How do you describe a kitchen with exposed brick walls, stone floor, and a big black La Cornue?
Franco-rustic, maybe. Oil paintings in gilded frames flank the range’s stainless back guard which supports a pot filler faucet and matching Viking hood. More charm is ladled on by marble-topped country cabinets (notice open storage below the drawer on the left). Gobs of accessories (note the stainless storage rack over the painting on the right), and a starched towel may betray an overzealous stylist however there are real features here, plus a super mix of antique and new.
The 16 x 14-foot kitchen is found at Maus Park, a stately historic home near Toronto, built from local Canadian stone in the 1850s and owned by an antique dealer. The tin kitchen ceiling is original to the house although the island was remade to echo the original wainscoting. A Pottery Barn pot rack hangs over the island which also has a stainless steel farm sink. Installing a plate rack (between the doors) while preserving the natural stone wall in back is a perfect touch here.
In the elegant pantry, a butler’s tray holds a coffee pot, cups and other table accessories.
Tour the entire Canadian Stone Mansion.
This is one of those times when “oh wow!” is not an overstatement.