"We’ve already put our JennAir appliances to hard work and they’ve exceeded every expectation. I’m grateful to JennAir for the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for their exceptional craftsmanship and design."
As an interior designer, I’ve had the privilege of creating many beautiful spaces for my clients over the last 20 years, but there’s an entirely different level of emotion and precision when designing your own home. One of my latest projects, although technically a renovation and my own home, was in every way a new build in terms of its complexity, scope, and ambition.
THE HEART OF THE HOME
Purchased during 2020 which was also pandemic time, the home was to be a family home for my husband and I and our 2 young children. Our current home in Burnaby was nice but not really suitable for young children with limited yard space and a Kitchen that was not hard wearing enough.
This new home had originally been an architects home built in 1955 and so we looked at ways to preserve the character of the home. We hired on Frits de Vries and he helped us to conceptualize adding an addition to the home that would keep the Kitchen as the main heart of the home since with small kids, that is where we knew we would spend the most time.
We needed to have a separate Wok Kitchen because my mother came over often to help with the kids and she also loved to cook heavy smelling Chinese food. For the Main Kitchen, we had a fairly simple Kitchen layout and because we had windows all along the south side opted for a cooking centre that was in the Kitchen island. Of all layouts this is one that is never ideal for me personally but I knew that I could make it work if I chose the finishes strategically.
For the finishes I knew that I wanted the undertone of the space to have a more fun Palm Springs sort of vibe so I chose finishes and complementary items to reflect that. I loved the sleek look of the Jenn-Air appliances which paired very nicely with the fun colours that I wanted to use. Fun wallpapers and statement lighting was mixed in to create a Kitchen that was not too serious like us.
The JennAir appliances we selected include a stunning 36” six-burner gas cooktop, anchored beneath a custom architectural hood fan that disappears elegantly into the design. Central to the main wall are dual stacked ovens, perfectly positioned for efficiency and visual symmetry. Flanking the ovens are two 36” integrated refrigerators with matching custom cabinet panels, their interiors revealing a rich matte obsidian finish illuminated by soft, sophisticated lighting. Every detail from the powerful gas burners to the cool, dramatic interiors of the fridges brings an intentional layer of luxury to daily life.
The placement of the appliances was a deeply considered decision. We waffled on what we needed… more freezer space or more fridge space… In the end we decided to do 2 of the same units. By flanking the ovens with the refrigerators, we achieved not only a clean, symmetrical statement wall but also a highly functional culinary workflow. The fridges sit right where they’re needed for both prep and plating, minimizing steps and maximizing flow whether we’re cooking a quiet dinner for two or hosting a lively evening with friends. The central island, wrapped in a beautifully veined stone by Dekton, anchors the space with warmth and movement, while providing additional prep space and casual seating under the sculptural, modern light fixtures.
We also used JennAir for two under counter units that are on the bar side of the space. A dedicated wine fridge and a beverage fridge, both seamlessly integrated into the custom cabinetry near the dining and lounge areas. These additions have made entertaining effortless, keeping everything from a chilled bottle of wine to sparkling waters within easy reach, while maintaining the kitchen’s clean, architectural lines. Every material, from the brushed rose gold hardware to the soft, muted cabinetry, was chosen to complement the quiet strength and modernity of the appliances, resulting in a kitchen that feels equally bold and serene.
In the Wok Kitchen we opted for an equally fun aesthetic. Set against a turquoise Cole and Son wallpaper featuring monkeys and fruit, we selected the 36” sleek gas cooktop and we also put the microwave into this room so it would be a bit more hidden away. Opting for the sleek drawer style microwave from Jenn Air, we were able to position it underneath the counter for maximum functionality and layout.
In the end, what we created is more than just a beautiful kitchen. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, technology, and the life lived within these walls. My collaboration with JennAir allowed me to bring the same level of design thinking I bring to my client projects into my own home, and the result is a space that not only looks extraordinary but works effortlessly for our daily rhythm. It’s proof that the true heart of the home is one that is as functional as it is inspiring.
Our Kitchen was also awarded Best Kitchen Renovation ($150K-175K category) at the 2025 Havan awards.
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