Tara Ellis and Andrew Bell lived with the cramped and outdated kitchen in their semi-detached Victorian in Toronto for 12 years before deciding it was time to make some changes. Not only was the space aesthetically unpleasant, but it was also a pain in their backs literally. The existing countertop was installed below standard height. Im six feet tall, and my husband is about as tall, says Tara.
Since a few other rooms in the house werent terribly livable either, they called on designer Philippe Beauparlant to oversee a massive renovation. As for the kitchen, says Tara, we wanted a better layout with lots of storage, and Ive always loved a banquette.
The planning process
One of the challenges I noticed right away, says Philippe, was the kitchens poor connection to the backyard. Specifically, the back door in the adjacent mud room opened onto a tall outdoor staircase. His solution was to move the inside stairs that led down to the basement to the back of the house, incorporating a lower landing area thats level with the yard. This clever approach allowed for floor-to-ceiling storage on the landing. And with the back wall now completely clad in glass, natural light floods the kitchen.
The design decisions
While the couple loves a modern industrial feel, they also wanted to preserve the homes character. Thats why Philippe chose a clean cabinet door profile and installed crown moulding that matches an existing one in the house. He also played up the heritage aspect by picking a traditional grey-green shade for the cabinetry. A splash of colour comes from mustard yellow pendant lights and tomato red handles on the Wolf range, which Tara tied together with two stools her mother calls mustard and ketchup.
The result
Everyone gravitates to the kitchen now because its so bright and airy in the day and cozy at night, says Tara.
Kitchen renovation: Spacious and bright designSlideshowView
Slideshow Kitchen renovation: Spacious and bright design
Kitchen problem: Before
A dark, cluttered, uninviting kitchen.
Kitchen layout: Solution
Count on designer Philippe Beauparlant to solve the space crunch in this small kitchen.
Kitchen renovation: After
Theres a good mix of open and closed shelving, says designer Philippe Beauparlant of the renovated kitchen. Walnut-veneered uppers open horizontally and provide access to all the items the homeowners use regularly but want out of sight. Only the most used dishes were designated for open shelvingso they dont gather dust.
Dining booth
The dining table was custom made from vintage table legs and a reclaimed-wood top stained to just the right grey-brown. The banquettes vinyl fabric looks like leather but is easier to maintain.
Organized entryway
The floor-to-ceiling cabinet on the landing houses coats and boots as well as sports equipment and seasonal items like patio cushions.
Hidden storage
The cabinet on the left side of the range houses a pullout bin for recycling. The garbage and compost containers are located under the sink.
Decorative organization
Tins and vases help declutter counters and spice up the area.
Vintage accessories
Crisp white jars and dishes keep the kitchen clean and simple.
Unique backsplash
Grey grout deliberately draws attention to the unique pattern of the white subway-tiled backsplash.
Read more in Kitchen & Bath and Kitchen
http://www.styleathome.com/kitchen-and-bath/kitchen/kitchen-renovation-spacious-and-bright-design/a/61024
Since a few other rooms in the house werent terribly livable either, they called on designer Philippe Beauparlant to oversee a massive renovation. As for the kitchen, says Tara, we wanted a better layout with lots of storage, and Ive always loved a banquette.
The planning process
One of the challenges I noticed right away, says Philippe, was the kitchens poor connection to the backyard. Specifically, the back door in the adjacent mud room opened onto a tall outdoor staircase. His solution was to move the inside stairs that led down to the basement to the back of the house, incorporating a lower landing area thats level with the yard. This clever approach allowed for floor-to-ceiling storage on the landing. And with the back wall now completely clad in glass, natural light floods the kitchen.
The design decisions
While the couple loves a modern industrial feel, they also wanted to preserve the homes character. Thats why Philippe chose a clean cabinet door profile and installed crown moulding that matches an existing one in the house. He also played up the heritage aspect by picking a traditional grey-green shade for the cabinetry. A splash of colour comes from mustard yellow pendant lights and tomato red handles on the Wolf range, which Tara tied together with two stools her mother calls mustard and ketchup.
The result
Everyone gravitates to the kitchen now because its so bright and airy in the day and cozy at night, says Tara.
Kitchen renovation: Spacious and bright designSlideshowView
Slideshow Kitchen renovation: Spacious and bright design
Kitchen problem: Before
A dark, cluttered, uninviting kitchen.
Kitchen layout: Solution
Count on designer Philippe Beauparlant to solve the space crunch in this small kitchen.
Kitchen renovation: After
Theres a good mix of open and closed shelving, says designer Philippe Beauparlant of the renovated kitchen. Walnut-veneered uppers open horizontally and provide access to all the items the homeowners use regularly but want out of sight. Only the most used dishes were designated for open shelvingso they dont gather dust.
Dining booth
The dining table was custom made from vintage table legs and a reclaimed-wood top stained to just the right grey-brown. The banquettes vinyl fabric looks like leather but is easier to maintain.
Organized entryway
The floor-to-ceiling cabinet on the landing houses coats and boots as well as sports equipment and seasonal items like patio cushions.
Hidden storage
The cabinet on the left side of the range houses a pullout bin for recycling. The garbage and compost containers are located under the sink.
Decorative organization
Tins and vases help declutter counters and spice up the area.
Vintage accessories
Crisp white jars and dishes keep the kitchen clean and simple.
Unique backsplash
Grey grout deliberately draws attention to the unique pattern of the white subway-tiled backsplash.
Read more in Kitchen & Bath and Kitchen
http://www.styleathome.com/kitchen-and-bath/kitchen/kitchen-renovation-spacious-and-bright-design/a/61024