Pro Tips to Transform Your Kitchen With Amy Storm
We’re starting 2026 with our attention firmly on kitchen transformations. When it comes to the home, there’s no space in which levelling up your details creates a bigger impact. With that in mind, we tapped into the mind of Amy Storm, one of our favourite interior architects, to talk about how she approaches her kitchen projects.
Why choose Solid metal hardware?
In a home, especially in highly used spaces, like kitchens and mud rooms, we need to know that the selections we use for hardware can withstand the constant tugging, pulling, opening, shutting that happens all day, every day. If you take durability out of the picture, there is something that feels really nice about a solid piece of hardware in your hand – it’s not always something you see but you definitely feel it.
What does knurling bring to the table when it comes to hardware?
We are obsessed with knurling. It’s such a simple and beautiful way to subtly add texture into a space. The added detail makes it look like we did something really special to the room and helps it feel elevated.
What finishes match with which style or colour of kitchen?
We’re open to pretty much any kind of pairing, for us it really depends on the goals of the client and the design DNA of the project. We look for consistency and repetition of materials, so even though we like to mix and match, we do it with intention for a beautiful and thoughtful outcome.
How do you take the solid metal aesthetic further?
We love to mix the hardware with other metals and materials. For example, we may use a knurled, brass pull on a powder-coated metal wine cabinet or a metal panel recessed on a door. Sometimes we will place the hardware on an upholstered or papered cabinet panel as a more decorative accent.
How important is light in the kitchen and what should we consider?
Proper lighting in a kitchen is essential for the different ways that space is used. From light and bright for functions like cleaning and food prep, to dim and romantic for dinners or slowing down in the evening. We find homeowners want flexibility in their lighting, to enhance functionality, not only dimmable but varieties of lighting where moods and vibes can be created with the flip of a switch.
What are the ingredients for a great kitchen space?
There are many things that need to work in harmony with one another to create a great kitchen space. We tend to start with layout, then we select the appliances that are appropriate for our clients and how they want their lives and kitchen to function. Next, we move into finishes and materials and then proper placement of lighting and hardware. Each decision is woven together, and each selection has the opportunity to enhance the design. Every appliance, cabinet detail, knob, pull, recessed can or decorative light receive the same amount of attention.
Function and form, or both?
Both, for sure, but we usually lead with function.
What role does the kitchen as a space play in our lives today?
Well, obviously there is the cooking aspect, but ask anyone and they will likely tell you that’s where the family hangs out. Kids do homework at the table or island instead of a bedroom desk, parents connect at the end of the long day, party guests linger around the hosts, as they prep food and drinks. Busy lives thrive on an organised kitchen. Snacks on hand, drawers ready to pack up water bottles or food to go, connection to Mud Spaces, the outdoors and living spaces, make it a prime circulation space and also a place of human connection.
What are the main kitchen trends you’re tracking for 2026?
We’re definitely seeing people lean into darker woods again, which is really nice. We’ve been pushing it for a while, but it’s become a little more commonplace so it’s less shocking, when suggested. We’re also seeing people try some new things. We just designed a big circle island, cut in half and separated by a walkway and our client loved it. I think people are open to some unconventional things, as long as they make sense and enhance the space. Social media is so inundated with ‘the same’ stuff. We think that if you’re going to custom build a kitchen, it should reflect personal likes and needs and should push the needle toward unique rather than regurgitated.
Islands… Nice to have? Or integral? Is there an alternative for smaller spaces?
Islands are great, they really help take the heat from perimeter counters and make group food prep and entertaining easier. The giant islands however, that are so deep and hard to clean or reach, we could do without. However, if that’s your only or best option, using an exotic, colourful or dramatic stone can help absorb some of the size by giving you something really beautiful to look at. We love to see a piece like a farm table or other unique furnishing used as an island in smaller spaces, as well.
