Words by Michelle Heslop. Photography by Jody Beck.
Having worked with Kyler Davlovsky, principal of IKAN Installations Inc, on their previous home, these homeowners knew they wanted to incorporate an IKEA kitchen in their custom designed and built home at Shawnigan Lake. A restaurant owner and health industry professional, the couple had specific requests for their custom kitchen and collaborated with Craig Gibson Design and IKAN to design a kitchen that would provide an efficient workflow, ample storage, and plenty of room for entertaining. Currently used as a weekend home while they downsize their other properties, the lakeside retreat will eventually become their permanent residence.
“We were hired from the ground level of the plan so every detail of this kitchen was well thought out,” says Davlovsky, who adds that the couple was drawn to the customization aspect of IKEA cabinetry as well as its top-of-the-line Blum hardware, and an impressive 25-year warranty. “Our clients don’t always realize that we can customize IKEA cabinetry, modifying heights, widths, and depths, as well as tailor cabinet doors to make each unique kitchen function optimally.”
The kitchen features a showstopping ten-by-five-foot island with seating to serve as the hub of the space. Grimslov IKEA cabinetry on the island is accessorized with IKEA’s drawer-within-a-drawer system to maximize storage while the upper cabinets were taken to the top of the 9-foot ceilings to emphasize the room’s voluminous feeling. A row of windows provides a unique light-filled alternative to a backsplash while casting light across the countertops.
Vancouver Island white marble countertops reflect light around the room while the porcelain tile backsplash is installed in a vertical orientation to accentuate the ceiling height. A thoughtfully placed bar fridge is accessible from the dining area and outdoor deck while the IKEA farmhouse sink is in good company with black Richelieu pulls and handles to present a rustic rural feel.
“Kitchen design is a balancing act of where to get the best value so you can create breathing room in your budget,“ states Davlovsky, who adds that their in-house design team works closely with clients to save money on design and materials in order to splurge on accents like countertops and lighting that can make your kitchen unique to you.
