EASY breezy LIVING

from PEI Living Magazine Summer 2023

by PEI Living Magazine & On The Market PEI

READS

Inspired by a large open-concept floorplan flooded with natural light and beautiful ocean views, a muted colour palette was curated that would effortlessly connect this kitchen to its natural surroundings.

The homeowner’s one request was for a white kitchen. Honing in on this, it was important to strategically integrate warm wooden design elements to ensure the space didn’t read too sterile or cold.

The white oak wall paneling on the back elevation is so important to this entire kitchen concept. It not only adds warmth and dimension, but it also creates a powerful focal point. Often homeowners are hesitant about losing this space of upper cabinets, we encourage you to embrace the idea. Kitchens that are filled with upper cabinets can look boxy and boring. This kitchen has plenty of storage space and there is also a large pantry. A kitchen that has been designed with intention, takes into account how the occupants will live and use the space, where all small appliances, dishware, pots/pans, reside and if everything is considered, everything has a place, and the “need” for upper cabinetry isn’t necessary.

Benjamin Moore, Simply White (OC117), used throughout this space, has the slightest hint of warmth that makes this white a favourite to use anywhere in the home.

The full overlay cabinet design and the atypical addition of white oak drawer fronts on the upper row of cabinet drawers seamlessly takes this kitchen to whole other level.

ABOVE: The stain applied to the beautiful oak cabinetry and wall paneling was intentionally selected to resemble PEI’s unique red sandy shores.

LEFT: The high quality Fisher & Paykel appliances are not only attractive but they are also highly functional for this busy young family of five, making preparing meals a breeze!

While the island isn’t overly large, it was designed with open ends, where one end can comfortably accommodate a pair of stools that can be tucked away and pulled out when needed.

LEFT: The open shelving was a last-minute change and one that we do not regret. They create visual interest and it’s the perfect place for displaying favourite cookbooks and dishware.

BELOW RIGHT & FACING

PAGE: The brass accents in the form of hardware and lighting, not only contribute to the warmth experienced in the kitchen, but they also pair nicely with the warm tones in the ceiling beams located in the spacious living room.

TOP RIGHT & ABOVE: The large, matte porcelain tile installed behind the range was an extremely budget-friendly backsplash alternative but, what we love most is dimension in the form of movement this tile brings into this space.

Five Potted Trees That Are Perfect For The Patio

Potted trees are a beautiful addition to your outdoor space this summer. Use them to create some privacy on your deck or patio, we’ve picked five trees that grow well in pots. Remember that a tree planted in a pot will dry out more quickly than in the ground, and the smaller the pot size, the more often you will have to water it.

By Jacqui Chaisson

Ficus benjamina

Ficus trees have been a favourite indoor tree for decades, they also thrive outdoors over the summer. Place your ficus in an area with good sun but not where the tree will dry out too quickly. Definitely bring it inside when the weather begins to get cooler.

Olive Tree

Olive trees have become popular in the past few years. Find a sunny spot outdoors during the warmer months and bring them inside for the winter.

Citrus Trees

You can start citrus trees from a seed if you have patience, or buy them from a reliable greenhouse. They will thrive on your patio but, you will need to bring them inside for the winter

Japanese Maple

With their elegant leaves and delicate branches, Japanese maples are a beautiful focal point in your outdoor space. Consult with an expert for how to winter over this tree.

Boxwood Topiary

Boxwood make beautiful topiaries and are perfect in pairs beside your entry. There are a variety of dwarf conifers you can keep in pots over the winter but ensure the planter can survive the fluctuating temperatures when the soil expands and contracts.

Creative Custom Design That Caters to the Senses

By Crystal Smith

Photos Evan Ceretti & Lisa Enman

Having spent most of her professional life as an interior designer, Smita Prakash knew when she moved to PEI from India in 2021 that she wanted to share her design skills and expertise with her new community.

Out of that desire came Indriya, the new design store and consultancy she opened recently in Cavendish. From her location in Mariner’s Cove Boardwalk, Prakash offers unique and exclusive home decor items, custom furniture and interior design services for homeowners and businesses.

The name “Indriya” comes from Sanskrit and refers to sensory or spiritual faculties including sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch.

Prakash chose this name to reflect her design philosophy which is guided by Ayurvedic principles of holistic living.

“Indriya is an experience; it caters to the senses. At Indriya, all products are created with the involvement of the senses,” she says. “They inspire people to pause, think, absorb and feel while also conveying the style and personality of the homeowner.”

Over the course of her career Prakash has developed relationships with more than twenty global brands and manufacturers who will provide bespoke, made-to-order furniture and decor items for Indriya clients. These items are “unique in their design, as each is handcrafted by artisans who have passed down their handicraft through generations,” she says.

“I would call our store ‘accessible luxury,” she explains. “A visit to Indriya brings to a client’s doorstep globally designed, artfully curated furniture, decorative lighting and home décor at accessible pricing.”

Among their many offerings, custom headboards are one of her favourites. “We have beautiful fabrics that can be custom ordered, enabling clients to choose the size, style and height of their headboard to create vibrant bedroom décor uniquely styled for them.”

Indriya also carries a selection of products handcrafted specifically for the store–think recycled glass mouthblown candle stands, scented candles, lamps, botanicals, and kitchen products made of terracotta, ceramic and brass. Many furnishings are inspired by the Island’s flora and fauna.

The Island is further represented by a selection of locally made items from the Dragée Candle Company and The Dippie Hippie Company, among others. “At Indriya we are excited to partner with local small businesses to help them showcase their products,” Prakash explains.

In addition to furniture and decor items, Indriya offers complete interior design solutions. Using a client’s architectural drawings, Prakash and her team create a furniture floor plan and moodboards to help guide decisions about colours, flooring and decorative lighting for everything from primary homes and cottages to model homes, restaurants, and event spaces. Indriya can also supply architects, home stagers, realtors, and other interior designers with custom-designed furniture for their projects.

Prakash has even more plans for the store in the future. “We would like to extend the season in Cavendish and are thrilled to be part of Good Tidings on the North Shore.” she says. “We are also keen to host creative workshops design-based events for the local community.”

“A visit to Indriya brings to a client’s doorstep globally designed, artfully curated furniture, decorative lighting and home décor at accessible pricing.”