Master Class

The love of the kitchen runs deep at Downsview. For the past five decades, the Toronto based family company has approached sleek counters and elegant cabinetry as an art form. Expect this to manifest in details such as perfectly shaped angular pulls — custom manufactured when the right square handle couldn’t be found on the market — or simply in the harmony of their work, which stems from a deep understanding of how to map out kitchen space. Peruse these four dreamy rooms, all of which possess as much function as good looks.   THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASSSomething about shine and kitchens go so well together. The monotone palette of this look showcases the true star of the space: Light. Mirror-framed glass cabinetry reflects brightness around the room, in turn bouncing off the recycled-glass island top and series of glass pendant lights. Add to that the interior-lit glass cabinet, which floats dramatically in the dark wall, and the result is high style all around. Touchless latches and thoughtful reveals in the cabinetry add to the sleekness of the space.Modern Reflections CollectionStyle Sheet (above)SurfacesPerimeter: MODA TM in Rovere Tasso textured laminateIsland: ERA LQ in Shoreline Grey high-gloss lacquerCooktop base: Custom ERA SS brushed stainless with mirror stainless trimsGlass wall: Custom mirror stainless door framesFloor: 18” x 24” Chenille White limestoneIsland counter: White Seaglass recycled glassPerimeter counter: Black Dragon marbleAPPLIANCESCooktop: GaggenauDishwasher: BoschSink & faucets: KallistaPendant: CarltonELEGANT THROWBACKModern vintage meets classic contemporary in this sleek kitchen. Dark appliances and 40s-style steel-pan window frames form a handsomely moody backdrop for the smooth beige Fior di Bosco polished marble island and milk-glazed cupboards. The light surfaces play off the dark framework to open up the space, while brass details dress it up. The contrast of eras and colours work together for an updated elegance that’s rich in detail and historical design references.A Touch of Brass, Industrial Chic CollectionStyle SheetSURFACESDoor style: UNICA G4 in Seapearl Grey milk-finish glazeIsland/pocket doors: UNICA W4 special antiqued stain on WalnutFloor: 2’ x 4’ Status Matte porcelain tilesIsland counter: Fior di Bosco polished marblePerimeter Silestone: DinuxAPPLIANCESLa Cornue range: Chateau 120 Ultra Black with brass & SS La Cornue hood: Chateau 165 Ultra BlackSink: 7’ Galley sink with graphite composite accessoriesFaucet: Galley Taps in satin blackPendant: Restoration Hardware Machinist Glass Cloche 14”Stools: Restoration Hardware Vintage Toledo Bar Chair black & burnished brassNATURAL BEAUTYNature’s organic materials take centre stage in this relaxed and elegant kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets stretch along the wall, covered in stained walnut with a driftwood effect. It’s a natural foil for the tactile tan-coloured Sapien stone of the long island that sweeps along the open layout like a sandbar. It ends in a dramatic dark brown textured fridge wall that separates the cooktop from the dining and island hangout space. The soothing palette is ideal for gathering and dining.Bold By Nature CollectionStyle SheetSURFACESCoplanar wall: custom UNICA in stained WalnutIsland cooktop base: ERA SS in Vintage Bronze on stainless steelRefrigeration wall: MIDA TM in Ardesia textured laminateFloor: Porcelain tilesCounters and walls: Sapien stone in Pietra GrigiaAPPLIANCESCooktop, hood top, oven: MieleFridge and freezer columns, wine cooler: Sub-ZeroIntegrated sink: Sapien stone in Pietra GrigiaFaucet: Newport Brass in oil-rubbed bronzePendant: Restoration Hardware Machinist Glass Cloche pendant 14” in BronzeStools: Design Within Reach Bottega barstools in chocolate   A NEW AGEDubbed Industrial Chic, this modern kitchen alludes to 1940s Californian residential architecture, as well as classic warehouse style. Sleek industrial steel window pans were given an up-to-date twist that also nods to the practical. Stained wire-brushed oak, and burnt umber-milk finish glazed cabinets pair with grey quartzite and black Caesarstone to tie the modern look together. Pendant lights that appear straight out of the era underscore the authentic vintage look.Industrial Chic CollectionStyle SheetSURFACESPerimeter: UNICA O4 in a special stained wire-brushed OakIsland: UNICA G4 in Burnt Umber milk-finish glazeFloor: 2’ x 4’ Status Matte porcelain tilesIsland counters: Grey Oasis quartzitePerimeter Caesarstone: blackAPPLIANCESLa Cornue range: Chateau 120 Ultra Black w/brass & SSLa Cornue hood: Chateau 165 Ultra BlackRefrigerator: Sub-ZeroDishwasher: MieleSink: Custom by MEKALFaucets: Kohler K-6227 vibrant stainlessPendant: Restoration Hardware Maritime in weathered zincStools: Restoration Hardware Vintage Toledo bar chair in polished chromePhotography by Daniel Newcomb