Article by Michelle Heslop. Photos by Joshua Lawrence.
After relocating twenty-three times with the Navy, this retired couple was ready to put down roots and invest in their forever home. Content with their solidly-built, mid-century home in Victoria, the homeowners knew their first step would be to remedy the kitchen’s innumerable deficiencies: a dysfunctional layout with counters on only one side, sloped and torn linoleum floors with asbestos, fixed shelving in the cabinets, exposed piping from an old laundry hook up and single pane windows that leaked water and air. To complement their lush garden, the couple envisioned building a multi-purpose kitchen for relaxing and entertaining while creating a seamless connection to their inviting yard.
Rewind three years to a home show the owners attended to get a sense of the local home industry professionals they could contact when they were ready to renovate. After meeting Interior Designer, Jenny Martin, from Jenny Martin Design, and viewing her portfolio, the couple knew her work corresponded with their vision and contacted her when they were ready to start the process. “Jenny’s online reviews were very positive so we made an appointment. When she came to the house for a consult she was easy to talk to, had some great ideas and was very professional in her approach,” say the homeowners.
Pairing the details of a traditional design with the simple lines and monochromatic palette of a contemporary style, Martin and Interior Designer, Samantha Ritchie, created a timeless transitionally-styled kitchen that enjoys a sense of spaciousness, balance and harmony. A hard-working design, the kitchen encompasses custom cabinetry, quality finishings, an eat-in island, ample counter space, a concealed television, a coffee bar, china cabinet and functional storage solutions.
“It was the modern, elegant feel of the Ann Sacks geometric tile that set the tone for the entire design,” says Martin. Inspired by the hexagonal pattern, reminiscent of a bee hive, the tile’s unique shape offers a polished sophistication that was an instant hit with the clients. Martin adds that “the shape and subtlety of the tile really helped bridge the kitchen’s design with the vintage flair of the house for an overall cohesive and transitional style.”
Not only did the homeowners want to cook, eat and socialize in their kitchen, but they also wanted to be able to sit at their island and watch their favourite programming on television. Incorporating a television into your kitchen requires some research. Start by reviewing all the places in your kitchen you will want to view from; of course, the higher the tv, the better viewing from a variety of vantage points.
To keep television viewing optional, Good built a cabinet with sliding retractable doors above the range. The tv can be concealed and the retractable doors won’t block the screen for viewing from all angles. Polished stainless steel bar stools are a durable addition and add a touch of shine to the muted palette.
Considering the kitchen’s fairly narrow space, Martin had to get creative with client requirements versus available square-footage. “The downlit coffee bar area is a multi-purpose space that doubles as a china cabinet,” adds Martin. Quartz countertops, in west coast gray, offer a soft but grounding hue in the monochromatic kitchen. Scratch and stain resistant, quartz seemed the ideal choice for this couple thinking long-term. Oak flooring with walnut inlay ties in with the rest of the house and keeps the space feeling warm and inviting.
