Look inside 3 fresh kitchens
Between breakfast, lunch and dinner, kitchens can be chaos. But, as the owners of these Canadian kitchens reveal, clever design (and loads of hidden storage) can turn the hardest-working room in the house into a tranquil modern retreat
Matthew Carmichael’s 11-by-17-foot kitchen was designed with two principal goals in mind: maximum functionality and tranquillity.Blair Gable for The Globe and Mail
The stainless-steel portion of the island makes a perfect prep station, out fitted with sink, dishwasher and plenty of drawers to hide tea towels, kitchen tools and cutlery.Blair Gable for The Globe and Mail
Carmichael replaced a bay window with a large single pane and a glass- panelled door to create the illusion of more space.Blair Gable for The Globe and Mail
The refrigerator is hidden behind high-gloss IKEA cabinetry to keep visual clutter to a minimum.Blair Gable for The Globe and Mail
The artwork, a memento from a trip to Australia, provides a jolt of personality.Blair Gable for The Globe and Mail
The island’s walnut surround is raised to create a cleverly concealed storage spot for bowls and plates.Blair Gable for The Globe and Mail
The kitchen belonging to Hélène Deneault and Jacques Boily features a garage door that creates a strong link between their indoor and outdoor spaces. A series of large windows make the narrow galley feel light and airy, and put a windowbox of herbs within reach.Handout | Angus McRitchie
A walk-in pantry is tucked behind floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. They left room under the stairs for an off-the-kitchen bathroom.Will Lew for The Globe and Mail
The fridge is also hidden behind the wood wall.Handout | Angus McRitchie
An alcove under the stairs contains the oven and cooktop, a hidden hood and a granite prep station.Handout | Angus McRitchie
When John and Patsy Bell designed their kitchen, environmental sensitivity and their young family were top of mind.Kristin Sjaarda for The Globe and Mail
The Nguni chairs, handcrafted in Africa from Kiaat wood and woven cord seats and purchased at Snob in Toronto, add depth and visual drama to the monochromatic room.Kristin Sjaarda for The Globe and Mail
Custom whiteash cabinet doors conceal a stainlesssteel Energy Star refrigerator from view to bolster the kitchen’s predominantly white palette.Kristin Sjaarda for The Globe and Mail
The microwave is stowed in a niche built into the island, keeping it within close range of the fridge.Kristin Sjaarda for The Globe and Mail
The custom dining table is made from the same untreated white oak as the floors: “The idea was to make it seem like it was melting into the floor,” Patsy Bell says.Kristin Sjaarda for The Globe and Mail