Location: Lynn Valley, North Vancouver
Completed: 2023
Project type: Custom Kitchen, Renovation
Construction: Barrett Group Custom Builders
Photography: Janis Nicolay
Millwork: slim shaker white oak and painted hardwood in Farrow & Ball Jitney. Wall paint: Farrow & Ball Stirabout.
Having done multiple projects for this family in the past, it was my pleasure to get a phone call about yet another: long-awaited kitchen re-design. While the layout and the kitchen triangle of the existing kitchen were already working, the functionality could be significantly improved upon and the style of the original builder-grade kitchen was very flat, boring and not aligned with my client’s discerning taste (scroll to the bottom for the “before” photos).
Fluted glass on the upper cabinets flanking the tapered plaster hood. Fluted glass breaks up the wall of cabinetry creating an airy aesthetic and an interesting design detail.
The process that followed was a wonderful collaboration. My client brought forth her ideas and wish list for the space which I organized and filtered through my own design lens. Then, we tweaked and refined the details until we were both confident in the final product.
Natural light is complemented with simple wall washers, beautiful schoolhouse pendants over the island, a grid of potlights as well under-counter puck lighting, all on separate circuits and on dimmer switches to ensure plentiful and layered lighting.
As a result of our thorough and thoughtful process, the new kitchen is as elegant as it is functional; calm and refined and yet ready for rigorous use by this young and busy family.
Panelled Bosch Fridge allows for a more integrated seamless aesthetic.
Porcelain countertops offer all the beauty of marble yet are durable, stain-resistant and require no maintenance. Perimeter backsplash and waterfall island countertop with mitered edges are porcelain. Perimeter countertop is quartz by Caesarstone.
Centura tile in warm earthy tones is installed in a herringbone pattern adding a layer of texture to the kitchen. Some of the more modern design choices are complemented with transitional cabinetry hardware and schoolhouse pendants for a timeless aesthetic and a nod to the past.
Fluted plaster fireplace surround (in the background) mirrors the fluting of the glass cabinets in a subtle way.
Open shelving is a great way to add interest to the space, display cookbooks or beautiful objects or to have aesthetic cookware close and within reach.
Current yet timeless, warm and bright, spacious and inviting - this kitchen is ready for the memories (and messes!) to be made in it!