Kitchens
Contemporary Meets Glam In This Family-Friendly Kitchen
Published on May 31, 2018
Eager to step outside the all-white box when it came to their kitchen renovation, Toronto-based designer Stacey Cohen’s clients — parents to three kids — wanted to evoke a specific feeling in their space. “A mix of light and dark cabinetry, some hints of gold; she’s extremely fashionable with beautiful taste, so we tried to take all of her inspiration and bring it to life.” The finished space boasts a super functional layout and a refreshing, hard-wearing mix of materials — perfect for cooking, entertaining and dining as a family. Click through to see this handsome, high-end kitchen.
Keeping her clients’ vision in mind, Stacey zeroed in on a rich palette of materials — with a family-friendly twist. The cabinetry’s glossy trim is actually metallic-finished wood; the “copper” on the island is made of hardy laminate; and the countertops are clad in a durable, but no less eye-catching porcelain veneer. Stacey also incorporated a few seeded-glass doors to elegantly conceal pantry items and small appliances.
“The kitchen really is the heart of their home and the place where they all gather,” says Stacey. To accommodate this, she designed a trio of comfortable upholstered barstools for casual snacking, plus a built-in banquette for sit-down dinners.
To really up the luxury quotient in a kitchen, follow Stacey’s lead and bring in shapely upholstered seating, like these custom armchairs, and jewelry-like lighting, such as this gleaming brass chandelier. Selecting soothing neutral textiles allows the opulent metallic fixture to enjoy the spotlight.
A wall fitted with a refrigerator and beverage drawers conveniently faces the wine fridge (integrated into the island) for easy prep and a seamless look.
Go-to kitchen accessories including cutting boards, bowls, spice mills and tea sets can double as sculpture when rendered in fine materials such as ebonized wood, polished brass and smooth ceramic. Lining them up on the countertop draws attention to the bold geometric backsplash. “The broken-down shapes in this pattern are so unique,” Stacey says of the tile she had shipped from Italy.
Valerie Wilcox
House & Home April 2018
Stacey Cohen