DESIGN Iman Lalji of Designed by Iman
PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Chajecki

Design is in the details—especially when it comes to the kitchen. Attention to the details in your kitchen will enhance function, elevate its look, and make your kitchen feel special.

In the case of the two kitchen designs by Iman Lalji of Designed by Iman, the details add layers of personality and character.

Let’s break down the unique and on-trend details of Iman’s two kitchen designs. The first kitchen is situated on Lake Ontario in downtown Toronto. The second kitchen is located in an east-end Toronto neighbourhood.

Natural stone (marble, quartzite and granite) and engineered stone surfaces (porcelain, quartz and sintered stone) are making a major design statement in kitchens. This is no surprise as the patterns, thickness, textures and colours are endless, from striking greys and golds to plum and cinnamon tones. Plus, natural and engineered stone are being used everywhere in the kitchen—on counters, wrap up backsplashes and islands. Notice the strong patterning of the marble backsplash above the cooktop, rounded edges of the counter and waterfall gable that extends from the counter to the floor in Iman’s kitchen design. The colour and pattern of the marble “is fluid and organic,” says Iman. The stone brings nature inside, and the bold pattern keeps the eye moving. However, because there are no visual breaks, the look is clean, cohesive and elevated. I love that the marble Iman chose includes all the tones of the kitchen finishes. The varying shades of grey in the marble connect to the stainless steel Bosch wall ovens, while the warmer beiges and browns speak to the travertine floors and oak cabinets.

Designer tip: If you love the look of a striking natural or engineered stone, be sure to pull together a storyboard with inspiration photos—including appliances, cabinetry, fixtures and lighting—so that you can experiment with colour and finish combos.

The spectacular marble vent hoods in both kitchens are über luxe, adding weight and opulence to the spaces. In fact, I am so inspired by Iman’s range hood designs, that I plan to include one in my next kitchen. Again, the transition between the stone surfaces is uninterrupted with no visual break between the counter, backsplash and hood. If you’d like to add a marble vent hood to your own kitchen, be sure to find an experienced fabricator. As Iman describes, installing a stone vent hood “can be tricky, and requires precision”. The marble vent hood is flanked by two oak upper cabinets and two banks of charcoal grey cabinetry. The charcoal grey counter tower on the left side of the vent hood, and floor-to-ceiling cabinet that houses two wall ovens on the right side create symmetry. The wall ovens blend into the charcoal grey floor-to-ceiling cabinet to further keep the kitchen looking balanced.

In Iman’s second kitchen design, the gold inlay on the vent hood adds elegance and polish, while the black detailing picks up on the black hardware, cabinets and Bosch 800 Series 36-inch gas cooktop.

Designer tip: Other options for show-stopping vent hoods include wood cladding or an on-trend bright paint colour. In smaller spaces, consider a vent hood with detailing that echoes your cabinetry’s millwork or vent hood in a glamorous gold finish. In larger spaces, a copper or tiled vent hood would take center stage.

Wood details in our kitchens are all about adding warmth and connecting to nature.

Additionally, wood works beautifully as a bridge between light and dark cabinetry and finishes. In the first kitchen, the wood finishes work together harmoniously. The repetition of the oak cabinetry, open shelving, and fluting add warmth and keep the eye moving throughout the space. I love the modern feel of the open shelf. “It's a ceiling mounted black custom metal frame with wood shelves to match the cabinetry,” describes Iman. The glossy dark walnut stools, add a bespoke touch to the space as they pick up on the wood cabinetry and island fluting without feeling overly matched.

In the second kitchen, the oak herringbone floors add luxury and character. The difference in the wood tones of the floor, cabinetry and millwork highlight the unique beauty of each finish. The striae of the walnut-finished melamine cabinets and slatted detailing that runs along the ceiling and down the walls add a layer of depth and texture. The walnut-finished melamine beautifully disguises the bulkheads, draws the eye up and gives the space a tranquil and enveloping feeling. “Covering the bulkheads is intentional and purposeful, and using the same material throughout makes the kitchen feel connected,” says Iman

Designer tip: To add warmth to your condo or urban space, follow Iman’s lead and use wood detailing such as panelling and cladding to enhance architecture and disguise bulkheads or industrial details like ductwork or pipes.

It’s no surprise that fluted details are popping up everywhere—from fluted stone vent hoods and fluted glass front cabinets to fluted wood islands—they add texture and depth to modern and traditional spaces. The fluted details truly elevate the otherwise ordinary details in the kitchen. This is definitely the case when it comes to the kitchen island in Iman’s design. It gives the island presence, while blending with the oak cabinetry and other warm wood finishes in the home. Fluting is also a design detail that’s a designer favourite for millwork and furniture in living rooms and bedrooms. Adding it to your kitchen will give you a sophisticated and relaxed vibe.

Designer tip: Consider staining island fluting a shade lighter than your kitchen cabinetry so that it doesn’t feel overly matched. Or, consider painting or staining fluting in an on-trend green, blue or oxblood.

Designers are also adding softness to the kitchen by trading metal and glass globe light fixtures for textured off-white fabric pendants. Fabric light fixtures are another example of our desire to return to warmth in the kitchen. We want our kitchens to be highly functional with quality appliances, but also to have the same ambiance and inviting softness as our living spaces. The large modern and sculptural pendant light in Iman’s design is creamy and dreamy and provides oodles of diffused light. Moreover, “the fabric shade has an organic, sail-like shape”, says Iman. Similarly, the creamy fabric counter stools with their upholstered backs feel like the kitchen version of a shapely living room armchair.

Designer tip: Start small. If you love the look of textured off-white fabric light fixtures, consider swapping out your sconces or even adding a well-placed table lamp on your counter.

Happy decorating and designing!

Sam

Step into a world where design meets innovation with our exclusive blog series featuring Canadian designer, editor, and television personality Samantha Pynn.

Known for her innovative approach and discerning eye for style, Samantha shares her expertise while showcasing Bosch appliances, crafted to complement exceptional spaces by seamlessly blending precision, elegance, and functionality.

Samantha is Style at Home magazine’s Design Lesson columnist, and has made her mark as the host, creative producer, and principal designer on numerous shows including, Pure Design, Summer Home, and Open House Overhaul, which have aired worldwide.

Samantha was also part of the all-star casts of Family Home Overhaul and Home to Win, and co-hosts Save My Reno on HGTV Canada.