Let me entertain you

It's not always the old homes that need a kitchen makeover. Sometimes, even a modern house can be greatly improved by a new kitchen design that addresses the key issues of functionality, flow and light.

This new contemporary kitchen in a modern house has greatly changed all these aspects, says SieMatic designer Susan Smart.

"We removed walls to create one large, flowing space from what was once several rooms the original kitchen, old butler's pantry, laundry and mud rooms, dumbwaiter space and dining area. This provided a much more open-plan kitchen and family living and dining area, and created space for a large butler's pantry."

To ensure the kitchen would be in keeping with the contemporary design of the house, Smart teamed walnut veneer perimeter cabinets with crisp stainless steel cabinetry on the island, and honed black granite countertops. Square edges, flush drawers and doors, and a custom-designed suspended hood reinforce the modern aesthetic.

"The wood veneer has a visual warmth that ensures the overall effect is not cold or clinical," Smart says.

Because the owners like to entertain, every aspect of the kitchen design improves the functionality. The rear wall and the island, which houses the cooktop and a prep sink, are dedicated to food preparation and cooking. A bank of Miele ovens and warming drawers is positioned next to the refrigerator, with a vertical pantry at the end of this wall.

The other side of the island and the cabinetry beneath the windows functions as the cleanup center. Two dishwashers are integrated into the cabinetry.

"The drawers and cabinets are customized so everything is stored exactly where it is used," says the designer. "For example, the stainless steel drawers by the cooktop have wood inserts with divisions for ladles and other cooking utensils. And there are inserts with glass jars for oils, spices and dried goods."

The large butler's pantry, which is open to the kitchen, provides additional storage and is designed to service the formal dining room. The L-shaped cabinets match those in the kitchen, and include display shelving, a second sink, coffee system, wine storage and refrigerated drawers.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes

Photography by: Benjamin Hill