Words by Michelle Heslop. Photos by Dasha Armstrong.
Even one person can feel like too many cooks in the kitchen when your prep space is no bigger than a shoe box. For these condo owners, the tight quarters in the kitchen was restricting their ability to enjoy cooking and entertaining. The professional couple turned to Marika Beise at Rock Paper Square to transform their 924-square-foot condo into a light and bright, Scandinavian-inspired space that would feel more like a custom-built home.
The designer’s first step was to revitalize the practical elements of the kitchen to foster a customized feel for this couple who like to entertain regularly. Creating an eat-in kitchen where people could gather was a priority for the homeowners who wanted to use the designated dining space as a sitting room instead of a formal dining area. The quartz-top, eat-in bar would be the workhorse of the area, providing ample custom storage opportunities while serving as the home’s dining area, a comfortable seating area for guests, and often a workspace.
To create a bespoke look and feel, the existing cabinets were extended to the ceiling and wisely implemented in a rift-cut white oak, along with the island, to bring the space a fresh, visually calming vibe. “It still feels West Coast but the vertical grain brings a modern streamlined feel,” says Marika, who chose Ann Sacks tile in a matte finish for the backsplash.
The designer punctuated the neutral space with matte-black accessories like the hardware pulls and knobs, the kitchen faucet and the Blanco Horizon sink in Anthracite.
On the kitchen side of the island, three large pull out drawers measuring two feet wide and three feet high provide room for large pots and pans.
On the outside of the island, Pacific Rim Interiors continued the millwork cabinetry around the bottom of the structural column so it would visually disappear into the counter. Open shelving keeps the room airy and personalizes the space with the couple’s favourite objet d’art.
This small space revitalization distinctly balances form and function where an intentional “less is more” mantra offers oversized inspiration. By pushing the design boundaries, Marika set a benchmark for what condo living can be using coastal elements in an urban setting.
