Decorating & Design
A Coastal Kitchen With Transitional Style By Parris McKenna
Published on November 20, 2024
Tanya Winter and Mike Donovan love living in Toronto’s Beaches neighborhood. After 10 years, they decided to do a massive gut renovation, which consisted of a 4,000-square-foot house to reflect the area’s laid-back lifestyle. This included a dream kitchen designed by Parris McKenna. With her use of wood, exposed joists, a wave-like backsplash and plaster fireplace, Parris conjures transitional coastal warmth and character.
Scroll down for our Q&A with Parris. Plus, look inside her clients’ coastal kitchen with transitional style!
Designer Parris McKenna in the family room. The raised plaster-clad fireplace has a clean California look.
House & Home: What was the design brief?
Parris McKenna: Tanya and Mike wanted the space to reflect their love of the beachy location. As a designer, I’m drawn to materials you typically find in West Coast design: white oak and natural stone. I started with a tone-on-tone palette but, to make sure it wasn’t just another beige or neutral kitchen, I layered in interest with details like reeding and the knurled faucet, pot filler and hardware. Additional texture came from the leathered quartzite backsplash. It has an elevated casual style that’s easy to be in.
H&H: What was on your wish list?
Tanya Winter: We’re outdoorsy people and love the water and the beach. We gravitate toward light, bright and airy spaces. We envisioned big windows across the back of the house with sliding doors to the outside, plus a connected family room. We imagined an open-door space where our friends and family would feel comfortable. I love entertaining here.
H&H: What’s your favorite design detail?
TW: Probably the backsplash. It looks like a wave crashing; it’s like a beautiful picture with texture.
H&H: How does your kitchen make you feel?
TW: Creative. It inspires me to cook healthier food so my family can adopt better eating habits. I find the wood is calming, and the hint of black modernizes
A mesh inlay dresses up the cabinet doors above the panel-ready fridge.
Lauren Miller
House & Home
Parris McKenna