From Oddly 1980s Reno'ed to
Modern Kitchen Transformed
Designer decorator and homeowner reclaim space, function, and beauty
Dr. Bill Patterson earned his doctorate in geology at the University of Michigan with a little ditty called Stable isotopic record of climatic and environmental change in continental settings. Now a faculty member in Geological Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan, his research focus is the application of light stable isotope geochemistry towards questions of paleoclimate, modern and paleo hydrology/meteorology, life history studies of a wide variety of animals and plants, and sediment diagenesis. So obviously when it came to renovating the kitchen of his 1927-era home on Saskatoon’s prestigious University Drive, he knew he was way, way over his head. He called in someone smart.
Interior decorator and kitchen design specialist Chantelle Butterfield of Funktional Space calls Bill a “perfect client.” She could envision a new space within half an hour. “He had a clear vision, too, and it was obvious this space needed some opening up in order to breathe,” says Chantelle. “After a poorly done 1980s remodeling, the space was cramped and impractical. I sensed that Bill wanted real. He’s got a beautiful handmade dresser and something like that provides a lot of inspiration. I knew that we needed an airy feeling, lots of earth tones and natural materials. He trusted me to make it work.”
A lot wasn’t working in this 2,400-square foot two-storey with its outdated appliances and exposed radiator pipes. “The old kitchen was pieced together over the last 80 years or so,” says Bill, who bought the house in 2004. “Cabinets where probably installed in 1984 in nice solid oak, but the countertop was cheap and peeling up.”
Shopping for granite with a geologist was “the best experience ever!” laughs Chantelle. “We didn’t want anything like a man-made quartz; it had to be real stone. Bill was telling the supplier what type of rock it was, where it came from, and what the red flecks were. I learned so much more about granite!”
In the time it takes a mortal homeowner to research materials and products, Chantelle can complete the shopping to renovate an entire room.
Bill was impressed from the get-go. “Right away, she showed up on time, always does, and we got right to work,” he says. “We visited stores and outlets that I didn’t know existed. I wanted a natural look, nice stone and wood that both matched and contrasted.”
Chantelle’s advantage is that shopping takes her a fraction of the time and energy, and she knows who to go to for what and for the best price.
“I’ve been doing this for 11 years so suppliers and businesses on my preferred list are those who provide quality products and good customer service,” she says. “When I take on a new business, I do a lot of research. I take pride in good work and efficient service to my clients. They deserve the best results.”
To reclaim the space and rid the kitchen of that closed off feeling, Chantelle called in Bert Poth of Poth Home Solutions to remove the wall and insert a support beam. The nine-foot ceiling was dropped four inches to hide the radiator piping. The rads were removed, sandblasted and powder-coated to look like new. The original oak hardwood was matched in the kitchen area. Walnut was the first choice in cabinets for a warm, masculine look. Custom Drapery Shoppe Hunter Douglas blinds created an elegant, sophisticated look. Leanne of The Urban Wall warmed up the space with decorative painting and Venetian plaster work. Appliances from Kitchenz Etc. followed Chantelle’s design for a much more efficient and spacious work area with a peninsula with raised bar and stools from International Furniture Warehouse for casual dining.
“The airy openness we ended up with is just great,” Chantelle says. “It’s warm, comfortable and beautiful. Bill was such a dream client and was so trusting that I understood what he wanted. I think he got it and I learned a bit in the process, too!”
Bill is so pleased, and the geological references can’t help themselves. “The stone is a garnetiferous migmatite that everyone loves,” he says, “and matches perfectly with the solid black walnut cabinets. The black granite sink, stainless steel appliances, and red oak hardwood flooring contrast those features. It wouldn’t have been nearly as nice without Chantelle’s help!”
For your décor and cabinet needs, contact Chantelle Butterfield, ph. (306) 227-3008 or visit: www.funktionalspace.com.
