Pristine Pantry

Lauren Tolles 

Maison Birmingham, Birmingham, MI

An entertainer’s dream, this luxurious kitchen designed by Tolles, who worked with Marianne Jones and Elle Tor of Marianne Jones LLC, features two islands, ample storage and a full prep kitchen hidden behind the range. The homeowners both have very large families and built their home specifically to suit their family entertaining needs, which can include dozens of parties throughout the year. The main kitchen needed to blend with its adjacent living spaces and be more furniture-like, which meant the prep kitchen was essential for providing plenty of storage and a space to prep and cater out of sight of the main living areas. 

Antique mirrored mullion doors positioned at the two prep kitchen entrances allow for a pretty moment with beautiful reflections, while hiding a mess of dry goods and small appliances behind the cabinet doors. The coordinating walnut and glass towers flanking the entrance to the prep kitchen allow space for display, as well as functional storage for trays and cooking oils below.

Inside the prep kitchen/pantry, Harmony Elite cabinets feature frameless full-overlay doors in brown maple and MDF, painted in Knights Armor. A Rohl 30″ farmhouse sink with Axor Montreaux two-spray faucet from Hansgrohe, along with an adjacent Bosch dishwasher, aids with prep and cleanup. A Thermador oven is also featured here.

Across from the sink, cabinets and shelving were brought to 12′ height to maximize storage. An integrated rolling ladder helps for reaching high areas.