Classic response

Introducing a new kitchen in a traditional house offers an ideal opportunity to improve functionality and to achieve greater aesthetic harmony.

Construction expenses for an opulent home can result in compromises when it comes to installing the kitchen. This remodel by designers Jean-Claude Desjardins and Tricia Bayer has replaced a standard Melamine kitchen with one that is more in sympathy with the home's traditional decor.

"For this project, we put in a whole new kitchen, keeping the position much as before, and added a new room alongside for use as a casual dining area," says Desjardins. "A wall of cabinets with an arched serving hatch disguises the changes in ceiling style between the original rooms and the addition."

Classic cabinet doors and an overall furniture look help blend the kitchen with the living spaces directly beyond.

"The kitchen reflects a European sensibility. Corbels on the island bring to mind British styling, while the turned legs on each side of the oven and the cabinetry glazing are reminiscent of French kitchens," says Desjardins.

In keeping with a country kitchen aesthetic and to give the sense of a room that has evolved over time, various finishes were used on the cabinetry. The antique white of the cabinets is offset by the blackglazed cherry amber of the island. In turn, this darker hue complements the distressed black cabinet that houses the integrated refrigerator.

Juparana Delicatus granite countertops feature black, brown and white tones all chiming with the distinctive cabinetry surfaces.

"The custom hood is a focus of the room and is set directly opposite the living room fireplace its bronze finish picks up the many other instances of this metal elsewhere in the home," says Tricia Bayer.

While the dividing wall offers additional storage and display options, its serving hatch also allows views of the garden from the kitchen.

"Ironically, modern design has played a large part in the old-world aesthetic," says Desjardins. "Joinery advances mean modern conveniences can be kept out of sight one cabinet leg even pulls out to reveal a hidden spice rack."

Story by: Trendsideas