Designer Jenny Martin’s Favourite Room

By Laura Bickle | 2 minute read

What and where is your favourite room? 

The kitchen in our new-build home in the Oak Bay area of Victoria, BC. Kitchens are a gathering spot for family and friends. Connecting through food, cooking is a huge passion of mine, and I love being transported back in time through old family recipes!

What was the inspiration behind creating this room?

I prioritize functionality and beauty. You want your home to aid your passions, and when you’re working in a kitchen that flows, it enriches the cooking experience, making it that much more enjoyable.

The layout of designer Jenny Martin’s kitchen is not only visually pleasing but also highly functional.

What are the challenges people face when renovating a kitchen and how can you overcome them?

When renovating kitchens there can be size restrictions or structural limitations, which is particularly prominent in heritage homes. Working within a more restrictive budget can be a challenge, but we find that there are certain finishes that deserve a moment on their own, while with others, you can go with a more cost-effective option without compromising the design. For this kitchen specifically, at the forefront was deciding which floorplan flowed as seamlessly as possible. With a passion for an enriched culinary experience, we needed it to be as functional as possible!

When designing a kitchen, consider where you need to spend money and where you can go with more cost-effective options.

What are your favourite features of the room?

I love the way it flows. Spacious, and meticulously planned, each design decision influenced the other to create a cohesive and thoroughly planned-out space. The drop-down TV is a special feature that we wanted to incorporate. It allows you to watch your favourite cooking show while trying out new recipes, and to immerse yourself in the creative experience. Another favourite element is the panelled appliances. Concealing your appliances behind millwork is such a great way to eliminate visual jarring and elevate a design, making a space look that much more high-end. 

Jenny installed a drop-down TV so she could watch her favourite cooking shows while trying out new recipes. Beautiful millwork keeps appliances hidden from sight.

How does this room make you feel?

Nostalgic. To tell a story of the past, we hand-selected old-world finishes designed to age in place. We wanted to go with classical touches reminiscent of the rich heritage of the surrounding area. 

Incorporating old-world finishes and classic pieces for display bring nostalgia and warmth to the space.

Describe a favourite moment in this room. 

A favourite moment of mine was when the marble counters/splash got installed. A stunning piece of stone, I was so excited to see how it would bring [life into] the rest of the finishes. Its rich veining is nothing short of jaw dropping, and it truly became the focal point of the home!