Kitchen Bliss >

Do you remember back in the fall I wrote about “Tips on How to Survive a Home Renovation?”
Well, I did survive it! My pups did too! And now I have a stunning space where I look forward to working, cooking and entertaining. Let me tell you about it …

As you may recall, I have wanted to renovate my kitchen since I moved into this home four years ago. I did a small facelift to hold me over while I saved for the Big Reno. The kitchen was originally a very tight, uninspiring, galley kitchen, separated for the rest of the main floor. Knowing a big reno would come, I was always on the lookout for things I love, that inspired me, and that I might want to have in my dream kitchen.

I don’t do this in all spaces but for my own space I chose my appliances first. I knew I wanted the new Sunset Bronze collection from Whirlpool. It’s the crème-de-la-crème of this kitchen. They have a traditional and a contemporary line in this stunning new colour option. With a brushed, satin finish and rose gold undertones this fingerprint resistant set brings subtle warmth to any kitchen, which I love. I selected the 30” wide French door refrigerator, Smart Front Control Electric Range, and Smart Dishwasher. These appliances are just perfect for the entertainer – I especially love the new range’s warming feature and put it to good use!

After I chose the cololur of the appliances I chose to go – you guessed it – white for the rest of it! I kept my entire kitchen and main floor the same colour for a cohesive, continual look. Using one colour for an entire open concept area not only kept it coordinated, it made the area feel larger and connected. I choose Para paint in Jojo whitewash PF 17. (Yes, that is “my” paint – it’s a shade of white I just love because of its clean, bright finish.)

Then onto the look and feel of the kitchen elements – starting with the cabinets. I worked with DV Kitchen and Bath to find just the right option for a clean, streamlined look, and they helped me find it! I decided on flat panel front but in trendy gloss white! The gloss helps to bounce light and creates the illusion of a larger space. Plus these cabinets are super easy to wipe down to keep that new look and feel.

Not wanting to clutter up the look of the new, sleek, streamlined cabinets, I selected GRASS soft close hardware. GRASS is the hidden gem in any cabinet system – my cabinets push closed silently, and open with a gentle touch. My drawers all close silently – no more banging. While these systems are great for everyday life, imagine how great it is not to have a banging cupboard doors or slamming drawer while entertaining. Check out GRASS at grasscanada.com and while you’re there you can see the drawer system we used here, Nova Pro Scala. This system from GRASS will keep my drawers gliding smoothly, opening easily, and looking perfectly aligned.

In this space I wanted to go with a waterfall island. I choose Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo. This countertop is a stunning, subtle countertop that truly is the center of attention in the kitchen. I often get asked why I choose a primarily white countertop when I choose white cabinets: It creates the illusion of a much larger space, it looks cohesive, clean and so coordinated. It gave the exact feel I wanted for my new kitchen. Don’t be afraid to have your countertops the same colour as your cabinets – look how great it looks in my kitchen!

With your countertops this is going to be one of the bigger investments in you kitchen. As such, you are going to want to ensure it’s installed properly. I turned to the folks at Renovare Marble and Granite. They were absolute professionals – leaving the countertops installed perfectly! Check them out on Instagram at @renovare_marble_and_granite

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a hundred times. The faucet is the gem in the kitchen. For my space I went with Delta’s Trinsic single handle pull down in champagne bronze. I love this faucet for so many reasons! First, the design is simply smart and elegant, with an integrated pull down wand. Next, the colour is a modern take on gold that pairs well with stainless steel sinks and my appliances (but more on that in a moment!).

Now down to the flooring. I went a bit trendy with the herringbone style floor, but I used a classic and timeless marble tile to balance the trendiness. The result is amazing – and ties the cupboards, countertops, closet and paint all together. This tile came from Creekside where they have an amazing selection of trendy and classic options. This is where knowing your colour scheme and the feel you want to create comes in handy – all that choice could be overwhelming! www.creeksideitle.com

In my house, the HVAC piping went up through one of the kitchen walls I wanted to remove, making a full open concept impossible. While I was originally bummed about having to keep the piping there, a small closet was created to hide the HVAC. I now love this closet - it is a fun architectural focal point, where I was able to add display shelves and texture. To create a perfect finish and get a properly sized door for this closet, I used Metrie’s True Craft Collection.


Now for the stunning finishing touches. The dishware and stools were found on Wayfair Canada. They have such an extensive collection of affordable options and offer free shipping. These stools are elegant, simple and have brass accents that I could not do without.

The blinds are TriLight that offer a unique combination of sheer pleated shade on the top and a honeycomb shade on the bottom. It’s a perfect combination of a softened top view and UV protection at the bottom. It’s like having three looks in one – all sheer, all privacy or half and half. This design is exclusive to Budget Blinds, and I can tell you, the service at the south Etobicoke location was wonderful.

The lighting came from Artcraft Lighting. They have such a wonderful collection! You can literally find whatever you might want to install. In my kitchen I choose to go for lights with brass stems, accents and posts. They are just stunning! They look wonderful with the appliances, faucet and the accent pieces I choose.

And pillows! I love pillows! That’s why I have a great line of pillows at Alcorn Home which I included in my sitting area to make it the perfect place to curl up and sip a cup of tea. This kitchen is now bright and clean, the perfect place to sit at the island doing some work emails or sitting back looking out all the windows on the main floor. I just love the energy within the space now.

Once all the dust was cleaned, every last item was installed, once my construction company Make It Right Corp. had packed up, I was left with a space I just love. A space I was proud to call home. A space I want to come home to and entertain in. And that’s how I know every last decision was worth the deliberation and consideration. And I picked right … just like you will!