The Colbecks dreamed of a kitchen that would truly be the heart of the home. With teenagers in the house and a passion for entertaining, they wanted a welcoming space with plenty of storage and a fresh, airy remake of the dated aesthetic.

“The homeowners desired a blend of cheerful minimalism and bohemian charm,” says Designer Caralee McKinney of Nelson’s Spruced Kitchens. “Our goal was to incorporate these styles in a classic and inviting way.”

Now, light floods the beautiful, open space where the family and their friends can move through, enjoying an uplifting vibe and clean, elegant lines. The aesthetic capitalizes on a neutral palette and warm, decadent finishes, establishing a modern take on classic boho styling.

McKinney was the perfect fit for the project, for which she was later named Kitchen Designer of the Year in 2024 by Merit Kitchens. She had the experience and talent to check every box on the homeowners’ wish list—opening up the kitchen, upgrading the space with modern finishes, and maximizing functionality.

The team made some key shifts in the floor plan—namely, removing a wall between the kitchen and hallway, as well as a shower in an adjacent bathroom—to create a larger, more open-concept space. A floor-to-ceiling pantry and built-in bench made better use of the new square footage, and in the main kitchen area, the upper cabinets were removed, and the ceilings were raised to brighten up the space. They expanded the island with a wood extension to provide storage and seating.

“The open-concept floor plan and extra storage give the homeowners more flexibility when hosting,” McKinney says. “As a family, they can cook meals, sit at the island and curl up by the gas fireplace all together in one space.”

Choosing the right cabinetry was crucial to achieving these goals. The clients wanted high-quality cabinetry, and Merit was the perfect fit. “Its plywood construction, soft-close doors and drawers and durable paint finish made it the ideal choice for this active family,” McKinney says. “We opted for a classic shaker-style door, which complements the style of their home and offers timeless appeal.”

In fact, cabinetry goes a long way in creating the perfect flow and vibe in a space, and there are several factors a homeowner should consider when selecting cabinets for any space.

First of all, choose materials wisely. Different materials offer varying levels of durability, aesthetics and maintenance requirements. “It’s important to choose materials that suit your household’s needs,” she says. “Also, consider functionality, your storage needs and how the cabinets will be used. Incorporate accessories like pullouts and built-in organizers for optimal functionality.”

The finish and colour are important decisions, as the aesthetic should align with your lifestyle. A wood-stained finish or wood-look laminate tends to be more durable than a painted finish, for example, which will make a difference in busy households with children and pets.

“I also recommend ensuring the cabinetry comes with a good, limited lifetime warranty,” McKinney adds. “And choose a company that uses sustainable materials and offers eco-friendly options.”

Ready to refresh your space? Your tailored kitchen awaits at Merit Kitchens. Visit merit-kitchens.com or connect on Facebook or Instagram.

 

Jessica Kirby

Jessica Kirby