A design duo sheds some much needed light and sparkle on a dated kitchen.

Out of the mouths of babes. It wasn’t long after the living and dining rooms of Samantha Traub’s Toronto home had been transformed into glamorous spaces by Style at Home contributing design editor Sam Pynn (the makeover was featured in Style at Home, October 2008) that Samantha’s daughter Stevie asked if and when Sam was going to come back to do the kitchen. “She was four at the time!” says Samantha with a laugh.

While teaching Stevie, now 7, about the virtue of patience, Samantha couldn’t deny that the 112-square-foot kitchen was in serious need of help. “We had this beautiful living and dining room, but a really unattractive kitchen,” she says. “I just wanted to close the door and forget about it.” In the cramped, ramshackle space, an ill-planned layout, lack of storage and old appliances made it difficult for Samantha, an entertainment lawyer, and her husband, David Koffman, a historian, to cook a meal, let alone entertain or enjoy family time in the kitchen with Stevie and Oriolle, their one-year-old daughter.

So this year, the couple decided to take the reno plunge. They called on Sam, who gladly agreed to take on the project.
 

 

Before: Kitchen

 

 

After: Kitchen
In the kitchen, traditional elements – panelled cabinetry and Bianco marble subway tiles – are juxtaposed with a contemporary DuPont Corian kitchen countertop and stainless-steel appliances. A wall was removed, allowing the crown moulding and a new peninsula that provides extra work surface and storage to delineate the space.

 

 

New kitchen appliances
“In our old kitchen, the stove was too small, the freezer was broken, the dishwasher wasn’t really cleaning anymore, and there was no venting for the range hood, so the fan would blow cooking smells further into the house,” says Samantha. New appliances include a commercial-look gas range and hood that serve as a substantial focal point. The tall, narrow fridge allowed for more flexibility when designing the small space.

 

 

A classic vibe
Fresh hydrangeas placed in a white pitcher speak to the kitchen’s classic vibe.

 

 

The kitchen's peninsula
The peninsula is packed with a dishwasher, a built-in microwave, drawers for cutlery and placemats, as well as a large drawer for pots and pans,” says David.

 

 

Before: Mud room
 

 

 

After: A connecting mud room
“We have no front hall closet, so a coat closet was something we desperately needed,” says Samantha. The kitchen cabinetry and flooring were extended into the mud room for a seamless effect.

 

 

Cabinetry wall
The wall of cabinetry in the mud room holds seasonal kitchen items, kids’ art supplies and fabulous home office accessories.

 

 

Mud room counter
In the mud room, the floral Roman shade adds a hit of colour, and the counter provides a spot to display pretty objects.