Here’s proof that a single detail can elevate a design from nice to newsworthy. The transformative feature came from a line in the clients’ brief asking architects Studio AC of Toronto to see if they could find a place for a dog bed in their new kitchen. Given that space was at a premium, “it wasn’t an insignificant request,” note the architects (AC stands for Architecture and Collaboration).
The solution they came up with makes use of a central, multipurpose geometric volume and Ikea cabinets customized with CaesarStone and open shelving. A long counter divides the kitchen from the living area and Rusty’s dog house masterfully fits underneath—out of the way but positioned front and center.
Photography by Sarjoun Faour, courtesy of Studio AC.
![the kitchen is integrated into a floor to ceiling birch plywood structure that 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/studio-ac-sheridan-kitchen-with-dog-house-toronto-6-733x492.jpg)
![\2\20;rather than imagine a home comprised of rooms within an open plan, 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/studio-ac-sheridan-kitchen-with-dog-house-toronto-1-733x493.jpg)
![the kitchen is fitted with simple white ikea cabinets paired with custom overhe 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/studio-ac-sheridan-kitchen-with-dog-house-toronto-2-733x499.jpg)
“The plywood volume is used to lengthen the relatively modest floor plan,” explain the architects. “By stretching itself across the programs and extending the kitchen surface, the plywood volume creates a functional graphic that leads the eye across the space.”
![the refrigerator is fitted into the plywood volume but left undisguised. the ra 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/studio-ac-sheridan-kitchen-with-dog-house-toronto-3-733x485.jpg)
![the matte black faucet is vigo\2\17;s gramercy pull down design; \$\184. 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/studio-ac-sheridan-kitchen-with-dog-house-toronto-5-733x1140.jpg)
![a custom wood rod and s hooks provide hanging storage. 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/studio-ac-sheridan-kitchen-hanging-rail-toronto-4-733x489.jpg)
![rusty\2\17;s house is composed of plywood \2\20;painted so it can 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/studio-ac-sheridan-kitchen-with-dog-house-toronto-7-733x489.jpg)
Floor Plan
![studio ac was tasked with remodeling a \1,500 square foot two story house. the 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/studio-ac-sheridan-house-floor-plan-ground-floor-733x438.png)
Working on your own kitchen? Find more inspiration and intel in our Kitchen of the Week archive. Also take a look at:
- In Praise of Ikea: 20 Ikea Kitchens from the Remodelista Archives
- Ikea Kitchen Upgrade: 11 Custom Cabinet Companies for the Ultimate Kitchen Hack
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Replacing Your Kitchen Appliances
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