6 Award-Winning Canadian Kitchen Designs Awards May 29, 2017 Share Six outstanding Canadian kitchen designs have won the Canadian Decorators’ Association’s sought-after 2017 Decorating & Design Awards. Entries were submitted by firms from coast to coast for the two kitchen design & decorating categories: kitchens under $50,000, and over $50,000. Through an intensive evaluation process, the judges determined these six kitchens were the most outstanding: BRONZE WINNER, KITCHENS UNDER $50K “Room with a View” by Rebecca Decorates of West Vancouver, BC The starting point: The original U-shape configuration made the homeowners feel confined when working in the space. To avoid sacrificing storage, the room needed to be opened to the entire area. Along with updating finishes, the goal was to give the lake view centre stage. The solution: The view inspired the palette for this project. Finishes were chosen to blur lines to the view. Wood flooring grounds the space, and warm white millwork and counters are a backdrop for the handmade subway. Cabinets are taken to ceiling height for added storage, and the fridge and dishwasher are paneled in cabinetry to expand the visual space. Antique brass finish handles complement the wood tones and add classic charm, and are picked up in the pendant lights. Watch the video about Room with a View. SILVER WINNER, KITCHENS UNDER $50K “Bright & Fresh Country Kitchen” by Lisa Goulet Design of Ottawa, ON The project: This well loved vacation home kitchen felt dated and dark. At the owner’s request, some of the natural wood and stone features were kept, but the space was dramatically altered by adding a soft grey-blue on the cabinetry, light grey quartz, and fresh oversized white tiles on the walls. The new ambient and task lighting further helps to make the space bright and welcoming. The result: This new kitchen design has made the kitchen the heart of this beautiful vacation home. What’s more, the enlarged one-level island is a favourite gathering spot. Watch the video about Bright & Fresh County Kitchen. GOLD WINNER, KITCHENS UNDER $50K “Chef-style Kitchen” by Caroline Harrison Designs Inc. of Minesing, ON The project: This client enjoyed the functionality of the existing kitchen, but it did not reflect their style. While they didn’t have budget to reroute electrical or plumbing, they wanted a brighter cozy space that accents the ten-foot ceiling and is unified with the adjacent spaces. The designer’s notes: This design was inspired by the classic white kitchen, but with a transitional approach. We revived the space with finishes, fixtures, textiles, and proper location of storage. The design better utilizes the existing working triangle and layout while maximizing views. The existing red oak floors were refinished for a warmer espresso-brown stain. White shaker-style cabinets with soft-close hinges and glides and well as dovetail joints provide functional storage and brighten the room substantially. Natural tones are carried forward with the use of crema marfil backsplash and soft linen on the island stools, keeping the space warm and cozy instead of stark. Watch the video about Chef-style Kitchen. BRONZE WINNER, KITCHENS OVER $50K “Delicious Composition” by Katherine Joy Interiors of Newmarket, ON The project: The owners of this “builder bland” kitchen wanted a space designed for culinary entertaining. Situated between the dining room and the family room, this is where the action begins, so the lack of quality, storage and chef-appeal were ripe for change. The solution: Chocolate walnut cabinets were combined with vanilla MDF cabinets, quartz countertops and a stone backsplash for an elegant finish. Situated in the centre of the cooking area, the large walnut island is a space for working and entertaining, and seats four. Finally, a dry bar that fills what was a corridor leading to the dining room. Watch the video about Delicious Composition. SILVER WINNER, KITCHENS OVER $50K “Bob Lake Dream” by ACM Designs of Haliburton, ON The project: A second home and oasis from hectic city life, this cottage kitchen needed more functional space to entertain in, and updated decoration. But the owners wanted it to remain a welcoming, and not overdone, cottage kitchen. One challenge of this space was the limited lighting options due to the existing pine tongue-and-groove ceiling, which could not be cut into. The solution: Closing off a door, adding a LeMans and Magic Corner, and relocating a closet were just a couple of the answers to creating smarter storage and improving the layout of this kitchen. Accessories like a tip out tray, waste management, and tray storage were also installed. A new peninsula created breakfast bar seating. To overcome the dimness of the room, under-cabinet lighting was added as well as a chandelier with a 120V halogen bulb on a dimmer. New windows with simulated light dividers were also installed and finished with fabric window treatments. The fresh blue and white palette brings the entire space to life. Watch the video about Bob Lake Dream. GOLD WINNER, KITCHENS OVER $50K “Classic City Kitchen” by Design Excellence / Wetherlys Interiors Inc. of Toronto, ON The project: This family wanted an open-concept kitchen, dining and living room to entertain friends and family. Traffic flow, lighting and better storage were high on their priority list. This was no simple project because a few significant design challenges required creative solutions: a large awkwardly placed window, a stairwell dividing the kitchen from the dining and living rooms, and limited headspace in that stairwell. The design: Reconfiguring the space was key to creating great flow. A large window was removed, the basement staircase and a dividing wall removed, and a glass door to the backyard was installed. Replacing the window with millwork allowed us to provide much needed storage and counter space. Now the colour scheme flows from the kitchen through the living room. Sustainable textured hardwood flooring complements the newel post and railing, and the addition of pot lights, task lighting and island pendants provide optimal light. Statuario Marble subway tiles add texture and colour to the backsplash, playing off the cement coloured Caesarstone countertops. Now, the sight lines allow you to see from the kitchen through to the fireplace. Watch the video about Classic City Kitchen. This annual Decorating and Design Competition, now in its 23rd year, is open to all Accredited and Student members of CDECA. The entries are evaluated by independent judging panels spread across Canada.
