There's no excuse for an unattractive kitchen. This space has quickly become the heart of the home, a place where cooking and socializing happen simultaneously. It's worth giving it some love, and that's exactly what Victoria McKenney of Enviable Designs wanted to achieve with her Vancouver kitchen renovation. The 350-square-foot space (including the bar) was looking dated and was in desperate need of a refresh that would blend in with the rest of the home's design.
Inspired by Parisian interior design, the serene space is full of texture and touch, with ribbed surfaces, a striped backsplash, and jewel-toned hardware all working together. “These thoughtful design choices solved the challenge and resulted in a kitchen that seamlessly blends functionality and architectural appeal,” says Victoria.
With its tranquility and effortless style, this kitchen makeover is now an inspiration, so take a look at each photo to see the transformation.
in front
(Image courtesy of Enviable Designs)
The existing space had outdated flooring, kitchen counters and the overall layout was not user-friendly for all members.
“The original design was very neutral and a bit boring, reminiscent of early '90s renovations,” says Victoria McKechnie, founder of Enviable Designs. “We wanted to maintain a similar layout to the existing kitchen, but create a showpiece for the new kitchen – giving natural materials plenty of space to make an impact.”
“As part of the structural alteration, we created larger bi-fold patio doors that open to the backyard,” say the designers. “The original French doors were small and out of proportion, so we made the opening wider and higher to allow more natural light into the space.”
New custom cabinetry adds a nice touch to the modern kitchen and provides ample kitchen storage space, while an integrated bar area features decorative shelving for display.
rear
(Image courtesy of Enviable Designs)
The kitchen's color scheme is primarily neutral, a soft homage to sophisticated Parisian style.
“A warm, neutral color palette was important to our clients,” says Victoria. “By choosing white oak, Calacatta marble, and satin brass hardware, we were able to create a warm base while still creating a light and airy space.”
“A major consideration was to create a space that felt layered with a modern aesthetic and a cohesive visual narrative without significantly altering the original layout,” Victoria says. “To achieve this beautiful balance, we had to be innovative with our material choices.”
Goo-Ki Kitchen Cabinet Pulls
(Image courtesy of Enviable Designs)
This room is a study in texture and layers. Beautiful architectural elements come together in a cohesive whole, including the fluted detail on the kitchen island, the glamorous “helmet” style waterfall countertop, the elongated lighting, the marble backsplash and shelving, and the herringbone patterned white oak kitchen flooring. These thoughtful design choices solved the challenge and resulted in a kitchen that seamlessly blends functionality and architectural interest.
Victoria says, “Our original concept began with a light wood herringbone floor that provides a beautiful base for the entire kitchen. White-painted mini Shaker custom cabinets and white oak slab-front cabinets are complemented by black metal doors at the bar. The island features a helmet-style marble countertop overhang and grooved wood end gable, giving it plenty to look at. We love how these textures add visual interest with their natural character.”
size: 18″ W x 23.25″ H x 18″ D
price: $519
(Image courtesy of Enviable Designs)
When it came to storage, “Because wall space was limited, we designed each kitchen cabinet to be as functional as possible, including dedicated shelves for recyclables, cutlery, pots and pans, etc.,” Victoria says. “We made sure that every square inch was used, including a floating marble kitchen shelf to store the family's mug collection, so that no empty space was left unfilled.”
All cabinets feature polished brass handles, adding a touch of sparkle to the all-white palette.
7 Compartment Drawer Organizer
material: bamboo
price: $20
(Image courtesy of Enviable Designs)
Home bars have their own identity and are designed with ample open and closed storage space.
“The clients wanted a separate space to display their libations,” says Victoria. “We designed the millwork to blend seamlessly with the kitchen, but at the same time wanted to create a distinct visual zone, such as integrating black metal-clad glass upper cabinets and continuing the Calacatta marble countertops and backsplash as a connection point.”
Roebling Crystal Cocktail Coupe
price: $240
amount: Set of 4
