Fine English-style cabinetry and a coy pop of deep purple on the island give this kitchen regal pedigree.

The kitchen in this 1893 Victorian house in Toronto had been stripped of its character. “It was like a 1980s doctor’s laboratory vibe with grey melamine,” says designer Jack Creasy, who rehabilitated it to gorgeous effect. “The homeowners like to entertain, cook and enjoy the space. There was nothing to bring you joy before.” To pay homage to the vintage of the house, Jack opted for classical English cabinetry. “It’s furniture fitted for a kitchen,” he says of the cabinets by Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry, a company known for their handmade English-framed cabinetry. Then Jack layered in luxurious elements: brass, marble and apothecary detailing, and that fetching purple island, resulting in a timeless space with a touch of sass.

Historic Details

 

Photography, Patrick Biller

A 36-inch Sub-Zero fridge disappears behind black cabinetry that’s “reminiscent of a traditional apothecary,” says designer Jack Creasy. Beside the black armoire-like fridge is a wall pantry. Meanwhile, the
24 old-timey square drawers, with dashing black-and-brass pulls,
conceal deep drawers for snacks. To the left, the hutch opens to reveal
a microwave and coffee station. Grey and black invites contrast and
elevated intrigue, as do dark brown herringbone floors.

 

Photography, Patrick Biller

Design, Jack Creasy. Cabinetry, Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry. General
Contractor, Woodland Construction. PAINT, Pavilion Gray 242 (grey cabinetry), Farrow & Ball; Onyx 2133-10 (black cabinetry), Benjamin Moore. Jazz Collection HARDWARE, MYOH.

“Classic clean lines and traditional details are wrapped in bold, dramatic colouration. I like the mix. I love a classic structure with bold styling.”

Metal Mettle

The metal mesh wall pantry “breaks up all the cabinetry,” says Jack. The homeowners’ good china is tucked behind the brass doors. The solid door (to the left of the mesh doors; opposite page, bottom) cleverly conceals a plumbing pipe. The hand-forged range hood is a showstopper with its beautiful patina. It combines aged zinc with a satin brass band and rivets. “It ties in with the screw-rivet detail on the pendants,” says Jack.

 

Photography, Patrick Biller

Purple Reign

The island is lashed in a lulling shade of aubergine. “People yearn for more than a grey and white room,” says the designer. “I do love colour!” Jack’s signature move is to incorporate bold hues into his projects. This kitchen’s palette was inspired by a painting in the dining room (just visible through the doorway, above).

 

Photography, Patrick Biller

Set in Stone

 

Photography, Patrick Biller

“The island has a waterfall on three sides so it appears as a solid block of stone when you enter the kitchen from the dining room,” says Jack. The accessible side features a panelled Miele dishwasher and a four-bin waste-and-recycling station. All of the cabinetry has Bloomsbury’s signature hand-painted finish for that true English look and feel. As an added detail, the brass pulls feature a metal plate that also beefs up the durability.

 

Photography, Patrick Biller

Mitchell Gold DINING SET, Thomas O’Brien’s Hicks PENDANTS, Elte. Footed BOWL (on island), Crate and Barrel. PAINT, Pelt 254 (island), Farrow & Ball. Perrin & Rowe’s Holborn FAUCET, House of Rohl. Sub-Zero FRIDGE, Wolf RANGE, Miele DISHWASHER, Tasco Appliances. Calacatta Lincoln marble COUNTERTOPS, Select Surfaces Corp. HOOD INSERT, Vent-a-Hood.