The fashion-forward owners of this Toronto condo loved its location (in one of the city’s best shopping districts), but if the original 300-square-foot kitchen were a garment, it would be a bad fit. “It hadn’t been touched since the ’80s,” says designer Jodie Rosen. “Think cheap floor tiles and melamine cabinets and countertops.” For Jodie and her team to achieve their design vision, a full reno would be required. “We wanted sexy and sophisticated,” she says. “The mix of black and walnut with veined porcelain is just that.” In other words, it’s a perfect fit.

Look up

Designer Jodie Rosen and her team reinvigorated the kitchen from the top down. They couldn’t change the position of the range hood over the island, so they replaced the original bulky hood with a compact version that doesn’t block the view. It’s framed with a dropped ceiling to accommodate new pot lights and finished to reference the overall aesthetic. “The black trim connects nicely to the upper cabinetry for flow, and the angled panelling is consistent with the pattern of the flooring,” says Jodie. The porcelain’s maximalist veining imparts a cool, graphic edge.

Clear winner

One end of the kitchen posed a challenge that’s common in condo renos: a wall that couldn’t be moved. “We decided to create a little usable nook behind that wall and added in a 50-square-foot pantry with wine storage,” says Jodie. “I love the peekaboo quality of the glass doors – they showcase the extension but also offer a bit of privacy.” The fashionable homeowners love Paris, and the white-oak chevron flooring was chosen as a nod to that as well as to make the space seem more expansive.

 

Photography, Alex Lukey

Material world

Flat-front cabinetry feels sleek, a look that’s furthered by no hardware on the uppers. Walnut veneer on the island, lower cabinets and ceiling achieves a rich warmth and is a sophisticated contrast to the black’s dramatic effect. “Black was an obvious choice for us, as it feels much more exciting than a typical white kitchen does,” says Jodie. It links nicely to the porcelain’s graphic veining, especially on the backsplash. The owners like to entertain, so the porcelain is a practical finish as well – it’s stain resistant, so there are no concerns about red wine spills. “This kitchen marries function with style,” says the designer. “I love the mix of colours and materials and that we created something unique for the cool couple who live here.”

 

Photography, Alex Lukey

DESIGN, Jodie Rosen Design. CONTRACTOR, Stein Regency Construction Management. MILLWORK, NIICO Millwork Group. Walnut WOOD, Brookside Veneers. CABINETRY PAINT, Onyx 2133-10, Benjamin Moore. Emtek HARDWARE, ADH Fine Hardware. Gigantec Renoir Extreme COUNTERTOP and BACKSPLASH, Ciot. Dornbracht FAUCET, Taps. ISLAND STOOLS, Calligaris. WINE FRIDGE, Thermador.