Designer Tips – Sensible Style

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A mix of high and low features offer improved function in this classic & contemporary kitchen.

Photography By Stephani Buchman

When a young family of five set out to update their kitchen, they wanted an opportunity to enlarge the existing footprint and brighten up their space. Their old kitchen was dated, dark and their cabinets were falling apart; this kitchen space needed a major overhaul. My design team and I were asked to create a classic and elegant kitchen that would stand the test of time, and would become the central area for the family and friends to gather in. Carefully playing with a combination of low and high finishes, materials and appliances, allowed us to achieve a striking kitchen on a budget.

WARM & WHITE

Clean and simple is the cornerstone for contemporary design, which is why I love to use classic cabinetry with clean lines adding both texture and warmth with hits of colour throughout. The custom range hood and the island in their contemporary ash-brown hue of natural wood break up the crisp white envelope and warm up the space while offering a distinctive and sophisticated character to the kitchen.

STORAGE SUPREME

Not only does a large island function as a major storage component in a kitchen but it also acts as a focal point in the space. Going from a kitchen that once had a peninsula, with a lot of wasted square footage in the centre, to incorporating an island with extra storage was at the top of the homeowners’ wish list. The island has pullout drawers and mesh doors perfect for storing fruits and veggies.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Smart storage also means that bulky, built-in appliances seamlessly merge with pantry cabinets and other millwork to maximize space. In this renovation, we borrowed a few inches from the adjacent room in order to widen the existing area, but most importantly, it allowed the extra-deep fridge to recess into the wall cavity while still having it look flush with the other cabinets.

SEAMLESS SPACE-SAVING SOLUTIONS

Remember, every inch counts when space is a consideration. From sleek wall ovens and microwaves, to refrigerators, built-in appliances look custom and offer up more space. Even if certain appliances are not meant to be built-in, you can still make them look the part. In this kitchen, we maximized our space by placing all the appliances on one wall.

Adjacent to the appliance wall, we included an appliance garage. This specialty cabinet is a great way to store small, yet bulky appliances without visual clutter like: mixers, blenders and food processors. Tucked away, they remain accessible, yet out of sight. When properly planning a storage solution of this sort, it is imperative that the interior cabinets are finished, and multiple electrical outlets are added prior to cabinet installation.

BULKHEAD BE GONE

Turning a problem into a solution gave us one of this kitchen’s most attractive features. Flanking the hood, we designed two decorative glass-front cabinets that go right down to the counter, this feature was developed because of a vertical bulkhead that would be too costly to move, so we came up with a solution that would conceal the bulkhead behind the tall cabinets while still allowing for a shallow display cabinet in front.

POWERING UP

Extending just past the kitchen was a wide wall where we added a full-height pantry cabinet. This extra space was high on the homeowner’s wish list to ensure ample storage for additional appliances, drinking glasses and bar stock. We also incorporated charging stations within the drawers to be able to charge tablets, cell phone and other devices while having them neatly tucked away. Getting to know our clients’ lifestyle and daily requirements in advance grants us the opportunity to accurately detail small items such as power supply in the very specific areas of the cabinets. The design of the pantry called out for something a little more unique, we wanted it to feel more like a furniture piece while still blending into the landscape of the kitchen. Inspired by an apothecary cabinet, we included a series of drawers to give the cabinet character. Playing with cabinetry hardware allowed us to shape the design, it’s truly an affordable way to add character to any kitchen while making a big statement.

KITCHEN JEWELRY

Knowing when to splurge is key to a successful design. A backsplash is always at eye level and has one of the largest impacts in a kitchen; it’s worth setting a generous portion of your budget to make your mark with specialty features. The homeowner was adamant about the backsplash being unique without being too bold. A 2″x4″ natural stone set in a herringbone pattern was our backsplash of choice; the composition and material presents a classic detail that adds texture and interest without overpowering the rest of kitchen. Its colour and smooth texture also complements the oversized 30″x 30″ Italian porcelain floor tiles, which mimick the look of natural stone. This crisp white floor brightens the kitchen and is in sharp contrast to the former darkness that predominated.

Function and esthetics go hand in hand, nevertheless, understanding the functions of a kitchen drives the design. The result is a vibrant, contemporary kitchen with classic elements.

SOURCES – KITCHEN CABINETRY: Dvira Interiors TILES: 24″x24″ Floor tiles- Earthstone Bianco Polished Cercan tile Herringbone, Backsplash- Oriental White 2″x4″Cercan tile APPLIANCES, COOKTOP: Thermador cooktop WALL OVEN, SPEED OVEN & DISHWASHER: Bosch FRIDGE: Electrolux HARDWARE: Berenson MARBLE ON KITCHEN ISLAND: Sea Pearl, New Age Marble QUARTZ FOR PERIMETER: Simply White, Quartex Surfaces Inc WINDOW COVERINGS: Cinzia Designs LIGHTING: Royal Lighting SINK: Blanco FAUCET: Hansgrohe

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