1. Euro Classic

THE BACKSTORY: A Calgary couple had recently become empty-nesters and were craving a kitchen that would fit their more social lifestyle. Empire Kitchen & Bath designer Mark Cayen collaborated with Empire owner Kevin Mullen and Arizona design firm Wiseman and Gale to revamp the 464square-foot kitchen with a moody palette and a more open layout. The chrome- and steel-trimmed La Cornue range and matching island were the first (and most important) design elements; then came the sumptuous black subway tile and dark slabs of granite that ensured a smooth transition from wall to counter. “The abundance of natural light allowed us to use black without it feeling too heavy,” says Mark. For contrast and texture, he had the lower perimeter cabinets painted cream and installed rift-cut white oak uppers. Three floating shelves offer a warm contrast to the backsplash and a great place to display the owners’ china collection. Finally, he added decorative beams and white lampshade-style pendants for a European-style kitchen that’s perfect for dinner parties.

TOP LEFT AND OPPOSITE: “Not every kitchen allows for such decorative detail, but this space and client were perfect for it,” says Mark. Kitchen design, Empire Kitchen & Bath; cream and wood cabinets, Downsview Kitchens; range, black and metal trim, La Cornue; cabinet hardware, Sun Valley Bronze; backsplash, Waterworks. TOP RIGHT: The owners’ collection of fine china decorates a trio of rift-cut white oak shelves. “They have a great appreciation for art and design,” says Mark. LEFT: Glass-fronted cabinets keep the breakfast area from feeling too heavy. Panelled refrigerator and freezer, Sub-Zero; flooring, Back In Time Flooring.

“BLENDING WOODS CAN BE TRICKY; IF YOU STAY WITHIN THE SAME SPECIES, YOU CAN PLAY WITH A MIX OF STAINS AND TEXTURES” — Mark Cayen