Located in the beautiful area east of Toronto known as Scarborough Bluffs, this project reimagined a kitchen the homeowners had long envisioned as a space that felt fresh and inviting – a hub where their love of cooking, baking and entertaining could thrive. The existing kitchen no longer reflected their lifestyle, and its outdated honey maple cabinetry was part of the room’s inefficient layout. It was time for a bold transformation, to design the space to feel welcoming rather than formal, where the family and their friends could gather comfortably without pretense.
Go with the flow
The overall footprint of the kitchen remained unchanged, but the cabinets had to be completely redesigned to improve storage and flow. Near the entrance to the kitchen, a main wall of cabinets housed a problematic, hidden corner that interfered with functionality and created inefficiencies in how the space was used. By straightening the cabinetry along that wall, the wasted space was eliminated, improving accessibility and optimizing organization. Another impactful redesign was the addition of a beverage bar along the opposite wall, a dedicated station that serves as the perfect spot for everything from morning coffee rituals to effortless evening entertaining. Relocating the microwave from above the range streamlined the aesthetic and contributed to a more efficient kitchen experience, where every detail enhanced ease of use.
Balancing act
Central to the design aesthetic was incorporating modern upgrades, while infusing a timeless appeal. A slim Shaker profile was chosen, keeping everything clean and contemporary, yet grounded in traditional sensibilities. The decision to incorporate a one-level peninsula was stylistic and practical, creating a seamless look while maximizing counter space. Topped in quartz, the surfaces reflect an understated elegance that doesn’t detract from the level of durability needed for a high-traffic, high-use environment. To further elevate the design, the quartz was carried up as a full-height backsplash, wrapping around the window above the sink for a sleek, uninterrupted finish that enhanced the kitchen’s visual impact and simplified maintenance.
Under foot
Selecting the right flooring was another key consideration. With the existing warm maple floors extending throughout the home and onto the staircase, it was important for any new materials to complement the look, rather than compete with it. Mixing wood tones is an art, and finding the right mix required extensive sourcing and custom sampling. Ultimately, a rich walnut grain was picked and was run vertically to add depth and sophistication. To keep the space feeling light and open, the lower walnut cabinetry was paired with soft white uppers, creating a beautiful contrast. Warm brass hardware provided the finishing touch.
Overhead
Lighting played an equally vital role in shaping the atmosphere of the space. A layered approach was key. Recessed pot lighting offered overall illumination, while statement pendants focused light onto the peninsula work zone, adding sculptural interest and functional brightness. The wall sconces added a soft, ambient glow, and under-cabinet lighting gave a nod to mood and usability. The result is a dynamic, adaptable lighting plan that addressed all the needs in the kitchen, from bright and task-focused illumination to intimate and atmospheric, depending on the occasion.
Details, details, details
Beyond changing the look and flow of the kitchen, making it more functional was a key element in the update. The cabinets were tailored with intention to meet the homeowners’ needs, with storage solutions that were plentiful and intuitive. This included custom dividers for trays, bowls and cutting boards, and carefully planned cabinetry configurations to make everything close at hand and easily accessible. Upgrading to a larger fridge and range meant sacrificing nearly a foot of cabinetry, however, additional storage introduced in the beverage bar more than compensated for this.
Beyond the vision
As the renovation evolved, the opportunity arose to extend the design outside the kitchen. A custom-built, full-width window bench was introduced in the front sitting room, providing additional storage, a cosy reading nook and extra seating for guests.
Enhanced living
This kitchen renovation is an example of how good design enhances daily life. Every element now works in harmony to create a space where the homeowners can enjoy a beautiful new kitchen that serves as the true heart of their home.