Celebrating Wine

Working in the luxury design market, Nar Bustamante’s clients often want to incorporate extravagant and indulgent extras in their homes.

“Our clients want everything,” says the founder of Nar Design Group in Sacramento, CA. “And even though some projects might be smaller than others, they are still high-end…with all the amenities.”

As well, living and working in California, those extras oftentimes include design elements related to storing one of the state’s most beloved beverages…wine. These days, when capacity beyond a beverage refrigerator is needed, that storage is trending towards temperature-controlled, glass-enclosed rooms that become statement pieces within a home.

In this home, Bustamante included a beautiful feature wall with wine storage and display as part of a formal dining room. He also designed a moody bar/wine storage cabinet in the homeowners’ great room.

“Wine used to be stored in basement cellars because they were a perfect environment for keeping the wine cool naturally,” he says. “But now we have sophisticated and elaborate mechanical cooling systems, so we’re seeing a lot of people move their wine out of the basement and into a temperature- controlled space upstairs.

“Also, putting the wine in a room behind glass gives people, especially those who like to entertain, a way to present and celebrate their wine,” the designer continues. “It creates an elevated restaurant feel. Plus, people love to look at beautiful wine labels, so when someone is hosting a party in a home where the wine is visible, guests are encouraged to engage in conversation. A wine room is a great conversation starter!”

Such is the case in one home where Bustamante created a shallow wine room as a backdrop to the dining room table.

“We took what would have been a normal wall and created a rich, immersive experience for guests eating in the dining room,” he explains. “It’s a very rustic, restaurant feel that people just love.”

Given Nar Bustamante’s expertise in architectural interior design of complete homes, he focuses on making sure a wine room flows with other spaces throughout a residence. This is especially important when it is centrally located, such as this wine room that is situated by the stairs, the kitchen and the bar where it is also visible from the living room and dining area.

Custom metal and glass barn doors slide open to reveal the homeowners’ collection that is accented with a chandelier and a table for showcasing art or displaying wines that the host will serve during an event. Both lighting and surfaces for setting items, as well as a cabinet or two, are integral to many of the wine rooms Bustamante designs.

“Lighting is a great way to set a mood for entertaining…with vertical lights, chandeliers, etc.,” he relates. “When someone is entertaining guests, it’s nice to have the wine room fully illuminated to set the tone for an evening dinner. Also, it’s important to have general and task lighting so the homeowner can easily stock the room.

“If the room is large enough, people might actually sit down, open a bottle of wine and engage in conversation with a couple of friends,” he continues. “Then it’s nice to have a place to set something down. And cabinetry is convenient for storing wine-related accessories.”

Nar Bustamante created this shallow wine room as a backdrop to the dining room table, where it is visible to guests and serves as a conversation starter. Custom metal and glass barn doors slide open to reveal the homeowners’ collection. The room also includes a table for showcasing art or displaying wines that the host will serve during an event.

Given Bustamante’s expertise in the architectural interior design of complete homes, he focuses on making sure a wine room flows with other spaces throughout a residence. This is especially important when it is centrally located and is intended to make a statement, such as one recent design where the wine room is centrally located by the stairs, the kitchen and the bar so it is highly visible from multiple spaces, including the living room and dining area.

“It’s a central focus of the home,” he says. “It really illustrates the whole concept of bringing wine storage out of a hidden basement cellar and celebrating it upstairs!”

Creating a Connection

Virtually every larger, multi-room project that Richard Sherer and his design team at Deep River Partners complete each year touches on some type of wine storage. It can be anything from a relatively simple wine rack to a beverage refrigerator to full-blown wine rooms with mechanical humidity and temperature control, extensive rack systems and even cabinetry, countertops and seating for tastings.

Richard Sherer caters to clients from the casual wine drinker to entertainers to the serious collector. Paneled beverage refrigerators that match the cabinetry can be great solutions for clients who only need short-term storage.

Photos: Ryan Hainey Photography

“We cater to everyone from the casual wine drinker to entertainers to the serious collector,” says the founder of the residential architecture and interior design firm in Milwaukee, WI. “Each lifestyle will point us in a different direction as to how elaborate a solution needs to be. Beverage refrigerators, which we often panel to match any cabinetry, are great for people who only need short-term storage. Maybe they want to pair a glass of wine with dinner or maybe they are entertaining for an evening. Wine rooms are better suited for those who buy in volume. Maybe they are part of a wine club. Or, maybe they are a collector. Sometimes the solutions are combinations where we include beverage refrigerators in one area, such as a kitchen or bar, for short-term storage and a wine room where a collection is kept for longer periods of time.”

Sherer included this multifaceted approach recently in a Craftsman-style home where an undercounter refrigerator located in a hospitality bar in the foyer is used to chill a few bottles of wine so the homeowners can welcome guests with a glass as they enter their home.

Richard Sherer often includes a multifaceted approach to wine storage, such as in this home where an undercounter refrigerator located in a hospitality bar in the foyer is used to chill a few bottles of wine. The temperature- and humidity-controlled wine room is an extension of the bar. Its entrance is a welcoming feature off the foyer and its glass back wall is shared with the dining room where it serves as a focal point, showcasing silhouettes of the wine bottles obscurely visible through the rippled art glass.

The temperature- and humidity-controlled wine room is an extension of the bar. Its entrance is a welcoming feature off the foyer where the glass door affords a glimpse inside, where artfully racked bottles contrast against white quartzite wall panels that sparkle in the down light. The back wall is also glass and is shared with the dining room where it serves as a focal point, showcasing silhouettes of the wine bottles obscurely visible through the rippled art glass.

“The wine room, visible through the glass, becomes an artistic expression that is part of the theme of the home,” he says. “You can’t necessarily see through the glass completely, rather it becomes a backdrop…a wallpaper of sorts so the dining room and the wine room can each maintain their own identity and express themselves individually.”

Richard Sherer is often tasked with carving out space for storing wine into existing homes, such as in this renovation where he converted a closet into a wine room with storage and a wet bar, the latter of which can readily accommodate wine samplings and tastings.

While the Craftsman-style home was a new construction project, Sherer is often tasked with carving out space for storing wine into existing homes during a renovation. Such was the case in another recent project, where he converted a closet into a wine room with storage and a wet bar, the latter of which can readily accommodate wine samplings and tastings.

“It still showcases and displays wine bottles artfully where the metal wine racking system allows the bottles to ‘float’ and be set off from the brick behind them,” he explains, adding that the Cream City brick is original to the home’s foundation. “But the display doesn’t necessarily take over the room.

“Wine rooms, in general, are often more about an experience rather than about simply storing wine,” he continues. “They are also about how they connect with a person’s home, their lifestyle and their personality.”

Showcasing Authenticity

Open-concept living has influenced much about the way people live within their homes, giving them physical and visual access to multiple spaces simultaneously, especially kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms. Lynn Holender indicates that living with fewer interior walls has also changed the way people entertain and how she incorporates entertaining accompaniments such as bars and wine rooms, which are included in most of the custom homes she designs.

Lynn Holender designed a second bar near the patio. It includes refrigerator drawers for easy access to cooled beverages such as white wine and champagne.

Photos: Julie Soefer Photography

“About 99.9% of the time we are addressing wine storage in some way,” says the principal for Lynn Holender Designs in Houston, TX. “If someone doesn’t have an especially large wine collection, bottles can be stored in a paneled beverage refrigerator that blends in seamlessly with the rest of the cabinetry in a kitchen. But if someone entertains a lot and needs more storage, we will include a wine room that shows off a collection. Often, it is connected to a room where they are entertaining, such as a bar, which is usually close to a living room or dining room.”

Lynn Holender often incorporates bars and wine rooms near where people entertain. In this home, the wine room is located next to the wet bar, which is accessible and visible from the dining room.

In addition to the expected temperature and humidity control, the designer likes to include a glass or iron door at the entrance to provide visual access to the space. As well, she usually incorporates traditionally styled elements, such as a liberal usage of wood and brick. Both conjure up visions of moody underground wine cellars and caves peppered throughout California’s Napa and Sonoma valleys

“It just feels more authentic to use natural materials from the earth,” Holender explains. “And, they make the space feel warmer and more inviting.”

One focal-point feature of this wine room designed by Lynn Holender includes brick set in a traditional pattern on the wall and in a contrasting herringbone pattern on the floor. White oak shelves provide enough storage for more than 200 bottles of wine, as well as accessories. The slightly curved shelves ‘soften’ the visual and give a touch more room for her client to maneuver when she is working within the space.

Creating that vibe was an integral focus of one recent custom home built by Unika Custom Homes, where the designer included a wine room located next to the wet bar, which is accessible and visible from the dining room. A second bar, a sports bar created for the husband to entertain his friends, is sited near the patio and includes refrigerator drawers for easy access to cooled beverages such as white wine and champagne.

One focal-point feature of the wine room includes brick, which is set in a traditional pattern on the wall and in a contrasting herringbone pattern on the floor for added interest. White oak shelves provide enough storage for more than 200 bottles of wine, as well as accessories such as wine glasses. Holender gave the shelves a slight concave curve to ‘soften’ the visual and give a touch more room for her client to maneuver when she is working within the space.

In addition to temperature and humidity control, Lynn Holender likes to include traditionally styled elements, such as a liberal usage of wood and brick.

“We really wanted to include some architectural features, which we accomplished by curving the shelves,” she indicates. “The curves also play off of the straight lines of the brick.”

Adding a ledge, made from the same white oak as the shelves, provides a place for her client to set a bottle of wine as she uncorks it.

“When there is enough room, I like to include a countertop or table, or minimally a ledge such as the one in this wine room, where the homeowner can set something down,” Holender says. “Being able to pull down a bottle of wine and uncork it right in the wine room is useful.”

The post Wine Storage: Tasteful Choices appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Jerel Lake, Principal Designer

LakeHaus Designs, Atlanta, GA

When Jerel Lake initially considered finish selections for this kitchen renovation, completed in collaboration with Jigsaw Construction, its design was a bit more masculine with elements such as dark countertops. But whenever the designer met with his client, he noticed she was always wearing very colorful clothes.

“People’s personalities often shine through their wardrobes and what they choose to wear out into the world,” says the principal designer of LakeHaus Designs in Atlanta, GA. “For her, she truly enjoyed color, brightness and floral prints.”

That revelation inspired a shift in material selections, including a switch to Calacatta Manhattan marble for the countertops. The honed finish visually softens the room and gives it a cozier feel. Lake also extended the marble into a backsplash around the kitchen’s perimeter, highlighting it with a narrow shelf with brass rails that safeguard treasured artwork.

“We’re going a bit away from full-height backsplashes that show off a massive decorative hood,” he relates. “A half-ledge such as this one, that goes up about 18″, isn’t quite as grand and makes a quieter statement.”

Marble is a frequently requested finish in many of the kitchens Lake designs, and he credits its popularity to its timeless aesthetic and its ability to add value.

“Marble can be a bit intimidating for some clients, but when managed well and maintained appropriately, it can be a great long-term investment,” he indicates.

The stone’s cool tones and its blue and gray veining inspired the selection of several other finishes used throughout the space, including the GP & J Baker Little Magnolia wallpaper tucked safely behind a piece of glass and showcased to create a focal-point moment with the La Cornue range and custom ventilation hood.

“When we showed her the wallpaper, she really responded to it,” he relates. “It’s a perfect fit for her personality and it marries well with the stone. The wallpaper is also a unique way to make a statement and it gives a bit of a twist to the home’s traditional style.”

To ensure an exact match between the blue hues in the wallpaper and the Periwinkle blue range, Lake had a faux finisher meticulously paint over several of the flowers.

“When the wallpaper came in, it was a bit bluer than we were expecting,” Lake says. “We also added a matching periwinkle stripe to the lip on the hood to tie everything in a bit more. Brass nailheads play into a traditional style.”

To further the traditional vibe, the designer incorporated walnut into the island, using it to frame the marble and define the seating area. He also used the wood as the interior for the glass-front wall cabinets.

“We’re introducing more wood into our designs,” he indicates. “This kitchen is very light and bright, and the dark walnut offers some contrast and warmth.”

Alicia Torosian, Principal Designer

Alicia Torosian Design, Corona Del Mar, CA

Any discussion regarding backsplashes would not be complete without including a reference to zellige tile. The handmade Moroccan clay tile is seemingly everywhere these days.

While currently beloved, zellige tile isn’t necessarily new, since its handcrafted process dates back centuries. In fact, it’s that steeped-in-history, traditional vibe that designer Alicia Torosian is drawn to.

“Design trends are currently leaning more traditional,” says the principal designer for Alicia Torosian Design in Corona Del Mar, CA. “This shift towards more traditional design feels warm and inviting.”

For these clients, traditional design was the right direction to serve as a backdrop for their abundant heirlooms. As part of that, the designer, who worked in collaboration with Cornerstone Construction, included elements like beadboard; warm white flat panel cabinetry; mixed-metal hardware including Polished Nickel and Satin Brass; a furniture-style island, and zellige tile from clé. The neutral-toned Zio & Sons 4″ Sea Salt octagon and 1″ Weathered White bouchon tiles combine to give the traditional tile an updated look with ‘clipped’ corners and ‘dot’ centers.

Because her clients wanted to keep their cooktop in the island, Torosian clad multiple walls with the tile to create a focal-point moment sans the often-customary ‘wow’ ventilation hood.

“She loves to talk to her family while she is cooking, so having the cooktop in the island functions better for her household,” she explains. “Without the hood, I wanted to make sure their kitchen still had a focal point. I was super intentional with the cabinetry layout, including space details like the plate rack on the back wall, wine fridge, open shelving and that beautiful backsplash. All of these things, including carrying the zellige tile up and around the windows, really created a beautiful moment.”

Torosian paired the zellige tile with Taj Mahal quartzite for the countertop surfaces.

“I love using Taj Mahal because it’s such a timeless quartzite,” she relates. “It’s very neutral and goes with so many different palettes. It has beautiful undertones and a creaminess that makes it very easy to incorporate into a lot of designs.”

Giving the natural stone a polished finish creates a ‘dressier’ vibe and complements the tile’s glossy surface. Quartzite is also a very durable natural stone, which was a requirement for these homeowners.

“Our client loves to cook and bake, so we needed something very durable,” Torosian says.

The designer also repeated zellige tile and natural stone in the adjacent butler’s pantry where she featured 4″x4″ Bedrosians Zagora zellige tile in Blanc as the backsplash and Fantasy Lux quartzite for the countertop.

“The simpler Zagora tile works well with the checkered pantry floor,” she says, “and the patterned clé tile is the icing on the cake in the kitchen.”

Jeannine Bogart, Principal Designer/Owner

Epic Interiors, Evanston, IL

Traditional 3″x6″ subway tile is a tried-and-true selection that, over the years, has proven its value as a kitchen backsplash. However, when clients want the traditional rectangular-shaped tile, Jeannine Bogart often likes to make selections that offer a bit of a twist, such as switching up its size, color and/or texture, to keep a space looking fresh and updated.

Such was the case in this kitchen renovation where her clients had specific requests for kitchen functionality, but they weren’t attached to any particular material selections. So, the principal designer/owner of Epic Interiors in Evanston, IL, could use her creativity to transform the residence into their dream home.

“My client loves to cook and she always wanted a beautifully appointed chef’s kitchen,” she says.

In that regard, she knew she wanted a column refrigerator and freezer, a double oven, a range and an island where she could sit with her grandkids. Beyond that, finish selections were more open-ended, although she did want a contemporary kitchen that would flow well with other rooms in the house, as well as with its ranch-style architecture and its relatively traditional neighborhood. She also knew she wanted flat-panel cabinetry, so Bogart grounded the design with a foundation of white oak cabinets.

To amp up the design, she included elongated 2″x8″ Ann Sacks Savoy tile in the Lantern colorway as the kitchen backsplash. Its ribbed surface adds dimension and interest while stacking it in a traditional brick pattern creates subtle undulations and movement.

“I like to use Savoy because it’s a great price point, and it has quite a few styles and colors that make it easy to work with,” she says, adding that she repeated the Savoy Lantern tile as an accent in an adjacent custom buffet but mixed it up by selecting a flat tile and stacking it horizontally. “I also love the deep, dark blue color. It brings color into the space and it works nicely with the white oak cabinetry. There is a lot of wood in this kitchen, so the blue tiles help to visually soften the space and keep it from being too masculine.”

For greater emphasis, Bogart used the tile to clad two walls from countertop to ceiling.

“We had plenty of windows so we were able to carry the tile up and around them,” she explains. “Sometimes a backsplash blends in, but in this case, it is one of the priority features of the kitchen.”

Bogart complemented the tile selection with MSI’s Marbella quartz for the countertops, which features a waterfall edge on the island. The quartz mimics a classic marble with tonal veining on a soft white background.

“Marbella has always been one of my favorite quartz patterns to use,” she says. “It isn’t stark white so it adds some warmth, and it has just a bit of veining that isn’t too overpowering.”

Quartz’s durability was also key in its selection.

“My clients’ grandkids are integral to their lives, and they didn’t want to have to worry about spills and stains,” Bogart relates. “They can really live in the space, and quartz is easy and very forgiving.”

Lizzie Green, Principal Designer

Popix Designs, San Diego, CA

Lizzie Green’s clients often come to her looking for ways to incorporate color into their kitchens. This client wanted that color to be green, and she wanted as much of it as possible.

“She didn’t want a cookie cutter kitchen,” says the principal designer of Popix Designs in San Diego, CA, who worked with Leslie Morter Brown on the final decorating and styling elements for the project. “She wanted something bold and unique, so I thought it would be really beautiful to find a green backsplash, since a backsplash is a great place to make an aesthetic statement.”

To accommodate, she used Clay Imports’ 4″x8″ Oval in Cilantro. Each rectangular handmade clay tile features a partial oval imprint that, when grouped together in pairs, creates a complete oval indentation within a raised background. That dimensional design adds texture and interest to the wall behind the range.

For added emphasis and to create a monochromatic mass of color, the designer color-matched the custom cabinetry for the kitchen’s perimeter to the tile and topped the base cabinets with Breccia Capraia marble that is sealed to provide added protection from stains and etching.

“Functionality and how a client uses a space play such an important role in countertop selection,” Green indicates. “Engineered quartz and quartzite are great for busy families, and for people who like veining found in many natural stones, we often choose marble or quartzite.”

This Breccia Capraia marble from Italy showcases dark green veining against a creamy white background, making it an ideal fit for this highly colorful kitchen. Touches of gold veining complement the gold tones in the plumbing and lighting fixtures, cabinetry hardware and knobs on the range.

“We knew we wanted some green in the countertop to complement the backsplash, and when we saw this slab, we fell in love with it,” she relates. “It’s perfect for this kitchen.”

Green selected a honed finish for the marble that complements the matte finish of the tile.

“Honed and matte finishes are more earthy, which match my client’s personality and the way she lives,” the designer relates. “Polished and glossy finishes felt just a bit too fancy and glamorous for her.”

To prevent a single color from overwhelming the space, Green contrasted the dark hue with light white oak. Showcased in multiple places, it notably stands out as fluting on the island and ventilation hood surround, the latter of which is designed with grooves that run in multiple directions.

“It adds another textural element to the kitchen,” she adds. “And, it’s a bit of a surprise.”

Joseph Andre Rodrigues, Founder/Principal

Joseph Interiors, Laguna Hills, CA

Like Lizzie Green, Joseph ‘JR’ Andre Rodrigues’ client loves the color green, in particular, shades of warm olive.

“It’s my client’s favorite color, so I wanted to find interesting ways to bring it into the kitchen,” says the founder/principal at Joseph Interiors in Laguna Hills, CA, who worked with Well Done Building & Design for the construction aspects of the project.

Andre Rodrigues didn’t initially set out to showcase the hue as painted cabinetry, but his client did want to emphasize the kitchen’s perimeter, especially after the designer was able to remove a wall to expose the formerly closed-off, galley-style space to the dining and living rooms.

“My client had lived in the home for 20 years,” he explains. “They had always wanted a more open kitchen, as well as a central island that caters to gathering and entertaining. When we were able to find a way to open up the kitchen, it made sense to make a statement on the perimeter wall.”

That’s where the focal-point Bedrosian’s Casablanca 5″x5″ ceramic tile comes in. Its Torres colorway acts as a complement to the cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore’s Windsor Green, which won out over a dozen or more other olive-toned variations.

“The backsplash is the main element in this kitchen,” he says. “It’s graphic, bold and colorful, drawing all the attention to the range wall.”

The tile’s encaustic, hand-crafted look, inspired by the medallions and motifs found in North African ceramics, also supports the upscale, sophisticated farmhouse vibe Andre Rodrigues’ client wanted.

“The tile has a very classic motif,” he says, “similar to what you might see in some of the beautiful farmhouses in Napa Valley, which is my client’s favorite place to visit.”

Andre Rodrigues also clad the ventilation hood surround in tile. The dark bronze Umbra tones of the Zenia porcelain tile from Bedrosians coordinate with the bronze plumbing and lighting fixtures, cabinetry hardware and knobs on the ILVE range while creating a bit of contrast with the hood’s custom copper metal trim fabricated by Jeff Johnson.

The Mont Blanc quartzite countertops, which feature a leathered finish that matches the matte finish of the backsplash tile, are also integral to the design. The natural stone sits atop the perimeter cabinets where its light, neutral colorway coordinates with the range. On the island, which is a light oak that brightens the space, the quartzite serves as a durable work surface.

“Currently we are seeing a broad request for quartzite countertops,” Andre Rodrigues relates. “It’s very durable and offers a similar look to marble, but is easier to maintain.”

The post Personal Pairings: Backsplashes and Countertops appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

“We wanted this kitchen to feel timeless and like you could literally move right in.”

Taking advantage of the abundant lighting throughout was a highlight of the project. Flanking the cooktop area are two bespoke beveled glass windows that match the front door, imagined by Hacken and brought to life by Beveldine, which frame the room in soft light. New, larger windows were also added to the sink area, which fill the space with Southern California sunlight.

The island was also enlarged to accommodate more seating as well as a Sub-Zero beverage refrigerator. Taj Mahal quartzite countertops, Waterstreet custom plated bronze finished hardware, Rohl sink and walnut flooring are used throughout the space. A chandelier from Visual Comfort lights the island.

Walnut in a matching finish to the island is used on the far wall, which houses wall ovens from Wolf, as well as additional storage.

Taj Mahal quartzite countertops add a natural element throughout.

The light fixture from Visual Comfort provides elegant lighting over the island.

Warm tones of cream and walnut meld with natural light to provide a comfortable, easygoing vibe.

An enlarged island delivers additional prep space and seating for the family.

The windows on the sink wall were expanded to let in the California sunshine.

Walnut flooring grounded the space, tying the creamy tones of the perimeter cabinetry with the walnut of the island.

A request for a chef-inspired kitchen led to the incorporation of Wolf ovens in a side wall.

The built-in cabinetry on the oven wall matches the walnut featured in island.

The Wolf cooktop and custom hood, flanked by the bespoke windows, provide a focal point in the kitchen.

Hex-shaped tiles in the backsplash from Ann Sacks enhance the modern traditional aesthetic.

Bespoke beveled glass windows designed by Hacken provide an artisan touch and added light.

Walnut shelving breaks up the creamy upper cabinets and provides display space for treasured items.

The post Natural Light Infuses California Kitchen appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

While they were mindful of resale value and making sure any renovations would appeal to all home buyers, they did have their own aesthetic and functional goals, which included modernizing the space with a timeless and classic look that matched the traditional elements of the rest of the home. As well, to reduce the overall renovation budget, they decided to keep the existing travertine floor, which would have been costly to replace since it ran throughout the entire main floor.

With these parameters in place, the couple opted for a mix of painted and stained cabinetry from Neumann Custom Woodworking where the perimeter is a warm Stoneware color and the island, interior cabinetry accents and ceiling beams are natural white oak.

“She knew she wanted to bring wood elements into her kitchen, and oak works well,” the designer relates. “It doesn’t necessarily match the floor exactly, but they complement each other. And, it’s what looks best with the natural light, which is dramatically different throughout the day. It’s either bright sun or filtered shade, and my client watched meticulously throughout the day to see what looked best in each condition.”

The oak island, which is topped with honed Imperial Danby marble, grounds the space and is home to a Miele dishwasher and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher drawers. It also offers abundant storage and its custom construction meant Benton could design specialized solutions such as an integrated step stool in the toe kick and a paper towel holder above the double pullout trash bins. Shallow cabinets on the seating side of the island are perfect for storing less-frequently used items, and a custom cabinet beneath the 4′ workstation sink from The Galley corrals extra sink accessories when they aren’t being used.

“We tried to create as much storage as possible,” Benton relates. “This isn’t necessarily a small kitchen, but we did run out of inches quickly.”

Oak is also used prevalently as accents around the perimeter. Notably, it serves as a backdrop for the niches that are recessed into the walls on each side of the Lacanche range that is accented with a slab marble backsplash and a Brizo pot filler. Oak tongue and groove beadboard, installed vertically, contrasts against white shelves in the beverage center, which includes a coffee machine with a dedicated water line, an espresso machine and a Zip Water HydroTap for boiling, cold and sparkling beverages. This wall also includes a paneled Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer and a Scotsman ice maker, paneled to look like a trio of drawers.

On the wall opposite of the range, oak has a focal-point moment where shelves and drawers are visible through tall, custom glass doors that offer a visual of dishes and glassware precisely stacked by the homeowner.

“This is actually how she lives!” says Benton, acknowledging that not everyone can live with full exposure to everyday items. “She has beautiful things and she keeps them neatly organized.”

The glass doors are framed with black metal that matches the window trim and the exterior doors in the rest of the home. Expanding the opening between the kitchen and great room gave Benton the perfect canvas for adding a black-trimmed transom window that allows more natural light to flow into the kitchen from the great room.

“The pops of black make sense with the rest of the home,” she indicates.

Another focal-point moment in the kitchen is the baking center, sited between the two glass cabinets.

“She makes sourdough regularly, so this area is very important to her,” the designer relates.

A pair of pocket doors retract into the cabinetry, revealing multiple shelves and countertop-level rollouts that allow her to keep her baking appliances plugged in and ready at a moment’s notice. The cabinet’s relatively shallow depth provides efficient storage while also leaving some countertop work space. Base cabinetry drawers keep additional supplies and ingredients handy.

Configuring this entire wall, which is shared with the great room on the backside, proved to be one of the biggest challenges with the renovation. The kitchen side needed to provide adequate storage for the baking center, while the great room side needed to be deep enough to include a paneled column Sub-Zero wine refrigerator and paneled refrigerator drawers in the built-in entertainment center/bar.

“We didn’t move or change the depth of this wall, so it was a bit of a Tetris situation where we were playing with miniscule increments of inches,” she says. “For each side of the wall we had competing depth requirements with a lot of things fighting for the same space. It ultimately affected everything on both sides of the wall – even the range wall, walkways and island location in the kitchen as well as how we centered everything on the great room side. We had many different renditions, but we ultimately got everything to work together.

“This kitchen definitely isn’t a ‘sleeper’,” she continues. “And even with some restrictions, we were able to include a lot of interesting finishes and design elements that make the kitchen special.”

Tucked-Away, Colorful Pantry Packs a Decorative Punch

As part of the renovation, Krista Benton also redesigned the butler’s pantry and increased its footprint by grabbing a few feet of closet space from an adjacent bedroom. Though small, the room packs a punch with its Sherwin-Williams Pewter Green cabinetry and honed Imperial Danby marble countertop that matches the kitchen.

“The wall color is the same color as my client’s media room,” she indicates. “She loves it and thought it would be a fun pop of color for this cute, tucked-away pantry.”

Full-depth cabinetry on one side accommodates a Wolf speed oven with storage above and below. Shortening the depth of the cabinetry on the remaining two walls gives her client enough room to open the oven and maneuver freely within the space. Shelves on the back wall display neatly organized dry goods.

The remaining side wall, at just 8″ deep, is perfect for storing small jars and cans that are accessible via bypass doors that conceal contents while eliminating more extensive clearances required by traditional hinge-style doors.

Because the ceilings are tall, a last-minute change included the addition of a library ladder that can attach to solid brass railings that match the cabinetry hardware used in the pantry and throughout the kitchen. Including brass rails in the kitchen and on the entertainment center/bar give her the ability to use the ladder in multiple places.

“For various reasons, the ladder was one feature that moved in and out of the design over the course of planning,” she relates. “But it was always a part of the inspiration photos she shared with me initially, and in the end, she realized she would regret it if we didn’t include it.”

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Divided from the rest of the home by two awkward half-walls, this Falmouth, ME kitchen felt dark and outdated. Additionally, the pantry was hidden behind a door, which didn’t allow for good workflow. Designer Caitlin Tucker of Arcadia Kitchen and Bath was given the task of creating a French country vibe in the updated kitchen while delivering an improved sense of brightness, flow and connection between spaces, as well as ample storage.

AFTER

White upper cabinetry is offset by cabinetry in a neutral shade of powder blue, which provides just enough color without being overpowering. Charcoal slate flooring furthers the sense of elegance, while polished chrome cabinet and drawer pulls modeled after bamboo bring a nature-inspired touch. The clients embraced the veining and character of Carrara marble for the countertops, even with its tendency to patina over time, as this is reflective of the French country “beauty in imperfection” philosophy.

The obvious star of the kitchen is another French motif symbolizing luck, the rooster mural on the backsplash behind the Bertazzoni range – dubbed “Reginald” – which was hand painted by a local artist.

The pantry, no longer shut away behind a door but featured beneath an arched entryway, also received a radical facelift. The reimagined nook features a pastoral Delft tile backsplash that pops against the neutral white cabinetry carried over from the kitchen.

The post Kitchen Highlights French Country Design appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Part of the full-home renovation of a 1947 Miami, FL home, this kitchen had an awkward layout and was separated from other living spaces by two walls, which made socializing and entertaining difficult. CEO and founder Charlie Hernandez, AIA, and the team at Nandez Design Studio began by gutting the entire interior of the home to make a fresh start, exposing the very bones of the structure. In order to open up the closed-off kitchen and integrate it with the dining and living rooms, two load-bearing walls had to be carefully and conscientiously removed, necessitating the addition of a structural engineer to the team. 

AFTER

While removing the bearing walls the team was able to install new, larger windows, allowing natural light to flood the space. The new open-concept kitchen features a sleek European aesthetic, with ultra-modern cabinetry and an extra-large 14′ island boasting wood fluting and quartz waterfall edges. The Fisher & Paykel range in black provides an industrial visual focal point, complemented by a ventilation hood clad in porcelain and flanked by wood shelving.

A suite of appliances by Fisher & Paykel, including a dishwasher, oven, refrigerator and wine cooler, are paneled in ultra-matte taupe to further the contemporary flavor. The expansive backsplash is completely sheathed in quartz surfacing with subtle veining for a touch a luxury. 

The post Mid-Century Kitchen Travels to Europe appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

As the heart of the home, the kitchen is also routinely asked to do more than just prep and cook food. It is now the place where people often pay bills and charge electronics…both of which come with unique storage requirements, which left unaddressed can lead to kitchen chaos.

This month, KBDN asked designers to share thoughts and projects that highlight some of their favorite storage solutions.

Thoughtful Storage

Kitchens are asked to do a lot these days beyond their historic task of serving as a place to cook. 

“They are now multi-tasking spaces, used for working from home, doing homework or entertaining, so there’s a push for hidden storage that keeps visual clutter to a minimum,” says Ashley Neff-Hinkle, founder of Neff Designs located in the Columbia River Gorge in the Pacific Northwest.

As such, the designer encourages her clients to consider toe-kick drawers, pullout spice racks, trash/recycle pullouts, charging drawers and cabinetry equipped with slim vertical dividers for organizing baking sheets, muffin tins and cutting boards. Another favorite storage solution is a tall pantry organizer with swing-out doors and adjustable shelves. 

“Pantry cabinets can sometimes be so deep that things get lost,” she relates. “But I love ones where the doors ‘unfold’ to make everything accessible.”

Several of these favorites were included in a recent kitchen renovation where her clients wanted to brighten the kitchen and move beyond its outdated style. As part of that mission, they also wanted a streamlined design that maximized storage and cleared the countertops of clutter, especially small appliances…all while striking a balance between modern and transitional aesthetics.

Storage solutions include a trash/recycle pullout, a plethora of shallow drawers near the range for spices and utensils, vertical dividers for cookie sheets and cutting boards, and cabinetry that is large enough to keep those small appliances close at hand, yet hidden from view. Neff-Hinkle also extended the cabinetry to the ceiling to give her clients additional storage capacity that comes in handy for less frequently used items. 

“Taking the cabinetry to the ceiling gave them a foot and a half more space that wasn’t utilized before,” she says, noting a collaboration with Allen’s Fine Woodworking. “That upper level of cabinets is a great place to store things you still want in the kitchen, without taking up valuable ‘everyday’ real estate.”

Since her clients also wanted to brighten the kitchen, Neff-Hinkle included glass doors in several of the wall cabinets.

“The previous kitchen was very dark,” she notes. “The glass doors help to lighten the space, while creating some interest.”

While these clients kept wall cabinetry as part of their overall storage solution, some of Neff-Hinkle’s clients are eliminating upper cabinets and shelves and are focusing on base cabinetry drawers because they are easier to access and are more ergonomic. Deep versions are especially useful for storing pots, plates and pantry items. Homeowners now also prioritize large, walk-in or butler-style pantries, often with dedicated zones for dry goods, small appliances and even prep areas.

A plethora of deep drawers and a walk-in pantry were the main storage solutions for another recent kitchen project, this time a new-construction home where Neff-Hinkle’s clients minimized upper cabinets to preserve their mountain view.

“This kitchen has enough square footage that we could include more base cabinets, including two islands, and eliminate most of the upper cabinets,” she says, noting a collaboration with Allen’s Fine Woodworking and Gorge Design Build. “There are a few wall cabinets around the refrigerator and double ovens, and we included some floating shelves around the range hood, but the kitchen is very open with a lot of windows.”

A butler’s pantry also alleviates in-kitchen storage pressure by offering a place for small appliances and dry goods.

“Thoughtful storage keeps a kitchen free of clutter to streamline the space,” she relates. “It helps the kitchen work like an oiled machine. I’m ever so grateful for my deep drawers, cutting board storage, trash pullout and spice pullout. 

“Kitchens are the workhorse of the house,” she continues. “They need to be able to function at a high level while also being a showpiece. That only really works when storage solutions are thoughtfully mapped out based on space and personal needs.”

Greater Customization

Nancy Jacobson appreciates that cabinet manufacturers and after-market suppliers continue to introduce accessories that allow her to be more creative when designing storage solutions for her clients.

“For a long time we’ve had the attitude that base cabinets need some kind of accessory,” says the founder/president of Kitchen Design Partners in Northbrook, IL. “But more recently we’ve seen a trend toward greater customization, even without using fully custom cabinets. 

“People want to express their individuality, so whatever their level of investment, we work very hard to customize their kitchen…giving them accessories to make their kitchen as functional, and beautiful, as possible…without going so far as to lose flexibility and usefulness,” she continues. “We don’t want a kitchen to be so specifically designed for a moment in time that it doesn’t have the ability to accommodate items that are added in the future…for example, designing storage for only five pots and pans, without considering that the homeowner might add three more later.”

Jacobson especially appreciates customization as it applies to drawers, which is her favorite storage solution. She often includes accessories for their contents such as spices, knives, utensils, etc. Including outlets gives clients a place to charge electronics out of sight. 

“Kitchens used to have desks,” she relates. “But now they are no longer useful. I can’t tell you how many kitchens I’ve designed where we’ve taken out a five-foot desk and replaced it with kitchen storage. But many people still want a laptop in the kitchen. We also like to include a place for office supplies, tape, scissors, etc.”

The designer even finds some clients prefer to store their plates in drawers. 

“It became especially popular when people moved away from wall cabinets,” she says. “Even though that’s tapered a little bit and people are back to doing wall cabinets, I find that they like to put small, lightweight items like glasses, coffee mugs, small bowls and small appliances in a wall cabinet and heavier items like plates in a base cabinet drawer. It’s easier to take them out of a drawer than it is to reach up to a wall cabinet, especially for older homeowners, shorter homeowners or those who have difficulties reaching upwards.

“I love using drawers because they are so useful,” she adds. “I prefer them over cabinets with doors because with drawers there is just one motion…pull out the drawer and get what you need. They are also based on a concept where everything comes out to the homeowner. That’s why I prefer something like a LeMans insert to an old-style lazy Susan. We really want to make it as easy as possible for our clients so they don’t have to dig through their cabinets to find things.”

Pullout cabinets, which perform similarly to drawers, are also common specifications, especially for storing cutting boards, trash/recycling bins, utensils and knives. They are particularly valuable for narrow spaces that might not otherwise get used. 

As Jacobson considers storage she also pays particular attention to the ‘knees to eyes’ area, i.e., the top two drawers of a base cabinet, the bottom shelf of a traditional wall cabinet and the lower levels of an appliance garage or cabinet that extends to the countertop. 

“It’s a concept I learned from Ellen Cheever during one of her training sessions,” she indicates, in reference to the renowned kitchen and bath designer who left an indelible mark on the industry. “The ‘knees to eyes’ area is prime real estate when it comes to a kitchen, and it’s the place where we store the most important things we use.”

Location also plays a role in terms of kitchen flow. 

“Having the right storage in the right location creates an efficient flow,” she relates. “For instance, you take vegetables out of the refrigerator and clean them at the sink. If you cut them at the island, it’s really important to have knives readily available in the island. Likewise, you’ll want cooking utensils, such as spatulas and spoons, located near the cooktop. And we often include tray storage in a deep base cabinet near the oven or in a wall cabinet with dividers above a double oven. It’s about designing storage with workflow in mind to enhance the efficiency of a client’s kitchen.”

Taking Inventory

Living on the outskirts of Washington, DC, where a host of celebrities and government dignitaries also reside, Kelly Emerson has ample opportunity to work in generously sized homes that are 8,000, 10,000 and even 15,000 square feet with supersized kitchens and copious amounts of storage capacity. However, the bulk of her work is in more modest confines…colonials and bungalows where kitchens are, at most, 200 square feet. Sometimes they are much smaller.

“We do work in large kitchens where we have enough space to include specialty storage like a dedicated cabinet for a stand mixer,” says the senior designer for Aidan Design in Silver Spring, MD. “But in many kitchens, storage is a bit more limited, and we are counting spice jars and knives to ensure we have solutions to store them.”

These two items alone generate lengthy discussions between the designer and her clients, in large part because of the difficulties associated with accommodating their variations in size. Spice jars aren’t all consistent. Neither are knives.

“Nine times out of ten we’re including angled wood inserts in drawers for small spice jars because they provide an awesome visual,” she relates. “But larger jars, along with similarly used items like oils and vinegars, are often stored in a rack on the back of a wall cabinet door. Another option is a pullout base cabinet.

“And then there are the knives…paring knives, chef’s knives, knives with chunky handles, etc.,” she continues. “We have multiple options here, too. Some people like to store them in drawers, others in a knife block on the countertop. A relatively new option is for them to be stored in pullout base cabinets in canisters with ‘bristles’ that can accommodate knives in a variety of sizes.”

Ultimately, Emerson begins each conversation by taking an inventory of everything her clients need to store. As well, she encourages them to think about how they might expand that inventory down the road. 

“We design our kitchens to work for our clients today and for years to come…at least 20 to 25 years,” Emerson relates, “so we encourage them to think beyond today or just a few months from today.”

For her, that means incorporating storage solutions that are flexible and practical, without being too customized. Often, that translates to LeMans units for corners, trash/recycle/compost bins in pullout cabinets and any other accessories that roll out to bring cabinetry contents forward so they are more accessible. As well, open drawers retrofitted with aftermarket dividers aren’t necessarily taboo.

“Sometimes less is more,” she indicates. “Our cabinetry interiors are often maple, and the contractors we work with are very adept at tacking in loose drawer dividers so those interiors look very custom. With extensive lead times that are often required with custom cabinetry, sometimes it can be difficult for our clients to commit to more permanent, custom storage solutions at the time cabinetry is ordered, so considering aftermarket solutions can be a great option.”

When the kitchens she works in are on the smaller side, Emerson also looks to adjacent spaces to help ease storage pressure within a limited-space kitchen. 

“We do a lot of work in older homes where kitchens are modest, very utilitarian and tucked away,” she says. “As needs and lifestyles have changed, we look to expand kitchens by opening walls to adjacent spaces, typically dining rooms. This allows us an opportunity to expand the footprint and bring more light into the kitchen. Everyday function is always the focus, but the extra space captured, typically in dining rooms, gives us flexibility to create coffee bars, china pantries and more, all while giving better flow.”

Such was the case in one recent renovation where her client, an avid baker, needed a place to keep related supplies.

“The kitchen is only about 75 square feet,” the designer relates, adding that she knocked down a wall between the kitchen and dining room to make the spaces more open and bright, as well as more communal for the family and for entertaining their guests. “We were able to create baking storage in a tall pantry in the dining room, which is only a handful of steps away.”

Stepping further into the dining room, Emerson included two additional tall pantries, one to each side of a window with a custom bench seat below. One pantry serves as a dedicated coffee/tea station while the other serves as overflow storage for canned goods. As well, the designer included storage in the bench seat.

Upgrading Storage

Christine Ramaekers and her design team at MainStreet Design Build in Birmingham, MI, often remodel upper-middle to high-end homes, many of which were built more than a century ago in the greater Detroit area. Kitchens are often designed to be the heart of those homes that serve everyone from gourmet chefs to large families, all of whom want innovative storage solutions that focus on accessibility and elegance that keep the space uncluttered and beautiful.

“Many of the staple items related to storage have been around for a while, such as rollout trays, dividers, spice racks, etc., so we haven’t really seen many dramatic changes in recent years,” says the CKD/founder and creative director of interior design. “However, what we’re seeing now is a perpetuation of these staple solutions getting better and more dramatic, making storage even more convenient and easier to manage items in the kitchen.”

For instance, not only are trash and recycling bins now fully customized to fit perfectly within a pullout cabinet, the cabinet can also include a custom cubby for holding associated accessories such as garbage bags. 

“Custom cabinetry, in general, provides endless possibilities for innovative storage with extra-deep to thinly narrow spaces to accommodate diverse items from large pots and pans to cutting boards and baking sheets,” Ramaekers indicates. “Custom drawers can be turned into home automation hubs with built-in USB and power outlets for charging every type of device. And built-in, below-the-sink storage options are terrific for pullout shelves and trays containing soaps, household cleaning products, plumbing supplies and other unwieldy and toxic items. Above-cabinet shelves, racks and wall units are ideal for rarely used, cumbersome items that are accessible with a hidden ladder or step stool, which can also be integrated into these creative storage spaces…out of the way and out of view.”

As well, cabinetry interiors can be upgraded to include specialty woods like walnut or rift-cut oak that match or contrast with the cabinetry exteriors. Those same interiors might also include lights so when a drawer or cabinet door is opened, their contents are illuminated and readily visible.

“Lighting has moved beyond what is used in a glass-door cabinet,” she relates, adding that glass-door cabinets are, however, still quite popular for displaying treasured items. “Now we also use lighting in drawers and even in corner cabinets. Oftentimes, it is an option provided by many cabinet manufacturers. We just provide them with our electrical plans and we no longer need to worry about installing it on our end.”

One of Ramaekers favorite storage elements is a walk-in pantry, especially those that blend with the cabinetry.

“We do a ton of built-in appliances where refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers are paneled to give a seamless look to the kitchen,” she explains. “To keep that sleek theme going, we’ve been doing a lot more kitchens where the entrance to the walk-in pantry is ‘hidden’ as cabinetry. So rather than having a traditional door or barn door, we will create a door out of the same material as the cabinetry so it all looks built in. Our designers love creating them and our clients love using them because they keep the kitchen clean and put together.”

Once inside the pantry, Ramaekers will furnish it with quartz, natural stone or butcher block countertops, base cabinets and plenty of shelving. Oftentimes, this is also where she will include the microwave and other large countertop appliances.

“Our clients still want microwaves, but they don’t use them as much as they once did,” she says. “It isn’t as integral as an appliance, so the pantry is a great place to store it.”

Along the same lines as hidden pantries, Ramaekers also frequently includes appliance garages because they conceal items traditionally stored on the countertop.

“Our clients love to use them for the small appliances they use every day,” she explains. “They can sit right on the countertop, plugged in and ready to use. Appliance garages offer more choices to hide everything from dishes and utensils to coffee makers and toasters.”

The post Winning the Storage War appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Yarosh, of James Yarosh Associates in Holmdel, NJ, had previously spearheaded the renovation of the rest of the 2,000-sq.-ft. home. The kitchen, which was getting a refresh that would deliver an impactful design, was part of an open floor plan that shared the living room and dining area.

The client’s must-have request was to “keep the kitchen happy,” so Yarosh drenched the space in romantic shades of green featuring a masterful understanding of highlights and lowlights. To keep within the budget, the original cabinets remained, but its white tone was transformed through the use of Benjamin Moore’s Scenic Drive, a gentle mint green paint. Trim was added to the top of the existing wall cabinetry to create a full-height upper cabinet appearance.

“My client trusted me to use my creativity and love of color to play with patterns and textures, creating a vibrant yet soothing atmosphere.”

Reeded glass in the upper cabinets on both sides of the kitchen added interest and kept the space from feeling too heavy. A cluster of ribbed cylinder Currey & Company pendants over the island mimicked the linear design. Bronze hardware from Rocky Mountain Hardware coordinated with the lighting finish and tied the kitchen to the rest of the home.

A home cooking enthusiast who likes to entertain, the client requested upscale appliances, which was fulfilled with the incorporation of a Blue Star range and refrigerator in Agate Grey, with custom knobs that tie in with the overall color palette. The kitchen surround and backsplash feature a bookmatched Fusion Crystal quartzite, a dramatic stone that combines fluid swaths of blue, green and gray, interspersed with trailing veins of white.

The island features a deep hunter green Vermont Verde slab that provide a bold accent. While the prep side features a sink and brass-toned faucet, the dining side includes Chippendale bamboo counter stools from Artistic Frame that tie in to the biophilic-themed Morris & Co. Emery’s Wllow and DeGournay wallpaper that surrounds the kitchen.

Across from the main kitchen area, a beverage bar and pantry area are finished in a slightly darker green tone – as is the island – with reeded glass insets on the upper bar doors. Cristallo Maestro stone counters provide a translucent green crystalline appearance at the bar, adding subtle drama and depth to the entertaining space, “allowing the surround of wallpaper to become the smoky eye outlining the room,” notes Yarosh.

Reeded glass is used in upper cabinets above the range hood and across in the entertaining area.

Bamboo counter stools connect to the biophilic-themed wallpaper for a vibrant yet whimsical element.

Reused cabinets are painted a soft mint green to deliver a romantic vibe

Brass hardware throughout the space coordinates with the fittings throughout.

The island features a deep hunter green Vermont Verde slab that correlates with the green tones in the quartzite backsplash.

The glass-front bar area and secluded pantry are finished in a darker green to set them apart from the main kitchen.

A translucent green crystalline countertop adds subtle drama and depth to the entertaining space.

Brass-toned knobs and appliance hardware are specified, enhancing the room’s distinctive appeal.

A Blue Star range and refrigerator in custom Agate Grey play off nicely with the mint green cabinets and the tones in the backsplash.

Bold colors and patterns were the order for this kitchen, which extends into the living area of the home.

The pendant lights, gathered in a cluster over the island, feature a linear design that works well with the reeded glass cabinets.

The post Townhouse Reimagined Through Color appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Such was the case for this home located on Lake George, where the new-build construction focused on ensuring an enjoyable indoor/outdoor experience for the homeowners and their guests. 

“This is their summer house, so it’s all about entertaining,” explains the founder of Zobel & Co. Kitchens, who worked in collaboration with architect AJA Architecture & Planning and builder Hilltop Construction Company.

For Zobel, that meant designing an indoor kitchen and butler’s pantry that functioned in concert with their outdoor counterpart, which is sited where it conveniently shares a wall (see at bottom). The former exudes a classic Adirondack design theme supported by Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry shaker-style cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter and accented with Top Knobs Riverside hardware in a Honey Bronze finish. 

The cabinetry’s custom construction allows for paneled appliances, including the GE Monogram refrigerator, Miele dishwasher and XO beverage center, and built-in appliances such as the GE wall oven, warming drawer and speed oven. A custom Plain & Fancy wood surround, flanked by a pair of windows, conceals the ventilation hood above the GE range.

Specialized organizational accessories, such as those for spices, knives and trays, keep door and drawer contents easily accessible, while a LeMans pull-out shelving system maximizes the corner cabinet. A narrow custom floor-to-ceiling pantry cabinet takes advantage of otherwise wasted space along the kitchen’s perimeter.

“We had a skinny 12″ space between the wall oven and refrigerator where we included a pull-out cabinet with shelves that is chock full of pantry items from nuts to soups to pastas,” he relates. “All throughout the kitchen we put a lot of detail into the interiors of the cabinetry, so it certainly isn’t lacking for organizational storage.”

As well, the kitchen designer tailored the upper-most tier of cabinets, which feature hinge-up doors, to incorporate the beams that criss-cross the ceiling. 

“That was a very technical design feature where we had to accommodate different heights of the cabinetry so it wouldn’t interfere with the beams,” he explains. 

The centuries-old reclaimed timber was sourced locally and serves as an architectural feature that bridges old and new materials while offering support to other Adirondack-style elements visible from the kitchen, including the stone-clad fireplace in the living room and the deer antler chandelier that hovers above the dining room table. Designed with wheels, the table is purposefully the same height as the island.

“It can roll up and connect to the island to serve as one huge entertaining surface,” Zobel explains.

The expansive island provides a bit of storage as well as extra seating and is home to the dishwasher, trash/recycling and a 4′ Create Good Sinks workstation sink with a pair of faucets that can accommodate multiple cooks. A second sink, a single-bowl undermount Kohler model sited around the kitchen’s perimeter, features a water filtration faucet and a
sparkling water faucet so the husband can enjoy his carbonated drinks. 

Since his clients spend extended periods of time in the home away from their primary residence, Zobel also gave special consideration to the family’s dog by creating a dedicated pet feeding/storage cabinet, complete with a pot filler for conveniently topping off his water.

“They love their puppy, so we designed a dog station with built-in bowls and a drawer for storing treats and other items,” he says, noting that the top drawer includes built-in outlets for charging cell phones, tablets and other electronics.

Caesarstone’s Palm Shade quartz serves as a durable, easy-to-clean surface at the countertop level as well as at the dog bowl level. Aesthetically, its milky white foundation with light greige veining pairs well with the neutral, warm gray cabinetry, so Zobel used it as the countertop surface throughout the kitchen and in the butler’s pantry.

The latter space is located adjacent to the kitchen and is accessible via a pocket door with a reeded glass window that offers a glimpse of its interior. Plain & Fancy base cabinetry, open shelving and panels for the 18″ GE column freezer and a second Miele dishwasher are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Wolf Gray, which complements the blue/gray hue found in the bold, graphic tile floor. A white Nantucket Sinks fireclay apron-front sink adds to the room’s versatility and the white subway tile backsplash matches the one in the kitchen.

Living It Up in Style in the Outdoor Space

Because this family loves to entertain, their home’s outdoor living space was as important as the interior spaces, so Arthur Zobel designed an outdoor kitchen that reflects that significance.

Tucking it beneath a second-floor bedroom gives it some protection from the elements. The ceiling also provides a place to include a fan, heater, lights and speakers. As well, a nearly 8′ ceiling-mounted Trade-Wind ventilation hood removes smoke created by cooking on the 36″ Alfresco grill and smoking in the 30″ smoker from Coyote Outdoors.

“When working on outdoor kitchens that are enclosed, even partially, it’s pretty important to have an exhaust system,” he relates. “We had this one custom designed to fit the space.”

The interior wall, shared with the main kitchen, features a trio of sliding windows so the homeowners can conveniently pass food, drinks, etc. from inside to outside. To create continuity between the two kitchens, Zobel repeated the Caesarstone Palm Shade quartz, which is rated for exterior use, as the countertop. It floats on one end and cascades into a waterfall edge on the other, passing over cabinetry from NatureKast Weatherproof Cabinetry. 

The cabinetry’s Cobalt Linen colorway matches the trim and complements the stone used as an accent on the interior wall and as the exterior façade on the kitchen’s perimeter. The cabinetry provides an abundance of storage, including a double trash/recycling pullout located next to the sink from Nantucket Sinks and a drawer dedicated to storing a Gozney Roccbox pizza oven and its related accessories. Additional appliances include a Coyote warming drawer and two undercounter refrigerators, a Summit Appliance two-drawer model and a Zephyr single-door unit. The refrigerators are located conveniently for guests who are sitting at the bar-height countertop or who are entering the kitchen from the adjacent outdoor dining and lounging areas.

The post Summer Home Spaces Built for Entertaining appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.

One -core currently enjoying massive popularity in industries from interior design to fashion is “grannycore” or “grandmacore,” sometimes with specifics attached, i.e. “coastal grandmother.” As the terms might suggest, this is a philosophy that prizes nostalgic styles and ways of living, calling back to what younger generations especially might think of as simpler, more wholesome times. 

Searching for grannycore design inspiration on Instagram or Pinterest will likely yield images that heavily skew toward interwar and mid-century tastes with the occasional foray into the 1960s and 1970s, often with an emphasis on homecrafts and a yen for the friendly, lived-in clutter of chintz and kitsch. Lovingly selected layers of vintage and handcrafted items jockey for space in cheery, sweetly busy kitchens outfitted with retro or retro-inspired appliances; baths might feature vintage touches like pedestal sinks and exposed plumbing, all the way down to a ruffled toilet seat and toilet paper covers.

But why are these retro styles suddenly seeing a surge of popularity, when carefully curated minimalism and clean, modern aesthetics have dominated interiors for the better part of the first decades of the 21^st century? Is this penchant for throwback design elements a flash in the pan or part of a larger movement? Is it important for kitchen and bath designers to engage with this trend, and if so, to what extent? KBDN consulted designers whose recent projects have been touched by nostalgia.

This vibrant kitchen from Jackson Design & Remodel…

This vibrant kitchen from Jackson Design & Remodeling was designed for a family seeking a space that balances the timeless appeal of their mid-century modern home with modern functionality. Its bold, clean cabinetry, turquoise geometric backsplash and terrazzo countertop tile create additional nods to the home’s history. (See feature image.)

The primary bath by Jackson Design & Remodeling…

The primary bath by Jackson Design & Remodeling features a freestanding tub, a floral mural, custom hex-tile shower floor and French gold fixtures against a classic black and white palette.

Envisioned as a playful space that pays homage to…

Envisioned as a playful space that pays homage to the client’s love of nostalgic design, this kitchen from Jackson Design & Remodeling features a vintage-inspired sink and faucet, yellow appliances, yellow ceramic tile countertops outlined with black trim and checked flooring for a whimsical vintage effect.

Located in a 1920s ‘eclectic Mediterranean’-style…

Located in a 1920s ‘eclectic Mediterranean’-style home, this kitchen remodel from Jackson Design & Remodeling was subject to historical preservation guidelines. Contreras found more space by stepping down and raising existing floors, creating enhanced functionality while honoring the home’s Old Hollywood flavor.

The Call of History

“Retro design is making a bold comeback in today’s kitchen and bath spaces, and I couldn’t be more excited,” gushes Marisela Contreras, senior interior designer with San Diego, CA-based Jackson Design & Remodeling. “As a designer, I’m constantly inspired by the creative possibilities that retro influences bring to a space.”

But why are these influences seeing such an increase in popularity? “The resurgence of retro trends can be attributed to a collective desire for comfort and nostalgia. In an ever-changing and often unpredictable world, clients are seeking familiarity and warmth in their homes,” Contreras says. “These vintage-inspired elements – whether it’s Art Deco silhouettes, colorful finishes or mid-century modern details – bring a sense of connection to the past, making spaces feel more personal and inviting. This trend mirrors what we’re seeing across popular culture as well, where TV show reboots, movie remakes and even musical revivals evoke a sense of continuity and comfort. 

“By integrating retro aesthetics into contemporary settings, designers are offering a way for clients to connect with history while still embracing modern functionality,” she adds.

Both from the same mid-century modern home, these baths by Distinctive Interior Designs feature locally…

Both from the same mid-century modern home, these baths by Distinctive Interior Designs feature locally-made custom cabinetry and pops of color in the tile and lighting fixtures – hallmarks of the home’s historic style. The clients were after function and updates while keeping to the retro and MCM style.”

Photos: Matt Goodrich, Cascade Pro Media

Kelly DuByne, founder and designer at Snohomish County, WA firm Distinctive Interior Designs, points to the aftermath of the pandemic as the main driver for retro tastes, declaring, “Color equals happiness. Trends reflect what’s going on in the economy. After the pandemic, people want color, simplicity, clean lines and styles that can last a long time. They also want happy colors and styles after the dither of the pandemic. People are ready for color and happiness.”

“You know, I actually was curious, and I looked it up: retro means ‘imitative of a style,’” muses Richard Landon, CMKBD. “There’s a word missing in that, and that’s the word ‘element’ – design element, because that speaks to the physicality of certain things that occurred at different places in time that we have lost and now, in some way, are rediscovering.

“So, when you talk about retro, it is more than just a style of fashion or design element,” the Puget Sound-based designer continues. “It’s way more than that. There’s another aspect of retro that people often overlook, and that is the affective – that we yearn for our home. There’s a wonderful book called Places of the Heart that came out in 2015 by Colin Ellard, and he said what we yearn for in our homes is a connection to the seen and remembered of our lives.”

Who? What? Where? When?

Form, Contreras says, is one of the most significant elements of retro-inspired design. “I have noticed a lot of elegant, geometric silhouettes in hardware and fixtures, paired with jewel inserts that add a touch of vintage glamour.” She adds, “This sophisticated nod to the 1920s and 1930s allows us to infuse our clients’ spaces with a sense of luxury.” 

DuByne agrees, noting that, in particular, “mid-century lines are timeless.” She points to the clean lines of slab front cabinetry as a mid-century element, particularly when paired with “pops of color in lighting, tile, paint or accessories.”

For Landon, “retro” is really about the experience of the memory rather than the specific design elements of an era. “We feel spaces – you know, everybody says, ‘oh, I love how this kitchen looks.’ No, no, no, no. You love the feelings that it’s invoking in you. It’s inspiring you at some level. And therefore, you’re responding to it.”

He points to the increased gravitation toward natural wood in kitchens as one prime indicator that people are trying to return to a different, kinder time. Rather than “cold, hard, glare-causing [surfaces] that raise our blood pressure, wood is warm to the touch, it’s quiet, it doesn’t cause glare. And when you stroke it, it physically lowers your blood pressure. It has that impact on you,” he relates.

This kitchen, located in a mid-century home, was updated with an eye toward maintaining its historic character… 

This kitchen, located in a mid-century home, was updated with an eye toward maintaining its historic character. The client wanted to modernize and update things, while embracing the lake view.  DuByne achieved this with custom slab front walnut cabinets, soapstone island countertop and the playful curved tile behind the range.

Photos: Gary Bazzell, Expedition Studios

Even laundry rooms can benefit from warm…

Even laundry rooms can benefit from warm woods and other touches of nostalgic flair, as DuByne demonstrates.

Designed by DuByne for a color-loving friend…

Designed by DuByne for a color-loving friend, this kitchen features modern custom laminated cabinets with a retro feel thanks to the artful pendant lights, which were a client find.

“We’ve used colorful appliances as bold focal points, transforming kitchens into vibrant, personality-filled spaces. Bold hues, whether on cabinetry or accent walls, bring energy and character, while patterned tile or wallpaper adds visual interest, creating a nostalgic yet fresh aesthetic,” says Contreras. Like Landon, she notes, “We’ve also embraced warm, natural woods, which lend a sense of timeless comfort and texture to our designs. By thoughtfully balancing these elements with contemporary features, we create kitchens and bathrooms that feel both familiar and fresh, paying homage to the past without sacrificing modern functionality.”

For DuByne, whose area of service encompasses a number of mid-century homes, the history and style of the home tends to inform the design elements she and her clients are drawn to. She points to one specific home for which her firm has had the opportunity to handle most of the remodels over the years. “It’s an original MCM on a lake, with a 1990s addition to enlarge it,” she explains. “The clients have always wanted to stay in the MCM style in terms of their furnishings and decor. We are prepping to do their final bathroom – I imagine the original American Standard pink sink and toilet staying and working around those! What a dream! We’ll be adding a color terrazzo floor and green hexagon tiles on the shower walls.”

The Past in the Future

Whether a design or design element has -core attached, the designers agree that a return to the familiar and the nostalgic is only increasing in appeal as the world seems to grow more and more complicated. 

For Landon, the process of figuring out what design elements speak to a client’s history – that is, those personal memories they might perceive as retro – will always be a careful process of returning to past feelings and uncovering their stories. “I call myself a space therapist, because doesn’t a good therapist move people beyond where they’re stuck?” he says. 

Contreras also indicates that personal experience is a driver for the continued popularity of retro elements, noting that “these trends align with a broader movement toward personalization in interior design. Our clients are increasingly looking for ways to express individuality through unique design choices that reflect their personal style and heritage. Retro elements – like bold, colorful appliances or vintage tile patterns – offer an ideal balance of tradition and innovation. They allow for creative self-expression while grounding the space in something familiar. It is a harmonious blend of the old and the new.”

With its warm woods and subtly inward-funneling curves, this kitchen by Richard Landon was designed to…

With its warm woods and subtly inward-funneling curves, this kitchen by Richard Landon was designed to evoke not only a feeling of nostalgia, but the feeling of a hug.

Photo: Anton Benedikt

Landon played with variations on a theme of form…

Landon played with variations on a theme of form in this kitchen – the arc on the end of the seating area, echoed above and beneath the work area, in part thanks to the toe kick lighting. Open shelving in the island showcases the owner’s collection of pottery. 

Landon believes this space showcases where…

Landon believes this space showcases where kitchen design is headed – evoking the feel of a living space. These clients live in an art-filled space that reflects their personality. ‘You can understand [this person’s] travels just by looking at the pots,’ he remarks.

“My predictions for retro trends that we’ll see more of in the near future are saturated colors, patterned and colorful tiles, colorful sofas, wallpapers with bold patterns and timeless slab front cabinets,” DuByne remarks. “Also, some clients that will opt for a more neutral kitchen or bathroom may be open to a colorful fridge, range or sink to add a pop of color and some drama.”

Contreras advises that the late 1980s and early 1990s might be the next era to look toward for retro trends. “Memphis-inspired design, with its bold, funky shapes and high-contrast colors, could become a popular choice for those seeking a playful, expressive aesthetic,” she notes. “At the same time, vintage-style lighting and plumbing fixtures are likely to remain strong, with finishes like unlacquered brass, polished nickel, and colorful enamel bringing a touch of old-world charm to modern spaces. What’s exciting is that clients today are becoming more comfortable blending different eras to create a personalized look. This creative mix of retro influences – whether it’s a splash of ’80s geometry or a nod to classic hardware – will continue to offer limitless possibilities for designers and our clients.”

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