An out-of-date kitchen gets a fresh, modern makeover.
The drab and dated kitchen in Nicole and Nial Hennessy’s Mississauga, Ont., home was so in need of a makeover, they were willing to adopt just about any look. “Someone could have painted the room hot pink and I would have been grateful for the change,” says Nicole. So they handed all their trust to designer Trish Johnston, who they knew could give them a modern and functional kitchen. The only requests from the easygoing couple? Fresh white cabinetry for Nicole and a built-in garbage and recycling system for Nial – easy peasy for a pro like Trish. Here’s how she turned the space’s cons into pros and created a scheme they could love forever.
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Kitchen renovation: Modern and functional kitchen
Bringing the outdoors in
“I’m a firm believer in bringing the outdoors in,” says designer Trish Johnston. To liven up the space, she chose a durable light grey faux bois porcelain tile for the floor and glossy white subway tiles to run floor-to-ceiling behind the range. To counter all the white, Trish chose a bold wallpaper. “The cheery green pattern is so fresh and inspiring,” she says. Hits of natural texture and gold-toned hardware tie the whole look together. “It’s all big box but doesn’t feel like it,” explains Trish.
Kitchen renovation: Modern and functional kitchen
A functional layout
“When I first saw the space, it was apparent that the layout was not working,” says Trish. “So I redesigned the kitchen with a working triangle in mind to make it more functional.”
Kitchen renovation: Modern and functional kitchen
Creating extra storage
Trish replaced the peninsula with an island and changed its orientation to run down the centre of the room, allowing her to incorporate a large 10-foot-long version, complete with an undermount sink, dishwasher and tons of extra storage.
Kitchen renovation: Modern and functional kitchen
Adding more seating
Trish wanted to create a way for Nicole and Nial’s son, Nathan, 5, to be able to participate in mealtime prep, so she got rid of the table and chairs and incorporated a few stools at the island. “It’s a great place for him to colour or play while Mom and Dad are working in the kitchen,” says trish. By the window, two armchairs serve as a spot for morning coffee or evening cocktails. “They really soften the hard lines in the space and give it a homey, relaxed vibe,” says Trish. With the accompanying vibrant wallpaper and jute rug, the area almost evokes a mini sitting room.
Kitchen renovation: Modern and functional kitchen
Creating a command centre
Trish also created a command centre between two banks of cabinetry to give homeowners Nicole and Nial Hennessy a spot for charging electronics, paying bills or displaying self-serve appetizers and drinks for guests.
Kitchen renovation: Modern and functional kitchen
Creating zones
“We spruced up the room by using IKEA's Sektion/Bodbyn cabinetry throughout, but in white for the island and in grey for the pantry wall,” says Trish. The contrasting colours help define the kitchen’s two zones: work and storage.
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