Old world” and modern – at first glance a contradiction of characteristics, and also my objective as the designer on this kitchen project.
This kitchen was designed for an active family with kids, dogs and high expectations for a space that combines classic European charm with modern conveniences. Oh, and it had to be durable (remember: kids and dogs).
Generally speaking, there’s a lot riding on the kitchen design. Designing this space can often be a huge investment, and to be honest, not always the easiest process. However, most would agree that a renovated or updated kitchen is often topping the list of our home must-haves. Since the kitchen sets the esthetic tone for the rest of the space, it is often the starting point for the rest of the home. But great kitchen design is more than just skin deep. From a technical perspective, the success of the design directly correlates to how smoothly (or strenuously) your “everyday” goes.
This kitchen project has it all, and arguably the best part? It’s built right in. Here’s our recipe for success.
The homeowner was a key inspiration behind the design, in terms of style and function. She loves to cook and entertain, so the kitchen fittingly focussed on the LaCanche oven, for its practical uses and its amazing esthetic value. You might not realize it at first glance, but at a convenient arm’s length to the right is a huge double fridge, softened with beautiful panelling that matches the cabinetry. We further prioritized beautiful function in the form of custom cabinets, the central island and a dedicated pantry area.
The island is another common kitchen focal point, thanks to its central positioning and multiple practical purposes, whether it’s used for food prep, serving or dining. Once you’ve identified your primary (and secondary) use of the island, ensure it’s built to accommodate your needs. For example, an integrated wine fridge; a shelf for serving-ware and table linens; or storage for cutting boards, knives and spices.
To top it off (literally) we finished this island showpiece with a real honed marble countertop. Marble is porous and can scratch, but in our case this characteristic worked in our favour. The homeowner welcomed the stories and memories told over time by a natural patina.
When doing custom cabinets, I like extended uppers to help maximize every inch of available space. And as I’ve learned, storage space is always in demand. Typically, that spot between your cabinets and the ceiling are left blank, empty and wasted. What if you could add an extra shelf to every cabinet? While the area beneath the ceiling can be a bit harder to reach, it’s an ideal place to tuck away occasional or seasonal items.
To balance the clients’ functional needs and esthetic goals, we used a combination of open and closed cabinets and shelves, which supply valuable storage space while adding visual interest and helping tell the homeowner’s story. We finished the cabinets in a natural colour palette that echoes a more traditional esthetic.
This particular kitchen afforded us the luxury of space, so we indulged in a butler’s pantry, accessed through an arched doorway that was designed to feel like it has a history behind it. Ample storage, durable countertops and a locally sourced stone backsplash coordinate with the authentic feel of the connected kitchen.
The overall palette was inspired by nature, and features wood tones with “watery” touches of blue, green and soft white. The palette flows from the kitchen into the adjoining open-concept living area. Retractable glass doors provide a seamless transition from the kitchen to the outdoor living area.
This kitchen satisfied the homeowners cravings for a space that started out as a design dichotomy, but ended up beings exactly what they wanted and needed.