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refined kitchen with modern touches

The coffered ceiling with rustic beadboard panels and cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, floor, flooring, interior design, kitchen, room, wood flooring, gray — The coffered ceiling with rustic beadboard panels and an oak floor with a more contemporary walnut stain both contribute to the aesthetics of this kitchen by Patrick Ahearn. Pilaster legs give the island a furniture appeal and these are echoed in the two half-legs that flank the large cooktop. Most appliances are integrated, but stainless steel cooktop and ovens add a modern touch.

The traditional cabinetry has a custom finish created cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, floor, interior design, kitchen, room, table, gray

A backsplash panel in diagonally set raised pillow cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, floor, home, interior design, kitchen, room, window, gray

With ample storage a priority for the owners, cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, interior design, kitchen, room, gray

The large commercial cooktop is a focal point cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, home, interior design, kitchen, room, sink, gray

Designing a kitchen as part of a new addition to a period home is an opportunity to extend the grandeur of the existing architectural detailing and at the same time, introduce touches of modern refinement into the new space.

Such was the case for this mainly traditional kitchen by architect Patrick Ahearn. The modest brick 1930s home has been extended to the rear and several rooms added, including a carriage house, mudroom and this kitchen, says Ahearn.

"For the sake of harmony, the detailed crown mouldings and exposed beams of the rest of the house have been drawn into this kitchen design, giving it a dramatic character," says Ahearn. "Elsewhere, the coffered ceilings are paneled; here we elected to use beadboard between the moulded beams for a more rustic effect."

The island has a furniture-like appeal with its wood base, pilaster legs and a Carrara countertop. Light fittings and the fabric for the chairs were chosen in tones to match the marble.

"The large commercial cooktop is another focal point of the space," says Ahearn. "Pilaster legs to either side define this area and echo those on the island. Raised pillow tiles make up the backsplash, which is set in a frame proud of the wall, giving it the appearance of a work of art. To avoid reducing the impact, we chose classic subway tiles to fill the areas from the cabinetry to the countertop."

The traditional cabinetry has a custom finish created by the architect. During the day, the paint looks mid-white, but seems to have a patina by night. The white contrasts the black perimeter countertops, which are in mahogany.

Builder Mark Kaplan, who undertook the whole extension and the kitchen, says the bespoke cabinetry reflects the level of detailing and finish required by designer and owner.

"Despite the overall traditional ambiance, this kitchen has contrasting modern touches," says Ahearn. "The tapering on the pilaster legs gives them a contemporary edge, for example, as do the long nickel pulls on the cabinetry. While some appliances are integrated, the cooktop and wall ovens add the sleek look of stainless steel. And the island pendants contribute another, subtly modern note."

Multiple work surfaces include the prep area beside the window, and there are dishwashers on both sides of the kitchen. Wide drawers throughout optimize storage space.