Mar 30, 2016

Narrow and outdated kitchen gets a sleek and spacious renovation

Before: Narrow and outdated

THEN The family prepared meals at a tiny butcher-block island.

After: Sleek and spacious design

NOW The hard-working quartz-topped island, which doubles as a dining space, has a microwave and bank of drawers tucked underneath to enhance its ease of use. “We used to run downstairs to the storage room for extra pots and pans,” says homeowner Christine Stergiu. “Now we have everything at our fingertips.”

Avoiding clutter

Using blank wall space allowed the family to store items and avoid clutter on the countertops.

Creating a focal point

The industrial-style pendant lights add old-world charm and keep sightlines clear. “I wanted the herringbone backsplash and rustic floating shelves to be the focal point of the kitchen,” says designer Orsi Panos.

Inspired by Sonoma County

A wall of cabinetry, including two pullout pantry units, offers ample storage. The recess-panelled cabinets, which were updated with brass hardware and crown moulding, masterfully mingle with the cream-toned quartz countertops and vintage-inspired accents throughout. “I wanted to create a space that looks like it’s been here forever,” says Orsi. It’s the reason she dismissed white cabinets in favour of grey and added country-style open shelves – a design choice inspired by the couple’s affection for Sonoma County in California. “The shelves represent that rustic winery feel,” she says.

Kitchen essentials

In order for the kitchen to meet the family’s needs, high-end appliances were a necessity – especially for homeowner John Stergiu, who is considered the chef of the household. “We cook together five days a week and entertain at least twice a month,” says Christine. In addition to the space’s sleek stainless steel refrigerator and six-burner gas range, the self-proclaimed foodies opted for a wine fridge, which stores everything from vintages to water bottles. “We’re constantly in the kitchen,” she says. “The room completely represents our lifestyle.”

Creating more space

With its awkward angles and hard-to-reach cabinets, the original kitchen made meal prep a constant challenge. To remedy the flawed set-up, Orsi had the wall between the kitchen and adjacent dining room knocked down so the two areas could become one. “We ended up with a beautiful open space filled with natural light,” says Orsi, referring to the west-facing window that was once part of the dining room. After one kitchen entrance was closed off, the remaining doorway was expanded to create a more spacious feel and offer a view of the dreamy new dining room down the hall.

Weekly inspiration

Before: Narrow and outdated

After: Sleek and spacious design

Avoiding clutter

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Narrow and outdated kitchen gets a sleek and spacious renovation