Wood Those Cabinets Make You Happy?

These days we’re hearing a lot about “environmental design” and “healthy homes”. Formaldehydes in board materials, VOC’s in finishes and closer to home mould & mildew found in the walls of improperly built condominiums; all of these can have a physical impact on the inhabitants of a given space. Fortunately we have the ability to choose proper materials to prevent these situations.

But what about the emotional impact of our choice of materials? For example, do the materials used in a kitchen affect the inhabitants emotionally as well as physically? That was the question researchers at the University of British Columbia and FPInnovations set out to answer. In particular they were looking at how the presence of wood in one’s environment impacted their levels of stress.

119 people took part in the study that measured several physiological stress reactions when exposed to environments that contained wood, and those that did not. What they discovered was a significant decrease in the stress-related responses in the “wood environments.” The results of this study can be easily applied to environments like schools and hospitals, but home environments as well.

So when you’re planning your kitchen remodel, consider how stressful you may feel while cooking or cleaning. Perhaps a wood kitchen is the answer.

Source:  "More Wood = Less Stress" by David Fell.  Canadian Woodworking Magazine March/April 2011

Gallery: Pleasant in Mount Pleasant

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A very dramatic transformation from the original layout (seen in the last photo) was achieved by opening up the walls between the kitchen, family and dining room.  The result is a space designed for entertaining.  The large 10' long island defines the actual "kitchen" area and provides seating for up to 6 people.  Finishes are very contemporary; the upper cabinetry features high-gloss painted doors (handle-less for a clean appearance) which contrasts nicely with a horizontal grain laminate for the base and pantry cabinets.  Countertops are quartz in two different colours.

Gallery: Easy Being Green

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This project in North Vancouver is a great example of what happens when the client has a plan before they come to see their kitchen designer.  Before a single line was drawn the client knew the appliances they would be using, the colours they wanted to use, and a general idea as to where things should be located.  We made very few changes to their original ideas, only tweaking them slightly to achieve a nicer visual balance, and to ensure the accessories we installed worked properly.

The cabinetry is a simple shaker style, painted in Benjamin Moore "Ranchwood" and the quartz countertops are Cambria "Aragon".  We think you'll agree this kitchen makes it very easy to enjoy a green lifestyle.

Gallery: Before And After on the West Side

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Nothing illustrates the impact a well thought-out remodel can have for your home like a set of "Before & After" photographs. As you scroll through the pictures featured here from one of our most recent projects, start thinking about the changes you could make to make your kitchen the dream space you'd like it to be. Then contact one of our designers and see how to make those dreams come true!

The Village - Pronto Caffe

The lunch options in the Cambie Village just got much tastier with the opening of Pronto Caffe, just across the street from the Park Theatre.  Pronto is a brand new, beautifuly designed diner that features the heavenly creation known as porchetta.  Porchetta is Italian roast pork, stuffed with herbs and roasted for about 4 hours on the premises. You'll notice the heavenly aroma the moment you walk in the door.  The result is the most flavourful roast pork ever.  There's even cracklins!

Porto offers porchetta sandwiches (available for take away) and dinners, served with fresh and seasonal sides like roasted potatoes. They also offer a range of other sides (like sauted kale) traditional dishes (panini, pasta, etc.) and even offers some vegetarian options.

The atmosphere is casual and friendly – an ideal neighbourhood destination and well worth journeying across town for. Located across the street from the Park Theatre, Pronto is the go-to place for a comforting meal before or after a movie, or your appointment at Paradigm.

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Pronto Caffe
3473 Cabie Street
Vancouver, BC
604-722-9331