Clients often ask how can they fuse modern kitchen design with their traditional style houses.
It is not difficult to incorporate a modern, European-inspired kitchen design in condos. Open-concept kitchen plans, floor-to-ceiling windows, sometimes exposed concrete ceilings and columns, and often modern furniture all call for (or scream for) modern, minimal, sleek, and highly functional kitchen cabinets.
Many Toronto houses, unless purposefully designed and built in a modern style, tend to be more traditional and require more thoughtful planning when incorporating a modern kitchen. The kitchen cabinetry needs to blend seamlessly in non-minimal spaces and be an integral part of the overall house design.
We have identified four key design elements that will help integrate modern kitchen cabinetry into a more traditional house design:
Kitchen cabinetry colours
White or off-white high gloss (glossy) lacquer is a great choice for both minimal modern and luxury modern kitchens. The difference lies in the design elements. For a more traditional (luxury modern) look, the cabinetry should extend all the way to the ceiling. Using thick side panels (approximately 2 inches), wall fillers, and top soffits/fillers helps “calm down” the sleek and minimal, introducing a more substantial and luxurious feel. Other colour elements of luxury modern cabinetry include glossy wood veneers and stainless steel.
Walnut is an excellent choice to combine with high-gloss white. Stainless steel is ideal for appliances and other design elements such as the toe kick (the panel beneath the base cabinets). It visually elevates the cabinetry, adds an expensive look, and creates a durable surface where the base cabinetry meets the floor.
Kitchen countertops
Quarts countertops with a thicker front edge (around 2 inches) work beautifully when connected with the thick side panels in the kitchen. Quartz waterfall edges and quartz backsplashes are great design elements that contribute to both the luxurious aesthetic and the overall cost.
Appliances
Opt for stainless steel and paneled appliances. Ideally, this includes a professional cooktop, double ovens, a speed oven, a paneled fridge, a paneled dishwasher, and a tall paneled wine fridge. While this setup can be quite costly, it is worth it — especially for those who are professional chefs.
Cabinetry handles
Handles are a simple yet significant element of the kitchen. Invest here. Some clients say handles are the “jewelry” of the kitchen. Buy high-quality, expensive handles that you love, as you will be looking at and touching them for many years to come.
