Topcliffe Kitchen Reveal
The entire main floor was remodelled in this bungalow on Fredericton’s South Side, and I had the pleasure of designing it for clients who purchased it site unseen. The house was a neglected rental for a few years, but was in a desirable neighbourhood and had a great yard. This family knew there was potential, but at first glance, it was hard to see!
Before Pictures
The kitchen was the main priority. It didn’t function at all: with a tiny sink cabinet, and a high bar area, it was far from the family/entertaining space they desired. Originally, they were thinking of keeping the kitchen in the existing area, and updating the cabinets. But the footprint was tricky: there was a door to a basement in the middle of their plans, with laundry hook-ups and an exterior door close by. Moving the kitchen to the back wall would mean a functional U-shape space, with a proper working triangle, open to the dining room, allowed for an enclosed mudroom/laundry space, PLUS a play room for their daughter.
The first step in making this work was to replace the windows to allow for cabinets. When deciding on a window design, I chose a classic style that replicated the grills on their sliding patio doors off the dining room. U-shape kitchens can feel tight at times, but having windows, open shelves and glass uppers, meant the space felt more open and airy.
I decided on Alabaster White for the walls and did a contrasting trim in Gossamer Veil by Sherwin Williams. This framed the windows beautifully and brought charm and character to the space. I chose a classic wood and white palette for the cabinets, going darker on the bottom and light on the top, with the black granite undermount sink and matte black faucet adding a contemporary touch. The rounded lines of the semi flush mount light above the sink added the perfect amount of curve to a space that had a lot of straight lines.
The flooring throughout was a vinyl plank that resembled wide white oak hardwood. Vinyl functioned well in an older home that had the potential of shifting, and the wood grain brought a much needed warmth to the space. Overall the space now feels charming, functional, and airy. I am so happy for these clients and excited for them to move in!
Overall the space now feels charming, functional, and airy. I am so happy for these clients and excited for them to move in!
More specific sourcing details are below.
Decor and styling items: Modern Komfort
Semi flush mount light: Modern Komfort
Matte black faucet: Riobel Azure
Wall Paint: Alabaster by Sherwin Williams
Trim Paint: Gossamer Veil by Sherwin Williams
Vinyl plank flooring: Coretec, Wiltshire Oak
Cabinets: Kitchen Creations
Cabinet Hardware: Richelieu
Contractor: Norman Hickey
Photos: Coastal Lighting Media