Then-and-now: Getting organized

Mar 2, 2014

When people want a renovation, they often turn to such professionals as interior designers, decorators, architects — you name it. But an organizer? Yet, that’s exactly who got the job when a client wanted a kitchen overhauled in an older, residential neighbourhood just off the Halifax Peninsula.

Jane Veldhoven is the certified professional organizer that worked on the project, and she understands the confusion that might arise over the services she provides. She says, “Yes, I do what one normally expects of an organizer, which is to arrange people’s living conditions: closets, furniture, and so on.

“It’s how I did things for a while when I started out. But then I got a bit more involved in the projects I was dealing with. Next thing I knew, I had people ripping up the floors and installing new kitchen cabinetry. Not all professional organizers get involved in renovations, but some do.”

In the case of the Halifax kitchen remodelling, it was clear that the space had a dated look that was sorely in need of an update. Veldhoven says, “We went with white as the primary colour. That was completely the client’s call. I don’t pretend to be a designer, or pressure the clients in areas that aren’t my specialty.”

Regarding the flooring, Veldhoven says, “Tim Beazley of Floors Plus in Halifax always helps us out. The existing tile presented a number of challenges, including the radiant floor heating that was located underneath. The installation crew tried pulling up a few tiles, but were afraid to disturb the underlying structure.”

Renovations often take on a life of their own. In this case, a general desire to upgrade a dated kitchen (left) also turned into the installation of a new alternative floor (see cover above). — Renovations often take on a life of their own. In this case, a general desire to upgrade a dated kitchen also turned into the installation of a new alternative floor (see cover above).

So, instead of ripping up the old floor, it was decided that DuraCeramic [a limestone composite manufactured by Congoleum] would be installed on top. According to Veldhoven, “The client didn’t want the hassle of hardwood or conventional tile. They liked the new product so much that we ended up extending it out into the hallway and all the way to the washroom. I’ve been back a few times to show other clients, and it still looks great; the client is still thrilled with the new kitchen and floor.”

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