Decorating & Design
August 11, 2022
Get A Designer’s Tips For Achieving Modern Farmhouse Style
More often than not, designers and clients meet through referrals or even on Instagram. For Ryan and Kate, the homeowners of this project, it was a holiday house tour benefiting a local art gallery that brought them face-to-face with their future designer, Candice Brown.
The following spring, Candice spearheaded the Pickering, Ont., couple’s main-floor renovation, including a kitchen with room for the whole fam (son Noah is 13, and daughter Reese is 9). “It was clear from our first meeting that we were aligned with our vision and aesthetic for the project,” says Candice. That vision was a kitchen with symmetry, a mix of open and closed storage, and plenty of room for family game nights.
Step inside the charming kitchen!
“The design evolved from roots in farmhouse style with a hint of French bistro,” says Candice.
Keep scrolling for her tips on how to get the look!
Create A Neutral Envelope
“Warm white is a great foundation,” says Candice, who used Oyster White by Sherwin-Williams on the cabinets in the farmhouse-inspired kitchen.
Make Room For Display
Stretches of floating shelves break up floor-to-ceiling cabinets while a mix of lacquered and unlacquered brass warms up the white space.
Save With Inexpensive Subway Tile
Classic subway tile with dark grout has a French bistro feel. “We chose to forgo upper cabinets in favor of floating shelves on the window wall to allow for more display,” says Candice.
Splurge On A Luxe Appliance
A dreamy French range was the jumping-off point for the entire 275-square-foot kitchen — and it’s easy to see why. “It was the biggest splurge by far and it influenced all aspects of the project,” says the designer. The cabinet colour — Oyster White by Sherwin-Williams — is a nice complement to the range’s ivory enamel finish.
Incorporate Rustic Elements
Supporting businesses close to home was top of mind, too. Heritage Harvest Tables, a nearby family-run woodshop, built a 13-foot-long table that can accommodate 18 (yes, 18!) people. Ryan and Kate frequently host get-togethers for their large extended family. The accompanying bench came from a local church. “It’s the perfect balance between new and old,” says Candice, who chose black modern Windsor-style chairs from Urban Barn for the opposite side of the table.
Add Open And Closed Storage
The cabinets, open shelves and island were also made by a family-owned carpentry company. Malgray Furniture, based in Port Hope, Ont., used white oak for the base of the impressive 14-foot-long island and the open shelves. “It’s light and airy, which was important, given the size of the island,” says Candice. Open shelves also give the island display space for dishware.
Hang A Collection Of Copper Pans
A brass rail holds a grouping of copper pots. “We chose to forgo upper cabinets in favor of floating shelves on the window wall to allow for more display,” says Candice.
Valerie Wilcox
House & Home Kitchens & Bath 2022
Candice Brown