Based on info provided by Pebo Stones Corp.
www.pebostones.com

1. Marble, granite, slate and limestone are products of nature and as such, may have small cracks, blemishes, voids, variations in colour, veining, pitting and/or surface textures, which are inherent properties and are not considered defects.

2. Most natural stones, regardless of finish, have a natural absorption factor which will allow most staining agents (coffee, wine, juice, ink, etc.) to penetrate. Countertops should be sealed at time of installation and then re-sealed periodically during their lifetime.

3. Sealing does not make the countertop entirely impervious to stain, but rather provides a temporary barrier to stains. Spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent staining.

4. Do not use any abrasive cleaners, solvents, waxes or polishes that contain colour agents, oils, turpentine, leaded gasoline or kerosene. Do not use cleaning solutions such as sulfuric acids, acidic or alkaline cleaners.

5. Stone counters should be cleaned using a clean cloth with clean water mixed with light detergent.

Info provided by European Touch Hardwood Floors Inc.
www.ethfloors.com

1. Get the right type of flooring for your subfloor conditions. If concrete, use engineered. Radiant heat will have several issues relating to wood type. Some woods simply crack apart over those heating systems, even if they are engineered. Get professional advice from a bonded accredited firm.

2. Be aware of the wood hardness and color change characteristics. Some woods experience extreme color change over time. Some woods while described as hardwoods are actually quite soft and damage easily.

3. Understand and try to appreciate that woods of any species have variation in pattern, color, grain, etc. Avoid making your decision after looking at 1 or 2 pieces. Make your sales rep earn their pay by having them bring several pieces or in some cases a whole box and lay the floor out to get a true representation.

4. A level and flat floor starts with a level and flat subfloor. If you are currently living on carpet, be aware that the subfloor may be quite unlevel and require significant cost to flatten to hardwood flooring standards.

5. If you are in a Strata run building, be sure to let them know of your intentions to install a wood floor and ensure that you use a sound dampening underlay that will provide the appropriate amount of comfort for your neighbors below (unless of course, you do not like your neighbors below).

We store significantly more in a modern-day kitchen than we used to. Try to imagine everything you would ideally like to incorporate and prioritize what is most important to make your space as functional as possible for your specific needs:

• Recycling
• Coffee or cappuccino maker & related accessories
• Baking station
• Pet dishes and food
• Small appliances – frequently used or not
• Telephone, laptop hookup
• Range vs. cooktop & wall oven
• Range size
• Hood style (under-cabinet, chimney style, built-in)
• refrigerator size and style (side by side, bottom freezer, top freezer, counter or regular depth), include ice & water?
• microwave location
• Garburator
• Pull out faucet or side spray
• Hot water tap
• Pot filler
• Prep sink
• Spice, knife, cutlery, utensil inserts or racks
• Compost
• Lower cabinet blind corners – magic corner, lazy suzan, piano hinge
• Linens
• Wine glasses
• Tall vases, oversize items
• Trays, cutting boards, cookie sheets
• Under-cabinet lighting
• Vacuum in kick at base of cabinet if using central vac
• Junk drwr
• Kids’ stuff
• Wine rack
• Display space

Of course, I’d recommend that you hire a qualified Interior Designer (preferably me!) to help you with your project. However, you might find the whole process a bit less overwhelming if you already have an idea of your aesthetic preferences. Don’t feel bad if you don’t have a clue. Some of my Clients have a clear picture in mind and others haven’t even thought about needing lighting until I bring it up. We all have different priorities. A designer can help you define your aesthetic and most importantly, help you execute it in a way that gets you ultimate function within your space.

1. Create an image file. Don’t think too much about it to start with – just rip pages out of magazines and save images from the internet.

2. Sort through your images, asking your self: What do you like? What don’t you like? Specific fixture? Just the way it feels? Use post-it notes or write directly on the images:

• atmosphere
• cabinet colour or style
• doors & hardware
• finish carpentry (mouldings & stair details)
• fireplace mantels
• lighting
• plumbing
• paint colour

3. Identify commonalities by noticing things that have a similar aesthetic. Set aside images that don’t fit.

4. Start with cabinetry. Most likely, you’ve got a strong inclination toward a specific style and finish. From there, determine a colour scheme for other finishes. Gold tones? Grey? Chose tile and countertop products that fit the theme. Everything should flow. Just because it’s in a different room doesn’t mean it shouldn’t relate to the finishes in the rest of the home.

5. What style of cabinetry did you choose? If it has traditional detailing, you’ll most likely want to use mouldings that have some detail. If your cabinet style is very contemporary, you’ll want flat stock mouldings with a minimum of detail or possibly less use of mouldings altogether with drywall returns at your windows and/or reveal details.

6. Here’s where you can start to mix and match styles. If your cabinets are traditional in style, you could go either contemporary or traditional with your hardware, lighting and plumbing fixtures – but I do recommend keeping all those latter elements in a similar style and finish. For an updated traditional aesthetic, pair your detailed cabinetry and mouldings with modern goose neck faucets and clean-lined lighting and hardware. I like to use the fixtures to express the personality of the client or create memory points for a project. If your taste dictates a contemporary flush panel style cabinetry, you’re likely drawn to modern fixtures as well. Pick and choose specific fixtures like your dining chandelier to add some flare and personality to keep it from getting bland.

7. The biggest thing to remember is that consistency in your decisions will give you a finished home that feels like it all fits together. Choosing products in isolation from one another without a plan and expecting they’ll all work together will leave you disappointed in the end.

1. PLAN AHEAD
Whether you hire a designer or not, choose all products before construction begins so that your contractor can price everything and you can make choices on where to splurge or sacrifice based on your priorities and not on what can’t be changed. If something comes in too high in cost, you may not be able to find an alternative at the right price that is available within the time you need it.

2. RESEARCH
Interview more than one contractor, architect, and designer. Inquire about their education and experience. Ask for references. Just as importantly, ensure you feel they are a good personality fit, because you will be talking with them a lot!

3. IDENTIFY PRIORITIES
When dealing with issues individually, you’re going to be tempted to splurge on everything and all those items will add up to blow your budget. Know from the start where you’re willing to sacrifice and what your budget can handle.

4. CENTRAL CONCEPT
Your designer will help you create a concept to drive all decisions. Spend the time to make sure you’re happy with it and the rest of your project will flow smoothly. Resist the urge to collect a bunch of stuff that you like in isolation under the assumption that it will all go together. If you don’t have an overall plan, it will show. You may not be able to put your finger on one thing that’s wrong, but you’ll know it’s there. This doesn’t mean you have to stick to one specific aesthetic throughout; choose one main style and then decide where you will show your personality, in specific areas such as light fixtures.

5. AVAILABILITY
The internet is a great place to look for inspiration, but be aware that many items may not be available in your area. Some that are may not be approved for local building codes. Your designer can help you find local suppliers.