Kitchens

2022 Kitchen Design Tip 1: Integrate furniture, appliances and art to make a small space feel larger

Victoria-based Bidgood + Co. mixes the modern and traditional in this playful Portage Inlet kitchen.

By Alyssa Hirose /
James Jones

The designers at Bidgood had only 900 square feet to work with in this Portage Inlet home near Victoria, so the kitchen had to be small and smart. €œWe integrated the appliances and created spaces that are multifunctional,€ says Christi Rivard, principal interior designer on the project.

White oak conceals the fridge and freezer, and an extended countertop peninsula makes for extra prep space and a built-in dining area. A small architectural recess in the kitchen wall (about 14 inches deep) wasn€™t quite enough room for a full-depth cabinet, but the addition of mullioned glass doors formed a stunning display cabinet for the young homeowner€™s art collection.

€œWe mixed traditional and contemporary lines to create something that is more interesting, and not rooted in a singular era,€ says Rivard. The minimalist millwork and matte black hardware contrast with the classic French-style stove and brass pot rail; Rivard says the space €œfeels like it€™s been there forever, but still feels fresh.€

READ NEXT: More Expert Tips for a Beautiful and Functional Modern Kitchen

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose

Alyssa Hirose is a Vancouver-based writer, editor, illustrator and comic artist. Her work has been featured in Vancouver magazine, Western Living, BCBusiness, Avenue, Serviette, Geist, BCLiving, Nuvo, Montecristo, The Georgia Straight and more. Her beats are food, travel, arts and culture, style, interior design and anything dog-related. She publishes a daily autobiographical comic on Instagram at @hialyssacomics.