Connecting With The Outdoors

TORI OLIJAR

Maison Birmingham, Birmingham, MI

Situated on West River in Grosse Ile, MI, this renovation – completed by Tori Olijar and co-designer/architect Jen Hutchison of B&B Custom Builders in Grosse Ile Township, MI – was inspired by the homeowners’ desire to connect the kitchen with the beautiful views of the water while providing better access to living spaces for entertaining. 

The landlocked, interior kitchen was sited at the center of the home, without any substantial visual connection to the beautiful water or greenery beyond its walls. The enclosed, centralized area also provided limited connections to living spaces, which made entertaining awkward.

Modifying a stairway created better access to the kitchen, which now includes Harmony cabinetry painted in London Fog complemented with walnut shelving. Other special elements include a custom brushed stainless steel hood with a Zephyr insert above the Wolf range that features Matte Brass strapping, smooth Brushed Stainless rivets and a pot rail. Its silver tones complement the Perrin & Rowe pot filler and faucet for the Elkay sink. Additional appliances include a Thermador dishwasher and a Sub-Zero refrigerator, freezer and wine cooler.

A new, large timber beam opens up the kitchen to the great room for entertaining. Additionally, an opening cut beneath the stairs provides views to the outside. A wall of integrated appliances clad in antiqued mirror helps bounce light throughout the curated palette of mixed metals, wood and stone. It also provides a backdrop opposite the view to the water.

Turning an old utility closet into a multi-functioning serving area adjacent to this small kitchen expands storage and transitions from a coffee bar to an evening bar for entertaining.