A wall of blackboards has a homespun appeal against the modern sheen of the stainless steel range; it's also the ideal backdrop for the detailed profile of the open shelving, which replicates that of the original mouldings on the windows and doors. "I don't like staring at a closed door while I work," explains Alan. "Open shelves look better, and you're less likely to keep junk." The whole family cooks, Laurie says, including their 13-year-old son, Jacob, so "it makes sense that everyday items are readily accessible." A dark grey Marmoleum floor grounds the look of the blackboards, and the modern material provides a clean-lined contrast to more traditional elements. "It's in line with our eclectic approach," Laurie adds.
Laurie says their guiding principle was to "maintain the integrity of this old house." To create a more open feeling in the 12-by-14-foot space, they extended standard-size doorways to a width of about six feet, creating an arched opening between the kitchen and dining room and another between dining and living rooms. The doorways are some of Laurie's favourite features. "I sit in the living room and look through the arched doorway to the kitchen, and I just love that combination of textures-the blackboard, the dark, soft soapstone, the tin and mahogany," she says. "In my mind's eye I had envisioned an almost Gothic kitchen - something dramatic and moody - and I think we achieved that."
Every little piece counts in this dramatic space. Contractor, Bill Wyminga; tin ceiling, Brian Greer's Tin Ceilings; cabinetry and worktable, BNR Architectural Millwork; walls, Tyler Taupe (HC43), Benjamin Moore; push lights, Classic Accents, Inc.
The guiding principle was to "maintain the integrity of this old house".
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