Pleasing proportions

A clean, simple palette can impart a crisp look for any room. By paring back to a few strong colors, forms can take prominence.

This kitchen was part of a remodeling project, but there was no need to change its position. In the center of the house with a two-storey atrium soaring above it, the location was ideal, but the decor was tired and off-balance.

Kitchen designer Morgan Cronin created a clean-lined, contemporary design, emphasizing symmetry and limiting the palette to white and brown, with accents from stainless steel appliances.

"Matching the lengths of the island and the back wall was also important, to give the kitchen a more balanced look," Cronin says.

Enveloped in Corian, the island has a solid appearance. It is extra wide, with storage on both sides. A central section cut out for seating sits on legs at the same level as the lower line of the cupboards, so the whole island looks as if it is floating.

Corian was also used to mold a large, seamless box containing the cooktop and work space on the back wall.

"Because there are no joints to trap dirt, the box is easy to keep clean," Cronin says.

The designer took care to match the lines of the elements, to help the eye register how the forms are in harmony. For example, the unbroken line of upper cupboards across the back wall streamlines the space and makes it look wider.

A walk-in pantry is hidden behind an almost invisible door beside a coffee-maker and microwave. The door folds inwards to reveal a generous space with a U-shaped countertop large enough to prepare food. Additional storage is provided in a second pantry next door.

New aluminum bifold doors bring in the view and open to link with the outdoors.

Story by: Lori Nims