A taste of home traditional charm evokes a nostalgic yearning

Beyond its traditional capacity, the modern kitchen, as the family gathering space, has to assume myriad duties. This can result in the design equivalent of an identity crisis.

For the owners of this property, although their kitchen forms part of an open-plan living area, there is no mistake that it is, first and foremost, for the preparation of food, says kitchen designer Brian Allen.

"The impetus behind the remodel was to create a space that functioned better as a kitchen than what was previously there.

"The house is about 15 years old, and the kitchen had been a bit of an afterthought. It comprised the main kitchen space and a butler's pantry, which was under-utilized. The owners decided the space needed to be reconfigured to better suit their working style."

Allen removed the butler's pantry and sited the cooking zone along the rear wall of the now-enlarged kitchen space. The previously dark cabinetry was replaced with a lighter version from the SieMatic BeauxArts range.

"The owner really gravitated toward that style of cabinetry. It has a transitional look that ties well into the traditional feel of the room, without looking heavy. Mirrored backs to the glass-fronted upper cabinets reflect light from the newly installed pass-through window, contributing to the light and airy feel.

"A custom armoire, which houses integrated appliances, completes the look."

A feature of the kitchen is the large island, one of the owners' wishlist items, says Allen.

"The previous island offered little more than somewhere to sit, acting more as a room divider than a functional element. With the larger floor area, and better division of zones, the new island really designed itself.

"Work stations have been incorporated around three sides, with the fourth side for sitting at for casual meals."

Story by: Justin Foote