re doing. For example, kitchen countertops or light fixtures can (and should) be done in winter. It’s all about supply and demand.

Furthermore, window installations in February can cost more in terms of building materials, as well as a contractor’s labour fees. They might have more work in summer, and have less during the winter. It’s not advisable, however, to actually do the work during winter, because rain will undoubtedly interfere (unless you’re in a part of the country with summer rainfall).

Opt for narrowly off-season periods, like April or May, when the busy summer period is slowing down. However, when it comes to materials, nothing is stopping you from buying them in July and simply storing them until it’s time to begin.

Every superhero requires a mapped-out plan and vision before he or she can take on the world. Successful projects are the ones which have been well-thought-out, where most of the planning and logistics are out of the way, long before the grind even begins.

Find out more about home renovations

Home Decor Interiors has over 20 years of experience and during that time we’ve renovated hundreds of homes We pride ourselves on being a premium home renovator in the Western Cape. Let us help you customise or upgrade your dream home.

A white Island Kitchen With matching Cabinets

30th Jul 2019 Patrice Garrioch Home, Kitchen, News

Benefits of a Kitchen Island: What Are They?

It’s pretty safe to say that having an island in the kitchen, not only looks visually pleasing, but its benefits also reach far beyond just the visual aspects. And no, we aren’t talking about a tropical vacation in the middle of your home. We are, however, most definitely talking about adding a splash of kitchenware paradise and festivities to bask around.

When looking at any kitchen, it’s always clear that the kitchen is the heart and soul of any home. The kitchen is the one area which accompanies you on sleepless nights, the room which hosts the sound of guilty pitter-patter of footsteps, backwards and forwards, as you seek solace at the back of an empty fridge. It’s the place where the smell of mom’s home-made pie and steamed veggies lures you to on a Sunday afternoon.

It’s the powerhouse, within a house. So, will you really benefit from a kitchen island addition?

The Social Totem

An island serves as an anchor-point to any kitchen. Not only does it draw your attention to the middle of a room, creating a sense of space and elegance, but it also creates a mini gathering point. A space where everyone can huddle and socialise around after a long day. Feeling far from guests? Add some wheels and roll on over.

Goodbye Musical Chairs

Another nifty benefit of the addition of a kitchen island is actually the additional seating around it. Not only does an island kitchen provide the gateway for charming conversation, but it can double-up as a seating solution as well.

No bar? No problem. Pull up some barstools for the wine and dine, and some cute floral arrangements for tea-time.

Too Many Chefs in the Kitchen?

Too many people in the kitchen cramping your culinary creativity? Hit the road, Jack. If seclusion is your fancy, an island in the kitchen is a great way to create and section-off an entirely separate workspace.

Storage Shortage

Another overlooked benefit of kitchen islands is their value-added storage space. Add draws to your island and not only will you have what you need at your fingertips, but you won’t bite off your own searching for places to put all your things.

These are just some of the many benefits of a kitchen island. You can also use them as room separators, to hold extra appliances and far more. So, what are you waiting for? Get the island rolling!

Find out more about home renovations

Home Decor Interiors has over 20 years of experience and during that time we’ve renovated hundreds of kitchens. We pride ourselves on being a premium kitchen renovator in the Western Cape. Let us help you customise or upgrade your dream home.

2nd May 2019 Patrice Garrioch Kitchen, News

Kitchen Countertops – A Complete Guide

Countertops are the first thing people see when they enter a kitchen and are at the top of anyone’s mind when they begin planning a kitchen renovation or upgrade. There is a wide range of countertops on the market, and below are some of the different types you will be able to find in the Western Cape.

Quartz

Quartz is a man-made product comes in many different colours and thicknesses. It is often made to look like a natural product like marble and is available in honed or polished finishes. Although it does not stain easily, it is a common practice to maintain it.

Among the most popular brands are Caesarstone, Pro quartz, Vicostone, Eezi Quartz and Silestone.

Granite

Granite is a natural product that comes from volcanic rock and needs to be mined. It comes in many different colours and textures but the most commonly used granite colour is Rustenberg, which is actually cheaper than quartz.

It is also available in honed or polished finishes and is much more heat resistant than quartz. It does not stain but may be prone to chip slightly more easily than quartz.

Marble

This natural product also needs to be mined. It is susceptible to damage because it is much more porous than quartz or granite, but with proper care, it may last you many years.

It is not the most common countertop but you may find it in very high-end kitchens or bathrooms. Is considered a luxury product in the industry.

Porcelain

Porcelain is the best of the lot and can be used anywhere. It is very strong, heat resistant, scratch-resistant and stain-resistant, which makes it the most expensive choice.

It has highly varying properties and although thin, it can be built up to be any thickness.

Popular brands include Neolith & Dekton Surfaces

Select the countertop that suits your homes look and feel

If you’re still unsure and would like a home renovation expert consult you on the best materials and options for achieving the look you want, then reach out to us. We would be more than happy to help guide you through all the countertop options and find the perfect solution for your Cape Town based-home.

Find out more about kitchen renovations

Home Decor Interiors has over 20 years of experience and during that time we’ve renovated hundreds of homes. We pride ourselves on being a premium kitchen renovator in the Western Cape. Let us help you customise or upgrade your dream home.

Kitchen & Bathroom Tiling – All your Options

Most homes have a kitchen and at least one bathroom and most kitchens and bathrooms are tiled. Tiles come in many shapes and sizes and are a part of our homes that we often take for granted, but they have a major impact on the look and feel of a room.

Tiling can be an expensive outlay and if not done correctly could become a costly maintenance task or even have to be stripped down and redone completely. Which is why you need to be certain that the tiles you choose for your home fit the form and function that you’re home needs.

Below are some different options that are available when you go about choosing the right tile for your kitchen or bathroom upgrade.

Ceramic

These tiles are used in lounges, kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. They come in a wide variety of colours and patterns, and they complement many types of furniture.

They are very durable and very resistant to scratches and fading.

Porcelain

These are manufactured from ceramic material but are fired at much higher temperatures. You can find glazed or unglazed porcelain tiles on the market.

They are very resistant to moisture and frost and can be used for outdoor areas with high foot traffic.

Natural stone

Natural tiles are made from slate, sandstone, granite and natural marble and they work well outdoors because they are so durable.

They are very resistant to the elements and foot traffic and their colour doesn’t easily fade.

Mosaic

These tiny tiles come in a wide variety of materials such as glass, metal and natural stone. They are laid in beautiful patterns that bring life to the home.

They are easy to clean and are able to withstand extremely hot or cold temperatures, so they are ideal for areas such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Inkjet

These tiles offer customers the look and feel of more expensive tiling, but at a far lower cost. Homeowners are able to substitute the appearance of natural stone or solid wood flooring even when on a tight budget.

Looking to remodel? Speak to a contractor like Home Decor Interiors – our clients speak for us.

Find out more about kitchen renovations

2nd May 2019 Patrice Garrioch Kitchen, News

3 Ways to Add Freshness to Your Kitchen

Whether you are planning a full kitchen upgrade, or whether you’re just freshening your kitchen up a little bit, there are some top tips to adopt. With some guidance, a task of this sort in the home is always less daunting and the end product so much more fulfilling.

As one of Cape Town’s most reliable home renovation company, we’ve rebuilt our fair share of kitchens. In that time we’ve learned a number of lessons we feel would help you. Below are three points of direction to help you turn your kitchen into an area that people want to spend time in.

Start with a focal point

Have a focal point in your kitchen. This should be the first thing guests see when they walk in, and it should stand out. It can be a piece of art, an ornament or even a large painted wall.

Once you’ve decided what to use, you should base the rest of your kitchen on this portion – let it be central to the theme of your kitchen and build all your other ideas around it.

Exploit the use of colour

Colours are so important and they set the tone for the kitchen in a big way. The colours that you choose for your kitchen play a part in the vibe it gives off and the mood that people feel after being there.

Use 3 colours and stick to them:

A fundamental colour
A backup colour
and A third colour.

The fundamental colour is one that you can’t easily control or change – this is usually the colour of the cabinets and is, therefore, most commonly white.

The backup colour should be a cooler colour; it’s an addition to the fundamental colour and doesn’t clash with it.

The third colour is slightly more shocking – the idea is to have some pieces of furniture stand out.

Example: If your colours are white, light blue (backup) and maroon (third). The white and light blue account for the majority of the kitchen. The maroon pieces add a bit of pop to the kitchen and allow the homeowner to make some bold statements with a bit of variety.

Spare shelf

Kitchen space is limited, which means that shelves in the room are generally utilised for useful and functional items, like crockery and utensils.

One needs to make sure the surfaces stay clutter free. A useful way of dealing with extra items from around the house is to make sure there are some spare draws in the kitchen, so that clutter can be placed out of eyesight.

Try to keep a spare shelf just for some ornaments and a plant or two. This will interrupt the usual, bland patterns in your kitchen and will give your guests something different to look at – the plants will grow and the ornaments can be changed when you want to keep things fresh again.

Find out more about kitchen renovations

The Process – What does getting a New Kitchen entail?

Ever thought about upgrading your kitchen, but then stopped yourself mid-thought because you weren’t quite sure where to start? Many of our clients say that when they decided to upgrade, they had to educate themselves on the process of a kitchen renovation.

This can often be misleading because the client gets second-hand information from differing sources. Upgrading your kitchen is a process but it doesn’t have to be draining, time-consuming and cause your family inconvenience.

A kitchen renovation procedure

The procedure can be carefully managed. This is why HDI follows a process that has maintained our reputation as sound planners, and the Western Cape’s premium kitchen installers. Below is a bit more about our process:

When a prospective client makes contact, we visit them to discuss their needs and they are offered an initial quote and a design. When they accept this plan, they visit the showrooms with HDI and we assist them in choosing the materials they would like to use and make recommendations based on their budget, what they want, and what we have laid out in the plan.

The client finalises the decisions on design, layout and material and the quote is adjusted if necessary.

We order the carcasses and doors and have them assembled at our warehouse where they will eventually be delivered to the site once the prep work is ready. Our experience in the business allows us to make the time and space spent in your kitchen minimal and non-intrusive.

Next is the wetwork – the plumbing, electrical hardware and plaster that will provide the framework for your new kitchen is installed. Your new kitchen now begins to take shape.

The final pieces of the plan have come together, everything is on site and ready to be implemented – now it’s time to begin installing the kitchen cupboards. The site has been stripped and we have planned the layout of the new plumbing and electrics beneath the surface.

We fit the manufactured kitchen carcasses on site and assemble all the necessary remaining parts, which get fitted and adjusted on site. This is where the doors, countertops, taps, and other accessories that will eventually form your kitchen are put together.

The kitchen renovation look and feel

The next phase is called ‘making good’. It’s a simple name we use, but HDI takes great pride in this step as it’s crucial to the layers of the process that follow it. The plaster and skimming work is perfected and ready for painting while ensuring that all inner workings implemented in the previous step are in good shape.

Now all visible parts are fitted. Sinks, basins, taps, joinery and the works. After these steps are completed the cupboard doors are adjusted and aligned perfectly. The kitchen has taken its shape and will begin to resemble the final product.

The final steps of the kitchen renovation

Onto the final steps – tiling or glass backsplashing between your countertop and wall unit are installed to complete the look of your kitchen.

These occur in the following order: painting, flooring, sealing, filling and touching up. Ultimately your kitchen will be revered and remembered by your guests for how well this part of the job is carried out.

This is the final stage and it’s how our clients will judge our work. This is why HDI always ensures that our customers are 100% happy – that gives us the most satisfaction, and we consider it the final step of the process.

All of the above is fully project managed from start to finish by us.

Find out more about kitchen renovations

27th Aug 2018 Patrice Garrioch Kitchen, News

The Do’s and Don’ts: Hiring the Best Kitchen Installer Cape Town Has to Offer You

With all this DIY information at our fingertips these days, it can be hard to convince yourself to do otherwise. Especially when handing your pride and joy, over to someone who you don’t even know. However daunting it may seem, some things are best left to the professionals. So how do you spot one? Here are some tips to look out for when choosing the best kitchen installer Cape Town has to offer you;

They should know how to read a floor-plan.

Chances are if someone cannot read a floor-plan, they do not fully understand what they are doing either. Floor-plans are critical for capturing and obtaining the correct measurements. This is the foundation of any build or renovation project. Make sure they help you understand the drawing as well, to avoid any disappointment.

Get your measurements wrong, and all the rest will follow.

As a famous saying in the industry goes, “measure twice cut once.”

If you are dealing with a professional, not only will they get it right the first time, but you might spend less money, too. DIY’s can be fun, but the risk of a do-over is always going to be 10 times more. Ask your installer to supply references so you know exactly what you are dealing with.

Speaking of money, a professional will know how to keep your budget on track.

Just because you are hiring someone else to do the job instead of burying yourself knee-deep in Google searches, does not mean it has to be expensive. A professional will be able to give you insight into various options to keep your budget on-track. This kind of industry knowledge only comes from experience, something you will be able to pick up on quickly if they provide zero flexibility. So, make sure to get more than one quote before you settle, all in writing.

Not Your Average Joe:

Another way to find the best kitchen installer Cape Town has to offer you is by making sure they have knowledge in more than just one aspect. Whoever is installing your new kitchen, also needs to have extensive insight into the most important aspects of any functional kitchen; plumbing, electronics, gas and storage. If it’s a big job, rather leave electrics and gas to the specialists.

Of course, there are many more tips, but much like anything well-built, we hope these serve as a solid foundation to help you find your way around your new kitchen.

Find out more about kitchen renovations

White kitchen counter with white and brown built in cupboards

3rd Jul 2018 Home Decor Interiors Kitchen, News

Kitchen Renovation Saga: A Dramatic Dining Space

The days when kitchens were dark spaces to be kept hidden behind the doors are long gone. Today, a kitchen can be anything but a boring space to be kept a secret. From hosting parties to cosy family dinners, modern kitchens perform various roles, and to perfection.

One of the latest trends that are catching up these days is blending the dining area with the kitchen area. A kitchen can be renovated to double up as a dining space. All you have to do is keep some tips in mind. These will help you in creating the right amount of drama which will appeal to the imagination of your guests.

Open Up Your Kitchen

An open kitchen looks stunning and helps in enhancing the space. This can be a very useful trick if you have a small apartment kitchen or a small area that you have to use as both kitchen and dining space. Food is cooked in the kitchen and filling up the dining room with aroma while guests or family member enjoy some time together a satisfying experience.

Bring in the Dining Space

If you do not have a space that can be used for dining, you can design your kitchen to play a dual role. A kitchen counter can become a dining table for your guests and family members. Prepare fresh salad or serve your sizzling dishes straight out of the microwave, the countertop dinner table will change the way you dine.

Get the Lighting Right

If you are renovating your kitchen to enable it to play the role of a dining space as well, you need to pay special attention to the lights. Since you will have guests and friends coming into your kitchen, you need to choose lights that are decorative and attractive. You must also keep in mind that lights should also be suitable and convenient. The cooking area will need different lighting arrangements than the dining zone. Remember to choose stylish pieces while keeping the light arrangements in mind.

Cupboards and Cabinets

A clumsy kitchen is a complete turn off and when it doubles up as a dining space it can be quite embarrassing. Using the right set of cupboards and cabinets designed to go with your kitchen is crucial for better organisation. Cabinets that are functional and easy to operate help in enhancing the efficiency of the kitchen. Choosing the right set cabinets is an art that is essential for getting an exceptional kitchen. You can also achieve a clean and modern look by integrating your kitchen appliances with cabinets.

Backsplash

If you are inviting your guests to your kitchen, you must ensure they are all praises about it. To ensure that your kitchen impresses your guests, you must pay attention to the décor of your kitchen.

Backsplash tiles are one of the simple ways to add elegance to your kitchen. With the right set of tiles, you can create the right impression and add an edge to your kitchen.

Renovating a kitchen that doubles up as a dramatic kitchen is easier to design if you have a theme in mind. This will help you to choose your cabinets, get the colour combinations right, better light arrangements and decide about the décor.

Find out more about home renovations

Kitchen with black counter tops and built in cupboards

3rd Jul 2018 Home Decor Interiors Kitchen, News

Tips to Design a Dynamic Kitchen

A carefully planned kitchen can be a boon for the house. As a functional little corner, a beautifully designed kitchen can have a variety of functions. Apart from being a utilitarian space for preparing meals, modern kitchens serve as a fantastic spot for holding parties and entertaining guests.

Whether you are relocating into a new apartment or remodelling an old kitchen, designing a kitchen requires meticulous planning.

Does the thought of designing a kitchen overwhelm you? Ease all your worries – this article will walk you through some essential aspects of designing a dynamic kitchen space.

1. Unclosed Shelving:

Enhance the functionality of your kitchen with open shelving. The shelves which come without door are convenient to use and enable users to access the necessary ingredients easily.

One can neatly arrange the plates and cooking utensils on these shelves to boost the overall functionality of the kitchen. Eliminate the inconvenience of doors and help your kitchen to transform into a fully utilitarian unit.

2. Unique Finish:

Nowadays kitchen equipment like sinks, plumbing solutions, and faucets come in contemporary designs that combine exquisite layout with high functionality.

Remember, good quality kitchen equipment improve the overall value of your kitchen. So, ditch the boring designs and make interesting upgrades to create a dynamic kitchen.

3. Lighting:

Decorators have highlighted the importance of natural light. If you want your kitchen to be bright and energetic, you can utilise natural light to create a vibrant kitchen. Moreover, to emphasize the subtle features of the kitchen, it is essential to opt for reflective colours like white.

Going forward, you can also add leading-edge lighting solutions to your kitchen, which will allow it to exude a contemporary charm. You can experiment with bold lighting options, such as low voltage dim bulbs, incandescent lights, LED lights, etc, depending on your requirements.

4. Combination of Materials:

Many people combine different materials to design their kitchen. Instead of sticking to traditional wood-made cabinets, you can mix materials like glass and stainless steel to enhance the aesthetic value of the cabinetry. These types of kaleidoscopic designs can add a quirky edge to your décor.

5. Modular Kitchen Cabinets:

Kitchen cabinets are an indispensable part of a functional kitchen. You can choose modular cabinets, which allow flexibility of design, material, and accessories, to optimise the kitchen space.

Since these cabinets offer modular solutions, they add value to your home. Custom kitchen cabinets are an essential element of a kitchen, reflecting your personal taste.

So, explore your creative side and choose inventive solutions to offer your kitchen an outstanding look. Your options are abundant – whether you want modular shelving options or traditional cottage-type cabinetry – you can choose anything based on your taste and requirements.

Create a multi-functional space

Today, the role of a kitchen is not restricted to preparing food. Feel free to experiment with bold designs to transform your kitchen into a dynamic space where guests can assemble to share delectable meals.

Find out more about home renovations

Home Decor Interiors has over 20 years of experience and during that time we’ve renovated hundreds of homes. We pride ourselves on being a premium home renovator in the Western Cape. Let us help you customise or upgrade your dream home.

24th Apr 2018 Home Decor Interiors Bathroom, Home, Kitchen, News

Renovating Your Home during Water Crisis in Cape Town

The city of Cape Town is currently facing a severe water crisis. The South African government had limited individual use of water per day to 87 litres per day in the month of January. From February 1, the limit has been reduced to simply 50 litres per day.

This is mainly due to lack of rainfall over the last few years. Cape Town has experienced the late arrival of winter rains over the past decade. The situation is worsening every year. Only a handful of wealthy people have built private tanks to store water while the rest of the population has to spend long hours in queues for getting their share of water.

Shops are finding it difficult to store water after the rapid sale of bottled water among the residents of Cape Town. Cape Town is mainly dependent on rainwater stored in the dams of the city. Day Zero can occur if the water level of the dams drops to 13.5 percent. The fear is that if Day Zero happens then, things would be dire indeed.

Renovations during water restrictions

In such a situation it is difficult to visualise your renovation dreams indeed. Every construction or renovation work would require water and at this moment of crisis, one cannot simply spare water. However, renovations are necessary to live in a habitable home. At this moment you will have to be extra careful when spending water.

People are finding out ways to recycle water to battle this crisis. Many are re-using water from the washing machine to water potted plants. Home renovation companies in Cape Town are therefore finding out new ways to stay in business. These companies assure that they will help you to visualise your dream home even during this period of the water crisis.

Use of grey water

Being aware of the crisis and facing it, the home renovation companies of Cape Town do not use water reserved for human use for any repair or construction purpose. Neither will they ask for water stored at your home. These companies use grey water for any construction work. Grey water is delivered to the working site. Therefore, their clients do not have to lose precious time collecting grey water.

Use of water-saving equipment

One can never do enough to save water at this moment of the water crisis. Therefore, if you are having plumbing problems then immediately contact a home renovation company as you cannot overlook a leaking tap or pipe at this moment. These companies will provide you with tap and other plumbing equipment that focus more on saving water.

Painting your house and checking the electrical connection

You can paint your house to make it look new. You should not overlook the electrical problems. So, check the electrical connections of your house even if you are facing a water crisis. Moreover, painting, as well as electrical repairs, will not put a strain on the supply of water.

Therefore, these renovation companies have planned the above-mentioned ways to fight the water crisis in Cape Town.

Category: Kitchen

Step one: Property valuation

Step two: Visualise

Step three: ‘Tis the season to be building

Find out more about home renovations

The Social Totem

Goodbye Musical Chairs

Too Many Chefs in the Kitchen?

Storage Shortage

Find out more about home renovations

Quartz

Granite

Marble

Porcelain

Select the countertop that suits your homes look and feel

Find out more about kitchen renovations

Recommended reading

Ceramic

Porcelain

Natural stone

Mosaic

Inkjet

Find out more about kitchen renovations

Start with a focal point

Exploit the use of colour

Spare shelf

Find out more about kitchen renovations

Recommended reading

A kitchen renovation procedure

The kitchen renovation look and feel

The final steps of the kitchen renovation

Find out more about kitchen renovations

They should know how to read a floor-plan.

Get your measurements wrong, and all the rest will follow.

Speaking of money, a professional will know how to keep your budget on track.

Not Your Average Joe:

Find out more about kitchen renovations

Open Up Your Kitchen

Bring in the Dining Space

Get the Lighting Right

Cupboards and Cabinets

Backsplash

Find out more about home renovations

1. Unclosed Shelving:

2. Unique Finish:

3. Lighting:

4. Combination of Materials:

5. Modular Kitchen Cabinets:

Create a multi-functional space

Find out more about home renovations

Renovations during water restrictions

Use of grey water

Use of water-saving equipment

Painting your house and checking the electrical connection

Find out more about home renovations

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