Refined design by Belle Kitchen

One of the biggest remodeling challenges is working with existing structural elements that may not be desired but are too costly to be changed. Sometimes, innovative design solutions are required to disguise these.

This house, for example, featured an exterior wall that popped out like a bay window with the kitchen cabinetry echoing the angles on the inside. Kitchen designer Jean-Claude Desjardins of Belle Kitchen says the result was a kitchen with no flow.

"The cabinetry incorporated 45° angles, which looked very dated and angular," he says. "The house was built in the late '80s, but the kitchen looked like it had been designed in 1970. Even the bank of cabinets on the opposite wall was not flush."

Sandy Merrill, the owner who was closely involved with the interior design, wanted a more modern, clean-lined kitchen that would complement the rest of the remodeled house.

"We gutted the room and introduced new Leicht cabinetry that has a light, horizontal texture," says Desjardins. "The base cabinetry absorbs the angles on the exterior wall, presenting as a single flat elevation."

The designer then chose to reinforce the symmetry of the wall behind, which already featured two low slot windows.

"We needed to come up with detailing that would incorporate those windows," he says. "This was provided by two illuminated display boxes featuring the same light texture but with lacquered dark brown interiors. These are used to display decorative glass vases."

Desjardins says the dark brown shade can be seen elsewhere in the house, which has a Zen-like interior and features several Asian artefacts and dark wood furniture.

The concept of display also determined the design of two symmetrical corner cabinets that frame the entry to a hallway. The cabinets feature hinged, L-shaped doors with German-engineered hardware and center glass panels. The doors open to reveal floating glass shelves.

Symmetry defines the cooking center as well. This features a glass backsplash over an embossed wallpaper. Desjardins says this was a way to introduce a textural element, while ensuring the kitchen remained easy to clean.

Pull-out pantries flank the double oven, while the large bank of cabinets near the breakfast table accommodates an integrated refrigerator, home office and storage. This entire wall of cabinets is framed with a dark brown casing, providing another visual link with the rest of the house.

The island has smooth off-white cabinetry and a contrasting Cosmos granite countertop.

"This is an exquisite granite with a flame-cut textured top that gives it an organic look," says the designer. "Visually, it helps to balance the lighter stone on the perimeter countertops, and the off-white cabinetry also provides contrast and a point of difference."

Story by: Trendsideas