Kitchen of the Month
Putty-coloured cabinets and glossy zellige tile bring a fresh look to an English-style kitchen.
An English-style kitchen designed by Sam Sacks
Designer Sam Sacks on bringing English style across the pond with a return to the classics.
HOUSE & HOME: Where did your design direction come from?
SAM SACKS: The homeowners live part-time in London, England, and we were particularly inspired by the fresh takes on old English kitchens coming from U.K. firms like deVOL Kitchens and Plain English. I was excited to run with that and see how it played out in my clients’ beautiful old Toronto home.
H&H: The island has a work table vibe that’s particularly English. Can you tell us about it?
SS: We knew we wanted a leggy island, but we also needed to incorporate a sink and dishwasher. We decided to install cabinets to the floor on one side and have slim metal legs on the other. My client loves to cook and, because she wanted a long counter for prep, we didn’t centre the sink.
H&H: Why did you decide against counter stools?
SS: You don’t always need them! It was such a pleasure to deck out the island with pretty cabinets that aren’t hidden under an overhang or behind seating. There are chairs in the dining area and a sofa nearby for lounging, so who needs stools?
H&H: Do you need symmetry for a balanced kitchen design?
SS: You should always start with symmetry and then have a bit of fun by standing things on their head. If the foundation is there — a centred range with equal runs of counter on either side — adding something unexpected like a halffloating island makes for a unique, handcrafted look. When you break down this design, even though it’s detailed, it remains restful on the eye — which is all I ever want.