Summerhill Kitchen

In a restored church-turned-townhome, Toronto homeowners found their space underutilized. Wishing to stay in their beloved home, yet adapt it, they tapped the talents of interior designer Anna Simone. They desired an open environment for casual family dinners, with the option to close the kitchen off for catered events. Simone was dedicated to their needs, envisioning a look that combined sophisticated traditional elements with clean, contemporary highlights.

To achieve such lofty goals, Simone explains, “[We] dedicated two-thirds of the kitchen to cooking and one-third to prep work, with the entryway in between—creating a functional space with plenty of room for more than one person to work together comfortably. The seamless design integrates a matching black stone backsplash and countertops alongside smudge-resistant black matte […] cabinetry. Open upper shelving adds a sense of spaciousness while receding panels allow the entire room to be partitioned off as needed for complete privacy. The result is a kitchen that wows guests on entry but also meets all of the functional needs of the homeowners.” 

The appliances played a key role in accomplishing the contemporary look. Simone stated, “The range and flexibility of the [Sub-Zero and Wolf] products let the team choose exactly the right appliances to fit their design and maximize the small amount of space available. By cladding the 30-inch Sub-Zero […] refrigerator/freezer in the same black matte Fenix Nanotech as the cabinetry, the team was able to create a space that felt less like a kitchen and more like the millwork backdrop they envisioned, creating an elegant addition to the rest of the main floor. The Wolf […] induction cooktop also adds to the clean lines and minimalist design, blending with the black countertops and backsplash while completely accommodating the homeowners’ cooking and entertaining needs.” At just 128 square feet, Summerhill Kitchen is extremely functional, yet warm and reverential of the home’s distinct character.