Classic Kitchen
This project started from a customer’s wish list of features they wanted incorporated into their kitchen. Major items were: an island that would fit six to eight people, a four foot built-in-fridge, a four foot Wolf gas range, a panelled dishwasher, two wine coolers, two double bins pull out garbage’s and, if possible, to fit a small TV. This place is located in downtown Oakville; a townhouse with a medium sized kitchen on the second floor. When we looked at the space it seemed impossible to even physically get those appliances to the second floor, not to mention actually the actual installation. The owners really wanted to have exactly what they had planned and nobody could talk them out of those ideas… and the list did not stop there. They also requested to add in a dumbwaiter into the kitchen since they are an older couple.

After many hours of braking walls and brainstorming in search of the right solution, it finally happened. We figured out a way and create a layout that would actually fit all those things that they wished to have in their new dream kitchen.
Customers like to entertain and have friends over for some wine socials. Many of the non-bearing walls were removed to create an open concept kitchen and connect the two rooms with an island that would fit eight of their closest friends.

Most parts of the kitchen were manufactured at the warehouse. Cabinets were made out of formaldehyde free melamine. Blum under mounted stainless slides were used for all the drawers. Decorative corbels were custom carved by our on-site professional wood carver. Because of the oversized appliances, we tried to use every inch possible into order to not lose any space. Pull out spice racks were put into decorative posts. Small cabinets have the pullout for spices. Decorative hood and panelling of the dumbwaiter was done on-site and then brought back to the shop for finishing.
In order to get the fridge and stove up to the second floor, one of the walls dividing hallway and the stairs had to be temporarily removed. Many people had to carry the appliances up the stairs (which was not an easy task).
The project had to be well organized and planned in order to bring all pieces to their final location. All parties involved had to communicate and work together to complete the project successfully and on time. Because of the complexity of the project, we fell 4 weeks behind schedule. However, both our customers and company ended up satisfied. It turned out to be beautiful, functional kitchen renovation. One thing we realized in this process has stayed with us ever since: there is always another side to the word impossible. Anything is possible.

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Classical French Delight

These homeowners were building their house and they wanted a kitchen that would fit into their everyday life as a functional get together place. They wanted the kitchen to look classy and have more than one focal point; not wanting to end up with an overwhelming look, it was a requirement that each area have its own place.

They didn’t really know if they should include a centre island. After evaluating their needs and wants we came to the conclusion that they would like to have overhand for 3 people sitting comfortably. A large peninsula was the solution. Using a peninsula provided more storage as well as a larger overhang than the size of the island. Two decorative leaf corbels made it very presentable from the nice open area of the family room and highlighted the classic look. The same leaf design in a larger form was used on the decorative hood which created a union between the front and the main focal point of the kitchen.
The upper cabinet over the peninsula was designed with a detailed classic stained-glass design which was repeated on both diagonal upper corner cabinets. Some pieces of the stained glass were matched with the color of the countertop and the stone backsplash. All the glass cabinets had glass shelves and lights which were put on a separate switch.

A decorative valance over the window, as well as the decorative hood, was brought to the ceiling with the same size cabinets on each end keeping the window and stove area balanced as well as creating unique and interesting focal points. Woodcarving applied on the window valance had very similar designs and characteristics as the corbels and decorative pieces in the middle of the hood.

The customer’s kitchen wish list was completed successfully by establishing a few focal points, connecting all the pieces and making a classic design with a slight French influence.