Designing Resilience: A Mid-Century Modern Dream Kitchen in Fort McMurray

In the summer of 2017, I had the privilege of meeting a remarkable homeowner in our Edmonton showroom. Someone with a strong vision, a deep love for mid-century modern design, and a courageous story of rebuilding after Fort McMurray’s devastating wildfires.

From the very first meeting, it was clear this wasn't going to be an ordinary design project. She had bold, refined taste and a sharp eye for detail.

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Bringing Mid-Century Modern to Life

The vision was clear: clean lines, beautiful wood grain, hidden functionality, and a light, open feel throughout. Together, we explored a variety of materials—sapele, quarter-sawn black walnut, white thermofoil, and painted finishes—before settling on a striking combination of quarter-sawn black walnut and colonial white painted cabinetry. This pairing created the warm-modern contrast that’s so iconic of the mid-century aesthetic.

Every inch of cabinetry was meticulously considered. From choosing touch hinges and minimal hardware to designing a seamless microwave with lift-up doors with an electrical kill switch and desk integration, this kitchen became a masterclass in blending design with precision engineering.

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Hidden Details, Thoughtful Features

The homeowner loved both clean design and clever function; lighting became a major feature. We embedded channel track lighting into ¾” finished cabinet bottoms and left a 6” clearance to the ceiling to allow for uplighting, bringing an ambient glow to the entire space.

She also opted for pop-up outlets in the countertops, which required modifying standard drawer boxes to ensure smooth function and flawless form. Cabinet and drawer height, hinge system, and edge reveal were custom calculated to accommodate aesthetic and mechanical needs.

We even paid special attention to her sink wall, designing unique upper cabinets that shifted the linear look to something slightly unexpected without ever compromising the harmony of the overall space.

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Built-In Beauty - Nook

The deck area cabinetry required custom hardware, CAD drawings, and design collaboration between our team and the trades onsite. From retractable doors that revealed a hidden deck surface to pantry rollouts and precision-measured walnut doors that skimmed just above the tiled flooring, every element was intentional.

To maintain symmetry and clarity, door widths and heights were meticulously aligned, making each bank of cabinetry feel like one seamless wall, especially around the appliances, which were all built in flush for a clean, modern look.

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Remote Coordination, Real Results

As this home was located in Fort McMurray, I was working remotely. Precise site measurements and installation documentation were critical. I worked closely with the homeowner, the builder, and every trade involved to ensure alignment at every phase—from the layout of electrical boxes and plumbing rough-ins to flooring transitions and millwork installations.

This project exemplifies the synergy between design, craftsmanship, and communication. With dozens of moving parts, every detail had to work in harmony - and they did!

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A Kitchen Built to Be Loved

“It is a really light and open space, and I enjoy the kitchen very much,” the homeowner shared after the project was complete on November 5th, 2018.

This wasn’t just a kitchen; it was a fresh start, and we were honoured to help bring it to life.

Looking to design your own dream kitchen?

Whether you're starting fresh or reimagining your current space, our team at Karen Horte Interiors is here to help make it beautiful, functional, and entirely your own.

→ Visit our website to book your design consultation today.

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