Kitchen Design Tip 5: Lean into Layers

A kitchen can be objectively beautiful—but if it doesn’t feel like it represents you, can it ever truly be a space you enjoy? Such was the case with the previous incarnation of this North Vancouver kitchen, which designer Erica Colpitts renovated into a deeply personal reflection of the homeowner. “My client is warm and accomplished, and has enjoyed travelling around the world,” says Colpitts. “But the palette of the rooms in her home just didn’t match her personality and way of life.” And so in came layers on layers of rich texture, colour and materials to better represent the multifaceted beauty of a life well lived.

The Calacatta Oro marble countertop plays off artfully muddy black millwork and textured white tile from Ann Sacks. A mix of metals—burnished brass, stainless steel, matte black—throughout the space brings a subtle eclectic touch. The homeowner’s handsome collection of ceramics (some nubbly, some glossy) sits proudly on the white oak shelving, while a custom riveted 3 Dimensions Ltd. hood fan takes its proportions from a well-designed handbag. “Each of these individually beautiful elements carefully complements one another,” says Colpitts. But, more importantly, they also complement the person who happily enjoys this striking space, day in and day out.

On Display

Restoration Hardware pendant lights hang above a generously sized island. The shelves are peppered with ceramics, including work from Spanish studio Canoa Lab.

Raise a Glass

The proportions on the metal and glass doors for the counter-mounted cabinet were carefully considered and customized. “We kept the metal components as delicate in proportion as possible while ensuring their ability to still bear the tremendous weight of the cabinet,” says Colpitts.