Canadian Contractor Article: Four Rules for Small Kitchens

Woodsmith_Dillworth Kitchen 1

Four Essential Rules for Small Kitchen Design by Christopher Smith

 

In our latest feature on Canadian Contractor, I delve into the art and science of small kitchen design, a common challenge many of us face in the renovation industry. Drawing from years of experience with older homes in Toronto’s east end, I’ve developed a set of four key principles that guide our projects at Woodsmith Construction Inc. These rules are designed to transform any small kitchen into a functional, stylish space that meets the unique needs of our clients.

 

  1. Traffic Flow: Understanding and managing the flow of movement is crucial in a kitchen’s layout, especially in smaller spaces. Effective design ensures ease of movement without sacrificing functionality.

  2. Appliance Placement: Moving beyond the traditional work triangle, we focus on visual symmetry and practical workflow, considering each kitchen’s unique layout to optimize appliance placement.

  3. Lighting: A mix of natural and artificial lighting can make a small kitchen feel brighter and larger. Strategic placement of lighting fixtures, along with maximizing natural light, enhances the space’s functionality and ambiance.

  4. Balancing Work and Seating Spaces: In compact kitchens, it’s essential to balance the needs for meal preparation, dining, and socializing. Thoughtful planning and design can create a multipurpose space that comfortably accommodates all these activities.

 

Each small kitchen presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. At Woodsmith Construction, we pride ourselves on our ability to apply these principles creatively, ensuring that even the smallest kitchens can become the heart of the home. Our goal is always to craft spaces that are not only beautiful but also perfectly tailored to our clients’ lifestyles.

 

For a deeper dive into these principles and how they can be applied to your next small kitchen project, read the full article here.

Woodsmith Construction completed a project for us in a timely and professional manner. The quality of their workmanship is superb. Communication between them and us was informative, courteous and collaborative. We would highly recommend them.

Rick Wilson
Rick Wilson2020-03-31
Google

Woodsmith construction just completed a gut job and garage addition for my husband and I and it was the best experience I could have hoped for especially given all the renovation horror stories we have heard. They were so professional, helpful, diligent and responsive and the quality of the renovation was first class. I would recommend anyone to hire Woodsmith construction for all their needs whether it is a renovation or a new build. We could not be happier with the outcome and our newly renovated home.

We worked with Chris Smith and Woodsmith Construction Inc. on a large-scale renovation of our east-end semi and we couldn’t be happier with the finished product. The project included adding a third floor, underpinning the basement, and updating the interior throughout the house. Chris handled both the design and the build, and he is incredibly knowledgeable about all stages of the process. He was professional and responsive and always had our best interests at heart. His team was hard-working and respectful and they were all a pleasure to work with.Chris was professional, calm, and reasonable in working with our neighbours at all stages of the process and earned a very positive reputation among people on the street who saw the process and admired the result. The final product maintains the same exterior character of the home while updating the interior and making it a hundred times more functional for our family. It is a total transformation from what it used to be and we thank Chris for his vision and guidance throughout the process.Chris and his team were organized, professional, and always on top of the details. They kept us in the loop throughout the project and made sure everything was done to the highest standard. We would not hesitate to recommend Woodsmith to anyone undertaking a residential renovation – he is one of the hardest-working people we know and we are very grateful for his expertise and dedication.

D Volpe
D Volpe2024-12-01
Google

Cristina Blesa
Cristina Blesa2023-12-06
Google

Woodsmith Construction is first and foremost one of the leading contractors serving the GTA. We at Rigid Frame Structural Engineers Inc. provide structural engineering consulting for them. Woodsmith always adhere to the drawings and regulations in all of their construction projects. We also find Chris and all his crews to be very respectful. We recommend Woodsmith to all our clients who like to tackle renovations.

Emmanuel Moysis
Emmanuel Moysis2019-03-31
Google

We worked with Chris Smith and Woodsmith Construction Inc. on the design for a garage addition, and the experience was fantastic. The project included adding attic trusses to create a new walk-in closet and laundry room that seamlessly connected to our existing main bedroom. Chris’s goal was to make the addition feel like it had always been part of the home, and he absolutely nailed it.From the start, Chris took the time to understand what we needed and came up with a design that not only maximized the functionality of the space but also kept the style consistent with the rest of the house. He paid close attention to every detail, from the layout to the finishes, ensuring everything worked perfectly with our main bedroom.The design makes such smart use of the space, and it feels like a natural extension of the home rather than an afterthought. Chris was great to work with—responsive, creative, and incredibly knowledgeable. He even provided advice on how to approach the construction phase, which made us feel confident moving forward.If you’re looking for someone to bring your vision to life with a thoughtful and practical design, we highly recommend Chris Smith and Woodsmith Construction. The design he created for us has truly enhanced our home. Our construction is well under way and we are already seeing the great design come to life!

Steve F
Steve F2024-12-03
Google

Design-Build services custom-tailored to your needs. Start your home renovation journey with us and see what’s possible.

Ready to begin your project? Book your free in-home renovation consultation.

BCIN Designers

What is a BCIN Designer

The Benefits of Being a BCIN-Registered Designer: Woodsmith Construction Inc. At Woodsmith Construction Inc., we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence and professionalism, demonstrated through our BCIN (Building Code Identification Number) registration. This certification not only reflects our dedication to adhering to the highest standards but also provides numerous

Read More »
Party wall Feature Article

Canadian Contractor Feature Article: Pity Party Walls

Party Walls: Navigating the Challenges in Today’s Construction Landscape I delve into the complexities surrounding party walls in the June 2023 digital edition cover story for Canadian Contractor. This topic has become increasingly contentious in the context of urban development and renovation projects. As the owner of Woodsmith Construction Inc.,

Read More »
Home Energy Savings

Home Energy Savings

Home Energy Savings Tips   With the deep freeze gripping Toronto for another winter, turning the thermostat up to stay warm and toasty inside doesn’t come as a surprise. However, most homeowners don’t know enough about home energy savings and tend to overspend on their energy bills because their house

Read More »

Schedule A Free Consultation

Please provide your information

Contact Information
Select Desired Services
Select Preferred Meeting Time
Please attach any project files