Not every kitchen upgrade has to get four zeros attached to it. This Canadian family wanted to dress their bland kitchen but were functioning with an extremely limited budget. Designer Gillian Lazanik of Affecting Spaces helped them get a new look without spending a lot of money. Sticking with the present appliances, using Ikea cabinetry and having dramatic colors resulted in a bold transformation. Currently this Toronto couple and both kids have the space and storage to take whole benefit of their trendy new kitchen.
Affecting Spaces
A bold backsplash originally wasn’t a part of the design plan. “But the more the children came up, the more I realized that we ought to give them something special to remember about growing up in their kitchen,” says Lazanik.
Backsplash: Olympia Tile; countertops: Caesarstone, Espresso; undercabinet lighting: Ikea; stove: Crosley
Affecting Spaces
Chalkboard paint dresses up a previously blank wall, though a large light fixture adds drama. The contrasting colors in the area keep the feel clean and fresh.
The parents operate from the kitchen at different times during the day, therefore Lazanik integrated a workspace that doesn’t feel intrusive or awkward.
Flooring tile: Olympia Tile; refrigerator: LG; clock, chairs: Ikea
Affecting Spaces
Office supplies fill the storage space next to the refrigerator. Extra-tall closets and customized Ikea cabinetry supply more kitchen storage near the cooking space. When it is not serving as a workplace, the desk becomes a countertop for ingestion.
Affecting Spaces
Large drawers function as lower closets, so the clients don’t have to get in their knees and hands to make it to the back of the storage area. A local carpenter personalized the Ikea cabinetry, creating specialized storage such as this undersink recycling, garbage and property station.