Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MARCH 2022 38 Tavern Kitchen — This 110-year-old barn and stables were repurposed as an entertaining space. On the other side of a living area with a bar and adjacent to a gallery space for banquet-style dining, the kitchen was built to support large gatherings of family and friends where guests could observe cooking demonstrations by chefs during intimate dinner parties. The building had stone walls, Douglas Fir wainscotting, window and door casing, and metal accents throughout. To connect the kitchen to the larger surrounding space, we used these elements on the open shelving, limestone backsplash, handmade metal shelf brackets and the custom steel hood with hand-rubbed finish. A tall wine refrigerator was placed underneath an awkward soffit running the length of the room, which made it look more purposeful. Quartz countertops made to look like concrete coordinated with darker polished concrete floors. The many appliances created a challenge for storage space, as there are no upper cabinets. The accessible sides of the small island were used to incorporate several cabinets. In addition, every bit of space on the perimeter was fully used for the Galley sink, food storage, cooking utensils and dishware. FIRST PLACE / SMALL TRADITIONAL KITCHEN (under 250 sq. ft.) Courtney Zanelli, CMKBD, Owner Courtney Zanelli Designs Photo: John Bessler SECOND PLACE / SMALL TRADITIONAL KITCHEN Ami McKay, Founder and Creative Director PURE Design Inc. Photo: Janis Nicolay Douglas Park — Inspired by living in London and experiencing the U.K. countryside feel, our Douglas Park project emulates that and much more with the introduction of European bistro tiles that the family loves. Being a smaller space, these tiles, which were chosen first and the millwork designed around them, helped showcase the kitchen's big personality, keeping the design clean and simple, including a cheeky secret pantry hidden off to the right of the stove. Simple modern pendants were chosen to hang above the white oak-framed cooking area, creating a design focal point with handy shelves tucked out of the way on each side. The green chosen for the cabinet doors works perfectly to offset the white oak trim, gently bold yet perfectly complementary. As always in a small space, the panel-ready appliances make for a clean and crisp feel that doesn't overpower the seamless vibe of this kitchen. The introduction of a herringbone layout on the floor, also in white oak, ensures that there are surprises in every design aspect, adding visual satisfaction to every sight line. With the addition of the farmhouse sink paired with the soft gold faucet and hardware, Douglas Park showcases as a fun colourful space that oozes personality.

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