In most cases,

a designer brings a trendy element into a space because of its popularity. But sometimes, in a stroke of luck, she chooses something because she loves it only to have it become the thing du jour moments later. That kind of happy fortuity is exactly what happened when Cynthia Soda, interior designer and owner of Soda Pop Design, redid the Stouffville, Ont., kitchen of her parents, construction managers Ida and Tony.

The dated cooking zone desperately needed a layout that would flow better with the adjoining rooms, and more storage and counter space to suit the pair’s love of entertaining. Cynthia dreamt up a bold scheme that speaks to Ida’s

eclectic-meets-modern style through mixed metals, marble-look quartz and cool tones.

When it came time to choose colours for the cabinetry, Mom and Dad proved the perfect clients, letting Cynthia go for something a bit daring. “I chose Benjamin Moore’s aubergine-toned Shadow for the island cabinets and pale blue Iceberg for the rest – I loved them both and thought they would look striking together,” says the interior designer.

“Shortly after, the company named Shadow its colour of the year. And Iceberg was on the trend list, too!” While that was purely coincidental, the overall design of the kitchen most certainly was not. Cynthia’s thoughtful planning and stellar taste resulted in a space that feels cool, contemporary and curated.

DESIGN, Soda Pop Design, sodapopdesign.ca; CONTRACTING, Sodapop Construction; Chantilly Lace OC-65 WALL PAINT, Iceberg 2122-50 CABINETRY PAINT, Shadow 2117-30 ISLAND BASE PAINT, Benjamin Moore; custom CABINETRY, Colclo Custom Woodworking; COUNTERTOPS, BACKSPLASH SLABS, Century Marble; APPLIANCES, Tasco Appliances; STOOLS, RH; FAUCET, Aquabrass; POT FILLER, Rubinet; PENDANT LIGHTS, Supreme Lighting & Electric Supply; FLOORING, Invision Hardwood & Decor; RUNNER, Safavieh; BLACK BOWL (on island), gold BOWL, black faceted VASE, black CUTTING BOARD, Elte; clear glass VASE (on island), black flower POT (in coffee station), ribbed grey glass VASES, PITCHER & GLASS, H&M Home; black and white BOWLS (on shelf above coffee station), IKEA.

While the marble look of the countertop is striking in its modern form, its quartz construction is practical, since homeowner Ida Soda wanted something that would be easy to clean after dinner parties. The rich purple cabinetry is in distinct contrast. “I love how the waterfall overhang partially hides the bold colour of the island,” says Cynthia. “It’s such a nice surprise when you come around the corner and see it all.”