Jennifer Worts Design

Potential…realized.

With a whopping 20’ from the range to the dining room, the original plan to simply replace the existing island with something larger felt like a missed opportunity the deeper we got into the design. Mapping out the layout revealed a chance to move beyond the existing “white and nautical” aesthetic toward something far more soulful - a kitchen that is moody, natural, and hyper-serviceable.
The transformation is grounded in a complete atmospheric shift. The original uppers and standard hood were stripped away, replaced by the warmth of reclaimed shelving and the weight of a custom steel hood. Dark, moody tile now wraps all three walls, traveling from window height to the full height of the room. By painting the trims and millwork in deep, shadowed tones and introducing dark-stained wood for the islands, we were able to anchor the massive footprint, giving the space a sense of permanence and architectural gravity it previously lacked.

Contributing to this new grounded feel, the flooring throughout the entire lakehouse was replaced, providing a cohesive foundation that ties the kitchen into the home’s broader narrative. This deep, textured envelope meets the vault of the dark-stained ceiling, where the lighting system is so integrated it nearly disappears, leaving only the intentional glow of zoned task and decorative lighting to guide the eye.

The footprint is now centered by two oversized islands, each measuring just over 11’L x 38”W. This scale creates a sophisticated division of labour: one island is dedicated to the social ritual of the bar and entertaining - complete with beverage fridges and an ice maker - while the other serves as a high-performance engine for daily use. With two farmhouse sinks - one in the island and one on the perimeter - and dual dishwashers, the kitchen operates with an ease that matches its new visual depth. Even the large pantry to the left has been brought into this new design language - stay tuned for that story.

In the meantime, slide to see the before image!

Photography:

This throwback is a study in scale, soul, and the art of the transition.

One of our most cherished projects involved the relocation of the loveliest couple from Ottawa to a sprawling new build in Toronto. Far from a downsizing, this project allowed us to collaborate with the architects and builders from the ground up to create a home tailored specifically for their next chapter: one centered on family and the art of entertaining.

The living room serves as the residence’s grand connector. Framed by floor-to-ceiling glass, the interior offers an uninterrupted dialogue with the outdoor oasis - a curated landscape featuring a pool, spa, and the verdant fairways of a storied golf course beyond.

To honor the clients’ innate warmth, we curated a “luxury hotel” sensibility through a strictly tactile lens. We utilized a consistent, elevated palette of natural linens, serene wools, rich woods, and honed marble throughout the entire home, ensuring the transition from room to room felt seamless and serene.

A sophisticated sanctuary designed for grand celebrations and quiet moments with grandchildren alike.

Opening night of the Artist Project here in Toronto last Thursday was a great reminder of the incredible talent we have right here in Canada. We always make a point to attend this show, but seeing the sheer breadth of work this year felt especially inspiring.

There is something profoundly moving about the artists who participate. It takes a massive amount of grit and vulnerability to put your personal work on a wall for all of us to enjoy, and we were blown away by that level of commitment. Seeing these creatives step into the spotlight and share their vision is exactly what makes our local art scene so vibrant and impressive.