Renovators have always gone to hardware stores to find countertops and cabinets, but more recently they’ve been going there to find something else: inspiration.
What was once strictly the purview of interior designers is increasingly being taken on by experts working out of local hardware and home building stores.
A case in point is Midland Home Hardware Building Centre, where two full-time kitchen consultants (Briana Lalonde and Diane Popp) are based out of a 4,500-square-foot Design Centre dedicated to kitchen and bath renovations, tile, lighting, and appliances.
“Most people think of Home Hardware as a location to find your hardware, lumber and building materials but we’re much more than that,” says Mike Guilbault, manager of the Design Centre and Home Installs at the Midland Home Hardware. “Our expert kitchen consultants specialize in everything from design to installation. Our sales consultants can also help with bathroom upgrades such as toilets, vanities, tubs, shower systems and a lot more.”
The Design Centre is also the place to find new ideas when it comes to the latest trends in bathrooms and kitchens. The area has five kitchen vignettes that sample a variety of styles to get renovators started.
An online gallery also displays the latest local remodels that Design Centre consultants have designed. “Outstanding on Orr Lake,” “Portage Park Paragon,” and “Curry Road Contemporary” are just a few of the recently completed renovations up for perusal in the digital gallery.
“Anyone thinking of starting a renovation or a new build should visit us to see the products and services we offer that you might not associate with a typical Home Hardware store,” says Mike.
At the Design Centre, questions often revolve around sizes and colours. Many items are available in far more options than are on display – a vignette may have a 36-inch white vanity, for example, but that same piece is available in other sizes and colours. “We try to have at least a representative of each product on display, and stock many of the popular sizes and colours” says Mike.
While the typical Home Hardware offers thousands of different products, Mike says their Design Centre offers product you won’t find anywhere else in our market area.
“We have products on display that you won’t find on the Home Hardware website, but which we have available at the Design Centre.”
Most products are available through the Home Hardware Distribution Centre, and if not already in stock, typically arrive within a week. Others can be special ordered directly from the manufacturer.
The Design Centre can also advise on the perfect tile to complete a kitchen or bathroom renovation – and supply the materials you need to make it happen.
“Over the last couple of years, we’ve expanded the Schluter products we stock in-store and added the Perfect Level Master tile levelling products to the mix, right at the Design Centre,” says Mike.
Diane advises, “Bring your dimensions with you into the Design Centre so we can calculate your square footage and prepare an accurate quotation for you on the spot. If you’re covering multiple spaces, measure each space individually to calculate your total requirement. We recommend ordering 10 percent more tile to cover cutting during installation or replace any broken tiles in future. As always, bring in any inspiration photos so we can help you find a tile that is both timeless and one you will love forever.”
Beyond the thousands of products they offer, the kitchen experts at the Design Centre also specialize in something else: solutions.
“With kitchen design in particular, there are many things to consider. After all, it’s commonly the largest renovation you can do for your home and typically provides the highest return on investment,” says Mike.
Every kitchen and bathroom is tailored to the client’s specific needs.
“These spaces should function for you and your family and reflect your unique style,” says designer Briana. “We can get a good sense of your taste with inspiration photos, and of course a site visit.”
Resale is something to consider, says Briana. “However, if you plan on living in your residence for a length of time, it is worth investing in quality products, which will yield a higher return on investment,” she says.
“We will work with each client to hone in on the best materials and price points to complement your budget. We offer a no-charge consultation in home, or in store, where we will answer all your questions and start planning your project.”
Mike says one of the most common mistakes he sees is making a purchase based on price alone.
“Most products are comparable, but there may be other options that offer similar quality for less, or better quality for not much more,” he says. “We’ll show you the differences so that you can make an educated decision.”
TEXT MATT DRISCOLL
PHOTOS MIKE GUILBAULT
