people
kitchen
CONNECTIONS
P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y K E L LY H O R K O F F
Whether you’re renovating or building
new, these are the professionals to help
you cook up the kitchen of your dreams.
Rino Panicucci
President, Granite Plus Inc.
W H Y G R A N I T E ? A granite countertop is virtually
impossible to scratch, is heat resistant, stain resistant and
increases the resale value of your home. No other material
surpasses the quality and aesthetic flavour of granite.
T E L L U S A B O U T G R A N I T E P L U S . We’re a direct
importer and manufacturer of granite and other natural
stone slabs, from every corner of the globe. We use the most
advanced fabrication techniques to ensure your countertops
are machined to perfection.
W H O A R E YO U R C U S T O M E R S ? Anyone looking for a
quality stone accompanied with superior installation. We
work with homeowners, architects and interior designers, as
well as commercial and residential general contractors.
Tom Cochren
President, Thomas Cochren Homes
W H AT I N S P I R E S YO U W H E N D E S I G N I N G YO U R
K I T C H E N S ? The inspiration is driven by the homeowners.
They come with their dreams, their vision and their excitement.
W H AT M A K E S A C O C H R E N H O M E S K I T C H E N S TA N D
O U T ? A TCH kitchen looks beautiful but more importantly,
it has to function well. Quality matches individual taste and
budget but every kitchen today has a myriad of details,
door designs, lighting, plumbing, mechanical, appliance
specifications, surfaces and finishes that have to come
together seamlessly and meet our standards. At the end of
the day, all that complexity has to translate into simplicity.
That is the essence of good design.
H O W D O YO U U N W I N D B E T W E E N P R O J E C T S ? If I said
renovating the cottage you wouldn’t believe me, so I’ll say
fishing, golfing, reading and crosswords.
WINNER OF THE HAMILTON-HALTON HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION 2012
AWARD OF DISTINCTION FOR BEST CUSTOM HOME UNDER $2,000,000
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people
Steve Vartanian
Vice President, Vartanian Rugs Ltd.
W H AT K I T C H E N F L O O R I N G D O YO U
R E C O M M E N D ? Luxury vinyl tile and luxury
vinyl plank. They are available in a spectrum
of patterns from weathered wood visuals to
ceramics and natural stone looks. Currently
in use in commercial installations as well as
retail stores and eateries, it’s just a matter
of time before these products take over the
new home industry.
H O W D O E S YO U R C O M PA N Y D I F F E R
F R O M A B I G - B O X R E TA I L E R ? We
specialize in the products we carry as well
as the services we provide. Our sales staff is
knowledgeable and our installers take pride
in their craft. Our company direction has
always been based on customer referral.
W H AT I S YO U R FAV O U R I T E FA L L
A C T I V I T Y ? I haven’t decided which I like
most – playing golf or watching NFL football.
WINNER OF THE HAMILTON-HALTON HOME BUILDERS’
ASSOCIATION 2012 AWARD OF DISTINCTION FOR TRADE
COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Harinder (Happy) Roupra
and Gino Collalto
Owners, CR Technical Woodworking
We
design and build custom kitchen cabinets
and vanities for both residential and
commercial clients.
W H AT D O E S YO U R C O M PA N Y D O ?
W H AT ’ S P O P U L A R I N K I T C H E N S T H I S
Y E A R ? Shaker style, which is characterized
by its finely crafted simplicity and
un-ornamental yet functional style, which
overtook contemporary style this year. Still,
traditional style remains the most popular
kitchen design.
W H AT A D V I C E D O YO U G I V E C L I E N T S
C H O O S I N G C A B I N E T S ? Looks aren’t
the whole story. With cabinets there is an
element of “you get what you pay for.”
That’s because they’re made with a variety
of construction techniques using several
different materials in a good, better, best
fashion. Besides that, there are options to
consider (such as full extension drawers and
soft-close hinges), that can have a big impact
on the overall cost. OH
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