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Designer Svetlana Tryaskina’s Favourite Room

Svetlana Tryaskina, principal designer at Estee Design in Toronto, wanted to marry function and beauty to create a stylish kitchen with old-world charm. Here’s how she transformed her kitchen into a stunning culinary masterpiece.

By Kristin Doucet | 2 minute read

Dec 3

Architect David Small

“The inspiration behind my black and white kitchen was to design a space that perfectly balances function and style.”

– Svetlana Tryaskina

What and where is your favourite room? 

My kitchen is without a doubt my favorite room in the house. The bold black and white palette, with just the right touch of drama, feels like a true reflection of my style. It’s where functionality meets beauty—high-end appliances, clever storage, and a spacious island that makes cooking a joy (and doubles as a spot for my kids or guests to chat and sneak tastes). The adjacent breakfast table is where my family of four gathers each weekend morning, making it not just a kitchen but the heart of our home. It’s a space filled with energy, connection, and creativity, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Architect David Small's Great Room

Svetlana chose a black and white colour scheme to create an elegant and timeless feel.

What was the inspiration behind creating the room? 

The inspiration behind my black-and-white kitchen was to design a space that perfectly balances function and style. I wanted it to be durable and practical for everyday use but also timeless and elegant, with a touch of glamour. Adding a bit of whimsy and artistic flair keeps it from feeling too serious, while cozy elements give it an old-world charm. It’s a space where modern convenience meets classic beauty, making it as inviting as it is functional—a true reflection of my design philosophy.

Architect David Small's Great Room

The refrigerator is integrated with the cabinetry, while an appliance garage (bottom left) keeps smaller appliances, like toasters and mixers, out of sight. 

 

What were the challenges in creating this room and how did you overcome them?

Designing this space was no easy task, but the biggest challenge was making the layout work. The room is long and narrow, and I needed to fit in a full kitchen with a large island, a breakfast table, and family room seating. On top of that, I wanted a fireplace, plenty of storage, and a clear path to the back door leading to the deck. Through careful planning and creative design solutions, I was able to maximize the layout without compromising functionality or flow, turning a tricky space into a seamless and inviting part of our home.

Architect David Small's Great Room

A contemporary fireplace adds drama and warmth to the kitchen while custom cabinets and shelving offer plenty of storage.

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What are your favourite features of the room?

There are so many things I love about this kitchen! The massive island is a favourite. It’s finished in sleek black lacquer, topped with stunning Statuario marble, and transitions to a breakfast table with a hand-picked butcher block. Every drawer in my kitchen is equipped with custom organizers I designed myself to keep all my tools and utensils perfectly in place (because let’s face it, I love organization!). The 48″ range is the true centrepiece, and it’s so popular that we have to schedule turns for cooking—it’s become a family affair! But my absolute favourite and most unexpected feature is the custom plaster wall installation above the sink. It was my vision to bring a touch of artistry to the space, making it feel both elegant and unique, and it’s now one of the most talked-about details in the room!

Architect David Small's Great Room

One of Svetlana’s favourite features in her kitchen is the custom plaster wall installation.

How does this room make you feel?

This room makes me feel right at home. It’s where I can unwind, get creative in the kitchen, or just hang out with my family. The mix of sleek style and cozy touches makes it feel warm and welcoming, no matter what’s going on. I love that it’s not just beautiful, but practical for everyday life too. Every time I step in, it feels like a space that’s truly mine—a place where I can relax, cook, and enjoy being with the people I love.

Architect David Small's Great Room

A butcher block is used to transition the large centre island to a breakfast table.

Describe a favourite moment in this room.

I Completing this kitchen took time and a lot of patience — there were so many details and intricate installations, with multiple trades involved. I was there every step of the way and, at times, it felt like the project might never end, or that my vision was just too ambitious. But the moment it was finally done, clean, and ready to use, was when it all felt worth it. My favourite memory is those peaceful weekend mornings when my boys and I make pancakes together at the French top of the range. All the hard work, planning, and waiting paid off, and it was everything I’d imagined.

Kristin Doucet

Wahi Managing Editor

Photos: Alex Lukey Photography.

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