Table of Contents
1) Start With Vision: What Do You Want Your Kitchen to Do?
2) Layout Fundamentals: Work Triangle, Zones, and Flow
3) Storage That Works Hard (and Looks Good)
4) Lighting Layers for Everyday Life
5) Material Choices: Cabinets, Counters, Floors, and Backsplashes
6) Appliances, Ventilation, and Plumbing Fixtures
7) Budgeting, Cost Drivers, and Value Engineering
8) Sustainability & Healthy Home Choices
9) Popular Design Directions (and How to Make Them Yours)
10) Project Phases: From Consultation to Final Walkthrough
11) How to Choose the Right Contractor
12) FAQ Highlights & Next Steps
Your Next Step: Let’s Design a Kitchen You’ll Love for Years
1) Start With Vision: What Do You Want Your Kitchen to Do?
Every successful renovation begins with a crystal-clear purpose. Before you think about paint chips and pendants, define how your kitchen should perform:
- Daily rhythm: Do you cook nightly or mostly reheat? Do you host big family dinners or quick breakfasts?
- People & pets: Kids doing homework at the island? A pup that needs a feeding station? Aging in place considerations?
- Storage pain points: Overflowing pantry? Baking gear with no home? Now’s the time to fix it.
- Aesthetic direction: Warm and organic? Clean and minimal? Heritage character with modern convenience?
Capture your must-haves and “nice-to-haves,” then prioritize. If you want a sanity-check or help translating goals to a buildable scope, start a conversation through our Contact page.
Pro tip: Create a shared album of inspiration images and short notes about why you like each one (colour, cabinet style, island size, etc.). This accelerates design decisions later.
2) Layout Fundamentals: Work Triangle, Zones, and Flow
A gorgeous kitchen that’s awkward to use will frustrate you every day. Layout comes first.
The classic “work triangle”
For decades, the sink, cooktop, and refrigerator formed the planning triangle to reduce unnecessary steps. While households and appliances evolved, the idea still helps avoid bottlenecks.
Modern “work zones”
Many kitchens now function better with zones:
- Prep zone: Between sink and cooktop with uninterrupted counter space
- Cooking zone: Range/cooktop, oven(s), and pot storage
- Cleanup zone: Sink, dishwasher, trash/recycling pull-outs
- Beverage/coffee zone: Away from main prep so family can self-serve
- Snack/landing zone: Near the fridge or pantry for grab-and-go
Flow & clearances
- Aim for 42–48 in. aisle widths in multi-cook kitchens.
- Leave proper landing areas beside major appliances.
- Consider door swings, slide-outs, and traffic paths to hallways or patios.
For Surrey & Greater Vancouver homes—where open-concept living is common—we often re-frame a wall or widen an opening to improve sightlines and circulation. See how we approach these transformations on our Kitchen Renovations page.
Further reading: NKBA Kitchen Planning Guidelines (National Kitchen & Bath Association) offers industry-recognized layout guidance.
3) Storage That Works Hard (and Looks Good)
Well-planned storage is the difference between “pretty” and “life-changing.”
- Pantry strategy: If a walk-in isn’t feasible, a full-height cabinet with roll-outs can rival capacity.
- Drawers over doors: Deep drawers for pots, pans, and small appliances reduce bending and rummaging.
- Specialty organizers: Tray dividers, utensil inserts, spice pull-outs, mixer lifts, and corner solutions (e.g., LeMans, Magic Corner) convert dead zones into prime space.
- Waste & recycling: Integrate pull-outs sized for local recycling streams and food scraps.
- Hidden charging & tech: Add outlets and a charging drawer to keep counters clear.
We tailor storage to your routines during design. See our wider Services to understand how cabinetry, electrical, and finishing come together.
4) Lighting Layers for Everyday Life
Great kitchens rely on three layers of lighting:
- Ambient: Pot lights or flush mounts provide overall illumination.
- Task: Under-cabinet LEDs and island pendants light the work surfaces.
- Accent: Toe-kick lights, cabinet interiors, or wall sconces add atmosphere.
Choose high-quality, dimmable LED fixtures and plan switch/dimmer locations early. For energy-smart choices and rebates, see BC Hydro’s energy-saving resources.
5) Material Choices: Cabinets, Counters, Floors, and Backsplashes
Your finish selections drive both budget and daily durability. Here’s a field-tested rundown.
Cabinets
- Construction: Plywood boxes are sturdy and moisture-resistant; high-density furniture board can work in dry zones with good edge banding.
- Doors: Shaker (versatile), slab (modern), or inset (heritage look). Consider soft-close hinges and full-extension slides.
- Finish: Durable paints, high-pressure laminate, wood veneers, or thermofoil (budget-friendly but sensitive to heat).
Countertops
- Engineered quartz: Low-maintenance, consistent patterns, wide pricing range.
- Granite & natural stone: Unique movement; some require sealing.
- Sintered/porcelain slabs: Highly heat/scratch resistant; great for sleek looks and large islands.
- Butcher block: Warm and repairable; needs periodic oiling.
- Laminate: Cost-effective, huge pattern variety; best for light-duty use.
Flooring
- Luxury vinyl plank/tile (LVP/LVT): Resilient, water-tolerant, softer underfoot.
- Engineered hardwood: Real wood veneer over a stable core; choose kitchen-appropriate finishes.
- Porcelain tile: Hard-wearing and water-proof; add underfloor heating for comfort.
Backsplash
Timeless subway tile, handmade ceramics for texture, large-format porcelain for fewer grout lines, or stone slabs for drama. Don’t forget a wipeable finish behind the range.
6) Appliances, Ventilation, and Plumbing Fixtures
Appliances
Right-size appliances for how you cook. Features like convection, air-fry modes, induction cooktops, and column refrigeration might earn their keep—if you’ll use them.
- Induction cooktops heat fast, are easy to clean, and pair well with strong ventilation.
- Wall ovens improve ergonomics; double ovens suit frequent entertainers.
- Panel-ready dishwashers/fridges provide a seamless look in open-concept spaces.
Ventilation
A high-quality range hood protects air quality and cabinetry. Match CFM to your cooktop and cooking style, route ducting correctly, and control noise with proper sizing.
Health note: Good ventilation helps reduce cooking pollutants. Canada’s public resources on indoor air quality offer useful background.
Sinks & Faucets
- Sink styles: Single XL bowl for sheet pans, split bowls for multitasking, or workstation sinks with integrated accessories.
- Faucets: Pull-down sprayers are a lifesaver; look for ceramic cartridges and solid metal bodies.
- Water filtration: Under-sink systems keep the counter clutter-free.
7) Budgeting, Cost Drivers, and Value Engineering
Every kitchen is unique, but the biggest cost drivers are consistent:
- Cabinetry & counters
- Appliances
- Layout changes (moving walls/plumbing/HVAC/electrical)
- Tile, flooring, and lighting
- Finishing details (millwork, hardware, paint)
Good–Better–Best thinking
- Good: Durable stock cabinets + quartz level 1 + LVP flooring + efficient LED package
- Better: Semi-custom cabinets + premium quartz + engineered hardwood + layered lighting + beverage center
- Best: Custom cabinets + sintered stone slabs + integrated/panelled appliances + statement hood + architectural lighting
Value engineering (without regret)
- Use drawers where they matter most and standard shelves where they don’t.
- Choose a “feature” material in one focal zone and complementary, budget-friendly finishes elsewhere.
- Run tile to the underside of upper cabinets and stop cleanly for a designer look without extra square footage.
- Upgrade hardware—handles and pulls dramatically change the feel for relatively low cost.
When you’re ready for ballpark numbers and a phased plan, contact us for a friendly consult. We’ll tailor options to your home, goals, and budget.
8) Sustainability & Healthy Home Choices
Green choices can align with comfort and longevity:
- ENERGY STAR® appliances reduce power use (see ENERGY STAR Canada).
- LED lighting with dimming saves energy and sets mood.
- Low- or zero-VOC paints/finishes improve indoor air quality.
- Durable materials (stone, porcelain) last decades, reducing waste.
- Smart controls (sensors, dimmers, smart plugs) cut phantom loads.
We also manage job-site recycling and responsible disposal—ask us how we keep projects tidy and neighbour-friendly.
9) Popular Design Directions (and How to Make Them Yours)
Modern Minimal
- Look: Slab cabinets, integrated pulls, porcelain slab backsplash.
- Make it yours: Warm it up with natural wood accents and textured pendants.
Transitional (Most Popular)
- Look: Shaker doors, quartz counters, classic hardware, neutral palette.
- Make it yours: Layer soft colours, add reeded glass, or a bold island.
Organic Contemporary
- Look: Wood veneers, honed stone, sculptural lighting, earthy tones.
- Make it yours: Mix matte black and warm brass; use micro-textures in tile.
Heritage Refresh
- Look: Inset cabinetry, shaker profiles, bridge faucets, beadboard details.
- Make it yours: Pair traditional millwork with modern appliances for a timeless blend.
If you’re renovating multiple spaces, explore our Bathroom Renovations to carry a cohesive design language through your home.
10) Project Phases: From Consultation to Final Walkthrough
Here’s how a typical kitchen project flows with Ali’s Old To New General Contracting:
- Discovery & Site Visit
We review your goals, measure the space, and discuss scope options. (Start via our Contact page.) - Design & Selections
We refine layout, storage, and lighting; shortlist cabinets, counters, tile, flooring, plumbing, and hardware. - Planning & Procurement
We schedule trades, order long-lead items, and coordinate logistics so install runs smoothly. - Site Preparation & Demo
We protect adjacent spaces, set up dust control, and remove what’s being replaced. - Rough-In Work
Framing tweaks, electrical/HVAC/plumbing rough-ins, and prep for cabinetry and finishes. - Cabinetry, Surfaces & Tile
Cabinets installed, counters templated and set, backsplash and flooring completed. - Fixtures, Appliances & Lighting
Final electrical and plumbing trims, appliance set-in, and lighting aimed and tested. - Finishing & Walkthrough
Paint touch-ups, hardware alignment, punch-list resolution, cleanup, and a proud reveal.
For a deeper look at how we execute, skim our broader Services page.
11) How to Choose the Right Contractor
A few criteria will dramatically improve your experience:
- Local expertise: Knowledge of Greater Vancouver homes (from new builds to character houses) matters.
- Transparent scope & quote: Clear inclusions, allowances, and realistic contingencies.
- Project management: One accountable point of contact coordinating trades and timelines.
- Quality of craftsmanship: Ask to see recent kitchens similar to yours.
- Communication & reviews: Read what clients say and how the team responds—visit our Google Business Profile.
Ali’s Old To New General Contracting delivers full-stack renovations—design input, skilled trades, and meticulous finishing—so you enjoy the process and the result. Explore our Kitchen Renovations page to see how we work.
12) FAQ Highlights & Next Steps
You likely have questions about budgets, material timelines, and what living through a renovation looks like. We maintain an evolving FAQs page with practical answers and homeowner tips.
Internal resources you’ll want to bookmark
- Kitchen Renovations hub: scope options, process, and inspiration → View page
- Our Services: everything from design to finishing → Explore all services
- Bathroom Renovations: plan multi-room upgrades with consistent styling → See bathrooms
- Contact: start your consultation or ask a quick question → Get in touch
A few trusted external resources
- National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA): layout and safety best practices → nkba.org
- BC Hydro: energy-saving advice, lighting guidance → bchydro.com
- Consumer Reports: product and material testing → consumerreports.org
- Government of Canada – Indoor Air: healthy cooking and ventilation context → canada.ca
Your Next Step: Let’s Design a Kitchen You’ll Love for Years
Ready to upgrade the most important room in your home? Whether you’re imagining a hardworking family kitchen, an entertainer’s showpiece, or a serene, minimalist space, our Surrey-based team is here to plan and deliver it—on scope and beautifully finished.
Ali’s Old To New General Contracting — transforming old into new, with thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and a smooth renovation experience across Surrey and Greater Vancouver.
