Designed for Living

Past it's Due Date - Kitchen Renovation, Contemporary Style

The Challenge:

To design a kitchen with maximized storage and accessibility and organize the kitchen to suit their

lifestyle.

The Solution:

Space on each floor of this small 4 level split is at a premium. The main floor consists of the kitchen, eating area and living room. As the right wall of the existing kitchen was not load baring, it was removed and replaced with a peninsula island. This opens up the kitchen to the living room, making the main floor one large room. To further capitalize on creating space, we removed the hanging lights and installed pot lights for the entire floor. The upper cabinets go to the ceiling to create as much height as possible.

The cabinets were made custom for this space out of oak, with the grain running horizontal to get us into a contemporary style. Two stain colors create style, depth and accent to the cabinetry.

I moved the fridge against the outside wall and had it plumbed for water, but kept the oven/stove in it's original place. After an electrical upgrade, a new wall oven was installed and is complimented by a ceramic cooktop. The microwave is now off the countertop and double duties as the exhaust fan.

A natural stone backsplash brings texture and warmth to this kitchen design, and when budget allows, the laminate countertop can be easily switched out...or maybe not!!

I designed the peninsula for maximum storage and uninterrupted counterspace. The dishwasher and 2, 3 draw banks are in the kitchen and 12" deep cupboards face the living room where, seasonal items can be stored. The countertop overhang leaves room for 4-5 stools. The stools double as additional seating space for the living room when company comes a knock'n.

We had 18 inches from wall to patio doors on the far side of the eating nook. I designed a wall to ceiling cabinet that serves as an awesome pantry and appliance centre. In amongst the boxes stored in the basement were beautiful dishes from my client's mom. Installing glass inserts and lighting on the top cabinets of this unit allow these pieces to be proudly displayed, and the lighting is great for ambience in the evening.

This family of three is tired of working in a kitchen that doesn't fill their needs. The space is isolating, cramped and old, with extremely inadequate storage. Although my clients admitted they were not huge

entertainers or aspiring chefs, they did long for a contemporary style kitchen that would give them some breathing room and house all their wares with ease of accessibility.

Move your mouse over this picture to see the before picture