A new era dawns

Built around the turn of the last century, this traditional bungalow has been extensively updated the sleek, contemporary kitchen features back-lit glass panels

View of kitchen designed by Robyn Labb from architecture, floor, flooring, hardwood, interior design, kitchen, property, real estate, room, wood flooring, gray — View of kitchen designed by Robyn Labb from Kitchens By Design, the contemporary design includes stainless steel trims and sink, sand blasted cabinetry, O'Brian benchtops, and incorporates Miele and Bosch appliances.

View of kitchen designed by Robyn Labb from architecture, cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, floor, flooring, hardwood, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, table, wood flooring, gray

View of kitchen designed by Robyn Labb from apartment, architecture, ceiling, daylighting, floor, flooring, hardwood, house, interior design, kitchen, laminate flooring, loft, real estate, room, wood, wood flooring, gray

View of kitchen designed by Robyn Labb from countertop, glass, interior design, kitchen, product design, room, sink, white, gray

View of kitchen designed by Robyn Labb from architecture, cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, gray

View of kitchen designed by Robyn Labb from cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, daylighting, floor, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, table, gray

It has become a common remodeling project gutting the rear of an older home to accommodate a new, spacious open-plan living area. Such refurbishments always include a new kitchen, designed on sleek, modern lines.

Kitchen designer Robyn Labb says for this project the owner wanted a light look.

"Visually, the kitchen couldn't be too dark or heavy," she says. "The owner also wanted something different, that would set it apart."

The solution was a streamlined design featuring back-lit glass cabinetry and stainless steel trim.

"Many kitchens feature a similar design, in terms of the sink on the island and the cooking center behind," says Labb. "So, for this kitchen, the difference is literally in the detailing. Specifying a thin ¾in countertop, rather than a more predictable deep countertop, was one point of difference. The stainless steel banding was introduced to balance the depth of the countertop."

Illuminated front panels on the island and overhead lift-up cabinets enhance the contemporary feel. They also help lighten the room. The sandblasted glass is repeated on two 28in-wide doors that conceal a scullery. The aluminum-framed doors slide into the walls, which were specially built by a cabinetmaker to suit the narrow thickness of the glass panels.

Labb also designed a skylight to bring additional light into the kitchen. A custom-made stainless steel ventilation hood is positioned directly below the skylight.

The sleek styling extends to the symmetry of the cabinets housing the refrigerator and oven. A stainless steel cabinet above the oven also helps to visually balance the design.

Cabinets below the cooking center have recessed handles, which reinforce the kitchen's streamlined, horizontal lines.

To fully equip the kitchen for entertaining, a second oven was installed in the scullery. There is also an additional Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer, sink and wine refrigerator.

"Having a second food preparation area is invaluable, especially for people who like to entertain," says Labb. "For this reason, designers are increasingly specifying two or more work stations."