While Gerry and Mirella loved pretty much everything about their warm and inviting Thornhill, Ont., home, they weren’t fond of the most used room in the house. At 200 square feet, the kitchen was cramped, poorly lit, had minimal storage and it just didn’t fit their lifestyle — they enjoy hosting lively weekend dinners with their kids and grandchildren. So, they turned to Georgian Custom Renovations to fix their kitchen-party woes.
INTEGRATED TECH
There were several wish-list additions Georgian brought to fruition, including satisfying Gerry’s desire to watch TV while cooking. “We installed a 32-inch TV on retractable brackets inside the millwork in the cabinet above the appliance garage,” says Gene Maida, president of Georgian Custom Renovations.
EYE-CATCHING FEATURES
After extensive renovations, the couple ended up with an impeccably designed 400 square-foot kitchen — with plenty of storage and countertop space — that better suits their needs. “When you walk into the kitchen, you now see the stainless-steel vent hood surrounded by a Calacatta slab backsplash that merges seamlessly into the countertop. That area has become the focal point,” says Maida.
HIGH-END APPLIANCES
They chose a French double-door Monogram oven and a Wolf cooktop, which is flanked by drawers for pots and cutlery.
PERFECT PALETTE
White upper cabinets and grey lowers combined with black pendants and a waterfall countertop impart a sense of drama. Grounding the space is beautiful black-walnut hardwood installed on the diagonal, which creates a dynamism to the room.
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
“We added a very modern and straight-lined crown moulding, which adds to the contemporary aesthetic of the kitchen,” says Maida. A mix of warm materials and cool finishes really gives the room character.
A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING
The layout ensures each commonly used appliance was put in the most convenient spot, allowing for smooth traffic flow and seamless prep work and cooking.
HIDDEN GEMS
A sleek Monogram drawer microwave was built into the 10-foot-long island, which comfortably seats six.
Photography by Larry Arnal