Photography: Anice Hoachlander, Hoachlander Davis Photography.

Elayne Barre

ITS COPPER TONES ALLOWED FOR THE USE OF BLACK WALNUT AS A COMPLEMENTARY MATERIAL FOR HANDLES, BREAKFAST BAR AND CUPBOARD DOORS.

Contemporary Kitchen Remodel featuring DeWils cabinetry in Maple with Just White finish and Kennewick door style, sleek concrete quartz countertop, jet black quartz countertop, hickory ember hardwood flooring, recessed ceiling detail | Photo: CAGE Design Build

Thermador Kitchen Design Contest - Regional Winner

This West Pennant Hills renovation had a two main objectives: to improve the space around the island and reorganise the storage space for greater efficiency. Designer David Bartlett turned his attention to the layout of the room and repositioned a number of elements to enhance the work flow. "We needed to create an efficient work triangle," he says, "and I needed to find a way to include more appliances within the space."

These homeowners came to us to update their kitchen, yet stay within the existing footprint. Their goal was to make the space feel more open, while also gaining better pantry storage and more continuous counter top space for preparing meals and entertaining. We started towards achieving their goals by removing soffits around the entire room and over the island, which allowed for more storage and taller crown molding. Then we increased the open feeling of the room by removing the peninsula wall cabinets which had been a visual obstruction between the main kitchen and the dining area. This also allowed for a more functional stretch of counter on the peninsula for preparation or serving, which is complimented by another working counter that was created by cornering their double oven on the opposite side of the room. At the same time, we shortened the peninsula by a few inches to allow for better traffic flow to the dining area because it is a main route for traffic. Lastly, we made a more functional and aesthetically pleasing pantry wall by tailoring the cabinetry to their needs and creating relief with open shelves for them to display their art. The addition of larger moldings, carved onlays and turned legs throughout the kitchen helps to create a more formal setting for entertaining. The materials that were used in the kitchen; stone floor tile, maple cabinets, granite counter tops and porcelain backsplash tile are beautiful, yet durable enough to withstand daily wear and heavy use during gatherings. The lighting was updated to meet current technology and enhance the task and decorative lighting in the space. The can lights through the kitchen and desk area are LED cans to increase energy savings and minimize the need for light bulb changes over time. We also installed LED strip lighting below the wall cabinets to be used as task lighting and inside of glass cabinets to accent the decorative elements.

Matt Schmitt Photography

View of the beautifully detailed timber clad kitchen, looking onto the dining area beyond. The timber finned wall, curves to help the flow of the space and conceals a guest bathroom along with additional storage space.

Set within an airy contemporary extension to a lovely Georgian home, the Siatama Kitchen is our most ambitious project to date. The client, a master cook who taught English in Siatama, Japan, wanted a space that spliced together her love of Japanese detailing with a sophisticated Scandinavian approach to wood. At the centre of the deisgn is a large island, made in solid british elm, and topped with a set of lined drawers for utensils, cutlery and chefs knifes. The 4-post legs of the island conform to the 寸 (pronounced ‘sun’), an ancient Japanese measurement equal to 3cm. An undulating chevron detail articulates the lower drawers in the island, and an open-framed end, with wood worktop, provides a space for casual dining and homework. A full height pantry, with sliding doors with diagonally-wired glass, and an integrated american-style fridge freezer, give acres of storage space and allow for clutter to be shut away. A plant shelf above the pantry brings the space to life, making the most of the high ceilings and light in this lovely room.

Complete kitchen renovation with blue shaker-style cabinets with gold handles, white countertop, and butcher block kitchen island.

- Subway Tiles - Stone Benchtop - Shaker Cabinetry - Black Handles - U Shaped Kitchen - Concealed Walk in Pantry

Modern kitchen with rift-cut white oak cabinetry and a natural stone island.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.

This kitchen remodel was for two empty nesters. Their townhouse had a small working space in the kitchen with a little breakfast nook that served more as a drop zone and storage area than functional kitchen space. We completely reconfigures the spaced by moving the sink and range to the long wall adding a beverage center and drop zone as you enter through the garage and a small island for prep and conversation. The finishes include maple stained cabinet, as they didn’t want a white kitchen, with a dark blue island . They love traveling and collecting momentous from their favorite destinations. The Italian hand blown glass pendant over the sink tied the space together and made it feel special to their style. Overall, the flow is much more functional and offers ample counter space. They love working at the island when making cookies with their grandson.

By better utilizing the available wall space, the homeowners were able to gain double wall ovens and a breakfast bar.