Nature in the Kitchen

One of the challenges of this project was to design the kitchen island around a  jack post that was required to support an overhead beam. The kitchen/dining area is quite large and open. I thought that wrapping a pine tree around it with the root structure intact would be a solution and would look beautiful as well. With the help of The Cutting Brothers in Port Carling, I think we came up with the perfect answer to the problem. With the ledge rock scribed to the trunk and the appearance of the tree growing through the solid cherry bar top, it is quite stunning. Under counter low voltage lighting illuminates the stone and tree roots for a subtle warmth.

 There is a mix of woods and finishes as well. Cherry hilights the raised bar top, the full height pantry style cabinet that contains a gas fireplace to warm up those cool spring and fall mornings, a bar area built-in under a set of stairs, and a work island in the kitchen that has a locally harvested beech butcher block countertop.

The kitchen cabinetry is finished in a lightly distressed off white colour and contains soft close hinges and drawer slides, spice/oil racks beside the Wolf gas range, polished granite counters, and a hand hammered sink in the peninsula.

 
A red pine crotch is used as a pedistal for a cherry table top, scribed into the curved island.

This has been a project that I am very proud to have built. The owners gave me the artistic freedom to add different elements and create something very unique. Thanks also goes to Judy Curtis for her vision.

A Little Old, A Lot New

In a hundred year old Muskoka cottage, there are characteristics which one would like to retain when remodelling. Trim details, the use of stone and wood together, warm neutral colours and proper accent decorating all unite to create a kitchen that is instantly welcoming and easy to work in.

This cottage on lake Muskoka is just that. A mix of old and new. A beautiful stone fireplace, original v-joint ceilings and trim, made with the materials harvested from the area when the cottage was built in 1910. I`ve scribed cabinets to the stone for a built-in feel and used some of the v-joint for door panels and cabinet backing, all stained to match the old finish.

The owners supplied a 10 foot antique bakers` work table with a steel top they hoped could be incoorporated into the new design. By cutting it into 2 equal sections, rebuilding the rough sawn bases high enough to house a dishwasher, and adding some drawers, they now bookend a farmhouse sink and provide lots of usable counter space and storage.

Open shelves with x-bracing support brackets hold glasses and plates and a shelf on the top of the upper cabinetry show off some of the owner`s antiques. The fridge and dishwasher are panelled and the microwave is built into an open upper cabinet. Below that is a corner dry sink cabinet that is lined with granite and wood trim. The coffee maker and cups are stored here for easy access.

A large island with 2 banks of 3 drawers and a tray cabinet provides ample storage and a 4 door storage cabinet on the dining room side provides storage for all the serving trays, linens, and items used for entertaining guests.

The cabinets were finished by hand on the site in a 5 step process. The over all effect is a feeling that the cabinetry has been there for years but has some of the modern hardware features that everyone would like in a new kitchen. This project was a joy to build and hopefully a joy to use for the owners for years to come.

Spring 2010

Just arrived!!! The Spring edition of Our Homes Magazine. Check it out at your local supermarket or online: http://muskoka.ourhomes.dgtlpub.com/2010/2010-03-31/home.php
This issue features the "Lake Joe Beauty" project that I posted in an earlier blog. More photos to come. Thanks to Walter Franczyk for a great article and Sandy Mackay for the beautiful photography.
If you have any questions concerning this article, please e-mail me at focabs@sympatico.ca and I`ll answer as best I can. Cheers!

Not Just Kitchens

I started out building pine, oak, and cherry furniture years ago and continue to do so. Sometimes clients wish to have some furniture to compliment the kitchens as in this buffet/hutch I built for a century old historic farmhouse in the Alliston area. It was all I and 2 other men could do to set these 2 pieces together, and with the granite top added, we hoped it would never be moved again.

Focabs promo slideshow

Here is a slideshow of some of the projects featured on my blog and some other cabinetry I`ve completed in the last couple of years...and a great Eric Clapton tune as well...enjoy!

Lake Rosseau Mix

These cabinets are a mixture of solid colour and walnut stained cabinetry with natural Muskoka stone elements to create a focal point in an open room with a great view of the lake. Seating around the island keeps guests and hosts together while entertaining. The 12` ceilings give more that adequate storage opportunities and allow for decorative valance and crown moulding.

A commercial gas range is trimmed with a panelled range hood, brackets, and turned columns. A supporting steel beam is encased in stone and appears to arise from within the cabinets.

Lake Muskoka Warmth

Our Homes Magazine Spring 09 issue to see a feature article on a Lake Muskoka property finished in 2006. The decorating touches set off the fine carpentry and the pine cabinetry. Check out www.ourhomesmagazine.com/muskoka/back-issues and go to the Spring 2009 issue titled "Shangri-La in Muskoka" and see more.