H O M E S&D E S I G N | K I T C H E N S
KITCHEN TIP
Layered lighting brings a kitchen to life. ADMIRING THIS VANCOUVER kitchen renovation by Andrea Jae Studio, you’ll likely first be impressed by the muted pink cabinets, custom half-barrel slat wall or clever sliding storage in the peninsula. But there’s a vital, if inconspicuous, design choice here that allows those star elements to shine. Literally. Studio principal Andrea Ewanchyna explains that the natural light from the kitchen window, dimmable LEDs in the built-in shelving and a soft white paint to reflect ambient rays coming in from the living room all keep the kitchen bathed in a warm, welcoming and bright glow. When her team, along with contractor Condoworks and millworker Millwerks, removed the wall that originally separated the kitchen from the rest of the home, they opted for the partial slat wall to create a foyer. “They needed some type of front entry, so that you don’t walk in like, ‘Hello, we’re in the kitchen!’” the designer says with a laugh. The feature also casts gorgeous shadows on the white oak floors when drenched in sun. Besides being strategically placed, all of the artificial lighting in this kitchen is dimmable, allowing the homeowners—a retired couple who love to cook—to increase or decrease levels throughout the day. “Nothing was put in just because it looked good... it’s all there because it is functional for their lifestyle,” says Ewanchyna. —A.H.
James Han