We recently won the 2026 BILD Edmonton Metro Award for Best Kitchen Renovation for our remarkable St. Albert Ironwood Point project and we couldn’t be more proud.
This project was a dream. Our client’s vision included a show-stopping kitchen island with waterfall countertops, a minimalist built-in range hood, quartz countertops running up the backsplash, and arched details tying the home together.
Our goal was to make sure every element of their vision board came to life in a way that fit their family’s lifestyle and flowed seamlessly with the rest of the home.
The Inspiration Behind the Ironwood Point Kitchen
This project is a great example of what’s possible when every design detail is considered from the start.
Here’s a look at some of the luxury elements that make this remarkable kitchen award-worthy!
1. Functional & Unique Adjustable Wall Sconces
These remarkable adjustable wall sconces were key to create a welcoming, modern space.
Previously, the kitchen had only bright, white overhead lights and the light from the range hood.
The adjustable sconces drastically improved visibility and created an inviting atmosphere for hosting and daily prepping, cooking, and cleaning.
Now, the kitchen is practical and beautiful, with a layered lighting plan that’s perfect for the homeowners’ lifestyle.
Wall sconces are a simple way to elevate the overall feel of a kitchen, but adjustable sconces add a level of luxury that makes them especially worth the investment. Instead of relying solely on overhead lighting, they allow you to direct light exactly where it’s needed, whether that’s over the coffee station, over the sink, or flanking the range. This targeted lighting improves visibility for everyday tasks while avoiding the harsh glare that comes from many ceiling fixtures.
Beyond their function, they also introduce a softer, more layered ambiance to the space.
During Edmonton’s long winter evenings, when overhead lights feel too bright, sconces provide a comfortable, ambient glow that makes the kitchen feel calmer and more inviting. Many models can also be dimmed or adjusted, giving homeowners flexibility to shift the mood depending on the time of day or how they’re using the space.
2. Seamless Quartz Kitchen Backsplash
In the Ironwood Point kitchen, we carried the quartz countertop up the wall to create a seamless backsplash, giving the space a clean and cohesive finish. The veining flows continuously from the counter into the vertical surface, which pulls the design together.
The homeowners were looking for a backsplash that felt elevated but also practical for everyday use, and this was a great solution. While it is an upgrade compared to a standard tile backsplash, it offers a level of simplicity and performance that’s hard to match.
With traditional tile, like subway tile or mosaic, the kitchen ends up with a lot of grout lines. Over time, those grout lines can stain, discolour, and require ongoing maintenance to keep them clean. By eliminating grout altogether, this quartz surface becomes incredibly easy to wipe down and maintain, even in high-use areas behind the sink or cooktop.
From a design perspective, it also creates a much cleaner visual. Without breaks or pattern changes, the space feels refined and less cluttered, allowing other details like the cabinetry and adjustable wall sconces to stand out.
3. Custom Linear Kitchen Island
Anchored by modern pendant lighting, this linear island has become the centrepiece of the Ironwood Point kitchen. This island is remarkable because it answers two of the homeowner’s needs effortlessly: storage to keep the countertops completely clutter-free and generous seating for hosting family and friends. It was carefully planned to support how the homeowners use their kitchen everyday, balancing storage, prep space, and seating in one central feature.
On the side closest to the cabinets, the island is dedicated to storage. Deep drawers and custom cabinetry provide the homeowners easy access to everyday items while maximizing every inch of usable space. It’s a practical solution that makes a noticeable difference when cooking and cleaning.
On the opposite side, there is generous seating for family and guests. Whether it’s casual meals, evening cooking routines, or hosting friends, the linear island brings a social element into the space without compromising storage functionality on the other side.
4. Luxurious Layered Kitchen Lighting
Lighting in a luxury kitchen does more than just brighten the space.
When we design a lighting plan, we consider how it supports the room’s use throughout the day, from focused task work to more relaxed, ambient moments in the evenings.
In the Ironwood Point kitchen transformation, the lighting plan was built in layers to ensure the space is balanced and functional at all times of day.
The pot lights provide consistent, even illumination across the kitchen, creating a clean and reliable base layer.
Above the island, modern pendant lights introduce a more focused light source while adding scale and visual interest to the centre of the room.
To support daily tasks, additional lighting was integrated where the homeowners need it.
The under-cabinet lighting improves visibility along the countertops, making prep work easier while also adding a softer glow when the pot lights are dimmed or off.
As we mentioned previously, the adjustable wall sconces provide another level of flexibility, offering targeted lighting without relying on overhead fixtures.
Because these elements work together, the kitchen feels adaptable and comfortable. It can be bright and highly functional during the day, then transition into a more relaxed, inviting space in the evening without relying on a single source of light to do all the work.
Need a little professional advice as you plan your dream renovation?
We have much more to share! Send us an email at info@contactrenovations.ca – we’d love to help you make your dream Edmonton (& surrounding area) home a reality.
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