The kitchen in this urban townhome was in need of a reinvented floor plan when interior designer Christy Forester Pettus was brought in. Existing walls were removed to blend adjoining dining and living rooms. As an avid cook, the homeowner needed a well-functioning space, as well as one that allows for ease of entertaining. Now, the home’s design allows once seldom used rooms to be enjoyed through a more free-flowing floor plan. At the center of the kitchen rests the kitchen island, which serves as the focal point of the room. A quartzite material with gray and black veining forms the island countertop, and complements the crisp white, gray, and black theme carried out with honed black granite countertops and gray cabinetry.
A black and red motif was a must for this homeowner, and interior designer Haskell Matheny set out to make their vision a reality. A classic black makes the space feel larger and is used in the cabinets, island countertop, stove, and range hood. Red accents are brought in by two red stripes in the glass backsplash. “Too much red and contrast could have made the space visually too busy. By just adding a touch of the red in a permanent feature, the owner can build upon it to increase its presence with temporary items,” Matheny explains. Working to achieve a more efficient and open kitchen, Matheny reworked the original floor plan by replacing a full wall with a half wall that opens to the dining area and a view of the lake outside. To further accentuate the open feel of the kitchen and dining area and the spectacular lake view, an art display created by a floating glass ledge hangs across the newly enlarged opening, and houses pieces special to the homeowner.
Different materials, surfaces, and textures combine to make this rustic kitchen warm, natural, and functional. Knotty alderwood cabinetry is painted three colors throughout the kitchen – the island is painted a crimson red, the concealed refrigerator is a sleek black, and wall cabinets are covered in a coat of neutral beige. A natural granite countertop covers the center island, and brushed black granite makes up the counters lining the walls. “The natural sheen of the granite was brushed to remove the harder stone which leaves a softer stone with less shine,” explains kitchen designer Jackie Howard. Other rustic features include a gray stone wall behind the stainless steel range, a farmhouse sink with a nickel finish, and a diamond shaped tile backsplash with metal tiles interspersed. Two round hooded light fixtures hang over the island with bronze patina and a gold leaf underneath, casting a glowing warmth across the kitchen.
Entertainment was the prime objective for designer Jackie Howard when creating this functional, open penthouse kitchen space. The key to meeting this goal was the creation of a secondary kitchen that allows for a concealed food prep area and a main kitchen where guests can congregate. Used when hosting and catering, the secondary kitchen features ample storage and workspace, light gray cabinets, crystal white marble countertops, and a gray stone porcelain floor. Referred to as the cocktail kitchen, the main kitchen has a clean-lined, sophisticated look. Gray porcelain tile floors and white quartzite countertops contrast for a monochromatic color scheme. This dual penthouse kitchen easily accommodates larger parties, while the design and décor provide a personal, romantic feel that is both elegant and comfortable.
Starting with a kitchen that needed more space, designer Juliet Braly created a functional kitchen full of storage areas and a warm, cohesive look throughout. The focal point is a dark wooden built-in that reaches to the ceiling, which provides extra storage and was made to look like a furniture piece. A pattern in the piece’s molding is repeated in the copper range hood and several other patterns and textures are repeated throughout the kitchen. Reeded glass is used in the front cabinets on the built in, and also in the lower cabinets below. Copper on the range hood is repeated in the brick patterned backsplash inset, chair backs, light fixtures, and drawer pulls. White cabinets with a simple molding line the back wall, and features like a concealed step stool, sensory faucet, and a slender pantry pullout allow for functional ease.
What was once a small L-shaped kitchen that lacked in functionality is now a wide open space with a flood of natural light. By taking over a screened-in porch and keeping existing sliding glass doors, an illusion was created of the outdoors coming in. Family gatherings and cookouts are a regular occurrence in this household, and the kitchen’s current setup makes slipping from indoors to out a breeze while grilling. A Southwestern theme was achieved through Native American artwork by Santa Fe artist R.C. Gorman, which has been an inspiration to the homeowner for decades. Granite countertops called “stormy nights” have a subtle blue tint and a copper sink and range hood complement Southwestern elements such as Italian tile, textured sandy-tan walls, and distressed cabinets. The custom backsplash reflects the homeowner’s style and features square-shaped tile. In the center, a decorative copper inlay complements the sink and range hood and ties the kitchen together.