Unique Aesthetic

TORI OLIJAR

Maison Birmingham, Birmingham, MI

Home interiors often are designed to feel cohesive with the exterior. However, when these homeowners wanted to renovate their kitchen, they were far more interested in creating their own aesthetic than in deferring to the standard brick colonial look of their 1990’s home. As art collectors, they had already set the tone by infusing the previous kitchen with their own personality and eclectic artwork…to the point where it no longer felt like a brick colonial.

In their new kitchen, designed by Tori Olijar in tandem with Jessica Neeper of Jessica Neeper Interiors, the clients wanted to create a moodier, more curated setting that would be perfect for entertaining. Increasing storage and functionality were also important, but the renovation was primarily aesthetically motivated.

To create the mood the homeowners envisioned, dark Ebony cabinetry creates a sense of drama while moments of brighter finishes, such as the Newport Brass faucets that accent the Julien sinks, offer an interesting contrast and highlight certain features. A major budgetary change during the project greatly reduced the funds allocated for cabinetry, so semi-custom cabinetry was utilized, which required some design modifications and reselections.

Functionally, the Sub-Zero refrigerator was relocated to the sink wall to allow for more worktop space as well as for a focal-point ventilation hood above the Viking range. The refrigerator’s new location also made it possible to frame the three new sink windows, which are topped off with statement sconces above each one. Additional appliances, including a Sharp microwave, Viking dishwasher and Marvel wine cooler, are sited functionally throughout the space.