Spice kitchen part of appealing mix in the Emerald

Article content

When there’s a large number of people coming over, a lot needs to get done. Particularly, in the kitchen.

Having the space to support these tasks and multiple people play a part in them relieves a great deal of pressure for the host.

Article content

This consideration helps make the Emerald model an ideal design for fun get-togethers with friends.

Reaching 2,430 square feet, this front-drive single-family plan is displayed as a show home in the northwest Calgary community of Ambleton. It has four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Not only does the home feature a large, highly functional open-concept kitchen, but there is a secondary cooking space, as well.

This second cooking spot, commonly described as a spice kitchen, includes an open-range, cabinets, a small counter and sink. These pieces face a wall with conventional pantry storage.

Article content

Toggle full screen modePrevious Gallery Image

1. 

2. 

3. 

Next Gallery ImageToggle gallery captions

All 3 Photos for Gallery

Function Not Available

Full Screen is not supported on this browser version.

You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen.

OK

The spice kitchen has multiple advantages, including the additional option for preparing and cooking a dish. People who cater would value a culinary asset like this, as well.

With that said, spice kitchens are also known for being a solution to what sometimes occurs in an open-concept design. When the kitchen offers direct connection to the great room, for example, aromas from strong-smelling dishes sometimes wander and linger.

When the cooking area is tucked away and equipped with ventilation, such as the spice kitchen, that aroma stays put.

Furthermore, this tucked-away quality is useful for hiding messes when guests are over, making it easy to postpone cleanup duties to later in the evening.

The primary kitchen is L-shaped and has an island. Catching eyes with its side waterfall design, the spacious island has a sink and eating bar that seats at least three people.

Most of the counter space is found on the exterior wall. The other wall contains a wall oven, microwave and fridge with french doors.

The kitchen island backs on to the dining area, functioning as overflow seating when guests are over.

Article content

Article content

Elevating the visual interest of the main level, the great room boxes out relative to the adjacent dining area. This makes both spaces feel individually significant. In the 12-foot 11-inch by 14-foot six-inch sitting area, an elongated fireplace surrounded in tile is the focal point.

An area just off the foyer is labelled as the lifestyle room. In the show home, it is setup as a main floor bedroom. There is also a bathroom with a shower, giving the person occupying the main floor bedroom everything they need without needing to regularly use stairs. Multi-generational households that include an elderly relative may find a setup like this desirable.

On the second level, a spacious family room separates the master bedroom from three secondary bedrooms. Two of the secondary bedrooms, measuring eight feet nine inches by 12 feet six inches apiece, have walk-in closets. One of these two has an ensuite, as well.

The third secondary bedroom lines up directly across the hall from a laundry room, making it easy collect and put away a clean load of clothes. The laundry room boasts a front-load washer and dryer and sink with cabinets.

Article content

In the master bedroom, the ensuite shines. It’s an elegant space with a collection of upscale visuals, such as the tile above a vanity with two sinks. There’s a thoughtful amount of space between the sinks, making it easy for two people to get ready at the same time.

This tile is also used around the deep soaker tub and glass-encased shower.

THE DETAILS

HOME: The Emerald is a front-drive single-family model.

BUILDER: Shane Homes.

AREA: Ambleton is a new community in northwest Calgary.

DEVELOPER: Qualico Communities.

HOURS: The show home is open 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

DIRECTIONS: The show home is located at 17 Amblefield View N.W. To get there, take Stoney Trail to 14th Street N.W., left 144th Avenue, right on Ambleton Street, left on Ambleton Drive, and right on Ambleside View.

INFORMATION: shanehomes.com

Article content