Kitchen

Mirrored upper cabinets make the compact kitchen feel spacious.

By far the biggest transformation, the new kitchen enjoys high ceilings from the revamped roofline; all new casework, flooring, and finishes; and a large island. The stools are from 2xhome.

"The solid oak floor is like its own piece of horizontal furniture, blending perfectly with the natural feel, as the soft oak planks flow together throughout the entire apartment,” says Vibeke Jenssen.

Owner Kristine likes to spend her weekend mornings in the kitchen, under the skylight.

The new kitchen, part of the reconstructed extension, takes advantage of ample glass.

The kitchen counters are cast concrete with an. integrated sink and drain board.

A vintage apron front sink now anchors the kitchen, with new cabinetry, drawer pulls by Linnea, and honed granite countertops.

The expansive kitchen now blurs into the living room. Vintage stackable chairs from Rotor Deconstruction in Brussels, where Sarolta used to work, surround &Tradition’s In Between table. Behind it, Valchromat cabinetry is juxtaposed with tiles and Nemo Lighting’s Applique Cylindrique Petite wall lamps designed by Charlotte Perriand. Shelves of tableware, like the vintage Karcagi glasses made by the porcelain factory her family once owned, add character.

Robertson, Kolbeins, Teevan & Gallaher—the firm that designed the hosue—is still in operation, contributing to Vancouver's architectural heritage

The kitchen, which friends helped put together, pairs affordable Ikea cabinetry with birch countertops and glazed brick tile.

The family’s L-shaped kitchen is packed with color and storage.

A custom-built island anchors the kitchen-dining area, the most social area of the home.

The biggest savings here were found in labour: Liz and Matt got hands on with almost everything, and called in favors for the electric work.

The relocated kitchen includes Villa Lagoon concrete floor tiles, Heath Ceramics island tiles, Schoolhouse Electric pendant lights and Design Within Reach Valencia stools.

The custom-made wooden dining table is surrounded by a set of Claudia chairs by Aristeu Pires.

The mural in Kim's kitchen, painted to resemble a wallpaper, is replicated again in the painting on top. Kim says she was going for a trompe l'oeil effect, "like a painting on a painting on a painting." The furnishings were sourced secondhand from thrift stores and flea markets.

Now, tall storage cabinets surround a niche with Kappa tile from 41Zero42, this time in a brighter hue, combined with a plainsawn white oak frame and Rosso Verona marble counter.

In the kitchen, custom cabinetry with transparent doors helps keep the space light and airy, as does a lower open shelf for tea, sugar and other everyday essentials.