Contributed by Kathy Flaxmann

Cabbagetowners love to cook, some going so far as to make their own baguettes, but often the historic Victorian homes of the area were originally built with tiny, cramped kitchens. As the homes are renovated, the question can arise – how can one honour and respect the home’s historic nature while incorporating the very latest in modern luxury and efficiency?

 
Guido Doria, one of the city’s leading kitchen manufacturers, notes that a current trend is to have cabinetry that has all the feel of heritage and old fashioned artistry, with the sleek functionality concealed.  “Cabinets can be hand- painted by an artist,” he says.  “If you look closely, you can see the very brushstrokes. This gives the impression of something very classic and old.”

 
Joe Rozman of Weenen General Contracting Limited adds that, while many homeowners will enjoy a look that is ultra-modern, styles that blend naturally with heritage homes are deceptively cutting edge in their usage.  One such Cabbagetown kitchen, done as part of a renovation by his company, appears to have a multitude of cupboards and drawers at the ready for filling.  But, voila, the deep drawers are actually freezer drawers, while what could easily pass for a pantry is the fridge.  “A range that is the very latest can look almost antique,” he points out.

 
The owners of this home, originally built in the 1880s, noted that, throughout their lovingly renovated dwelling, the magnificence of the Victorian era has been reproduced beautifully and their kitchen is meant to blend with that.  “We had a plasterer here for weeks creating beautiful mouldings, it seems only fitting that our kitchen be given a classic look,” he said.
“We cook every night,” he added.  “We cook side by side, seamlessly and we both enjoy it.”

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