The Farias Project

Design Vision

The homeowner envisioned a warm, apothecary-inspired kitchen that felt both welcoming and highly functional. Samantha recommended Alder Ethos in Wren, a subtle yet rich finish that beautifully captured the desired character without the weight or cost of walnut. The result is a kitchen that feels balanced, timeless, and layered with personality. The apothecary influence comes through in the brass finishes, reeded glass doors, open shelving, and detailed crown moulding, all contributing to a look that blends vintage warmth with modern refinement.

Design Highlights

Hidden Coffee Station The coffee zone presented one of the biggest design challenges: achieving symmetry on the fridge wall while keeping it practical. Working closely with the installer, the designer developed a custom dovetail rollout solution lined with quartz for durability. It slides out effortlessly and tucks away neatly when not in use. Floating Shelf Feature Wall The open shelves around the sink became a client favourite. They provide visual openness and display space while maintaining cohesion through matching stain and integrated lighting. Refined Hardware Choices To create consistency and elevate the look, longer pulls were used throughout, except on the four upper cabinet doors. This small change enhanced visual flow and made the uppers stand out as a subtle design feature. The decorative style and brass finish of the hardware also adds to the apothecary feel of the space. Elegant Detailing Stacked crown moulding adds depth and decorative structure, reinforcing the apothecary aesthetic while ensuring the cabinetry feels tailored and finished. Functional Cooking Zone Pullouts for utensils and spices flank the range, keeping essentials within easy reach and supporting a seamless workflow. Custom Hood Design The soft, plaster-finished hood crafted by the installer and client adds a sculptural counterpoint to the stained cabinetry, creating a striking focal moment in the space. The curves and organic feel of the hood also breaks up the straight lines of the cabinetry.    

Client Experience

The homeowner was thrilled during/after installation and especially pleased with how the floating shelves turned out. The final space reflects her vision completely, warm, organized, and full of thoughtful touches that elevate daily living.    

Designer Insight

“This kitchen proves that you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for practicality. Even with extensive storage and organizational features, we achieved a space that feels refined and inviting. The key is balancing function, aesthetics, and standout design details.” — Samantha, Merit Kitchens Showroom Manager