Calgary Herald

BUILT FOR ENTERTAINI­NG

Spice kitchen part of appealing mix that makes the Emerald perfect for get-togethers

- JOSH SKAPIN

When there's a large number of people coming over, a lot needs to get done. Particular­ly, in the kitchen.

Having the space to support these tasks and have multiple people play a part in them relieves a great deal of pressure for the host.

This considerat­ion helps make the Emerald model an ideal design for fun get-togethers with friends.

Reaching 2,430 square feet, this front-drive single-family plan is displayed as a show home in the northwest Calgary community of Ambleton. It has four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Not only does the home feature a large, highly functional open-concept kitchen, but there is a secondary cooking space, as well.

This second cooking spot, commonly described as a spice kitchen, includes an open-range, cabinets, a small counter and sink. These pieces face a wall with convention­al pantry storage.

The spice kitchen has multiple advantages, including the additional option for preparing and cooking a dish. People who cater would value a culinary asset like this, as well.

With that said, spice kitchens are also known for being a solution to what sometimes occurs in an open-concept design. When the kitchen offers direct connection to the great room, for example, aromas from strong-smelling dishes sometimes wander and linger.

When the cooking area is tucked away and equipped with ventilatio­n, such as the spice kitchen, that aroma stays put.

Furthermor­e, this tucked-away quality is useful for hiding messes when guests are over, making it easy to postpone cleanup duties to later in the evening.

The primary kitchen is L-shaped and has an island. Catching eyes with its side waterfall design, the spacious island has a sink and eating bar that seats at least three people.

Most of the counter space is found on the exterior wall. The other wall contains a wall oven, microwave and fridge with french doors.

The kitchen island backs on to the dining area, functionin­g as overflow seating when guests are over.

Elevating the visual interest of the main level, the great room boxes out relative to the adjacent dining area. This makes both spaces feel individual­ly significan­t. In the 12-foot 11-inch by 14-ft sixinch sitting area, an elongated fireplace surrounded in tile is the focal point.

An area just off the foyer is labelled as the lifestyle room. In the show home, it is set up as a main floor bedroom. There is also a bathroom with a shower, giving the person occupying the main floor bedroom everything they need without needing to regularly use stairs.

Multi-generation­al households that include an elderly relative may find a setup like this desirable.

On the second level, a spacious family room separates the master bedroom from three secondary bedrooms. Two of the secondary bedrooms, measuring eight ft nine inches by 12 ft six inches apiece, have walk-in closets. One of these two has an ensuite, as well.

The third secondary bedroom lines up directly across the hall from a laundry room, making it easy collect and put away a clean load of clothes. The laundry room boasts a front-load washer and dryer and sink with cabinets.

In the master bedroom, the ensuite shines. It's an elegant space with a collection of upscale visuals, such as the tile above a vanity with two sinks. There's a thoughtful amount of space between the sinks, making it easy for two people to get ready at the same time.

 ?? PHOTOS: EYMERIC WIDLING ?? The great room in the Emerald show home by Shane Homes in Ambleton.
PHOTOS: EYMERIC WIDLING The great room in the Emerald show home by Shane Homes in Ambleton.
 ?? ?? The Emerald is a 2,430-square-foot, front-drive single-family home with four bedrooms.
The Emerald is a 2,430-square-foot, front-drive single-family home with four bedrooms.
 ?? ?? The bonus room gives homeowners extra space for a family room or office.
The bonus room gives homeowners extra space for a family room or office.
 ?? ?? The main level's open concept design allows for interactio­n with guests.
The main level's open concept design allows for interactio­n with guests.
 ?? ?? The primary kitchen is L-shaped and has a spacious, waterfall island.
The primary kitchen is L-shaped and has a spacious, waterfall island.
 ?? ?? The home has a main floor bedroom and bathroom.
The home has a main floor bedroom and bathroom.
 ?? ?? The kitchen island backs onto the dining area.
The kitchen island backs onto the dining area.
 ?? ?? The spice kitchen is a handy space.
The spice kitchen is a handy space.

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