Words by Adrienne Dyer. Photos by Jody Beck.
When the owners of this custom build on Bear Mountain first set out to design their new home, they wanted to depart from the very traditional elements of their previous dwelling. A more contemporary space with modern elements was the answer. Smooth, uncomplicated cabinetry by Harbour City Kitchens director, Tim Philipchalk balances colour, form, and texture; yet look closely, and layers of elaborate detail become apparent within the clean design.
At the heart of this home’s sophisticated blend of simplicity and intricacy are the slab panel cabinet doors, finished in a visually rich combination of high-gloss white and natural wood. In the kitchen, linear drawer pulls on minimalist doors allow for rows of island drawers and a combination of open and closed upper cabinets, without disrupting the clean-lined aesthetic. The purity of space is further enhanced by a white backsplash, quartz countertops with subtle grey veining, white ceiling and walls, and stainless appliances, all washed in natural light from untreated picture windows.
Although modern design often takes a minimalist approach, this design instead employs beautifully crafted cabinetry with simple lines and a limited palette to allow for intricate details easily embraced by the contemporary aesthetic. The result is a highly functional home with interest, balance and a serene expression of modern style.
In such pristine surroundings, a trio of dark olive built-ins contrast dramatically, allowing the horizontal grain and cabinetry features to shine. A china cabinet displays treasured pieces through a single panel glass door, while the stainless fridge and wall oven are framed by dark storage cabinets to maximize function in the well-organized space.
Opposite, a coffee and wine bar add casual, rustic charm in the form of floating shelves installed over a chalkboard wall. Dropped ceiling panels balance the rich colour, drawing the eye to the geometric pendant cage lights, which hover above the island for a touch of glamour. Mocha floors strike a balance between contrasting brown and white, tying everything together in a way that anchors the space and reflects the outdoor landscape.
The powder room features the same linear cabinetry, with one long open shelf beneath creamy white quartz. The floating shelves and back panel create a feature wall scaled to fit the small room. For added interest, the tile wall, horizontal wood grain cabinets and angled flooring create a relaxed, artistic play of pattern that adds complexity to the contemporary design scheme.
In the master ensuite bathroom, Philipchalk installed dual floating vanities over tile floors, with open linen shelving for a spa-inspired look enhanced by underlighting. Although the cabinetry matches, each vanity features a different sink style: above the counter and undermount. Smooth quartz countertops tie the two styles together in this elegant ensuite.
A combination of quartz and wood countertops maximize functionality in the well-organized laundry room, where Philipchalk installed upper and lower slab door cabinetry with vertical, curved handles and a handy hanging rod above a stainless sink. As with the rest of the home, simplicity gets a touch of intricate detail, this time in the diamond shaped tile backsplash with its varying depths of cool, aqua blue.
