When approached by a builder in Oakville, Ont., to create something truly one of a kind, Martin Guzda had the solution: White, glam, lots of metal. “He wanted something very unique, something you can’t pick up off a shelf,” says Guzda who runs Flexwood Fine Cabinetry with his father Walter. The effect is immediate and impactful. With prominent metal work and high-gloss panels, this kitchen is not for the faint of heart.
Guzda took the metal inspiration further by having a chunky bank of drawers custom fabricated by a local metalworker in stainless steel with an elegant mirror finish. The approach was fun and experimental. “We had him mock up some concepts on the fly,” says Guzda. “It was very tough to put together.” But clearly, it was worth the effort. There were a few other challenges in the process that resulted in beautiful, design-changing solutions. “The high-gloss materials only come in certain lengths, so we designed metal chrome reveals to make it work.” The result is indeed unique, almost futuristic. To light up the space, geometric pendant lights echo the modern view, while LED lighting around the fridges and canopy further accentuate the metal detailing.
Nothing spells comfort like natural materials; its restful on the eye and soulful to the touch. In this west Toronto home, wenge-wood veneer cabinets envelop the room without being overbearing. With lighter tones in a matte finish, the look feels current. The showstopper, though, is a ceiling-height glass cabinet for wine and curiosities. Simple and refined, it delineates the kitchen while leading your eye into the adjoining dining room.
In lieu of a heavy centre island, Guzda built integrated floating cabinets on the island that break up the mass and leave breathing room both visually and physically. For the upper cabinets, touch latches were used to keep the look sleek and elegant, with Guzda sourcing understated hardware from Blum.
Guzda was inspired to take up the craft of cabinetmaking after spending his youth shadowing his dad on the job. The two work in tandem to craft bespoke kitchens and bathrooms (along with furniture). Their portfolio reads as a list of beautifully disparate styles, from traditional to ultra-modern, each reflecting the homeowner’s vision and crafted with care.
