Decorating & Design
May 12, 2020
This East Coast Kitchen Exudes Nautical Charm
The owners of this 1920s Dutch Colonial-style home in the south end of Halifax, Nova Scotia, were newly transplanted New Yorkers, so perhaps it wasn’t a complete shock when they asked local designers Colin Blanchard and Kenneth McRobbie of 31 Westgate for a slightly industrial, Brooklyn brownstone-inspired design for their eat-in kitchen.
As part of an overall renovation, Colin and Kenneth expanded the kitchen to include an open-concept dining and family room. A large island placed between structural columns provides additional seating for six during parties, while easy-care finishes stand up to life with three young children. A signature maritime navy was chosen for both the island and backsplash. “It’s a blue that will stand the test of time and not feel dated,” says Kenneth. “It can look blue or black, depending on the light.”
Scroll down to tour this charming East Coast kitchen!
The backsplash’s navy tiles echo the island’s blue-painted millwork for a layered look. An articulated faucet and wood-backed stools with leather seats emphasize the kitchen’s industrial vibe. A budget-friendly wooden range hood was painted silver to look like metal.
Flat-front and Shaker-style cabinets with simple bronze bar pulls have a heritage vibe. New 5″ white oak plank flooring was abraded with wire; the resulting dry finish gives it a vintage feel and disguises wear and tear.
The dynamic veining of the Calacatta Black marble countertops seems to swirl around the cooktop. Natural materials and handmade items, such as salt-glazed pottery and wooden cutting boards, add warmth.
“We honored the bones of the house, treating the kitchen in a contemporary way that doesn’t feel disconnected from the rest of the home,” says Colin (right).
Cornice moulding and leg detailing on the cabinetry makes this new kitchen feel cohesive in a 1920s house. In the coffee bar, stained white oak shelves blend in with the dark blue tiles.
A reclaimed-wood table already owned by the family was paired with easy-to-clean iron chairs with recycled rubber strapping, which can be moved outside when the children get older in favor of upholstered pieces. A Ralph Lauren chandelier sparked the choice of the globe sconces and pendants above the windows and island. The integrated fridge, to the right of the oven, is disguised by panelling.
Janet Kimber
House & Home March 2017
Colin Blanchard & Kenneth McRobbie, 31 Westgate