FRED ORCHARD CABINETRY: Before and After the New Hip

This project started for me in the spring with adding kitchen and bathroom cabinets in an Elmo Starr built boathouse on Lake Muskoka. It was constructed in 1986 and was used by a few families over the 20 years until the property was sold and renovations started. The allowable square footage of the living space was larger in 86`therefore it was easy to renovate and make the area very comfortable for family and guests to have their own room and privacy away from the main cottage. Post and beam pine interiors gives it a warmth and Muskoka feel to it.

The main cottage construction began during the boathouse renovation and became a large, solid, and beautifully designed building tucked back behind some majestic old pines on a site a mere 15 vertical feet off of the lake. Walking to the shore and boathouse is a breeze, and I should know because when I started the cabinetry on this part of the project I had just had hip replacement surgery 3 months before. I`m glad I didn`t have terrain like some areas of Muskoka are famous for this time.

The kitchen is large and roomy with lots of seating around a stained birch island. There is storage everywhere and drawers aplenty. Built-in refrigerator and freezer units are enclosed in panels with glass door, lighted cabinets above. Double wall ovens and a cabinet enclosed microwave oven are also present.

A lot of new kitchens contain 2 dishwashers now, ideal for entertaining large groups or families. There is also an under-counter beverage refrigerator in the island and a 48" gas cooktop with grill.

All the top upper cabinets have frosted glass doors with lighting inside which gives a stunning look.

There is a large laundry room with lots of storage cabinetry and counter space. A built in laundry chute from the 2nd floor hallway makes getting clothes to the laundry room a snap.