In the words of renowned French chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud, “Kitchens should be designed around what’s truly important - fun, food, and life.”
That’s why, when we design a kitchen, we’re very mindful of the fact that the best interior designs don't just look good in photos; they make cooking, entertaining, and everyday living a joy.
Aloe Design Studio's achievement as the Five-Star Winner for "Best Kitchen Design Canada" at the International Property Awards represents the highest level of recognition in the property industry. Being awarded the prestigious five-star distinction - given to only one project per category in each country - validates the exceptional design principles that guide each of our projects.
Our excellence was further recognized with a nomination for "Best Kitchen Design Americas”, an honor reserved for only the most outstanding projects among five-star winners across the Americas region. For the uninitiated, entries to the International Property Awards are judged by a panel of over 100 renowned industry experts, making these among the most coveted accolades in architecture and design.
We put together this handy guide on the 6 principles that elevated our design of Project Faye to award-winning level - and will do the same for your kitchen too.
Let There Be Light
Natural light isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a game-changer in kitchen design. The true art lies in how a space is designed to harness and maximize available light, transforming any kitchen from simply functional to extraordinarily welcoming.
Project Faye exemplifies our approach to light-conscious design. By strategically arranging the layout to optimize natural light flow, we created an atmosphere of expansive elegance. The carefully chosen matte finishes work in harmony with the available light, creating depth and sophistication while maintaining the quiet luxury aesthetic that defines the space.
Our design transforms the kitchen through:
Thoughtful space planning that maximizes natural light penetration throughout the entire area
Strategic placement of elements to ensure optimal workflow while maintaining an open, airy feel
Sophisticated matte finishes that create depth and visual interest, elevating the overall design
Layout choices that blur the boundaries between kitchen and living spaces, allowing light to flow freely
Seeing Straight: Sightlines in the Kitchen
Your kitchen's sightlines are the storytellers of your home. Stand in each corner of your kitchen - what narrative does your space tell? The best kitchens offer uninterrupted views not just within the cooking zone, but through to adjacent spaces.
In Project Faye, the visual flow makes the space feel more expansive while maintaining intimacy. The kitchen opens seamlessly to both dining and living areas, with the island serving as a subtle divider that defines spaces without creating barriers. Clear sightlines ensure that whether you're cooking, entertaining, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, you remain connected to the entire space.
The Clearance Conversation: Unimpeded Access
Here's a simple test: If you find yourself doing an awkward dance just to move around your kitchen, something's wrong.
A truly well-designed kitchen allows for what we like to call the "jazz factor" - enough space to glide past someone without knocking elbows. Having sufficient clearance isn't just about comfort; it's about creating a space where cooking feels like a pleasure rather than a chore.
Project Faye demonstrates this principle through carefully calculated spacing: generous pathways around the island, comfortable seating clearances, and intuitive traffic flows that make the kitchen feel effortless to navigate.
Rules with Flexibility: Rethinking the Work Triangle
Classic design advice recommends treating the 'sink-stove-fridge triangle' or 'work triangle' as sacrosanct. Modern kitchen design takes a more nuanced approach, however.
In Project Faye, we've evolved beyond the rigid work triangle to create intuitive workflow patterns that reflect contemporary living. The kitchen's layout maintains efficient connections between key work zones while accommodating multiple users and modern appliances. The result is a space that works as beautifully for serious cooking as it does for casual entertaining.
“Outside the Cabinet” Thinking: Intelligent Storage
Project Faye goes beyond traditional storage design with its more sophisticated approach to storage.
Matte black upper cabinets are balanced with open shelving, while a full-height wood-toned built-in fridge provides substantial storage without visual heaviness. Strategic open shelving displays everyday items as part of the kitchen's visual story, while maintaining clean lines and easy access.
The key is thoughtful planning: What needs to be hidden away, and what could become part of your kitchen's visual story? The result should be a space that feels both organized and aesthetically pleasing.
The Goldilocks Formula: Striking the Right Balance
An age-old design challenge is achieving the perfect mix of design elements that work like opposing forces. Thus, open versus enclosed spaces, undisturbed workspace versus sociable ambiance, functionality versus aesthetics... the list goes on.
Project Faye achieves this delicate balance through:
An island that seamlessly transitions from prep space to casual dining
A material palette that balances warm woods with deep blacks and crisp whites
Storage solutions that combine beauty with functionality
A layout that encourages conversation while protecting workflow
Design elements that feel both contemporary and timeless
Whatever the challenge, finding your specific variant of the Goldilocks formula is a must.
More Than Just a Trophy
While we're honoured by our International Property Awards recognition, the true measure of our success lies in the joy our kitchens bring to the families who use them every day. These six design principles aren't just what earned us accolades - they're our promise to every client who trusts us with their space.
Whether you're dreaming of a kitchen bathed in natural light, yearning for better flow in your living space, or seeking that perfect balance between functionality and beauty, we can help bring your vision to life.
We cater to residential projects across the Greater Toronto Area. Get in touch, or learn about our unique approach to interior design that ensures delighted clients, every time.