Choosing Appliances for Luxury, Spice, and Suite Kitchens

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In the world of new home construction, every detail matters. From floor plans to finishes, builders must navigate a world of choices to create the ideal living space for homeowners in Vancouver and across B.C. Appliances are a vital part of every home design decision, as their selection can make or break a home's functionality and aesthetic appeal. We spoke with Sandy Gill, cofounder of Quantus Homes, a Vancouver-based home builder, and Dhiraj Marwaha, a key account manager here at Trail Appliances, to gain their insights about choosing the right appliances for different spaces within a home.
Peek through to the spice kitchen in this Quantus Homes project

Quantus Homes 

Sandy Gill and his business partner founded Quantus Homes in 2012, leveraging their youthful optimism and residential construction experience to build their first home in Burnaby. After a temporary pause to finish school and gain experience in the industry, they relaunched in 2015 and have been going strong ever since.

How they connected with Trail

The pair discovered Trail Appliances at BUILDEX, a home show in Vancouver, where they learned that their youthful appearance was working against them. Nobody would take them seriously until they met Dhiraj, who was also new to the Vancouver construction world.

The first completed project by Quantus Homes, this beautiful contemporary design stands out

Little did the three of them know that the relationship started that day would be beneficial to their careers and the many customers they’d eventually serve. 

“Dhiraj gave us the time of day when others wouldn’t. That's one thing we remember from when we started off, and it worked both ways. We bought appliances from Trail because of the way he treated us, and we referred new business to him because we knew he’d treat them well.” – Sandy Gill, Quantus Homes 

What sets Quantus Home apart

What sets Quantus Homes apart in Vancouver’s new home construction market? Sandy believes it's their commitment to quality and attention to detail.

"When you enter a Quantus home, everything works together,” shared Sandy. “The floor plan flows, and the finishes tie in nicely together. Your tile matches your paint; your paint matches your counters; your faucets match the hinges. It's the small things — the little details — that make all the difference." 

Kitchen Konsiderations 

It may be cliché, but the heart of every home is undoubtedly the kitchen. Here, appliance selection must go beyond functionality; it needs to add cohesion to enhance the space's overall design.

Many Quantus homes feature a main kitchen, a spice kitchen, and often a kitchen for the suite. Each of these spaces has unique requirements: 

The show kitchen of this luxury Anmore Craftsman home, built by Quantus in 2015, is made for entertaining

The Show Kitchen: Where Form Meets Function 

Planning a luxury home kitchen is an opportunity to incorporate appliances that match the aesthetic the design team proposes for a new build.

The importance of appliance selection

Vancouver home builders understand the role that appliance selection plays in setting up a home for sale. For Sandy, this often includes choosing luxury brands to meet the buyers’ expectations.

“For homes we’ve built that cross the $2 million mark, we have used Fisher & Paykel products: with their panel-ready finishes, people love them. We've also used Jennair in homes where we’ve had a bit more space to play with. When we’re working on a price-sensitive home, we’ll typically go with KitchenAid

Built-In Appliances Offer a Luxury Look Without the High-End Price Tag

For kitchens with limited space, Sandy recommends exploring panel-ready appliances.

“Sometimes the kitchen can’t accommodate cabinetry all around. If you don’t have the space and start putting in 48-inch stainless steel appliances, it might look a bit unbalanced: more appliances than kitchen," he explained. "We've explored panel-ready options from Trail on several builds. You still get the functionality of that 48-inch fridge you need, but now it's essentially hidden." 

Peek through to the spice kitchen in this Quantus Homes project

The Spice Kitchen: Where Flavours Come to Life 

"In the Lower Mainland,” explained Dhiraj, “the main kitchens are primarily for display: it’s a space that looks very nice but isn’t used as much. The spice kitchen is where people actually cook, regardless of ethnic background.” 

The spice kitchen, or wok kitchen, is a staple inclusion in many luxury homes in Vancouver

For the spice kitchen, Sandy prioritizes functionality: “We usually go with gas options for the spice kitchen, with a high CFM fan, and darker themes on the cabinets and backsplash because we know cooking can get messy." 

The Suite Kitchen: Where Practicality Meets Affordability 

Properties developed for rental suites have different considerations when it comes to appliance selection

For suite appliances, the focus shifts to durability and ease of maintenance. Sandy explains, "In many rental suites, the appliances tend to be used a bit harder and more often, so we typically install economical choices that can be easily repaired or replaced."  

The available footprint is another consideration in many suite scenarios, and Trail Appliances is your local expert on space-saving compact appliances. And for extreme affordability, check out our Outlet Centers.  

Trail Appliances: Helping Local Home Builders Choose the Right Appliances 

Dhiraj explains that Trail Appliances’ zero-pressure approach works best to help Vancouver home builders find the right appliances for their new kitchens, no matter the size of the project or budget.

“Based on the input we get from the builder, combined with our professional experience, we'll propose options to help them set up the home so it sells quickly.”  

In scenarios where multiple builders are creating spec homes for a subdivision, having professional guidance to choose the right appliance package is a smart part of every marketing strategy.

“Sandy knows what he’s doing, and we have a good idea about what will work best in the homes he’s building,” explained Dhiraj. “The fridge in his main kitchen is usually 48 inches, but to differentiate his project in a busy market, it might be best to go integrated: a panelled design that adds value. It’s choices like this that help the home stand out from the competition.” 

“Another benefit for busy builders is our highly personalized service,” continued Dhiraj. “When the house is at the framing stage, we take the appliance portion off the builder’s plate. It’s my job to communicate with all the trades: the HVAC team, electrician, plumber, and cabinet maker, so they all have the details they need in advance. This helps us all avoid mistakes. Before delivery, I will double-check everything so we can get any issues addressed before the appliances arrive, ensuring the installation goes smoothly.” 

This expansive home by Quantus Homes was built for entertaining. The primary kitchen features custom finishes throughout

For Best Results, Choose the Professionals 

Selecting the right appliances for a custom-built home is a crucial decision that impacts both functionality and aesthetics. As Sandy and Dhiraj have shared, each kitchen space — whether it's a show kitchen, spice kitchen, or suite kitchen — requires careful consideration. 

Whether you're building a luxury home or renovating an existing space, remember that attention to detail in appliance selection can make all the difference. Take the time to consider your specific needs, consult with experts, and choose appliances from a team that will serve you well for years to come. 

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Join us in spreading holiday cheer for a great cause! Our Designer Sales division is honoured to sponsor #HomesForTheHolidays in partnership with @TakeaHikefdn.

Explore beautifully decorated homes, make meaningful connections, connect with the design community, and be part of a movement supporting youth mental health.

Click the link in our bio for tickets and mark your calendars for Nov 23rd and 24th at UBC’s Cecil Green Park House

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Join us in spreading holiday cheer for a great cause! Our Designer Sales division is honoured to sponsor #HomesForTheHolidays in partnership with @TakeaHikefdn. Explore beautifully decorated homes, make meaningful connections, connect with the design community, and be part of a movement supporting youth mental health. Click the link in our bio for tickets and mark your calendars for Nov 23rd and 24th at UBC’s Cecil Green Park House #TrailDesignerSales #homesfortheholidays #youthempowerment #inspireyoungminds #festiveempowerment #festivecharityevent #festivedecor #homesfortheholidays2024 #takeahikefoundation #empoweringyouths #changinglives #vancouver #vancouverfestiveevents #interiordesign #architecture #charityevent #wintermagic #terraceoftrees

That moment when you open your dream fridge and know it’s 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦! ❄️💙 With over 60 years of refrigeration expertise, each Sub-Zero model has its own dedicated, sealed system, that locks in freshness like no other.

Come by your nearest Trail Appliances showroom to be amazed in person!

That moment when you open your dream fridge and know it’s 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦! ❄️💙 With over 60 years of refrigeration expertise, each Sub-Zero model has its own dedicated, sealed system, that locks in freshness like no other. Come by your nearest Trail Appliances showroom to be amazed in person!

We’re back for a new season of 𝘎𝘰 𝘈𝘴𝘬 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘭, hitting the streets of beautiful British Columbia to gather all your appliance questions for our expert team to answer.

Got a question? Go Ask Trail! 🎙️

Add your question in the comments and click the link in our bio to learn how you can enter for a chance to win a compact fridge ($400 value!)

#GoAskTrail #TrailAppliancesBC #vancouverhomes #bchomes #trailappliancesbc #yvrstyle #bcstyle

We’re back for a new season of 𝘎𝘰 𝘈𝘴𝘬 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘭, hitting the streets of beautiful British Columbia to gather all your appliance questions for our expert team to answer. Got a question? Go Ask Trail! 🎙️ Add your question in the comments and click the link in our bio to learn how you can enter for a chance to win a compact fridge ($400 value!) #GoAskTrail #TrailAppliancesBC #vancouverhomes #bchomes #trailappliancesbc #yvrstyle #bcstyle

This kitchen was just waiting for its moment to shine! With a full revamp and appliance upgrade, it is now a stunning space for family gatherings!

Have you recently renovated too? Share your transformation photos, and you could win a $200 grocery gift card every month! Comment "TRANSFORM" for the contest link!

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This kitchen was just waiting for its moment to shine! With a full revamp and appliance upgrade, it is now a stunning space for family gatherings! Have you recently renovated too? Share your transformation photos, and you could win a $200 grocery gift card every month! Comment "TRANSFORM" for the contest link! 📸 @spacesdesignbuild #homerenovation #homebuilder #designbuild #renovation #homedesign #homedecor #kitchendesign #homeimprovement #renovationproject

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Black Friday isn't far away. Click the link in our bio and join our email list to be first in line for the best prices of the year.

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Black Friday isn't far away. Click the link in our bio and join our email list to be first in line for the best prices of the year. #TrailAppliancesBC #BlackFriday #ApplianceSale #BChomes #YVRhomes

Is anyone else ready to enter their Holiday era? 🎄

📷: @ashleegoulddesign

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Is anyone else ready to enter their Holiday era? 🎄 📷: @ashleegoulddesign #homedecor #holidayseason #holidaydecor #christmas #christmascountdown #christmasiscoming #christmasdecor

We're kicking off a fresh new season of Go Ask Trail with an exciting GIVEAWAY!

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿?
Click the link in our bio, send us your question, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a Danby Compact Fridge (valued at $400)!

Good luck, and stay tuned for this series where you can ask us anything appliance-related, and our experts will bring you the answers!

Got a question? Go Ask Trail! 🎙️

We're kicking off a fresh new season of Go Ask Trail with an exciting GIVEAWAY! 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿? Click the link in our bio, send us your question, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a Danby Compact Fridge (valued at $400)! Good luck, and stay tuned for this series where you can ask us anything appliance-related, and our experts will bring you the answers! Got a question? Go Ask Trail! 🎙️

We bet these horror stories will give you the chills! 😱🎃
Now we want to hear from you - share your scariest moments in the comments

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We bet these horror stories will give you the chills! 😱🎃 Now we want to hear from you - share your scariest moments in the comments #TrailAppliancesBC #ApplianceHorrorStories #HalloweenStories #SpookySeason #TrickOrTreat #HalloweenFun #Spooktacular

Cheers to an afternoon of inspiration and innovation! ✨ Despite howling rain on the day, our Single-Family Builder Division team welcomed clients to the @Miele Experience Centre for the Fall Open House, where guests sipped, savoured, and explored the latest Miele technology.
 
#Miele #FallOpenHouse #TrailBuilderBC #VancouverConstruction #YVRHomes #VancouverCustomHomes #HomeBuilders

Cheers to an afternoon of inspiration and innovation! ✨ Despite howling rain on the day, our Single-Family Builder Division team welcomed clients to the @Miele Experience Centre for the Fall Open House, where guests sipped, savoured, and explored the latest Miele technology.   #Miele #FallOpenHouse #TrailBuilderBC #VancouverConstruction #YVRHomes #VancouverCustomHomes #HomeBuilders

Family traditions are at the heart of every great meal 🧡🍂 Julie, head of our Designer Sales team, is sharing her mom’s secret Yorkshire Pudding recipe — perfect for those fall gatherings and roast dinners. These golden delights are easy to make and sure to impress.

Want to learn more? Click the link in our bio and catch the full recipe on our blog.

#TrailAppliancesBC #YorkshirePudding #JennAir #ComfortFood #HomeCooking #LuxuryKitchen #BoundByNothing

Family traditions are at the heart of every great meal 🧡🍂 Julie, head of our Designer Sales team, is sharing her mom’s secret Yorkshire Pudding recipe — perfect for those fall gatherings and roast dinners. These golden delights are easy to make and sure to impress. Want to learn more? Click the link in our bio and catch the full recipe on our blog. #TrailAppliancesBC #YorkshirePudding #JennAir #ComfortFood #HomeCooking #LuxuryKitchen #BoundByNothing

Family traditions are at the heart of every great meal 🧡🍂 Julie, head of our Designer Sales team, is sharing her mom’s secret Yorkshire Pudding recipe — perfect for those fall gatherings and roast dinners. These golden delights are easy to make and sure to impress.

Want to learn more? Click the link in our bio and catch the full recipe on our blog.

#TrailAppliancesBC #YorkshirePudding #JennAir #ComfortFood #HomeCooking #LuxuryKitchen #BoundByNothing

Family traditions are at the heart of every great meal 🧡🍂 Julie, head of our Designer Sales team, is sharing her mom’s secret Yorkshire Pudding recipe — perfect for those fall gatherings and roast dinners. These golden delights are easy to make and sure to impress. Want to learn more? Click the link in our bio and catch the full recipe on our blog. #TrailAppliancesBC #YorkshirePudding #JennAir #ComfortFood #HomeCooking #LuxuryKitchen #BoundByNothing

No tricks, just a spooky twist to transform your caprese salad for Halloween! 👻🍃 Will you try it?

📷 @melissas_healthykitchen

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No tricks, just a spooky twist to transform your caprese salad for Halloween! 👻🍃 Will you try it? 📷 @melissas_healthykitchen #capresesalad #halloweenappetizers #spookyfood #festivefood #halloweenpartyfood #halloweenfoodideas #halloweenfood #caprese #halloweenfoods

Fall baking just got sweeter 🍞✨ Upgrade your kitchen and cook up the savings: buy 3+ KitchenAid appliances and save up to $500!

Don’t miss out — offer ends on October 30th!

*Conditions Apply

Fall baking just got sweeter 🍞✨ Upgrade your kitchen and cook up the savings: buy 3+ KitchenAid appliances and save up to $500! Don’t miss out — offer ends on October 30th! *Conditions Apply

For 50 years, we've been making everyday life better with our inspiring showrooms, expert advice, and unrivaled delivery & customer support. Thanks to our partners for joining the party 🎂

#TrailAppliancesBC  #VancouverHomes #ApplianceSale #ShopLocalBC #BChomes #yvrhomes

For 50 years, we've been making everyday life better with our inspiring showrooms, expert advice, and unrivaled delivery & customer support. Thanks to our partners for joining the party 🎂 #TrailAppliancesBC #VancouverHomes #ApplianceSale #ShopLocalBC #BChomes #yvrhomes

Experience the power of induction cooking in just under 60 seconds! 🌡️⏰ Appliance expert Pamela from our Designer Sales team showcases how this technology brings both performance and sophistication to the heart of the home.

Ready for an upgrade? Come get inspired and try it for yourself at your nearest showroom!

#TrailAppliancesBC #BCHomeDesign #ModernKitchen #InductionCooking #InteriorDesignBC #DesignWithPurpose #InductionCooktop

Experience the power of induction cooking in just under 60 seconds! 🌡️⏰ Appliance expert Pamela from our Designer Sales team showcases how this technology brings both performance and sophistication to the heart of the home. Ready for an upgrade? Come get inspired and try it for yourself at your nearest showroom! #TrailAppliancesBC #BCHomeDesign #ModernKitchen #InductionCooking #InteriorDesignBC #DesignWithPurpose #InductionCooktop

Bring Italian flair to the heart of your home with Fulgor Milano 🇮🇹 ✨ Designed with elegance and built for performance, every detail reflects the finest in Italian craftsmanship — perfectly tailored to your dream kitchen.

Discover more and get inspired at your nearest Trail Appliances showroom.

📷 @fulgormilano_na

#TrailAppliancesBC #VancouverHomes #KitchenDesign #LuxuryKitchen #PanelReady #KitchenDesign #Craftsmanship

Bring Italian flair to the heart of your home with Fulgor Milano 🇮🇹 ✨ Designed with elegance and built for performance, every detail reflects the finest in Italian craftsmanship — perfectly tailored to your dream kitchen. Discover more and get inspired at your nearest Trail Appliances showroom. 📷 @fulgormilano_na #TrailAppliancesBC #VancouverHomes #KitchenDesign #LuxuryKitchen #PanelReady #KitchenDesign #Craftsmanship

Nail your appliance choices!  From smart fridges to powerful ranges, @samsungcanada appliances are designed for modern living. Come see, test, and get inspired at your nearest Trail Appliances showroom.

Together, we’re celebrating 50 years of making everyday life better!

#TrailAppliancesBC #SamsungCanada #SmartLiving #KitchenEssentials

Nail your appliance choices! From smart fridges to powerful ranges, @samsungcanada appliances are designed for modern living. Come see, test, and get inspired at your nearest Trail Appliances showroom. Together, we’re celebrating 50 years of making everyday life better! #TrailAppliancesBC #SamsungCanada #SmartLiving #KitchenEssentials

Is turkey the only option? Thanksgiving is all about delicious food, and @chefalexchen is here to inspire you with a 5-star Prime Rib dish to switch things up and elevate your feast this year! 🍖🍽️

Want to check the full recipe? Just click the link in our bio!

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Is turkey the only option? Thanksgiving is all about delicious food, and @chefalexchen is here to inspire you with a 5-star Prime Rib dish to switch things up and elevate your feast this year! 🍖🍽️ Want to check the full recipe? Just click the link in our bio! #vancouverchefs #yvrfoodies #yvrfood #alexchen #thanksgiving #thanksgivingfeast #primerib #dishedvancouver #bclife #holidayrecipe

Fall savings are here! 🍂
Now’s the perfect time to prep your home for the holidays with incredible deals on in-stock appliances.

Save BIG with rock-bottom prices on limited quantities of new in box clearance items.

See our website or in your nearest showroom for even more savings on now!

*Conditions apply.

Fall savings are here! 🍂 Now’s the perfect time to prep your home for the holidays with incredible deals on in-stock appliances. Save BIG with rock-bottom prices on limited quantities of new in box clearance items. See our website or in your nearest showroom for even more savings on now! *Conditions apply.

Our Fisher & Paykel live kitchen renovation is almost complete! ✨
Julie, who leads our Designer Sales team, points out some of the thoughtful features of this beautifully crafted kitchen.
 
Come immerse yourself in this perfect balance of innovation and design and get inspired!
 
📍 @fisherpaykel
Trail Appliances
2876 Rupert Street, Vancouver
 
#TrailAppliancesBC ##FisherPaykel #KitchenPerfection #DesignedInNewZealand #canadianhomes #kitchenluxury #bcinteriordesign

Our Fisher & Paykel live kitchen renovation is almost complete! ✨ Julie, who leads our Designer Sales team, points out some of the thoughtful features of this beautifully crafted kitchen. Come immerse yourself in this perfect balance of innovation and design and get inspired! 📍 @fisherpaykel Trail Appliances 2876 Rupert Street, Vancouver #TrailAppliancesBC ##FisherPaykel #KitchenPerfection #DesignedInNewZealand #canadianhomes #kitchenluxury #bcinteriordesign

A clean oven means better-tasting meals and fewer unexpected smoke alarms during Thanksgiving dinner! 🔥🦃

Our easy guide will help you get you ready for Thanksgiving and sparkling in no time! 🧼👀

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A clean oven means better-tasting meals and fewer unexpected smoke alarms during Thanksgiving dinner! 🔥🦃 Our easy guide will help you get you ready for Thanksgiving and sparkling in no time! 🧼👀 #TrailAppliancesBC #OvenCleaning #OvenCleaningHacks #Thanksgiving #ThanksgivingCanada #SpotlessKitchen #HolidayPrep

Early fall vibes and great company made for an unforgettable day at the VICA Golf Tourney! 🏌️‍♂️🍂 Big thanks to @islandheightsconstruction for joining our Builder Division team on the course!

#TrailBuilderBC #NanaimoBuilders #VancouverIslandConstruction #residentialconstruction #vancouverislandhomes

Early fall vibes and great company made for an unforgettable day at the VICA Golf Tourney! 🏌️‍♂️🍂 Big thanks to @islandheightsconstruction for joining our Builder Division team on the course! #TrailBuilderBC #NanaimoBuilders #VancouverIslandConstruction #residentialconstruction #vancouverislandhomes

Laundry room or walk-in closet? ✨ Get more out of your space with the Electrolux Laundry Tower™—all the cleaning power, with room to spare! This single-unit tower features a compact design that uses half the floor space, with an easy-to-reach control panel in between.

Discover Electrolux's wide range of laundry appliances online now or at your nearest Trail Appliances showroom

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Laundry room or walk-in closet? ✨ Get more out of your space with the Electrolux Laundry Tower™—all the cleaning power, with room to spare! This single-unit tower features a compact design that uses half the floor space, with an easy-to-reach control panel in between. Discover Electrolux's wide range of laundry appliances online now or at your nearest Trail Appliances showroom #Electrolux #LaundryTower #SpaceSaving #LaundryRoomDesign #CompactLiving #HomeEfficiency #SmartLaundry #TrailAppliancesBC

Only 5 of these kitchens exist in the world!🌎✨ Join Hoda from our Designer Sales team as she takes you inside the remarkable Casa Bertazzoni in our Vancouver showroom. These three stunning colours could be the key to your dream kitchen. Which one speaks to your style?

#TrailAppliancesBC #Bertazzoni #CasaBertazzoni #vancouverinteriors #westcoastliving #kitcheninspo #luxurykitchens #homedesigntrends

Only 5 of these kitchens exist in the world!🌎✨ Join Hoda from our Designer Sales team as she takes you inside the remarkable Casa Bertazzoni in our Vancouver showroom. These three stunning colours could be the key to your dream kitchen. Which one speaks to your style? #TrailAppliancesBC #Bertazzoni #CasaBertazzoni #vancouverinteriors #westcoastliving #kitcheninspo #luxurykitchens #homedesigntrends