The centerpiece of architect Darcie Watson’s renovated kitchen is a salvaged American chestnut and cold-rolled steel island. A black-painted glass wall and statement pot lights are a stunning contemporary statement.

Fans of country kitchens will swoon for this gem in the winter retreat of designer J Gibson, which made our February 2017 cover. An antique kilim rug introduces warm tones, soft texture and a touch of pattern to the rustic space.

This condo kitchen belonging to tech guru Don Tapscott has a generous oversized island — a request from his wife, Ana Lopes, who loves to cook. Leather stools by Mark Albrecht add a crafty touch.

This stunning west end Toronto kitchen includes a full pantry wall and small servery. A mix of Corian, marble, walnut and stainless steel gives the room dimension and texture, while birdcage-style light fixtures are utterly whimsical.

This kitchen in our 2017 Home Of The Year is a standout for many reasons. The scale is grand and custom touches (like the super-thick Statuario slab island) are impeccably rendered. A marble-tiled hood fan turns a functional feature into a major statement.

This Montreal Victorian has a definite Belle Epoque flavor, and it’s brought to life in the kitchen with ornate crystal chandeliers and marble countertops. Soft dove-grey cabinetry paint adds another graceful note of European romance.

The kitchen in this Muskoka cottage is the hub of the family. A 12-foot-long island means plenty of room for friends, while the open ceiling above it lets the children check on the status of meals from the second floor.

This country kitchen is designed for ease with ready-made cabinets and a subway tile backsplash. The wood shelving and accessories add real warmth in Sloane Klevin’s Hudson River Valley weekend retreat.

This entire kitchen was bought off a showroom floor, but it’s a perfect fit inside a modernist Yorkville house in Toronto. Essentials are stored in the appliance garages under the cabinets for clutter-free counters.

This Toronto kitchen features a disappearing appliance caddy that rises out of the counter (under the painting) with a push of a button, but there’s much more to love. The blue cabinetry, artwork and red stools all add a colorful kick of personality.

This renovated kitchen gets a Scandi vibe from a candle-like chandelier and sleek white molded chairs with dowel legs. The traditional harvest table establishes a casual, communal flavor.

It may come as a shock to learn that the sociable home of Catriona Smart, rapper Drake’s party planner, needs to be peaceful. A chevron-tiled backsplash provides a hint of texture amidst the sleek surfaces.