FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE IN STYLE

FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE IN STYLE

When searching for inspiration for a new kitchen design, it’s easy to get swept up in trends—clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, bold colors, and contemporary styles. Mea culpa! I, too, am guilty of this, thanks in part to Instagram’s algorithms constantly showing me the same trending looks. But as a designer, my job is to create spaces that are as unique as the individuals who live in them.

Every new design project requires me to step back from what’s popular and focus instead on what’s personal. My process begins with meeting the homeowners, discovering who they are, and understanding what they truly want in their space. By exploring their home, I can sense how they live and what they aspire to. Their surroundings often reveal more about them than words alone can. Immersing myself in their space, both inside and out, I listen intently to the homeowner’s needs. It’s the collection of these subtle details that guide me toward designing a kitchen that’s one-of-a-kind.

For this particular remodel, I was welcomed into a beautiful home nestled on a private acreage in Summerland, British Columbia. Located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley and surrounded by a private vineyard, the home sits peacefully in a valley where time seems to stand still. The gentle breeze rustles through a magnificent willow tree, moving to nature’s unhurried rhythm. Here, there’s no rush to follow the pace of our modern world. I knew instantly that a contemporary kitchen would clash with the natural, serene landscape surrounding the home.

Instead, my goal was to design a kitchen that felt harmonious with the environment—a space that complements the timeless beauty of the valley and allows the homeowners to feel truly at home.

Her dream was a fully white kitchen. His was two dishwashers. The latter was easy to make happen! And for me? I wanted to infuse a sense of serenity and tranquility, reflecting the calmness of the homeowner. The result: a luxurious and elegant transformation that invites you to pause and appreciate its beauty.

I avoid designing with a single style in mind. Instead, I aim to create spaces that feel timeless, enduring for generations. I incorporate natural elements wherever possible, bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside to help keep us grounded amidst busy lives.

This kitchen and pantry remodel was crafted from solid wood, painted in the classic “Chantilly Lace” white. The interiors feature pre-finished birch plywood and dovetail drawers. The homeowners handpicked the granite slabs at Vancouver’s Ceramstone facility, ensuring the perfect selection. For the backsplash, natural Italian marble introduced a soft variation of color and texture in the predominantly white space. The cedar-wrapped support beam, intentionally left raw, adds natural character, while linen-toned stools and rattan roman shades bring a balanced warmth and texture.

Amid the pandemic, we encountered delays and adjusted our schedule multiple times. Fortunately, by the time we completed the cabinetry, all of the JennAir appliances had arrived. We made in-progress adjustments to the backsplash and cabinet depth as needed. Challenges are inevitable in any project, but quick adaptation is key—something we’ve all practiced over recent years. We were also pleased to donate the original kitchen and appliances to Habitat for Humanity, supporting their wonderful mission to provide affordable housing.

The final result is stunning. The style isn’t too farmhouse, too traditional, or too white. The harmonious blend of subtle textures, white hues, and natural materials brings a sense of peace and richness to this beautiful remodel. In a world of changing trends, it’s the elegant, gentle, and timeless designs that truly endure.

Click here to view the full project in pictures.

Photographs credited to Jon Adrian