A functional transformation was definitely needed in this renovation. Opening up the original small U‑shaped kitchen into the large sunken breakfast area provided much needed space for the kitchen. Re-grouping the seating area with the large kitchen island and extending the appliance wall to the existing bay window wall greatly improved the flow of circulation. Updates were also required to suit the new homeowner’s taste for a more contemporary style and design.
The challenge presented by the two different floor heights was turned into an advantage of providing regular counter height for the working kitchen area and accommodating bar counter height for the stools at the other end of the level island top. The custom shaped bar top was fabricated from flat cut walnut veneer, bringing warmth to the contemporary colour scheme used throughout. This wood accent was also used for the built-in hood cabinets and L-shaped open shelf.
The built-in fridge was integrated between two drywall columns that were painted with a special finish to match the adjacent cabinetry. The dark grey matte colour chosen for this kitchen brings a lot of character and style to this bright space. The oversized floor tiles compliment tones repeated in the kitchen backsplash and countertop. This higher ratio of light colours balance the dominance of the dark accents perfectly.