So when Barroso began conceptualizing a modern home she was building in a leafy Toronto neighbourhood,
she naturally turned to Gaggenau for inspiration. Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, Barroso
begins each project there, shaping the design to suit each homeowner’s unique lifestyle. Do they have
kids? Do they like to entertain? Do they love to cook or bake? “Very personal situations should
influence how your kitchen looks and functions, so it truly services how you live,” says Barroso. In
this case, however, she started before a client was attached to the project, giving herself the
opportunity to design the kitchen as she pleased. Essentially, Borroso became her own dream client. “It
was a chance to try new things and really go for it,” she says.
If Barroso designs homes starting with the kitchen, she designs kitchens starting with the appliances.
Space was plentiful, allowing her to add every appliance on her ultimate kitchen wish list. To give a
home chef the tools they need to be quick and creative without ever having to compromise, Barroso
included Gaggenau’s 30-inch wall oven and 24-inch microwave, and designed a cooktop that combines the
Vario series 36-inch gas cooktop, 15-inch steamer, and 15-inch teppan yaki, which can sear at 465 F or
gently keep food warm at a minimal setting.
“The teppan yaki handles everything from pancakes to grilled shrimp and vegetables or a perfect steak.
There are no grills for food to fall through and it cleans up easily. It’s a must-have,” she says.
A busy family or frequent host will never run out of cold storage between the Gaggenau Vario 24-inch built-in
stainless-steel refrigerator and 24-inch freezer, complimented by a Vario wine climate cabinet. The
ultra-luxury brand’s fully automated built-in espresso machine ensures the first cup of the day is the best
one. Every Gaggenau product is thoroughly vetted and tested before reaching the market – a meticulous
development process that takes about five years to complete. “Gaggenau consistently incorporates
cutting-edge technology into its appliances,” says Barroso.
In addition to providing exceptional performance, Barroso set out to imbue the kitchen with a sense of
glamour – an adjective not often associated with minimalism. “This is where everyone will hang out during
parties, so it needed to be a kitchen in which you can be the consummate host,” she says. Given this, she
chose finishing touches that are sleek and sophisticated. “Those characteristics needed to carry through to
the appliances, as well as being super functional,” she adds. “Sleek and modern designs add a touch of
luxury to a kitchen, and Gaggenau places a strong emphasis on the aesthetics of its appliances.”
A 20-foot-long island invites people to gather and graze charcuterie boards with a glass of wine in hand.
Like the counters and backsplash, the island is clad in a swirling grey marble that will naturally patina
over time like the tabletops in a favourite French bistro. The stone surface is a warming counterpoint to
the lacquered flat front cabinets Barroso chose for their simplicity, durability and shine.
Nestled in between the upper cabinets, Gaggenau’s 36-inch wall hood is an arresting focal point that visually
links the cooking and cooling areas. Two downdraft vents in the cooktop offer additional ventilation. “I
wanted to see the stainless steel because I love its contemporary look,” says Barroso.
