Decorating & Design
January 2, 2024
Inside Three Bespoke Kitchens That Perfectly Reflect Their Owners
From Modern Farmhouse to Urban Drama, a bespoke design approach resulted in three unique kitchens for these homeowners.
1. Livable Luxury
There was nothing wrong with Ali Silverberg’s kitchen in her Toronto Victorian. But it just wasn’t Ali. It had standard-issue slab cabinets, polished marble and stainless steel accents. To better reflect Ali’s cool, boho style, designer Shauna Walton swapped the dark floors for pale oak herringbone, added applied moldings and introduced a Scandi palette, all while showing off Ali’s collectibles.
The island’s overhang is large enough for a barstool, so a friend can sit with a glass of wine while Ali cooks.
House & Home: What was on your wish list for your kitchen reno?
Ali Silverberg: When I moved in, the space was quite masculine. I wanted a softer, feminine look that felt fresh and timeless. We kept a lot of the original kitchen, but we got rid of the high-gloss cabinets and maximized the long, narrow space.
H&H: When you spend time here, how does it make you feel?
AS: Relaxed — it feels like an oasis in the middle of a bustling city. The palette is neutral and calming, but there are lots of different textures and materials layered in.
The dining area has a Scandi vibe, thanks to the blond wood shelf and chairs, white pendant and custom Corian table.
H&H: What’s the design moment you appreciate the most?
Shauna Walton: The dining area. You can work at the banquette or host a dinner party here. When you’re lucky enough to live in Yorkville, sometimes concessions are made with space. But this banquette is long, so the table can seat up to eight people. It can feel like you’re lounging on a sofa and having a conversation.
H&H: What makes the space personal to your client?
SW: I love when I can pull existing items in from the owner. Ali has great books. I shopped her “bookstore” for titles to display.
The sleek island has a waterfall edge and pencil edge applied molding.
H&H: How did you meet your client’s design brief?
SW: When Ali moved in, nothing in the kitchen was terrible, but it wasn’t her style, which skews a bit more delicate. The decorating is on the flirtier side with a calming palette — nothing bright.
H&H: How would you describe the overall vibe?
SW: Feminine and classic. Using lush materials paired with organic textures feels casual and welcoming. When Ali got her house, it felt cold. We warmed it up!
2. Urban Drama
It was during a party at designer Jack Creasy’s house that Shane Ferrao and Al Rajan fully realized their vision for their upcoming kitchen reno — they were completely inspired by Jack’s own space. They hired Jack to design their kitchen and bar area to suit their circa-1906 Toronto Victorian and reflect their South Asian heritage. This involved knockout jewel tones, brass fixtures and bold wallpaper. Clever storage solutions were also essential; this couple is well-known for throwing epic parties.
To disguise the varying ceiling heights, Jack painted the entire Bloomsbury kitchen — including the ceiling — in one bold hue.
H&H: How did the home’s architecture inform the design?
Jack Creasy: To visually open up the space, we opted to enlarge the doorways rather than remove any walls. I designed a 20-foot-long, galley-style space with two runs of cabinets so, even if Al’s cooking, there’s enough room for Shane to whip up cocktails. I also injected character and details that nod to the Victorian era of the house, including new plaster crown moldings, and substantial baseboards and window and door casings. The millwork was designed to help disguise posts, beams, radiators and air-conditioning units.
The counters are heatproof, so Al can put down a hot pot or line up crème brûlée to blowtorch without worry.
H&H: What’s your favorite element in the space?
Shane Ferrao: I love the range; it’s gorgeous. The top has four burners and there’s a cast-iron French top in the middle. You can either cook multiple items on the French top, or remove it and replace it with a wok.
In the bar area, wallpaper reflects the owners’ heritage and love of Bollywood.
House & Home: What makes this kitchen reno unique?
Al Rajan: The bar area. We love the wallpaper above the backsplash; we wanted something that would express who we are. The pattern depicts elephants, which are very symbolic in Indian culture. Also, the kitchen’s deep burgundy and green palette is similar to what you’d find in Indian fabrics.
The breakfast table is near a set of French doors.
H&H: How did you meet your clients’ particular needs?
JC: They’re social butterflies who are always having big gatherings. We pulled the functional part of the kitchen toward the back of the house and created spaces for spices and oils, placed the bar area next to the dining room and added the beverage fridge for when they entertain.
See the full home tour here.
3. Modern Farmhouse
Caroline Théorêt and David Desgagné and their three kids didn’t have to go too far afield when looking to build their dream house in the countryside of Saint Lazare, Que. Caroline tapped Marie-Pierre Gauthier, her sister-in-law and the owner of CMPG Design Construction, to give their custom home the soulful vibe they were seeking. In the kitchen, white oak cabinets and floors conjure the well-loved farmhouse vibe, while crisp quartz counters and black hardware give the style a modern update.
A zellige tile backsplash brings a warm, organic feel to the kitchen.
House & Home: What look did you want for your kitchen?
Caroline Théorêt: I adore rustic, farmhouse design with a palette that blends white, wood and black. Our family lives in a country setting with horse trails and we love the outdoors, so this design is ideal for us.
The quartz-topped island spans 10 feet.
H&H: What’s your favorite part of the kitchen?
CT: I love the arch to the back kitchen with the built-in hutch; it was the starting point for the whole design. Also, the wide window in the main kitchen lets in plenty of sunlight when I drink my morning latte.
H&H: What were your must-have elements for the space?
CT: Lots of storage, generous counters for cooking, a large island and a pot filler. The long island lets us interact with guests while preparing meals and serving drinks.
The uninterrupted counter run provides extra room for meal prep and serving dishes when hosting.
H&H: What was your design goal for this project?
Marie-Pierre Gauthier: I wanted to create something that wasn’t anchored in one style or a specific decade. This is their forever home, a timeless space where they can evolve. The natural white oak cabinets, molding, hutch, zellige tile and traditional faucets give the space a rustic, comforting feel.
In the back kitchen, a built-in hutch displays glassware and pitchers.
H&H: Why was the back kitchen essential for this family?
MG: It offers plenty of space to prepare breakfast, or for the kids to grab snacks after school or sports. There’s a custom cabinet that also hides small appliances to prevent visual clutter.
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