Western Living Magazine
East Van Escape
Kitchen Infinity Atelier
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Add the right finishing touch with these designer tips.
The kitchen, it’s often said, is the heart of the home, so give it the love it deserves. Whether it’s a eye-catching new hood fan or a unique set of barstools, consider these designer recommendations for finding that perfect finishing touch for your look.
Though it’s white-on-white, this piece by Vancouver artist Ray Marasigan—which features tiny plastic army figurines, painted, mounted and framed—still stands out. “It’s quiet, so if you have flowers, it’s not distracting,” says Ashmore, “but it still acts as a great conversation starter.”
Homeowners Bob and Michele Michaleski (seen here) were hoping for something comfortable they could sit in on a daily basis, but four chunky seats would have “looked like a sofa,” says design Nam Dang-Mitchell. The compromise: two relaxed seats with slipcovers, with two industrial-style wood-and-steel stools to balance out the look.MORE: Is This French-Inspired Space in Calgary Your New Dream Kitchen?
While mosaic tile covers most of the kitchen wall, a gorgeous marble—which also sticks to a grey-and-white palette—breaks up the pattern in this Calgary kitchen to create an inset accent wall over the stovetop area.
Black and steel touches throughout the space—the bar stools built with exposed hardware, a criss-cross of cables in the base of the island, cast-bronze cabinet handles—infuse the European-inspired design with some edge.
This space would look so different without the walnut wood to warm it up. Natural, textured materials ensure a more minimal space feels “comfortable and warm,” says Calgary designer Connie Young. “Walnut is probably one of the most timeless wood species—it spans all eras, from modern to very traditional.”
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