Kitchen

Kitchen renovation: Functional and contemporary

Kitchen renovation: Functional and contemporary

An outdated condo kitchen becomes a bright, functional space Author: Donna Griffith

Kitchen

Kitchen renovation: Functional and contemporary

A cramped, unwelcoming 1980s condo kitchen undergoes a major makeover to suit its discerning octogenarian owner.


When retired theatrical set designer Sheila Siegerman stopped driving, she went shopping for a condo in downtown Toronto within walking distance of amenities. The downside of the spacious unit she picked was its cramped, windowless kitchen. A renovation was in order, and she knew full well what to expect, having experienced a few over the years. “Of course, one of the dangers of starting a renovation are the words, ‘while we’re at it...’” she jokes. Not that Sheila has regrets: In fact, she was involved at every stage of the project, and even hit up some stores with her designer, Peter Brooks of BedfordBrooks Design.

When Sheila was introduced to Peter by her real estate agent, she told him exactly what she wanted: a bright and functional kitchen. Peter drew up a few layouts before Sheila decided on one that featured lots of cabinetry, a small breakfast bar and a coffee nook to house her luncheon dishes and cookbooks. “Eliminating cabinets over the cooktop really opened up the space,” explains Peter, adding that having narrow drawer columns on either side of it creates a strong focal point that also widens the space.

Budget breakdown
Here’s what it’ll cost you to get the look of this kitchen.

Design: $9,700 (Includes project coordination fees)
Construction: $22,500 (Includes demolition and installation of electrical, plumbing, millwork, lighting, countertops and backsplash and floor tiles)
Materials: $44,700 (Includes custom cabinetry, coun- tertops, backsplash and floor tiles, appliances, sink, faucet, light fixtures and cabinetry hardware)
Total cost: $76,900

 

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Kitchen renovation: Functional and contemporary

Kitchen problem before

A dark, outdated condo kitchen.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lesley Young Source: Donna Griffith; Styling by Morgan Lindsay

Kitchen renovation: Functional and contemporary

Kitchen layout solution

Hire a pro to create a functional contemporary space for the 160 sq. ft. kitchen.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lesley Young Source: Donna Griffith; Styling by Morgan Lindsay

Kitchen renovation: Functional and contemporary

Breakfast bar

The breakfast bar was lowered to the same height as the counter for ease of use and a level sightline. “I didn’t want to add furniture, so a breakfast bar with stools was just right for enjoying a cup of coffee,” says homeowner Sheila Siegerman. Initial plans included a second vaulted ceiling, but existing ductwork kiboshed the idea.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lesley Young Source: Donna Griffith; Styling by Morgan Lindsay

Kitchen renovation: Functional and contemporary

A coffee nook

“I originally wanted a small desk area, but there just wasn’t any room,” says Sheila, who ended up being delighted with the coffee nook.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lesley Young Source: Donna Griffith; Styling by Morgan Lindsay

Kitchen renovation: Functional and contemporary

Finding the right backsplash

The stunning porcelain floor tiles create lots of movement for the eye, while quartz countertops offer plenty of stain-free prep space. “A big challenge was finding a backsplash that didn’t fight with the floor,” says the designer, who eventually got the right look in a Calacatta marble with touches of cocoa.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lesley Young Source: Donna Griffith; Styling by Morgan Lindsay

Kitchen renovation: Functional and contemporary

Pantry space

A tall, shallow pantry directly behind the breakfast bar houses canned goods. The Calacatta marble backsplash with hints of cocoa complements the quartz countertops and highly striated porcelain-tiled floor. The painting by Canadian artist Graham Noble Norwell adds some colour.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lesley Young Source: Donna Griffith; Styling by Morgan Lindsay

Kitchen renovation: Functional and contemporary

Pullout shelves

Pullout shelves were a must for this mature homeowner. Traditional cabinetry hardware contrasts elegantly with the modern cabinets.

Image by: Style at Home By: Lesley Young Source: Donna Griffith; Styling by Morgan Lindsay

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Kitchen

Kitchen renovation: Functional and contemporary