One of the top priorities for this brand new kitchen was to make it look like it wasn’t brand new at all. Although it’s the hub of a freshly built 5,355-square-foot, four-bedroom home in Richmond Hill, Ont., “the homeowners didn’t want it to look like it was just a big, new kitchen in a big, new house,” explains designer Halina Catherine of Catherine + Davis. To that end, plenty of architectural interest was added with a beamed tongue-and-groove ceiling, reclaimed elm floors laid in a herringbone pattern, honed Calacatta marble countertops, a servery (not shown) and a large bay window. All of these details add up to a kitchen that looks like it could be in a refined European home of a certain age.

Bucking the trend of giant gas ranges, the homeowner requested a low-profile induction cooktop, along with double wall ovens and a separate steam oven. Two small pullout drawer fridges in the servery supplement the main refrigerator in the kitchen. Most of the food prep – as well as homework and family time – happens at the huge kitchen island, which was treated to a dark stain to ground the light, airy space. “The family really congregates here,” says Halina. And it’s easy to see why.

Key elements

• Cream Shaker-style cabinetry, plus a walnut-stained island
• Polished nickel cup pulls and knobs
• Handglazed ceramic subway tile and Carrara marble mosaic backsplash
• Honed Calacatta marble countertops
• Reclaimed elm herringbone floors
  

Kitchen colour palette
To keep the kitchen light and bright but still warm, a soft buttery shade was chosen for the main cabinetry. For contrast, the steamed beech kitchen island was given a deep walnut stain and topped with the same Calacatta marble as the main countertop. Its honed finish gives it a more aged look.
Architectural distinction
Hand-glazed ceramic subway tiles add character to the kitchen backsplash, which is topped with Carrara marble mosaics to the ceiling. Stunning reclaimed elm hardwood floors laid in a herringbone pattern also give the space a sense of age and architectural distinction.
Old-fashioned English cabinetry
Designer Halina Catherine designed this section of kitchen cabinetry to be reminiscent of an old-fashioned English dish hutch.
Accomodating all appliances
The spacious kitchen design easily accommodates all the necessary appliances, including double wall ovens and a steam oven. The main fridge is panelled to seamlessly flow with the rest of the cabinetry.
Dovetail joints
Meticulously built face-framed kitchen cabinetry with dovetail joints has been planned out to house every last dish, glass and utensil.
Rather than install yet more cabinetry along the kitchen’s side wall, Halina fitted a bench with drawers under the window to provide a place for family and guests to gather. The toss cushions lend a touch of softness.

Top kitchen design tips
1 Create a space for everything in the early planning stages. Even recycling and waste can be cleverly hidden in a convenient spot if planned from the start.

2 Plan for no more than six feet between the three main “work triangle” components: sink, cooktop and fridge.

3 Figure out where you’ll want appliances like toasters and blenders. Be sure to install outlets in these spots.

4 Add a ceiling detail for interest whenever possible. Just be sure to  account for plenty of lighting. Pendant lights should not be the only source.

5 Mix in natural materials like wood and stone for a timeless look.