The love of the kitchen runs deep at Downsview. For the past five decades, the Toronto based family company has approached sleek counters and elegant cabinetry as an art form. Expect this to manifest in details such as perfectly shaped angular pulls — custom manufactured when the right square handle couldn’t be found on the market — or simply in the harmony of their work, which stems from a deep understanding of how to map out kitchen space. Peruse these four dreamy rooms, all of which possess as much function as good looks.
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
Something about shine and kitchens go so well together. The monotone palette of this look showcases the true star of the space: Light. Mirror-framed glass cabinetry reflects brightness around the room, in turn bouncing off the recycled-glass island top and series of glass pendant lights. Add to that the interior-lit glass cabinet, which floats dramatically in the dark wall, and the result is high style all around. Touchless latches and thoughtful reveals in the cabinetry add to the sleekness of the space.
Modern Reflections Collection
Style Sheet (above)
Surfaces
Perimeter: MODA TM in Rovere Tasso textured laminate
Island: ERA LQ in Shoreline Grey high-gloss lacquer
Cooktop base: Custom ERA SS brushed stainless with mirror stainless trims
Glass wall: Custom mirror stainless door frames
Floor: 18” x 24” Chenille White limestone
Island counter: White Seaglass recycled glass
Perimeter counter: Black Dragon marble
APPLIANCES
Cooktop: Gaggenau
Dishwasher: Bosch
Sink & faucets: Kallista
Pendant: Carlton
ELEGANT THROWBACK
Modern vintage meets classic contemporary in this sleek kitchen. Dark appliances and 40s-style steel-pan window frames form a handsomely moody backdrop for the smooth beige Fior di Bosco polished marble island and milk-glazed cupboards. The light surfaces play off the dark framework to open up the space, while brass details dress it up. The contrast of eras and colours work together for an updated elegance that’s rich in detail and historical design references.
A Touch of Brass, Industrial Chic Collection
Style Sheet
SURFACES
Door style: UNICA G4 in Seapearl Grey milk-finish glaze
Island/pocket doors: UNICA W4 special antiqued stain on Walnut
Floor: 2’ x 4’ Status Matte porcelain tiles
Island counter: Fior di Bosco polished marble
Perimeter Silestone: Dinux
APPLIANCES
La Cornue range: Chateau 120 Ultra Black with brass & SS La Cornue hood: Chateau 165 Ultra Black
Sink: 7’ Galley sink with graphite composite accessories
Faucet: Galley Taps in satin black
Pendant: Restoration Hardware Machinist Glass Cloche 14”
Stools: Restoration Hardware Vintage Toledo Bar Chair black & burnished brass
NATURAL BEAUTY
Nature’s organic materials take centre stage in this relaxed and elegant kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets stretch along the wall, covered in stained walnut with a driftwood effect. It’s a natural foil for the tactile tan-coloured Sapien stone of the long island that sweeps along the open layout like a sandbar. It ends in a dramatic dark brown textured fridge wall that separates the cooktop from the dining and island hangout space. The soothing palette is ideal for gathering and dining.
Bold By Nature Collection
Style Sheet
SURFACES
Coplanar wall: custom UNICA in stained Walnut
Island cooktop base: ERA SS in Vintage Bronze on stainless steel
Refrigeration wall: MIDA TM in Ardesia textured laminate
Floor: Porcelain tiles
Counters and walls: Sapien stone in Pietra Grigia
APPLIANCES
Cooktop, hood top, oven: Miele
Fridge and freezer columns, wine cooler: Sub-Zero
Integrated sink: Sapien stone in Pietra Grigia
Faucet: Newport Brass in oil-rubbed bronze
Pendant: Restoration Hardware Machinist Glass Cloche pendant 14” in Bronze
Stools: Design Within Reach Bottega barstools in chocolate
A NEW AGE
Dubbed Industrial Chic, this modern kitchen alludes to 1940s Californian residential architecture, as well as classic warehouse style. Sleek industrial steel window pans were given an up-to-date twist that also nods to the practical. Stained wire-brushed oak, and burnt umber-milk finish glazed cabinets pair with grey quartzite and black Caesarstone to tie the modern look together. Pendant lights that appear straight out of the era underscore the authentic vintage look.
Industrial Chic Collection
Style Sheet
SURFACES
Perimeter: UNICA O4 in a special stained wire-brushed Oak
Island: UNICA G4 in Burnt Umber milk-finish glaze
Floor: 2’ x 4’ Status Matte porcelain tiles
Island counters: Grey Oasis quartzite
Perimeter Caesarstone: black
APPLIANCES
La Cornue range: Chateau 120 Ultra Black w/brass & SS
La Cornue hood: Chateau 165 Ultra Black
Refrigerator: Sub-Zero
Dishwasher: Miele
Sink: Custom by MEKAL
Faucets: Kohler K-6227 vibrant stainless
Pendant: Restoration Hardware Maritime in weathered zinc
Stools: Restoration Hardware Vintage Toledo bar chair in polished chrome
Photography by Daniel Newcomb