Country kitchens are at the heart of many different types of homes but the one that comes to mind most often in this context is the restored century farmhouse. I had the pleasure of touring one recently where the kitchen forms part of a sensitively designed addition.
Dating to 1837 and originally located in Roseville, Ont., the farmhouse was dismantled about 10 years ago. The present owners purchased the structure's hand-hewn white pine logs and moved them to the home's new site where, in 2000, reconstruction began. The restored residence's out-buildings and gardens are renowned, having been covered by at least two well-known Canadian home and garden magazines during the past few years. But, as agog as I was with the home's meticulously restored historic detail, the kitchen was my focus.
Toronto's Sarah Richardson, who designed the kitchen, took an approach to the layout that not only gave the homeowners maximum functionality but also allowed the space to remain proportionate to the areas around it.
The kitchen, which is in a new addition, consists of an appliance "galley" which has the feel of a short hallway and which leads to the larger open kitchen proper. Appliances that don't require constant tending while in use, namely a double door fridge-freezer, microwave oven, and double wall ovens, are concentrated in the galley space amid floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry. With the ovens and pantry on one side and the fridge opposite, the homeowners have a highly efficient cold storage/baking/roasting/microwaving zone that doesn't visually interfere with the rest of the kitchen.
This arrangement leaves the adjacent larger kitchen space free for clean-up, stove-top cooking, informal eating, and storage zones. The clean-up area features a countertop clad with Vermont Soapstone that runs the width of the kitchen. In deference to the rusticity of the exposed log-and-mortar walls of the old farmhouse, which shares a wall with the kitchen, the homeowners chose the softly honed finish of soapstone over the look of granite. With its rich charcoal tones and soft hand, it is a wonderful choice for this space. A deep stainless steel apron-fronted "farmhouse" sink sits below a large window and is flanked by two dishwashers, both of which are camouflaged with panels that match the cabinetry, reducing the visual intrusion of labour-saving technology.
Opposite the sink sits a six burner gas range with central grill surrounded by a stainless steel countertop. Instead of looking worn or scratched through daily use, the stainless countertop has taken on a pleasing patina that, like the soapstone, fits perfectly. A ceiling mounted range hood would have been visually awkward. Instead, the range is vented by a down-draft mechanism that rises electronically at the touch of a button from a housing behind the burners.
The cabinetry that envelops the range forms a large two-level central island, one of two focal points. The higher breakfast bar portion of the island is also clad with Vermont soapstone. Every inch of cabinet space has been used. For example, both sides of the island have been fitted with shelving for cookbooks and the end of the island, where two Windsor stools are pulled up, sports convenient shallow drawers. There isn't a space-wasting corner cabinet to be found.
An enormous antique cupboard, the other focal point, is dated about 1820 and sits to one side of the island. Made of inch-thick pine, restored, and painted cream to complement the soft blue-green of the kitchen cabinetry, this piece was the starting point for the kitchen's design. It's as though the rest of the space grew almost organically around it.
An exterior wall of the original farmhouse is exposed and showcased along the entire elevation immediately opposite the large antique cabinet. Set against this wall is another run of cabinets and a narrow countertop constructed of a pine plank salvaged from the original farmhouse. The glass-doored cabinet above the counter boasts shelves of the same pine, refinished to a warm honey tone.
This portion of the farmhouse is open concept. The ceiling slopes upward from the window wall in front of the sink, opening to cathedral height above the antique cabinet, the breakfast island, a harvest table, and an antique dry sink housing small appliances. Natural light floods in from windows tucked high into the ceiling structure.
Because of the openness of these spaces, including an adjacent and spacious living area, it was important to maintain sightlines and to keep each space proportionate to those around it. The end result wouldn't have been as successful if the main kitchen area had been forced to accommodate the fridge-freezer and three ovens as well as all the other amenities it contains. Any time you force something in design, you end up compromising and losing something along the way.
Nothing feels forced or unnatural in this space. Much care and love has gone into this home and its heart, the kitchen. You see it in how one space flows seamlessly into the next, in the cabinetry's customized wooden drawer fittings, and in the many antique furnishings and accessories that have either been restored or, when more appropriate, allowed to retain their original rusticity.
It is an utterly charming example of the quintessential country kitchen.
Further information
The kitchen cabinetry was built by Howard Sagar of Odalisque Design, Toronto, (416) 466-5388.
The cabinetry finish is the result of three colours — Pratt and Lambert's Misty Moors, Blue Slate and Gravel — applied using dragging, rubbing, and wood graining finishing techniques.
Special to The Globe and Mail
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