About the Project
Gleam and glamour are embodied in this jaw-dropping contemporary downtown NYC kitchen. Highly figured exotic olivewood is treated with a slick high-gloss topcoat, which serves to intensify the natural grain. Tempered luster is added with alumasteel doors and panels on the island. Set atop light-stained wood floors, the cabinetry materials become the focus. Simplicity and restraint are hallmarks of contemporary design and are here exemplified by omitting pulls on wall cabinets and juxtaposing shiny cabinets against crisp clean edges of the matte-painted drywall soffit.
In what appears to be an optical effect, the undercabinet LED lights create undulating waves reflected off the stainless steel backsplash. Since no ordinary countertop surface would do justice to this unique kitchen, ceramic-glazed lava stone surfaces in “Nero Scintillante” were chosen for their quiet texture and depth of color. The faucet adds an industrial touch with its gooseneck coiled pull-down spray in brushed nickel and black.
A variety of strategies were used for the appliances: the subtly ornamented CornuFe’ range, with its black finish and stainless trim, is allowed to steal the spotlight; the hood and double ovens are clean-lined stainless, while the fridge and dishwasher are rendered inconspicuous with matching cabinetry panels.
This project was designed in collaboration with Gordon Kahn Associates and Avo Construction.