It’s that time of year again€”our Kitchens and Baths issue is out, and it’s packed full of some of the most beautiful rooms in the west. Read on for our roundup of eight kitchens that use clever design, mindful materials and space-saving secrets to make homes big and small work for all of us. 

1. Integrate furniture, appliances and art to make a small space feel larger

The designers at Bidgood had only 900 square feet to work with in this Portage Inlet home near Victoria, so the kitchen had to be small and smart. €œWe integrated the appliances and created spaces that are multifunctional,€ says Christi Rivard, principal interior designer on the project. READ MORE ‡’

2. Let yourself fall in love with one material 

When Aleem Kassam, principal of Kalu Interiors, designed the sleek kitchen in his own downtown Vancouver condo, he fell head-over-heels with a bronze-veined, dark brown stone (specifically, Cosentino€™s Dekton Laurent). He was all in. €œWhen you have a material that works well in a space, why not try to take it to the next level?€ says Kassam. READ MORE ‡’

3. Introduce a little colour to a neutral palette 

This kitchen€™s handmade blue tile is the star of the culinary show, but never borders on overbearing. €œWe wanted something €˜pretty€™ to play against the steel, concrete and wood in a cool colour tone,€ says New Westminster, B.C.-based Randy Bens of Randy Bens Architect. READ MORE ‡’

4. Warm woods and natural stone can cozy up a white kitchen 

Designers Alanna Dunn and Reena Sotropa of Calgary-based Reena Sotropa In House Design Group know that all-white kitchens sometimes end up looking sterile: artfully mixing materials is key. €œWe feel it helps add layers of texture and character into a space,€ says Dunn. READ MORE ‡’

5. Pair organic, live-edge finishes with modern materials for a beach-house modern look

Everything about this summer cabin on Mayne Island is designed to be beautiful, yes€”but with a casual durability that isn€™t precious. €œThe clients entertain a lot€”they have three kids, and their kids bring friends,€ says designer Jennifer Heffel of HB Design. READ MORE ‡’

6. Up your cabinet game with three different finishes 

€œThree cabinet finishes is a lot,€ admits Stephanie Brown, principal of her eponymous design studio. She credits the trio of cabinets in this kitchen to Peter Rose Architects, who collaborated with Brown and her team on this modern farmhouse-style home in Vancouver. READ MORE ‡’

7. Leave room for a little decoration in the kitchen 

Bring a glam factor where it€™s typical to default to practicality. This kitchen, part of a new-build in White Rock, B.C., is large and functional to accommodate the homeowners€™ joy of cooking, baking and entertaining€”but it also exudes their love of Art Deco/Old Hollywood. READ MORE ‡’

8. don't give up on a dream kitchen just because you've on a narrow lot 

A narrow lot in Vancouver€”only 33 feet wide€”meant this kitchen had to lean in to the long, linear space. €œThis home is about openness and movement, drawing long lines to create a sense of spaciousness,€ says Patrick Warren, senior associate with architecture firm Frits de Vries Architects and Associates. READ MORE ‡’

MORE KITCHEN INSPO: 7 Open-Concept Kitchens Perfect for Entertaining