A Step Further

Photography: Rhonda Thornton
Styling: Jack Creasy

Calacatta marble tile from Stone Tile gives the stove’s backsplash a subtle pattern. Counter and island tops are Calacatta Lincoln honed marble with a custom-made edge profile from Select Granite Tops.

It started as a grand idea, part of a large addition to an existing home. However, the addition was not feasible due to site conditions. The homeowners explored other options with their architect, Kent Taylor of Taylor Group in King City, and ultimately chose to build a new home, which went up in record time on a nearby lot with rolling hills and beautiful views of horse country north of Toronto. “The homeowner was able to build this scale of project in record time due to the work of builders John and Johnny Custodio of Dellfina Homes,” says Jack Creasy, senior designer and project manager with Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry, who was along for the ride from the very beginning. “This kitchen is reminiscent of the design from the renovation plans but, now that we were dealing with a new build and not a renovation, we were able to expand the possibilities and take the design of the space a step further.”

Flooring throughout the kitchen, servery, and dish pantry is white oak with a custom-made dark stain. The framed inset cabinetry is painted in Bloomsbury’s custom-blended crisp white with the company’s signature hand-painted finish.

Bloomsbury had initially been awarded the contract for such key rooms as the kitchen and master suite. However, the homeowner was so pleased with the approach and work of Creasy, company owner Rhonda Thornton, and the rest of the team that she awarded the remainder of the millwork to Bloomsbury. Relying on one designer and team who understood her vision allowed for a consistent flow throughout the home and also simplified the design process and coordination of details.

The kitchen was a key room for the homeowner – so key, says Creasy, that “we designed the kitchen as the starting point of what the rest of the home would feel like.” This kitchen dictates the flow and, to a certain extent, the design aesthetic throughout the rest of the house. It’s almost literally the heart of the home.

Creasy says that having the design team – architect, builder and kitchen designer working together from the beginning, meant that any changes were made on paper before construction started.

The family is small: two adults and one child. The kitchen is the hub of day-to-day life and the site of intimate family dinners. But the family also entertains or hosts events with sometimes 60 guests or more. Thus, the kitchen was designed to serve daily family needs but also to function as an attractive yet efficient space for caterers and guests. Bloomsbury and the homeowner designed the kitchen to function within three rooms (350 square feet of kitchen, plus 160 square feet of servery and dish pantry). The space is full of details, both big and small, that facilitate activities ranging from cooking homey family meals to hosting big catered events.

The servery provides a transition from the kitchen to more public areas such as dining and living rooms. The homeowner juxtaposed the soft wall and countertop colours with a custom dark blue high-gloss lacquer finish on the cabinetry. “This is a nice way of having a contemporary vibe but on a grand level that goes with this home,” says Creasy.

The large island (seven feet wide and just over nine feet long) has knee space for custom-made Bloomsbury Signature stools on not just one but three sides. This allows the family to eat and converse comfortably and also serves as seating for guests during parties. The adjoining servery and dish pantry offer functional overflow space and connect into the formal dining room.

Appliances must accommodate the needs of this busy family and their large gatherings. There are two 36-inch stainless steel Sub-Zero fridges with freezer drawers, flanking a 30-inch-wide Sub-Zero wine column that accommodates 146 bottles, all encased by Bloomsbury’s custom cabinetry. The servery features a panelled 24-inch Sub-Zero under-counter beverage fridge to keep drinks neatly organized and easily accessible.

Cooking takes place on that Wolf dual-fuel range, and a 24-inch Wolf microwave drawer is nearby. When it’s time for cleanup, two integrated Miele dishwashers, also in matching cabinetry, flank the large double sink.

A plethora of thoughtful features makes this a delightful workspace. There’s a four-bin waste/recycling centre by the main sink and a similar two-bin centre in the island, which has its own double sink. Drawers feature a custom-made wooden knife block and wooden inserts for cutlery, cooking utensils, and spices. Servery drawers have velvet-lined anti-tarnish inserts for silverware. The side columns in the range hood have drawers and pullouts for storing oils, vinegars, and other ingredients.

***Walnut butler’s trays can be stored out of sight in a vertical undercounter slot.***

All this functionality is provided within a design aesthetic that has a touch of grandeur but is warm and inviting. “It’s a timeless look that will always feel relevant and current,” says Creasy. “The furniture-style framed inset cabinetry has a classic English aesthetic that is refined and elegant. We understood the homeowner’s vision, and she had a great eye for furniture and accessories to complete the space.”

***(Top, left) The dish pantry is at the front of the house but is tucked away from the large window so that storage is conveniently open but not visible from outside.***
***(Top, right)*** ***The cabinetry is full of deluxe touches such as this maple knife block within a drawer with walnut trim.***

Creasy calls his team the homeowner’s “sounding board” in regard to such elements as light fixtures. “We were another set of eyes for her,” he says. “She knew what she liked. She had a clear vision and just needed the right people around her to bring it to reality.” •

Originally published in the Toronto Kitchens 2018 issue.

Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry
www.bloomsburykitchens.com
416-782-7900