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This Kitchen And Bath Transformation Is An Ode To Beautiful Millwork
Photography by Jules Lee
House Tours
This Kitchen And Bath Transformation Is An Ode To Beautiful Millwork
No matter what you're renovating, a thoughtful remodel relies on cohesive design threads woven throughout.
In the case of this warm family home in Oakville, Ont., designer Meiyi Sun was tasked with infusing practicality and aesthetics into the kitchen and bathrooms.
“To make these spaces more functional, I begin by understanding the homeowner’s daily routines and rituals, then shape the layout and flow around those needs,” says Sun, founder and principal designer with MU Studio in Toronto.
Once she understood the homeowners’ goals—a kitchen made for family meals and multipurpose bathrooms—she honed in on making the spaces work together. While keeping the designs of these very distinct rooms in line may not be at top of mind when embarking on a reno, it brought more cohesion to the home.
Sun’s key to success with the project? A bright and uplifting colour palette.
“To achieve that balance, I selected light tones as the base across the spaces, then layered in distinctive elements to keep each room from feeling repetitive,” she says.
Photography by Jules Lee
The overall inspiration for the kitchen reno was the homeowner’s passion for cooking. “He envisioned a kitchen that feels bright and uplifting—a space where he could experiment with recipes and enjoy the process,” says Sun.
To bring in light and encourage functionality, she removed a dividing wall that interrupted the space’s flow. White cabinetry keeps things airy, Taj Mahal sintered stone welcomes an refined finish, and pendant lights highlight the room's elegance.
“Appliances were positioned for easy access, storage was carefully planned for spices, plates, and tools, and durable, easy-to-clean materials were chosen to simplify upkeep,” says Sun. “Everything is within easy reach now, allowing the client to focus on the joy of cooking.”
The other star of the show hovers above the stove. “The range hood design has become almost like a signature element in my designs,” says Sun.
She combined fluted panels with brass accents to bring depth and character into the space. The brass is repeated in several bathrooms, evoking that ever-present note of cohesion.
Photography by Jules Lee
In the bathrooms, Sun layered in unique elements that keep the spaces looking individual but together. In other words, sisters not twins.
The spacious ensuite went from dull and clunky to effortlessly sleek with a major tile-fuelled reno. The range hood's fluted design and brass fixtures are repeated along the cabinetry.
Photography by Jules Lee
“Brass accents, countertop with gold and black veining, black fixtures, and green cabinetry add moments of contrast and vibrancy while still tying back to the overall palette,” says Sun.
Repetitive oval shapes also link these spaces together.
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