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SPECIAL PROJECT FEATURE: Woodland Modern

Mid-century modern inspired glass house with Bilotta walnut veneer cabinetry and quartz countertop in concrete.

Nestled atop a wooded ridge in the Hudson Highlands, the architect-owner envisioned a reinterpretation of the renowned mid-century experimental “Case Study Homes”. This modern vision of original materials, as well as creating a clear outdoor-indoor connection, were priorities for the design. Heart pine on the ceiling references the forested surroundings. The island and wall cabinets are distinctive: natural walnut quarter-sawn veneer trimmed with thin strips of natural walnut solid stock. Matte black on the paneled refrigerator, tall pantry and rear base cabinets frame the area and merge into the black structural columns. Balancing the darker finishes is a single slab of Carrera marble on the backsplash, with Caesarstone in “Concrete” topping the cabinetry.

Black Kitchen Faucet and Carrera marble backsplash

Architectural Trompe L’oeil

Surrounded by walls of glass, the kitchen is flanked by oversized impressive roof overhangs with exposed joists. Inside, a header was placed to align with the outermost joist and delineate the prep area. Within that footprint, natural heart pine planks line the ceiling, parallel to the outdoor joists. This creates the illusion that the overhang enters the kitchen at one end and exits out the other, further obscuring the line between indoors and out.

Walnut Kitchen in Hudson New York

 

Points of Light

As a counterpoint to strong vertical cabinet lines and horizontal ceiling lines, a unique bronze scissor-armed light fixture creates a diamond pattern across the length of the kitchen. At the intersection of each arm is an individual half-gold exposed light bulb, resulting in pools of illumination that highlight the beautiful grain pattern and coloration of the wood ceiling – a stunning alternative to ubiquitous recessed lighting.

Custom Ceiling Lights make a diamond pattern on the ceiling

Compact Efficiency

Although it’s not large, this kitchen offers an abundance of storage and countertop space for meal prep and serving. The refrigerator and tall pantry bookend the space; making them equal in size imparts pleasing symmetry.  With the sink centered along the back wall and the range centered in the island, there’s plenty of elbow room on each side of the appliances. Everything is within arms’ reach for easy use and fast cleanup. The gray hues of the “Concrete” colored quartz tops and the veining of the Carrera backsplash echo the stone outcroppings in the landscape and provide contrast to the variety of wood tones throughout the room.

Walnut Kitchen in Hudson New York features exposed beams and custom lighting

Kitchen designed by Aston Smith, Designer, Bilotta Kitchens with Mark Bearak of dlts.ARCHITECTURE.

Post written by Paulette Gambacorta.

Hudson NY Walnut Kitchen with marble backsplash