Episode 2:

How to add custom details and bespoke flair to your big-box kitchen with two-tone cabinetry and mix and match knobs

Your local big-box store may be the "go to" destination for lots of supplies on your list, but are they top of mind when you're thinking about renovating or updating? If they aren't, they should be. With dozens of door styles to choose from and plenty of customizable options to ensure you get exactly what you want, you'll be amazed to discover what's in store. So stop dreaming and start designing (and leave the install to the pros)!

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Sarah's big-box store Challenge!

Watch as Sarah renovates a rundown house into a stunning design statement… all with items available at Lowe's stores!

Get the Look

Here are a few key elements we used to make this kitchen better than new… and yes, it's all from Lowe's!

HIDDEN SPACES:

Don't overlook the space below your breakfast bar as a useful storage solution. Instead of installing a decorative panel, why not install cabinet doors and make the area functional? It's a great place to stow vases and serving pieces that are only used occasionally.

TIP: The finishing details make a huge difference to the overall look in your kitchen. Trimming around the base of your island with a baseboard detail gives the look of traditional elegance and lends a bespoke touch to your cabinetry.

CABINET DOORS:

Create a layered look by mixing two different door profiles together. A plain shaker style door is well-suited to the lower cabinetry, while a decorative shutter style upper door alludes to coastal style references (and has the same shaker panel around the perimeter so the two styles compliment each other).

When mixing two door profiles in two colours, you'll need to choose what goes where. For continuity it usually looks best to select the upper cabinetry colour and profile for any full height pantry cupboards, as well as the gables beside the refrigerator.

Want the look?

Schuler Key Largo Maple Cabinet Door in Divinity - Shutter Panel (Upper Cabinets)

Schuler Boardwalk Maple Cabinet Door in Harbour Mist - Shaker Panel (Lower Cabinets)

TIP: When selecting colours, the general rule is to use the darker colour on the lowers as it will ground the room.

HARDWARE:

Knobs and handles are the jewellery of your kitchen and can be a big impact decision (without costing a lot). Mix and match handles and knobs to compliment your two colour cabinetry - just tie them together by making sure the metal tone is a match!

Want the look?

Hickory 30mm Victorian Glass Knob Item#253493 (left)

Hickory Bamboo Drawer Pull Item#384925 (right)

DESIGN FOR LIFESTYLE:

If you can dream it, they can make it! When laying out your kitchen and thinking about what works best for your lifestyle, why not customize your cabinetry to make the most of your available space? A built in banquette offers extra storage in cabinets beneath the seat, while towers of drawers anchor the ends with more storage (and a cozy place to hang out in the hub of the house).

Function:

Install a tall pull-out trash can beside the sink so you can maintain easy access to garbage and recycling while someone is working at the kitchen sink. A small drawer above the pullout is just the right size to hold compost, recycling and garbage bags too!

Want the look?

LG Viatera Quartz Counter in Natural Limestone

YOU GOT THAT WHERE?

Dovetailed wooden drawer boxes and specialized painted finishes may not be what you'd expect from a big-box kitchen, so be prepared to be amazed by the end result!

Ceilings:

When working in an old house, the ceilings are rarely perfectly straight. Instead of taking the cabinetry all the way to the ceiling with filler panels, allow the cabinetry to stop a few inches below the ceiling and highlight the top of the cabinets with a decorative crown molding.

Want the look?

C & C Cottage V-Joint Pine Plank paneling 4" x 96" Item #261978

Nailing the details

Kitchen Paint

Sarah Richardson Designer Palette for Para Paints

Upper Cabinets

Schuler "Key Largo" Maple Cabinet Door in Divinity (Shutter Panel)

Lower Cabinets

Schuler "Boardwalk" Maple Cabinet Door in Harbour Mist (Shaker Panel)

The Grand Finale

Feeling inspired? Get started at Lowe's…

Boardwalk Maple Door in Harbour Mist
Counter Depth Fridge
#406113
Viatera Quartz - Denali Perimeter Counters
Professional installation of the kitchen and countertops provided by Lowe's Installation Services
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