2026 Kitchen Design Tip #3: Embrace the U-Shaped Island for Entertaining

This Calgary kitchen was explicitly designed for entertaining—the homeowners and their two daughters love to have people over for dinners, birthday parties and playdates. But while the U-shaped island provides tons of space for prepping and ample seating, it also prevents interactions too… in a good way. “At the request of the cook, it creates a functional hub where guests and kids can’t get in the way,” laughs designer Suzanne Tetrault, principal of Studio Felix, interior designer for the home by Icon Developments.

READ MORE: How Studio Felix Designed a Serene Bedroom Hideaway

It’s a kitchen full of thoughtful design details—the wall of rift-cut white oak panelling is downright masterful, hiding everything from the Sub-Zero fridge to the pantry to a passageway to other parts of the home. The island, though, is the star of the show here: on one face, a textural, slatted finish; on the others, recessed shelves for displaying cookbooks and pottery; on top, twin sinks; and, of course, inside, storage galore. “It’s ultra-functional,” says Tetrault, “but also ultra-chic.”

Pretty Palette

It’s understandable that this kitchen is a space where everyone would want to gather: though it’s minimalist in its detailing, it’s still inviting, thanks to a palette of off-whites and warm oak. Designer Suzanne Tetrault layered dark, sculptural accents (a glass-and-metal door and hutch by Mara Blacksmith; Studio Italia Design for Lodes ceiling lights) on top of that warm base. “It adds an architectural edge with a slight masculine undertone,” she says.

It Takes Two

The family wanted both a prep and full-sized sink, but giving up space on the range wall would’ve thrown off the visual balance of the room. The island, however, can easily house twin Blanco Silgranit sinks and Brizo faucets, along with a dishwasher, garbage pull-outs, knife-storage pull-outs and cutting board storage.

It’s the Little Things

A recessed channel underneath the mitred countertop and recessed shelving make even the outside of the island functional. “There is relatively little open shelving throughout the house, so this gave them an opportunity to display a few things in a tidy, understated way,” says Tetrault.

Hidden Gems

Most of the rift-cut white oak doors open up to storage, but one leads to a hidden back stairwell leading to the mudroom and garage. Another hidden feature? A dumbwaiter in the pantry that connects to the garage, making transportation of groceries from car to kitchen a breeze.

Counter Service

Two different countertop materials are at work here: leathered Caesarstone, installed with a two-inch mitred edge, and a Luna quartzite that lines the perimeter and the dining hutch.

Come Dine With Me

The dining area features a custom Out of the Woodwork table lined with semi-custom chairs from Suite 22. (The barstools are from the same brand.)