Words by Adrienne Dyer. Photos by Jody Beck.
An Uplands heritage home gets a complete, down-to- the-studs renovation, featuring comprehensive millwork and cabinetry designs by Urbana Kitchens. Inspired by a European sensibility, where minimalist elements rest comfortably within heritage bones, the homeowners wanted a modern reinterpretation that was bright and uplifting, but also well-planned to ensure everything had its place.
Guided by this vision, the Urbana team set about creating spaces that would fuse contemporary simplicity within a classic building design, which would serve each member of the homeowners’ busy family. Blending the modern aesthetic into a traditional home and balancing the tension between the two distinct styles took careful planning.
The original hallway arch serves as an elegant gateway between old and new — two styles that meld seamlessly into the dining room and kitchen. Flat-panel kitchen cabinet doors and channel hardware provide a comfortable contrast with the dining room’s character details that feel like they’ve always been there, like the intricate wall panelling and the floor-to-ceiling fireplace cabinets, finished with decorative handles and raised-panel doors. To create visual flow between the two rooms, the fireplace cabinets feature the same rich grey as the sleek, modern island in the kitchen.
Faced with limited wall space, Urbana set the integrated fridge and wall ovens into a flush storage wall, which also conceals a chimney stack. Full extension, heavy-duty drawers hold dishes and cookware beneath the island and the sink. Caesarstone Rugged Concrete countertops, which are actually engineered quartz, provide the look of natural concrete without the maintenance or porosity.
In the mudroom, locker-style, open storage provides organization for each family member, with large drawers under the window bench seat, and additional cabinetry for dog toys and leashes next to a convenient dog wash station. In the bathrooms, vessel sinks and U-shaped drawers maximize storage around the plumbing, concealed behind seamless drawer panels for a clean look.
The visual conversation between time- honoured tradition and contemporary elements is reiterated throughout the house, while preserving the best of the home’s history. The Urbana team struck the perfect balance with timeless millwork throughout, so that this modern take on a traditional theme feels right at home.
