Decorating & Design
October 24, 2022
Designer Nam Dang-Mitchell Shares Her Kitchen Obsessions
Calgary-based designer and global stylemaker Nam Dang-Mitchell recently chatted with us about kitchen renovations, her design process and some of her favorite trends. Scroll down to find out her go-to kitchen design moves!
House & Home: Where do you start when designing a kitchen for clients?
Nam Dang-Mitchell: The process typically begins with them sending me their inspiration shots so I can understand their vision and personal style. Then, taking into account the architecture, location of the home and the clients’ lifestyle, I start designing the kitchen floor plan and elevations. Finally, I select the appliances, lighting and plumbing fixtures.
H&H: What big trends will we see happening in the next few years?
NDM: Upper cabinets feel outdated right now. Walls of full-height cabinets mixed with furniture-like pieces feels fresher. Everyone wants a beautiful pantry, so they’ve become very important, too.
H&H: We hear you have a new kitchen in New York City. How exciting! What will it look like?
NDM: Yes, I’m currently designing a kitchen for myself in a loft space in New York. It’s open to the living room so I’m keeping it very minimal. There are no upper cabinets or a hood fan, and the fridge is hidden behind paneling. It’s all about a beautiful stone counter and backsplash, and a slab of live-edge walnut topping the island–dining table. I’m exploring ways of making minimalism sumptuous. Stay tuned!
Completed in 2015 for clients, this kitchen by Nam was ahead of its time with its monumental marble island design.
H&H: Where should you splurge and save in a kitchen reno?
NDM: First, you need to determine the vibe you’re trying to create in your kitchen. Then list, by order of importance, the items that are going to give you the mood you want. For instance, if you’re creating an English-style kitchen and you have your heart set on a European range in a special color, splurge on the range and save on painted cabinets and butcherblock counters. I prefer honest materials like butcherblock over fake marbles any day.
H&H: How do you design a space for clients that won’t date in 10 to 15 years?
NDM: If the kitchen is a true expression of the architecture of the house and the homeowners’ lifestyle, then it will still read as authentic down the road.
H&H: What’s your favorite trick for small kitchens?
NDM: I love using panel-ready, built-in appliances in a small kitchen. I’ve been working with JennAir over the past few years, and they have a great range of panel-ready and 24-inch-wide appliances that make a kitchen more streamlined, elegant and less visually cluttered. A mirrored backsplash also does wonders to open up a small space.
Limestone is used for the counter, backsplash and integrated shelf in this compact Calgary kitchen.
H&H: What do you look for in appliances?
NDM: I like them to be either showstoppers or invisible. It depends on what we want to emphasize in the space.
H&H: So, do you favor a range, or cooktop and wall oven combination?
NDM: Again, this depends on what you’re trying to say with your kitchen. Is it warm and traditional? Then go with a range. Is it sleek and state of the art? Then go with a cooktop and wall oven.
Keep reading for Nam’s Hot List!
Favorite Design Destination: Italy and France, but I’d really like to visit Belgium.
Bold Or Quiet Tile?: Both! As long as they’re natural materials such as clay, terracotta or stone.
Most-Wanted Item: A stone sink.
If Money Were No Object, I Would Buy: A Jumbo coffee table by Gae Aulenti.
Kitchen Trend You’d Like To See Go Away: Enough with the satin brass finishes.
Must-Have Jewellery Item: A Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet.
Must-Have Clothing Item: Zara pleather joggers.
Kitchens & Baths 2022