DESIGNER YVONNE WHELAN TRANSFORMS A TYPICAL COOKIE CUTTER
KITCHEN INTO AN AIRY, TIMELESS SPACE!
CANADIAN HOME TRENDS CAN YOU
TALK ABOUT THE OVERALL DESIGN?
YVONNE WHELAN The home is a typical
builder home in a suburb. There were
certain limitations about changing the space
because the homeowner wanted to maintain
the floors as they were relatively new and
in good shape throughout. Changing them
would have required a huge increase in
the overall budget. The layout was a little
crammed and there was an abundance of
unused space in the middle of the kitchen
which screamed for an island. The room was
dark and dated and needed an overhaul.
CHT CAN YOU TALK ABOUT WHAT
INSPIRED THE DESIGN?
YW The homeowner wanted something
more current than what she had. Brighter, an
island possibly, some stone counters and an
over all more updated look without being
too modern. She really loves the transitional
style.
CHT WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESIGN
ELEMENT IN THIS SPACE?
YW That is a tough question. I love the detail
on the custom range hood we designed. I
also adore the backsplash with the Mother
of Pearl inlay. I am so glad we went with a
counter depth fridge as it makes the room
flow much better. I also love the stone wall
we added to the back wall to give some
warmth to the room.
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CHT WHAT IS A COMMON MISTAKE
PEOPLE MAKE WHEN RENOVATING AN
OPEN CONCEPT SPACE?
YW A common mistake is not having a plan
and just going with what appeals to you
without thinking on how it will work with
all the other elements in the space. In this
kitchen, we had to maintain the floors which
had a warm undertone to them. So cool
grays were totally out of the question. We
had to find options that had warmth to them.
All the finishes were selected to work with
each other to create a harmonious flow. It
is important to make a plan and choose all
your finishes early on.
CHT WHERE DID YOU SAVE AND
SPLURGE?
YW We saved by maintaining the existing
floors. We also saved on the lighting and
stools by finding some great deals at big box
stores. The splurges were the backsplash as
well as the quartz counters. We added a
pullout drawer microwave that is so much fun
and functional. The stone wall is so impactful
but was a pricey endeavor.
CHT IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE THIS
SPACE IN A FEW WORDS WHAT
WOULD THEY BE?
YW I would describe this space as a bright
and airy timeless kitchen.
Space Designed by Yvonne Whelan,
www.yvonnewhelandesign.com; Photography by Nicole
Aubrey Photography, www.nicoleaubrey.com