Clear blue sky

Selecting cabinetry in a bright shade of blue brings a light, welcoming ambiance to a kitchen and to the open-plan areas surrounding the space. When the owners love to entertain and even have a chef to prepare meals for guests, a crisp, clean backdrop is entirely appropriate.

This sleek kitchen, by kitchen designer Elaine Murray, gains dramatic presence from the La Cornue freestanding range, hood and cabinetry.

"As a space designed for people who are passionate about cooking, the kitchen is organized so guests or family can watch the chef at work from the adjacent living and dining areas," says Murray. "At the same time, all the professional-level cooking and storage facilities are arranged for accessibility and optimum function."

The Grand Palais range takes center stage, with the designer specifying custom La Cornue cabinetry to match. The color, enamel surfaces and chrome trim are all identical even tiny vents on the oven are replicated on the cabinets. A vertical row of epicerie drawers stand to the right of the range, providing speedy access to cooking utensils and oils. The solid walnut drawer systems contrast the shiny enamel of the range and cabinetry.

"I also introduced these drawers on either side of the island sink to provide easy access to cleanup and dishwasher accessories," says the designer.

Wicker baskets bring a contrasting, rustic feel to the blue enamel surfaces and match the warmth of the walnut drawers.

The kitchen is loosely divided into three areas, with the island and cooking appliances taking prominence. A bar area, with storage and refrigeration is set to one side and on the opposite wall is a second oven, microwave, walk-in pantry and more storage cabinets.

Cabinets in the wine bar area have different, yet complementary facades in aluminum and off-white laminate. The refrigerator, freezer and wine cooler are all fronted in this neutral, modern finish, as are the cabinets on the opposing wall.

"Symmetry is an important element in the design," says Murray. "For example, while the island is centered in front of the range and hood, we had to set the sink to one side to accommodate the dishwasher. To redress this visual imbalance, I positioned the faucet off-centre on the sink but centrally on the island."

Story by: Charles Moxham