Zen and the Art of Stylish Kitchen Design
The warm earthy tones of ribbon striped Mahogany and Jatoba harmonize effortlessly with brushed stainless steel surfaces in this artfully remodeled kitchen. The contrasting colors, textures and surfaces comingle to create a strikingly contemporary and functional environment.
The warm earthy tones of ribbon striped Mahogany and Jatoba harmonize effortlessly with brushed stainless steel surfaces in this artfully remodeled kitchen. The contrasting colors, textures and surfaces comingle to create a strikingly contemporary and functional environment.
A Toronto home built in the 1990s in the enclave of Erin Mills, was dated, out of style and simply wasn't functional for the Nadarajah family, a professional couple with four children. XTC Design Inc. of Toronto, CA, oversaw the first floor renovation of this 6,500 square foot suburban home. Together with designer Erica Westeroth, the Nadarajahs set about designing a comfortable, efficient kitchen with a thoughtful footprint and clean, modern lines. Their vision was to open up the kitchen area and transform it into a place where family members would feel inspired to create meals and enjoy family time together. They specified the use of natural, soothing materials and several large specialized appliances; openness to the adjacent family room; continuity with the solarium; as well as various unique architectural details.
The orientation of the kitchen's main preparation island was altered to capitalize on natural light, and the island splayed to add interest as well as a greater surface area. A polished light bridge above the island brought focus to the setting and created a sense of intimacy.
Photography by Donna Griffith Photography
Frequently asked questions
What wood species were used in the Nadarajah kitchen remodel?+
The kitchen features ribbon striped Mahogany and Jatoba, whose warm earthy tones harmonize with brushed stainless steel surfaces.
Who designed the Erin Mills kitchen renovation?+
XTC Design Inc. of Toronto oversaw the first floor renovation, with designer Erica Westeroth working alongside the Nadarajah family.
How large is the home that was renovated?+
The suburban home in the Erin Mills enclave of Toronto is 6,500 square feet and was originally built in the 1990s.
Why was the kitchen island reoriented in the redesign?+
The main preparation island was reoriented to capitalize on natural light, and it was splayed to add visual interest and provide a greater surface area.
What was the purpose of the light bridge above the island?+
A polished light bridge was installed above the island to bring focus to the setting and create a sense of intimacy in the space.
What were the homeowners' main design goals for the kitchen?+
The Nadarajahs wanted a comfortable, efficient kitchen with clean, modern lines that used natural, soothing materials, accommodated large specialized appliances, and opened up to the adjacent family room and solarium.