modern-classic
Most kitchen remodels nowadays include expanded floor space or involve opening up the space to adjacent rooms. Not with this project. There were 8 total openings (doors & windows) in this kitchen and none permitted to be eliminated.
We accomplished continuity in the design by incorporating multiple openings into a custom paneled wall concealing the pantry and utility closet. We also paneled the doorway leading to the mudroom and rear entrance to create an ante room effect in an effort to cohesively transition back to the traditional architecture of the home. We adjusted the scale and rhythm of the wall with the horizontal breaks since the vertical breaks were irregular due to the doorways being set and not movable. The panel breaks were strategically placed to maintain total function of storage areas yet “clean up” the disrupted look of disjointed openings. The chair rail moulding was customized and reinforced to be the hidden door handle to access these areas.
The client requested a fireplace in the kitchen, so a vertical fire wall unit was used above twin undercounter wine coolers and tucked between an enlarged picture window and a small window both facing the well-appointed backyard. This element between the windows draws your eye to the farthest point of the kitchen when entering the room and helps make the space appear larger than it is.
The central element and “visual glue” that was the focal point of the design (which all the perimeter walls revolved around) was the recessed LED lit circular ceiling treatment mirrored in the brass inlay of the island concrete countertop. The ceiling was lowered by approximately 14 inches to accomplish the recess.
The simplicity of repeating a beveled door and panel mould of varying scale and sizes allowed for the subtle insinuation of traditional crown mould details. To continue this design concept, we added a large beveled surround to the refrigerator units.
The range, refrigerator, and panel walls were very structured and “crisp” while the live edge shelves, vertical fireplace, and large picture window provided a more casual and relaxing feel transitioning towards the beautifully landscaped backyard view.
