Update Your Kitchen Easily With A Few Simple Tricks

We sent out Cathy Browne to an event hosted by Best Buy to gather some information on how to get your kitchen in order. Designer Aly Armstrong was on hand with some kitchen styling tips and Chef Ned Bell provided dinner using many of these appliances available at Best Buy.  Here’s some tips to help you get a styling kitchen in 2019!

 

Last year Michael and I got married and instead of registering for wedding gifts, we decided to ask for something that we’d find truly helpful, Best Buy Gift Cards. We then had almost enough to replace our rather worn out major kitchen appliances and bought a new fridge, dishwasher and stove. We also brought in Debbie, from The Spray Booth by Fresh Design who redid our cabinets by spraying them white, so the whole kitchen looked brand new. Our baking cabinet got organized with a custom shelf by ShelfGenie.

At the event designer Aly Armstrong gave some tips on kitchen styling:

Smart Appliances can make your kitchen both functional and stylish
Technology integrated kitchens are the biggest trend right now. They allow you to control settings and receive
notifications from your mobile device, save and conserve money and energy, and communicate with one another, while looking stylish all at the same time.

Use paint to modernize your cabinets
If your cabinets are old and outdated, one of the easiest and most cost-effective solutions is to paint them. For a modern look, try this year’s trending colours –variations of greys, blues and greens. Be sure to keep your large and small appliances in mind when selecting colours, and make sure they match or complement one another. We used  The Spray Booth by Fresh Design

Add pops of colour using countertop appliances
Adding splashes of colour with appliances can create eye-catching focal points and make kitchens more exciting. For those who have smaller kitchens and limited storage space, it’s a great way to turn countertop items into usable works of art. We’ve got this mixer in royal blue.

Replace old upper cabinets with open shelving
If your cabinets are tired, tear down a handful of upper cabinets and replace them with open shelving. This will allow you to show off your gorgeous dishware, stylish small appliances or add seasonal decor for quick new looks. For an extra pop of colour, add wallpaper to the wall behind the shelves so it becomes a focal point in your kitchen. I think we’re too messy for this one.

Refresh your kitchen look with bold decor
Look for things like accessories, dishware, wall art and appliances to revamp your kitchen. By adding accent pieces that have contrasting colours or geometric shapes, you can add a huge visual impact at a relatively low price point.

Ned Bell then served up a feast using the appliances provided. Here Cathy grabbed a picture of him holding the Halibut with a Composition of Peas and Truffle Dressing.

STARTER
Local Asparagus Salad with Spring Lettuces and Green Goddess Dressing

Crab and Coconut Soup with Lime and Chilis

DESSERT
Seaweed and Milk Chocolate Brownie with Salted Caramel Foam

WINES for the night:
Haywire Pinot Gris 2017
Haywire Pinot Noir 2016

Cocktail Recipe from Ned using the KitchenAir Immersion Blender

Savour Summer

INGREDIENTS 2oz Dark Rum
1oz Mango Puree
1oz Maple Syrup
2oz Soda Water
2oz Pineapple Juice
Crushed Ice

METHOD
In a large container blend all ingredients together using the KitchenAid Immersion Blender. Garnish with a torched golden
pineapple and a lime wedge. Pour into a rocks glass and ENJOY!

This year we’re going to have to start thinking about new counter-tops!