Kitchens
March 19, 2019
Moody Cabinetry & Exposed Beams Elevate This Farmhouse Kitchen
Lawyer Andraya Frith dreamed of a charming country kitchen with in-frame cabinetry perfect for cooking, dining and crafting in her family’s 185-year-old farmhouse two hours northeast of Toronto. So, she and her husband Graham Kechnie worked with their contractor to open up the jumbled space, and brought in designer Jack Creasy of Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry to help plan the new kitchen.
“The space wanted to be an English country kitchen, so I didn’t fight it too much,” says Andrea. “It’s our forever kitchen — we aren’t planning to do this again in 10 years, or ever.” Scroll down to see inside this charming heritage space.
Andraya and Graham at their generous island, which was designed with multiple drawers to resemble a furniture piece from a general store. Built-in display shelves show off Andraya’s collection of platters. The cabinetry has an artisanal hand-brushed finish for a historical look that’s touch-up friendly.
For a vintage look, the appliances (including two dishwashers) are panelled.
Honed Calacatta Lincoln marble ages gracefully, while salvaged barn beams offer instant heritage.
Beadboard trim is a homespun architectural detail.
Unlacquered brass fixtures and marble countertops will patinate over time. Jack suggests a chef sink near the range to drain hot pots or soak pans for cleanup.
The pantry and adjacent integrated fridge read as one seamless unit for an authentic country feel. Because the family prefers to dine on fresh food bought locally, there’s no need for a freezer in the kitchen. The woven basket is an antique rooster cage, and Graham found the abandoned wasp’s nest on the property.
The central doors of this coffee station fold back to reveal a coffee maker and mugs so guests can serve themselves. “It looks like an English hutch,” says Jack.
This pine harvest table was inherited from the previous owners. It plays host to large gatherings as well as crafting sessions with the couple’s two university-aged daughters. Andraya found the hoop chairs while antiquing in nearby Campbellford, Ont.
A bench just inside the main entry has pegs for aprons, fresh herbs, grocery bags and leashes for the family’s two dogs. Jack (pictured) suggested the bench have a lift-up top so Graham can stash tools when coming in from working. Andraya bought the botanical prints for $5 each at a local antique store.
Virginia Macdonald
House & Home March 2019
Jack Creasy, Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry