Kitchens 2 Min Read

‘We’re Getting Back To Wood’: Sonya Kinkade Designs A Cali Craftsman-Style Kitchen

By Wendy Jacob On May 10th, 2024

Todd and Tina Perry adore the country-like setting of Ottawa’s Stittsville neighborhood, southwest of downtown.

Now empty-nesters, the couple decided to build a new kitchen in their 5,500-square-foot home with the help of designer Sonya Kinkade. The open-concept plan would incorporate a living room, kitchen, entry and sitting area. Sonya describes the decorating as having a modern Napa Valley vibe. “It’s not country, but it’s got that warmth to it; it’s a clean, easy look,” she says. To establish that feeling, Sonya used plenty of white oak millwork and mixed metals throughout. “We seem to be stepping away from painted islands and grey or all-white cabinets; we’re getting back to wood being a real feature in the kitchen,” she says. “I like to play with different textures, so the woods don’t have to be the same. As long as the shades are complementary, it works.”

The pantry and exterior doors symmetrically frame the Bertazzoni range while white oak tongue-and-groove panelling turns the wall into a feature.

At the coffee bar to the right of the fridge, wood panelling makes the nook look more substantial and a ledge above the backsplash is perfect for displaying art and objets.

Sonya also removed the upper cabinets and converted the old mudroom into a pantry.“Now I do all the prep there,” says Tina. “We close the door to hide the mess and maintain a neat atmosphere.”

The new pantry has checkered floors and is packed with full-height open and closed storage.

Keep scrolling for elements of the look!

Dekton Ultra-compact surface in Morpheus. Pricing upon request. Cosentino

48″ Heritage Series All-gas range 6 Brass Burner and Griddle in Nero Matte by Bertazzoni. $22,999. Corbeil

1¼” Elsa Round knob in Matte Black. $17. Explore Hardware

½” Specter pull in Matte Black. From $51. Explore Hardware

Alice sconce by Suzanne Kasler. Approx. $783. Visual Comfort

Skimming Stone (241), Farrow & Ball

24″ Integrated Column Panel-ready freezer in Stainless Steel by Signature Kitchen Suite. $9,800; 24″ Integrated Column Panel-ready refrigerator in Stainless Steel by Signature Kitchen Suite. $9,800. Both through Appliance Canada