Burnished Bronze

PHOTOGRAPHY: VALERIE WILCOX
STYLING: DVIRA OVADIA

While renovating her client’s home, Toronto designer Dvira Ovadia carried the airy, elegant vibe the homeowners were after into each space. For the open-concept kitchen, a new addition provided plenty of extra square footage within which to create a large 18-by-15-foot area ideal for cooking and hosting family and friends.

To maximize every inch in the corner, Ovadia designed open shelving over an appliance garage. The tall cabinet is extra-deep and is perfect for storing large platters and serving bowls. Quartz countertops: Quartex Surfaces.

“This is the second home we’ve done together in the past six years, and she was inspired by my renovated home,” says Ovadia, who is principal designer at Dvira Interiors in Toronto. “This kitchen straddles part of the old house and part of the new, and the beauty about her addition is that because the home sits on a pie-shaped lot, we were able to go out pretty far and also on an angle, which made for some really large, open spaces. They love making meals with their extended family, so they wanted a very large space that allows many people to work around the island at the same time.”

In addition to the request for lots of storage, the homeowner wanted plenty of natural light to flood the space, adds Ovadia. “The window above the main sink was the main source of the symmetry for this whole kitchen,” she says.

As counter-depth refrigerators remain popular, a secondary bar fridge is really practical for large families. “That entire corner works as their coffee and beverage station. Above the counter-depth fridge, the cabinet doors slide back in, and that’s where they keep everything they need for tea and coffee,” says Ovadia.

White oak engineered wood flooring runs throughout the main living space, warming up the custom wood cabinetry. The perimeter was painted a soft off-white, while the island and the framing on two cabinets flanking the window are dark charcoal with a navy undertone. Classic marbled white quartz countertops provide a refined texture.

“When a client wants a white kitchen, I like to take it to the next level,” says Ovadia. “A white kitchen is going to be timeless, but I like layering in additional details to make that kitchen stand out.”

***The oversized brass-trimmed island features turned legs and storage on both sides. The cabinets flanking the triple window have decorative agate knobs.***

To add in some sparkle, Ovadia proposed a shimmery bronze subway tile for the backsplash; its look changes depending on the light and angle. “Backsplashes tend to be pretty predictable, but I love to explore different materials,” says Ovadia. “In my home, I did a smoked mirror tile that the homeowner loved, and she was willing to step outside the box with this look. It’s easy to clean and gives you a really nice reflection in the background. She really loves it.”

The brass and leather bar stools give the room an industrial edge. “It almost feels like a contemporary French bistro, combined with a fresh white palette,” says designer Dvira Ovadia. Stools: 1940 vintage leather Toledo bar chairs from Restoration Hardware; backsplash: bronze subway tile from Surfaces & Co.

Another commanding feature took shape when the homeowner chose to incorporate satin brass and bronze elements into the kitchen, including hardware and trim on the island. The slightly curved range hood was treated to the same metallic highlights, transforming it into a dramatic focal point. “The hood became a statement piece; it still feels very contemporary, but it also has classic styling,” says Ovadia, who adds that there are many ways to boost the appeal of a standard white kitchen.

“I love adding materials or finishes that are a little bit unexpected, whether we’re framing a cabinet, adding brass details, interesting hardware or sourcing a really unique backsplash,” she says. •