However mini it may be, a kitchen can be transformed into an aesthetic and functional dream space, thanks to careful decorative choices and impeccable organization. Richard Ouellette and Maxime Vandal, from Les Ensembliers, Patrizia Giacomini, from Coquo, and Mélyssa Robert, from the firm of the same name, demonstrate this.
Posted at 11:30 a.m.
A cramped kitchen must, on the one hand, be perfectly planned to meet the practical needs of its users and, on the other hand, be well integrated into its environment. “In a small space, you always try to make sure you have an overall visual concept. Each zone can have its own personality, but it’s a complete approach that is consistent with the other living areas,” informs architect Maxime Vandal, who co-directs Les Ensembliers with designer Richard Ouellette. He cites as an example the connection between the metals of the door handles and the hardware of the kitchen.
It is therefore necessary to take into account all the rest of the decor by making sensible choices so that the effect is both strong and well measured according to the volumes. “If we want a kitchen that blends into the space, we’ll work with an induction hob without too many details and a retractable hood. If, on the other hand, you want to create a chef’s kitchen, you can opt for an imposing ornamental hood and a gas stove with decorative knobs. JennAir’s new series of 24-inch appliances is very interesting because it has the same qualities as large appliances, but its dimensions are suitable for small spaces,” notes Richard Ouellette.
PHOTO VIRGINIA MACDONALD, PROVIDED BY THE ENSEMBLIERS
A very graphic light fixture as well as colorful books and beautiful objects stored in open furniture catch the eye. These elements form a coherent border between the kitchen and the living room.
According to Les Ensembliers, a mini kitchen represents an opportunity to move towards more luxurious layouts because everything is condensed.
“You can do fantastic, functional things in small spaces. It’s not because it’s small that we have to furnish with small accents; it’s quite the opposite, and you can, for example, opt for a large light that acts as a work of art and produces an effect,” explains Mr. Vandal.
It is also necessary to make an enlightened sorting in order to keep only the objects which one particularly likes and which one uses often. Those used on a daily basis can also be displayed on open shelves to create a dynamic among the kitchen cabinets.
The interest of versatile furniture
PHOTO HILARY ROBERTSON, PROVIDED BY COQUO
Alternating closed storage and shelves gives a lively side to the kitchen.
Patrizia Giacomini, designer at Coquo, also advises integrating shelves in a cramped kitchen. “We purify to keep the space uncluttered in order to showcase the objects we love. It can be crockery, but also books, sculptures. ”
Self-supporting and versatile, Coquo brand furniture on legs is well suited for small spaces. “Because it’s furniture in its own right, the look is less standardized than with classic cabinets, and the visual effect between the kitchen and the living area becomes homogeneous. I also favor a harmony of colors in a restricted place, whether monochrome or contrasting, but you always have to create a common thread. ”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY COQUO
In addition to being inviting, a mobile island is very useful in a small space. Lunch counter, worktop or desk, it multiplies the functions.
The designer points out that countertops have a big influence on the look of a small kitchen. “Even if the cabinets are quite simple, you can create something graphic and high-end with a noble stone, pleasant to look at and to touch. The island also gives a completely different look and, if it is mobile, it can be moved to use it in various places, which is very practical in a small space. ”
Another good option if the organization allows it: create an expense where everything is hidden behind a partition. You can put food, crockery, but also small appliances and even the refrigerator, provided it is easy to access.
Optimize storage
PHOTO RICHARD DUMOULIN, PROVIDED BY MÉLYSSA ROBERT
The introduction of black, wood finish, porcelain laid in herringbone pattern and refined suspensions produces an interesting contrast with the white walls of this new house and adds cachet.
“Each choice deserves a lot of attention in a small space, especially if it is open, and care must be taken to create an uncluttered and inviting effect”, explains designer Mélyssa Robert. According to her, you can do something very beautiful even with a limited budget, provided you select key elements. For example, a lustrous herringbone-patterned backsplash enhances a set of clean, matte-finish cabinets, and brass light fixtures add shine and warmth.
From a practical point of view, she suggests choosing wall cabinets that rise to the ceiling to optimize space and give the impression of height, and drawers at the bottom to maximize storage volume. “Over-the-microwave hood systems are a space-saving solution, and recessing the refrigerator between cabinet panels avoids a bulky effect,” she continues.
PHOTO RAYMOND JALBERT, PROVIDED BY MÉLYSSA ROBERT
Everything is tidy in this kitchen to give pride of place to the rich textures, which bring a lot of warmth and match the old style of the house.
Respecting the style of the property remains a priority to create visual harmony, and the designer gives the example of a century-old Canadian house whose original tiny kitchen was closed. “We replaced the partition with a lunch counter and we chose accessories, granite countertops and a black decorative hood to match the color of the door and window hardware. ”
She kept the beautiful wood ceiling, but painted it white, then opted for Shaker-style cabinet fronts and a subway tile, also immaculate, in an effort to bring light to the space. . “When there are a lot of textures, it’s important to leave as few objects as possible in view so that it’s as decorative as possible and doesn’t look cluttered,” concludes the designer.