Penny Southam, ARIDO, IDC
Registered Interior Designer
President - Southam Design Inc.

Custom Kitchens – over 200 Sq.Ft

Our clients, both avid cooks, wished for a classic “triangle” kitchen for ease of use and efficiency when preparing meals. They also wished for a space that was well suited for entertaining, and had a simple and modern aesthetic. The resulting kitchen stands out with its custom glass backsplash lit by LED strip lighting that shifts between various colours throughout the day and night. Maple flat panel doors, trimmed with a 4” cherry border emphasize the strong horizontal and vertical geometry of the design.

The kitchen contains two built-in refrigerators with freezer drawers, a custom cookbook area with steel roll top covering, and a sink large enough to accommodate a baking tray. Glass artist Detlef Gotzens was called in to design a tempered recycled glass backsplash, and an island “bridge” of the same material. To complete the look, oiled 2” thick soapstone is used as countertop material, contrasting with the liquid quality of the glass and the warm glow of the wood.

The kitchen is separated functionally from the rest of the home by a custom rectangular wood clad structure that contains storage and an appliance garage on the side facing into the kitchen and a powder room on the side facing the hall. This feature unit gives the kitchen a strong architectural component and helps to further enhance the sharp geometry of the design.

The maple and cherry millwork is continued beyond the kitchen and throughout the entire ground floor, seamlessly integrating this stunning gem of a kitchen into this light filled contemporary home.

Custom kitchens under 180 sq.ft.  - Finalist

The compact, highly functional, and bold design of this tiny kitchen is a study in the clever maximization of space. Upper cabinets over the sunroom doorway connect the visual components to essentially “wrap” the kitchen around the room. Silver polished quartzite floors, custom red lacquer cabinetry, dark smoky granite countertops and textured glass backsplash add drama to the space, while the addition of a new window brings much needed light into the interior.

Every square inch of space is utilized; from the appliance garage to open shelving for cookbooks and mail to drywall returns that allow the upper cabinets to abut the window – no detail is spared. The entire composition is trimmed with an asymmetrical 4” crown and side panels that add dynamic architectural detailing to the compact design.

The clients wished for a unique, daring, but highly functional space - the end result delivers a high octane design that makes great use of all available square footage without restricting movement or style - bringing this tired old kitchen boldly into the 21st century.

Housing Details: The ‘Puzzle’

Innovative detailing abounds in the renovation of this 1920’s two-storey. The clients wished for a mudroom to be placed on the lower level entrance. The limited space provided a challenge so we designed a custom “mudroom” complete with cubbies, a bench, hooks, and an upper shelf for storage in the tiny foyer. Utilizing every inch of space, we also allowed for a pull out underneath the main level for gloves and hats. A built-in floor grate provides drainage for snowy boots and mitts, while the “roof” of the structure provides space to display sculpture along the hall above. The mudroom and display platform are clad in maple, with a 4” cherry border and stainless steel reveals.  The whole ensemble is anchored with a stainless steel clad post – a necessity for structural purposes - but camouflaged by great design.

On the main level, the original interior walls were removed and space was redefined by the placement of an intricate series of custom maple and cherry panels that fit together like a puzzle to define space and provide privacy. When looking toward the front of the house from the top of the stair on this level, the eye is drawn down a long corridor which is lined on the opposite side by a series of maple and cherry panels. The closet doors and the powder room door are also clad in maple with stainless steel reveals.  Where the cherry vertical panel meets maple horizontal panels, we added a stunning floor to ceiling aluminum 4”x4” recess to emphasize separation of the two materials. Color changing LED’s were recessed into the floor and ceiling, resulting in a stunning display of light both day and night.

The centrally located powder room, hidden away in a ‘jewel box’, separates the kitchen from the corridor while maintaining the open concept design. Due to varying ceiling heights above the enclosure, we dropped the ceiling to give it a floating appearance.  Within the powder room the Plexiglas ceiling allows for ambient light to penetrate the small room inside.  No detail is lost on the interior of this room with its floor to ceiling textured lava stone wall, cherry plates to house the faucet and sconces, and a beautiful glass counter and sink.

Again, the four sided ‘jewel box’ was intricately clad with a series of panels, storage in the kitchen, a media station hidden behind a full height s.s. appliance garage at one end and “la piece de resistance” at the other end; 4 – 2x2 stainless steel tiles converted into light switches that were recessed into a cherry panel and back lit by LED’s.  This custom feature is truly one of a kind as it was designed by our client.

All of these unique details combine to provide a “puzzle-like” series of panels that interconnect and lead one design element to another, bringing all of the individual components together.  No matter where you look – day or night – the sum of the parts equals the whole.

“The Jewel Box”
G – Housing Details
Powder room and Kitchen storage unit

Staircase
Housing Details

Main Level Hall
Housing Details

Renovations/Additions – under $75,000

The Client’s existing three bedroom home was cramped and in need of an update. The goal of this project was to provide extra living space that extended out into the back yard. A main level bedroom was not in use by the Clients, so we decided to open this area up and utilize it as the transition into the addition.

The addition was designed as a beautiful sun-filled room, which fulfilled the Client’s request for a place to read by the fire, admire the garden, and to entertain. The sleek and contemporary fireplace became the focal point of the room, and was surrounded by a unique storage unit composed of irregularly positioned doors. Large windows provide ample natural light to illuminate the architectural features of the room. Combined with a relaxing paint palette, built-in benches with storage to complement the comfortable and stylish seating, and direct access to the back garden, this new addition successfully integrates with the active but laid back lifestyle of our Clients.

From outdated, cramped and cluttered – this cost effective addition has transformed this home into a spacious,  contemporary, and open space without compromising comfort or style.

Renovations/Additions –$75,000 to $150,000

The original contract for this project was to rework the small kitchen with 3 new doors and a large window over the sink. Upon inspection of the home, we suggested removal of the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room as well as a small 4’ addition into the side yard to provide space for a mudroom, complete with bench, cubbies, and storage for skis. This rather drab 1960’s bungalow had an awkward carport, which was removed to simplify the exterior architecture and to give the façade a stronger street presence.

The kitchen was reworked into a functional and contemporary space with narrow windows placed between countertop and upper cabinets to maximize air and light circulation while minimizing the view. A peninsula with bar seating replaced the old wall separating the kitchen and dining room, providing ideal space for entertaining.

In the living room the original fireplace was replaced with a contemporary gas model and the surround was reclad in slate, reflective of the slate used in the entrance and mudroom. A slick self-supporting maple mantel was placed above the new fireplace to match the maple kitchen cabinetry, and niches were carved out on the right of the fireplace and on the end of the closet to provide additional space for storage and display.

The primary materials used in this renovation / addition were maple, silestone (counters), blue glass tile (backsplash), cork flooring (kitchen), and slate flooring (mudroom, entrance, fireplace façade). Parts of the exterior, including the new addition, were clad in stucco to contrast with the textured brick of the original house.

Overall the closed, dark, and poorly functioning programming of the original house was transformed into a simple, warm, and inviting open concept space that better harmonizes with the requirements of our clients 21st century lifestyle. Next summer we will work with our clients to create an exterior deck adjacent to the addition, complete with landscaping and planting. This should complete the fabulous transformation of their home!

Renovations/Additions –$150,000 to $225,000

Our Client has always had an exquisite garden but was unable to enjoy the view from inside their home due to an old 3 season room and a very small, poorly designed deck. A key requirement was to design an outdoor entertainment area off the main living space on the 2nd floor – an outdoor room with a view!

The strong geometry of the design solution is asymmetrically balanced with the tall, 2 storey stairwell on the right and the lower extension of the sauna on the left.  The balance of staggered stone veneer, stucco and aluminum caps also strengthens the architectural design. The placement of a green roof on the deck allows for additional garden space while providing a tranquil respite with a view of the garden below. The exceptional views are further enhanced by the placement of black framed windows at the back which add sharpness to the design while allowing for abundant natural light to flood the interior.

Moving inside, the ground floor contains a sauna, bathroom, family room, and exercise area. The bathroom, adjacent to the sauna, features a tub with steam shower and a built in seat for resting. The bump out required for the bench creates a wall to anchor the custom entertainment unit located in the family room. The clean lines of the interior millwork reflect the contemporary design of the exterior, and both blend harmoniously with the outdoors, blurring the distinction between inside and out. Natural walnut was used for both the vanity and entertainment unit. A slab of slate was selected for the vanity counter, and copper quartzite for the floor and tub surround. The second level and outdoor deck is accessed by a floating staircase encased in a dramatic two storey glazed stairwell.

Overall, the open and functional space, strong geometry of the architecture, and stunning views to the garden makes this a successful and beautiful addition to the existing home.  Rooms with a view – both indoor and out!

A perfect example of a design where the sum of the parts create the whole - Asymmetrical in nature while creating a perfect balance.

Renovations/Additions - over $300,000

This renovation of an unassuming 1920’s two storey was a collaboration between the interior designer, an architect, the contractor and the clients. The exterior façade is beautifully and skillfully wrapped in expanses of aluminum, warm caramel coloured mahogany panels and taupe stucco. All structural and HVAC requirements were seamlessly integrated with the simple, modern design through the use of coves, multiple ceiling heights and stainless steel wrapped columns. Inside, a key feature of the design is the open central staircase which connects upper and lower floors together in an industrial chic montage of iron, stainless steel, wood, and Plexiglas. Wall mounted LED’s bathe the staircase in an ever changing stream of coloured light giving the whole ensemble a sculptural quality.

The original exterior walls of the house remain while the entire interior footprint on both the main and second levels was redesigned to allow for maximum functional living space. The architect added 900 square feet, mainly at the back of the home, to accommodate client requirements. The interior designer created an intricate puzzle of custom millwork clad in maple and cherry panels and doors throughout the main level. The powder room “floats” in the middle of the main level and features a Plexiglas ceiling that reflects light up to the main ceiling 12” above. The kitchen stands out with its custom glass backsplash lit by LED strip lighting that shifts between various colours throughout the day and night. Maple flat panel doors, trimmed with a 4” cherry border, emphasize the horizontal and vertical geometry of the design. To complete the look, an oiled 2” thick soapstone and 1.5” thick custom glass work surface sit atop a generously proportioned island. The living room, complete with a custom maple and cherry storage unit, sits adjacent to the kitchen. As both clients periodically work from home, an office is located at the front of the house adjacent to the entrance and is framed by maple clad closets complete with stainless steel reveals.

On the second level, two large skylights flood the central area allowing a generous amount of natural light into the formally dim space. The family room is located on the upper level, providing additional space for one to read, play a game, or simply relax. The master bath, a study in dark wood, glass, and neutral tile, contrasts delightfully with the iridescent blue palette of the children’s bathroom.

Collaboration between the architect, interior designer, the contractor and the clients has resulted in a contemporary and jewel like home that simply sparkles when lit – a house perfect for entertaining and well suited to the demands of a modern 21st century lifestyle.

Basement Renovation

The design challenge for this home in Rockcliffe Park was to turn an unfinished and underutilized basement into a multifunctional entertainment area. Our solution provided space for a media room, games room, wine cellar, exercise room, fully functioning bathroom complete with shower, and various storage areas.

The media room was designed with a 60” plasma screen TV set in wall-to-wall millwork to house a DVD collection and to hide various electronic components which are controlled through an integrated system. In the games area, a pool table was placed in the middle of the room with a curved bar height counter and bench seating tucked into the corner to one side. Small niches are set into the walls above the bench to provide space for displaying sculpture. The cove ceiling in both the media and games rooms combines LED and recessed lighting to provide sufficient illumination for a game of pool or to allow for a more subdued ambience for enjoying a glass of wine or watching a movie. The clients have a wonderful collection of vintage wines which they can beautifully display in their new wine cellar located adjacent to the games room. For other refreshments we have provided them with a wet bar complete with cherry cabinetry, granite countertop, bar sink, and ambient lighting.

Located off the main stair to the ground floor a new bathroom provides our clients with a walk-in-shower, cherry cabinetry, and granite countertops. The look is completed with 12x24 staggered tile and elegant Hubardton Forge wall sconces. Two closets for coats and storage sit adjacent to the garage. Design features include a large archway that opens to a sweeping, central staircase, and soft paint colours and a Berber carpet done in a tone-on-tone palette that provides a neutral, spa-like backdrop for the artwork and millwork accents.

Overall this basement renovation has transformed a dark unfinished space into a tranquil and understated entertainment zone designed to provide respite after a long busy day.