Sculptural Spaces

Lauren Tolles & Tori Olijar 

Maison Birmingham, Birmingham, MI 

This calm retreat for a busy family provided the space and amenities needed for day-to-day life as well as entertaining. Inspired by natural, earthy wood tones with a light Mediterranean influence, this home is the epitome of chic comfort, notes Tolles and Olijar, who worked on the project with Brian Neeper of Brian Neeper Architecture and Amanda Sinistaj of Ellwood Interiors. The spacious kitchen features a scalloped ceiling that connects to the great room and incorporates sculptural moments that mimic other architectural features throughout the home. 

The island stone mimics an origami piece as the ends fold back in to taper back under the stone overhang. The slightly warm white oak tones of the custom rift white oak cabinetry pair well with the light, custom paint color and the statement stone – a variation of Calacatta marble – seen at the island and the entire range wall. A Kallista Soltiere workstation sink and Kallista One faucet are featured in the island, along with a Thermador dishwasher and a multitude of drawers and pullouts.

The lack of upper cabinets and clutter keeps the space open and airy, maintaining that breezy Mediterranean feel, Tolles notes. Below, white cabinet drawers provide storage, and a Thermador 48″ Range and Zephyr exhaust hood deliver cooking efficiency. White cabinets continue along the wall, teamed with a paneled Thermador refrigerator and freezer. Emtek Select Smooth cabinet hardware in satin brass is used throughout the space. 

An adjacent prep kitchen functions as a pantry, scullery, clean-up station and even a dog kennel. Thermador double ovens and microwave are featured here, along with an additional sink and dishwasher.