“Even though white kitchens are really popular and they always will be, we look for opportunities to deliver that light aesthetic people are looking for in a different way,” says Curtis Elmy of Saskatoon’s Atmosphere Interior Design. In this kitchen (part of a house they designed for the Saskatoon Hospital Home Lottery), the team at Atmosphere opted for a pale grey on the cabinets—Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl above; a little darker on the lowers with Benjamin Moore’s Rainstorm—and injected white throughout with the marble backsplash, the Caesarstone counters and a pair of great oversized pendants from Visual Comfort.

A Bright Kitchen Isn’t Always White

It’s a light and bright space full of interesting details, including that showstopper of a range hood custom made by Hammersmith in Calgary. The slightly curved shape provides great contrast to the square lines of the Shaker cabinets, and its two-tone design—natural stainless with antique brass strapping and rivets—provides a visual anchor to pair with the Colonial Bronze handles on the cabinets and the antique brass interiors of the pendant lights.

The team at Atmosphere brought in mirrored fronts for the upper cabinets for a little extra sparkle. The finish on the mirror contains a bit of dust and speckle, giving it extra depth and dimension€”and making maintenance easier. The Shaker cabinets have a bevelled edge, which gives them a more elegant, defined look.

Anicka Quin

Anicka Quin

Anicka Quin is the editor-in-chief of Western Living magazine and the VP of Content for Canada Wide Media. If you've got a home design you'd like to share with Western Living, drop her a line at [email protected]