Kitchen
A contemporary-classic kitchen peppered with personality
Image: Stephani Buchman
Kitchen
A contemporary-classic kitchen peppered with personality
An all-white envelope, classic millwork, luxe materials and touches of black combine to create a traditional kitchen with a fresh feel.
When they built their dream home, Eric and Leslie Mitchell made having a great kitchen one of their top priorities. Living in a small condo in downtown Toronto with their toddler and a baby on the way, the couple decided it was time to move somewhere more suitable for a growing family. Purchasing a property in a treed Burlington, Ont., neighbourhood and building a contemporary-classic house full of timeless character fit the bill. “They had done their research and had lots of inspiration images,” says designer Katie Campbell. “For the kitchen specifically, they wanted all white.” Katie was on board with creating a white-on-white look, but also made sure to infuse the 20-by-20-foot space with interest and personality. By incorporating textural elements, creating contrast with hits of black and using textiles to infuse softness, Katie made the kitchen “feel more interesting and less like a typical sterile white space,” she says.
The expansive kitchen and eat-in area have a relaxed vibe suitable for a young family that regularly entertains relatives and friends. “It’s a huge space,” says designer Katie Campbell. “And with the high ceiling and traditional millwork, it feels quite grand.” So, by incorporating simple elements like the glass pendant lights, curvaceous Thonet bar stools and a comfy banquette, Katie made the overall look a bit more casual. “It feels like a little bistro, which fits the homeowners’ personalities and lifestyle perfectly,” she says.
The eat-in area exemplifies the kitchen’s family-friendly functionality: The cushion on the built-in banquette is covered with moisture-wicking fabric, the classic Salt chairs are wipeable and light enough to be easily moved around as needed and the table extends to seat a crowd when company comes. The toss cushions provide an opportunity to add a punch of pattern and colour to the neutral space, while the intricate pendant light above the kitchen table adds a stunning textural moment. “It has an organic sculptural look and doesn’t take away from the highlights of the room, which are the big windows and the cooktop area,” says Katie. The Roman shade also lets the impressive window take centre stage. “We needed something not only for privacy but also to add softness,” says the designer.
Texture and contrast create interest in the all-white space. The mottled porcelain backsplash tiles have a handmade quality, and the chevron marble mosaic tile detail above the cooktop – a total jewel in this kitchen – balances the window. The other luxe-looking elements are hard-wearing: The hickory engineered hardwood flooring, for example, has a wire-brushed finish that resists scuffs. “It actually has no sheen, so it’s pretty forgiving in terms of marks and scuffs,” says Katie. The quartz countertop is another durable choice.
Thonet stools: These bentwood beauties lend a bistro-chic look to a wide range of kitchen styles.
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Timeless luxury paired with chic contemporary accents amounts to an elegant look that also suits the everyday.
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