when sarah barney Tasked with remodeling the small, outdated kitchen of a home in Toronto's The Beaches neighborhood, a designer knew he had to get creative. “Since the kitchen leads to the spacious backyard, this space needed to function as a walkway, a place for guests to sit, and, of course, a place to cook,” she explains.
The homeowners, who love to entertain, wanted more storage and work space in the kitchen, thinking the three-bedroom, four-bathroom home would serve as a hub for family and guests gathering. Creating that hub required reconfiguring the kitchen and mudroom at the back of the house, as well as new flooring throughout the main level. To bring the homeowners' vision to life, Bernie worked with Greg Mook of Toronto Woodworks, who created the custom woodwork and managed the renovation.
To make room for an island with seating in the kitchen, Bernie reduced the footprint of the adjacent sunken mudroom and expanded the kitchen there. He raised the floor of the additional space to match the kitchen's existing space, while cleverly integrating storage by incorporating drawers under the new floor. There's even more storage space thanks to a spacious closet that functions as what Bernie calls an “appliance garage.” Features a hidden door to hide your coffee station and keep your countertop clutter-free. Several open shelves have been added to display collected treasures.
The muted neutral color palette is complemented by hints of red, thanks to a custom railing painted with sun-dried tomatoes by Benjamin Moore. Marset oversized pendant light There are times when it is lit. Vintage counter stools covered in grey-green paint and upholstered in floral patterns add charm, while metal accents and black hardware and accents enhance the ambience. Regarding the cabinetry, Bernie says, “Personally, I love the interplay between the minimalist style of the white oak and the dramatic calacatta viola.'' (The marble was sourced from Ciot and the countertop was manufactured by CB Marble.) “Both were splurges,” she added. “But the stylish couple were determined to create a space that was really interesting and unique.”
The kitchen now has a calm yet impactful feel. From ample counter space for cooking to ample covered storage, you'll be equipped to accommodate endless gatherings.
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