Decorating & Design
Step Inside A European-inspired Kitchen In Ontario
Updated on April 21, 2023
Designer Barbara Wigmore wanted to deliver a timeless kitchen with a casual feel to her clients in Brighton, Ont. In doing so, Barbara used dark walnut, moody marble and a textured vent hood to create a kitchen with a subtle European vibe. We chatted with the designer about how she achieved the look. Keep scrolling for the full Q&A and kitchen tour!
House & Home: Why did you choose Benjamin Moore’s Simply White for the cabinets?
Barbara Wigmore: The original kitchen was visually heavy and quite dark, so we wanted to soften it and brighten it up. Simply White for the cabinets and White Dove for the walls were the winners because, with the kitchen’s southern exposure, the tones worked well all day and into the evening.
H&H: Is the brick on the vent hood original to the home?
BW: No, the brick look is new and custom. The vent hood is faced with a paintable stone veneer that’s almost identical to a real brick façade.
H&H: The stone on the island is really unusual. How did you select it?
BW: Initially, I presented several quartz options, but it was love at first sight when we found these Calacatta onyx marble slabs. Bring on the etch marks, and think about the wonderful patina of an old European kitchen counter or dining table! A great kitchen reno isn’t just about millwork and chef-style appliances, it’s about the beautiful finishes.
H&H: And what did you use for the perimeter counters?
BW: The counters and floating shelves are also Calacatta onyx marble in the same honed finish. My clients love the dramatic touch they add to the space. The slabs truly set the tone for the kitchen, and there was no going back. We spent time with the fabricator to ensure that the most dramatic parts appeared front and centre.
The dark wood bar cabinet (background) and dining table nod to the kitchen island.
Pro tip: Integrating your bar right into your pantry area is a stylish way to save on space. The dark wood cabinet offers a dash of contrast and give it a distinct presence in the kitchen.
A desk area is ideal for answering emails in a pinch.
The marble counters and backsplash are Barbara’s favorite features. “Every time I visit, I spot something new in the pattern,” she says
Keep scrolling for elements of the look!
Elements Of The Look:
Kim Jeffery
House & Home
Barbara Wigmore