"She is so cute!” declares designer Patti Wilson of her clients’ five-year-old daughter. “The moment she spied the bench seat, she hopped up and laid right down. She was definitely claiming her space!” Nothing could have been more in line with the design goals for this home in Woodbridge, Ont. For years, the family of three had been making do (while bumping into one another) in a cut-off kitchen with a clunky cube-shaped island. Having large gatherings was a cramped ordeal. Patti’s fix: remove walls, reclaim space and create multiple hang-out zones. Now when they entertain, everyone has a seat – bet you know who gets the comfy bench.

Navy Nook

Designer Patti Wilson removed two walls to turn an awkward space by the stairs into a chic dining nook. The marble table nestles into the bench seat, which is covered in performance fabric, as are the chairs. A sconce brightens up the rich navy wall. “Scuff-proof paint is great for walls like this that get lots of wear and tear,” says Patti. Mauve hints in the tabletop and window shade have subtle depth.

 

Photography, Mike Chajecki

Go Big & Go Blue

A nine-foot island with a deep-blue base and plenty of cabinetry makes prep work an orderly experience. Soft tones of blue and grey run through the marble tile backsplash. Patti chose antique-brass fittings for the large pendants and wood tones for the wishbone counter stools to make the space warm for visiting friends and family.

 

Photography, Mike Chajecki

DESIGN, MILLWORK, custom BENCH, TABLE, CHAIRS, PILLOWS,
WINDOW SHADE, Patti Wilson Design. PAINT, Sea Mariner SW-9640 (island, breakfast nook wall), Sherwin-Williams; Simply White OC-117 (millwork), Benjamin Moore. FLOORS, White Oak Tundra, Superior Flooring. BENCH SEAT FABRIC, Fabricut. SCONCE, Circa Lighting. BACKSPLASH, Brento Tile. PENDANTS, Rejuvenation.