The Urban Kitchen

Smart Solutions for Small Spaces

There are many benefits to urban living. Perhaps the most important is proximity to the places, things, and activities that you value and enjoy on a regular basis. That said, there are also drawbacks to urban living. Lack of space is perhaps the most notable of these, and in Vancouver, where space is often compromised for location, the kitchen is no exception. Typical shortcomings of urban kitchens include limited counter and cupboard space, poor layout, and inadequate storage.

V6B Design Group understands this, and as unworkable as these things may first appear, they are by no means impossible to overcome. Increasingly, the boundaries between kitchen and living space are vanishing, and people are looking for creative alternatives to the traditional kitchen layouts that are characteristic of urban living. From custom cabinetry and countertops, to integrated appliances and endless material and finish options, smart and sexy solutions are in abundance.

With detailed, creative planning, V6B can transform what was once an awkward kitchen-living area into an efficient multifunctional space that is tailored specifically to your unique needs. The following are just a few examples of the outstanding work our designers at V6B produce on a daily basis.

Downtown Penthouse

This renovation was for an out-of-town client who wanted to update the generic kitchen in his secondary residence. Located in Downtown Vancouver’s Shaw Tower, the client wanted to take advantage of the spectacular penthouse vantage of ocean and mountains. He wanted the kitchen to have a very clean, minimal design that would remain functional but unobtrusive. Furthermore, the kitchen needed to enhance and not distract from the artwork, décor, and exterior views.

Imported Italian Binova cabinetry, complete with stainless steel countertops and appliance panels, was perfect for the kind of kitchen the client envisioned. Natural materials, including ebony stained European oak (cabinets), quartzite (backsplash), and antique brushed black granite (floors), were used to complement both the interior and exterior environment.

Main features:

• Prep & Cleanup area – oversized island with stainless steel countertop, double sink, dishwasher, and storage drawers for cutlery, dishes, glasses, recycling, cleaning products, etc.
• Cooking area – Opposite the prep and cleanup area, includes cook top, oven, fridge, custom hood fan, and custom pull-out drawers for pots, pans, and common cooking ingredients
• Kitchen Storage area – pantry wall with hidden microwave, pull-out secondary prep area, and side opening doors to save space
• Closet area – near entrance, side opening doors, accommodates long-hanging garments with shelves and drawers for shoes, boots, and other accessories

Yaletown Condo

(Click image to view slideshow)

After searching far and wide for a safe and enjoyable place to raise their two sons, this young couple settled on a family-friendly urban residence in Yaletown, Vancouver. In need of a serious update, the kitchen space had to be opened up and an awkward closet space also needed to be addressed. The clients, who were based in Philadelphia for the duration of the project, wanted dramatic materials, bold colours, and interesting, creative design.

To achieve this, V6B contrasted deep yellow gloss painted cabinetry (upper) with flat grey finished cabinetry (lower), and added aluminum and glass cabinet doors as an accent. For the countertops, a combination of white granite and stainless steel was used, while the corresponding backsplash was comprised of textured glass and stainless steel. To finish the contemporary look, maple floors were installed, complete with matching maple veneer doors for the re-designed closet space.

Main features:

• Contemporary freestanding hood fan canopy
• 12” deep storage wall with incorporated fridge unit and microwave
• Pantry storage with finished glass/aluminum doors
• Cantilevered, glass eating counter
• Bumblebee light fixtures (added touch by client)

Shaughnessy Townhouse

As ‘empty nesters’, these clients were at a different stage in their lives. Living in a townhouse in Lower Shaughnessy, they had time to dedicate to other endeavours, not the least of which included a kitchen renovation. The existing décor, which consisted of a combination of antique furniture, folk art, and modern conveniences, presented some challenges because of the confined kitchen space. It was important for the kitchen to harmonize with the rest of the home, and that meant careful selection of finishes and materials.

Fortunately, the clients were keen to do something different, and readily embraced an eclectic transitional style. The kitchen became a combination of traditional painted inset cabinetry and dark stained, European-style wood cabinetry, bridged with a stainless steel compost and clean up centre.

Main features:

• Built-in stainless steel cleanup centre with sink, drainboard, strainer sink, & compost chute
• Walk-in pantry
• Concealed small appliance garages
• Lagos Blue quartzite, stainless steel, and 2” thick natural maple butcher block countertops
• Contemporary faucet detail
• Eclectic combination of colours, styles, materials, and finishes

Coal Harbour Condo

This Coal Harbour client was an avid cook who required a very functional, practical kitchen that he could really enjoy working in. At the beginning of the project, one of the main concerns was whether to open the space up, or keep it separate from the living area. After assessing the room and visualizing how the client would use it, it was decided that a traditional enclosed kitchen with lots of storage, appliances, and surface space would better serve his needs.

To produce an elegant, traditional style, mitered raised panel cherry was used for the cabinetry. Stainless steel fixtures and appliances, and lighter granite countertops helped to offset the darker cabinetry and finish the look.

Main features:

• Integrated appliances (steam oven, oven, fridge, etc.)
• Combination bar/butlery
• Raised granite counter for casual eating
• Tall storage, and generous cupboard & drawer space
• Small appliance garage

With over 20 years specializing in custom kitchen design, V6B has specific experience in addressing the unique requirements of urban kitchens. From understanding how to open up spaces, to identifying appropriate appliance, accessory, and finish options, V6B can provide the design expertise, products, and renovation services necessary to transform urban spaces. Come out and visit V6B’s design studio today and talk to one of our expert designers, because after all, a compromise on space doesn’t have to be a compromise on personal living style.