SPECIAL PROJECT FEATURE: Multi-Material Master Class
This dazzling kitchen proves that contemporary design doesn’t necessarily need to be monochromatic white on white. Several different finishes and materials combine to achieve a bold modern aesthetic; two species of dark wood veneers were used, along with stainless steel and glass door wall cabinets. As part of this whole-house update of a traditional Tudor, the 12-foot island is bigger than the entire original kitchen. To emphasize the generous length of the room, the wood grain was oriented horizontally. LED lighting under the island overhang ensures you’ll take note of that detail. As a visual respite, “Super White” Pental Quartz was chosen for the countertops, with the brave move of adding yet a third wood surface for the butcher-block top at one end of the island.
PARTY CENTRAL
One side of the kitchen is outfitted with all the essentials for hosting a crowd. A paneled column freezer with ice and water in the door sits perfectly flush with a cabinet housing a microwave steam oven and a warming drawer. A tall shallow open cabinet is ideal for storing liquor bottles, with everything easily accessible for guests to serve themselves. And that shallow liquor cabinet – it actually serves as the side of the tall wine refrigerator right around the corner. For even more ease of entertaining, there’s a beverage refrigerator at the end of the island opposite the liquor cabinet.
COOK’S CORNER
The other side of the room is the cook’s domain, with a 48” professional range and 7’ custom stainless hood at its center. Flanking the hood are a 30” paneled refrigerator column and a 30” pantry. Everything is flush for a sleek look.
Highlighting this area is Artistic Tile’s “Kyoto Steel” ceramic tiles for the backsplash, lending a distinct personality to this wall. However, this zone is about more than just good looks; this is a hardworking meal prep area! It incorporates additional work surfaces and pullouts; a spice insert and knife block; and even a secondary sink in the dark butcher-block top across from the range. Ardent cooks have everything at their fingertips in this dream space.
SERIOUS SPARKLE
Instead of the ubiquitous high-gloss uppers that are almost de rigueur in today’s contemporary kitchens, shine was added along the sink elevation by using brightly-lit stainless steel wall cabinets with glass doors. Juxtaposed against the “Pure White” quartz countertop is yet another backsplash material: oversized “Calacatta Gold” marble tiles. The resulting effect is luminous rich texture punctuating the remainder of the room’s dramatic dark finishes.
Kitchen designed by Paula Greer, CKD and Senior Designer, Bilotta Kitchens.
Post written by Paulette Gambacorta.